Got REAL milk?

Everyone (and I mean everyone) ought to be aware of the controversy behind milk.  And what makes milk REAL milk.  None of this pastuerized, fat-free, sugar loaded "milk" that our media tells us "Does our body good."  No wonder why there's so much lactose intolerance and those dairy stomach aches that so many get.  That didn't happen back in the day when the milk man went door to door and delivered fresh, raw milk.  So if you're going to drink it- and if you just can't live without it- read up on it (even if just a little bit) before you buy another gallon. 

Check this out: REAL milk.

This is real, WHOLE food with all the nutrients and goodness intact. 

My favorite raw milk (don't be scared of the word raw, you've been kind of brainwashed): Organic Pastures
You can purchase this at Mother's Market and some Sprouts.  Whole Foods no longer carries it.  Shame on them!

I understand this kind of milk is pricey.  That's because caring for cows in the right way isn't cheap.  That and these farmers are put through the ringer by our lovely FDA.  So if you just have to have milk- or if you want to take a sip of what the real thing tastes like - remember you are supporting local farming, a family, a culture, a way of life.  And maybe that will tip your scale and you won't moan and groan as you walk to the checkout. 

And- on a completely different note- some of the raw milks come in pretty rad old, fashioned glass containers.  And if you are anything like me, you keep these cute little suckers, wash and rinse them out, and use them as vases...or other fun house decorative things.

Vitacost Deals

For those of you looking to purchase coconut oil (because you realize it's insane benefits and, like me, don't ever want to live without it) you can purchase it at an amazing price at www.vitacost.com (One of my favorite websites)

You can get a 54oz. jug of the Nutiva brand (my favorite) for only $24.  The same size at Mother's or Whole Foods would cost you almost twice that.

But I'm warning you...if you're anything like me, this website may sweep you off your feet in deals.  So be careful!

RAW Apple Cider Vinegar

For centuries, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for many, many things.  From dressing a salad to polishing armor to making pickles.  It's one of nature's secrets (for those of us that have been living under the proverbial western medicine and nutritional ROCK!)

 ACV basically comes from pulverized apples.  Apples that have been broken down by the fermentation process (the process in which sugars in food are broken down by bacteria and yeast - the good kind of bacteria and yeast I should add).  The apples turn into an alcohol and then, the longer they ferment, you get vinegar.

 The main ingredient is acetic acid- but it also has many vitamins, minerals, aminos, etc.  With that said, I am always keeping my eyes and ears open to those "folk remedies" that seem to get buried underneath modern day medicine nutrition. 

Below is a list of just some of the benefits of raw ACV:

• Helps to prevent brittle teeth and hair loss
• Fights allergies, sore throats and runny noses (yes, when you are sick this actually helps).
• Helps to regulate blood sugar and decrease bad cholestrol
• Those with diabetes: "The effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels is perhaps the best-researched and the most promising of apple cider vinegar's possible health benefits. Several studies have found that vinegar may help lower glucose levels. For instance, one 2007 study of 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%." (A co-worker of mine has diabetes and we just started her on ACV a few weeks ago.  She has noticed a difference already).
• Anti viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
• Helps maintain a proper pH level in your body for a healthy alkaline state (alkalinity in your body is KEY)
• Helps improve bowel irregularity
• Helps to clear up skin conditions
• Natural "de-tox" by improving digestion
• Natural cure for constipation
• Helps to break down fats so your body can use them rather than store them

Personal Use:
Almost every day, I will put: 
2 Tablespoons of RAW ACV in 1 (one) gallon of water and drink it throughout the day.
(I personally use the BRAGG'S brand.  Be sure you get RAW, UN-PASTUERIZED ACV.  The other stuff is junk.  Don't bother. You can purchase BRAGG'S at most grocery stores and all health food stores).

Other uses:

• WOMEN! Raw ACV is the best all-natural face toner I have ever found.  Mix 1 parts ACV to 4 parts water.  Shake it up in a small bottle.  Apply to a cotton swab and rub on your face/neck in the morning and evening. It helps to improve your skin's texture and overall complexion, gets rid of excess skin, oil, and guess what? It's CHEAP! (Taking it internally as prescribed above will help as well)  Don't waste all your money on over the counter beauty products.  Go natural!
• NON-toxic household cleaner, deoderizer, and disinfectant.  Dilute ACV in water in a spray bottle and clean away.  I know, it smells like smelly feet at first. But give it 15 minutes and the smell will disappear.  (Unlike those household cleaners that smell like poison)

Eat seasonally

We have seasonless grocery stores.  It's no good.  You can buy an artichoke, strawberries, and brussels sprouts whenever you feel like it.  Ironic, we really do live in a culture where we do whatever we "feel" like now don't we? But the greater truth is, certain foods belong in certain seasons.  PLAIN AND SIMPLE!

  Back in the day when most of the land was farmland, they completely understood what this meant.  They couldn't grow the same crop in the same soil season after season; it would deplete the soil...and a whole host of other things.  Vegetables and fruits grow during certain times.  It is that way for a reason- certain seasons breed certain foods.  Ever had strawberries in the summer?  Or a freshly picked fall apple?  Then you know what I mean. 

No need to be perfect on this.  Remember, it's about progress not perfection.  Try and be perfect and you'll fail (or give up) every time.  Just be conscientious of what you're putting in your mouth and when.  Is it winter and you're eating a strawberry?  Go ahead, but it won't taste very good.  Nor will you want to know the whole farming process of getting an out-of-season fruit into your refrigerator. 

Not only that, but if you aim to eat according to what's in season, you may find some really great foods you never would have tried otherwise.  It will gently force you out of your comfort zone and into trying new things (Which is always fun, right?)  There are SO many different types of foods.  Sure, you can eat the same thing every day, but what's the thrill in that?  Your body wants flavor, variety, and change!  Your body changes with the seasons as well.  So move with the seasons.  

This fall and winter go pick up some endives or acorn squash and give it a try.  You never know...you just might like it!

 Educate yourself, think smart, live healthy...and enjoy every bite!

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of some fruits and vegetables according to their season: