Nurture's Path

Fall Apples!

2011-09-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted anything...been busy as the bees with Summer gardening and family! Realizing we are near the end of September all of a sudden says Apple Time!! Fresh Fall Apples are available in Farmers Markets and grocery stores, even for picking fresh in the orchards...so partake in one form or another. Wash them well and eat the skins too, for that is where the highest levels of antioxidants and bioflavonoids exist. Remember we are now building our immune systems for the winter. One of my favorite things to do with them as the weather gets chilly is bake them in a dish with a crumb topping, oh so YUMMY!

Here's a recipe to try:

Apple/Berry Crumble

5 Golden Delicious or Rome Beauty apples

2 cups fresh or frozen berries such as blackberries, blueberries, cranberries or raspberries

3/4 cup packed brown sugar or Coconut Palm Crystals, divided--1/2 cup and 1/4 cup

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided --1 tsp and 1/2 tsp

1/3 cup unsifted all-purpose flour or Spelt flour or Whole Wheat flour

1/8 teaspoon salt, divided into 2 pinches

5 tablespoons butter or vegan alternative

1/3 cup quick rolled oats

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Butter (or use coconut oil) a baking dish.

In a large bowl add apples, berries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 pinch of salt and toss to blend. Pour apple-berry mixture into the prepared dish.

In a medium-sized bowl combine flour, 1 pinch of salt, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. With pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until it's crumbly. Stir in the oats.

Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples and bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is crisp and golden.

The Undiet!

2011-02-23T12:57:00.001-06:00

"The Undiet": Why The Blood Type Diet is so Popular for Losing Weight For a diet not designed as a traditional calorie-cutting “diet,” why is the Blood Type Diet so successful at helping people reach their natural, healthy weight? Health News You Can Use From Jean Ferraraccio Find Out More About The Blood Type Diet
	How The Blood Type Diet Works: The Basics Genuine Weight Loss Goes Deeper Over several decades, researchers have identified over 1,000 common foods that contain powerful proteins called lectins. Here’s the key: These food lectins become active and important for you when they interact with your blood type. For example, after consuming any number of foods containing wheat, both blood types O and A can experience bloating and other digestive problems. This may be more than a simple “food intolerance.” The walls of the stomach and intestines are lined with sensitive receptors that interact with, and respond to, the lectin in wheat. At first, you may only experience that wheat lectin interaction as a mild digestive problem, or a dull, listless feeling after consuming foods not right for you. Over time, the result is a steadily deteriorating state of health, loss of energy and weight gain. The good news is, by removing these targeted foods and replacing them with foods more suitable for your blood type, you begin to experience the benefits of a leaner, cleaner, more energetic body.
	Why That “Weight Loss” Shake is Actually Packing it On Over 80% of us Can't Tolerate Most Weight Loss Products Most so-called weight-control shakes are only about limiting calorie intake without taking into consideration your unique biochemical needs. Do you wonder why so many people lose weight, only to gain it back--and then some? Or why many people may lose weight in the face and neck, but remain persistently overweight around the middle? Improper and unhealthy weight loss leads to unbalanced and unhealthy weight distribution. Genuine weight loss and genuine, lasting health comes from considering how your body interacts with the foods and beverages you consume. Dr. D’Adamo’s pioneering and on-going research confirms that your blood type is the single most important determinant in how your body interacts with the foods you eat and whether those foods cause inflammation, digestive problems, or weight gain for you. Over 80% of Americans are either type O or A. Wheat and corn by-products are two of the key weight-gaining foods for blood types O and A. Amazingly, most popular “low calorie” diet bars and shakes contain whey and corn-derived ingredients which for blood type O: Inflames your digestive tract lining and interferes with your digestive process, causing bloating. Slows down the rate of food metabolism, so you don't efficiently burn calories for energy. Compromises your production of insulin. Upsets your hormonal balance, causing water retention, thyroid disorders and other problems. By simply replacing the key weight-gaining foods in your diet, you can begin not only helping your body lose weight, but also gain more energy.
	It's Simple to Get StartedStep One: It's easy to overlook a common source of dietary lectins: So-called "low calorie" diet foods and other snack foods. Take a new look at the snacks or diet drinks and powders you may be using right now. Do any of them contain any of the foodstuffs that are harmful to your blood type, or have lectins known to lead to inflammation and weight gain? Consider replacing these with blood-type friendly Dr. D’Adamo-designed snack bars and our protein drinks and teas. Not only are these foods easier on your system --but they can have an immediate impact on your body’s lectin chain-reactions. Step Two: Look at your diet. Don't try to change your entire life in one weekend. After looking over the key weight-gaining foods for your blood type, consider replacing at least two of them with other foods that may be neutral or even beneficial for your type. Example for Types O and A:Replace wheat breads and pastas with better-tolerated and neutral Spelt breads and pastas. Ideally, until you reach your preferred state of health and weight, you'll want to consume less of these grains, and add more quality meats and vegetables. However, removing the gluten is a huge step in the right direction. Example for Types B and AB:Replace corn muffins and taco shells with and pastas with better-tolerated and neutral Spelt breads and pastas. Ideally, until you reach your preferred state of health and weight, you'll want to consume less of these grains, and add more quality meats and vegetables.Find Out More About The Blood Type Diet

Happy New Year 2011!!

2011-01-01T17:23:00.000-06:00

Ring out the old,

Ring in the new,

Ring out the false,

Ring in the true. Tennyson

1/1/11...a very auspicious sequence of numbers for all this Kalends of January, signifying amazing new beginnings, rebirth, birth, new growth, and good fortune. The first three weeks of January also lie in the tree-calendar month of the birch tree, representing beginnings and purification. According to Celtic tradition, the sacred color of the month is white, which corresponds to the white bark of those lovely delicate looking trees.

Looking back at 2010, many had a difficult, challenging year with life changes on many levels. It was a year full of energetic numerologic portals, lunar eclipses and the Mercury retrograde through the holidays! Boy, was Mercury laughing as airports, trains, buses, taxis and cars full of seasonal travelers were snarled amidst snowstorms. Mercury commanded a time for reflection and stomped on any who would not listen. No matter how bad the situation, there is always something to be learned and for that we are grateful. We have to be on the learning path to make better choices and continue to have new, enlightening adventures. So we finish 2010 with gratitude!

The verse above ends with 'Ring in the true!'

To start the new year with truth compels us to use our inner wisdom, recognize the voice within, respect it and acknowledge it openly. Our inner voice comes from the heart space, a place of pure love and honesty. Discriminate between the pure voice from the heart and the learned, judgemental voice of the intellect. Breathe deeply and pause to hear the true voice from within. Allow that voice of purity and love to guide you in new experiences for 2011...rebirth, renew, revitalize, grow like a barren birch tree in the winter, full of new beginnings, processing internally all that will bud out in beautiful new ways this year.

Wishing you all a year of love and abundance!

If January Kalends be summary gay,

'Twill be wintry weather till the

Kalends of May. Anon. English

Mercury Retrograde, Portals and the Holidays!!

2010-12-18T16:21:00.001-06:00

If you feel like memories and ghosts of Christmas past are visiting you, well they really are!!

The Holidays are typically a time for remembering previous years, loved ones, friends, gatherings and experiences. This year, the memories are much more present with us, and will be well into the New Year. We are in the midst of a Mercury retrograde...the 4th one of 2010, which began mid-December and will not be completely finished until mid-January in the New Year 2011. Mercury is the planet of mental clarity and affects every capability and extension of our minds. Retrogrades of Mercury are energetically bothersome any time of the year...snarling communications, clouding our own thinking, causing misunderstandings with others, glitches with phones, internet/computers and control systems for things such as subways, buses, trains, airplanes. To have a Mercury retrograde during the Holiday season can REALLY disrupt us as we become less focused and more introspective.

We are also experiencing major portals throughout, 12/12, 1/1/11, and 1/11/11. What does this mean?? Portals are openings/gateways to higher thinking and enlightenment on certain dates with numerologic repetitions, for example 1/1/11, all 'ones.' When this alignment of numbers occurs throughout the calendar year(s), great energies of the Universe are available for higher thinking and spiritual connection.

To have the portal openings allowing great possibilities of the mind, and the Mercury Retrograde occurring at the same time clouding our minds is very contradictory in and of itself. BUT we also have the Holiday Season! This is an intense emotionally challenging time for us, as we are flooded with memories about the holiday season, the closing of 2010, the beginning of 2011, and yet the greatest challenges in life bring the greatest rewards.

What to do? First of all, slow down and pay attention to the messages that come your way. Be kind to yourself and others. Listen carefully and patiently, as messages may be easily misunderstood. Remember all with great love and gratitude. The point of reviewing, revisiting, and remembering is to gain clarity for the future. Plan for the New Year, but wait until mid-January to act, sign contracts, make agreements or take any new actions. Mental clarity will return and be amazing once we all get through this period. All is as it should be, can be and will be.

Blessings to you all for a magical Holiday Season!

Present on the Journey? Yes!

2010-12-09T16:44:00.002-06:00

As I go thru my day, I pause periodically reminding myself to pay attention! 'Jean, notice the fragrance, texture, taste, sound... or feeling. Are you really being present in this moment?'

Many of us perform daily tasks routinely. We've had a lot of practice and are very good in the automatic mode. Showers, baths, washing our faces, brushing our teeth, walking or driving to work, preparing and eating meals, etc. Not only are we very good just doing it all without serious concentration, we are great at multi-tasking! So while we shower, we are making lists in our head, planning, doing something else in our mind. We learn to multi-task to accomplish more with our time, and it can be wonderfully productive! However, do we really feel the water in the shower, with pure pleasure how cleansing AND soothing the water is? Do we notice the subtle fragrances as we cook, or savor flavors as we chew and eat? Do we actually take time to eat and relax with friends or family, or are we eating while working, walking or watching television?? Oh how this modern idea of super productivity interferes with our joy and health!

As you make your way everyday, notice the complete sensory experience with each thing you do. Feel the wind on your face. Notice the morning dew or frost. Feel the temperature. Notice the natural fragrances in the air, from trees, bushes, foods cooking, soaps for washing. Smell the towels. Taste the water. Eat slowly and deliberately to taste all of the flavors, spices, herbs, textures, temperatures in your food. If you catch yourself thinking about one thing while doing something else, pause and re-focus. Re-align your thought to match your activity to reap the most healthful benefits. Devote full attention to your daily life and be fully present in each moment. This is your life journey and you don't want to miss out on the great things!

An easy treat for you to savor and enjoy...

Broiled Apples

Yield

4 servings, with leftovers (Great for mixing into oatmeal or plain yogurt for breakfast!)

Ingredients

3 sweet, firm apples, such as Rome Beauties or Empires-peeled, cored, and cut into 8 to 10 wedges
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons organic butter, melted
1/3 cup organic sugar
dash of cinnamon/nutmeg if desired
1/4 cup Grade B maple syrup (darker, richer and more nutrients than Grade A)
1 pint vanilla ice cream or dairy substitute, crème fraîche or yogurt

Preparation

To make it...
Turn on broiler. Toss the apples with the lemon juice, butter, spice/s and all but 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil the apples about 8 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with the remaining 1-2 tablespoon of sugar and broil until melted. Meanwhile, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Serve the apples warm with quality vanilla ice cream or dairy substitute. Drizzle with the warm syrup.

Mindfulness for the Holidays!

2010-12-03T17:55:00.000-06:00

'Tis the season...We are quickly approaching the holidays, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Soltice. It is a very magical time of year for us as we gather to celebrate, feast, share gifts and memories. Activities of preparation such as shopping, decorating, baking, cooking and traveling can be time so consuming and a distraction from our own true purpose. Determination keeps driving us onward, ignoring aches, pains, fatigue. Weather can be cold and yucky, so bundled up we go about our 'duties.' Too many people get sick, have travel woes and finally lose patience! Is this what we call 'Holiday Spirit?' Why do we do this?? Certainly doesn't sound very relaxing or joyful!

