How can you safeguard yourself from food borne illnesses? Taking betaine hydrochloride and pancreatic enzymes boosts your digestive system and keeps you from having to take the acid blockers that lower your resistance to e-coli and salmonella. When we are deficient in these areas acid reflux happens and our first response is to grab a Pepcid or Tums which in turn takes away the protection that was built into your body. Enzymes also help you to absorb and utilize the nutrients more efficiently and take away that bloated feeling associated with a slow digestive system.

The incredible edible egg!

The incredible edible egg! It isn’t any wonder that this slogan fits the food. For a long time eggs got a bad rap as a cause of high cholesterol. The more the egg is researched the more we find out how amazing it is. It’s one of few foods that has all of the enzymes to break it down and utilized it most completely in the body! It’s a complete protein and actually helps to disarm free radicals that try to invade your system. So let’s get crackin and whip up a delicious, nutritious meal!

Here are some simple recipes to get you started. These can be made ahead and reheated.


Chiche

1 cup chopped onion
1½ Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ tsp. unbleached flour
1 cup half-&-half
2 eggs
1 large tomato, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°. In a small skillet, sauté onion in butter. Add salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and flour. In a small bowl, beat eggs lightly and add the half-&-half. Spread onion in bottom of 9-inch pie plate. Cover with cheese mixture. Pour egg mixture over cheese. Place tomatoes on top. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes, then at 325° for 30 minutes.



Ham and Cheese Quiche

1(9-inch) pie shell
1 cup Virginia baked ham, diced
1 cup grated Mozzarella or Jack cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp.
dried basil leaves
1 Tbsp. mustard
3 eggs
¾ cup half-&-half
dash black pepper
1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
sliced tomatoes, for garnish
basil leaves or parsley, for garnish

Pre-bake pie shell for 5 minutes at 400°. Mix ham, cheese and basil leaves. Spread mustard on bottom of pre-baked pie shell. Sprinkle with ham-cheese mixture. Beat eggs, cream and black pepper. Pour mixture over ham and cheese in pastry shell. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° on middle level of oven for 30 to 35 minutes until filling is set and lightly browned. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley and sliced tomatoes. Serve immediately. Serves 6.


Breakfast Pizza

1 lb. cubed ham
1 (8 oz.) tube crescent rolls
1 cup hash browns
4 cups mushrooms and onions, sautéed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
5 eggs
¼ cup milk
½ Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small skillet, lightly brown ham. Separate rolls and place on pizza pan with points to center. Press over bottom and up sides. Spoon ham over top. Sprinkle with hash browns, onions and mushrooms; top with Ched­dar and Mozzarella cheeses. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour over all and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for approximately one hour.



Broccoli Quiche

4 slices bacon
4 eggs
1 cup half-&-half
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
2 cups broccoli flowerets
¼ tsp. sea salt
⅛ tsp. garlic powder
⅛ tsp. lemon pepper


Preheat oven to 350°. Cook bacon until crisp, set aside. Beat eggs with half-&-half and Swiss cheese. Stir in broccoli, salt, garlic pow­der and lemon pepper. Crumble bacon. Stir half of crumbled bacon into egg mixture. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Top with remaining bacon. Makes 4 servings.
Spinach Quiche

1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach
¾ cup half-&-half
3 oz. cream cheese
1 cup Colby-Jack cheese, grated
6 eggs
1 T. Kick’n Chicken
1 Tbsp. unbleached flour
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl beat together spinach, half-&-half, cream cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, eggs, Kick’n chicken flour, and butter. Let set for 5 min­utes. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Place on wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into wedges. Great brunch with fruit and muffin

What are we really getting with white flour and sugar? Maybe the better questions is what are we losing! Wheat has 25 nutrients removed in the refining process that turns it into white flour. Only 4 of these nutrients are replaced, iron which in many cases is an unabsorbable source, B1, B2 and B3. On average, 87% of the essential minerals zinc, chromium, and manganese are lost. White sugar goes through 13 chemical processes which strip it of 90% of the vitamins and minerals, all the enzymes and natural molasses which helps our bodies to break down and utilize the sugars more efficiently. You are left with only sweet! Without these vitamins and minerals our metabolism becomes inefficient, contributing to poor energy and weight control problems. Buying whole grain flour and raw sugar gives back what nature intended.

