CORE Chiropractic

Perfect Hot Cocoa

2009-10-19T20:39:00.001-07:00

3/4 cup whole milk
1 TBS cocoa powder
1 tsp sugar
2 TBS coconut oil

Warm milk on stove. Meanwhile add cocoa, sugar and oil to a mug. Mix together to make a chocolate paste.
Add milk to chocolate paste and stir well. Sip slowly and savor!

P.S. Coconut oil is one of the best foods in existence. It contains a type of fat (medium chain fatty acids) that is burned almost immediately. This cocoa is sort of a Red Bull for health nuts. You feel energized and satiated when you drink it.

Read more about coconut oil and it's benefits here.

Chicken, Spinach and Cashew Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

2009-09-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Makes 4 servings

* 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 2 tablespoons mild-flavored honey (such as clover, wild thistle, or lavender)
* 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground pepper
* 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces--can also use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
* 6 cups baby spinach (about 1 bag)
* 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
* 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews

To make the dressing, combine lemon juice, mustard, cumin, and honey in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil in a steady stream. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

Pan fry chicken. Let cool 15 minutes and toss with 2 TBS dressing. If using leftover cooked chicken just toss it with dressing.

In a large bowl, toss spinach, tomatoes, and cashews with remaining dressing and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to a platter or divide among 4 plates, and top with chicken.

P.S. We always double the dressing because it's so delish and becasue we like lots of dressing on our salads.

A Wonderful Thing Called Milk

2009-09-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last week I woke up with nasty goopy, itchy, red and swollen eyes. Classic case of pink eye.

Lucky for me my brain was on straight and I recalled reading about the one sure cure for pink eye...breastmilk.

I grabbed everything I needed: freshly pumped milk, syringe and my hubby. Shane performed the procedure on the living room floor... a squirt of milk in each eye and just a few hours later the eyes were looking clear again. We did it again the next morning just for good measure.

Yay for breastmilk! The perfect food and the perfect cure.

Chicken Enchiladas

2009-09-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

*These are amazing!*

{chicken enchiladas with red chile sauce}
makes 10 enchiladas

sauce and filling

1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 medium onion, chopped fine (about 1 cup)
3 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs), trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
2 cans tomato sauce (8 ounces each)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 can (4 ounces) pickled jalapeños , drained and chopped (about 1/4 cup)-optional
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , grated (1 c.)

tortillas and toppings

10 corn tortillas (6-inch)
coconut oil
3 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 cup)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 avocado , diced medium
5 leaves romaine lettuce washed, dried, and shredded

FOR THE SAUCE AND FILLING:

Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes; add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and sugar; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook, stirring constantly, until coated with spices, about 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and 1/4 cup water; stir to separate chicken pieces. Bring to simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded, about 8 minutes. Pour mixture through medium-mesh strainer into medium bowl, pressing on chicken and onions to extract as much sauce as possible; set sauce aside. Transfer chicken mixture to large plate; freeze for 10 minutes to cool, then combine with cilantro, jalapenos, and cheese in medium bowl and set aside.
Adjust oven racks to upper and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 300 degrees.

TO ASSEMBLE:

Smear bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish with ¾ cup of sauce. Using a pastry brush, paint both sides of each tortilla with coconut oil. Place tortillas on 2 baking sheets and bake until soft, about 4 minutes. Place warm tortillas on countertop. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Place ¼ cup filling down center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly by hand and place in baking dish, side by side, seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over enchilada. Use back of spoon to coat each tortilla. Sprinkle ¾ cup of cheese down center of enchilada. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake enchiladas on lower-middle rack until heated through and cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and serve immediately, passing sour cream, avocado and lettuce.

Sprouted Bread

2009-09-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Whole wheat bread. We all know that we're supposed to be eating it. So we faithfully pick out whatever's cheapest at the local grocery store. So long as it's brown it must be good for us, right?

WRONG!

Most so called whole wheat breads (I talking about you Oro-Wheat!) contain nasty things like coloring (to make them look browner), and preservatives. Here's a hint, f you don't know what an ingredient is chances are you shouldn't be eating it. AND sometimes a label can be tricky; for instance it mightsay wheat flour which really means white flour. It has to say whole wheat flour.

Ezekiel Sprouted Bread (pictured above) is as good as they come.

Check this out:

INGREDIENTS: Organic Sprouted Whole Wheat, Filtered Water, Organic Malted Barley, Organic Sprouted Whole Millet, Organic Sprouted Whole Barley, Organic Sprouted Whole Lentils, Organic Sprouted Whole Soybeans, Organic Sprouted Whole Spelt, Fresh Yeast, Sea Salt.

What the heck does sprouted mean? It means that the baker takes a grain, places it in water and allows it to germinate (sprout). They take the sprouts, grind them up, add some yeast and salt and bake. It makes a hearty, delicious and incredibly good for you bread.

Peter Reinhart is considered the foremost bread expert in our country. He explains why sprouted breads are good for you.

"When grains begin to germinate, three main chemical changes occur. The seeds begin to break down due to increased enzyme activity, elements of the seed begin to move around between the endosperm and the germ, and new molecules are formed. In the process, vitamin content and accessibility is increased, especially vitamins A, B-complex, and C, minerals like calcium, potassium and iron are released, and the carbohydrates become more easily digested."

P.S. All of Food For Life's products are amazing...english muffins, hot dog and hamburger buns, tortillas and bagels.

P.P.S. The best price on Ezekiel sprouted bread is at Trader Joes's: $3.29

Chocolate Chip Pie

2009-09-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sage with my "birth-day" pie

OK, OK I know that this a health blog but part of a balanced, healthy life includes enjoying treats (in moderation of course).

My sister made one of my favorite indulgences for after Micah's birth.

{chocolate chip pie}

crust:
2 c. chocolate chip cookies, smashed
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 TBS sugar

filling:
2 eggs
2 TBS sugar
2 c. chocolate chips
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. cream

For crust: Blend cookies, butter and sugar on LOW speed in blender and press into 9-inch pie pan
For filling: Blend eggs, sugar, chocolate chips, salt and vanilla in a blender on LOW. Heat the cream until it just begins to bubble. Add to blender and blend for 1 minute on HIGH.
Pour filling into crust. Chill overnight. This pie is so rich that a little slice goes a long way.

How to Buy a Loaf of Bread

2009-09-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

We all know that whole grain bread is what we should be eating. But bread buying is not as simple as it seems. Let's take a look at a typical bread label. This one is Orowheat Whole Grain and Flax Bread:

Blech...multiple kinds of sugar and mystery ingredients. Let's establish a few rules and see where Orowheat bread went wrong:

Check the flour. If a label says "wheat flour" that means white flour. You need whole wheat flour.
Check the sweeteners. Anything with high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, fructose or sugar is a no-no. If it contains honey that's fine.
Check the oils. Many bread contain partially hydrogenated oils, none of that for you! And no canola or soybean oil either. Ideally a bread shouldn't have any oil.
Check for crazy, weird ingredients. I'm talking about stuff like azodicarbonamide (the last ingredient in the label above). If you don't know what it is (or can't pronounce it) you probably shouldn't be eating it.

Can you see where that Orowheat bread failed? It violated rules, 2,3 and 4. You want to be eating bread that contains only whole grains, no sweeteners (maybe a little honey), no oil and no strange ingredients that you can't pronounce.

Next week I'll introduce you to our favorite bread. It's one of the best I've found.

Basil Pesto

2009-08-31T17:34:00.001-07:00

2 c. loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/3 c. toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)

2 medium garlic cloves, peeled

½ c. grated Parmesan cheese

½ c. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper

In a food processor, process basil, nuts, garlic and cheese to a rough paste.
With the machine running, slowly pour in olive oil. If sauce seems dry add a little more oil.
Season with salt and pepper.

Pesto is so versatile...great in sandwiches, on chicken or with pasta.

First Adjustment

2009-08-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

Micah seemed to have a preference his left side (he almost never turned to his right) so Shane decided it was time for an adjustment.

Adjustments for newborns and kids under 2 are super gentle. How gentle? Try this: put your pointer finger on your cheek and gently press down. That's the amount of pressure that Shane uses to adjust babies and toddlers. After all their bones are still soft and mushy (cartilage) and are easily manipulated.

Micah is as good as new now. The first of many adjustments from daddy.

Blackberry Crumble

2009-08-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

4 cups blackberries (fresh or defrosted)
1 TBS. flour
1 TBS. lemon juice
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup Rapadura
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
41/2 TBS. butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Put berries in a mixing bowl and add lemon juice and one tablespoon flour. Combine, and pour into a 10” pie plate.
In a food processor, pulse together the remaining ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs (sometimes it looks a little dry but no worries). Cover the berries with the topping and bake for 30 minutes until the top has browned and the fruit is bubbling. Let cool 10 minutes or you'll burn that tongue of yours.

Can be served hot or at room temperature. Goes great with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.

Midwife

2009-08-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is Sue.

Under her watchful eye Alicia has had 2 beautiful, complication free births at home.

She knows when to step in and when to stand back and watch.

She's not afraid to speak her mind and tell you what you need to hear.

We love Sue.

See her website here.

Raving Fan of the Week- Shanam

2009-08-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Exposing the Lipid Hypothesis

2009-08-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone "knows" that saturated fats are bad for you right?
Where in the world did we come up with that crazy idea?

Watch this video for a mini-lesson on how we all came to believe the myth.

Baby Micah is Here!

2009-08-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

Micah Elias
10 lbs 8 oz
21 inches

Born at home last Monday.
Mama and Micah doing great.

More to come!

Is Your Soap Making You Sick?

2009-07-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

It turns out that good old fashioned hand washing with good old fashioned soap is healthier than using antibacterial soaps. Antibacterial soaps all contain an antimicrobial (germ killer) called triclosan. There are a few potential problems with triclosan:

It mimics testosterone in the body, potentially causing infertility and other troubles in men. Read more here.
May cause bacteria to become more resistant leading to stronger and stronger bacteria, often called super germs
Shows no health benefits over soap and water. Read more here.

What can you do?

Wash your hands for 20 seconds (just sing the "ABC's" once through), scrubbing well, especially under your fingernails
Out with the old and in with the new. Toss your soaps and go natural. A few brands we like:

We use Dr. Bronner's in the shower and in our bathroom soap dispensers.
You can find it at Henry's, Mother's and Trader Joe's.

Earth Friendly Products makes a great dish soap
Available at Henry's, Mother's and Trader Joes

Raving Fan of the Week- Manny P.

2009-07-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Impossible Dream

2009-07-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Corn and Jalapeno Cakes

2009-07-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

This is one of our all-time favorite summer meals. Light, refreshing and so easy to make.

Don't worry about that jalapeno...these aren't one bit spicy!

Corn and Jalapeno Cakes
(makes 6 cakes)

1 ½ c. fresh or defrosted frozen corn
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
2/3 c. yellow cornmeal
3 TBS. whole wheat flour
¼ tsp. baking soda
½ c. buttermilk or sour cream*
1 large egg
1/2 large jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and chopped
Butter or a little oil
4 oz. Swiss or cheddar or mozzarella (whichever you like best!), cut into strips

Preheat oven to 375 F. If using frozen corn defrost, drain it and pat dry.
Whisk together cornmeal, flour, ¼ tsp. salt and baking soda. Whisk together the buttermilk and egg in another bowl, then add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not over mix). Stir in the corn and jalapenos.
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Drop enough batter into the skillet to form four 3 ½-inch pancakes. Cook for about 2 minutes, turning over once, until lightly browned on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Repeat with remaining batter.
Arrange all of the pancakes in one layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place one tomato slice on each corn cake. Top tomatoes with cheese and bake for 8-10 minutes or just until the cheese has melted.

*you can make buttermilk by adding 1 TBS white vinegar (or lemon juice) to 1 c. milk and let stand 5 minutes

Workout at Work

2009-07-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

You can get a great core workout while sitting at your desk. With the Fitball Seating Disc your body is working hard to stay stable; that means that your ab and back muscles are working without you having to work hard.

This Seating Disc keeps your spine aligned all day while at work and keeps you out of pain longer and helps hold adjustments longer!

The Way To Sleep Deep- Part 2

2009-07-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

For a better night's sleep make sure your room is:

Quiet- Turn off the TV, CD player, close your bedroom door and if the neighbors are noisy shut the windows.

Cool- Make sure the room temperature in your room is slightly cool. The body likes cool temperatures when you're sleeping.

Dark- Shut those blinds tight, get room darkening shades (or heavy curtains) or just use a sleep mask .

Did you know? Getting regular chiropractic adjustments will improve your sleep. That's often the first thing patients tell us when they start care.

Who are you going to tell today about chiropractic and sleep?

Raving Fan-Emily J.

2009-07-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

Emily and her boys

During my first pregnancy I suffered excrutiating back pain from about 20 weeks on. It was awful! I didn't understand how people could actually feel good and be pregnant at the same time!

Lucky for me I learned that I could have chiropractic adjustments from Dr. Shane during my 2nd pregnancy and that it might help my back pain. I received adjustments 1-2 times a week throughout the pregnancy and I can honestly say my back never hurt!

I would recommend chiropractic adjustments to every pregnant woman!

True Courage

2009-07-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

When you watch this you might just realize how small our troubles really are.

Each of us has the strength to overcome any obstacle!

Munchies

2009-07-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ignore the name, dig the snack.

This is the healthiest cracker out there and it just happens to be extremely delicious. We love the Chipolte Tomato flavor. Especially with peanut butter or hummus.

Available at Henry's, Mother's and Whole Foods.

The Way to Sleep Deep-Part 1

2009-07-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Did you know that EMFs may be preventing you from having a good nights rest?

EMFs stand for ElectroMagnetic Frequencies. You're exposed to them all day long through your computer, cell phone, hair dryer, even your kitchen appliances.

What's the problem you ask?

EMF's can disrupt your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that controls your waking and sleeping.

What can you do?

Every night turn off your computer, put your cell phone in another room, turn off that electric blanket....switch off all the electrical appliances in your bedroom! It only takes a minute and deep sleep is worth that extra minute or two.

Remember: Turn off those electrical appliances in your bedroom and get regular chiropractic adjustments to allow your nerve impulses to flow which in turn allow your body's hormones (like melatonin) to be released in proper amounts....which means when you get adjusted your sleep quality will improve!

Will you tell three people about the healing benefits of chiropractic?

Raving Fan- Heather T.

2009-07-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

There's more to Heather's story: After getting adjusted on a regular basis by Dr. Shane she began having a regular period and was able to get pregnant!

That's the power of the adjustment.

Give Me Your Best

2009-07-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

We love this clip; it inspires us to push ourselves and see what we are truly capable of.

Remember: A positive mental attitude along with chiropractic adjustments lead to health and well being. Please share CORE Chiropractic with those you love so they will enjoy greater health.

Need a KitKat Fix?

2009-07-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Try one of these instead:

Delicious and no crazy weird ingredients.

You'll find them at Whole Foods & Mother's Market.

Remember: Adjusting the middle part of your spine, the T5 region, enhances digestion. Please share CORE Chiropractic with anyone you know who suffers from poor digestion.

Water Workout

2009-07-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

These days I don't enjoy the gym; the cardio machines make my legs swell even more (not a pretty sight!!). So under Shane's expert direction I've begun working out in the pool. 15 minutes of walking (with hand and leg resistance), 15 minutes of resistance training...easy! I LOVE this way of working out. The water is easy on the joints, keeps you cool and it's fun!

The beauty of water resistance training is that it can be as easy or hard as you want it to be. It gives you a great core workout...all of us could use a stronger core right? This kind of working out is for everyone but most especially: pregnant mamas, rehab patients, arthritis sufferers and anyone who finds exercise painful or uncomfortable.

P.S. We use products from AquaLogix (the ones featured in the video)

Got Berry Stains?

2009-07-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Stains are inevitable when you combine kids and berries.

Here's an easy, chemical free way to get out all kinds of berry stains (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and cherry):

Boil a small saucepan of water. Turn off heat
Dip stain into hot water for 30 seconds, check stain. Repeat until the stain is gone.

P.S. This trick only works on fresh (no more than a couple hours old) berry stains

**Using natural cleaning tricks along with natural, gentle chiropractic adjustments will ensure a healthier, happier life.

I'm a Believer (by Alicia)

2009-07-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sage and Alicia

Everyone who gets adjusted has a story:

"My baby's colic went away"
"My headaches are gone"
"My period is regular"
or just plain
"I feel great now!"

I've always loved getting adjusted. In my 6 years of being adjusted by Shane no more debilitating menstrual cramps, no more migraines, no daily headaches. I'm a believer for sure. But now I have an even more amazing story to tell.

The last few weeks of getting adjusted my lower back has been very tight and not "popping". The last few weeks I've been a bit constipated and then less than a week ago I began having symptoms of a bladder infection....strong smelling, dark urine, pain during urination and after. Yuck! Last thing I need right before baby comes. My midwife recommended pure cranberry juice along with a few supplements. I started the regimen she recommended but even after a few days still felt a lot of pain.

Shane was sure that once my low back adjusted, the nerve flow to my bladder and colon would be at it's optimum. Then he gave me an amazing lumbar (low back) adjustment. I felt so good afterward and by by the end of that night there was no more pain. The next day I felt great, everything bladder related was back to normal AND at long last I errrr...unloaded.

That's the power of the adjustment.

Fish Food

2009-06-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Summer brings so many wonderful fruits: strawberries, peaches and plums. If you're like me and you go crazy buying all the gorgeous fruit at the Farmer's Market then you will need this recipe. We eat this dressing on our salads all summer.

Dead Ripe Fruit Vinaigrette

About 1/2 cup very ripe fruit--strawberries, blackberries, peaches, apricots, nectarines or tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt, freshly ground pepper and a pinch of fresh herbs to taste

1. In a food processor or blender, puree the fruit and garlic. Add the remaining ingredients, seasoning with salt, pepper and herbs.

Stretch-Hip Flexor

2009-06-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ball Exercise-Hips Side to Side

2009-06-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

This Stuff is Magic

2009-06-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

I've loved baking soda for a long time. Bbut now I think I'm going to make it a permanent love affair because I just discovered 2 new uses:

Hair Rinse: Mix 1 tsp. into your shampoo (do this on your hand) and scrub this mixture into your hair. It strips away all the build-up. And it leaves your hair so clean that you can skip washing for another day.
Facial Scrub: Mix 1 tsp. baking soda with a tiny bit of water to make a paste. Scrub this paste all over, rinse and your skin will glow!

Pool Workout-Lower Body (in water)

2009-06-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

Pool Workout- Lower Body (demo on land)

2009-06-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Fast Food Nation

2009-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is Eric Slosser, author of Fast Food Nation. Always an engaging and inspiring speaker. Here he aims to teach us the REAL cost of our cheap food.

Ab exercise-Plank

2009-05-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Scrubbing Your Sink

2009-05-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

When it's time to scrub out a greasy, grimy sink I turn to my favorite cleaning products: white vinegar and baking soda. They're cheap, easy and best of all safe. Even our 4-year old scrubs out sinks with this recipe.

Here's how to safely scrub your sinks:

Close stopper on sink.
Pour 2-3 TBS. of baking soda in.
Pour in enough vinegar to make a nice soupy paste.
Scrub a dub dub with the scouring pad side of a sponge.
Open the sink stopper and rinse out the sink with hot water. Rinse well otherwise you'll end up with baking powder residue.

P.S. I do wear a glove ( and so does our little one Sage) when I do this because even though it's non-toxic I'd rather not have a goopy mess all over my hands.

Do You Get Headaches?

2009-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Seated Ball Exercises

2009-05-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

Can't Wait To Watch This

2009-05-19T08:50:00.001-07:00

Pool Workout-Upper Body (in water)

2009-05-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Pool Workout for Upper Body (demo on land)

2009-05-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Lower Ab Exercise- V-ups

2009-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Shoulder Exercise- Sword Pull

2009-04-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hypnobabies

2009-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Alicia having a contraction using Hypnobabies

When I was very first pregnant a friend introduced me to hypnosis for birth. A little later I stumbled upon Hypnobabies and I will always be grateful I did.

Hypnobabies is a 6-week program that teaches you how to deeply relax during birth. You train your mind to believe that birth will be easy and fast. And guess what? "What the mind believes the body can achieve." (from Hypnobabies manual)

I had an excellent Hypnobabies teacher, Carole. Shane and I attended the 6-week class every Saturday morning in her home. We got to ask questions, learn the methods and then practice them under Carole's watchful eye.

Hypnobabies does require due diligence on mom and dad's part. Shane and I practiced every night for about 3 months. Every practice was so enjoyable and relaxing and it really brought us closer together.

Our daughter Sage ended up being posterior (came out sunnyside up) and acynclitic (meaning her head was cocked to the side). Normally those two presentations make for a difficult and long birth and they often result in c-section at the hospital. But thanks to Hypnobabies I had a very fast and easy birth. I cherish that day as one of the best days of my life. Hypnobabies helped train my mind so that I was able to have the birth of my dreams!

Ab (Obliques) Exercise- Side Lift

2009-04-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Shoulder Exercise

2009-04-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ab Exercise- Scissors

2009-04-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

What I Drink Every Night.

2009-03-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

My midwife Sue recommended this to me. The taste grew on me after a few days and now I love it! The herbs in the tea are great for toning your uterus (getting it ready for childbirth). I love drinking it at night before bed to help me relax and wind down.

One tip for steeping the tea: After you pour boiling water over the teabag cover your mug with a plate and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. That way you'll get the full benefits of all those herbs.

Ingredients: Organic Spearmint Leaf, Organic Bitter Fennel Fruit, Organic Rose Hip, Organic Alfalfa Leaf, Organic Lemon Verbena Leaf

Chest Exercise- Overhead Reach, Crossover

2009-03-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ab Exercise- Hip Twist

2009-03-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Laundry

2009-03-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Good old fashioned baking soda works like a charm for getting clothes clean. Just add about 1 cup for a normal load of laundry (less for a small load). It leaves clothes clean and odorless. And it's gentle enough to use on newborn clothes. I buy my big boxes of baking soda at Walmart for under $3.

If you miss your old laundry detergent scent try this:

4 drops of lavender (or lemon) essential oil added to the final rinse

Back Exercise- Dead Bug (Extensions)

2009-03-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

Adductor Exercise- Magic Circle

2009-03-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Birth-Monty Python Style

2009-03-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

To Watch

2009-02-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

My midwife Sue recently mentioned that since this movie came out (a little over a year ago) the home birthing rate in Orange County has increased from 1 to 2%. She said she is barely able to keep up with the demand of late.

Any movie that can have that kind of effect is a movie you probably want to get your hands on.

Ricki Lake (she of the 90's talk show) and producer Abby Epstein share their own home birth stories. They also interview doctors midwives and moms and the result is a fascinating and important documentary.

Ab Exercise- Knee Circles

2009-02-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Great Beef

2009-02-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

For Christmas we gave ourselves 30 lbs of grass fed meat from Lazy 69 Ranch in Northern California. Part of my pregnancy diet is having beef every day and having a freezer full of beef cuts makes that easy.

Why eat grass fed beef?

very low in saturated fat
high in Omega-3's, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and CLA's (conjugated linoleic acids---very good for you fats)
cooks faster (because of the low fat content)
you are what you eat...a grass fed animal eats only what they're made to eat (grass!) instead of what factory farm cows eat...garbage, stale pastry, chicken feathers, and candy, corn and soybeans
it tastes fantastic!

Dan (rancher/owner of Lazy 69) is taking orders for April. He offers free shipping on 30 lbs (don't worry it will fit easily into your freezer). I love the variety of cuts he sent me...everything from ribs to sirloin tip,Chateaubriand (fancy!) and of course ground beef. All delicious and healthy...I'm a happy customer.

You can email him at: dan@lazy69ranch.com

Ab Exercise- Bicycle Kicks

2009-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Ab Exercise- Straight Leg Lift

2009-02-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Salt

2009-02-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Salt is salt is salt, right? Not so my friend. Like many things that we assume are natural and good for us, the salt you buy at your local grocery store is not.

Check out this label from Albertson's Iodized Salt:

And you thought you were just adding a little flavor to your food. Well it turns out you're also adding a little aluminum (sodium silicaaluminate is an anti-caking agent), sugar (dextrose) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Not quite what you bargained for eh?

