Healthy Cool Whip... Only 2 Ingredients!

Perfect timing for Thanksgiving!  It takes 1 minute to make (if that) and has a legitimate cool whip taste and consistency!  All you need is a can of coconut milk (not what you find in the refrigerated aisle).  It can be found at Kroger in the health food section or in the international aisle.  I can't remember exactly where I got it at Trader Joe's...  Anyways throw a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight (or at least 8 hours).  This will allow the water and cream to separate which leaves a whipped cream consistency on top and a watery part on the bottom of the can.  

 

All you have to do is take the top section out of the can (you can throw away the bottom watery section).  I added 1 Tablespoon of xylitol, but you could add any sweetener of your choice.  Try honey or pure maple syrup.  I am sure you can't go wrong.  You could even add a tablespoon of vanilla to give it a little more flavor too! 

 

Top section of the can.  Whipped cream consistency.

Bottom half of can.  Watery consistency which you can throw away.

 

 

Enjoy! (I sure did tonight with a lot of strawberries... Delicious.)

 

Comparing Granola Bars. Good vs Bad.

As I was strolling through Kroger I cut though the granola bar isle and to my surprise there were so many different kinds.  There are crunchy, chocolate, low fat, strawberry, nutty, Greek yogurt, etc.  I decided to look at the ingredient list and was pretty surprised.  I had just got my Larabars which usually contain no more than 5 ingredients. Well these 'low fat' granola bars have probably no less than 15 ingredients.  (I didn't count... but I took pics to prove I am not exaggerating.)  Less is more... esp when it comes to ingredients.  There are good choices out there.  Don't you worry. 

Thumbs Down...
Quaker Chewy- 25% Less Sugar (Notice BHT preservative towards the end)

 

Nature Valley Sweet and Salty

NutriGrain (Notice the last ingredients are food coloring... avoid avoid avoid)

 

 

 

Special K Red Berries (Has the BHT preservative)

 

NutriGrain Greek Yogurt (Greek Yogurt! Yay! It HAS to be healthy.  Not true.)

Two Thumbs Up!
Now on to my favs.  Lara bars are the cheapest at Costco where you can get a large pack of them.  They are typically sweetened with dates, honey or occasionally brown rice syrup.  The ones at Costco are much more basic however Kroger carries fun flavors that are 10 for $10 sometimes.  You can mix and match which is nice to get some tasty different flavors like Cherry Cobbler, Key Lime, a lemon one, and chocolate ones too.  Here are the pics and ingredients of some of my personal favs.  NOTE: Not good for anyone on Candida Clear.  You want to stay away from dates and honey which Larabars are sweetened with.  You can have them when you are done with the cleanse.  I will have to upload a homemade recipe for anyone on Candida Clear.   

Cherry Cobbler

Apple Pie

 

Lemon Bar (Delicious!!)

 

Key Lime Pie

These are such a quick easy treat and perfect for kids.  Great for on the go, traveling (I always take the big box from Costco when I travel for a quick breakfast or snack because you never know when you will need one), or a quick pick me up in the day.

Sausage and Gravy... Seriously Easy and Delicious!

Okay so this may be my favorite recipe so far.  I know I have said this before... but I am NOT joking.  This was so incredibly easy and so tasty.  Sausage and gravy is such a classic Southern food that  I thought would be hard to duplicate, let alone with only 3 ingredients.  Try it and be amazed like I was.  I made my fiance look at me when he tried so I could see his expression... and it was a good one! A must try!!!!!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup raw cashews
2 cups water
1 pound of sausage (make sure it has no preservatives in it- nitrates, nitrites, sulfites, sulfates)

Soak your cashews in warm water the night before.  I just took a mason jar and filled it with my cashews and the warm water to sit overnight.  It does not matter how much water you soak them in as long as they are all submerged.  In the morning drain the water out and put the cashews in blender or food processor.  (I used a food processor.)  Put 2 cups of fresh water in with the cashews. Blend until creamy.  It took about 30 seconds in my food processor and the recipe online called for 2-3 minutes in a blender. 

Cook your sausage on medium heat.  When done drain excess grease.  Then put pan back on medium or low-medium heat and add your cashew gravy. Stir until warm.  (You can also add more water at this time to make it less thick but I didn't.) 

