The Healthy Living Education Center

ABRAHAM on MONEY - Change Your Story!

2011-06-29T23:56:00.000-04:00

A little reminder from Abraham... I love this thank you!

Dr. Jameth Sheridan on the Link Between Sugar and Cancer #5

2011-01-10T21:26:00.000-05:00

Just Say No to GMO music video www.NaturalNews.com/NoGMO

2011-01-06T22:59:00.000-05:00

Filmmakers Discuss Forks Over Knives

2011-01-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

Check this video out a must see video!

People Are Awesome

2011-01-04T19:38:00.000-05:00

People Are Awesome

109 YEARS OLD ON MAINLY RAW FOODS- Bernando- The Secret of Anti-Aging

2010-11-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

An Inspirational Video - The Law Of Attraction

2010-11-01T11:08:00.000-04:00

#1 Secret for Living Longer and Feeling Better - with Dr. Stephen Sinatr...

2010-10-28T16:33:00.000-04:00

Jack Lalanne - 10 Point Plan

2010-09-30T00:30:00.001-04:00

This man knew what he was talking about even back then.

Dr Brian Clement - Protein Supplements

2010-09-29T23:50:00.000-04:00

2010-09-26T19:58:00.007-04:00

From Summerlicious to Fall Foliage

Didn't you just love the summer? I must say that I have really enjoyed the weather this year. But now that fall is here we can enjoy some of the delicious fruits and vegetables that this season brings.

As I drive around the city, I love to visit the Farmer's Markets and buy fresh organic produce. When you are going shopping, it's a good idea to take along a list of the "Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15" with you so you know which produce is least and most contaminated. Click here to read more about how to find which produce is best to buy organic.

This month's beauty article comes from a colleague of mine, Lori Stryker. I was so excited about reading her article in September's "Tonic" Magazine that I had to include it in my ezine this month. Since we are on the topic of the "Dirty Dozen" Lori has come up with a list of "The Dirty Dozen Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid". Click here to read Lori's article.

Spirulina...one my favorite sources for protein while training for the Nationals. You can add Spirulina to almost anything. These days I have been sprinkling it on my salad for an added protein boost. Check out my Spirulina Green Salad recipe
here.

Wishing all of you a wonderful week ahead.

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy! The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15

2010-09-26T19:53:00.010-04:00

Fall always brings new and colorful fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy. Some of you might have already been introduced to the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15, but I thought I would include it anyway as a seasonal reminder.

Another key reminder is to purchase fruits and vegetables at your local farmers' market and support farmers growing organic foods.

DIRTY DOZEN (Worst to best) Buy Organic
1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Bell Peppers
8. Spinach
9. Kale
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (imported)

CLEAN 15, Lowest in Pesticides (Best to not-so-best)
1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mangos
6. Sweet Peas
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potato
15. Honeydew Melon

3 Reasons Why You Should Care about Pesticides

Small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood.

People who eat five fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen list consume an average of 10 pesticides a day.

Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin.

EWG analysts have developed a guide based on data from nearly 96,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce. Studies were conducted from 2000 - 2008 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. AA detailed description of the criteria used to develop these rankings can be found at http://www.foodnews.org/methodology.php with the complete list of fruits and vegetables tested at http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

Pure Beauty! The 'Dirty Dozen' List of Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid

2010-09-26T19:46:00.014-04:00

We use cosmetics every day and there are so many available, from natural, organic cosmetics to highly advertised conventional products. If you're like me, I try to consume as many organic, natural foods and beverages as possible. Several years ago I turned my attention to another area that affects our health, namely the cosmetics we use and enjoy every day.

I learned that many of the products I used on myself and my children contained, or were exclusively composed of, synthetic, petroleum-derived ingredients. Soon, my list of ingredients that I wanted to avoid became quite long and complicated. Shopping for natural products became confusing and difficult. As a result, I narrowed down my list of ingredients to avoid to a few 'dirty dozen'.

Artificial colours: These are derived from coal tar. They are listed as FD&C colours with names like ‘red 28 lake’. Implicated in asthma, eczema, headaches and other allergy symptoms.
Dibutyl pthalate: Found in all persons tested. Highest levels are found in women of reproductive age. It is used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients, but interferes with our reproductive systems.
Formaldehydes: A preservative used many cosmetics. This ingredient causes skin reactions and contact dermatitis. Often listed as imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin quaternium 15, diazolidinylurea, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 or 3-diol.
Fragrance: Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances and is a major cause of skin irritations and allergies. It may also cause dizziness, skin irritation and hyper-pigmentation.
Alcohol: This ingredient is used as a preservative, but it dries out the skin and hair.
Parabens: A petroleum product that triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen. It also may play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates. It’s used in 99% of all cosmetics and in many natural products.
Parrafin: Derived from petroleum, this ingredient is used in the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum, however it is comedogenic (it blocks pores).
Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate: Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with other cosmetics. It is also irritating to eyes, skin and lungs and has been implicated in hair loss, especially in women.
Toluene: Found in many nail products and nail polish removers. Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal. This ingredient may affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Aluminum: Thought to contribute to Alzheimer's Disease. Found in almost all antiperspirants and colour cosmetics like lipstick.
Silica: A white or colorless crystalline compound, found as quartz, sand, flint, agate, and many other minerals. It’s used to manufacture a wide variety of materials, especially glass and concrete.
Nanoparticles: Used in colour cosmetics and sunscreens. Often called ‘micronized minerals’ and are photo-toxic. These particles embed themselves in the superficial layers of the skin and become ‘excited’ with ultraviolet radiation, causing DNA mutations. They have been implicated in skin cancer.

There are many products available that don’t contain these ‘dirty’ ingredients. A good quality jojoba oil works as a night time face treatment, hand moisturizer and hair de-frizzer, all in one! Take this list with you next time you need a cosmetic...because you deserve the healthiest, cleanest cosmetics available!

This article was written by permission. Lori Stryker is President of The Organic Makeup Company, a consulting firm dedicated to providing information about organic skin care and beauty. www.organicmakeup.ca

Raw Temptations: Super Spirulina Green Salad

2010-09-26T19:34:00.014-04:00

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It is a simple, one-celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh-water bodies. Spirulina is known to be a nutritional powerhouse. It is 65 to 71 percent complete protein with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. Compare this to beef which is only 22 percent protein. Spirulina is also considered a complete protein superior to all other plant proteins, including legumes.

Spirulina is rich in potassium and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc. Spirulina is rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins C, D, E and many of the B vitamins as well.

Super Spirlina Green Salad

1. Mache greens or mixed baby greens (as much as you like)
2. Add vegetables of your choice (I especially like tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and red peppers )
3. Throw in a handful of sunflower sprouts (Yummy more Protein)
4. Sprinkle some Sprilina on top
5. Drizzle with olive oil, balsalmic vinegar and sea salt (optional) and my favorite pizza seasoning from Frontier or you can add any dressing of your choice. You can also include some optional additions such as; nuts, seeds, raisons or dried cranberries.

Voila! A salad full of nutrients ready in 5 minutes.

2010-06-23T16:42:00.002-04:00

Just a short newsletter this time to update you with some news. Click here to read more "What I am Passionate About Right Now?"

Instead of sending you a recipe for this week's Delicious Raw Temptations section, I wanted to share with you my favorite raw treats. It comes from one of my favorite raw restaurants in the city called Rawlicious.

Thank you for being part of The Healthy Living Education Center community.Sincerely,Mary Luciano Healthy Living EducatorDirector of The Healthy Living Education Center.

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator

Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Delicious Raw Temptations: Treats Yourself to Rawlicious!

2010-06-23T16:29:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite raw restaurants in the city is called Rawlicious. It is a small, quaint restaurant located in the Junction at Dundas West. I love to just sit and relax in their Zen room while enjoying many of their raw delights. Their menu is simple and very delicious. I always enjoy one of their green juices or one of their delicious smoothies, raw pizza special of the day with a side salad and of course, the raw brownie for dessert.

However, there are some other honorable mentions that I should tell you about. The pad thai, Rawitch, eggnog or CocoMinty smoothies are terrific. The spring rolls, although not all raw with the peanut sauce, are a great starter too. Of course you can't go wrong with any of their mouth-watering desserts. Below is my post-competition "treat meal" from the last OPA show in May 2010: raw pizza with side salad and a raw brownie.

Bon appetite!

Raw Pizza & Side Salad

Raw Brownie

2010-06-16T21:24:00.014-04:00

It's been awhile since I sent out the last newsletter. Not so much because I have not wanted to, but sometimes lack of time can prevent us from being in the flow. This can lead to lack of motivation and lack of creativity can set in. It has been very busy these last few months, to say the least, and sometimes overwhelmingly so.

Do you sometimes ask yourself, "How can we do it all?" The theme of this month's issue is "

Time" - where can we steal more time during our already busy hectic days? For some quick tips and time-savers, click here.

With so many things on the go these last few months, I decided to add a section called "What am I passionate about right now?" which I borrowed from my dear friend Jocelyn Mercer. Jocelyn has inspired me to spread and share my passions with others. Thanks Jocelyn! Below I have shared with you some details about what I have been focusing my attention on recently that has me excited and keeps me motivated to exercise and eat healthy.

In the Pure Beauty section there we added a recipe that nourishes the skin using three simple ingredients check out here.

Of course this issue would not be complete if I did not share my favorite Sunwarrior Breakfast for Champions recipe with some added quick and easy time saving tips for you. Click here to check out the recipe.

Thank you for being part of The Healthy Living Education Center community.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Feature Article: How Do You Find the Time?

2010-06-16T21:06:00.012-04:00

Whenever I think of time, I always think of the lyrics from the Pink Floyd’s “Time”. For the lyrics check them out here. I’m sure many of you will find something in this song will resonate with you.

Many times I have been asked, “how do you have the time to workout and do all the things that you do?” My day usually starts at 4 am and the first thing I like to get out of the way is my workout. Not only does it make me feel great, it also helps clear my mind. Exercise is like a “happy pill” for me. It just makes me feel good– body, mind and soul.

Below are a few tips that you can follow to make the most of your time.

Carry a book with you: I always have a book or notebook in my car or bag to prepare for unexpected idle time. Grabbing some reading or writing time ensures enjoyable and good use of free time.

Be mindful about time spent in front of the television or on the internet: surfing endlessly and getting nowhere can waste a lot of time. Use the internet with purpose and limit your time in front of the teli.

Schedule your time in blocks: Use a timer and work in 45 minutes to 1 hour time blocks and stick with what you want to get done in that time frame. Take a 15 minute break and start again.

Get up earlier than you normally would: To make your life more productive, Robin Sharma recommends getting up one hour earlier for 21 day to help develop a habit in his book “Mega Living”. By the end of the month, you will have an extra 30 hours a month to spend on the things that are important to you!

Set aside a few minutes to plan your day: Make a list of things you need to do and number them in order of importance. Make sure to do all the important things first before going to the others. If you run out of time, your priorities will be complete and the things that don’t rank highly on your list can be rescheduled.

Catch up on your reading at the gym: Bring something to read while you’re on the bike or the elliptical machine. You’ll be surprised how many books you can get through if you do this regularly. Set aside time over the weekend to plan your week: Sunday is always a good day to plan your week. You can also plan your meals for the week so you know what you want to eat to stay healthy. You can also prepare food ahead of time and freeze it for the week or prepare snacks to always have something on hand.

Make quick and easy breakfast ideas: Fruit and green smoothies or raw granola are not only delicious but are full of nutrients and can be fun to make. Get the kids involved too!

Avoid burn-out and take some time to yourself: Go for a nature walk, exercise or relax. This will help you feel refreshed and motivated to do some of the things that you have procrastinated in doing.

One of the best books that successful people rave about is “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. Although I have not yet read it, it is on my list of books to read and I will get to it eventually. I incorporated some of his tips from other readings, courses and workshops I have participated in that always reference this book for effective time management suggestions.

According to Sharma, the key to successful time management is doing what you planned to do when you planned to do it. “Time mastery = Life mastery… Guard your time, it is your most valuable commodity” (Sharma, 1996).

Pure Beauty : Do It Yourself Green Beauty - Honey Avocado Mask!

2010-06-16T20:55:00.008-04:00

Honey and avocado are both very nourishing for our shin. Avocados are rich in oils, vitamins and minerals and honey contains many antioxidants and enzyme. Lemon contains natural alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) that helps renew the skin. This beauty recipe was taken from one of favorite books “Easy Green Living” by Renee Loux. Give it a try and see what you think. For the ingredients and directions for this mask click here.

1 avocado
1 1/2 tablespoon of raw honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Directions:
Mash avocado meat and blend it with the honey and lemon juice until smooth using a small food processor or blender. Cleanse your face, then steam your pores open over a pot of hot water for 2 to 5 minutes or by drenching a wash cloth with steaming hot water, wringing it out, letting it cool until it’s comfortable to the touch, and draping it over your clean face for 2 minutes. Apply the avocado honey mixture evenly over your face. Let it stand for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

http://beautywisdom.ca

Delicious Raw Temptations:Sunwarrior Breakfast for Champions!

2010-06-16T14:47:00.010-04:00

¼ cup of wheat-free rolled oats (not raw)
1 scoop of chocolate Sunwarrior raw Vegan protein powder
1 tbs of sprouted and dehydrated quinoa seeds
1 tbs of sprouted and dehydrated buckwheat (yes, they are gluten-free)
Warm water (just enough to soften the rolled oats and mix all the ingredients together)1 tbs bee pollen
Dash of cinnamon
Frozen banana ice cream (optional)

Directions:

Heat water till warm but not boiling and add enough just to cover the rolled oats. Let stand over night to soften.*
Next day add 1 scoop of chocolate Sunwarrior Raw Vegan protein powder and cinnamon to oats and mix together. Note: you may need to add a little more water to help with mixing the protein powder into the oats. Be careful not to over-water, you don't want it to be too liquidly.
Sprinkle the sprouted and dehydrated quinoa and buckwheat seeds* and bee pollen* on top and add a dash of cinnamon.
You can also add frozen banana ice cream on top as an option. Just freeze a banana and blend it up in your blender (if you do not have Vitamix, you might have to add some water to get it going).
Add a strawberry to make it look pretty.

*Alternatively you can do this in morning and it should soften in about 15 to 20 minutes.

* The best bee pollen I have tasted comes from Australia and tastes like the cereal Honeycomb - sooo good!! You can order it here using this link.

How to Sprout and Dehydrate Quinoa and Buckwheat

Soak the seeds over night.
Drain and rinse them in a strainer or colander.
Rinse daily and wait until they start sprouting (about 2 days or until the tail gets as long as the seed).
Rinse one last time and place in your dehydrator until dry (this is optional. You can also keep them fresh in the fridge. They should last stay fresh in a jar for a couple of days or so).
You may want to place another mesh sheet on top so that as they dry. That way the fan will not blow them everywhere.

Enjoy!!

To Order the Chocolate Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein Powder click here.

2010-02-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

With February being heart month, there is a bonus section to the newsletter today. I thought it very fitting to add this section since I have come across some important information on sugar and the effects it can have on heart disease. Being a sugar lover myself, I was very concerned about some of the information that I have been reading as well as some of the interviews that I have been listening to and wanted to share them with you so that you can benefit and enhance your health and enjoyment of life! Read about it in this month's featured article Do YOur Inner Sugar Demons Control You? It might shock you!

In last month's issue I introduced "12 Top Lifestyle Recommendations" that can help you make life-changing improvements. In this issue we are going to dig a little deeper and take a look at the first one on the list...stretching. I placed stretching as the first lifestyle recommendation because anyone can do it at anytime. It is gentle and there are many various ways that you can add stretching into your lifestyle. Below we look at some of the these ways that you can incorporate stretching into your daily routine.

Anna our beauty expert is back this month with some more interesting and unique home remedies using essential oils. Read how you can use Patchouli oil for beauty.

In keeping with the "healthy heart theme", I found a ravioli recipe on the
Internet and thought I would share it with all of you in this issue. It's not the traditional ravioli you might think. Try this month's Heart Smart Ravioli.

Thank you for being part of The Healthy Living Education Center community.

Sincerely, Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Do Your Inner Sugar Demons Control You?

2010-02-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

It's common knowledge that too much refined sugar is not good for us, however what isn't common knowledge is what refined sugar does to the body that explains why this is so. These last couple of months I have had a special interest in this topic. Even though I know a lot about good nutrition and the benefits of raw food, I still like to dip into the cookie jar once in awhile. However, each time I indulge, I feel, well... not so hot. Over the years I have become very tuned into how my body feels. My body has told me many times that what I have eaten is either good for me or isn't quite right, especially where refined sugar is concerned. So why do I still indulge when I know it doesn't make me feel good?

First off, sugar is addictive and the more you eat it, the more you want it; the more you want it, the more you have to have it; the more you have to have it, the more your body craves it. I think you get the picture. This gets to be a very unhealthy, vicious cycle and the reality is that most people do not realize how much sugar they actually consume on a daily basis. For some reason during the past few months, I have come across more and more information about sugar and the effects it has on the body. Jorge Cruise, for example, has a new book called "Belly Fat Cure" in which his research has only deepened what I know to be true about the dangerous effects of sugar on both our bodies and our minds.

As a personal trainer, I am always interested in learning what's new in the health and fitness world so that I can keep my clients informed. This way, when a client asks me "What is the quickest way to getting a six pack?", I can provide them with the most recent information and research to help them in achieving their goals. Of course, this includes being up-to-date on the latest and greatest nutrition information too. I was interested to know what Jorge Cruise had to say so I could pass on his ideas to my clients.

Jorge Cruise advocates no more than 15 grams of sugar per day. How much is 15 grams of sugar? Well, just visualize one of those small sugar cubes you plop into your coffee in the morning - 15 grams is equal to 1½ of those cubes. Think about it for a minute...if you have a coffee in the morning and add 1½ sugar cubes, you're done for the day. Unfortunately, we often don't just have that one cup of coffee in the morning. What really happens is we go to Tim Horton's and add an apple fritter donut to the mix and suddenly we have consumed 30 grams of sugar just at breakfast.

