Cooking at Home with Judy

Vanilla . . . made from PLASTIC????? YES read on

I was shocked when I heard that to save money companies are NOW making vanilla that we put in our cakes, pies, cookies and ice cream out of recycled water bottles. AND . . . I heard it on Jeopardy. So you know me research, research, and more digging to make sure this is the truth. Here is what I found out . . .

Download Jeopardy.pages and see for yourself. PLUS they are finding bits and pieces of PET plastic in seafood. I also found out why I have never been able to wear polyester. It is made from PET plastic. 

from your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Ginger, why it is so good for you!

First there is a recipe for you!

Download Asparagus & Chicken Cheese Soup.pages

Here is why Ginger is so good for us!

Download Ginger bnefits.pages

Last, but not least, here is my home remedy for swollen ankles. 

Download Swollen Ankles Home Remedy.pages

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Vick's Vapor Rub - Save $$$$

Don’t buy 3 oz of Vick’s at $8 or 5 oz at $14 anymore.

Buy 4 oz jar of Chest Rub at the $Tree for $1.25.

Even better ingredients too!!!! Check it out.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Triethanolamine

What is it and why should you care?

Do you care about what you put on your skin? Do you know the source of all the ingredients listed in those products you have sitting on your shelf? 

I developed a redness, slight swelling and soreness over my left kidney. When I have had this before (over my right kidney) it is due to my allergies to lanolin. Which I avoid because I am allergic to wool. And, where do we get lanolin????

Any way, I was VERY careful to check the label of a new coconut shea nourishing lotion. NO lanolin, but within a week of using it daily on my hands the red, swelling and soreness started.

Put Sherlock on the case and I found an ingredient I had NOT investigated in the past. Here is what I found.

"Triethanolamine (TEA) is a clear, colorless, thick liquid that smells a bit like ammonia because it has nitrogen at its center," Romanowski says. As he explains it, triethanolamine is made by reacting ethylene oxide, which is derived from the petroleum industry, with ammonia, which is derived from air. Jul 11, 2022

Trolamine, which is also referred to as triethanolamine (TEA) The substance may be toxic to kidneys, liver, skin. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Jun 5, 2015

Petroleum is listed as a carcinogen in Europe and therefore banned,”. Aug 7, 2019. Again, they are way ahead of us?

So you see my friends, it is important to know where the ingredients come from that you ingest, apply to your skin or breath into your lungs. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Blackout Drapes DANGEROUS Toxins

UPDATE 4 weeks later, the off-gassing is back. Soaked all drapes in in the washer over night, using HOT extra soapy water. Will keep you posted. 

Original post:

If you care about the air you breathe, you will NOT buy BLACKOUT Drapes for your home or office and you will WARN all your friends and loved ones. 

Do you know the names of the 4 DANGEROUS toxic chemicals that are used to make Blackout Drapes?

• Chlorine
• Formaldehyde
• Pesticides
• PFCs.

Do you know about the affects of breathing these toxic off-gasses?

They don't have to put it on the label because . . . it is part of the manufacturing PROCESS. 

Just like with sugar they don't have to tell you they use chlorine bleach and ammonia in the process to make sugar white. They are not added ingredients they are hidden in the PROCESS. See page 18 in Volume 6 of Cooking with Judy 

For all the details of my nightmare Download Blackout drapes.pages

Please share this with those you love. It is a HIDDEN Danger they need to know about. Even if you think you will never, ever need blackout drapes, this is important information for every consumer. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

Neem Oil

. . . and its benefits. Even if you don't have a yard, forward this to your family and friends who do. Plus see the benifits for your skin at the bottom of this page.

Why Plant a Neem Tree in your yard?

The Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) has been cultivated for centuries for its many beneficial uses, including using the leaves to naturally repel pests. The leaves are often stored in cabinets, windows and grain storages to keep bugs away.

Instead of using harmful chemical sprays to keep destructive bugs like aphids from entering your garden, or annoying bugs like mosquitos away, you can add a Neem Tree to your landscape for an organic solution.

Best of all, Neem Trees don’t bother good bugs like pollinators and won’t keep them away from your yard.

Neem Trees are evergreens that are a delight to grow. In the spring, Neem Trees erupt with large clusters of fragrant white blooms that will add beauty and a floral fragrance to your yard before turning into ornamental, vibrant yellow fruit. (However, don't eat the fruit or leaves, as non-edible Neem is poisonous if ingested!)

By being native to dry and arid climates, Neem Trees are extremely drought tolerant and heat resistant. They will thrive during the hottest and most dry parts of the year, and little to no upkeep is required.

This is the website where I got the info. It shows a photo of a beautiful full grown tree. The site would not allow me to copy the photo. This site is also the most expensive, over $100 for a 3 gallon pot. There are sites as low at $5 and sites where you can buy seeds. I recommend you use the official name Azadirachta indica and ask your local nursery to recommend the best options for your area.

From the same nursery you can purchase Neem spray for your yard. Just read the label to make sure there are NO added chemicals.

I enjoy the benefits of Neem Oil for my skin. Neem oil has excellent antioxidant properties. It moisturizes and protects against chapping, cracking, and itching due to dry skin. Hand-Extracted from wild-harvested neem seeds. Unrefined for maximum effectiveness. You can purchase it at any health food store. 

Offering you healthier choices in your everyday life, 

          Your friend in the kitchen, Judy

GMO vs Bioengineering

Surprise !!!!!

Did you know that beginning today January 1, 2022, that food labels at your grocery store will NO longer be labeled GMO? 

Instead they will be labeled 'bioengineered'. What does that really mean to the everyday consumer? 

The bad guys have won again!!!!!!

Not only did our illustrious Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas campaign for and won the unprecedented approval for Monsanto (he worked for them as a lawyer for 7 years before he became a judge) to obtain a PATENT for their corn seed that contains ROUNG-UP? 

To avoid prosecution, Monsanto sold to the German company Bayer. You are aware of all the lawsuits filed against Round-up for the Cancer it has caused in humans? 

I suggest you read this very long report in the Washington Post and inform yourself about this significant changes in food labeling. 

Here is one snippet you should know . . . now. 

The new rules discriminate against the more than 100 million Americans* who DO NOT have access to smartphones or cell service, because companies will be allowed to rely on smartphone-based scannable QR codes to share information about the 'bioengineered' food with consumers.

I find it outrageous that restaurants and other food service establishments do not have to abide by the new rules. So in other words . . . they can feed you ingredients you may not wish to ingest. 

Ask yourself? Why do so many people have so many food allergies these days?????? Ask yourself, why so many people have diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's today????? Our food? Our environment - the air we breathe? 

We are the only ones who can be responsible for our good health. We can no longer afford to allow big business to dictate what we eat nor the quality of the air we breathe.

Eat from the FARM and not a factory! 

* It is not only the poor who cannot afford smart phones or cell service. There are others like myself, who have intense Vertigo. Who cannot watch TV, use smart phones or any touch screen. Over 40% of all Americans will experience Vertigo at one time or another. And for some it will last a lifetime. 

This reminds me of the book Future Shock, where one individual winds up in control of all the computers in the world. This book was fiction, but so was Buck Rogers. How many people today wear a Dick Tracy watch? 

It also reminds me of Hitler. Just one more way to control humans is to limit their access to information. 

Jeopardy

I don't know if you are a fan but recently there were 2 questions related to food that I found interesting.

Question #1

Much of this flavoring comes from Madagascar orchids, but scientists have figured out a way to manufacture it from PLASTIC.

Answer: Vanilla

Of course we all know that Vanilla comes from the orchid plant and that those from Madagascar are considered the best. But who would have ever thought the vanilla we put in our cookies, cakes and ice cream is actually PLASTIC?

Just one more reason to always ASK what is the source of every ingredient. And one more reason to read every label BEFORE you buy. Of course the label won't say PLASTIC but if it says vanillin don't buy it.

Why?

Vanillin: the compound that carries most of the smell and taste of vanilla, can be extracted naturally from vanilla beans or made synthetically. About 85% of vanillin is currently made from chemicals taken from fossil fuels.

Did you know that plastic is actually made from the sludge that is not good enough to make gasoline for your car? It is. When they first began to separate crude oil into other products, such as gasoline, they would bury the remaining sludge in the ground. When crops and livestock began to die in these areas they knew they could no longer bury it and must find another use for it.

Chemists were put to work on the problem and came up with the magically new material called plastic. It could be used in liquid form or hardened into any shape you wanted.

That may have solved one problem but created a whole host of other deadly consequences. Which were perpetrated on an unknowing public. Even today most people have no idea of the dangers of plastics or its origin.

When a company won't tell me the source of an ingredient. I tell them I understand and I am NOT asking for any priority information. Just the source of _________. I tell them I need to know because I have several allergies and must know before I purchase.

If they still won't tell me, I DON'T buy and I add them to my list of companies NOT to buy from.

We have a right to know what we are ingesting.

Question #2

Scientists made a liquor using apples from the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone: Distillation got rid of this property the apples exhibited.

Answer: Radioactivity

INTERESTING: To bad we can't distill people, houses, cars and everything that comes in contact with radioactivity.

Leave it to Jeopardy to teach us something new!!!!!! By the way none of the contestants even tried to the answer either question.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Veggie Brushes

       All Natural Fiber

   Veggie Brushes 

       NO PLASTIC . . . YEA!!!

    BPA FREE     Compostable

Look all natural coconut fiber bristles and beechwood handle. They are advertised as bottle and pot scrubbers.

I actually purchased them for veggie brushes. See the cute little Curly-Q on the end. I want that for scrubbing carrots (slide it right through the little hole) and if the carrot is too big -- use the other brush! I don't like plastic for lots of reasons. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

Clean & Deodorize with Fresh Lemons

   

Bless Mother Nature, she has done it again. With lemon juice and salt you can make glassware sparkle removing any watermark stains.

Plus I found it to be a wonderful clean and natural deodorizer for my car.

Reading a copy of Old Farmer's Almanac I discovered I can keep and reuse my juice size glass that I park my toothbrush in. For years I have been recycling these Old English Cheese* jars because I could not remove the marks left on the inside of the glass from the residue left behind from my toothbrush and the hydrogen peroxide** I pour in the bottom of the glass to sanitize the moisture that drips down from the wet toothbrush.

Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into the glass or vase you wish to clean and add enough table salt to offer a good scrubber. I used a baby bottle brush and scrubbed the stain away in just a few minutes. Then rinsed it out and washed with soap and water to use again and agin. If the stain is stubborn then let is set for a while and scrub again.

I always keep an open box of baking soda under the front seat of my car to continually keep my car smelling fresh. Empty out a little every week or so to expose a new top layer.

Normally that is all it takes. But this time I needed something stronger. Since I had just used the lemon juice to clean the glass I decided to squeeze the juice from an entire lemon, seeds and all into a bowl, even added the rinds. Placed the bowl on the floor of my car overnight and Wah-lah a clean smelling car for about 50¢ and ALL NATURAL. No harmful chemicals to inhale.

* Old English Cheese in a jar is the most unhealthy item I will ever recommend. But it does make the best tasting quick and E-Z cheese sauce (on page 57 in Volume 1 of Cooking with Judy) for dipping veggies and cold Guilt-Free fried chicken (same volume page 15).

** Hydrogen Peroxide is what doctors used to sterilize their office with before they started hiring janitorial companies to do the dirty work.

Happy to help you keep things squeaky clean the way Mother Nature intended.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Slow Cognitive Decline

Did You Know . . .                         

There are foods you can eat to slow cognitive decline?

Yes, there are and you can find the full report here. Plus a review in the American Academy of Neurology.

According to the study, if you eat a diet high in flavonoids, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables containing flavones you can reduce your risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's.

Flavonoids are natural substances in plants that give them their colors. They are powerhouses when it comes to preventing your thinking skills from declining as you get older

It’s never too late to start. . .

it doesn’t take much to improve levels. A cup of tea a day or some berries two or three times a week would be adequate along with orange and yellow fruits and vegtables each day.  

The study provides more proof of how the power of plants and produce is so important in our daily diets, and how it can be beneficial nutritionally and possibly protect your mental health.

Once again, it is essential you EAT from the FARM and NOT a factory.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

Upright Walker

For those who need it . . .

Upright Walker. . .  

even if you don't need one, you probably know someone who does.

When you think about it, this upright position takes ALL the weight OFF your low back, hips and knees. Making walking so much easier. It ALSO offers so much more stability and support than the old standard walker. 

It drives me crazy to see people hunched over and in pain when they could be upright and stable. See my Tips article on page 59 in Volume 6 of Cooking with Judy. Good example for what not to do and how simple it is to correct bad posture. Plus you'll learn how easy it is to keep bananas and strawberries FRESH a whole lot longer.

Yes, I have been known to stop people in the grocery store and on the street and point out the fact that they don't have their cane or walker or grocery cart in the proper position to PREVENT back, hip and knee problems.

If you use a standard cane, your elbow should always be bent with your arm at a 90º angle. Your back should ALWAYS be straight. You should never lean forward or to the side. The more upright you are the faster you will heal. The cane is held in the opposite hand of the injured foot, leg or hip. The cane moves at the same time as the injured limb.

A tall walking stick is much better than a cane. The taller you are the taller the stick should be. And for hiking 2 sticks are much better than one.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

 

 

 

7 . . . E-Z Steps to Transform Your Health

 

Investigate:    What are the issues?

 

Identify:          What is holding you back?

 

Evaluate:         What outcomes do you want?

 

Intervention:   When can you get started?

 

Support:            Who is on your side?

 

Celebrate:           How will you celebrate your success? 

 

from your friend in the kitchen, Judy L. Young 

 

Cooking at Home with Judy . . . email me your questions!

WHY Wear a MASK?

An article from the Washington Post by Ben Guarino and Frances Stead Sellers titled "Brains and COCID-19 have mysterious relationship", appeared in my Wichita Eagle. The Eagle choose not to post it online and the Washington Post requires a subscription to read theirs.

I found the article to be of great interest, as to the long term effects of the pandemic. However, I have chosen to retype what I think to be the most pertinent to our well being in the near future. It will even protect you against the common cold.

From the Post:
Most coronavirus infections begin with the inhalation of pathogens breathed in while suspended inside tiny droplets of body fluid someone else has expelled.

