Friday, April 26, 2024

Water

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter W 
NEWSTART

Because the body is 70% water, keeping well hydrated and knowing what and when to drink are essential to health. Hydrotherapy (water applied externally to the body), followed by massage, enhances the circulation and immune system in wonderful ways.

What can ease arthritis symptoms, aid digestion, improve blood pressure and maximize the impact of oxygen and nutrients in your blood? Learn how something as simple as water works to improve health. 

One thing I always try to do is drink water throughout the day. I still don't think I drink enough, but I'm working on it. I have the habit of drinking a pint of warm/hot water first thing in the morning.

My daughter recently introduced me to a self-care app that I am using to help me remember to drink water at specific times throughout the day. I use it to remind me of other tasks as well. Even though I am "old" I still find it fun to use. Check out Finch. Use my invite code NDKCVSTHFQ once you get the app. https://app.befinch.com/invite/isg2 

Learn more through NEWSTART NOW

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Vegetables and Vitamins

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter V 
We all know adequate doses of various vitamins are important. We also know that eating vegetables assists in consuming those vitamins.

The dictionary says: 
noun
plural noun: vitamins
any of a group of organic compounds which are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body.
"most people can get all the vitamins they need from a healthy diet"

Sometimes it's necessary to take vitamins in pill form, if one doesn't get the proper quantity through one's diet.

Top 10 Essential Vitamins and Minerals

  1. Vitamin A
  2. Vitamin B
  3. Vitamin C
  4. Vitamin D
  5. Vitamin E
  6. Vitamin K
  7. Calcium
  8. Iron
  9. Magnesium
  10. Zinc

(source: Good Neighbor Script)

A rainbow of vegetables should be eaten regularly. Often, green vegetables seem to be the most frequently avoided, but they are literally a gold mine of nutrients and phytochemicals. 

Benefits of green vegetables:

  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases
  • Cardiovascular protection
  • Inflammation fighters
  • Diabetes protection
  • Bone protection and more
  • Source of calcium and iron
  • Pigments fight for us
  • Cancer fighting activities
It's advisable to enjoy at least one serving of green veggies a day for good health.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Un-meatballs

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter U 
I haven't made this un-meatballs in quite awhile. I made them often when the kids were young. I haven't "veganized" this recipe yet, either. It shouldn't be hard to do, though.

1 1/2 c. whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (could use vegan cheese instead)
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
4 to 6 eggs, beaten (could use equivalent in egg replacer)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
Oil for browning
 
Combine bread crumbs, grated cheese, walnuts, eggs, onion, garlic and salt in bowl; knead to mix well. Shape by tablespoons into balls. Brown meatballs in oil in skillet; drain. Place in 2-quart casserole dish, top with spaghetti sauce. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Top with 1/2 cup grated cheese. bake for 10 minutes longer. May freeze and reheat. 
Yield: 6 servings

I hope you enjoy. I received a copy of this recipe from a LaLeche League meeting I attended, way back when my oldest was a baby. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Trust and Temperence

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter T

NEWSTART
Using good things moderately and avoiding the bad is obviously wise, yet often hard to practice. Temperance can be neither bought nor earned, but is rather an important gift of God, a “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Moderation in all things is a thread woven throughout the fabric of NEWSTART Lifestyle programs.

Directly linked to physical health (Proverbs 3:5-6), trust in God is a gift leading to right choices.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6, KJV

Monday, April 22, 2024

Sunlight

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter S 

NEWSTART

The sun is the established energy source ordained by God to sustain the cycle of life for plants and animals. Sunlight is supremely important for the body’s metabolism and hormonal balance. Hey, it's good to live in The Sunshine State!


Sunday, April 21, 2024

Rest

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter R 

NEWSTART

Today we'll talk about rest. Restoration requires rest because sleep allows the body to renew itself. Many types of rest are important for health, but the sweetest rest follows labor. “Early to bed and early to rise” is a vital NEWSTART principle, and a healthy lifestyle makes this principle easier to maintain.

Friday, April 19, 2024

Quick and Easy Chili

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter Q 

3 c. cooked kidney or pinto beans
3 c. tomato sauce
2-3 Tbsp. chili seasoning

Put all ingredients into pot and stir together. Simmer for 30=45 minutes to blend flavors. Beans should be salt free.
Yield: 5 1/2 cups

Chili Seasoning
1/4 c. paprika
1/4 c. cumin
1 1/2 Tbs. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 Tbs. oregano
3 Tbs. garlic powder
1 Tbs. turmeric

Blend all ingredients on high until fine, stopping blender 2-3 tims to stir. Store in airtight container.
Yield: 3/4 c.

Italian Seasoning
1 Tbs. basil
1 Tbs. oregano
1 Tbs. marjoram or sage
1 Tbs. thyme
1 Tbs. rosemary
1 Tbs. savory
Mix together. Store in airtight container. Do not use ground herbs. If you're missing an herb or two, don't let that discourage you. Just use what you have.
Yield: 6 Tbs.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Pot O' Lentils

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter P 
2 c. uncooked lentils
1 chopped onion
1 chopped carrot
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 can tomato soup or past
1 Tbsp. molasses
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. margarine
1 tsp. curry (optional)
1 pkg. George Washington Broth/vegan bouillon
1 tsp. salt
Smokene to taste

Cook lentils, onion, carrot, celery and pepper together in 4 cups of water.
Add other ingredients and simmer.
A good and filling pot for the new neighbor just moving in next door.

Sometimes I use a can of carrots instead of the fresh carrot. Sometimes I use frozen onion/pepper/celery blend. The George Washington Broth can be purchased through Amazon.