That is it!!!  Add pepper or any other seasonings you want.  Try it and feel free to be skeptical like I was but I do not think you will be let down.  This opens up the door to making gravy for potatoes, turkey, chicken, quinoa, etc... I am pretty excited about it as you can tell :)  Enjoy!!

Cobbler! Easy to make!

Now that Thanksgiving is just around the corner I am experimenting with some desserts. Today cobbler. Tomorrow pumpkin pie? (I also just found a recipe for sausage and gravy... cross your fingers that its good!) So here is the recipe for berry cobbler and some changes I would make at the end.

Ingredients

• Fruit (Recipe calls for 2 pints of blueberries. I only had a pint of strawberries at my house so those worked great! You could also use could use raspberries or blackberries... yum!)
• Xylitol or Honey (Xylitol for those on Candida Clear)
• 1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
• 1 Egg
• 2 TBS of Coconut Oil
• Cinnamon

Directions

• Wash and dry fruit.
• Grease baking pan with coconut oil and put berries in it.
• Drizzle xylitol or honey on top of fruit. (I didn't have my smaller baking pans cleaned so I used 2 Pyrex containers.)
• In another bowl mix almond flour, egg and coconut oil together. (I would add some honey or xylitol in this as well to make it sweeter.)
• Sprinkle the almond meal mixture over berries and sprinkling cinnamon on top.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes on 350 degrees until almond mixture turns golden brown. (And simply for pleasure occasionally open the oven to get a good smell of what is baking. It smells sooo good!!!)

My notes: The 'crumble' topping wasn't sweet at all (which is not a problem but most people would say it was bland). I didn't add any xylitol or honey and I think that would be a good addition in the mixture to give the 'crumble' a little taste. My crumble was more like a thick batter. I pulled it apart and put the chunks (not an appetizing word but I can't think of any other word now) on top of the fruit. It just wasn't a dry crumble like typical berry cobbler. It could be that I added to much coconut oil to the almond meal mixture. Mine also was pretty watery after it was cooked and it could have been the strawberries... but it was still tasty!!

Try different fruits and even drizzle with honey, pure maple syrup or xylitol right after you take it out of the oven. Enjoy!

Stawberries drizzled with honey before the crumble topping!

All done!

Recipe from: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Blueberry-Crumble-Paleo-Friendly/

Theirs turned out much prettier than mine :)

Switching out the Plastic

I am working on a 'Christmas' list for people.  Not that it has to be a Christmas list per say, but instead things to slowly switch in your household to make it healthier and chemical free.  There is one simple thing that you can do now... for free (in red)!  One of the major chemicals/toxins we are constantly exposed to is plastic.  (As I sit here and type this I have a plastic water bottle next to me.) Plastic water bottles, plastic wrap around our deli meet, cheeses, Tupperware containers for all our left overs, mixing bowls, cups, plates, toothpaste containers, juice bottles, etc.  I mean the list really goes on and on.  You can't get away from it however you can really change a few things that will make a big difference.

1) Stop storing left overs in plastic containers like Tupperware.

2) If you have to store in plastic containers (which there are cheap easy options so you don't)... do not heat your leftovers up in it.  (First the microwave is problem number one but I understand that's all people have at work.  But don't heat your leftovers up in the plastic!)  I bought a hot plate that Lori and I heat food up with or keep things warm.  It works great and you can put a ceramic bowl over it with your food and heat it up slowly (Add coconut oil if appropriate to keep things from sticking.  Plus you get your coconut oil in for the day!).  I know most of you won't be able to bring this to work with you but its a option.  It takes time to heat things up and doesn't zap anything to make it warm in 30 seconds (which is a good thing)!

Our hot plate at the office. 

I think it cost around $20 at Target. 

Plastic particles (especially when heated) leak into whatever product you have.  When you pour your hot leftovers into a plastic storage containers or heat them up in plastic it seeps into the food.  You don't taste it but that doesn't mean it doesn't do any harm.  Plastic actually mimics estrogen in your body and plays tricks on your endocrine (hormone producing) system which has been linked to endocrine disorders, infertility, early puberty, and even cancer.  Read this great article about dangers of plastics.  Click here. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1) Get Pyrex containers to store all your leftovers in.  They have all sorts of shapes and sizes.  Pyrex containers are fantastic because they can go from hot to cold and not shatter.  If you are going to reheat anything up, say at work, use these!!!  I have found they are cheapest at TJ Maxx but you have more options at places like Target, Kroger, Kohls, etc.