These infectious parcels can be smaller than the nostrils they pass through by a factor of THOUSANDS -- picture, for a similar sense of scale, being sucked into a mile-high maw of a tunnel.

Once inside, the virus begins to hijack cells lining the respiratory system. It exploits a human protein called an ACE2 receptor. This receptor studs the surface of many cells in our respiratory passages. The virus uses its spike protein like a skeleton key to ease open cells.

Cells in the nasal cavity appear particularly susceptible to an infection of the coronavirus.

Virus in the upper part of the nasal cavity, the olfactory mucosa, probably causes the loss of smell experienced by some people with covid.

(Remember my friend who took Zinc supplements to regain her LOST sense of smell? Download Zinc & Turmeric Covid-19.pages)

The Olfactory mucosa sits below the thin strip of perforated bone, known as the cribriform plate. Sensory neurons are threaded from above through those holes. The brain rests on the other side of that thin bone

It is clear the virus can get very close to the brain. What's less certain is whether the virus is able to penetrate deeper and invade it. This isn't simply an academic question - it has medial consequences.

End of Article

Why take the chance? That is why they say if you are not covering your nose with a mask you might as well not bother to wear one at all.

PLUS new book, just out today, one that you might want to read.
"Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response", by Andy Slavitt.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Compostable Food Bags

Because of my intense Vertigo I cannot watch TV, videos, or use a touch screen of any kind, so no cell phones.

I love Henry Ford Innovation Nation on CBS on Sunday Mornings. I tape it so I can skip past the fast moving commercials. Because this show itself has fast moving parts that set off my Vertigo I wear these CRAZY glasses from France. I’ll be happy to talk about those in an email, if you want to know more.

Back to Henry Ford. Sometime in the past month they featured a new company in the UK you will want to know about. Marinatex.

This young lady Lucy Hughes, has taken FISH scales and made a replacement for plastic bags!!!!!!

YES — See for yourself . . . 

I can’t tolerate the movement of her site but found written info under About, Values and FAQ.

AMAZING -- you will want to signup for her newsletter to keep informed of her progress. What a wonderful way to protect our precious planet. HUGS !!!!!!!

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Blackstrap Molasses

There was a question on Jeopardy the other day, which I can't remember, but the answer was . . .

Blackstrap Molasses

As you know, I avoid all processed sugar. Why? Because if you have ever seen RAW cane sugar you know it is NOT white. So how do they make it white? They add bleach and ammonia to the PROCESS. And they don't have to tell you because it is part of the PROCESS and not labeled as an added Ingredient.

I remember as a child my grandmother kept Molasses and/or Blackstrap Molasses in her kitchen cupboard. She used it in cakes, cookies and to make homemade pancake syrup. So what is the difference?

First Molasses is made from mature raw sugar cane. It is boiled to reduce it to a syrup consistency. Similar to what we do to make other sauces rich and delectable.

To make Blackstrap Molasses you simply boil the syrup a third time. Reducing it and enhancing the richness and sweetness of the raw sugar cane.

You will find a choice of sulphured or un-sulphured molasses. Sulphured simply means they used younger less mature sugar cane and needed to add sulfur dioxide as a preservative. More mature sugar cane does not need a preservative. Obviously I will choose the UN-SULPHURED. You know I don't like preservatives. And as my friend Denise says, "The more preservatives it has the quicker it will kill you."

How long can you keep it on the shelf? Some say one year -- some say 10 years. As always . . . YOU do the research and you decided for yourself.

In addition to the wonderful dark rich sweetness of Molasses there are health benefits too. Nutrition Information from WebMD

Many people use blackstrap molasses in place of refined sugars for health reasons. It is lower on the glycemic index than conventional sweeteners, which means it won't spike your blood sugar as much.

This makes blackstrap molasses a great alternative for people working to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

A tablespoon of blackstrap molasses has:

60 Calories
1 gram of protein
0 grams of fat
14 grams of carbohydrates
Less than 1 gram of fiber
10 grams of sugar

Blackstrap molasses are also a significant source of: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and Vitamin B6.

I found similar nutrition information for un-sulphured blackstrap molasses, on Nutrition Data from Self Magazine. Their measurements were slightly different. To compare you need to know, 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses is equal to 20 grams.

As with all things use in moderation. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

EAT from the FARM not a factory

If you have a friend struggling with a weight problem . . . 

Send them this note from my heart.

Boy do I know the pain of constantly putting on the pounds no matter what you do. I put on an additional 20 lbs., when I went on a low fat diet. Nobody told me those foods were processed with fillers, starches and really bad stuff. I never read a label because I could NOT pronounce most of the words, let alone know what they meant. 

Thank heavens a friend said, Look them up! What? They are not in the standard dictionary. Lucky the internet had come along and you can look up almost anything. 

However, you have to be cautious and verify the source. Hate to burst your bubble but not everything you read on the web is the truth. 

Learn as I did, to EAT for the FARM not a factory. Eat foods that get their ENERGY from the Sun and their nutrients form Mother Earth. Stop consuming dead dust and chemicals form a factory. Industrialized food is what is killing us. Get back to Nature and fill your body with LIVING organisms. 

My story is long but one I hope will help you find a way for you to put cravings behind you. Read it first then proceed to the forms (also attached at the end of this article) I have created to help you find what you truly love and want to eat. 

I have been writing books on how to improve your health thru extensive research for over 15 years. You can benefit from my hard work. 

There are lots of articles on Truth in Labeling in every book.  

Here is an example of a few things you might find helpful:

• There are 13 Ways to LOWER your Blood Pressure Naturally, see page 51 in Volume 2.
• Common Household items to AVOID & Why, page 16 in volume 6. 
• The 15 WORST Things in YOUR Lunchbox, page 38 in Volume 3.
• There is a list of foods that Fight Inflammation, the cause of so many illnesses, on page 52 in Volume 6. 
• Do You Know the 5 Nutrients YOU don't get enough of? You'll find them on pages 55-57 in Volume 2. 
• Which foods are highest in Magnesium, see page 48 in Volume 3. 
• How much Calcium do YOU need? Page 59 in Volume 2
• You'll want to read Fake vs. Real Foods on page 38 in Volume 6. 
• You won't want to miss Herbs & Healthy Spices that can improve your health. 
• You'll be surprise to find bananas are NOT on the list of the TOP 10 Foods Highest in Potassium, page 33 in Volume 2.
• The list of Top 10 Superfoods can be found on page 31 in Volume 5.
• Is corn a fruit, vegetable or grain? You'll find the answer is on page 8 in Volume 5. Is the corn you eat Certified Organic? If not it has an 80% chance of containing Round-up? Read page 46 and page 47 in Volume 2. Plus this article. 
• PREVENT Esophageal Cancer, page 54-55 in Volume 5. 
• Health Food IMPOSTERS Don't be Fooled, page 12 in Volume 4.
• Hormones & Weight Gain Connection, page10-11 in Volume 4. 
• How about your Thyroid??????, page 61-63 in Volume 2. 
• How SAFE is Your Deodorant? Read page 19 in Volume 2 
• How to AVOID Blood Clots on page 38 in Volume 5. 
• PREVENT a backache when grocery shopping, see page 59 in Volume 6.
• Go NUTS for Nuts on page 25 in Volume 4.
• Never be constipated again, page 26-27 in Volume 3. 
• The Magic of Magnesium, page 44-47 in Volume 3. 
• The Old Geezer was right, page 55 in Volume 4. 
• Keep Strawberries & Banana FRESH longer, page 59 in Volume 6.