Most salt labels don't even list these ingredients, they just say salt but still contain all those unwanted extras.

What to do? Buy sea salt.

Not only is sea salt naturally iodized (for those of you concerned with that) but it tastes wonderful. In fact it's so salty you can use less of it than ordinary table salt. And it contains lots of trace minerals that keep your body healthy.

It comes in all shapes (coarse to fine), colors (brownish, red, gray) and prices ($1.99 to 12.99).

We recommend this kind:

Delicious taste, great source (the Himalayas) and the price is right (around $3.99 at Mother's). We also like the more expensive French fleur de mer but this what you might call a good starter sea salt.

Remember my rule? If people didn't eat it 200 years ago than don't you be eating it. People have been enhancing their food with sea salt for thousands of years. Let's keep up that wise tradition.

P.S. Your new bottle of sea salt might cake a little when the weather is moist, just shake it up and it will be fine.

Remedies for Cough and Cold Season

2009-02-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Two simple things that you have in your cupboards can help rid you of those colds and coughs that everyone seems to have right now.

First up, hydrogen peroxide. When you feel a cold coming on grab your bottle (and an eye dropper if you happen to have it--they cost a buck at the drugstore), lie on your right side and have someone put three drops into your left ear. It will feel a little cold and fizzy but give it about 5 minutes then roll over and repeat on the other side. You'll want a tissue for when you roll over as the peroxide will drain from your ear. Do this every 3-4 hours until that cold disappears.

P.S. Don't panic if someone you love walks by and sees bubbles fizzing out of your ear, it just means the peroxide is doing it's job...killing off infection.

Next there's Apple Cider Vinegar. This remedy comes from Shane's Grandpa Hatch. He's 89 years old and has used this remedy his whole life...he swears by it!

When you start to feel a tickle in your throat or you have the beginnings of a cough, run to your kitchen and drink 1 TBS. of apple cider vinegar. Actually Grandpa says you can use white vinegar too I just think ACV tastes way better.

What else can you do to stay healthy this winter?

Sleep 8 hours every night
Go to bed early (by 10 PM)
Eat your veggies
Less sugar and white flour
Less stress and more fun (hopefully before 10 PM)

Leg Lifts

2009-02-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

Crunches on the ball

2009-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Stretch-Hamstring

2009-01-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

Amazing Oatmeal in 5 Minutes

2008-12-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

We love steel cut oats ($2.99 @ Trader Joe's--aka Irish Oats) but we don't love how long they take to cook (about 30 minutes). Solution? Simple.

The night before you plan to eat those oats, get a mason jar out and add 1 c. steel cut oats.
Add 2 c. room temperature water (filtered please!) and 1-2 TBS. whey (that stuff I told you about last post), lemon juice, buttermilk or even white vinegar.
Cover the jar and put in a warm spot overnight.
The next morning, dump jar contents into pan, add 1 c. water, bring to a boil then turn down heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add milk (or cream if you have it), a little honey or maple syrup and here you go...a hearty, stick to your ribs breakfast in no time.

D.I.Y. Cream Cheese

2008-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

One of the T-day desserts I'll be making today is Roasted Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Cheesecake means I need lots of cream cheese. This year I want to avoid conventional cream cheese (full of stabilizers and made under intense pressure and heat) and got the more natural route. I found a recipe and went to town. It is shockingly easy and very delicious.

Homemade Cream Cheese

1 quart homemade or store-bought plain whole-milk yogurt

Instructions

Place a clean kitchen towel (one of those super thin tea towels) or clean muslin in a colander. Place the colander in a bowl that is large enough to hold it. Add the yogurt to the lined colander and use a plate to cover. Leave this to drain for 10-12 hours on the counter. Scoop out your cream cheese and enjoy!

Your cream cheese will last as long as your yogurt would, so if you used purchased yogurt, check the expiration date and use that as your guide.

If you want to get fancy, you can add flavorings to your cream cheese. Try adding strawberry jam for strawberry-flavored cream cheese. Or chives and onions for a savory treat.

P.S. That yellow liquid that you'll find at the bottom of your bowl is called whey. Save it! I'll tell you soon how you can use it.

Homemade Facial Scrub

2008-11-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

Milk and Sugar Scrub

1-2 TBS whole milk
1/4 c. brown sugar (I like Rapadura-available at health food stores)

Mix milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved
Spread mixture on freshly washed face and scrub gently for 1 minute.
Leave on for 15 minutes (this step is optional) and rinse with warm water

It leaves your skin baby soft!

Here's one I'll be trying soon:

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup of honey
3 Tablespoons of lemon juice
2 teaspoons of fresh ginger

Place the sugar, honey and lemon juice into a bowl
Grate the fresh ginger and add it to the mixture
Mix it all up and run to the shower!
Apply generous handfuls all over and give a good old scrub while you’re doing it.
Leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash off.

Viola! Sweetly scented, gorgeously soft skin!

Unbelievable

2008-11-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Nice propaganda.

Affordable Cheese

2008-11-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Remember how we Fishbein's try to keep it raw when it comes to dairy? Thankfully Trader Joe's (blessed store) just began selling raw cheddar. At about $5/lb it's a bargain. Raw dairy costs a bit more but it's worth it; easy to digest, chock full of probiotics and delicious.

Feed the Need

2008-10-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I ate at Avanti Cafe in Costa Mesa (almost Newport). I've been looking forward to eaing there and I wasn't dissapointed.

Avanti is Italian for "forward" and forward thinking they are; their ingredients are all seasonal, local, organic and vegetarian. All of their breads are homemade and whole-grain. (I bought some Whole Wheat Foccacia to bring home to Shane.)

The dinner was divine. Flavor combinations I never would have thought of. I enjoyed the Yam, Bleu Cheese and Pecan Tart and my dining companion tried out the Honey Mood (roasted tofu, with mixed greens, honey-miso dressing on a whole wheat ciabatta)--also yummy. And the desserts were perfection. The peanut butter tart was heavenly and the triple ginger cookie was so moist and soft and gingery that I wanted about 3 more before I'd even finished my first. I brought home an Oat Chew for Shane (oatmeal-raisin cookie) and he loved it.

I'll be back very soon with Shane in tow to try more of their wonderful and creative meals.