Cruise states that the average person consumes about 186 grams of sugar per day and even then, it is not the complex carbohydrate kind of sugar which contains fiber at least. With sugar, you get calories but you don't get any nutrition so you automatically eat more because you are not getting the nutrition that you need.
According to Dr. Oz, extra sugar gets stored as fat not only in your hips but also in your liver. This can create problems as the liver then starts to make toxic chemicals which can creates more cholesterol and more belly fat. There are a few problems with having fat in the liver. One problem is that it can block the kidneys from working properly and as a result you can develop high blood pressure. Another issue is that the fat also blocks insulin, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Oz goes on to state that sugar is hidden in everything and is the number one thing that we eat. All refined white foods have sugar - white pasta, white flour, white rice... Soft drinks contain high fructose corn syrup. You can click here to listen to the interview with Dr. Oz on the affects of sugar on our body.

In the meantime, if you are a woman over the age of 40 (or a man who knows of a woman over the age of forty), you will want to listen to Jorge Cruise's interview with #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. Christine Northrup, who wrote "The Wisdom of Menopaus". click here.

Nancy Appleton's book "Lick the Sugar Habit" is one of the most profound books I ever read about sugar addiction and the host of diseases it can lead to. Appleton shows us how sugar upsets our body's chemistry and devastates our immune system which can lead to a number of diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, headaches, allergies, asthma, obesity and the most obvious, tooth decay. This book is a must read if you really want to learn how to overcome your sugar addiction or cravings. It's the book that I refer back to anytime my sugar demons take over and I need to be reminded of just what those demons can lead to. Most of my "sweet" choices these days tend to be more of the raw vegan kind which contain natural sweeteners or fruit as a sweetener however, the lesson remains the same: Good sugar or bad sugar, too much is simply not good!

Unless we empower ourselves by making better health choices, we will continue to suffer more and more of the ill effects caused by a lack of proper nutrition. Know that the only way to fix health care is to fix ourselves first and then share our knowledge with our families and communities.
I leave you with a clip from the "godfather of fitness" on sugarholics. Even back then, this man knew what he was talking about: Click here!

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy: 12 Top Lifestyle Recommendations for 2010... Stretching Your Way to Success

2010-02-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

Are you one of those people who believe that they have no time to stretch in the day? Are you always rushing out of a fitness class before the cooling down exercises are complete? Before I start telling you the many ways that you can incorporate stretching into your daily routine, let me explain why it is important to stretch on a regular basis. When we sit all day at the computer or don't exercise regularly, our muscles tend to become tight and stiff over time not only from the static motion, but also from the repetitive action as well. When we stretch our muscles and joints, they have the ability to extend through their normal range of motion and allow the muscle to return to normal resting lengths. Although flexibility is determined by one's genetic make up, gender, age, and level of physical activity, our lack of flexibility as we age is mostly due to inactivity rather than the aging process itself. The following are several benefits you will reap by incorporating a regular stretching program into your daily life.

-Greater freedom of movement and improved posture
-Increased physical and mental relaxation
-Release of muscle tension and soreness
-Reduced risk of injury
-Promotion of body awareness
-Enhanced performance
-Feeling great

Did you know that ideally you should spend at least 30 minutes, three times per week on stretching? With today's overstuffed schedules many of you are likely asking "how can I fit it in"? Think about the following:

-Yoga, even once a week, helps loosen muscle tension and stiffness
-Pilates strengthen as well as lengthen - try it even once a week
-Tai Chi will help you feel more calm and centered
-Schedule a Tai massage appointment
-Go to a simple stretching class at your local gym

If going to classes are not your thing, you can try these tips daily instead:

-Stretch either during or after a shower, hot bath or sauna
-Stretch while still in bed (simple hands over head and pointed toes can help limber you up)
-Stretch in-between your weight training exercises
-Stretch while standing in line at your local grocery store
-Do partner stretching, where you help each other move the body into stretching positions (caution - don't overstretch your partner)
-Purchasing a stretching DVD for home stretching

Hopefully, you can fit stretching into your daily routine and give any one of these suggestions a try. When performing any stretches make sure to...

-Start slow
-Hold the stretch, do not bounce
-Hold each stretch for at least 10 to 30 seconds
-Stretch just enough, stretching should not be painful
-Breath

Limbering up and becoming flexible does pay off. Remember to stay tuned as we dive further into the benefits of the 12 Top Lifestyle Recommendations for 2010.

© 2009 Mary Luciano

Pure Beauty: Patchouli...Not Just For Hippies!

2010-02-02T14:59:00.002-05:00

Last month I was happy to tell youabout the oodles and oodles of uses for rosemary. This month I have decided to conquer patchouli essential oil. I have to admit that I have always been slightly repulsed by the use of patchouli in perfumes, body lotions and in particular - deodorants. The scent of patchouli always takes me back to being a young child in the seventies and getting a whiff of the neighborhood hippie family. I always associated the scent with dirt, incense and super strong perfume!

Well, in the beginning of February I purchased a small 10 ml vial of certified organic patchouli. I also promised myself that I would give the oil a fair shot and research its historical use before uncapping and taking my first sniff. I swore that this time I would be completely unbiased and give patchouli the chance to grow on me; and no, I did not also buy a black light or lava lamp!

Patchouli oil is steam-distilled from dried leaves and is native to India and Malaysia. During the Victorian era, exporters placed patchouli leaves between cashmere blankets and shawls to prevent moth infestations. It is still placed in linens or bedding in the East to ward off bed bugs. In India it also had a reputation of being an aphrodisiac due to the use of the oil during Tantric sexual practices. Unfortunately for patchouli, people are either repulsed by it like myself or find it to be sensual and luxurious.

There are so many therapeutic benefits - from being antiseptic and antiviral, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory, to being used as a natural diuretic and in reducing fluid retention when applied topically. For the mind, it creates a sense of peace and has been used for centuries in prayer and meditation. Patchouli has also been known to relieve headaches and ward off hunger.

Cosmetically, patchouli has been used to treat eczema, acne, weeping sores and has been a staple in many potions geared to a more mature skin. It works wonders when mixed with tea tree oil for fungal infections such as athlete's foot. If you mix a few drops into your hair conditioner, it acts as a natural anti-dandruff treatment without the drying effects!

Like all essential oils there are a few precautions to be aware of. Patchouli should be used sparingly as it can cause loss of appetite and has been known to cause sleep disturbances.

Here are a few of my newly discovered easy recipes.

Daydream Bath:4 drops of patchouli

6 drops of frankincense

2 drops of bergamot

Dandruff remedy to add to your shampoo:

2 drops patchouli

2 drops tea tree

2 drops cedarwood

2 drops rosemary2 drops lavender

Massage oil blend to be added to any carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, etc:

5 drops patchouli

7 drops geranium

7 drops orange

4 drops ylang ylang

Abdominal pain relief treatment to be added to one 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and applied by rubbing in a clockwise direction:

2 drops patchouli

2 drops eucalyptus

Okay, so I have been experimenting with patchouli for over a month now and I have to admit that I selected it because I thought that it would assist me in the Valentine's Day department. Having said that, it still would not be the first thing that I would reach for. I will continue to use occassionally as a bath additive with maybe a touch of sandalwood. It was definitely a treat and was very different than my trusted lavender and geranium blend.

Do you have any great essential oil experiences or recipes that you would like to share? Have you tried any of either this month's or last month's ezine blends and would like to share comments or ideas? We would love to hear them! Please feel free to contact us at

The Healthy Living Education Center
Peace and great health,

Anna Luciano
http://beautywisdom.ca

Delicious Raw Temptations:Heart Smart Ravioli!

2010-02-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Beetroot is very versatile. Many raw chefs use it not only for juices and salads but also as a colouring agent for raw food dishes and desserts as well.

Here is a recipe that uses beetroot instead of the traditional white processed dough used to make ravioli.

Instead of traditional stuffings, sunflower seeds are used to make a pate which would be used as the filling. The beet is then folded over to look like ravioli. While many Italians may consider this idea to be sacrilege, even they cannot dispute the creativity of those raw food chefs.

Directions:
1 beetroot, peeled and thinly sliced (into 8 good slices, using a mandolin)

½ cup of sunflower seeds (soaked)

1 Tbsp of miso (unpasteurized)

2 Tbsp of olive oil 1 Tbsp of rosemary (fresh)

2 Tbsp thyme (fresh)

½ cup of water

1 clove of garlic, finely grated

Process all the ingredients well except for the beetroot and a few leaves of thyme, when you have a pate-like consistency make it into 1-inch balls and place it in the middle of the sliced beetroot. Decorate with the thyme leaves and drops of olive oil.

Recipe created by,Silvia Clausin at The Raw Deli.

2010-01-01T15:51:00.000-05:00

At the start of a new year many people commit to making changes in their life. Whether it is exercising more, eating better or improving a habit we all like a fresh start. In this issue you will find 12 Top Lifestyle Recommendations to help you make life-changing improvements. We will be going deeper with each one of these recommendations so stay tuned as we explore the what, why and how of The Healthy Living Education Center's Top 12 Recommendations for this year. See below for more.

Our beauty expert Anna loves using essential oils in her beauty regime read below about her latest on Rosemary recipes for beauty.

With all the gluten and wheat allergies that have plagued individuals today there have been numerous alternatives that have sprouted to help people suffering from Celiac's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and those who have a gluten intolerance. Even individuals who do not have a gluten intolerance have opted to choose healthier non-gluten alternatives.

Many of these options can now be purchased in the form of a noodle so that if you happen to be a pasta lover you will not feel deprived. The most common non-gluten alternatives are quinoa, amaranth, and brown rice. There is another, however, that I want to share with you as an alternative that I just happened to try recently and I am hooked.

I decided to purchase a bag of Kelp Noodles and boy am I glad I did. Yes, that's right, KELP NOODLES! They are gluten-free, very low in carbohydrates for those concerned, calories and fat free, and are raw and made with mineral rich sea kelp. The best part is they do not smell or taste fishy at all. Their neutral taste allows for a variety of uses. Best of all no cooking is required. Just rinse and add the noodles to any dish. I made a patch of pesto and added my kelp noodles that lasted me for about four days. Scroll below and checkout the recipe.

Thanks for being part of The Healthy Living Education Center community.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator

Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy - 12 Top Lifestyle Recommendations for 2010

2010-01-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

Stretching
Deep Breathing
Exercise
Eliminate or limit your intake of non-nutritious foods
Incorporate more raw and living foods into your diet
Relax while eating
Dry brush massage
Take a warm bath or a hot and cold shower
Sleep at least 6 ½ to 8 ½ hours each night
Use Castor oil packs to decrease inflammation, relax the muscles and detoxify the body
Journal
Do something you love every single day

Remember to stay tuned as we dive deeper into the benefits of these 12 suggestions. Please note I have personally tried and tested all of these recommendations. I hope you enjoy them and benefit from them as well!

© 2009 Mary Luciano

Pure Beauty - Rosemary NOT Just for Cooking!

2010-01-01T15:40:00.002-05:00

Have you ever stopped to explore your nearest health food store's essential oils section? If so, are you always reaching for the more popular lavender, peppermint, and tea tree? Well in the next few months I am hoping to share some beauty and health tips on the less explored essential oils. From super calming after a hectic day...to suppression of eczema...to natural germ fighting, there is sure to be a few essential oils and blends for all.

Though I have always been one to explore and try different ways of healing my body and rejuvenating my spirit; I was quite taken back when I woke up on Boxing Day with what seemed to be the worst head cold. Quickly, I ran to my beloved oil collection to see what I could muster. Lo and behold I found my rosemary oil! Many of you have probably encountered rosemary in home cooked meals such as casseroles, roasted sweet potatoes, etc but the healing properties of rosemary as an essential oil are limitless.

Prior to rosemary being used as a common cooking spice, it was regarded in many ancient civilizations as protection against plagues, and used to drive away evil spirits at funerals, and weddings. Archaeologists have also discovered rosemary in Egyptian tombs with evidence that it was used as a respiratory ailment treatment from as far back as 3000 BC!

Today many natural health care practitioners and aromatherapists suggest rosemary for the treatment of the following:

To relieve muscle and rheumatic pain
Improve digestion
Relax nerves
Stimulate alertness
Help prepare the body and mind for meditation
To relieve respiratory problems, sore throats, flu, and coldsIncrease circulation (when used in massage)
Assists in promoting hair growth when massaged into the scalp to help improve circulation
Helps to reduce water retention during menstruation

Now back to that pesky cold. I decided to use the steam inhalation method to assist me with clearing my nasal passages. This is the absolute easiest way to quickly achieve relief. All you need is a bowl placed on an absolutely flat surface filled with boiling or almost boiling water. Then slowly add the following: 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops sandalwood, and 3 drops lemon. Slowly lean over your bowl and drape your head with a clean dry towel. Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly for about one to five minutes and violà, you can finally take an effortless deep big breath!

Later that evening, I even added 5 drops of each lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus in a little jojoba oil and then swirled the mixture into my warm bath.

Here are a few simple recipes that are super easy to follow and that I know you will be sure to love their results.

Bath for Combating Jet Lag: 2 drops lemon2 drops frankincense3 drops rosemary (Mixed in any carrier oil such as almond, hazelnut, jojoba, etc and swirled right into your bath water.)

Room Freshener: 5 drops of rosemary5 drops of tea tree5 drops of cedarwood5 drops of eucalyptus(Add to a 250 ml spray bottle and shake bottle. Make sure to store in the fridge in between uses.)

Natural Dandruff Care: 2 drops lavender2 drops rosemary2 drops tea tree2 drops patchouli(Add to your shampoo and massage into scalp...make sure to rinse!)

Massage Blend for Sore Muscles: 10 drops lavender10 drops rosemary(Add to 30 ml to your favourite carrier oil such as almond, hazelnut, or jojoba.)

Though the usages are endless, I must add that rosemary should not be used if you are pregnant, have a history of heart conditions, or epileptic.

Please always seek the advice of your natural or general practitioner if you have or may have any of these conditions. It's always best to be safe!

Do you have a favorite rosemary recipe or blend that you would like to share? Please feel free to email all your questions and any recipes that you would like to share with our readers.

For further information about rosemary essential oil, please also feel free to explore Organic Rosemary Oil.

Peace and great health,

Anna Luciano
http://beautywisdom.ca

Delicious Raw Temptations - Kelp Pesto Pasta, No Cooking Required!

2010-01-01T15:34:00.001-05:00

Kelp Noodles Just open the package and place in a bowl.

Pesto
2 tablespoons pine nuts
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves of garlic

¼ to ½ a cup of basil or more

1 or 2 sprigs of parsley (optional)

Sea Salt to taste

Blend all ingredients until smooth. If too thick add some warm water. Add the pesto to kelp noodles and toss.

Yields ¾ cups.

If you would like to order these delicious noodles just click the above image to take you to Upaya Naturals online store or click the logo below.

2009-12-01T15:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays! It is that time of the year again. Don't you often wonder where the time goes? Well, here we are again deciding what to buy for our friends and loved ones, hoping the weight doesn't creep up on us over the holiday season and wondering what our new resolutions will be for the new year.

Wherever you are at this moment in time do not... I repeat DO NOT forget about the most important person...YOU! Be sure to remember yourself! We typically tire ourselves out trying to pick the perfect gift and make the perfect food for others that we forget to give ourselves a gift. If this is you or someone you know... read this month's featured article on "How Not to Burn Out and Instead Stand Out " about taking some time to treat yourself to some tender loving care.

Here is an option: This month I had a complimentary foot massage at Pure Health, one of my favorite places to go to pamper myself. Jo-Ann, owner of Pure Healthhad an event where she was offering complimentary foot massages and facials. Ah!! In one of my previous articles I wrote about a product line called Seaflora. If you missed it or you want a refresher about the benefits of using sea weed read out the article below

If you are really keen and want to see if you can practice raw over the holidays read my Top 10 reasons why I am keeping it raw over the holidays (not the reasons you might think).

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator

Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy - Mary's Top 10 Reasons for Eating Raw Over the Holidays

2009-12-01T15:11:00.002-05:00

10) You can forget about buying expensive holiday plants you can grow your wheatgrass and sunflower sprouts that can make the best decorations for your home- try it during the holiday season (check out my blog and read how you can grow beautiful sprouts at home).

9) No more scraping the BBQ.

8) You won't have to worry about not having propane for your BBQ.

7) You can get away with buying JUST ONE small appliance to make all your meals ... way to go Vita Mix!

6) You can leave your food in a dehydrator all day and night and don't have to worry about forgetting about it and burning the house down.

5) No more bubbling over tomato sauce that makes the stove look like a volcano just erupted.

4) You don't ever have to worry about cleaning a stove top or oven everagain (especially that darn tomato sauce).

3) You don't have to use clumsy OR heavy pots and pans any more!

2) Paper towel won't catch fire when you are trying to grease the pan.

1) You'll never burn yourself! Ouch!

Pure Beauty - How to Avoid 'Burnout' And Instead Stand Out Over The Holidays!

2009-12-01T14:47:00.001-05:00

Mary's Top 5 Favorite Ways to Pamper Yourself

1) Water Therapy: Purely "Blitzful"! Body Blitz is an indoor water spa for women that will make you forget that you are in the downtown core. Rotate between hot and cold water to increase circulations and oxygen in the body and to heal muscle and release tension as well as remove toxins. Oh and don't forget to order your smoothie or herbal tea before you go in so you have it personally delivered while you bath in the hot green tea pool.

Men don't fret although Body Blitz is only for Diva's you can always check out The Scandinavian Spa which is coed. Nestled in a beautiful forest overlooking Blue Mountain this outdoor water therapy spa is definitely a trip worth taking. When I first drove up to this spa I didn't know what to expect but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Love it!

Both the Body Blitz and The Scandinavian Spa also have other spa services if you want to get more adventurous. What a great way to spend your holidays. Oh and by the way if you have that certain someone you just don't know what to get, they offer gift certificates too.

2) Massage Me!: Whether you need to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage is another way to go. This can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being and improve your quality of life. Check out Pure Health where you can also find wild Organic Seaweed Treatments with Seaflora.

3) Buy yourself a fitness membership or try a new exercise routine: There has been a huge buzz about Crossfit. Although I have not yet tried it myself as I have my own grueling workouts these days, this one is on my list to tackle in the New Year. It combines Cardiovascular and Respiratory Endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy. Everything you need to get you top shape for 2010.

4) Take yourself to the movies: We all love a good movie whether we want adventure, drama, comedy or we just simply want to escape we can be sure to get it while watching a great movie. Watching movies is a great way to manage stress and create more laughter and happiness in your life. Make sure to check out what's playing this month... Just in time for the Oscars. I have my eye on the movie "Nine" - what's on your list?

5) Make it a Raw Holiday: Make it a day, week or two weeks, or just simply treat yourself to the best food ever at any of these raw food restaurants in the GTA.

Live Organic Food Bar: Toronto's first raw food restaurant, with an array of dishes with many flavors and styles. Live is sure to please any palate. If you are interested in keeping raw for a little longer than just a day you can find some of Live's delicious treats at various health food stores across the city. Check out The Big Carrot and Noah's Health Food Stores.

Rawlicious: Another favorite raw restaurant of mine although a simpler menu than Live it's definitely worth a try. Try their raw pizza and their mocha chocolate mousse cake and cinnamon rolls. Yummy!!

The new one on the block is Raw Aura: They are located in the heart of Port Credit, Mississauga. I have not visited them yet since the restaurant just opened up a few months ago, however their menu has me curious and interested and it's now on the top of my holiday pampering treats to try.

Delicious Raw Temptations - Holiday Chia Pudding

2009-12-01T14:41:00.002-05:00

With all the hype about Chia seeds I have to admit I love adding them to my smoothies and my oatmeal to get a boost of Omega fatty acids.

Although the flavors are for the holidays you can make this and enjoy it at any time of year.

Yields 1 1/4 cups.
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup dried coconut, shredded & unsweetened
1 cup water
1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked 1 hour, drained and rinsed)
4 soft medjool dates, pitted
2 cloves
1 teaspoon lucuma powder
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Place the Chia seeds and coconut in a small bowl, briefly stir to mix, and set aside. Blend the remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour the blended cashew mixture into the bowl with the Chia seeds and coconut and stir. Wait a few minutes and stir again. (You'll notice the Chia seeds beginning to take on a gelatinous texture.) Wait a few minutes again and stir. Do the "wait and stir" once more, and then place the Holiday Chia Pudding in the refrigerator for about 15 - 20 minutes (or longer, if desired). Then, enjoy. Best served closer to room temperature. After it gels in the refrigerator briefly, eat it before it gets too cold. This will stay good in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Written with permission from Kristen Suzanne. For more delicious recipes visit KristensRaw.

Ah, Sugar, Sugar!

2009-10-24T14:46:00.006-04:00

Quit Your Sweetness Addiction

Nutritionist Joy Bauer reveals the hidden sucrose content in your favorite foods, and offers healthier alternatives to help you break the habit

We've all heard that “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” but did you know there's already plenty of the sweet stuff in that decongestant you are swallowing? And your spaghetti sauce? And even the canned veggies you feed your kids? Nutritionist Joy Bauer visited “Today” to share the scoop on sugar.

Carbohydrates include fruit, vegetables, starches (like bread and potatoes), and of course, sweet ole sugar. An essential nutrient, carbohydrates are the body's main source of both quick and sustained energy. All carbohydrates have “approximately” four calories of energy per gram of weight. As an example, one teaspoon of sugar equals 4 grams and 16 calories and unfortunately, when eaten in large quantities, provides excessive calories that can ultimately lead to weight gain and other concerning medical issues. And it’s not just “sugar” that you’ll need to be aware of on your favorite food labels — you’ll need to also recognize the other forms, including honey, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, brown sugar, confectioner's sugar, powdered sugar, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated fruit juice, dextrose, glucose, molasses, corn syrup, maltose, sucrose, xylitol, or mannitol.

Why worry about sugar? Aside from providing empty calories, one of sugar's major drawbacks is that it raises the insulin level. An influx of sugar into the bloodstream upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, triggering the release of insulin, which the body uses to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level. Prolonged, elevated insulin levels can increase the risk for disease by causing inflammation within your body and by inhibiting key hormones that regulate the immune system. Insulin also promotes the storage of fat, so that when you eat excessive sweets high in sugar, you're making way for rapid weight gain and elevated triglycerides, both of which have been linked to cardiovascular disease

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

2009-09-05T16:37:00.000-04:00

A very warm welcome to those of you who have joined me since the last issue and a sincere thank you to those that have been faithfully reading The Healthy Living Education Center newsletter.

In some ways September can feel like January when we begin to settle into a new schedule after the summer. Being a high school teacher, this is definitely the case for me and many others at this time.
The Fall season, though is definitely around the corner and leaves are not the only things that can change. Now is a great time to make some changes for yourself!

There are a variety of ways to celebrate the change of the season including starting a different exercise program or simply even starting one if you do not have a regular program on the go. Have you considered enrolling in an e-course or teleclass, attend a local lecture or workshop on health and well-being, or enjoy the late harvest fruits and vegetables and experiment with making new cozy food creations? Better yet, try our cozy creation featured in this issue, Simple Raw Sweet potato Soup!

In this month's issue of The Healthy Living Education Center we will be exploring some of the wonderful things taking place in the city and on the internet. Some amazing events are coming up over the next few weeks and into this fall and lots of mover and shakers are taking quantum leaps into making our universe a better place to live. Whether it is better health, quantum physics, spirituality or just something different you are looking for this issue brings you... What's Hot...From Health, to Quantum Wealth, Spirituality and more !

Let's explore...

Have you ever:

Needed to streamline your toiletry and makeup bag?
Wondered when your mascara will expire?
Been curious about whether you should save your leftover sunscreen for next summer?

In this issue our beauty expert Anna dives into what To Toss or Not to Toss in your toiletry and makeup bags. Click on our Pure Beauty section to read more.

My passion to share with you the best of health and wellness continues to expand with new and exciting things that come my way. My mission is to inspire as well as inform. You have the power to be healthy, vibrant and in charge of your health!

Stay tuned for more to come.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator, Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy: What's Hot...From Health to Quantum Wealth, Spirituality and more...

2009-09-04T15:49:00.001-04:00

First on my list of "What's Hot" this fall is a really cool concept event called "4 Masters 1 Mind™" - Taking place Sunday October 18th from 1-3 pm, it is a combination of TV's The View meets TV's Whose line is it Anyway... Four expert coaches/therapists who will be addressing your hot topics in the areas of: the mind, relationships, romance, human behavior and dynamics, emotional intelligence and expression, and consciousness. It is definitely for you if you have an open and curious mind. Click here to read more about this novel concept and Joshua Zuchter, the founder, along with the other three experts that will be joining him that day - for more detailed information about this fascinating day with 4 Masters 1 Mind™ click here.

Join Erico Lapanno and Olga Antzoulatos this fall, as they take you down a journey that explores quantum reality and the interconnectedness of nature from the quantum to the universe. This documentary has been a labor of love for both Erico and Olga as they have been working very hard these last few years to get this documentary out to the masses. I can't wait to see it as I have been hearing bits and pieces of this project as it was evolving. Enrico is also a wonderful musician and worked endlessly with composing and producing the music for this documentary. A must see! Click on The Matter of Everything for more details and show dates. Both Erico and Olga will be there for questions after the viewing.

Another must see documentary if you have not already done so is Food Inc. Over the summer I have noticed more and more people talking about the issues surrounding our food consumption, from the over production and consumption of corn, to how animals are being treated and their living quarters and the problem with obesity and how it is partially connected to both the above mentioned issues and more. I am sure this movie is partially responsible for this chatter. Food Inc. reveals the truth about what we eat, how it is produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going. August 31st 2009's Time magazine put out an issue with the headline "The Real Cost of Cheap Food" to read the article click here. If you haven't read it sure to be an eye opener. Just scroll down the page and keep clicking to read the next pages. If you are interested in seeing Food Inc. Click here for show viewings in Toronto.

Lamont Alexandre over at Kangenwatertoronto.com has been busy supplying people with Kangen Water® and information about Japan's superior alkalizing water systems called Kangen Water®. Kangen Water® which has been in Japanese Hospitals since 1965 is finally available in Canada .

Alkaline water which can be also known as ionized water or micro-clustered water, is changing the face of drinking water as we have known it. As we are well aware, not all water is the same. Bottled water is often acidic and the plastic of course is toxic to the body. Our body needs as much alkalinity as possible not only from the food we eat but also from the water we drink. Kangen Water® forms smaller water molecule (hexagonal) clusters, which enables the body to become super-hydrated. Kangen Water® also best prepares the body for absorbing the important vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

Lamont regularly hosts meeting about Kangen Water® every week at 33 Mill Street, Suite #1406, in the heart of the Distillery District. You must RSVP to these events or it will be standing room only. The next two events will take place on October 4th and October 8th. Wade Lightheart will be hosting the October 4th meeting - for more information about Wade click here.

This is the most important devices you could ever buy if you are in a serious healing crisis or are just trying to improve your health. If you could only buy one thing to improve your health it is the Kangen Water® machine.

Contact Lamont Alexandre at kangenwatertoronto.com for more information and tell him Mary Luciano sent you for a FREE 30 day trial. If you have any questions about Kangen Water® you can also email us mary@thehealthylivingeducationcenter.com

For the latest in natural health, alternative medicine, health and green living products and services, including over 60 well known speakers the Whole Life Expo is the place to visit November 27,28, 29th. The Whole Life Expo brings you the most comprehensive array of natural products and services all under one roof, The Metro Toronto Convention Center. For more information on the Whole Life Expo click here. Just a note - their website is not fully updated with this year's scheduled speakers and exhibitors, however, you can take a peak and see what they have so far. Bookmark this webpage so you can browse sometime next month for more details.

Last but not least, I have been hooked on a radio show on the internet called Everythin g is Energy with David and Kristen Morelli on Thursdays. They have excellent speakers and topics weekly that will inspire you to keep listening. They also have great tools to help you heal your mind, body and soul. Topics include love, wealth, health, and quantum physics. Love is definitely in the air when you listen to this couple. Their mantra says it all, "Change your energy, change your life".

They also host one of the most powerful programs to come around in years - maybe decades! It's called The Prosperity Tribe. In this program Kristen and David help you move through stagnant and sabotaging energy and help you break down deep blocks to abundance and authentic wealth.

Kristin is a self-made multi-millionaire (by age 30) and David is an energy worker of the highest caliber. He is sought after by many well-known teachers of the Law of Attraction to work with them on breaking through their own blocks to wealth and success. Together Kristin and David are an extraordinarily powerful team who are dedicated to help others make the shift from lack to abundance. They teach that True Abundance = an abundance that embraces money and ALL good things in life. You can get a glimpse into the power of the program and meet Kristin and David at this link.

This couple and the work they do are nothing short of amazing! I am so grateful for having found them. This extraordinary couple has teamed up with NYT Best Selling author, star of the hit movie The Secret and one of the nation's leading experts in happiness - Marci Shimoff to bring you a Revolutionary 4 week Coaching program. Learn how to achieve happiness, abundance and millions. A free teleclass will be held on Sept 30th at 5:30 pm (Pacific Time, 8:30 Eatern Time). So if you are looking for something new and exciting, you DEFINITELY have nothing to lose! Click here for more information.

Oh...and yours truly will be doing a presentation at CBC's Employee Wellness Day again this year on Wednesday October 28th. I will be talking about how to transition your diet to new heights. I will be discussing the top three white foods that should be eliminated from your diet, what foods to substitute that taste great and that will help to decrease body fat, that you can actually enjoy and at the same time not feel deprived (this event is for CBC employees only).

© 2009 Mary Luciano

Pure Beauty: To Toss or Not to Toss?

2009-09-03T15:32:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love the fall season. It's my favorite season for a number of reasons and I actually tend to treat it like the beginning of a new year! I love waking up in the morning and going for a brisk walk and taking note of the beginnings of the fall foliage. I tend to stock up my kitchen cupboards with herbal teas and ingredients to make hearty fall dishes such as vegetarian chilies, soups, and stews. Once my kitchen cupboards are nicely stocked, I try and really streamline my living space; in particular my makeup, skincare, and the rest of my beauty products.

Having been in the beauty industry for so many years and still trying products on a monthly basis - things sure seem to add up quickly! How many red lipsticks can one possibly have? How many body lotions can you actually go through in one year? It seems to me and after meeting many other self confessed beauty addicts, we tend to accumulate and hang on to "stuff" way past their shelf life. I will never forget being on a business trip recently and getting ready to enjoy an evening out. I had packed a much loved but recently neglected wonderful rosy lipstick with a slight hint of brown undertone. This organic little gem even came with a hint of peppermint to freshen up your breath. Well, was I shocked when after meticulously applying it and congratulating myself on how great I looked and felt - that "thing" on my lips had the most rancid stink; like a child's crayon that had been left out in the hot sun!

Many readers ask me time and time again about their beauty products and expiration dates. Firstly, why don't most of these products (usually with the exception of sun block) not have expiration dates? If you would toss out yogurt that is past its expiration date, why hold on to that lipstick that is past its date?? Well, here is a breakdown of some common products with their average shelf life expectancy that I know you will find most helpful.

Mascaras
Though other experts tend to say 3 to 4 months, I tend to stick to the 3 month rule. The rule of thumb here is once you open it, you count down three months! Toss out right away if the mascara becomes dry or if you happen to be recovering from an eye infection. This rule also holds true for liquid liners (most of you know that I detest these!).

Lipstick
Two years is the maximum with one year being ideal for lip glosses and lip balms. Toss if the lipstick feels chalky or smells like a crayon. Definitely throw this out if you happen to have or develop a cold sore.

Foundation (liquid)
Some experts tend to go with the 2 year rule while I side with the others that abide by the 6 month to 1 year rule. Toss away if the foundation tends to separate easily or change in colour.

Sun Block or Sun Screen
Up to a year or until the expiry date hits tends to be the consensus. Though I use a facial sun block day in and day out, I tend to toss my body sun blocks at the end of the summer season; regardless of dating. Sun blocks and sun screens tend to lose their efficacy when exposed to heat and I lug them with me to cottage trips and hiking adventures. Having been nicknamed "Casper the Friendly Ghost" as a child; I don't take chances!

Perfumes and body mists
Two years and toss! Limit the amount that you toss by only alternating between 3 of your favorite fragrances. Of course, this will also be easier on your pocket book. Throw out right away if you notice colour changes or if it does not smell exactly how you remember it.

Eyes shadows, face powders, and blush
Please resist the urge of hanging on to these for more than 2 years. Toss right away if the product starts to crumble, or if it looks unusually shiny and your applicator or brush is no longer able to pick up any colour.

Body and facial moisturizers
Two years tends to be the consensus but I like to recommend 6 months to a year for facial moisturizers and 2 years for body moisturizers.

Pencils (eye and lip)
Please toss after 3 years. Throw out right away if you are showing signs of an eye infection or lip infection. Ladies, do not pretend that you are 12 years old and getting ready to see Wham in concert - DO NOT SHARE! Sharpen before every use and do not interchange your eye and lip pencils.

Do you have any tips that you would like to share on how you keep tabs on your products' expiration date? Please feel free to drop us a line at
healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com

(Tip - I change my mascara on the first day of each season!)Peace and great health,

Anna Luciano
www.beautywisdom.ca

Delicious Raw Temptations: Simple Raw Sweet Potato Soup

2009-09-01T15:24:00.001-04:00

As the autumn nears so do all the beautiful harvest vegetables that come with the fall season. I don't think that it is a coincidence that the changing colours of the leaves in the fall happen to be the same colours as the vegetables that accompany this season. Perhaps this is nature's way of giving us clues about what to eat or what colours to include in our diet at various times of the year. We know that it is possible to purchase imported foods all year, but seasonal produce has by far the best flavor, freshness and is most nutritious.

Ingredients:
1 sweet potato (chopped)
1 onion (chopped)1
1 stick of celery (chopped)
1 carrot (chopped)¼ cup dulse flakes or sea salt
2 cups filtered water1 avocado Directions:

Direction:
Place the first four items in the food processor. Add water as required. Add dulse flakes or sea salt. Add avocado and process till smooth.

Can also be enjoyed warmed up at low heat!

Enjoy!

2009-07-04T15:19:00.000-04:00

A big welcome to all the newbie's that are now receiving my newsletter, and a warm thank you to those who have been forwarding my newsletter to friends and loved ones.

It has been a busy but great couple of months, with many great things happening here at the Healthy Living Education Center. For starters our official launch of the Healthy Living Education Center took place in June with our 4 Day Raw Food Extravaganza -our first raw food event with Jackie and Gideon Graff, raw food specialists from Atlanta, Georgia. Click over to June's entry to check out some of the delicious food that we served.

The event was a hit and Jackie and Gideon shared with us some valuable information about their health transformation and the benefits of incorporating more raw foods into our diets daily and of course we also sampled all of their delicious recipes for a true raw gourmet experience. The best part was connecting with like minded individuals who want to reach a higher level of health. Hats off to those of you who made it out to a raw food event for the first time, kudos to you for having an open mind about the possibilities that are out there for better health and wellness. A big woohoo for you, for looking into improving your health, even if it's just a tiny step at time!

Okay, by now I hope you've realized that I am a nut for finding information on alternative health, raw foods, eco-sustainable living and natural beauty and beauty products. I always keep my eyes and ears open for the latest, greatest, coolest next thing that enthusiastically keeps me staying healthy, fit and lean.

In one of my many, raw seminars or workshops I have attended I purchased a CD authored by a Dr. Fred Bisci. When I finally got to actually listen to it on the way to one of my many travels across the city, I was amazed to hear his simplistic approach to reaching optimum health. Click over to Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy and read on!

Four mosquito bites later and one the diameter of a golf ball (after scratching it of course)... I wished I had read Anna's article (our beauty and skin care expert) on mosquito bites before the weekend and that I had a bottle of the natural mosquito repellent recipe that she lists below to keep them away. If you would like to avoid mosquitoes for the rest of the summer without the negative side effects of toxic chemicals. Read our Pure Beauty section to find out how.