On my website and in my books you will find many more health tips along with delicious and nutritious recipes for getting your weight under control. STOP the CRAVINGS while you EAT the foods YOU like. Sorry NO pills or quick fixes. It does take time and work on your part. But once you do, it will become SMOOTH sailing. I lost 40 pounds in 90 days without trying. Improved my health and attitude along the way. And, all with REAL LIVING foods that get their ENERGY from the SUN and their NUTRIENTS from Mother Nature. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

NOTES about your many forms. They are meant to guide you on your path to proper weight management. Print as many copies as you need. Feel free to email me with any questions. And, if you live in Wichita Kansas or the surrounding area you can book a free one-hour consultation and even a private cooking lesson in your own kitchen. 

Wonder why I want to know your favorite color? Do we not eat FIRST with out eyes? Yes, we do. Let me give you an example. A young friend has stopped at my home for a visit. Since it was nearly lunch time I offered to feed her. She accepted. I asked if soup and salad would be ok and she said yes. 

I asked what her favorite color was. She looked at me with a question on her face. I said, I'm checking to see what kind of soup you might like. She laughed and said I am sure you do NOT have PINK soup. My reply was oh yes I do. 

She was polite enough not to ask what it was. But I knew she was young enough that she most likely would not like Beet Greens.

If you haven't guessed by now, she LOVED her PINK soup, nearly licking the bowl clean. You should have seen the look on her face when I handed her the recipe as she was leaving. 

I HATE beets she proclaimed. I just smiled and asked if she planned to make this soup in the future. YES, she exclaimed and asked, you say I should buy small beets? Yes, and gave her a copy of page 56 in Volume 5 so that she might also try eating the fresh sweet bulbs as well. 

With Pink being her favorite color I could have served her my Roasted Red Pepper Soup, if I had had any in the freezer. As it is pink and creamy. Recipe on page 48 in  Volume 4. 

So you see even if you think you hate something -- give it a try. Maybe adding flavors you do like -- fill out your Food Preferences sheet it will help guide you. And will open your eyes to so many new possibilities and all of them will be flavors and textures you already like. 

Yes, you need to take a food inventory as well as make a list of all your kitchen equipment. How else are you going to . . . know what you have and what you need. 

You'll notice your food Shopping List has more space for Produce and less for canned and dry goods Why? Neither come direct from the FARM they come from a factory. 

Why list your medications and supplements? They can have a huge impact on your food plan. It is also a good idea to make a copy of both and carry one in your billfold and one in the glove box of your car. These should be kept up to date at all times. Every time you go to the doctor or pharmacy you should ask them to make a copy of both so they have it on file. Some supplements can interfere with your meds. 

I know everyone HATES keeping a Food Diary but once again how will you know what is working and what is not. It truly only takes a couple of seconds to jot down what, when and how it made you feel. If you don't want to use the big sheet I offer, then buy a $1 note pad to carry in your pocket. It is critical you come to understand every morsel and sip you ingest. 

I truly want you to feel as GOOD as I do !Have more energy, a clearer mind and a brighter outlook. When you feel better you will do better, I PROMISE!!!!! 

And don't forget Laughter is good for the soul, mind and body. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

FORMS: To guide you on your path to proper weight management. 

Download Food Preferences Yours, the foods you like, dislike, are allergic or sensitive to, religious beliefs that influence your food choices. 

Download Food Preferences Same as above for EACH member of your household. 

Download Family Activities Schedules

Download Food Inventory What's in your fridge and cupboards?

Download Equipment Inventory: What do you use to prepare food with?

Download Shopping List Preferred Stores, items needed.

Download Food Diary.pages Yes, we all hate this process but truly only take 1-2 minutes to provide you with the most valuable information. 

Download Medications List   Vital Information

Download Supplements List Important information

Print as many copies as you wish.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

Hydrogen Proxide

If you are not already receiving Verne Harnish's Newsletter you should be. He offers wonderful advice for growing your business, which also applies to life in general. Plus he serves on the board of the Riordan Clinic. 

If you are not familiar with them Dr. Hugh Riordan was a pioneer in introducing the health benefits of Vitamin C. All the hospitals laughed at him 30 years ago when purchased a hyperbaric chamber. Now, of course, most hospitals and rehab centers have their own. 

You know I have been a proponent of the huge benefits of large doses of good quality Vitamin C for years. You also know I searched until I found a Vitamin D-3 that was NOT made from sheep’s wool, as I am highly allergic. 

You also know I passed on to you a couple of years ago the benefits of adding Colloidal Silver, (page 54 in Volume 4 of my Cooking with Judy) to my morning nose wash (page 44 in Volume 5). It kills viruses. 

About the same time my dental hygienist recommended, and I passed on to you, to rinse with hydrogen peroxide once a week. As decay does NOT like oxygen, what a blessing that has been. 

About a year ago at the beginning of Covid a friend recommended, and I passed on to you to take 1,000 mg of L-lysine before going out in public (still wear a mask) to kill viruses. 

You also know a few months ago I recommending adding Turmeric & Zinc (at the bottom of the Vitamin D-3 page) to your daily supplements to ward off viruses. You also know the follow-up from a fiend who stated she was beginning to get her sense of smell back after adding zinc to her daily routine. She had lost her sense of smell 12 years earlier due to a virus. 

I also sent you my friends recipe for homemade Elderberry Syrup with all its health benefits for fighting off viruses. 

Now my friend Verne has been so kind to give us the link to the FREE e-edition of Rapid Virus Recovery from Dr. Tom Levy at the Riordan Clinic. 

It was interesting that as I read his notes on tonsillitis I was reminded, as a child, I suffered with acute tonsillitis often. When I was with my grandmother she had me gargle with hydrogen peroxide a couple of times each day and I had NO sore throat. 

As I always say, DO your OWN research — but I think you will find this exciting news for all of us. I see it as preventative measures we can all incorporate into our daily lives. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Why are certian foods addictive?

Here is an email I sent to friends last week.

A really great article from the New York Times ran in my local newspaper this past week. You should read it for yourself and pass it on to family and friends. The journalist was Anahad O'Connor and the title was Some unhealthy foods could also be addictive. 

Boy do I personally know how true that is. I remember, not fondly, how I was addicted to sugar and flour. If it didn't come out of a box it came from a drive-thru-window. I didn't have time to cook! I had a busy life with a demanding career. Besides all I wanted to eat was donuts, candy bars, mac and cheese, hot dogs, pizza, tacos, BBQ, fish & chips, cookies and manufactured ice cream. 

Boy was I missing out on the things that really tasted good.

I had no idea how delicious FRESH veggies were or how melt-in-your-mouth delicious a home pan grilled filet mignon was.

Or how joyful to put your fork in a just made salad with homemade all natural ingredient salad dressing.

And, oh the dreams you'll have, over my home made all natural ingredient ice cream. 

It took time, trial and error and lots and lots of research to find a happy healthy way to enjoy good FRESH food that comes from the FARM not a factory.

You'll find ways to replace those unhealthy cravings and choose foods that get their energy from the sun and their nutrition form mother earth.

You'll find lots of recipes and tips right here and many more in my 6 published cooking guides. 

If you are struggling send me an email, I am happy to help. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Foam Rubber

When Foam Rubber . . . isn't Rubber anymore!

So be careful . . . Because Rubber is NOT always rubber, but rather plastic.

How many people do you who know are allergic to Latex? 

Why do they always ask that question on medical forms?

Read my extensive research Download Foam Rubber.pages

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Niman Ranch

I stopped eating Deli Meats years ago. Read why Download Deli meats.pages

Then I found . . .     Niman Ranch  Where their animals are Raised with Care®.

UPDATE: A friend brought it to my attention that Niman Ranch is no longer a privately own business. They sold to Predue, which does not make me happy. I will keep a close eye on their products in the future. 

The farmers’ and ranchers’ passion for their craft, dedication to their animals and respect for the land can truly be tasted in their finished products. 

• Their livestock are always raised outdoors or in deeply bedded pens
• 100% of their farms are Certified Humane
• No cages, no crates, no tail docking or teeth clipping
• No added hormones or antibiotics – EVER

Here are my two favorites:

Canadian Bacon so luscious in my scrambled eggs in the morning or for lunch in a steaming hot bowl of homemade soup.

The same for their Pastrami and I even top off my green salad with it. Yumm  

Really nice family and EXCELLENT product. I buy their products at Natural Grocers. When I get them home I open and wrap INDIVIDUAL slices in wax paper, bag and freeze to enjoy anytime I like.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Sweet Baby Bell Peppers

I am a HUGE fan of Baby Sweet Bells     

This is the brand I buy at Walmart. But I am sure you can buy Organic at any health food store. I have friends who buy a bag for any road trip and pop them like candy. Me, however cannot eat bell pepper raw. And being the picky eater I am, I must remove the seeds and membrane. I LOVE to dice them into my morning scramble. Add them to soups, sauces etc. They are so high in vitamin C. Too keep them at their highest level of nutrition I dice and freeze them.

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D-3   

Mayo Clinic News reprinted in the Wichita Eagle. 

Warning: IF . . . any of you are allergic to sheep's wool take NOTE . . . calcifediol is derived from sheep’s wool.

Every prescription and most commercial Vitamin D supplements contain calcifediol. If you are like me just touching wool breaks me out in a horrible RED rash. It burns like fire and itches like mad. I am also allergic to lanolin, which of course it made from sheep's wool.

So why in the world would I ingest anything made from sheep’s wool?

I DON’T.

I found Garden of Life makes D 3 is made from Lichen. It comes in a spray bottle. I do not like the spray so I place a dropper lid on instead and take a full dropper full 6 days a week. It increased my D-levels by 10 points in just 3 months and another 10 in 3 more months. It has stayed in the normal level since.

Here is the link for my research on calcifediol. Download D 3 calcifediol.pages

I also eat 2 FRESH FARM eggs every morning!!!!! So there.

Just like with the Zinc & Turmeric info I sent a few weeks ago I now think our Vitamin D level is critical for avoiding Covid the same as wearing a mask and social distancing. Download Zinc & Turmeric Covid-19.pages

Wishing all of you a safe and Happy Valentines Day!

Your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Really Good Iced Tea

It pays to read Cozy Mystery's . . .  One of my favorite authors had a great tip on how to make really GOOD Ice Tea. I had never heard of it and love it. I drink 2-6 cups of fresh brewed herbal tea nearly everyday. However, recently I noticed a bit of acid reflux. 

Yes, I know to make sure I have everything on the table BEFORE I sit down to eat a meal. And I know to keep my fanny in the chair for at least 15 minutes after the last bite or sip. Read my story on page 60 in Volume 6 of Cooking with Judy. Plus my research on Esophageal Cancer page 54 in Volume 5 of Cooking with Judy. 

Knowing how much tea I drink I decided to cut out all tea for 24 hours and see if it went away. It did. And was back when I resumed my tea intake. So disappointed. Yet, what is the old saying, "When one door closed another opens". I swear, that very evening when I picked up Peg Cochrans book "Bought the Farm", there it was on page 109. The answer to my prayers. I quote . . . 

" Dear Reader, 

Do you know what the secret is to a really good pitcher of ice cold tea? A pinch of baking soda. The baking soda neutralizes the tannins in the tea, making for a much smoother taste. Next time you brew some tea -- hot or cold -- try it. Just a pinch will do -- an eighth of a teaspoon should do the trick."

Well I'll be! Of course the baking soda neutralizes the tannins and does NOT interfere with the taste of your tea!!!!!! Why didn't I think of that? After all people have been using a tiny spoonful of old fashioned baking soda in water for hundreds of years for indigestion. 

Plus do I not know that baking soda is the best and cheapest household cleaner on the market? Didn't I write a whole page (14) on how to "Green Clean" in Cooking with Judy?

WOW it pays to read Cozy Mystery's. And on page 237 she wrote . . . 

"Dear Reader, 

Chicken soup is considered a remedy for what ails you in almost every culture around the world and has been considered a cure for the common cold since at least the twelfth century. Scientists believe that the steam from a hot bowl of soup helps nasal congestion and some even think that chicken soup might have anti-inflammatory properties. 

I don't know about you, but I find a bowl of chicken soup comforting at any time. And although it's hard to find the time, making your own is much better than opening up a can and isn't very hard at all." 

You know how much I loved reading that. Enjoy Peg's books and my newest Chicken Soup recipe.    

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Elderberry Syrup

We all know the benefits of Elderberry. Now a friend has shared with me how she makes homemade Elderberry Syrup. You know, how much I appreciate all things made from scratch at home in our own kitchens. 

Download Elderberry Syrup.pages . . . from Traza Bills 1-1-2021

UPDATE: I found I had star anise so I used it instead of the whole all spice. I also reduced the amount of honey and added Fresh Frozen WHOLE lemon. YUMM -- YOU can add anything you like. 

from your friend in the kitchen, Judy

1 + 1 = YUMMY

You know how much I like my detox tea (page 48 Volume 5 of Cooking with Judy).

And . . . if you like pomegranates (page 45 in Cooking with Judy) you'll love adding them to your detox tea. I find them to be a bit tart so a dab of honey might be nice.

Did you know you can FREEZE pomegranate seeds? Yes, you can and so easy to enjoy all year long. Just scoop into a snack bag and toss in the freezer. So simple. Buy now while they are in season and $ave $. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy!

 

 

Face Masks

Allergic to my own hot air.

True. It is critical we ALL wear medical masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Unfortunately some of us are allergic to our own hot air. When we exhale the carbon dioxide is trapped inside the mask.

Some of us have thin dry skin that cannot tolerate this naturally occurring toxin. While carbon dioxide poisoning is rare, a high concentration of it in a confined space can be toxic. ... Symptoms of mild carbon dioxide poisoning include headaches and dizziness and a red rash on the affected skin.

For months I have tried every cream, lotion, suave and essential oil I could find. Some would reduce the itching or the redness but only until the next time I had to wear a mask.

Now let me assure you I have tried every possible mask. I am instantly allergic to to the fibers in the blue one, seen above. The same is true of the KN95. I've even invested in organic cotton, same result. Fire engine red rash around the nose, mouth and chin.

Even purchased a face bracket to wear under the mask. It did hold the cotton away from my mouth and nose but within 5 minutes my chin was dripping wet. Does not work well with the blue mask pictured above. It does fit inside the KN95 Ooop's the bracket is made of silicone and I am allergic to ALL forms of plastic. Never been able to wear wool or polyester, rayon or nylon.

Out of desperation I stood in front of my bathroom cabinets and pulled out every bottle, tube and jar there was. Kept searching for anything I hadn't already tried. Wooo what is this bottle? Eucerin??? Says skin calming itch relief treatment. Now I remember, I used it a couple of years ago when I discovered I was allergic to the wood pulp fibers on grocery bags. Worked then why not give it a try.

Stopped using the cleanser the dermatologist recommended, as well as Cortizone-10 he suggested. Since that hadn't worked at all. But then nothing else had either. I washed my face with an organic bar soap from Hand in Hand (they are a good company with good products, I highly recommend them). I rinsed well and applied a thin coat of Eucerin. Better even 3 days later. WOW I'm impressed. Still searching for the perfect mask I can breathe in. Plus washing my face and apply Eucerin the minute I get home. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Share your natural remedies . . . I'd love to hear from you! 

 

Anxiety

Valerian Root: I thought I had shared this with you but find I have not. This supplement found in health food stores is excellent for anxiety. Take only when needed NOT as a daily supplement. It is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. 

It works really well but I will warn you -- the capsule smells like rotten eggs. So have your glass of water ready BEFORE you open the bottle.  

From your friend in the  kitchen, Judy

 

How To Make A Natural Spider & Insect Repellent Spray

Update: Now that is it time to replenish my homemade spray WITHOUT harsh chemicals I wanted you to know how much I like this spray. Don't know why it works so well but it does and no unpleasant odors. 

NO harmful chemicals -- only natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and bathroom. Came from my morning newspaper. Sorry I did not make a note of the original author. I always believe in giving credit, but failed this time.

Ingredients:   

1 Tbsp dish soap

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 1/2 cups water

10 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

Mix well in 16 oz spray bottle.

IT WORKS !!!!!!!! Did find it helpful to reapply after 2 weeks.

MORE Natural healthy ways to deal with household pests without harmful chemicals:

How to catch, kill and UN-INVITE mice -- Volume 2

Mosquito & Chigger Repellant that won't harm you -- Volume 3

How to get ride of ants naturally -- Volume 4

How to get ride of the musty smell from OLD books -- Volume 5

Bedbugs Begone -- Volume 6 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

 

Most Interesting

For as long as I can remember I have worn nail polish to protect and strengthen my soft peeling fingernails. When I was younger I wore bright reds and colors to match my outfit of the day. Then at some point I decided clear was more natural and went with everything.

I think I have tried every brand on the market and still my nails peeled and tore at the slightest provocation. Then the pandemic kept us all at home. I found I hadn't put on polish is a couple of weeks and my nails seemed a bit stronger. I continued to use cuticle remover every couple of weeks and noticed my cuticles too became healthier. 

Could it mean the nail polish was actually harming my nails and preventing them being as strong as they could be naturally? 

Well, 3 months later and NO more polish for me. I still keep a gentle emery board handy for nicks and edges getting TOO long! Ha-Ha never thought I'd be saying that. 

Let me know your nail secrets . . . email

PS: The only thing I am doing different is I have doubled my intake of Vitamin C to offset the stress of the pandemic and boost my immune system. Can't image this is what has caused such a quick improvement in the strength of my nails but maybe so. 

Your friend in the kitchen, Judy

SKIN CARE

You know how sensitive I am about what I put on my skin, as it is our biggest organ. Everything we touch is immediately absorbed into our body. 

 

So glad I found this organic herbal body wash. No harsh chemicals. Check it out! I like the companies story of discovery. 

 

Bought it at Natural Grocers $9 I think. 

 

Moon Valley Herbal Body Wash Lemon Rosemary ingredients

 

I find it to be a bite of a strong scent but didn’t care for the other fragrances either. 

 

Only unhealthy ingredient is Potassium Hydroxide, which is lye and that is what makes it soap. NO lye NO soap. Pioneers made sop by adding lye to rendered meat fat. 

From your friend in the kitchen, Judy

Detox Tea

Can you believe I've done it again . . . another healthy item added to my already delicious Detox Tea. 

I hope you have tried my friend Traza's homemade Elderberry Syrup. It too is delicious and oh so GOOD for YOU. 

Well because I had dry Elderberries in the cupboard I decided to add a few to my Detox Tea this morning. OH MY GOODNESS -- Delicious does not do it justice.

So now I suggest you add a few dry Elderberries, leftover stumps of FRESH frozen Turmeric and Ginger, OH . . .  and I grated some whole frozen orange on top, star anise, a small stick of cinnamon, 3 tiny whole allspice berries to my fennel, coriander and fennel seeds to brew up something AMAZING !!!!!! 

Another Update -- WOW add your left over FRESH ginger root and turmeric root, plus add the zest of a WHOLE frozen lemon. 

As you may already know I peel and FREEZE my FRESH ginger root, I scrub and FREEZE my FRESH turmeric root, I scrub and FREEZE my WHOLE lemons. I wrap them in clear wrap then store in a small zip bag in my freezer. 

Then simple ZEST into many, many homemade dishes to add flavor and nutrition. 

I also found WHOLE Allspice buds at Natural Grocers. I added two to my pot of Detox Tea. YUM and allspice is really good for you. It is quite powerful so use sparingly. 

NEW Update -- I found Cinnamon sticks and whole Star Anise at Natural Grocers and decided to add them to my Detox Tea. How delightful. 

Another day I simply added a handful of Pomegranate seeds. Wow was that delicious. I actually had them in my freezer. I like to buy several when they are in season and freeze the seeds. See page 45 in Cooking with Judy for instruction on how to easily remove the seeds from whole fresh Pomegranates.

UPDATE -- when our local health food store stopped carrying spices I found a great source for the seeds for the amazing tea. You can find them at The Spice House and their is NO shipping cost on the flat-pack size, which is perfect. 

From the Doctor Oz show

By Kulreet Chaudhary, MD

Neurologist balancing modern life with the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda

I became a fan of Ayurveda medicine several years ago when I met Dr. Maden Karatia a cardiologist who practices Ayurveda medicine, which treats the whole person: the mind, the body and the spirit.

The following tea caught my attention and I made a batch this morning following the instructions below. Because I am trying to retool my sweet tooth to NOT be so sweet I chose not to add honey or any sweetener but instead added a couple of whole allspice seeds and a small cinnamon stick to the boiling water along with the prescribed seeds.

It reminds me a lot of Throat Coat tea, which I savor anytime I feel an upper respiratory infection coming on or even just a scratchy throat from seasonal allergies.

Ayurvedic Fat Fighter #1

The first Ayurvedic fat fighter is a special “detox” tea. It includes a combination of ingredients that help to improve digestion, break down fat, and “unclog” the channels in our body by removing ama, which are toxins. 


Detox Tea


Boil 4 to 5 cups of water in the morning.


Add 1/2 teaspoon of the following seeds to the water and continue to let it boil for about 5 minutes with the lid on. 

• Whole cumin seeds
• Whole coriander seeds
• Whole fennel seeds

Strain out the seeds and pour the liquid into a thermos. The key is to make the tea fresh every morning, place it in a thermos, and take small sips of it throughout the day. It is best to drink it warm or hot. If the tea is too strong or if you experience some initial discomfort, reduce the amount of seeds to 1/4 teaspoon for 2 weeks, and then increase it back to 1/2 teaspoon.

You'll find other great Ayurveda tips from this segment on the Dr. Oz Show. 

Your Brain and the Food YOU Eat

Have you hear of Nutrition Psychiatry?

Check out these new studies on how what you eat affects your brain. 

New intervention studies implementing dietary changes suggest promise for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Finally, new studies focused on understanding the biological pathways that mediate the observed relationships between diet, nutrition and mental health are pointing to the immune system, oxidative biology, brain plasticity and the microbiome-gut-brain axis as key targets for nutritional interventions.

There is even an article on how what you eat can prevent Alzheimer's, excellent reading.

Download Your Brain & Food.pages

Compliments from your friend in the kitchen, Judy

The END of Diabetes

More from Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD

Yea - so many good suggestions to reverse or PREVENT diabetes. As you know diabetes is a threat to our nation's economy as well as a disaster for our health care system.

Download The End of Diabetes.pages

Breaking the Code

On the fruits & veggies YOU buy everyday.

Did you know . . . that the tiny little tag on fruits and vegetables holds a world of info?

•  A four-digit code starting with the number 4 equals conventionally grown and may have been sprayed with synthetic pesticides.

•  A five-digit code beginning with 9 equals organic *

•  A five-digit code starting with an 8 means the food has been Genetically Modified. This number is not widely used, as growers and suppliers are still fighting having to label genetically modified foods. 

•  A five-digit code starting with a 3 means new item and all the conventionally numbers are taken. New # old conventionally grown and may have been sprayed with synthetic pesticides.

* Organic foods have NOT been Genetically Modified. To learn more about GMO foods . . . Download GMO.pages

Square Pegs in Round Holes

Square Pegs in Round Holes

Heard that phrase before?

Is that what your job at work feels like?

It is for most people. Is it time to say enough is enough?

Read what this author and others have to say on the subject.

Download Square Peg - Round Whole.pages

 

Sugar Blues

Not long after being enlightened about deli meats I began to study the effects of PROCESSED sugar on our brain, nerves, heart, adrenal glands, hormones, bones, circulatory, digestive and immune systems.

There are lots of great sources out there but one of the books I highly recommend it Sugar Blues.

You can get it for FREE at your public library.

Do you know how many teaspoons of sugar are in one can or bottle of Mt. Dew or Dr. Pepper? If you consume either it will behoove you to find out.

Do you know how to calculate the number of calories in each serving of sugar in any container?

Simply multiply the number of grams X 4.

In other words if there are 25 grams of sugars in a product multiply it by 4 and you get 100, which happens to be the TOTAL daily recommended allowance for ALL sugars consumed in a given day.

Eye opening, isn't it??????

Did you know both ammonia and chlorine bleach are used in the process of making sugar white????? They don't have to tell you because it is part of the PROCESS and not an actual ingredient but every grain of white sugar got to be white because of the process. Have you ever seen a stalk of sugar cane? It is a pale YELLOW and not white. 

Think about that one next time you dump white sugar on something you are about to put into your mouth.

PLASTICS

and . . . FOOD not a good combination in my book.

Plastic is made from petroleum byproducts (NOT even good enough to put in your car).

Would you pour gasoline over your food before you consumed it?

I doubt it. But that is exactly what we were doing for years when we nuked our food in plastic containers or covered glass containers with plastic wrap.

Think about what happens when you allow any kind of plastic to come in contact with hot or warm food. 

My-oh-my we are slow learners. NO plastic near my food, thank you very much.

If you want to know the history of where plastic comes from read Download Indoor Air Quality.pages where you will also learn how to test the quality of the air you breath indoors. 

As Myaia Angulo said, "When you know better, you do better".

Bi-Polar

Bi-Polar

Can the culprit be a food allergy or the lack of REAL living single ingredient foods that don't require a label?????? Well I wonder -- when you read my friends account of what happened to her 84 year old mother you might be asking the same question. 

Download Bi-Polar.pages

Deli Meats

Recently a woman asked me how I felt about Deli Meats? I told her I quite eating them 10 years earlier because I had the opportunity to actually read the label on a package of smoked turkey. I was visiting my daughter on the east coast and doing the grocery shopping. She had several deli meats on her list and the line at the deli counter was long. While waiting I asked a newly arrived clerk if I could read the label on a large bundle of turkey. He handed it over. I was appalled. For the rest of the story . . .

Download Deli meats.pages

 

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) Antibiotics

UPDATE -- Please print off and forward the attached pdf to everyone you know. This is a concise list of the Fluoroquinolones (FQ) antibiotics that are so dangerous. You must share his information with all of your health care providers and anyone you know who might ever need an antibiotic. 

Download Dangerous Class of Antibiotics

Be sure to read my friends story (Download Antibiotics.pages) about the horrific disabilities her adult son is having to endure because of Cipro. It included good dialogue you need to have with your doctor. 

Silver

Interesting new study in the LA Times on boosting the effectiveness of antibiotics with the addition of silver. I am NOT an advocate of antibiotics and believe physicians have over prescribed and we have over indulged for too many years and we are all now paying the price. See my friends story (Download Antibiotics.pages) on the price we pay for overuse. 

Silver has been touted in natural healing circles for years. Do your own research and decided for yourself. 

Wishing you a day full of sunshine, joy and laughter!

Esophageal Cancer

Is it PREVENTABLE?  I am beginning to think so.                  

But then that is just my opinion. As always, I want you to do your own research and decide for yourself. My purpose it just to help you stop and think about the choices you make everyday and how they affect your long-term health and happiness. 

Download Esophageal Cancer.pages

Local Farmer's Market

Thrilled that so many of our local growers are willing to grow in greenhouses all winter long so when spring is trying to nudge its way to us we can enjoy the amazing abundance of their labor. What beautiful SWEET red and yellow carrots, a head of delicate red leaf lettuce bigger than my largest mixing bowl, sturdy tall Romaine, FRESH celery with the biggest leaves I've ever seen and I've never before had broccoli FRESH cut from the garden, it was amazing!!!!! 

 

And I nearly jumped for joy when I came across the man who had the Baby White Salad Turnips. Oh my gosh they are so sweet and buttery when sautéed in a tiny dab of butter. And, even better when you sauté them with the FRESH celery, leaves included, with onion for Download NO Potato Soup.pages. Of course it didn't hurt that I had FRESH lemon thyme to add at the last minute. YUMMMY 

 

Also from the bounty came this tip for SWEET carrots. 

 

And then the amazing tip from my friend Pat from Maui on braised FRESH broccoli

 

Should you be interested in Wichita experiencing a year-round indoor Farmer's Market see what other cities are doing. 