Essential Oils for Brushing

2008-10-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

In the last 2 months we've started using essential oils. We especially enjoy brushing with them. No toothpaste needed. Just 2 drops of Birch Oil or Spice of Life on your toothbrush. We were surprised how strong the oil is and how effective they are. It's a simple way to replace toothpastes which are full of sugars, artificial colors and flavors.

Birch Oil builds bone. We brush with this in the morning.

Spice of Life is an amazing anti-bacterial. We brush with this at night.

Statins for Kids

2008-09-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

I was flipping through one of those free health magazines from my local health food store and the headline "Statins for Kids" caught my eye. What in the world??? I read on. The article filled me in on a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommends: dietary changes (great suggestion), increased physical activity (good suggestion) along with pharmaceutical drugs (what??).

Dr. Alan Greene suggests that this recommendation will "open the door for pharmaceutical companies to heavily advertise and promote [drug] use in eight-year-old children when we don't know yet the long-term effect on using these drugs on prepubertal kids."

My thoughts exactly.

In my mind this is one more way for drug companies to make more money on what is already their most popular product. Is taking a statin at age 8 really going to prevent heart attacks at age 50? What makes us believe that pills can cure disease or even prevent it? Sure your symptoms may dissipate with a drug but at what cost? You might kill your liver and kidneys in the process of "preventing" heart disease. We so quickly forget that probably 90% of our health lies in our own hands. Genes schmenes.

This isn't rocket science folks...give your kids healthy foods, no packaged junk, no soda, no candy, cut out the sugar and the white flour. Parents, you buy the food so you are allowed to decide what goes on your table. Your kids might not like it first, after all our 3-year-old doesn't like veggies very much but she eats them because that's the rule at our house. You eat something enough you learn to like it.

To read more go here.

Emu Oil

2008-09-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Emu's are strange looking birds from Australia, similar to ostriches. The fat of emus has been used by Aboriginies for thousands of years to treat cuts, bruises and burns. Emu oil is also effective in treating excema, arthritis and in preventing scarring.

I've had a persistent rash under one eye for a few weeks now...flaking, itchy and inflammed. I read that emu oil can treat this type of skin trouble so I decided to give it a try. Now 2 days later the rash is gone....I'm impressed.

One more plus. Emu oil is supposed to be great for wrinkles. So even though my rash is gone I'll continue to put it under my eyes and hope for good things.

Feed the Need

2008-09-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

To say I'm picky about eating out is a major understatement. I always feel leery about what chemicals and additives are lurking in the el cheapo food you get eating out. But I recently discovered that Chipotle is different. They say they serve "Food With Integrity" sounds like a line but it turns out they can back it up. All of their meats (pork, chicken and about half their beef) are hormone free and vegetarian fed. About a third of their beans are organic and their sour cream is rBGH (growth hormone) free. Plus no artificial colors or flavors. That's a meal that I can feel good about.

P.S. I recommend the Barbacoa Burrito Bowl

Chipotle Mexican Grill
22379 El Toro Rd.
Lake Forest

OR

Chipotle Mexican Grill
23645 El Toro Rd
Lake Forest

Chiro Philospohy 101: The Rules

2008-08-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

"Look well to the spine for the cause of disease." -Hippocrates

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." -Thomas Edison

Why is it that health and wellness are so elusive for so many people? Since the days of Adam, we have had the same rules for achieving health. Everyone plays by the same rules. Men like Hippocrates and Edison understood the rules. And you know the rules too but here's a refresher: drink more water, get more sleep, exercise more, eat less “bad food,” remove stress from you life. And of course, free yourself form subluxations pinching nerve flow (and healing energy) by visiting a chiropractor, preferably the one at CORE Chiropractic.

Pure Bliss

2008-08-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss is fantastic. We tried the Dark Chocolate last week and fell in love. With only four ingredients this stuff couldn't get better: Organic Coconut Milk, Organic Agave Syrup, Organic Fair Trade Cocoa, Organic Fair Trade Vanilla Extract. This week we're on to Strawberry Lemon Love.

P.S. Agave syrup comes from the Mexican agave plant. It's sweeter than sugar but it won't spike your blood sugar becasue of it's low glycemic index.

P.P.S. You can buy your very own Bliss at Mother's Market

Magic Hair Rinse

2008-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Apple Cider Vinegar is pretty amazing stuff. Great for your insides and outsides.

My favorite two ways to use it:

Hair rinse- take 1/4 c. ACV (in a large cup) into the shower with you. Wash hair once, then take ACV cup and fill it to the top with water. Pour all over hair and wait 1 minute. Rinse and then shampoo one more time (just to remove smell). Your hair will feel amazing...no need for conditioner after an ACV rinse. And it washes away product buildup from gel, mousse and hairspray.

Toner-Pour a small amount of ACV onto a cotton ball and use as you would a regular toner. It might sting a little at first because it's a natural alpha-hydroxy.

I like Braggs ACV because it's organic, unfiltered, unpasteurized and diluted to 5% acidity. About $3 at any health food store.

The Effect of The Big Red Pill

2008-08-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

A placebo is simply a benign substance, like a sugar pill. It’s widely acknowledged that 30% of all healing is due to the placebo effect. That includes chiropractic care.

One study of the placebo effect involved a group of people suffering from headaches. The first group of headache sufferers were given nothing. The second group of headache sufferers took a small white pill that was nothing more than a placebo. And the third group was given a large red pill, also a placebo. Each group was told their particular treatment would help headaches and they were to record their symptoms in a journal.

Can you guess which group improved the most? The group with the large red pill showed the most improvement, simply because they REALLY BELIEVED that their particular treatment would help.

The mind is a powerful thing. Believe that you can have excellent health, believe that what you are doing will help. Believe that chiropractic adjustments will restore normal nerve function...and it will.

Homemade Fruit Fly Trap

2008-08-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

One down side to all the fresh fruits of summer...fruit flies. Tiny but pesky and invincible...we couldn't seem to get rid of them. So we made a homemade trap (idea courtesy of google).
Here's what you'll need:

a baby food jar ( a very clean, non-smelly one)
small piece of banana
small square of plastic wrap
a rubber band
a pencil (sharp) or pen

Put the banana into the baby food jar. Cover with plastic wrap and rubberband it securely around neck of jar. Poke 4-5 holes with the pencil or pen. Put your trap nearby your fruit and wait (it took a full day for the flies to get interested in our trap). Empty outside every 3 days and start again.

Fish Food

2008-08-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh...fish tacos with black bean mango salsa. I could eat these every day. Here's how you can make your own:

Pick up some of these at Mother's or Trader Joe's :

Pick a mild flavored fish (we like orange roughy), grill it, bake it or pan fry it:

Then top with some Black Bean Mango Salsa (recipe below)

And some guac if you want

BLACK BEAN-MANGO SALSA

3 c. black beans
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen and defrosted corn
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tomatoes, diced (can also use 2 c. of chopped cherry tomatoes)
1-1 ½ c. diced mango (I use frozen)
1 small can diced green chiles (optional)
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely diced
Lime juice (2 limes)

Put the corn in a non-stick pan with the garlic and cooked until just starting to brown. Add to all other ingredients.

Chiro Philosophy 101: Disease

2008-08-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

BJ Palmer-Founder of Chiropractic

“Disease is not so much the virulence of outside organisms as it is the resistance of the internal inside mechanisms that produce a healthy body.” -BJ Palmer

I get adjusted once a week and will for the rest of my life. Receiving a chiropractic adjustment is the most effective way to boost health. Everyone understands that our nervous system (brain and nerves) control all functions within our body. Doesn’t it make sense that keeping your nervous system flowing free and un-interrupted is a great way to boost your health and improve the quality of your life? Share this message of health with all that you know.

2008-07-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

As a doctor my most important duty is to teach. Here's the lesson for today.

Chiropractic is often misunderstood for a variety of reasons. People believe that the only benefit of a chiropractic adjustment is to fix neck and back pain. Getting adjusted does eliminate pain but there's so much more.

The true source of health and wellness is found inside of each of us. It's called Innate Intelligence. Innate Intelligence is the power that made the body and it's the power that heals the body. When spinal bones become stuck or subluxated, your innate intelligence can't do what it is meant to do, heal you. Chiropractic adjustments release the subluxations and allow energy to flow.

This link below is DEEP, really DEEP. It's an entire chapter of chiropractic philosophy. I read it over and over to keep my principles clear so that I can better serve my patients. I know that most won't take the time to read and understand BUT I share it out of a strong desire to serve and change the lives of as many people as possible.

So here it is, the meat of chiropractic.

“Scientists tell us that in ‘nature’ there are two forces contending against each other, and that things are as they are because of action and reaction of these two forces. These are called the centrifugal (or inside) - read more

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

2008-07-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Fish Food

2008-07-28T14:37:00.001-07:00

I love summer produce...all the berries and stone fruits and of course tomatoes. Fresh, plump tomatoes make a wonderful Fresh Tomato Tart. Add a nice green salad and you've got a perfect summer meal.

A Must Read

2008-07-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dr. Diana Schwarzbein is bold. Listen to this:

"Degenerative diseases are not genetic but acquired. Because the systems of the human body are interconnected and because one imbalance creates another imbalance, poor eating and lifestyle habits, not genetics, are the main cause of degenerative diseases of aging."

Our hormones control every process in our body and Dr. Schwarzbein explains that when we have a poor diet and high stress lifestyle it throws our hormones out of balance which makes us fat and unhealthy.

That's pretty simple stuff. In fact her whole book is simple...cut out the white flour, sugar and processed food and go back to what people have always eaten....real food! Her other advice? Slow down, eliminate stress, get enough rest each night and exercise in moderation. All in all a very good and down to earth book.

Chiro Philosophy 101

2008-07-22T16:13:00.001-07:00

"The beauty about Chiropractic is the fact that it works with natural means. It puts nothing new into the body, nor does it take away any natural gland or organ. Chiropractic simply releases life forces within the body, sets free rivulets of energy over nerves, and lets nature do her work in a normal manner." -B.J. Palmer, founder of modern chiropractic

I get adjusted once a week, not because of pain, but because I want my innate intelligence, which controls my body, to function at it's highest potential so that I can enjoy life and stay better.

Delish

2008-07-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

These macaroons are the ultimate treat at the Fishbein house....sweet and yummy and best of all they're healthy. The ingredients? Coconut, egg whites and honey. Coconut deserves it's very own post, but here are a few of it's virtues:

Source of Lauric Acid---an anti-microbial, the same stuff in breast milk
Immediate Source of energy (b/c it's a Medium Chain Fatty Acid)
Jumpstarts your metabolism

You can find these tasty treats at Mother's Market, Henry's and Whole Foods.

Camp Pendelton Tri

2008-07-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Shane finished his first triathlon! 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6 mile run. Thankfully there were no technical difficulties this time around (his tire ripped during the Half Ironman in March and he wasn't able to finish). Next up, the Malibu Triathlon in September.

Waiting to start

Coming in off the bike

About to cross the finish line

Waiting for Daddy to finish

P.S. Guess who got adjusted the day before his triathlon?

Fish Food

2008-07-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today was Farmer's Market day. We came home with our arms full of fresh food and my head full of yummy ways to use the bounty.

For lunch today Sage and I had Zucchini Cakes, tomato slices with sea salt, juicy strawberries and tall, cold glasses of raw milk to top it all off. And tonight for dinner there will be Tomato Tart and Roasted Asparagus. I wish every day could be a Farmer's Market Day.

Zucchini Cakes

1/3 c. whole grain flour
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 c. coarsely grated zucchini (2 zucchini, skin on)
2 tbsp. butter for frying

Salt zucchini and place in colander for 5 minutes; squeeze as much water out of it as possible.
Mix flour cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in eggs until mixture becomes moist. Fold in zucchini.
Heat butter in skillet over moderate heat. Use approximately 1/4 c. for each pancake. Fry 2 to 3 minutes each side until brown.

Guess Who Gets Adjusted?

2008-07-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is Owen Nolan, 36-year-old veteran (read: old guy) of the NHL. He just signed a 2-year, $5.5 million deal with the Minnesota Wild. So how does Nolan keep with his extremely demanding sport? He gives all the credit to his chiropractor.