My passion to share with you the best of health and wellness continues to expand with new and exciting things that come my way. Thank you to those that have been faithfully reading my newsletter. My mission is to inspire as well as inform. You have the power to be healthy, vibrant and in charge of your health!

Stay tuned for more to come.

Sincerely,
Mary Luciano Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy: It's Not About What You Eat That Matters!

2009-07-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

Have you wanted to know the secret to being and staying healthy and fit? Are you curious about trying the latest, greatest fitness and diet fad that can help you lose weight, get fit and get those six pack abs you always dreamed of as fast as possible in as little time as possible? Have you often wondered with so many diets out there which ones really work and which ones don't?

For as long as I can remember I have always been interested in meeting, reading or hearing about people who exude health and wellness. I always wanted to know what their secret was. Collecting, magazines, books, news articles, hearing teleseminars, and downloading MP3 recordings about the latest and greatest in health and fitness is not something out of the ordinary for me. As a personal trainer, health educator and fitness competitor, I always wanted to know what the latest fitness and diet fad was to help keep my clients and keep me motivated, fit, lean and healthy.

Have you ever wondered with all the diets out there, how can all these people make miracle claims and not be lying? Did you know that the Zone Diet, the High Fat, High Protein diet (Atkin and Berstein), Macrobiotic diet, Natural Hygiene diet, and Raw Food diet all have the same thing in common?

According to Dr. Fred Bisci there is a simple explanation behind this. He states that it is more important what you omit from your diet rather than what you include in your diet. Think about it...all the above mentioned diets are leaving out all the major foods and habits that disrupt the human physiology. For example, although I am not a proponent of the high fat, high protein diet, included in that diet is to stop smoking, avoid drinking alcohol, soft drinks, carbohydrates, refined sugars, candy, cakes... I think you get the point. The High Fat, High Protein diet will show temporary results not because of what they are eating but what they are not eating or what they are leaving out.

Bisci goes on and affirms that every single diet can show some benefit to people especially if they are adding vegetables (especially raw) to their plates. Bisci states "every diet can come up with results and show some benefits" (Bisci, Fred, Raw Food and Science). Bisci continues by stating that if you want to judge what the ultimate diet is, that leaves everything out, that's the 100% raw food diet. Although an advocate of the Raw Food diet Dr. Bisci has also had great success with patients on a cooked diet so long as they complement the cooked foods with lots of raw and living foods, eating less quantity of food overall and drinking fresh filtered water. However over time the amount of raw food should exceed the amount of cooked food for better results reaffirms Bisci.

The key to success according to Dr. Bisci is what you don't do. He advises that we set parameters and consistently leave out foods otherwise we are going to continue struggling our whole lives and not be able to experience that super natural well being that we are capable of attaining.

Here are three simple steps you can take to help improve your health right away.

Gradually over time begin to drop the negatives foods off.
Get to the point where you're eating less animal protein, then drop them off, then get to the point where you're eating less refined/starchy carbohydrates.
If you find that you are struggling with leaving certain foods behind then make sure to add more raw and living foods to your diet, especially dark leafy greens, drinking plenty of fresh vegetable juices and filtered water to help maintain a healthier alkaline versus acid balance.

There you have it! Eat clean and stay healthy!

Fred Bisci has a PhD. in Nutritional Science, has been practicing in Stanton Island for the past 30 or so years, is a clinical nutritionist and works with people who have serious health issues. He has been successful on a raw food diet for the last 30 years!

Pure Beauty: Mosquito Bites and the Joy of Summer!

2009-07-02T14:56:00.001-04:00

Does this sound all too familiar to you? You have just finished a scrumptious dinner, you have a delightful full bodied glass of your favorite red wine and you head to your backyard deck to enjoy the last precious moments of the day. There is a slight breeze in the summer air and you are enjoying the scent of freshly cut grass from your neighbor two backyards away. Suddenly, you are surrounded by buzzing that seems to get louder and louder. In comes the pest of all pests - the hated mosquito! She does not care if you are sitting there minding your own business and enjoying your glass of wine. She sees you as a means to supplement her developing eggs with the iron and protein found in your bloodstream. So you start swatting away and looking for your matches to start up the citronella candles which seem to be scattered in every nook and cranny of your yard.

After many Toronto summers and various failed attempts at creating the perfect natural skin repellent, I believe that I have finally succeeded at keeping the pesky mosquito at bay. Here is a list of your ingredients:

Cider Vinegar - 5ml
Distilled water - 100 ml
Witch Hazel - 5ml
Lavender essential oil - 4 drops
Pine essential oil - 4 drops
Peppermint essential oil - 4 drops
Thyme essential oil - 4 drops
Citronella essential oil - 8 drops
Cedarwood essential oil - 3 drops
Glass spray bottle (amber coloured if possible)

Mix the witch hazel and cider vinegar together in your glass bottle. Slowly add your essential oils while gently shaking the bottle in between additions. Now top off the blend with your distilled water. Always shake before using and ensure that when applying to the face that you spray on your hands and then pat on the skin being careful to avoid the eye area.

I love the fact that the lavender and cedarwood take the edge off the citronella without smelling like a terrible car freshener or a rancid salad!

But what to do if you are too late and you have been inflicted with a bite or two? Well here are some inexpensive and quick remedies. In comes one of my two favorite and trusted products - good old aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil; I grow my own aloe and can never get enough of the healing properties and many uses of lavender. Just a few drops of lavender mixed into the aloe and applied gently to the bites should take the sting quickly right out. Remember that scratching causes infection and if there is no sting or itch, there is as little possibility of infection as possible. Or why not try another of my favorites - tea tree oil dabbed right on the spots. Though I have been known to personally go through tea tree addiction episodes, I highly recommend not wearing this particular remedy to the office; well, unless you want your coworkers convinced that they are camping at Alonquin Park amongst the ferns!

Last but not least - try some cider vinegar or even plain white vinegar sprayed right on the bites. Though not my favorite remedy, I do have many friends that are true and faithful to this one.

Do you have any of your own personal remedies that you would like to share? Or have you tried any of these above and would like to leave feedback, please feel free to contact us at healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com

Until next time, stay gorgeous and bite free!
Peace and great health,

Anna Luciano
www.beautywisdom.ca

Delicious Raw Temptations: Mango Banana Kiwi Pie

2009-07-01T14:37:00.002-04:00

Mangos (especially Ataulfo manogs), Bananas and Kiwi three of my favorite fruits all together make up this delicious pie created by Jackie Graff.

The 4 Day Raw Food Extravaganza came with more food than I expected to eat. After Sundays Raw Food Revival Day I had to skip breakfast and lunch the next day to make room for the evening dishes. All the food was delicious but this by far was my favorite dessert.

Ingredients:

1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked 8 hours and drained
4 Ataulfo Mangos, peeled
2 bananas
1/2 vanilla bean1 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp psyllium
1 Nut and Date Pie Crust (see recipe below)
3 kiwis, peeled and sliced for garnish

Directions:

Place macadamia nuts, mango, banana, vanill bean, and salt, in blender and blend.
Add pyllium and blend well. Let mixture sit for 5 minuts to thicken and blend again.
Add more psyllium if mixture needs thickening.
Spoon into a prepared pie crust. Place sliced Kiwi slices on top of pie and serve.
Nut and Date Pie Crust

Nut and Date Pie Crust

By far the best raw pie crust I have tasted!

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds*, soaked for 12 hours and drained
1 cup pecans*, soaked for 12 hours and drained
1 cup walnuts*, soaked for 12 hours and drained
1 1/2 cups of medjool dates, pits removed
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla powder (5 vanilla beans & 1/2 cup of dry buckwheat grouts blended in a coffee/seed grinder to make powder)
(optional can use pure vanilla extract)Directions:Place almonds in processor and process until mixture resembles flour. Add salt and vanilla to the almonds and process well.

Directions

Place pecans, walnuts and dates in food processor and process just until mixed well.
Press mixture into 8-10 glass pie pan.

*For best results nuts can also be dehydrated for 12 hours or placed in the oven at a very low temperature to dry themout a bit.

For more delicious recipes from Jackie and Gideon graff check out Sprout Raw food.

2009-06-25T19:52:00.012-04:00

4 DAY RAW FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Tex- Mex and Country BBQ Fiest!

2009-06-21T21:00:00.012-04:00

4 DAY RAW FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Day 2 - Raw Food Revival

2009-06-20T20:08:00.012-04:00

4 DAY RAW FOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Day 1 - Italian Feast!

2009-06-16T21:50:00.004-04:00

4 Day Raw Food Extravaganza

2009-06-09T20:02:00.014-04:00

Adventures in Raw Food

with

Internationally Renowned Raw Food Chefs

Jackie and Gideon Graff

Hosted
by
The Healthy Living Education Centre
&
Kangen Water Toronto.com
In Toronto from June 20 to June 23, 2009

Two-Four hour Theme Classes
In our 2 and 4 hour theme classes we give an overview of Raw Food Nutrition; how cooking affects foods, raw vegan sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Raw Food Revival Class
In addition to the many recipes and principles of raw food preparation, also included in the Raw Food Revival, are Raw Food Nutrition topics such as: how cooking affects foods, raw vegan sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, regulating blood sugar, Candida, probiotics, ph balance and why raw food is the best anti-inflammatory. Many have opened their own raw food business making food or counseling others after taking our classes. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be served.

How Do I Register?

Find out more information, and register online at the link next to the event you choose. If you want a real raw adventure register for all 4 days.

Saturday, June 20th 1 - 5 pm- Italian Exravaganza 4 hour class http://62009.eventbrite.com/

Sunday, June 21st 10 am - 5 pm, Raw Food Revival workshop http://62109.eventbrite.com/

Monday, June 22nd 7 - 9 pm, Tex Mex Fiesta http://62209.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday, June 23rd 7 - 9 pm, Barbecue Party http://62309.eventbrite.com/

You can also call and register by phone, Gideon 770 992-9218.

2009-05-04T14:31:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful day in Toronto, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the smells are blooming. What more can you ask for? Summer is around the corner and soon we can find more interesting fruits and vegetables that are in season at our local farmer's markets. This time of year is my favorite and one of the best for variety and abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In last month's issue I wrote about the value of adding nuts and seeds into your diet and some of you were probably thinking well what about the amount of fat they contain. If you have ever questioned the amount of fat you are taking in that is great, because there are many questions, misunderstandings, and yes, some necessary reasons to digest fats! When it comes to nuts and seeds, they do contain the good fats that our body needs and loves in order to function optimally, which is why I am a proponent of them. In this issue I want to shed some light on fats which are the "Good", the "Bad" and the "Ugly" fats. Read our Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy section to find out more.

Our beauty expert Anna packed her beauty bag this month for a trip to Germany and Italy and so we will find out what interesting discoveries she stumbles across along the way. In the meantime I have been coming across some interesting discoveries myself. My friend and massage therapist Jo Ann Faucett Pure Health turned me onto this interesting skincare line - Scroll down to Pure Beauty to read about this amazing Canadian company and the benefits of this natural skin care line.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy: Fats - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!

2009-05-03T13:40:00.000-04:00

I am sure you know by now that fats are essential to life. They are needed for brain function, a healthy nervous system and balance our hormones. Good fats are also needed for our skin, hair and nails to help them avoid dying out.

The good news is that good fats can actually help the body loose weight. Eating healthy sources of fats helps boost our metabolism and thus helps us lose weight. On the flip side insufficient amounts of fat in the diet can cause our bodies to crave bad fats or fatty foods.

Good fats are usually found in whole foods such as, avocados, nuts, organic nut butters, coconuts, hemp oil, olive oil and olives just to name a few.

Bad fats come mostly from animal products. Fats that come from animal products are especially dangerous when cooked. According to Wade Lightheart in his book Vital Power, he states that once fats are cooked they become rancid and turn into toxins, which leads to weight gain.

The ugly fats to avoid all together are Trans fatty acids (trans-fats). As you may already know they are connected to many diseases. Almost anything that is fried is full of Tran-fatty acids. They are also found in a number of processed foods. The problem with trans-fats is that the body cannot break down the fat and therefore becomes trapped in your arteries and intestinal tract causing disease.

When reading labels you may notice packaging that states "No trans-fat". Please be a wise consumer and continue reading the ingredients list if you see either "Hydrogenation" or here's a new one you might not know about yet "Interesterification". If you see these anywhere on the package don't eat it, leave it!

Lightheart states that if you are consuming trans-fats and hoping to loose weight, you can forget about it. What I found most interesting is his explanation of those hard big bellies some of us can't get rid of. He states that it is generally because of mucoid plaque (basically a tar like substance) that has been built up in our digestive tract over time. This plaque creates protruding stomachs from eating foods like hydrogenated fats that cannot be digested. The intestinal tract expands to accommodate the buildup creating physical deformity.

Lightheart advices us to avoid any fat that hardens at room temperature (with the exception of coconut and cacao oils). "If it hardens at room temperature your body cannot break it down."

In general, heating oils changes the fat composition and therefore can end up rancid and toxic to our body.

A Word About Omega's

There has been much talk about omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that our body needs in order to function optimally. But this subject can be very confusing causing questions such as: How much? When? In what proportions?

Most people, who eat typical western diets, consume an overabundance of omega 6 fats from animals and processed foods. At the same time, most people on a typical western diet consume very little of omega 3 fats. Too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3 is actually a problem as the imbalance can cause chronic inflammation which is linked to vascular disease, cancer, Alzheimers and many other inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, lupus and colitis.

The best way to gain the optimal ratio of omegas for good health, and the easiest for those of us with busy lives, is to add flax, hemp or Chia seeds to your diet. Alternatively if none of these appeal to you and you prefer an even easier way, that will also give you the correct amounts of fatty acids (good fats) try Udo's oil (which you can find at most health food stores. His ratio equals the correct amount needed from each of these fatty acids - One to two tablespoons a day should do.

Problems with Fish oils (EFAs)

According to many studies Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are highly unstable when exposed to heat, light and oxygen and therefore are harmful to our bodies.
Ocean fish have usually been dead for a week or more before the boat comes in and are likely filled with toxic chemicals especially mercury.
You are likely cooking the fish before eating it (which generally is a wise idea). The challenge is that along with the above factors, the cooking of the fish destroys a good portion of the EFAs. So much for that idea!

Now that you know all of the above, be sure to choose your fat wisely and stay healthy.

© 2009 Mary Luciano

Pure Beauty: Beauty by the Sea!

2009-05-02T13:21:00.001-04:00

Seaweed that is! There has been much said about seaweed and it is not something new to some of the world's best spas. Seaweed has been used for generations in the spa industry for hydrating, firming and rejuvenating the skin. It is fast becoming one of the most popular ingredients in natural skin treatments.

However, there is more to seaweed than meets the eye. According to seaweed expert Diane Bernard, a.k.a "The Seaweed Lady", as a food, seaweeds are recognized in many cultures as a highly nutritious food that promotes health and longevity. Seaweeds are low-in fat and have little or no caloric energy. And, just as eating fresh fruits and vegetables results in maximum nutritional value, so does eating fresh seaweed.

What's more Bernard states that Canadian seaweeds, have been scientifically proven to be rich in vitamins A1, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and niacin. They are an important supply of 60 trace elements and an excellent source of over 12 minerals, especially potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese. As Canadians know that's something to be proud about.

After much research Bernard founded the company Sea Flora Wild Organic Seaweed Skincare in 2001. Her objective was to increase awareness of the benefits of organic seaweed for both internal and external use. After being introduced to Seaflora from my friend and massage therapist Jo Ann Fawcett, owner of Pure Health I decided to research further into what SeaFlora had to offer. Besides being a Canadian company I was very impressed with Dianne's dedication to using exclusively real organic ingredients, free of dyes, animal products, parabens, formaldehyde and artificial fragrances.

Created from 12 different seaweeds and blended with glacial and mountain clays and Ocean mud the skincare line includes cleaners, moisturizers, body wraps and exfoliates. You can be sure there is something that you will find interesting to use on your skin. While exclusively, sold to spas you can also purchase Sea flora through Pure Health. So next time you decide to pamper yourself at the spa with a body wrap ask to know more about their seaweed products and better yet ask if they carry Sea Flora. For further information on SeaFlora click here.

Jo Ann is offering all our readers an extra 15% discount on all on-line purchases at Pure Health just enter the word healthy living as the coupon code. Woo hoo thanks Jo Ann!

© 2009 Mary Luciano

Delicious Raw Temptations: Seawed Wrap

2009-05-01T13:16:00.002-04:00

The one you eat not wear, but still nourishing!Over the last few years I have been experimenting with various seaweeds myself. I have tried many different varieties, such as Nori, Arame, Dulse, Kelp and Wakame. Although all delicious and nutritious, however, by far my favorite is still Nori.

I have always loved going to sushi restaurants and enjoy eating the vegetarian options such as avocado and cucumber maki. I also take pleasure in sitting at the bar while watching sushi being made; so much so that I finally decided it was about time to learn how to make my own for a change. The following recipe is very simple to make and is delicious and full of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

2 Nori sheets (raw preferable)
1 Avocado1 carrot (julienne cut)
1 cucumber (julienne cut)½ pepper (julienne cut)
Sunflower or alfalfa sprouts
Celtic or Himalayan sea salt to taste
Small bowl with water to seal the nori roll at the end

Directions:

Mash the avocado till smooth add a pinch or two of Celtic or Himalayan sea salt (alternatively you can cut Avocado into thin slices)
Lay one sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat.
Using the back of a teaspoon, spread the thin layer of mashed avocado in a single horizontal strip along the bottom third of the nori leaving a small edge form the bottom in order to seal roll at the end. Along the edge of the nori closest to you, layer the sprouts, cucumber, carrot and bell pepper. If you are using the sliced avocado instead just add with the rest of the ingredients along the edge closest you.
To roll grip the edge of the nori sheet and sushi mat together with your thumbs and forefingers, and press the filling back toward you with your other fingers. Using the mat to help you, roll the front edge of the nori over the filling. Squeeze the nori sheet with the filling with the mat, then lift the mat and continue rolling.
Just before completing the roll, dip your index finger in water and run it along the edge of the nori sheet to seal the roll. Set aside while doing the next one.
Repeat with the second nori sheet and when that is completed set aside. Go back to the first roll cut the roll into approximately 6 pieces using a serrated knife.
Arrange on a plate with roll standing up wards and serve with a small bowl of either tamari or nama shoyu for dipping.