Our bodies reflect directly what is happening in the mind. Fatigue means too much going on mentally and physically, so rest. Get more sleep each night, and nourish the body with breakfast, lunch and dinner! Headaches mean so much stress there is sensory overload and the nervous system is urging withdrawal to a quiet, calm place with a cup of hot tea. Aches and Pains mean the body is struggling and so stubborn, causing a fight of sorts between the mind (determined) and body (exhausted). Listen to the aches and sit down a bit...think about how the situation could be handled better.

The list of things to do can become easier and more fun if we can avoid the crash point! So how do we do that?

Find some alone time

It doesn't need to be for very long - even 15-20 minutes is enough. Take some time in solitude to reflect and renew. Close your eyes and be mindfully aware of yourself in the moment.

HUM!

Humming boosts the natural Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in our sinuses and nasal passages that is then absorbed into our bodies and calms us, lowering blood pressure and enhancing serotonin production.

Keep your lips closed, air and sound flowing through the sinuses. We can hum any melody, anywhere, while we are doing just about anything. Hmmmmm.....
Practice Gratitude
Be grateful for all that you are, all that you have and all who love you. Be grateful for all of your experiences in life and everything on this Earth and in this Universe.
Enjoy the Feast
Taste everything you love to eat, savoring each bite and the meanings of foods present for you. They are foods of tradition, love and fun! Think about the significance of your family traditions and mindfully, blend all of your knowledge and sensations, finding peace and joy as you nurture yourself.
Arsenal for Health
Anyone who knows me realizes that any arsenal I recommend does not include medicines and antibiotics! So make sure you have herbs, Thieves essential oil, raw honey, and elderberry juice or syrup in your cabinet. If a bug threatens you, use a drop of Thieves oil right on the tongue 3 times per day, take a tablespoon of elderberry every day and drink herb tea with a spoon of raw honey.

COLD RX TEA-- Put 1 bay leaf, 1 whole clove bud, 1 cinnamon stick and a couple whole sage leaves in a tea pot of boiling water. Steep 5 minutes, strain and drink. Add raw honey to taste. This is great for sore throats, stuffy noses and sinus problems.

'Tis the season of history and family traditions, repeating every year, reinforcing beliefs, initiating and educating the younger generations into the way of the family, the way of a culture, sharing memories of the past, creating new ones for the future. Mindfully, embrace this wonderful season to let it be a joyful loving time for you as well as family and friends.

Finally Starting this Blog...with Gratitude!!

2010-11-28T17:12:00.000-06:00

Here we begin the long overdue blog of Jean F and Nurture's Path! So many have said to me, 'you need to do a blog...about food, nutrition, health!' Grateful for my experiences, I think of many friends and clients as I sit here typing. All of life is a journey, so onward... learning, giving and receiving, and blogging!

This being Thanksgiving weekend, the subject of Thanks and Gratitude seems appropriate and timely. As I cooked for the holiday, I found myself thanking Creator/Source for all that I am and have... a loving husband, healthy safe children, a beautiful bright granddaughter, sweet kitties, healing clients, busy office, many friends dear to my heart, the sun in the daytime, the moon shining down at night, a million stars in the clear night skies, a roof over my head, a warm place to sleep... This is only my perspective on life. Each of you have your own list of things to acknowledge in your lives to give thanks for.

Gratitude is a practice we are reminded of with holidays, but it should be a part of our lives every single day! Gratitude is about raising our vibrational energies. There is a constant flow of energy both ways with everything and everyone we come into contact with. When we focus with positive loving thoughts on ourselves, loved ones and possessions, we attract more of the same--love to give and receive ourselves, with others and the Universe. Giving out love and goodness, we will receive love and goodness.

So what if something is wrong and there is stress, anxiety, anger, hurt or pain? This Earth School can be challenging at times...the most difficult experiences teach us the greatest lessons, and for those, we are also very grateful. It is how we make better choices as we move on with our lives, a true gift. No matter what happens, we can be thankful for the experience and thankful for the chance to experience.

I am grateful for this opportunity to share with you and hope you too, will practice Thanks and Gratitude in your daily life for enrichment and enlightenment.

Jean