Our Secret Brew

2008-07-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

People often ask which supplements we take. By far our favorite is a nutritious brew we call "tomato soup." We drink it up every other day and we both love it!

Here are the brew ingredients (click on the name for a link to purchase):

1. EFA Oil (Essential Fatty Acids): Unrefined olive oil, unrefined flaxseed oil, unrefined English borage oil, unrefined sesame seed oil....gives you a nice balance of Omega 3, 6 & 9's

2. Medi Aminos- amino acids are the building blocks of the body

3. Nutritional Yeast- fantastic source of the B vitamins...those are the vitamins that give you healthy skin and hair and stave off depression (among other things)

4. Tomato Concentrate

And here's the recipe (makes enough for 1 person):

1 TBS. Medi-Amino Bean/Grain mix (excellent source of protein)
1 TBS. Tomato Concentrate (potassium)
2 TBS. Nutritional Flakes (vitamin B and protein)
Sea Salt to taste (sodium)
1 tsp. EFA oil (healthy fats)
1 cup of water

Heat water add to blender. Add all supplements and whiz away!

Feed the Need

2008-07-14T10:03:00.001-07:00

A few nights back, Shane and I ate at Native Foods in the Aliso Viejo Town Center (N.F. is right next to the movie theater and squeezed in between a Philly Cheese Steak joint and Coldstone...how ironic). Although we don't subscribe to the vegan lifestyle we LOVE the food there. It's nice knowing that what you're munching on is fresh, mostly organic and, of course, flavorful.

We recommend the Ensalada Azteca (Chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, jicama and avocado, atop quinoa and romaine with a mango-lime vinaigrette) and the Portobello & Sausage Burger (Big grilled portobellos with seitan sausage, pommodoro, caramelized onions, pesto and sweet roasted garlic clove garnish). The Elephant Chocolate Cake was pretty yum too. Great food and great prices..we'll be eating at Native Foods again soon.

DIY Flu Vaccine

2008-07-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

This video is good for laughs but it also makes you stop and think.

Meet Weston A. Price

2008-07-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Every month we'll introduce you to great healers past and present.

Weston A. Price was dentist in Cleveland, Ohio. IN the 1940's he often wondered about the state of his patients teeth...cavities, overbites, crooked teeth. Not only that but degenerative diseases were commonplace. He also noticed a connection between dental health and overall physical well-being.

He asked himself, how this could be? Did God create us to be sickly and unhappy? He decided to find some answers. Being a man of means, he and his wife set off to find people untouched by modern men and their modern foods (white flour, sugar, canned goods, pasteurized dairy etc.). This was no small feat in those days; travel was arduous and costly. In the end he and his wife visited 14 separate groups of people.

Dr. Price and his wife traveled to every continent, visiting the Masai in Africa, Eskimos in the Arctic Circle, Aborginies in Australia to name a few. He observed their diets, examined their teeth and bodies, took meticulous notes and thousands of photographs to document his research.

And what did he find? Beautiful, healthy people with beautiful healthy teeth. No overbites, no crooked teeth and less than 1% of teeth he examined had cavities. Most of these people had never owned a toothbrush and they definitely didn't have any floss or mouthwash.

Dr. Price would first observe a group of people eating their native diet. Then he would find neighboring communities where people of that same nationality were eating modern foods. The difference was night and day as you'll see in a moment.

Look at these beautiful Fijians, all consuming their native diet (fish, fruit, coconuts, pig):

Straight teeth, broad dental arches, beautiful smiles.

And look at this group of Fijians, all eating a Western diet:

Cavities, missing teeth, overbites and crooked teeth.

It's pretty simple. You are what you eat. The foods we modern people eat cause many (if not all) of our illnesses: cavities, arthritis, cancer, stroke, heart disease.

So now we've got the bad news. The good news is that you can improve your diet and, by the same token, your health by eating traditional foods; foods that people have eaten for thousands of years. And what are those foods?

Here are the top 10 traditional foods:

1. Meat from grass-fed, free roaming animals
2. Bone broths (fish, chicken, and beef)
3. Lacto-fermented vegetables (think sauerkraut or kimchi)
4. Milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products – preferably raw from grass- fed, free range animals
5. Sourdough bread
6. Eggs from free-roaming chickens getting plenty of sunshine and insects
7. Vegetables from organic, bio-diverse local sources
8. Lacto-fermented beverages such as kombucha, kefir, beet kvass
9. Properly prepared nuts, seeds, and grains
10. Cod liver oil and other nutrient-dense seafood

You might say this is Dr. Price's masterpiece . Shane and I loved it so much we couldn't put it down. Long forgotten wisdom from a nutrition genius. Read it and it will change your life.

P.S. There is so much to write about this topic but I want to keep these blog entries short if I can (I don't think this entry is one of those). You can go here to read a fascinating and thorough article on Dr. Price and his research.

Welcome To The Blog

2008-07-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

Most people are SUBLUXATED...are you?

2008-07-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

What is a subluxation? Anytime one or more bones in your spine has shifted out of it's normal position, pinching nerve flow and disrupting communication between your brain and your body, this is called a SUBLUXATION. And they're never a good thing.

Most people are subluxated, because of the lifestyle that they lead...stress, bad posture, weak muscles, poor diet all contribute. Subluxations decrease our quality of life, and prevent us from enjoying excellent health.

I get adjusted once a week and will for the rest of my life. This is part of the reason that I enjoy great health.

At a minimum, I recommend getting adjusted once a week, preferably more often than that. I'd love to adjust everyone if I could. If you haven't been adjusted lately or if you know of people who have never been adjusted, don't you think it would be a good idea to call and schedule an appointment for them? It could change their life or yours.

Ginger Tea Saves The Day

2008-07-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

The other night I started to feel rotten. I quickly took my place on the bathroom floor by the toilet ready to hurl at any moment. But I didn't. Shane asked what I needed. "A bowl," I answered. I moved to my bed with bowl in hand and waited....and waited. When Shane returned to see what I needed this time I was ready with a brilliant request, "Ginger Tea."

Shane boiled some water, peeled about an inch of ginger root and grated it into a mug, poured the boiling water over top and brought it to me. I drank it and felt better within a few minutes.

Ginger root sure is ugly but when it comes to nausea it' s a beautiful thing.