Enjoy!

2009-04-04T11:43:00.002-04:00

Isn't it great that we can slowly leave our Vitamin D synthetic supplement for some of the real deal?!...Some good old Sunshine!

I want to begin by warmly welcoming each one of you who signed up in the past month. I have been amazed and delighted to see many of you passing this ezine on to others who you feel could benefit from this information. For that I send you a sincere thank you!

Since diving into the raw food lifestyle I have always been amazed at the versatility of nuts and seeds and the many varied recipes that you can make from the most simple nut milks to the most complex of cheeses. Yes you read that right - cheeses. You can make cheese from nuts. Amazing! Read this month's Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy for more.

As Anna, our beauty expert was packing for her business trip this month, to her dismay she had to replace her eye makeup remover for the convenience of her trip and stumbled across an interesting discovery. Since then she also has passed along some of her interesting finding to her friends with children. She has even gone through their diaper bags looking for lurking toxins. To read about her adventure read our Pure Beauty section.

And don't forget to make your very own Almond Milk this month ...no cow milking necessary here, MOOooo!
Check out this month's Delicious Raw Temptations to get the recipe.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Raw Pleausure and Pure Joy: Nuttin' But Raw: A Word On Nuts!

2009-04-03T14:00:00.001-04:00

Ice cream, cheese, milk, soups, crackers, smoothies and pie crust - did you ever imagine that you can do so many amazing things with these wee little nuts and seeds? I sure didn't. But after reading over 100 raw food educational books, recipes and other materials, I am still amazed at the many things we can make with these amazing nutrient packed foods. I can truly say that I would never miss eating ice cream after tasting a truly raw ice cream and I love my ice cream. Okay, okay maybe if I was in Italy eating Gelato I might forget about the raw version and indulge in my favorite Nocciola (hazelton) ice cream.

Raw nuts and seeds are quite versatile and used in a variety of ways among the raw and living foods devotees. The favorite among the 'super duper' raw food chefs are the following:

Favorite nuts are brazil, hazelnuts (a.k.a. filberts), macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, almonds and cashews (although hard to find truly raw ones)

Favorite seeds are pumpkin, sunflower, flax, hemp. sesame and chia.

Raw nuts and seeds should be soaked and rinsed before being eaten or used. And keep in mind that only some seeds will sprout. You might be asking why should I soak nuts? They taste fine just the way they are. Yes this is true however, soaking them releases enzyme inhibitors, the compound that keeps seeds in a dormant state. During the soaking step the enzymes inhibitors are lifted off and during the sprouting process, the macronutrients such as fat, protein and carbohydrates are broken down into their simplest form which means better digestion, and assimilation of nutrients. The nutrient value of the food as a result multiples. Keep in mind, that depending on the nuts and seeds some need longer soaking time than others.

If you can restrain yourself from over eating them, raw nuts and seeds can definitely be part of a healthy diet. Including raw nuts and seeds daily into your diet provides you with a good source of protein, phytonutrients, antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 (which lowers your cholesterol). Raw nuts and seeds are a perfect snack and can be added to your salad or cereal. Raw nut butters are also great for spreads and dips.
Raw nuts and seeds also contain fibre. Particularly recommended are flax seed, also a complete protein (kaur, Dharam Sat, 2005). Just remember to grind your flax seeds to get the most out of the nutrients before tossing them over your cereals and salads. Chia seed are the new kids on the block and you will want to give them a try as you may be deliciously surprised

According to Dr. Sat Sharam Kaur, ND we should be consuming 2 tbsp of freshly ground flaxseeds daily and 2-4 tbsp of nuts and seeds daily. So now you don't have to feel guilty about eating some fat. Go nuts!

Pure Beauty : Our Babies are Born Contaminated with Toxins! (Contributed by Anna Luciano)

2009-04-02T13:47:00.007-04:00

Being a super curious consumer, I am always on the lookout for new beauty products. Sometimes I may even explore alternative products as everyday staple skincare. A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to venture on a few business trips. I made my travel essential list and headed to my nearest drugstore. The idea was to find an alternative to my eye makeup remover that was inexpensive, scent free, sting free, and most importantly - in a leak proof container. After having had one to many leaky luggage episodes, I was determined to get it right this time!

Having read countless top beauty columnists and runway makeup artists discuss substituting baby wipes for eye makeup remover I was sure to find a future beauty staple in the baby aisle. I particularly focused on a "natural brand" that was being touted as a must try. Boy was I shocked to see what lurked in the ingredient listing.

Water
Potassium Laureth Phosphate
Aloe Barbadensis
Glycerin
Polysorbate 20
Tetrasodium EDTA
DMDM Hydantoin
Methyl Paraben
Malic Acid
Tocopheryl Acetate

Potassium laureth phosphate?? DMDM hydantoin?? Methyl paraben?? I quickly rubbed my eyes and shook my head in disbelief. This list contained three key toxic ingredients that I have been advising both friends and family to avoid like the plague. DMDM hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing agent that has been known to cause allergic reactions such as skin dermatitis and even eye irritations. It gets worse...potassium laureth phosphate is made up of the well know carcinogens "ethylene oxide" and "dioxane" which studies have shown are also toxic to our waters and sea life. The last third ingredient "methyl paraben" has been known to cause severe skin reactions such as swelling, redness, extreme itching and is a known hormone disruptor!

Having quickly established that there was no way that I was going to place these wipes anywhere near my face, I dropped the package like a hot potato. I decided to move over to the baby toothpaste section - just out of curiosity. The various flavours sounded delicious though the bubble gum flavoured one still baffles me! From highly carcinogenic artificial sweeteners like "sodium saccharin" which is prepared from toluene and known to cause nausea, diarrhea, and eczema; to "PEG-12" an emulsifier known to be contaminated with lead and arsenic, my trip to the drugstore made me feel sick to my stomach.

I spent the next few days specifically looking for studies related to infants and hazardous chemicals. I even contemplated contacting Oprah!! I found two studies - a study performed on 30 newborns in the UK care of the World Wildlife Fund and another groundbreaking US study by the WHO (World Health Organization). Though the American study was performed on 20 less children than the UK, the results were astonishing. The American babies' umbilical cord detected over 287 pollutants and chemicals. Of these 287 pollutants, 217 are toxic to the nervous system and brain, 208 have been known to cause birth defects, and 180 cause cancer in both animals and humans!* The UK study also involved the analysis of blood from the umbilical cord and each sample was tested for 35 chemicals. The results clearly showed that all of the babies contained 5 of the 35 chemicals and some even contained a whopping 14 out of the 35!!!**

So what did I learn from this? I learned that our babies are born contaminated with toxins that are readily found in perfumes, cleaning fluids, non stick coatings, artificial musks present in cleaning products and cosmetics...the list goes on and on. Not only are our babies born with toxins but we use chemicals on them and then we encourage them as toddlers to learn the importance of oral care by allowing them to ingest toxins!
I encourage you to explore alternatives to your drugstore aisles for yourselves and most importantly - your little ones. I may sound like a broken record (yes, I was born in the record era) but I still stand by the selection of natural beauty and baby products available at your nearest health food store.

I also encourage you to ask questions and look for products that are completely free of toxins, allergens, perfumes, synthetics, and preservatives. Carry around a purse sized guide such as the "Dangerous Beauty: Cosmetics & Personal Care".*** Please also feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. We would love to hear from you!

Peace and great health,

Anna

* Body Burden - The Pollution in Newborns; Environmental Working Group report, WHO, 2002.

** A Present for Life: hazardous chemicals in cord blood; World Wildlife Fund UK.

*** To purchase the "Dangerous Beauty: Cosmetics & Personal Care", please visit http://www.beautywisdom.ca/

If you have any questions about natural beauty alternatives, email us at healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com

Delicious Raw Temptations - Basic Almond Milk

2009-04-01T13:25:00.002-04:00

You will be amazed how simple and delicious this recipe is. Nut milks are great on thier own, as the base for smoothies, raw soups and poured over raw granola.

This recipe has a sweet and nutty flavour. Give it a try... but no mooing permitted!:)

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds, soaked at least 2 hours (or over night)
4 cup of filtered water

Directions

Drain and rinse almonds. Place in a blender with water, and blend on high speed for 15 seconds.
Strain mixture through a fine mesh or strainer.
Store extra almond milk in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Optional: You can also add 1/4 cup of pitted dates, that have been soaked for at least 1 hour to add some sweetness. Or you can add agave nectar instead. Just place strained almond milk back into the blendar and give it a swirl.

Chocolate Almond Milk Option for Kids (or the kid in you)
After straining almond mixure add:1/4 cup of raw cacao powder**

1/4 of agave nectar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Blend with strained almond milk and enjoy. Yum!

** If you don't have raw cacao powder just use regular cacao powder try to purchase organic.

2009-02-14T19:43:00.001-05:00

By now you know that sprouting is a great way to optimize your nutrient intake. It activates the life force for the plant, which increases enzyme activity and makes nutrients more available.

Typically when it comes to eating raw one of the questions that I receive most is, "Where do you get your protein?" Well sprouts are one of the best foods for taking in protein. Sprouts are easy, inexpensive, fresh, delicious and packed with many vitamins and minerals with tons of protein and fatty acids.

There are many methods to sprouting, In last month's issue I listed the 10 Easy Steps To Sprout using soil. If you missed it check out our blog. This week I want to take you through an even easier method using a simple wide mouth mason jar. I invite you to click here to read on.

After reviewing Anna's article, much to my suprise I didn't even realize how many beauty labels and symbols are out there on the market. Wow! I'll be sure to be on the look out next time I'm browsing the beauty sections of Whole Foods and The Big Carrot. To learn more click here to read our Pure Beauty section for her insight.

Look out for our Sprouted Raw Hummus recipes in the Delicious Raw Temptations section.It is my pleasure to provide you with tips and tools to support you on your journey to radiant health.

Cheers to your health!

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator

Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY

2009-02-13T19:24:00.002-05:00

The Power of Sprouts ~ Part 3 of 3

The Jar Method: 5 Simple Steps to Nature's Nutritional Powerhouse!

What you need:

Organic Seeds, grains, or legumes, beans
A wide mouth mason jar 1 quart
Mesh top for the jar fixed with a rubber band or pre-fitted lid that has a screen and are made for wide mouth mason jars (can purchase at The Big Carrot)
Filtered Water (preferred)
Dish rack to hold jars at an angle to allow drainage

Step 1: Select and measure seeds, nuts grains or beans you want to sprout (about one cup). Rinse them well and add them to the jar. Nearly fill the jar with filtered water, cover with a mesh lid wrapped with a rubber band to hold it in place and leave the seeds to soak overnight (about 8 to 10 hours).

Step 2: The next day drain the water and rinse.

Step 3: Place the jar on a 45-degree angle in the dish rack so that the water can drain. Alternatively you can use a colander to drain and rinse instead.

Step 4: Repeat step two for about 2-7 days depending on what you are sprouting. Within a couple of days, seeds expand and tiny sprouts form. While the sprouts are growing keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid cooking them. Grains, legumes such as garbanzo beans (chick peas) and seeds will not form a green sprout. They are ready when a small tail about the size of the seed forms.

Step 5: To harvest simply remove from the jar, place in a colander, and gently rinse and drain well. Store harvested sprouts in the refrigerator in a glass container with a paper towel inside (optional). Be sure that they are drained well first. Depending on the sprouts, rinse daily to preserve freshness. Sprouts last up to a week if stored properly.

What to sprout & what not to sprout!
There are many great seeds to sprout and here are some of my favorites:
Seeds: Alfalfa, Sunflower, Radish, Fenugreek, Broccoli (all though delicious and packed with cancer fighting properties I have not mastered these ones yet, they have been a challenge to sprout)Legumes: Mung, Lentils and Garbanzo (easiest!)
Grains: Wheat, Spelt, Rye, Kamut (easy too!)

For a sprouting chart with times and various seeds, nuts grains, and legumes check out this website here.

What not to sprout!

Tomatoes seeds and kidney beans are toxic so please stay away.

Buckwheat greens should also not be eaten in large quantities (meaning the actual plant grown with soil). After visiting one of the top raw food centers in North America, the Hippocrates Institute in 2004, I was so gung-ho to keep my raw diet going that I was juicing these little greens twice a day and found that I was actually sensitive to high amounts of buckwheat greens.

I was feeling tingling sensations and my extremities were very sensitive to extreme temperatures (a very strange experience). When I called and spoke to the doctor at Hippocrates, he mentioned that some others were feeling the same way when they got home and continued with the program. Apparently it had to do with, too much niacin (a vitamin B) in my body. I guess too much of a good thing is not so good in this case.So there you have it, what to sprout and now what not to sprout!Enjoy it and let me know how it goes.

Stay tuned to next month's issue with... a word on nuts!

© 2008 Mary Luciano

Pure Beauty:Too Many Labels...Too Many Choices! (contributed by Anna Luciano)

2009-02-12T18:08:00.007-05:00

Do you peruse your local health food beauty section in a daze? Are you desperately trying to figure out whether selecting a "natural" product is better than a "100 vegan" product? Since when did beauty products come stamped with so many logos and symbols?

In the past few years there certainly has been quite a few changes to our labels. Approximately ten years ago I remember seeing my first recyclable symbol in the shape of a little triangle. By the time I figured out what the various numbers within the triangle meant I was bombarded with jumping rabbits, hearts, swirls, circles, and leaves. Enough to make any beauty goddess' head spin! After much research and many hazelnut lattes, here are some definitions that are sure to put some misconceptions to rest.

The USDA Organic was established by the U.S Department of Agriculture. In order for a product to be declared USDA Organic it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients that have been grown with sustainable and eco-friendly methods of agriculture such as crop rotations. These ingredients must also be produced without synthetic pesticides or common fertilizers. The other 5% may include synthetic ingredients that have also been approved by the USDA. This certification guarantees the following; no ingredients have been harvested from endangered trees or plants, no parabens, no petroleum products, no GMOs (genetically modified organisms), no synthetic fragrances and colour, no paraffin, and most importantly - no nanotechnologies. How is this guaranteed? Government inspectors analyze processing and farming methods, preservatives, and seed stock to ensure products are organic. Fines of just over $10,000 are given to any company not adhering to these standards. For further information please see www.usda.gov

Now what about that famous leaping bunny? Well though he is quite cute, there is nothing really cute about the products that he happily is associated with. This just means that a product has been manufactured without animal testing. This also means that the product may contain dyes, unnatural preservatives, and other synthetic materials. For more information please review www.leapingbunny.org

A quite common logo to grace our beauty products is the Ecocert Organic Label. What does this mean to beauty goddesses? Basically that there are only 10% certified organic ingredients and a minimum of 95% so called "natural" ingredients in these formulations. These products also may contain synthetics from naturally derived preservatives that have been deemed safe. These products like the USDA are inspected by government officials but not nearly as vigorous as the former. The upside is that there are also no synthetic fragrances or colours, no GMOs, no petroleum ,and no parabens. Please see www.ecocert.com/ for further juicy details.

A logo that you are sure to see while walking through the body care section of Whole Foods is Whole Foods Premium Body Care. This was established by Whole Foods and has absolutely no government overview. The products claim to have no synthetic fragrances, glycols, laureth sulfates, parabens, or sodium lauryl. This also symbolizes that there is no animal testing, or polyethylene. Please note that there is no strict adherence to the percentage of organic ingredients or naturally derived ingredients. For further information see www.wholefoodsmarket.com

A romantic looking logo is symbolized by 100% Vegan. With 100% Vegan there is absolutely no government inspectors involved either during or after manufacturing stages. There is also a lack of consensus on the definition of this symbol and when it is used. Some formulas include honey, parabens, milk, and even eggs from free range hens. Not romantic at all! For more information, please feel free to review www.vegan.org

The Australian Certified Organic symbol is another that has been steadily making its way into North American health food beauty departments. It is slightly similar to the USDA Organic compliance in that it must be at least 95% organically produced but with the exception that salt and water is excluded. There are still absolutely no synthetic chemicals and fragrances and no GMOs. This is definitely one to look out for since the majority of the time a formulation containing the ACO is also USDA recognized.

Please see their super informative site at http://www.australianorganic.com.au/index.asp?Sec_ID=10

Whew...there sure is a slew out there! I have not even touched upon the German based BDIH or Demeter International. I would love to hear of any other certifications out there that you are seeing so please feel free to drop me a line...I'll be waiting with my hazelnut latte in hand!Please join me next month when I discuss the shocking news on how our babies are born with toxins.

Peace and great health,

Anna

For some further information on toxic ingredients, please see http://www.beautywisdom.caIf you have any questions about natural beauty alternatives, email us at healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com

Delicious Raw Temptations

2009-02-11T20:34:00.000-05:00

Sprouted Raw Hummus

Give this one a try. One of my favorite recipes from the Hippocrates Health Institute, from Chef Kelly.

3 cups of Sprouted Garbanzo Bean1 Clove of garlic1 1/2-2 T Ground Cumin1 T Ground Coriander2 T Virgin Olive Oil2 T Raw Sesame (Tahini)1 T Braggs Aminos1 T Kelp Powder (optional)Water, if needed to help process Directions:
In a blender or food processor, combine all ingredients.
While blending stop and occasionally to stir ingredients.
Season to taste.
Serve with raw dehyr.ated crackers or veggies

"Eternal Beauty does not come from a fountain, but from a blender." - Live Cafe

2009-01-01T20:29:00.000-05:00

A Fresh Start!

Every New Year presents us with new opportunities and hope. For me January is always a special time of the year for self-reflection. It is a time to look ahead at the coming year. It is also a time when we sit down and ask ourselves some formative questions: How have we progressed toward reaching our personal and professional goals and what new things do we want to achieve in the coming year?

Now that we are heading towards the end of January did you get a chance to look at whether you are getting the most out of your life? Are you feeling healthy, happy, and full of enthusiasm for the year ahead? Or are you already stopping yourself from doing those things that make you happy and that make you feel alive? Have you looked at what is standing in your way to having a life full of peace, joy and radiance? In this January newsletter we'll look at some of the things that stand our way.

