Kale, That Special Someone

 

Finding that special someone is not an easy task. You may try out all different types before you settle on one, if you settle at all! This Valentine’s Day treat yourself (and possibly a romantic partner) to your favorite type of kale. There’s more than one you ask? Yes, yes my friends, there is more than one type of kale. Each type is exactly how we like ‘em – rich, health conscious, and the talk of the town.

Curly Kale: At the top of the popularity chain, it’s known for its distinct qualities. A little ruffled around the edges, but easy to chop when fresh. Some like ‘em younger, and we can’t blame them! The older they get the more bitter to the taste. Yeah, you can say that again.

Lacinato Kale (aka Dinosaur Kale): Don’t be turned off by the slightly wrinkly and firm touch. It is sweeter and more delicate than the curly kind, and holds its texture even after a match with the frying pan! These dark blue-green leaves may be the match for you.

Red Russian Kale: It’s always blushing, but can you blame it? Its red and purple leaves are often described as sweet, yet mild, with a bit of peppery-ness. Be sure to avoid its stem though. Unless you’re looking for a stomach ache – it’s hard to swallow!

Redbor Kale: Last but not least, is the most colorful of the bunch. Known for its looks, the deep red and purple leaves make for a great trophy plant! Yes it is edible, but it doesn’t hurt to sit and stare at each other before bringing out the cutting board.

Be sure to test out each type before making any hasty decisions. You’ll never know what you’re missing out on, unless you step out of your comfort zone! KALE UP!

[via WPRawl]

Top 9 Health Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng (Panax) is the name of the genus to which it belongs eleven species of medicinal plants. While in Europe the most famous Chinese ginseng, species of this genus grow in Korea, Vietnam, Siberia and the United States. Most widespread are three types of ginseng – Asian ginseng, called the devil bush (Panax ginseng), American (Panaxquinquefolius) and Siberian ginseng (Panaxsenticocus – Eleutherus).

The Power of Root:

• Active ingredients of ginseng roots have a number of beneficial effects on the body – from stimulation of the immune system by lowering blood sugar and bad cholesterol.
• Ginseng has a strong anti-stress effect.
• Ginseng is used to reduce high cholesterol levels
• Helps to reduce tension, anxiety and fear
• Ginseng improves memory and accelerates the understanding and adoption of new knowledge.
• Used for greater strength and durability.
• Ginseng works successfully on sexual desire and falls into the category of natural aphrodisiacs.
• Also ginseng is used for reducing the harmful effects of radiation. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the Russians use Siberian ginseng in the application of chemotherapy with very good effects, especially when it comes to recovery of bone marrow after transplantation.
• Studies about this plant has shown excellent results in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

This Miraculous Root:

• Increases energy levels
• Effective against chronic fatigue
• Reduces stress
• Strengthens the immune system
• Prevents many diseases
• Reduces blood sugar and bad cholesterol
• Improves comprehension, memory and concentration
• Acts as a natural aphrodisiac
• Improves strength and endurance

[via Heal Advice]

The Newbies Guide to Fermenting

Lacto-fermented vegetables are cultured vegetables. You've probably heard of sauerkraut, kim chi, and sour dill pickles, right? These are all forms of lacto-fermentation. Many people use whey as a starter but it is not necessary given you use enough salt. You can also make salt-free cultured vegetables without whey as long as you use some sort of acid, such as lemon juice, to prevent spoilage before the lactobacilli take over. Making your own lacto-fermented veggies is so easy that once you start you'll be hooked!

Traditionally lacto-fermentation was used to preserve the harvest and store vegetables for the winter. If you have a garden full of cabbage, cauliflower, beets, carrots, and green beans and don't know how to store them all, consider making a few batches of lacto-fermented vegetables. These veggies can be stored in your refrigerator for months....if they don't get eaten first!

Lacto-fermented vegetables provide a viable source of probiotics (at a cost well below most supplements) to heal and maintain a healthy gut. These beneficial microorganisms attach to receptors in our guts that send a signal to the immune system that says everything is okay, no need to overreact to foods and other things entering the gut, let's keep everything calm. If you are dealing with multiple allergies, chances are your gut is out of balance and is in need of a daily dose of beneficial microorganisms. These crispy, sour, salty vegetables are highly addicting and an easy, economical way to maintain a healthy gut. These vegetables are also important to include daily if you are following our Elimination Diet.

Lacto-Fermented Vegetables

We've tried fermenting all types of different vegetables. We have fun creating different flavors, some spicy and some not. Our current flavor addiction is beet-basil-dill-carrot-garlic. All of these vegetables combined in one jar is out of this world good....even if you thought you didn't like beets! I have tried using a salt brine made up from anywhere between 1 to 2 tablespoons of sea salt per 2 cups of water. I find that 2 tablespoons is too salty and slows down fermentation, so use anywhere between 1 and 1 1/2 tablespoons. It is very important that you use filtered water for all fermentation. Chlorine in water is great for keeping our water supply clean but not so good for allowing beneficial bacteria to grow and not so good for our guts and overall health.