Sugar

Are we consuming too much sugar? In one year the average American consumes 100# of refined sugar! Sugar is hidden in so many of the processed foods we are eating. Some of the ways sugar can ruin your health is by suppressing your immune system, causing kidney damage, hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties and crankiness in our children. If that list is not enough to reevaluate our habits, go on line to fln.org and check out my blog to get the rest of the story!

How destructive is simple sugar?

78 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health
In addition to throwing off the body’s homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a
number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of
sugar’s metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other
scientific publications.
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can upset the body’s mineral balance.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and
crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
5. Sugar can adversely affect children’s school grades.
6. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
7. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
8. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
9. Sugar can reduce helpful high-density cholesterol (HDLs).
10. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
11. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
12. Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
13. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
14. Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.
15. Sugar can cause colon cancer, with an increased risk in women.
16. Sugar can be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.
17. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
18. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
19. Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can
narrow blood vessels.
20. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
21. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
22. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
24. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair.
25. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
26. Sugar can promote tooth decay.
27. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis.
29. Sugar can cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or
duodenal ulcers.
30. Sugar can cause arthritis
31. Sugar can cause asthma.
32. Sugar can cause candidiasis (yeast infection).
33. Sugar can lead to the formation of gallstones.
34. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
35. Sugar can cause ischemic heart disease.
36. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
37. Sugar can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
38. Sugar can indirectly cause hemorrhoids.
39. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
40. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception
users.
41. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
42. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
43. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
44. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
45. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
46. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
47. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
48. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
49. Sugar can change the structure of protein causing interference with
protein absorption.
50. Sugar causes food allergies.
51. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
52. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
53. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
54. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
55. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
56. Sugar can cause cataracts.
57. Sugar can cause emphysema.
58. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
59. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
60. Sugar lowers the enzymes’ ability to function.
61. Sugar can cause loss of tissue elasticity and function.
62. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
63. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the
kidney.
65. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
66. Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.
67. Sugar can cause constipation.
68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. Sugar can cause hypertension.
71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
72. Sugar can cause an increase in delay, alpha and theta brain waves,
which can alter the mind’s ability to think clearly.
73. Sugar can cause depression.
74. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar
diets compared to low sugar diets.
75. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.
76. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
77. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of
blood clots.
78. Sugar increases the risk of Alzheimer Disease.

Hypoglycemia

At my highest weight of 186, I could consume a box of Ding Dongs and three or four Pepsi Colas in nothing flat. I craved it. I was hypoglycemic. Simply put, I had too much insulin so I felt the effects of low blood sugar crisis. Feeling weak and anxious, or having a headache, I would reach for a quick fix of processed junk foods which can provide an almost euphoric feeling, but which throws the body into unhealthy cycles. For me, consuming a green drink leveled out my insulin so I controlled the hunger and cravings instead of them controlling me. Then I was able make wise choices for meals and snacks.
Hypoglycemia, the culprit behind the sugar cravings! So many are unaware that this is why they cannot get disciplined to leave the simple sugars alone. Your body will scream for sweets day and night if you do not get this under control. It is a cycle that is hard to break because it’s an adrenaline rush for the system when sugar is ingested. Drinking barley, oat and wheat grass (green drink) helps the body to curb the cravings allowing you to gain control and begin to consume what the body needs to put you on the road to better health.