One way we can greet this historic New Year with renewed energy and increased vitality is by introducing more sprouts into our diet. In the last newsletter I wrote about the Power of Sprouts. In this ezine I want to show you how simple it is to grow your own sprouts at home and have these nutrient packed greens at your disposal any time.

Lastly, I am thrilled to introduce our natural organic beauty expert Anna. Anna will be bringing natural beauty tips and tricks for softer, younger looking skin! Anna has over 10 years experience in the cosmetic industry and has always been interested in natural therapies and non-invasive treatments and skin care. So much so that she is now studying to become a Natural Spa Therapist so that she can learn to make her own skin care and spa products. Look out for her recipes and pampering tools in our upcoming newsletters and be sure to send her your beauty questions.

But for now read our Pure Beauty section for her insight.

It is my pleasure to provide you with tips and tools to support you on your journey to radiant health and a fresh start for 2009!

Cheers to your health!

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

Do You Act from Pure Passion or Pure Obligation?

2009-01-01T20:20:00.003-05:00

We often have dreams and desires that we want to achieve. But find ourselves not creating the life we want because we feel obligated to a family member whether it's a parent, spouse or your children. We have always been told, "you must follow your dreams".But do our dreams come with conditions, consequences and what if's? How many times did you want to follow your desires but stopped yourself and said "oh no I can't do that, I need to take Mickey to piano first." How many people do you know who have children and live vicariously through their children as if that's supposed to make us feel better about accomplish our own dreams.

Or do you feel obligated to care for your elderly parents and think well I'll do this and that when they pass on, only to find out that your dreams have passed on and so has your life. You lost your zest, and now you no longer have the energy to pursue your life's purpose. At that point you throw it away and convince yourself that it just wasn't meant to be.

Then there are days that you probably thought to yourself, "Where do I find the time to devote myself to my dreams. Or my dreams are so big how can I make them happen?" This is because between work and family obligations you have no more time to spend on yourself".

I am here to remind you that your first obligation is to you and only you. It is your obligation to create the life that you deserve to have. Don't ask yourself do I really deserve all that? Why would you not deserve to be happy, healthy and joyous? How can you love, care and help others around you if you are not obligated to yourself. If you are not truly doing the things that make you happy and excited and bring you joy then what are you spending your time doing? If you are feeling that you have to do something rather than wanting to do something then you're not coming from pure love, but pure obligation.

You may be walking around throughout life feeling empty, hollow, or a feeling of void. In the long run you may start to develop feelings of resentment towards your spouse, children and family members. I love the way Elizabeth Gilbert puts it, in her book Eat, Pray, Love. "As smoking is to the lungs, so is resentment to the soul". Resentment my friend will burn right through you.

Here are some of the lessons that I have learned:

If you force yourself to do a list of 'shoulds' you are not listening to the deeper part of your being.
'Shoulds' do not create abundance and do not come from your higher self.
Give yourself permission to do what you want to do with your life. Don't wait for someone else to give you permission.
If you keep telling yourself you can't have what you want, you won't have it. Tell yourself why you can have what you want.
Intend to have something and you will.

You don't have to throw away all your dreams. To make things happen, slowly integrate your dreams and passions into your life. Some how make it happen. Talk to those you care about. Tell them about your dreams and aspirations and that you want to take small steps towards making them happen and ask if they are willing to support you along the way. Read about others who have met life with adversities and read about how they have overcome them. Find out what keeps you inspired to achieve your dreams and keep doing it.

The following are five ways to help you act from pure passion and create the life you really want.

Know what you want.
Ask for what you want with love and intention.
Believe that what you want is possible to have. Then let it go.
Detach yourself and surrender to whatever comes and give gratitude for what you have here and now.
Accept that maybe it wasn't meant to be if it doesn't come.

So ask yourself during the day is this what I feel like doing? Is this the lightest most joyful activity for me or am I making myself do it because I think I have to? Learn to stop doing the small things that you don't enjoy right now. Set aside your 'shoulds' and ask yourself what would you like to do? Take the time to nurture yourself, tell yourself that you are worthy and deserving of your dreams. Your dreams are there for a reason. Decide that you are going to take action towards your dreams. Learn to relax, focus, visualize and use your imagination and do what brings you most joy.

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY

2009-01-01T19:13:00.000-05:00

The Power of Sprouts ~ Part 2: 10 Easy Steps to Growing your own Sprouts!

In the last newsletter I mentioned that sprouts happen to be one of the most nutrient packed foods, most economical, easy to digest, full of oxygen and enzymes and easiest to grow without pesticides or chemicals and when sprouted and eaten, they provide the body with a form of living energy. I also mentioned that when you eat a sprout you are eating a tiny, easy-to-digest plant that is at its peak nutritional value.

In this ezine I have tried my best to simplify this procedure in 10 easy steps. I am using sunflower sprouts as an example since I find that they are my favorite tasting sprouts, and most versatile. You can throw them in a blender or toss them in your salad. If you have a high end juicer you can even juice them.

Keep in mind that these steps also apply to other types of sprouts as well. So here goes.

Step #1: Measure out about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of black sunflower seeds. Place them in a bowl and cover completely with pure filtered water and some Ocean-Grown water (more on this later). Let them stand for 6-8 hours or overnight. You can purchase seeds at most health food stores or you can by them directly from this website http://www.sprouting.com/

Step #2: The next day or after 6-8 hourse drain the water and rinse the seeds.

Step #3: Place soil in a tray that is about 10"(w) by 20" long and about 1" to 2" in depth Make sure you use soil that does not include any animal by products. The one I use is Premier Pro-Mix Potting soil. That usually does the trick. Put enough soil to cover the tray and leave about 1/2 inch of space from the top.

Step # 4: Take your rinsed seeds and spread them across the soil. Cover as much soil as you can by spreading them from one end of the tray to the other with your hands.

Step # 5: Now you are ready to water your seeds. I usually take a 5 gallon water container and add to it the following: 200 ml of Ocean Water (this nutrients is for the soil)1/2 tsp of Citro Bio (http://www.citrobio.com/)2 oz of 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide (stops from growing mold)This is my water mixture that I water my sprouts for the remainder of the weeks. Make sure not to over water your sprouts I use a little garden watering container with a long spout so that I can control the amount of water and so that the water releases slowly and evenly.

Ocean Grown is optional but I highly recommend it. My sprouts have looked and taste amazing since I have used it. For more information go to http://www.ocean-grown.com/

Step #6: Cover your sprouts with another tray if possible. It is important to keep them in darkness for the next 3 days to 4 days. You can also cover then with a blanket as seen below. No light should be be able to come through.

Step # 7: Cover with blanket

Step# 8: Once seeds have grown about 1/2" it is time let them stand on their own to grow.

Step # 9: I have set up an area where my sprouts grow. I purchased a plastic shelf unit that's about 4 1/2 feet long. You may not be able to see from the photo but there are also 2 long fluorescent lights that are hanging from the side of the shelf to give the sprouts some light to grow. This too is optional however I found that my sprouts have become much greener since adding these lights. Alternatively, you can use full-spectrum lights which I prefer over the fluorescent ones.If you want and you have window space you can also place your sprouts near a window however be cautious if it is too cold they may not enjoy being in that spot.

Step # 10: Continue to water your seeds with the water mixture once a day for the next 10 to 15 days. It takes about that long for the sprouts to grow fully. With the sunflower sprouts I also take the shell of the seeds off as they grow so that they can be exposed to the light and turn their green color.

Once they are full grown you can take either a long serrated knife and cut them at as close to the roots as possible and place them in zip lock bags in the fridge, ready to eat when you are.

I hope this helps a little and I hope that you get the opportunity to try growing sprouts yourself. It is worth it in the end. If can care for a plant you can care for sprouts the same way.Stay tuned next week for Part 3: Sprouting using the jar method (even easier).

Pure Beauty: Do you know what your skin is eating?

2009-01-01T18:59:00.000-05:00

It sounds like a somewhat obscene question, right? Have you ever stopped to think about this? I began to ask myself this question about 5 years ago. After spending over 10 years in the cosmetics industry selling serums that "rejuvenate and fight aging", facial moisturizers that "release antioxidants that defuse free radical activity", and even one product that I secretly called the "booty cream". This one was supposed to attack cellulite in 30 days and make my back side look like it belonged to an 18 year old! Well of course, I was not only selling lies but exposing myself to thousands and thousands of chemicals on a daily basis.

Most commonly used personal care product contains about 9 harmful chemicals. Now let's take a look at the average person's daily routine.

Does your morning look something like this?

Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hair spray, facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, antiperspirant, toothpaste, body lotion, perfume, lipstick, etc...?

WOW! So far, we are looking at 99 harmful chemicals and I have not even gotten to my after lunch session with my toothbrush and my ritualistic hand cream application; which by the way, I keep telling myself is necessary 4 times a day to avoid paper cuts!

So we try and compromise by looking for personal products that are "natural" or so called "organic". Many of the "natural" or "organic" ingredients found in these products are derived from a natural state but are synthesized using a chemical process. For example, a popular ingredient that I have seen over and over in so many of these products is cocomidopropyl betaine.

As a matter fact, it is the main foaming agent in an extremely well known line of shampoos that claim to be plant and botanically based and derived from organic ingredients. This shampoo line clearly states that the cocomidopropyl betaine is derived from organic coconut. Yes, the coconut used is most likely from an organic source, but the process that makes the cocomidopropyl betaine is far from safe and most removed from the original edible state. The actual process involves petrochemicals leaving the end ingredient completely inedible.

What does this mean to you? Well, cocomidopropyl betaine has been proven to cause contact dermatitis leaving one with a most unattractive red and extremely itchy rash. It can also cause other forms of allergic reactions (even respiratory effects), and need I say it - itchy eye lids. Boy was I shocked to be recently strolling down the aisles of my local drugstore to see this same ingredient listed many times in various baby products! Everything from toddler's toothpaste to baby wash. Something tells me that there are virtually no babies out there smelling like a piña colada!!!

So what should you be looking for when shopping at your nearest health food store? Learn to read your labels and be an informed shopper. Know the difference between fact and hype. Ask questions. Many health food stores now hire trained staff that are knowledgeable at understanding ingredient lists. Always keep in mind that if you cannot read the label, maybe you should not be buying it! I can positively say that the majority of sales people that I trained in my ten year career could certainly not pronounce more than half of the ingredients that our products were boasting about. We were just selling a dream...a dream that never came to fruition.

Lastly and most importantly, look for labels that clearly state that an independent third party has granted a product permission to be Certified Organic.

Please look out for next month's ezine where I will fully explain all the various third party organizations out there! Yes, there is more than one and with a little homework you too will be a super savvy shopper.

By the way, the "booty cream" left me and countless of my customers with a super itchy behind!

Peace and great health,

Anna
For some further information on toxic ingredients, please see http://www.beautywisdom.ca/

If you have any questions about natural beauty alternatives, email us at healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com

Delicious Raw Temptations

2009-01-01T18:15:00.013-05:00

Flu Be Gone Pometini!

As much as I am not a person who enjoys the cold winter months, I do admit that I enjoy most of the fruits and vegetables that we can find around this time of the year. My favorite lately have been pomegranates. With all the wonderful news on the antioxidants that they provide it is wonderful that they taste so good. Well I stumbled onto this recipe and decided to give it a try.

Oh boy... Delicious!
With the combination of added oranges it's packed with Vitamin C and Antioxidants.

Pomegranate Orange Drink
1 Pomegranate
2 Oranges

Directions:
Cut pomegranate in four. Remove pomegranate seeds by hand and place in a bowl. You might want to do this in the sink with a large bowl so that you don't make such a mess.
Add pomegranate seeds along with the juice of two oranges (if you have a juicer) if you do not have a juicer, just add it the oranges in the blender with the pomegranate seeds and blend well. You can add a bit of water if you need to get the blender going.
Pour juice through a fine sieve or squeeze through a nut milk bag to capture any seed particles from the pomegranate.
Place in a wine or martini glass and enjoy a virgin orange Pometini.

"Eternal Beauty does not come from a fountain, but from a blender." - Live Cafe

November News!

2008-11-01T21:56:00.004-04:00

It has been a while since I have sent out a newsletter I am sorry for the delay my human-ness got me. Things have been very busy on my end these last few months, with the start of a new year in September with new students, courses, workshops and conferences and training for another fitness event all attempting to happen in the last three months. However, after checking in with myself I felt that something had to go so I made a decision that the fitness event at this time was not such a good idea as it takes much commitment and time. Oh well there is always next year.

Having said that I just completed a course on The Science of Raw Food Nutrition with Dr. Dina from the Living Light Culinary Arts Center, the world's premiere organic raw vegan chef school in California. It's an honor to have them here in Toronto this month since they come from quite a distance.

There was lots of great and exciting information shared from Dr. Dina and great questions from the students all of which I will be sharing with you in the upcoming newsletters. It was also very exciting being in a room where walking around with mason jars full of green smoothies or juices are the norm and people are commenting on how good they looks like rather than how yucky it looks while trying to convince people that it actually tastes better than it looks. Really it does!

This month's featured article is about little guys that are packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids and are a great source of protein. Can you guess what they are?... The Power of Sprouts!

Had enough of the squeezing and touching when getting a mammogram? There is an alternative. Check out my article on Beauty and the Breast, exploring the difference between Mammography and Thermography.

This week's recipe, The Simple Salad, although simple, by adding sprouts and a few nuts and seeds it becomes a complete meal packed with nutrients.

Today I am grateful for all the wonderful people and information that I learned over the past couple of months. What are you grateful for?

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano

Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY: The Power of Sprouts ~ Part 1

2008-11-01T21:44:00.004-04:00

To add to the busyness this summer I decided that I wanted to really learn how to grow my own indoor sprouts with soil. Having come from a family that has always grown their own fruits and vegetables it's a shame that I don't even know how to cultivate a plant without it dying soon after because of lack of proper care.

But why sprouts? Sprouts happen to be one of the most nutrient packed foods, economical, easy to digest, full of oxygen and enzymes and grown with no pesticides or chemicals. When they are sprouted and eaten, they provide the body with a form of living energy. When you eat a sprout you are eating a tiny, easy-to-digest plant that is at its peak nutritional value. The seed releases all its stored nutrients to become a plant and you get the best of what it has to offer.

As the sprouting process continues, carbohydrates are transformed by the enzymes into simple sugars, complex proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids, all of which are easily digestible. All the vitamins necessary for health are supplied to you when you eat plenty of sprouts and living foods. Right up to the moment you eat a little wee sprout it is growing and increasing in nutritional value. The nutrients remain intact until you begin chewing them.

Let's explore some the different sprouts and their benefits in more detail. We can go on with the benefits but here are some highlights.

Alfalfa Sprouts: Blood builder, decreases blood cholesterol, helps with arthritis, diabetes and ulcers, may reduce breast cancer Broccoli Sprouts: Anti-cancer more so than the actual vegetable Buckwheat Sprouts: rids body of cholesterol, therefore aids in decreasing chances of heart attacks or strokes, aids in circulation Mung Bean Sprouts: packed with protein, hair and nail builders, loads of fiber, regulates blood sugar Pea Shoots Sprouts: Kidney and muscle builder, cancer prevention Sunflower Sprouts: rich in protein and trace minerals and is one of my favorite sprouts Wheatgrass: There are too many to name but here are a few - liver detoxifier, fights and neutralizes tumors, stimulates thyroid, corrects obesity, lowers blood pressureSprouts can be grown in-doors, in any climate or weather, and they mature in a few days. More on How to Grow Your Own Sprouts in the next issue. Stay tuned!

PURE BEAUTY: Beauty and the Breast! Mammography or Thermography?

2008-11-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

We have become a society that has become obsessed with breasts. Movies, television, magazines and newspapers are full of images of partially clothed and fully exposed female breasts.

Perhaps you don't realize it but women are as obsessed as men about their breast. We compare ourselves with other women based on the size of our breasts. Given the amount of advertising and clinics that specialize on breast augmentation proves that. We dress them up with millions of choices of bra models, colors, materials, and brands. Not to mention nipple rings. Ouch! And of course there those of us who like to tease men's imagination by showing a bit of cleavage; I don't think anyone wishes to be referred to as just a pair of boobs. But unfortunately a lot of women's sexual identity is found in their breasts.

But I am not here to discuss our breast obsession. But rather, to be open to alternative ways we can prevent women from undergoing unnecessary and potentially devastating treatments for suspected breast cancer. How can women be able to detect tumors sooner rather than later?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a test that could offer women early detection of breast cancer without the dread and discomfort associated with mammograms?

While at the Hippocrates Health Institute in 2004, I remember meeting many women from around the world that came to Hippocrates to get alternative treatment for breast cancer. Some were simple cases and some worse than others. At the time Hippocrates was in the process of researching a new medical technique used to assess breast health. There was lots of buzz about this while I was there but I had no idea what it was all about. Shortly after Brian Clement visited Toronto on one of his lecture tours and I remember a woman asking if they had gotten their thermography machines. Ah! That's what the buzz was about. I just thought there was more breast obsession going on.

However, since then my interest peaked so I started to do some research to find out more about about thermography. In short this is what I found:

Thermography is a medical technique used as a first line screening procedure to assess breast health. Breast tissue abnormalities are detected with a highly advanced infrared camera. It is a sensitive non-invasive method of effectively screening for early functional changes of breast tissue. By the time you feel a lump in the breast, it may be already past the first stage, and that affects your chances of survival. Fortunately, breast thermography has the ability to warn women up to 10 years in advance, which is way ahead of what mammography can do.

In addition, to the oohs and ouches of mammograms from all the squeezing/compression of the breast tissue we should also be concerned with the radiation that we are being exposed to from mammograms. Also mammograms do not decked fast growing tumors in the pre-invasive stage. When they do detect them at that point it might be too late. They have also proven that they are not always accurate.

Conversely, besides early detection, thermography locates the exact problem areas allowing for more precise focus should it be necessary to take the next step be it mammogram or ultrasound. There is no harmful radiation emitted and therefore can be repeated as many times as necessary. And best of all no squeezing, pressure, or touching by equipment or strangers.

However, it is important to note that thermography is not necessarily a replacement for mammography but can be used as a complement to it.

As much as our society has become obsessed with breasts we should be no less obsessed with eradicating the disease that afflicts them. Be it through natural nutrition or alternative screening techniques.

For more information on thermography check out Dr. Mostovoy's websites at http://www.drmostovoy.com/.

DELICIOUS RAW TEMPTATIONS RECIPE: The Simple Salad

2008-11-01T21:12:00.005-04:00

So what can we do to have a more vital and vibrant life? Eat more Sprouts!
One of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in the city is Fresh, I am so amazed at how beautiful and hearty their salads are. So when I am at home I like to try to make my own version of their salads. By adding nuts, seeds and sprouts it's more of a meal than a side dish and is very satisfying.
The Simple Salad

3 cups of mixed greens (or as much as you want)

1 cup baby spinach1 carrot peeled and grated

1 small beet grated2 tbs chopped parsley

1 cup cucumber*Tons of sprouts sky's the limit (pea shoots, sunflower and alfalfa)

2 tbs or 1/4 cup nuts and or seeds (pecans, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds or hemp seeds)**

My Favorite Hippocrates Dressing (Healthful Cuisine, Anne Maria Clement, Chef Kelly Serbonich)

1 cup of high quality oil (extra Virgin Olive, Flax, or Hemp oil)

2 1/4 tbs fresh lemon juice

2 1/2 tbs of either Bragg's Liquid Aminos or Nama Shoyu

2 cloves of garlic2 tsp ground mustard seed (or powder)

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

In a blender add all ingredients and add a tablespoon of pure water while blending to ensure the emulsion.

Directions:

Toss lettuce and baby spinach with dressing and place in a large bowl Add the cucumber at the edge of your bowl around the lettuce On top of the lettuce, in the center put some grated beets and carrots, on top of that add your alfalfa sprouts. then top alfalfa sprouts with your choice of nuts and seeds then add the parsley Garnish with my favorite sunflower sprouts and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of dressing*Other vegetables to add are red pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, avocado (actually a fruit)** I usually rotate my nuts daily or perhaps mix a couple together depending on how I feel that day.

"Eternal Beauty does not come from a fountain, but from a blender." - Live Cafe

AUGUST NEWS!

2008-08-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

I am glad that I can offer these useful tips, tools and guidance on creating a healthy and fulfilling life. I am also grateful that you are a member of the Heathy Living Education Center newsletter, and I thought it may be time to share a little bit more about one of my passions with you.

Since incorporating more raw and living foods into my diet I decided to start increasing the intensity of my workouts. This lead me to entering a fitness competition, which is something I have thought about doing for a long time. Check out some of the pictures below!

One of the big lessons I am learning in life and that I encourage you to consider is to surround yourself with greatness. Below, you will find out about some of the amazing people who I have surrounded myself with, many of whom are doing fantastic work in their own specialties. I am grateful for each on of them and would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks as they helped to make my dream come true.
True happiness, harmony and fulfillment in every area of your life is your birthright. I hope this issue inspires you take action and make your dreams a reality.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

DELICIOUS RAW TEMPTATIONS RECIPE: Oatmeal Protein Cookies

2008-08-01T17:51:00.001-04:00

The toughest part of my journey was trying to find a raw substitution for some things. But with a little bit of persistence anything is possible.

The following recipe was inspired by both Andre Rzazewski and Maggie Diubaldo but I'm still unsure who the original creator of this recipe is, but I do have my suspicions. Instead of using a frying pan I decided to use a dehydrator not a bad idea. I also added a banana because I just love them. Pretty tasty!

Oatmeal Protein Cookies

1/4 cup organic oats (flakes)

1 table spoon natural crunchy peanut butter or raw almond butter

1 scoop of hemp protein or rice protein (vanilla or chocolate)

1 banana1 tsp (or more) Cinnamon 1 tsp - 1 tbls of Agave or 1/8 tsp of Stevia (optional)

pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)

Just enough water to make a paste

Directions: Place all ingredients in a food processor (or blender). Process and add water a bit at a time until you get a cookie dough like consistency. Remove and roll into a ball and flatten on a dehydrator sheet. Place in the dehydrator over night at 118 degrees. You may have to flip them over if the bottom of the cookies are still moist and dehydrate for a bit longer. Alternatively if you do not have a dehydrator use a non-stick pan with a bit of coconut butter (oil) until desired consistency is reached.

"Eternal beauty does not come from a fountain, it comes from a blender." -Live cafe

APRIL NEWS!

2008-04-01T19:05:00.001-04:00

Although spring officially started March 21, it doesn't really feel like spring until April or May.

Ah, spring, the very word conjures up images of rebirth, rapidly lengthening days, emerging blossoms and greenery, and the smell of freshness.

So it's spring and your thinking about maybe doing some spring cleaning. Are your thinking about cleaning your house or washing your car? Maybe your thinking of getting rid of that dirt and grime that has accumulated over the winter months? Are you overwhelmed and don't know where to start?. Well, what about the kitchen for starters? Some of the things that may be hindering your health, are right in your own kitchen.

However, housecleaning isn't just in the kitchen. What about giving yourself a good spring cleaning too, not only externally but internally. Read about ways you can cleanse and detoxify your body for spring.

This issue takes you through two great places to start spring cleaning yourself to health. Enjoy the season, sing and dance, laugh and love. It's Spring!

With that said, read on and enjoy.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

CLEARING KITCHEN CHAOS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU!

2008-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to improve your health? Get on a healthier eating plan? Have you committed to eating clean? Are there still temptations around you, keeping you from reaching your ideal weight? Are you wondering why you are not attaining your health goals?

Some of the things that may hinder your progress are right in your own kitchen. When was the last time you looked at your kitchen and gave it a real health inspection? Are all the foods in your fridge, pantry or freezer serving to keep your waste line slim and trim or not?

Take a good look at your kitchen, what does it look like? Is your kitchen free of all the foods and drinks that you don't want to eat? Are all your kitchen cupboards neat and tidy and organized? Are your counters free of clutter?

If you're like most of us, our kitchen is usually where all the action happens. It may even be safe to assume that for some of us the kitchen is where we spend most of our time, cooking and preparing meals for our family members, friends and ourselves. If that's where most of your time is spent, wouldn't you want it to be beautiful and inspiring? As with most things in our life; our car, our home, our office, the kitchen too can speak volumes about our relationship with ourselves. The way it is organized and what it contains is a direct reflection of the way we are taking care of our health.

Take a moment and scan your kitchen, where does it need work? Is it the counters that are full of knick-knacks? How many gadgets do you have that you don't use or have never used? Do you still have small appliances in boxes somewhere that you got as a gift and never even used? Is it the pantry that is full of food temptations that you just can't seem to give up? Are there foods that have been sitting in your fridge turning all sorts of shades of green? Or do you just have too many dishes, cups, coffee mugs and utensils that no longer match?

Whatever it is, commit one day this month to spending time throwing out food items that no longer serve your health goals. Declutter your cupboards and drawers and remove anything that no longer serves you or that you have not used for a while. Be realistic, if you are the only one that drinks coffee then why have collections of coffee mugs you never use? Give them up and donate them to a local charity.

Here are some ways to help you get your kitchen back to health and keep you inspired to achieve and reach your personal health goals.

Be your own health inspector. Go through your pantry, fridge, freezer and cupboards, and remove all foods that remind you of your previous dietary lifestyle and no longer support your current health goals.
Read labels. If food contains any refined sugars, Trans fats (better know as hydrogenated oils), food additives and preservatives such as MSG, coloring agents, throw them away.
Look at the expiry date. If it's past its date get rid of it.
Replace your previous food items with healthier items such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, legumes and whole grains. Place these items in separate, wide mouth mason jars, label and make sure to date them and keep them in either your fridge, freezer or pantry.
Organize your kitchen so that like items are with like items. Put similar items in the same place for example; Whole grains Nuts/seeds, Cereals, Condiments, Oils, Whole grain flour and baking goods, Supplements, Spices.
Clean and organize your kitchen drawers and cupboards and give away items that you no longer or have never used.
Organize your daily kitchen equipment, in a more functional location so that they are easy and quick to access.
Keep only your daily used, small appliances on the counter, for example your blender for smoothies. Your counter space should be as clear and clean as possible.
Divide drawers in the following manner; utensils, cooking utensils, baking utensils, and knives (knives can also be hung on a wall for easy access) and miscellaneous tools. All tupperware, bowls, pots and pans should have their own separate cupboards so that you know exactly where they are.
Store natural kitchen cleaners under the sink ready to be used when in need. Natural only Please!!

How much you choose to do, is up to you. The idea is to just get started. You can choose to do this in one day or choose to do one thing each day. There is no right or wrong.

Creating a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere in your kitchen is key to maintaining your health goals. Here are some tips to keep you motivated to stay on track.

Create an attractive display of fruits and vegetables in baskets and place them on your counter or your kitchen table.
Buy fresh flowers, plants or something else that is beautiful and inspiring.
Buy or make magnets with inspiring quotes and place them on your fridge.

Organizing your kitchen, keeping it simple, clean and inviting, not only makes us feel better about ourselves, and keep us motivated to take care of our health; but by removing and decluttering items in our kitchen, it also helps us let go of things from our past so that we can make room for new and better opportunities to enter our life.

© 2008 Mary Luciano

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY: 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Detoxify your Body!

2008-04-01T18:59:00.000-04:00

Toxins are everywhere and they are a much greater concern now than ever before. We eat and drink them, we breath them and we wear them on our body. From toxins in our food, to external toxins from our environment, it is hard to believe how we are still surviving.

Toxins undermine our health if our body is overloaded with them and we can acquire a number of symptoms. These include: headaches, fatigue, constipation, overweight, poor digestion,emotional, irritability, addictions, the list goes on...

On the flip side, when your body is purified you have an improved immune system, mental alertness, pure emotions, energetic, full of vitality, balanced bodily rhythms and much much more...
Although cleansing can be done any time of the year, the best time is during the spring. This is because of the natural cycle of cleansing and re-growth that we see in nature at this time, which is in harmony with human cycles.

Did you know the body is so wise, that it does has a system in place to detoxify harmful toxins. The body generally heals:

From the inside out. For example, a digestion issue will balance out before a skin issue
From top down. For example, a sinus issue will heal before arthritis in the knee.
From most recent to distant symptoms. For example, an illness that you had 3 years ago may heal before one that you have had for 15 years.
From the most important organs, to the less important ones. For example, the liver will heal before the spleen.

Ways you can help our your body detoxify!

Eat a healthier Diet: Just by eliminating the processed foods, sugars, saturated fats, alcohol, dairy and animal protein, you are helping with the cleansing process. Instead eat organic, fresh fruit and vegetables (seasonal preferred), Legumes, non-gluten grains, Nuts and seed, Cold pressed oils and natural sweeteners like stevia or agave.

Eat more raw and living foods: Only eat Organic fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh pressed juices, moderate nuts (excluding peanuts), sprouts and sprouted grains.

Blended Foods, smoothies and soups: Allow yourself blended foods more often or incorporate into a detoxification diet or living foods diet. Make various fruit or green based smoothies or vegetable based blended soups using nuts and seeds, fruit juices, whole fruits or berries.

Drink plenty of water: Water flushes toxins and waste from our body and transports nutrients. Try drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water a day and if your active and exercising then drink 3 to 4 litres a day. Try drinking 8 ounces of water with 1 lemon freshly squeezed and 1/2 teaspoon (maximum) of cayenne pepper upon waking, to open the circulatory system and alkalinize bodily fluids thus increasing the rate of detoxification.

Water Fast: This is an option, however, a water fast must be highly researched or better yet, find a healing center that offers a supervised water fasts program.

Juice Feast: Fast one day per week every week while consuming freshly squeezed green drinks and vegetables, distilled water, and herbal teas. These fasting days will facilitate the elimination of long term toxins from your body before they cause any serious damage.

Master Cleanse: I have not actually tried this cleanse before, however, I have heard lots of great testimonials. Just google "master cleanse" and you will find lots of great information.

Hot Baths and Far Infrared Saunas: Hot water increases blood flow and capillary action near the surface of the skin, causing faster release of toxins. The heat also increases sweating and opens up pores. Far infrared sauna is also a great way to remove toxins from the body that build in our fat cells and predispose people to sickness including cancer.

Dry brushing: Dry skin brush for 3 to 5 minutes daily before taking a shower bath to help remove dead skin and stimulate the lymphatic system.

Exercise: Exercise and elimination have more in common than the letter "E". When you exercise you are giving your body a thorough housecleaning.

Incorporating some or all of these will help you release toxic wastes that have accumulated in the body for years. Take your time, be kind and patient with yourself.

PURE BEAUTY : ILLUMINATE YOUR BATH!

2008-04-01T18:58:00.000-04:00

Toxic Free Candles

"To burn a beeswax candle is to enter into the wisdom world of the bee, and you enter, too, into a world of benefits from the bee". ~Annie B. Bond, author of Home Enlightenment.

Do you love taking baths? Maybe on a Sunday night you might take a long bubble bath. You make sure your bathroom is clean and warm. You collect together some nice fluffy towels, something to wear when you get out of the bath, and arrange some candles in the bathroom for a soft relaxing light. Taking your time to relax in the bath is a great way to reduce stress and make you feel good about yourself. But it's not so great if you are using toxic candles. You may be reducing stress one way but adding more stress to your health in other ways you are not aware of.
Candles are warming and romantic. They relax, comfort and inspire us and burning them invokes different emotional responses for everyone who delights in them. Yet do we ever think about what it really is that we are burning or inhaling? Well, surely, I didn't think about it until I bumped into a friend at the Total Health show.

Master Candlemaker, Alexandros Pasidis, from Healthy Choice Candles (www.healthychoicecandles.com) informed me of the toxicity of regular candles. In short, I discovered that candles are mass produced, made out of paraffin, are bleached and processed, chemically scented, contain lead wicks, release carbons and other toxic fumes and causes 'paraffimonia' (a condition arising from exposure to paraffin based products). Well, that was a lot to take in, in just 5 minutes.
What's the alternative? Natural beeswax candles are a healthy alternative to regular candles. Beeswax is a by-product of honey and is made from the 'caps' of the honeycomb. Unlike paraffin, they are from a sustainable source originating from flowers, fueled by the sun and processed by bees and they last up to three times longer than paraffin.

There are many benefits to using natural beeswax candles over conventional candles; they burn cleanly, don't drip when properly used and give off negative ions that help concentration and clear the air. In addition, to purifying the air in your home, cleansing it of odors, pollen, mildew and other environmental toxins they are also non-allergenic and can help soothe the symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergy sufferers.

After receiving some complimentary candles from Master Candlemaker, Alexandros Pasidis, I decided to give them a try. They are warm to the touch; sweet smelling, burn longer than regular candles and they give off a lovely golden bright light. I feel more at ease to know that I am contributing in a positive way not only to my own health, by not breathing in toxic fumes from paraffin wax but to the environment as well. The secrets of healing, longevity, and spiritual powers of bee products, including honey, wax, and pollen have always been connected to mother earth's wisdom. So next time you treat yourself to a beauty bath use beeswax candles and notice how it puts you in a special mood of reverence.

For further information on the benefits of beeswax candles or where to purchase Healthy Choice candles click on the following link www.healthychoicecandles.com.

DELICIOUS RAW TEMPTATIONS RECIPE: Basic Green Juice

2008-04-01T18:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a simple green vegetable juice you can try if you have never made green vegetable juice yourself. Quick and easy!

Basic Green Juice

1/2 cucmber
2 celery stalks
2 cups of spinach (packed) or 2 leaves of kale or 1 cup of sunflower sprouts
1/2 lemon
1-2 apples (depending on how sweet you like it)

Directions:

If you have juicer you can juice all the ingredients. If you don't have a juicer, put all the ingredients in a blender with about 1 cup of water and blend for 1-3 minutes. Stain and enjoy!

"Eternal beauty does not come from a fountain, it comes from a blender." -Live cafe

MARCH NEWS!

2008-03-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day this month's focus is on how to incorporate more green into our life. Whether it be in our home, office, or in our food more and more people are choosing healthier, more environmentally responsible habits in all areas of their lives.

There is no doubt that pure nourishment comes from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the sunshine we all so desperately need (those who have experienced our last snow storms, I am sure would agree with me). But let's face it, many of us think we are eco-friendly as long as we put those green and blue bins in front of our door, but there is more to it than that. In this issue you will find some great tips to help you bring more green into your life.

Do you eat a pound of greens a day? We all know that they are good for us. But imagine chomping on a pound of greens in one sitting. You're thinking it's just not going to happen. What's the solution? Find out in today's segment of Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy.

What is that your lathering on your face? Petroleum! Find out what beauty products contain petroleum and why you need to stay away from them.

I also wanted to extend a warm thank you for those who have been passing this e-zine on to your friends. However, it was brought to my attention that the 'Forward this issue to a friend' image in the 'contact us' box was not allowing this to happen. It is now working so you may forward to your hearts content. Thanks Anne for bringing it to my attention.

With that said read on and enjoy.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

PURE NOURISHMENT: AIR, WATER AND SUNSHINE

2008-03-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

More and more people are asking themselves how they can make more environmentally sound choices in order to preserve our air and water and safely enjoy our sunshine. With so many factors involved, it can be tough to know which changes are most important to our health and which will have the biggest benefits for the environment. Her are some simple tips you can incorporate right away to help you become more eco-friendly.

Use plants: Indoor air is 2 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air from carpets, building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, computer and printers. Using plants can help purify the air. It helps produce fresh air and oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide, reduce airborne bacteria and mold just to name a few. Plants are also calming and healing.

Use glass instead of plastic bottles: As we know plastic does not naturally decompose in a landfill. In addition, their production and processing require the use of many toxic chemicals. Aside from the environmental impact, we need not forget about the impact that plastics have on our health. For example: zeno-estrogens that arise as artifacts during the manufacture of plastics and other synthetic materials cause unbalanced estrogen levels.

These zeno-estrogens increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer, weight gain, salt and fluid retention, high blood pressure, depression, and headaches, interferes with thyroid hormone, greatly increases the risk of stroke, decreases libido, hampers control of healthy blood sugar levels and fatigue.
It's funny how far we have gone from using glass to now using more plastic. My students find it strange when they see me drinking out of a glass container. They often ask me why. It takes them a while to figure that one out. Can you believe it?

I use 2 tall glass Evian bottles. After filling it with reverse osmosis water, I place both in this great wine cooler bag that I found. It also has a strap for easy carrying. I also use a wide mouth mason jar for my smoothies and green juices. I find any of these two options helpful.

Green Cleaning: Every home should be a safe haven. However, we store most commercial cleaning agents under the kitchen sink. These agents are full of toxic poisons and put our personal and planetary health in danger. The primary ingredients of commercial soaps and cleaners are oil-derived phosphates that do not break down and end up in our freshwater and oceans for good. In addition, cleaning agents irritate our skin and can cause allergic reactions.

By using 'green' soaps and cleaners that are plant-based, fully bio-degradable and gentle on the skin we can help sustain the future of our planet. The following are 4 ingredients you don't want to be without.

Baking Soda
Washing soda
Vinegar
Plant based liquid soap

Mixed with a little bit of water these ingredients can clean almost any surface.

11 benefits to Buying more organic fruits and vegetables

Organic farming meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
Growing organically supports a biologically diverse, healthy environment.
Organic farming practices help protect our water resources.
Organic agriculture increases the land's productivity.
Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment.
Buying organic supports small, independent family farms.
Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels.
Organic products meet stringent USDA standards.
Buying organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our planet.
Organic farmers preserve diversity of plant species.
Organic food tastes great!

Take in some sunshine:
Our ozone layer is depleting, resulting in a loss of precious natural protection from the sun. However, we do need ample amounts of vitamin D, which our bodies produce from the exposure to the sun. It is ideal to walk in the early morning and late afternoon, but be extra cautious at mid-day when the sun is at its strongest. Instead you could use this time to air-dry your clothes. This is an "oldie but goodie" way to reduce your energy bill and spend sometime outdoors instead of in your laundry room on a sunny day. So 'Let's bring back those clotheslines!

Sources:
Lux, Renee, The Balanced Plate,RodaleBook Readers, Emmus, PA, 2006
Schultz, Warren The Organic Suburbanite,RodaleBook Readers, Emmus, PA, 2001

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY: The Green Smoothie Revolution!

2008-03-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

Introducing Green Smoothies Into Your Diet!

Are you always on the run? Don't have the time to get enough greens in your diet? Or you don't like the taste of most greens because they are too tough and fibrous to enjoy?

Every nutritionist will say that you need to eat dark leafy greens as often as possible. Well how much is that exactly? That would be between 7 and 10 servings, which equates to a minimum of a pound a day.

Within the raw and living community there has been lots of talk about green smoothies. Green smoothies are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a delicious way to get your dose of good quality greens for the day.

I know what your thinking, GREEN, yuck! Just looking at the color makes your stomach turn. But it doesn't have to be like that. With just a little bit of fruit added and some water you are on your way to better health and vitality.

Did you know that greens are one food group in which all nutrients perfectly match human nutritional needs? All the nutrition in the planet starts with greens, with plants. Greens possess something in them that is actually liquid sunshine, better known as chlorophyll. All the nutrients are in greens because they are the prime source of everything.

When blended with fruit green smoothies are very palatable. In addition greens have insoluble fiber, which means that it can absorb sugars and therefore counter balances the fruit in the smoothie. So if you are worried about getting too much sugar from fruit because you are hypoglycemic or diabetic no need to worry.

Why blend them? It is important for us to consume greens in the form of smoothies because the cell wall gets broken down and the absorption of vitamins and minerals is then easy. In addition some people's digestion is not optimal as it could be and they may have problems with digesting raw greens. Blending them makes it easier to digest and assimilate the nutrients.

What do you need to make a delicious tasty green smoothie?
High Powered blender (preferred but not mandatory) - The one that is highly recommended is the Vita Mix http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=5jglmpcab.0.0.b4qgbgcab.0&ts=S0348&p=http%3A%2F%2Fvitamix.com%2F&id=preview. This is one kitchen appliance I highly recommend. You can use a more inexpensive blender, however it doesn't break down the tough fibers in the greens as well as the Vita Mix. With the amount of use this appliance gets I made back my money two fold.
Rubber scraper - You are going to want every drop of this delicious green smoothie.
Container for your smoothie - I use a wide mouth mason jar. I prefer drinking my smoothies from a glass container instead of plastic because it tastes better. It is also easier to clean because of the wide mouth.
Lots of green veggies - My favorites are: any kind of kale and lettuce, dandelion greens, spinach, field greens, swiss chard, sunflower and pea sprouts, celery, arugula parsley, cilantro, bok choy, beet greens.
Fruit - My favorites are: bananas, pears, mangoes, apples, pineapples, and berries.
You can add some hemp protein powder, ground flaxseed, flaxseed or hemp oil, to get your dose of omega fatty acids. You could experiment and come up with your own recipe.

Benefits of green smoothies:

Increase in energy
Radiant skin and eyes
Keeps you regular
Aids in weight loss
Helps with sugar cravings
Easy to prepare and ready in minutes

I would not have believed how easy and delicious they are, if I had not experimented with them myself. I love these treats for breakfast or as a snack or a pick me up in the afternoon. Believe it or not I actually crave them. As I start to drink more and more green smoothies I noticed that I want more and more greens and less fruit.

My teenage students look at me confused when they see me drinking them. They are either curious or they look unappealing to them. Either way the question always comes up. "Ms. Luciano what is that green stuff you're drinking?" or "What is in that green stuff you're drinking?" Some are so curious that they ask me if they can try it. How's that for influence? After they actually taste it they realize that they didn't die because it was the color green and that it actually tastes pretty good. Well, if you can convince a teenager, how bad can it really be after all?

So if you have not yet experienced a green smoothie, what are you waiting for? With a bit of fruit to sweeten the taste you will love them in no time. This is one sure way of getting a lot of servings at one time in a fast and easy manner.

PURE BEAUTY: What is that your lathering on your face, Petroleum?!

2008-03-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Did you know that petroleum based beauty products are made from the same fossil fuel that runs our cars and makes plastic? The most common ingredients to look for are parabens such as, Benzyl, isobutyl, butyl,n-propyl, ethyl and methylparabens, aka. Benzoic acid.

You can find parabens in cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, and deodorants. Parabens can be an ingredient in baby lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products for children.

Parabens are used as a preservative, however they seal the skin's ability to breathe and renew itself. These personal care products once applied effect not only our skin but also go into the bloodstream and start to build up inside the body.

British researchers have found traces of these chemical parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer. These preservatives have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body with butylparaben being the most potent.

While there is no evidence parabens cause cancer, scientists have called for the use of parabens to be reviewed. The cosmetics industry insists the chemicals, which are used as preservatives and are approved for use by regulators, are safe.
But cosmetics do not require approval before they hit the market's shelves. Here it is, straight from the website of the FDA (the agency that regulates the cosmetics industry).

"Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act, cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo approval before they are sold to the public ... This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval."

There you have it. Need I say more? Just remember next time you're out shopping read a product's ingredients prior to purchasing it to avoid harmful effects. Or even better make your own. Try the avocado facial mask below for dry skin. It will keep your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Avocado Facial Mask
Ingredients
1/2 avocado
Directions:Just mash half an avocado and spread evenly on your clean face. Leave on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. This is best for dry skin types.

If you have any questions about natural beauty alternatives, email us at healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com.

Reference: Toxic Home, Richard DeAndres, MD

DELICIOUS RAW TEMPTATIONS RECIPE: Shamrock Smoothie

2008-03-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Never made a green smoothie before? Here is a simple tasty recipe to try for the first time.

Shamrock Smoothie
1 mango
1 banana
1 to 2 handfuls of spinach
1 handful of sunflower sprouts
1-2 cups of water

Directions:
Peel the mango and the banana. In a blender, add the water mango, banana and add the greens last. Blend for 20 seconds. Pour in a glass or a jar to go.
Enjoy!

"Eternal beauty does not come from a fountain, it comes from a blender." -Live cafe

FEBUARY NEWS!

2008-02-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

After three snow storms this month in Toronto, I am ready to move down south for some warm comfort. February seems to be the most challenging time of the month for most people who like me don't enjoy the cold weather.

For most of us it's not always so easy to get away down south. With work and other obligations this time of the year, leaving these behind can be challenging. Although beautiful, the snowy days can put a damper on our moods and therefore we can do with a bit more TLC this time of the year.

February has long been a month of romance so why not take the rest of the month and romance yourself. This month's feature article 'Self-Love, Honor and Celebrate Yourself' reminds us to take the time to honor and celebrate ourselves with some tips and suggestions for ways to pamper ourselves and get through the winter.

This month 'Pure Beauty' brings you the scoop on poop in your personal care products you should be aware of. More foam any one?

In keeping with the romance theme this month's Raw Pleasure and Pure Joy recipe of the month is the 'Chocolate of Gods Mousse. If you are a chocolate lover be sure to try this recipe and compare it to the real thing.

With that said read on and enjoy.

Sincerely,

Mary Luciano
Healthy Living Educator
Director of The Healthy Living Education Center

SELF-LOVE HONOR AND CELEBRATE YOURSELF!

2008-02-01T15:54:00.000-05:00

Last week was Valentine's Day and although it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards and presenting flowers and offering chocolates, why not take the time to romance yourself as well. Set aside one day each week for the next month and choose at least one self-care activity per week to enjoy. Below are some ways you can give your mind, body and spirit some TLC.

Body

Aromatherapy Essential oils: To unwind at the end of the day, indulge in a warm to hot bath using essential oils of lavender, ylang-ylang, basil, sage or orange. If your energy is lagging and you want to revive yourself add essential oils of lemon and grapefruit or bergamot to the bathwater.
Massage: Book a massage and take it within the next 7 days. Ask your massage therapist to add lavender or sandalwood essential oils to help you relax even further.
Exercise: Go for a swim, run, brisk walk, rebound or dance to your hearts content. Your body will love you for it.
Sleep: Catch up on some sleep and take the time for either a nap or sleep an extra hour.
Infrared Sauna: If you have not tried an infrared sauna yet, this might be a new adventure for you, there are many detoxing and healing aspects of infrared saunas, just google it and find out more about its healing components. You can find one near you and book an appointment.

Mind/Emotions
Read a good book: Nothing like cozying up with a great non stop page turner, a warm blanket and some herbal tea on a snowy cold day. Take a trip to the nearest bookstore or library see what catches your attention, or try our book of the month.
Journal: Spend 20 minutes or more writing your private thoughts and feelings in a journal. Or better yet enroll in the 3 week core journaling course offered by my good friend Joshua Zuchter. You can read a description about it at www.joshuazuchter.com/core-journaling.html.
Forum: Join a forum on-line that interests you and post a question to introduce yourself.
Call a friend: If life's daily stresses are getting to you call a friend and just chat.
Learn something new: Learning new skills can boost your confidence and get you away from behavior patterns that do not serve you.

Spirit
Flowers: Why wait for someone else to buy you flowers?Why not buy them for yourself and put them where you can see them every day?
Movie: Watch an uplifting movie by either going out and seeing a movie or by renting one.
Meditate: Meditation is a way of stilling the mind and bringing calm and mental focus into your life. You can either listen to meditative music or sit quietly and breathe.
Space Clearing: If you really want to simplify your life, get rid of debris and clutter that weighs you down. Disorganization will only create feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction. It is impossible to see what is really important if you are surrounded by clutter.
Oprah's on-line classroom: Starting on March 3 Oprah will be conducting a world-wide class studying Eckhart Tolle's New Book, A New Earth, join on-line and lift your spirit.

So ask yourself, "what is the most loving thing I can do for myself today?" Do what feels right for you. Plan ahead or just be spontaneous with yourself.

With love and gratitude.

RAW PLEASURE AND PURE JOY: 15 Super Foods You Should Eat!

2008-02-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

Some believe that they are well nourished because they are getting enough calories in their diet. In one way this may be true but did you know about super foods that can be added daily to help maintain and prevent ailments?

The following super foods can help prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol, and aid in cancer prevention.

1)FLAXSEED: 2 tbsp freshly ground flaxseed daily (keep in fridge)

High fibre for increasing bowel movements and cleansing the colon
Contains phytoestrogens to prevent breast cancer and alleviate menopausal hot flashes
A complete protein

2)FLAXSEED OIL OR UNCONTAMINATED FISH OIL: 2 tbsp daily uncooked (keep in fridge)

High in omega-3 essential fatty acids to help prevent cancer, arthritis, heart disease, depression, skin afflictions and Alzheimer's disease
Keeps your cell membranes strong

3)TURMERIC: 2 tsps or more daily

One of the best anti-inflammatories to alleviate arthritic symptoms
Decrease the risk of most cancers and helps to prevent Alzheimer's disease
Assists in liver detoxification

4)GARLIC: 2 cloves daily

Natural antibodies and anti-parasitic
Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart disease
Helps to prevent many types of cancer
Assists in liver detoxification

5)RAW NUTS AND SEEDS: 2-4 tbsp daily

High in zinc and magnesium, which are common mineral deficiencies linked to lowered immune function, anxiety, and heart disease
Pumpkin seeds are anti-parasitic

6)SEAWEEDS: 2 tbsp daily

Good vegetarian sources of calcium and iron
Nori, dulse, hiziki, arame, and kombu are high alkaline, rich in minerals, and high in beta carotene
Brown seaweeds, like kelp, help to pull radioactive particles out of the body so they can be excreted

7)ORGANIC SOY (NON-GMO): 25 grams daily

Helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
Helps to prevent breast and uterine cancers
Eat with seaweeds as a source of iodine
Avoid if allergic

8)RAW BRASSICAS: 1/2 cup or more daily

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale assist the liver in detoxification pathways, improve estrogen metabolism, and help to prevent breast and uterine cancer when eaten raw
Raw cabbage juice heals stomach and duodenal ulcers

9)SHITAKE MUSHROOMS: 3-4 times daily

Enhance the immune system and help prevent cancer

10)BERRIES: 1/2 cup or more daily

High in antioxidants that help to prevent cancer and improve vision

11)TOMATOES: weekly

High in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps prevent breast , lung and cervical cancer

12)EXTRA VIRGIN OIL: 1-2 tbsp daily

Moves the bile through the liver and gallbladder, facilitating the removal of toxins

13)LEGUMES: 1/2 cup or more daily

Contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium
Low glycemic index
Contain phytic acid, which helps to prevent the growth of cancer

14)ROSEMARY & CORIANDER: several times a week

Rosemary facilitates liver detoxification of hormones and chemicals
Coriander helps to remove toxic metals, such as mercury, cadmium and lead

15)ORGANIC GREEN TEA: 2 or more daily

Stimulates metabolism to assist in weight loss
Helps to prevent cancer

Printed with permission from The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women's Health. Author Dr. Sat Dharam Kaur, ND

PURE BEAUTY:Poop in your personal care products that you should be aware about.

2008-02-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

Did you know that one of every 120 products on the market contains ingredients certified by government authorities as known as probable human carcinogens, including shampoos, lotions,make-up foundations, and lip balms manufactured by Almay, Neutrogena, Grecian Formula and others? One third of all products contain one or more ingredients classified as possible human carcinogens.

According to Dr. Richard DeAndrea, MD, nearly 70 percent of all products contain ingredients that can be contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other health problems.
One of the more common ingredients you might notice in your personal care products especially shampoo and toothpaste is Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sodium Dodecyl (SLS, SLSF). You can find this ingredient in toothpaste, shampoos, body gels, bubble baths, facial cleansers, baby wipes, baby shampoos, liquid hand soaps and sunblocks.
More disturbing is it's industrial use such as harsh floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car detergents and laundry detergents.

I would hate to think that my body is as dirty as an engine and needs such an aggressive substance to wash the dirt off.

The purpose for this ingredient is to make foam as it acts as a thickening agent with salt and is very cheap. It is found in 90% of commercial shampoos and toothpaste and even in many so-called natural products.

The following are some general health risks that result from using SLS: cancer, damage to your skin, eye damage in young children, premature hair loss and damage to the immune system. To get more detailed information about the health risks of SLS click on the following link

http://www.seektheanswer.com/dangerous_beauty.htm.

It is important to read a product's ingredients prior to purchasing it to avoid harmful effects of SLS.
If you have any questions about natural beauty alternatives, email us at:
healthylivingeducationcenter@yahoo.com.

Reference: Toxic Home, Richard DeAndres, MD

DELICIOUS RAW TEMPTATIONS RECIPE: Chocolate of the Gods Mousse

2008-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

In keeping with this month's chocolate theme seeing that it was Valentine's Day last week, this Chocolate of Gods Mousse is a must try.

This is one chocolate recipe you can feel good about eating as it had all natural ingredients.

Chocolate of the Gods Mousse
Served with fresh berries and mint.

Chocolate Mousse
3 nice Avocados
6 soft dates, pitted and soaked
4-6 tsps of maple syrup or agave nectar
1-1/2 Tbls non-alcohol vanilla extract
3/4 cup of raw carob powder
4-6 Tbls of organic cocoa powder or raw chocolate powder
tiny pinch of sea salt

Directions

Pit the dates and soak in 1/2 cup fresh water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain the water and set aside.
In a food processor blend: softened dates, maple syrup (or agave), and vanilla until smooth. Add the soaked water from the dates a tablespoon at a time to aid blending if necessary.
Spoon in avocado and blend until smooth. Scrape the walls if necessary with a rubber spatula.
Spoon in carob and cocoa powder, a pinch of salt and blend until smooth. Add a touch more cocoa for a "dark" chocolate mousse.

Divide the mousse in half and spoon into 4-6 parfaits or wine glasses. Divide 1 pint of raspberries or sliced strawberries on top of the mousse. Spoon the remaining mousse on top of the berries, top with remaining berries and then garnish with mint.

Recipe Source: Living Cuisine, Renee Underkoffler