2) Get glass reusable water bottles. (I am being a hypocrite right now but I got it on the go... However at home most of my cups/reusable water bottles are glass or ceramic.  I just have a few left I need to weed out.)

3) Save left over glass containers/bottles.  I have ones from tomato sauce, apple sauce  salsa, jam, almond butter- all of which are glass.  Peel off the label, throw it in the dishwasher and bam! you have a perfectly good glass storage container. (Just don't use these to heat up anything real quickly... use Pyrex containers.)

4) Buy yourself some mason jars to store leftovers in, drink from, etc.  They are perfect for storing soups, quinoa, cooked veggies, etc.  You can buy these virtually at any grocery store and I have even picked up some at Salvation Army.  (Just don't use these to heat up anything real quickly... use Pyrex containers.)

5) Get glass mixing bowls.  This is what inspired me to write this.  I still have my plastic ones (which are getting switched soon!) and I was mixed something hot in it.  It hit me that this is no different that cooking something hot in plastic.  Ah!  I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner... but regardless go get some glass mixing bowls like me!  And donate your plastic containers :)

There are so many other things you can switch in your household but just start slowly by getting rid of what you store and heat food up in.  Then move on to getting reusable water bottles and to-go coffee or insulated mugs (Get ceramic or double insulated glass ones... Teavanna makes them). Then move on to switch your plastic cups, plates, bowls, etc.  Then go to your mixing bowls and cutting boards (get wooden ones).  Then get rid of those plastic spatulas (and get wooden ones). Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps.  :)



Chemcial Free Products... for KIDS!

At Beautycounter, we believe kids deserve to be protected — that's why we've taken special care to create a Bath Collection that's pH balanced, gentle on the skin, and free from harmful chemicals. (Oh, and it smells really yummy, too.)

Introducing Squeaky Clean Body Wash, Nice Do Shampoo, and Not a Knot Conditioner for the ones who count most. Click here to order!

 

Trader Joe's Trip!

I finally made it up to Trader Joe's this weekend... after driving in circles trying to find a parking spot.  I thought I would upload some pictures of things that are great buys there.   (Especially with people on Candida Clear.)  I am more of a visual person so this may appeal to all of you people out there too!  If you shop there and have other items you love let me know!

Organic Tomato Basil Marinara

With NO added sugar!! Yay!!

 

 

Almond Meal

I always stock up on this and get questioned every time I leave with why I need so much.

 

 

Light Coconut Milk

It's just coconut milk and water but great to use in recipes (especially sauces and baking).

 

 

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (Peppermint)

Great Price.  I use it for hand soap (best with a foaming hand soap container) and clean my showers and counters with it (diluted with water of course).  You can also use it for body wash or face wash.  Liquid works best if you are using loofah and the castile bar soap works best if you bathe with wash cloth.  (Just for lathering purposes)

 

 

Cashew Meal

I haven't seen this at Trader Joe's before!  I don't have any experience using it but I will keep you posted how it goes!

 

 

Sliced Goat's Milk Cheese

Tastes great!  Perfect for burgers or to make little wraps with turkey for lunch.

 

 

Fresh Salsa

I double checked the Hot and Mild for sneaky sugar or preservatives and good news... I didn't find any. Yay!  Great on quinoa, over chicken, with taco salad (without shells), etc. (I am working on a tortilla chip recipe...)

 

 

Cauliflower

Great price!  At Kroger it was around $5 so this was a steal compared to that.  Steam it, mash it up like you would potatoes.  You can also put in a blender after it is steamed to make smooth textured 'mashed potatoes.'  They taste really good I promise especially loaded up with coconut oil and sea salt.  For the recipe click here.

 

 

Frozen Kale

Perfect for smoothies!

 

 

Dried Mango

Personal Favorite (But not good for people on Candida Clear... sorry.)  No added sugar and preservatives like most of the other dried fruits... and I am so addicted to these.