The benefits of flaxsed

It may be tiny, but it’s mighty: The flax seed carries one of the biggest nutrient payloads on the planet. And while it’s not technically a grain, it has a similar vitamin and mineral profile to grains, while the amount of fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids in flax leaves grains in the dust. Additionally, flax seed is very low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who limit their intake of starches and sugars. And its combination of healthy fat and high fiber content make it a great food for weight loss and maintenance -- many dieters have found that flax seed has been a key to keeping them feeling satisfied.
Flax Seed Nutrition
Yes, flax seed is high in most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese, but this little seed is just getting started. There are three additional nutrient groups which flax seed has in abundance, and each has many benefits.Flax seed is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are a key force against inflammation in our bodies. Mounting evidence shows that inflammation plays a part in many chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and even some cancers. This inflammation is enhanced by having too little Omega-3 intake (such as in fish, flax, and walnuts), especially in relation to Omega-6 fatty acid intake (in such oils as soy and corn oil). In the quest to equalize the ratio of these two kinds of oils, flax seed can be a real help. Most of the oil in flax seeds is alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an Omega-3 which is a precursor to the fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty cold-water fish (called EPA and DHA). Because not everyone is able to easily convert ALA into EPA and (especially) DHA, it is best not to rely solely on flax for your Omega-3 intake, but ALA also has good effects of its own, and definitely helps in the Omega 3/6 balance. Flax Seed is High in Fiber: You’d be hard-pressed to find a food higher in fiber -- both soluble and insoluble -- than flax. This fiber is probably mainly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects of flax. Fiber in the diet also helps stabilize blood sugar, and, of course, promotes proper functioning of the intestines. Phytochemicals: Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. It is perhaps our best source of lignans, which convert in our intestines to substances which tend to balance female hormones. There is evidence that lignans may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.Note that a) flax seeds need to be ground to make the nutrients available (otherwise they just “pass through”) and b) flax seed oil alone contains neither the fiber nor the phytochemicals of whole flax seed meal.
Flax Seed Safety and Side Effects
Concerns about flax seed revolve around four potential issues. However, remember that a lot of research about the wonders of flax show little or no problems from eating it –- to the contrary, it has shown many benefits.
Big Fiber Load: Since flax has such a high fiber content, it's best to start with a small amount and increase slowly, otherwise cramping and a "laxative effect" can result. People with irritable bowel syndrome may have an especially strong reaction to it, and should be extra-careful. More about fiber, including tips to prevent problems.
Oxidation/Rancidity: The oil in flax is highly unsaturated. This means that it is very prone to oxidation (rancidity) unless it is stored correctly. The very best way is nature’s own storage system – within the seed. Flax seeds not exposed to large amounts of heat stay safe to eat for at least a year. However, flax meal, and especially flax oil, are a different story. The meal, stored away from heat and light, will keep fresh for a few months, and the oil must be protected by refrigeration in dark containers, preferably being consumed within a few weeks of opening.Actually, the surprising thing about flax is not that the oils go rancid, but that they don’t go rancid as quickly as we would think, considering how unsaturated they are. The oils are quite stable when the seeds are used in baked foods, for example. Researchers theorize that this is due to the high levels of antioxidants in the seeds. Hormonal Effects: Lignans contain phytoestrogens. Although research has shown them to be beneficial so far, it is unknown what effect high doses of phytoestrogens might have. Cyanide: Like many other foods (cashews, some beans, and others), flax contains very small amounts of cyanide compounds, especially when consumed raw. Heat, especially on dry flax seeds, breaks these compounds down. However, our bodies have a capacity to neutralize a certain amount of these compounds, and the US government agencies say that 2 tablespoons of flaxseed (~3 T of flax meal) is certainly safe and is probably an “effective dose” for health purposes. Various researchers who have used up to 6 daily tablespoons of the seed in different studies indicate that the amount they were using was safe.

This is from an excerpt from about.com from Laura Dolson
There is a lot more information at this web site to better understand health and nutrition

The benefits of flaxseed

Fight inflammation the natural way! Swelling in the body causes so many problems, from bone spurs to coronary disease to arthritis. Ground flax seed in your diet will help ease the swelling and take away the pain associated in these areas. Best results are found when grinding the seeds fresh which keeps the oils from getting rancid. Using a simple coffee grinder you can add this flavorful seed to cereal, salad or just in drink it down with 100% fruit juice. The results are amazing! See my blog at fln.org for more on the wonders of this tiny but mighty seed.

Dr. shortage!

A doctor shortage is on its way according to the front page of September 9th USA Today! What can we do to get our family ready for this challenge? As we learn to watch the things that we are eating and drinking we will feel a renewed sense of balance and well being! Teaching our families about proper hygiene, a diet of whole live foods, a good mulit vitamin and returning to the water that our bodies are thirsting for will put us back in charge of our grocery and medical budgets. Going back to using the medical system only for emergencies, and learning the basics for good health will restore your confidence as dr mom.

Detox

There seems to be two groups of people today- the ones who go to great lengths to protect themselves from the toxic world we live in and the ones who say “something is going to get me so I’ll just live for today and hey whatever!” What if you could bring a balance to those mindsets and live in the wisdom the Lord has called us to? What if doing some simple detox’s could keep our system balanced and help us to stay more alert, level our moods and ward off the bugs that tend to infiltrate our work space and homes? Research bentonite clay- it comes in many forms and is called the ant of detoxification. It can carry out 100x its weight in toxins. In my recent studies on nutrition I have found heavy metals, which are coming at us from many different directions, are wreaking havoc with our cells. Since all disease is cellular malfunction, only when our cells are compromised does our immune system go down. As good stewards of our body and mind, let’s do all we can as the Lord gives wisdom and understanding to keep our bodies running at optimal performance!

Learning to read labels

There is amazing freedom in learning to read food labels. Once you have established your, “I will not go there” list, you are saved from a plethora of unnecessary calories. Many items have gone right back on the shelf as I read through the list of ingredients, saving me many unwanted calories and possibly a head ache due to additives and preservatives. Things to avoid are hydrogenated oils, monosodium glutamate, corn syrup and corn syrup solids, artificial flavor and color, BHT, vitamin A palmatate, aspartame, asulfame K. These are the main culprits in throwing your system into a tailspin. Actually shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is your best bet. Big dollars and empty calories lurk in the center isles of the grocery store. Produce, meat and dairy should be the main fare as you peruse the store. This takes a lot less time and money as you shop. As we learn to save time and money in the store we have more time to prepare those delicious and nutritious meals that will give us and our family optimum nutrition
For fun and easy recipes go to fln.org kitchen page click on recipes

Diet is a four letter word

Diet is a four letter word! I have tried almost everyone you can imagine. Since there is no way you can live on the restrictions of a diet for long periods of time as soon as you return to your former eating habits, the weight returns. As the pounds and frustrations set in, you will find yourself adopting another fad diet, hence the term yo-yo dieting. We need to establish permanent life style. It is easier than any diet you will ever attempt. Simply begin by writing down everything you eat for a week or two. You will be amazed by the empty calories that sneak in unnoticed. Now begin to weed out the stuff you can live without. Going back to the basics is always a great place to start. Water should be our main beverage, that is simple. Breakfast does not have to take a ton of time. A good whole grain cereal, or perhaps muffins that were made the night before and a small glass of 100% juice. Starting your day on the right foot nutritionally will make the rest of the day run much smoother

Bad habits

Bad habits rob us of our joy and peace! 15 years ago confined to a recliner my emotions were all over the place, I was in constant pain and miserable! When I started my own household, I threw the eating habits that I had grown up with out the window. Whole foods where exchanged for quick processed foods. Water was exchanged for soda and dessert was Hostess Ding Dongs. A friend came to visit and was astounded to see a once vital woman in this shape. The corn syrup solids that I had been consuming at a startling rate had gummed up my colon causing a myriad of problems. We needed to start cleansing immediately. By the end of the first week the lower back pain was all but gone. By the end of the third week my energy level was returning and the changes over the following 8 months were nothing short of a miracle. The positive and upbeat me was back and it felt great! Lifestyle change not diet is the answer. Learning to read labels and understanding your cravings will release a powerful new you. Making some simple changes in choices will radically change your life for the better.