 

Wishing you a day full of sunshine, laughter, good eats, good people and good times. 

Houseplants Clean the Air You Breathe

We've all heard it for years -- now here is a list of plants that will improve your health. Check it out. 

Download Houseplants.pages

 

SEPSIS

I had never heard the word SEPSIS before hearing it on Dr. Oz and neither had the parents of a 12 year old boy who had a minor scrap on his arm in basketball practice and was DEAD four days later. His coach did not send him to the school nurse nor did he clean the minor wound or apply any antiseptic. He did what most of us would do; he applied a band aide and sent the boy home.

At home his mother looked at it but saw nothing out of the ordinary. The boy felt fine, did his homework after supper and went to bed. At midnight his mother woke hearing him retch in the bathroom. The boy complained of SEVER PAIN IN HIS LEG, not his scraped arm.

The next morning he was still running a high fever, vomiting and complaining of INTENSE PAIN IN HIS LEG so his mother took him to the pediatrician. Unfortunately there were several cases of stomach flu going around and that was the diagnosis of the doctor who sent him home.

That night all of the above symptoms where worse so the parents took the boy to the ER, where he was once again diagnosed with the stomach flu and sent home. The next morning his symptoms were worse including black blotches appearing on his arms, legs and stomach. The parents called the pediatrician, who recommended they go to the hospital. 

The boy died within hours of entering the hospital. After his death the parents found the ER, as a matter of protocol on his FIRST visit, had in fact taking blood without their permission and without telling them they were testing for SEPSIS. The hospital never reported the positive results until after his death.

As you will see on Dr. Oz, a specialists reports that hundreds of thousands of people young and old die of SEPSIS every year but that 60% could be saved with EARLY detection.

So should you or anyone you know suffer the above symptoms after a minor scratch or scrap DEMAND a blood test to rule out SEPSIS. Ask when the results will be available and ASK to see those results.

Also keep in mind OVER USE OF ANTIBIOTICS can result in immunity when you need it the most.

PLEASE - PLEASE - PLEASE ask these questions anytime a physician wants to prescribe and antibiotic, ESPECIALLY for CHILDREN.

1. Why are you prescribing an antibiotic at this time?
2. Which antibiotic are you prescribing?
3. Who is the manufacturer?
4. What is the cost?
5. How long will I need to take it?
6. What results do you expect?
7. How soon should I see these results?
8. If that does not happen in the prescribe time frame what should I do?
9. What are the drawbacks of taking this particular antibiotic?

AND the most important question -- Are there any alternatives?

Print these questions out and take them with you to every appointment. And write down the answers. YOU have a RIGHT to KNOW.

Mac & Cheese

Food Dyes  -- Are they really SAFE?

The food industry has been adding food dyes to all sorts of packaged goods for years. But are they really safe?

Many countries, like the UK, have required that food companies label products containing Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 with a warning that says: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Hence, some companies, like Kraft, have switched to using paprika and beta-carotene in products like their mac and cheese (to preserve the yellow appearance) that they sell in those countries.

So why does Kraft continue to sell products in the US that contain both Yellow 5 & 6 dye in them?

Read about the British research Dr Oz and decide for yourself. My suggestion: IF you are going to continue to spend your hard earned money on packaged goods at least READ the labels and KNOW exactly what they contain and what the consequences might be. It is easy to find tons of good research on food colorings. My rule: When reading a food label -- If you can't pronounce it or quickly recognize the word as being a plant based organic food -- don't put it in your body or that of the ones you love.

Also see what a couple of innovative Mom's, just like you are doing.  And if you agree that we in the US deserve as healthy a version of Kraft Mac & Cheese sign their petition. You can also reach Vani Hari at Food Babe and Lisa Leake at 100 Days of Real Food. 

UPDATE: Thanks to Dr. Oz and these Mom's Kraft stopped putting artificial dyes in their Mac & Cheese. I have keep this post up because the data is still relevant and the information helpful to changing from processes industrial food to FRESH produce and organic single ingredient foods that do not require a label. 

Your friend in the kitchen, 

Judy

Generic RX -- Are they Safe?

You need to read this report on Dr. Oz and ask more questions of your doctor and your pharmacists then make your own choices. Excellent information for the consumer and you know my opinion; each and every one of us must become a more savvy consumer. We are the only ones responsible for our own good health and that of our families.

Personally I was very disappointed when I went to the Consumer Labs site, referenced in the article. The free 24-hr pass they offered on supplements only gave the results for the 40 multi-vitamin supplements they tested. Since I do not take a multi-vitamin, I have a bad reaction to B-vitamins, the information was not valuable and when I wanted to check their list of magnesium products it required a $50 membership. Even after you pay the fee you have no way of knowing if in fact they have tested the product you want to look up.

And, since I am a very important part of only 10% of our population who over the age of 60 does not take prescription drugs, I had nothing to look up. However, having said that if I were on any prescription drugs I think it might be worth the investment. 

A Walk in the Park

New study proves what we all know and our ancestors have known for thousands of years TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK and DE-STRESS. It will make your brain sooooooooo happy and your whole body will benefit.

We are lucky this lady took a road trip up an old highway and got thirsty just in time to pull off the highway into Belle Plain Kansas. There she passed the old rusted gates to the Belle Plain Arboretum and saw the For Sale sign. She asked about it at the filling station where she got her cold drink. The proprietor gave her directions to the owner and Robin Macy, a former Dixie Chick bought it then and there. What a joy for all of us. 

The Arboretum had been closed for over twenty years and was so overgrown and neglected nobody wanted it but Robin could see its beauty beyond the rubble. She got herself a job teaching high school and put out the word she needed volunteers to help clear away the brush and pull the weeds. We call them the Soil Sisters those dedicated workers who have turned the garden back into its own true beauty.

Please join us for great music, good food, kind people and a most enchanting walk where you too can enjoy nature at its best. 

Carrageenan

Yet another report on the hazards of this so called natural food additive that can have disastrous affects on your health.

Doubts surface about safety of food additive, carrageenan

I like many others thought seaweed was good for our health and was not the least bite concerned when I saw it listed on the label of the heavy cream I use everyday.  However, I certainly changed my mind this morning when excerpts, from this Chicago Tribune investigative report, appeared in my local newspaper.

Read the entire report for yourself. My biggest outrage is the fact the FDA failed to respond to a petition to prohibit the use of carrageenan for FOUR YEARS. Can't tell me manufacturers don't have big money. 

AND the fact that it is used in INFANT formula????????? WHY ??????????? But then if you ever take the time to actually read the label on infant formula you will be appalled. And then you'll be outraged when you find out our government DEMANDS mother's use our tax dollars to purchase this formula and actually feed it to the next generation of prospective diabetics and an obese population.

READ EVERY label -- you can find carrageenan in milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheeses, some meats and diet soda and even TOOTHPASTE, plus some organic products and lots of packages and processed foods. Remember Dr. Chopra calls processed food DEAD food. He recommends we eat living food that comes from the earth not a factory.

Do yourself and your family a favor, take a few minutes and read the entire Download Carrageenan Chicago Tribune and then send it to all your friends to spread the word about the possible dangers of carrageenan.