 

Thankful (Part 2)

Nov 6
I am truly grateful for Nature Sunshine's Silver Shield.  It is a tasteless liquid that is an amazing antibacterial and antiviral.  (Even antiparasitic!)  It is safe to use internally (swallow), use in the eyes, ears and up your nose too (in a nasal spray bottle of course)!  When I get the first sign of something I start taking a sip of it every hour or 2 until about half the bottle is gone or more.  75% of the time or more it knocks whatever I have right away.  Its great to put a drop or 2 in your ears with garlic oil (Nature Sunshine has this in perles where you poke it with a needle to get a drop out) at the first sign of an ear infection.  Silver Shield is great to spray up your nose for sinus infections and put a couple drops in your eye for any type of conjunctivitis (pinkeye or eye infection) or a stye!  Even dogs can take it.  Louie was really tired and his little paws and armpits were hot.  I gave him 3 tablespoons that day and 1 the following day and let me tell you he was back to his normal self plus some.  He was full of energy the day after he was feeling sick and didn't seem to miss a beat.  Great Stuff.  (Side note... what makes Nature Sunshine's so fantastic is that it is 99% bioavailable.  Meaning it has a 99% absorption rate which tops other brands.  If it is not bioavailable the 'silver' part can actually do more harm than good.  This is why I would never advise anyone to make their own colloidal silver.  Yes it may be a little cheaper but you do not want silver getting trapped in your body creating more harm than good.  Buy top quality colloidal silver.  It makes a difference and worth the investment.)

Louie and his Silver Shield

Nov 7
I am truly grateful for Lori.  First she is the best co-worker anyone could ask for.  She is smart, knows her stuff and such a caring and compassionate person.  She is great at answering patients questions and concerns and the first person to help encourage patients when they are going through hard times.  She has such an uplifting spirit and presence (and a very talented Zoomba instructor too!!). 

Your work environment is where you spend a lot of your time and energy.  If it does not have good energy it can really reek havoc no only on your work but also personal life.  We try to maintain a peaceful and encouraging environment for our patients and Lori is the one of the main reasons why.  I am so so so so lucky to get to work with her.

Nov 8
More of a personal story... I have a couple supplements I could not do without.  One of them being Chaste Tree by Mediherb (Standard Process's herbal line).  This helps to naturally raise progesterone levels when they are low.  There are a whole host of stereotypical low progesterone symptoms and mine was acne.  I have done multiple cleanses (candida, parasite, liver, full body) and the acne would still creep up.  Chaste Tree made a world of a difference.  My skin still goes through little phases and its not perfect by any means... however it is SO much better.  Chaste tree in my case is the reason why.  It doesn't work on everyone and not everyone needs it.  Usually if there is a hormonal issue (not all the time) in women it is because they are estrogen dominate and progesterone deficient (for many reasons but one being due to stress).  Chaste Tree helps to naturally raise those levels and get women feeling better... and clear up my skin! (Watch me have a really bad break out tonight now that I announced this to everyone...)

Nov 9
I am excited and thankful for the new product by Nature Sunshine called AnxiousLess.  It literally does what the name says... helps you to be anxious less.  I have had great results with it in the office and have my fiancée on it too.  When he would be done from a long day at work (which his job has a lot of stress... like most people's) I could tell the difference between when he took his supplements and when he didn't.  AnxiousLess makes him more calm when he is done versus taking a longer time to wind down from work.  Try it.  You can start with just one a day or use it as needed (I give my fiancée one at lunch).  It can even be used with kids starting at 5 years of age! (But sad to think those little ones are stressed or anxious at that age.  Life should be fun and exciting...)

AnxiousLess

Helps quickly ease anxiousness without drowsiness

Promotes a feeling of confidence and security

Improves your mood while helping reduce fatigue

Offers safe, non-habit forming relief

Nov 10
I am sooooooo grateful for patients who 'get it.'  They just trust the process and understand their body and what true health means.  It doesn't mean listening to all the propaganda and advertisements out there.  It doesn't mean feeling like you have to be on medications or that it is the only option.  Your health does not go from point A to point B but instead a journey and lifestyle to work towards.  Yes there will hiccups and bumps along the way but that is okay.  You are not going to feel like a million dollars all the time.  That's okay.  That's what we are here for.  To pick you up when you need it and see whats going on.  Sometimes it is just nice to have patients that understand the road can be bumpy at times... and also understand how good they can feel! :) (But I like putting up fights too!  Just not everyday :)  Its all about education.)

Nov 11
A great product that I personally take on occasion (and use a lot on patients with sleep issues) is Min Tran by Standard Process. This is a great general relaxer and full of minerals... hence the name Min (minerals) Tran.  It's basically like food for the adrenal glands (aka the ones that deal and cope with stress).  It is great for those on the verge of a panic attack or those who struggle turning off their mind at night.  2 or 3 of them around bedtime can help tremendously or 1 to 2 before or during a panic attack.  I am typically not an anxious person but sometimes I have trouble just relaxing enough to fall asleep.  If I take 2 to 3 Min Tran I notice I stop tossing and turning pretty quickly and before you know it I am asleep.  Its one of the cheapest products we have and worth trying out for anyone who struggles with falling asleep because their mind keeps going and going. (Start with 2 and work up to 5 before bed.)

Nov 12
Another great product that many of my patients are thankful for is Parotid PMG.  I use it most frequently for detoxing/eliminating out any type of toxin.  It could be a heavy metal or could be any type of chemical lingering in their body.  Parotid PMG is great because its safe on pregnant women too! Anyways... if you are or know someone who struggles with strong smells that instantly throw them into a headache, this may be worth a try.  It aids your bodies natural detoxing abilities and prevents you from being thrown into that funk/migraine/dizziness when you smell strong perfume or cleaning chemicals for example.  I know people struggle walking through the grocery store cleaning isle, walking through Macy's because of all the perfume and fragrance, or even going to church because all the fancy perfume and cologne.  Take 2 ahead of time (even more) if you know you are going into one of these situations to help lessen or even stop any of those symptoms from happening!

Nov 13
I am grateful for... Garlic!  Yes you may be (well I always am) a little bit garlicky after using it... but that's okay!  It is an amazing antibacterial (great for whats going around) and antifungal (aka anti-candida).  Eating it raw is the cheapest way. You can cut it up and swallow the cloves or I have been recently taking it easier by grating it into a glass with a little bit of water and drinking it quick!  If you are prone to burping it up and would rather do anything than take garlic raw there is a great product by Nature Sunshine called High Potency Garlic which is coated in chlorophyll.  The coating prevents the 'after burp.'  Either way you are getting great antibacterial benefits and it can even help with yeast infections, reducing high blood pressure, decreasing arthritic inflammation, and even put a drop of garlic oil in your ear with Silver Shield to help with ear infections or Swimmer's Ear.

High Potency Garlic

1 Tablet = 1.2 Cloves of Fresh Garlic

Nov 14
I am thankful for getting sick sometimes (key word. sometimes).  I know this sounds a bit crazy but do you know what I mean when you don't know how good you felt until you got sick.  Well I was full of allergies and congestion from Sunday till about Wednesday.  Finally I can breath and smell everything... yay!  And it makes me truly appreciate how good I was feeling and am feeling now.  We take our health for granted and just want to be better all the time.  Maybe there is a reason we get sick... maybe its to slow down our busy lives and let our bodies get a breather.  Now I am not saying being sick is fun.  But it surely does make you appreciate feeling good!

Non Toxic. Safe. Chemical Free. Feel Good Beauty Products!

I have a lot of goals and ideas for MTCAM and one of them was to get an all encompassing beauty line of nontoxic yet feel good products for my patients... One that was up to my standards, does not include chemicals or toxins in any way, actually works (feels good on the skin, face, hair, etc.) and something accessible to everyone where you don't have to join anything and can buy as much or little as you want.  Beautycounter fits all those categories. 

First and foremost did you know that in America only 11 chemicals are banned from cosmetics (the last one was banned by the FDA in 1938.  Do you know how many chemicals have been produced since 1938?!?!)... while over 1,300 are banned in Europe! This was actually unbelievable and simply unfathomable to me.  It should not be surprising but still is an eye opener.  I work with nutrition and supplements all day long so its hard for me to keep up to par on the cosmetic world.  I do my best reading and researching when I can but honestly most of my time is spent researching on what we put in our bodies not ON our bodies even though it is just as important.

Beautycounter has incredibly high standards and stringent protocols.  They do not release something until it has been under much scrutiny and actually works (unlike other 'nontoxic' body lotions that leave white streaks all over you because they won't absorb properly).  But most importantly their products do not contain the 11 chemicals banned in the US, the 1,300 banned in Europe as well as others.  The 1,300 chemicals that are banned in Europe are known to be linked to cancer and endocrine issues (aka disrupt hormones in the body causing a whole host of other issues).  None of their products contain heavy metals (over 95% of lipsticks have lead in them... not good). 

FACT: It is legal for the US cosmetic companies to use known carcinogens and reproductive toxins in products marketed to pregnant women and babies.  Scary and incredibly sad. 

I can go on and on with the lack of standards for cosmetic regulation and quality control.  How our bodies are burdened with chemicals day in and day out and we continue to expect our liver to function (which is our major detoxing organ).  How little kids are exposed to these same toxins causing hormonal issues at a young age.  Why skin cancer rates are drastically increasing.  (We aren't getting any more sun than hundreds of years ago yet there is more skin cancer than before...)

Okay I am off my soap box now and I am sure I will get back on it sometime. :)  I just want you to be aware that everything that you put on your body gets absorbed into your body.  The skin is our largest organ and it is something that gets overlooked all the time (and I am guilty of not talking about it that much at the office).  So first and foremost we can start putting chemical and toxin free, quality products (that smell and feel good) on our bodies, faces and hair.  Its worth the switch even if you do it gradually (and these products will last you awhile... it is not anything you have to order each month because you go through it so quickly.)

Click HERE to go to the website and check out/order products.  You don't have to sign up, get a membership, or even be my patient to get the products (and $5 flat rate shipping... its great!).  I will have products available at the office at the same price so you don't save or loose any money getting them one way or the other.  I will have them in the office if you want to feel and try them out.  

If you are going to begin somewhere start with full body products like the body wash and body lotion (I LOVE the lotion) because it is a larger surface area than just your face.  If you are wanting other great products I love the hydrating face creams (AM and PM) as well as both of the facial cream cleansers.  The shampoo and conditioner are great and I have tried sooooo many from expensive to cheap to other 'non toxic' and even toxic ones.  My hair is very picky, will dry out really easily and get bad dead ends but has been so smooth and soft with Beautycounter's shampoo and conditioner.  It did take my hair probably 3 days to get use to the switch though. (In case you care or are wondering... I use the body lotion, face lotions (AM and PM), shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cleanser and face exfoliating cleanser, and rose water spray... that's more of a luxury item.  Next on my list... Lip shine!!)

Other products they offer... sun screen (great for these 20 degree days right?), sugar scrubs, kids shampoo/conditioner/body wash (coming soon!!), lipsticks and gloss (with NO lead... obviously), body and face oils, and makeup coming beginning of next year.  I will put features of different products on here but I just wanted to give you a nice little idea of the products they carry. Check it out.  Try it out.  Let me know what you think... and I am pretty sure you won't be let down and your body will be much happier and healthier because of it. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me (drcarolynmaxfield@gmail.com) or call the office! We will be glad to help :)

Funny Video... Kids Reactions to taking away Halloween Candy!

If you need a funny video (well its not so funny how addicted kids are to sugar) to watch click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK-oQfFToVg#t=227.  There is so much truth in this video about how addicted our society is to sugar.  Adults probably would act the same way if it was socially acceptable. :)  I definitely get my fare share of funny looks, wide eyes and raised eyebrows when I talk about eliminating sugars from the diet... but nothing compared to this. Enjoy!

Homemade Tomato Soup!

There are so many tomato soup recipes out there... so I figured I would try my hand at one of them.  It turned out very tasty!  If you all have any good soup recipes out there let me know... this is a perfect season for it and I love sharing the ideas with everyone out there!

Ingredients

1 Onion, chopped
1 TBS Coconut Oil
1 TBS Olive Oil
1/2 cup fresh Basil
1-2 tsp Sea Salt and Pepper
3 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 cups of Chicken Stock
5 Tomatoes- Vine (I used 4 large tomatoes... not sure if it made a difference or not)
6 oz Tomato Paste


Instructions

• Cut tomatoes into quarter slices and toss with olive oil (I did melted coconut oil), sea salt and pepper
• Roast tomatoes on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 350 degrees
• With about 5 minutes to go on the tomatoes...melt 1 TBS of coconut oil over medium heat in a large soup pan
• Saute onion and garlic (until onion is translucent)
• Add in your roasted tomatoes and saute for 1 more minute
• Add in 3 cups of chicken stock, the basil (I ripped mine into smaller pieces first), and the tomato paste.  Stir until tomato paste is dissolved into the broth
• Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot
• Let covered pot simmer for about 30 minutes
• Pour soup into a food processor or blender and mix up until nice and smooth
• Last but not least... Enjoy! (And even top with your fresh basil... so tasty!)

Recipe from http://www.primalpalate.com/recipe/tomato-basil-soup/

Thankful (Part 1)

In honor of November and the spirit of Thanksgiving I am going to post up every week or so feelings/things/reasons that I am thankful for my office, the patients, the products I work with, etc.  I encourage everyone to be grateful for what you have, where you are and appreciate any struggles you have been or are going through.  There is always a purpose or reason even though it may not seem like that.  By having gratitude in every situation makes things much more manageable and allows you to see the positive in every situation. 

Nov 1
I am so extremely grateful that I truly get to do what I love every single day.  Each day is full of great patients with the most severe cases to mild ones.  Each patient has their own journey... from being at the beginning of the process and just learning to those who have been with me for a long time continuing and maintaining their journey through health.  I am soo sooo soo lucky to meet and work with people who keep me inspired to do what I do.   

Nov 2
I am very grateful for my supplement tray!  It seems silly but oh so true.  Each week I just fill that little guy up and take my supplements as I go throughout the day.  No need to carry pill bottles around making my purse 10 pounds heavier or gathering up my supplements each morning like I was doing.  It is extremely time consuming especially in the morning.  Each day I take my little container and away I go!  No time spent planning or thinking about what I need to get ready.

Nov 3
I am very grateful for digestive enzymes.  Before I started taking them I had the whole host of 'typical' digestive issues.  Bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea... the typical IBS stuff.  I never went to a MD about it but I have had many patients feel like they have to live with these issues and say 'Oh they said it's just IBS'.  There is something you can do!! It's called digestive enzymes.  I have 6 different ones in my office and each person does not do well on everyone of them.  I specifically do best on one called Food Enzymes by Nature Sunshine.  My fiance does best on Zypan by Standard Process.  I am thankful for those enzymes and allowing my body to digest food better, get more nutrients out of what I eat and just feel better in general!!

Nov 4
I am very grateful that I get to bring my dog into work each day!  How lucky am I?!  He hates being by himself and loves to be around people.  He gets more love in a day from our patients than probably most dogs do in week.  He lives a very happy loved life and I am grateful I can bring him in.  He is very therapeutic and healing for most of our patients... including me!  It is always great driving when Louie's head is out the window getting fresh air and the car next to me stops and smiles.  These little guys have a powerful healing effect and way to make everyone feel better no matter what.  I am fortunate to have one of these little fur balls and that he can spread the love to all my patients!

Nov 5
I am thankful for coconut oil.  You can cook everything in it and not worry about your food getting toxic or rancid, use as amazing nontoxic makeup remover, and eat it each day for so many health benefits.  Its anti-fungal, bacterial and viral so it works wonders with your immune system helping it kill off invaders.  It is also perfect food for your brain and nervous system. 

Over the past weekend I was getting sick and my neck and shoulders were extremely tight... much more than I have ever had before.  I knew I had to be fighting off something.  I simply did a oil pull (where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes) to pull out toxins and kill off invaders such as bacteria and viruses.  Within 20 minutes my muscles were relaxed and it completely fought off anything I was starting to catch.  I will write a post in the future specific to this because the more I learn and read the more fascinated I am.  Try starting with 10 minutes and work up to 20 (and make sure to spit it in your trashcan when you are done because the oil will harden up when cold in your sink/drain... and that is no good).   After you spit it out make sure to rinse your mouth with hot water and spit that out.  Rinse a couple times to get all the toxins out.  You may notice you it starts to release drainage from your throat and nose... Yay!  Get it out of there!  If you have questions feel free to call the office.  Lori swears by it too!