1 glass quart jar with a plastic lid 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt 2 cups filtered water

Any Combination of Raw Organic Vegetables chopped cauliflower chopped beets chopped carrots chopped green beans chopped bell peppers sliced radishes sliced daikon sliced cucumbers chopped turnips chopped broccoli chopped kale chopped onions chopped green onions chopped garlic cabbage leaves (for the top)

Any Combination of Herbs and Spices dried chili peppers black peppercorns bay leaf fresh dill fresh basil fresh tarragon fresh mint sea vegetables (arame or hijiki) - use less salt if using these

First dissolve your sea salt in water in a glass jar or 2-cup glass measure. Then place you favorite combination of vegetables into a quart jar (you can use a larger cylindrical jar or ceramic crock instead, just double or triple the salt brine keeping the same ratio of salt and water). Add a few layers of herbs and spices too. I prefer to keep the peppercorns in the first layer, on the bottom of the jar, so they don't float to the top. Make sure you leave about an inch from the top of the jar.

Then cover with your salt brine, leaving about an inch to a half inch from the top. Fold a small cabbage leaf and press it into the brine so the water floats above it and the vegetables are completely submerged. Cover with a plastic lid (it is best not to use metal as the salt and acids can corrode it, though I have used them occasionally if that is all I have). Screw the lids on tightly. After day 2 or 3 begin to "burp" your jars once or twice daily to let excess gasses escape. You can do this by unscrewing the lid just enough to hear the gasses release and then quickly tightening it back up. You should see a bit of bubbling and some liquid possibly dripping out after about day three, depending on the heat level in your home. I like to place my jars into some sort of container, like a rectangular Pyrex dish, to catch any drips. Set your jars in an undisturbed place in your kitchen out of direct sunlight. I like to store mine on top of my refrigerator.

You can taste the veggies after about five days to see how soured they are. I prefer to let mine ferment for about 7 to 8 days in the winter and 5 to 6 days in late summer. I have also let them ferment for 10 or more days. Just experiment, there is no exact science with fermentation. After your veggies are soured to your liking place the jar (or jars) into your refrigerator where they will store for months.

Use your vegetables to top cooked quinoa, beans, and chopped leafy greens. Serve them atop grilled fish or chicken. Serve them with scrambled eggs for breakfast. I like to add them to salmon or chicken salads made with mayonnaise. And try to restrain yourself from eating the whole jar in one sitting....it may be a little too much salt all at once! You can also whisk some of the leftover brine with olive oil, a squirt of dijon mustard, and a dash of honey for a probiotic salad dressing!

[via Modern Fermenting]

Organic Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I have curated a wide variety of the best and most interesting organic gift ideas that I could find.

And it just so happens that they come from many of my favorite organic companies.

SWEET GIFT BOX BY ONE LUCKY DUCK

Having daily access to One Lucky Duck is reason enough to live in NYC.

But not to worry if you don’t live here because One Lucky Duck has you covered. They will ship your Valentine a box of organic, gluten-free, vegan, raw cookies, brownies, and chocolate to anywhere in the country.

The box comes wrapped in pink and red tissue paper and is tucked into a sexy black gift box embossed with a silver duck, complete with red or pink ribbon.

This gift set comes in two sizes, mini love box or big love box, and can be purchased online by clicking here.

3-DAY JUICE CLEANSE FROM SUJA

Wanting to give someone a Valentine’s Day gift of mental and physical clarity through nothing but juice?

If so, Suja, one of the best pressed organic juice companies in the country, is offering Living Maxwell readers 20% off their 3-day cleanse.

This person will be filling their body with USDA certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified bottles of goodness, all packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients.

To order this cleanse, click here and use the code VDAY20 at check-out to receive the 20% discount. This offer will be good until the end of the month.

FLOWER ESSENCES BY LOTUS WEI

Katie Hess, founder of the Lotus Wei, wants to help rejuvenate and nourish that someone special in your life with her amazing flower essences.

Handpicked from wild-harvested flowers grown in the most pristine conditions around the world, these flowers are infused into flower elixirs, mists, serums, and eco-friendly perfumes for mood-elevating experiences.

Personally, I use Joy Juice and Infinite Love, and think they’re spectacular. Many other people, including Dr. Andrew Weil and Johnny Depp, are also big fans.

To browse the large collection of honey elixirs, aromatic mists, and luscious oils, click here.

4-DAY SAKARA LOVE CLEANSE 

From February 10th to 13th next week, Sakara Life, the fantastic organic food delivery service in NYC, is offering a special 4-Day LOVE CLEANSE designed to cleanse, tone, and rejuvenate your body. Here’s what you’ll be getting with this package:

* 4 days of ready-to-eat meals that will fill you with love & light
* Special 25% off of specially selected Fluer du Mal lingerie pieces
* Sakara community class led by top yoga teacher and author Elena Brower
* 2 exercise classes of your choice at any of Fitist’s participating studios
* Daily pieces of Lulu’s raw chocolate made of the finest organic ingredients
* Sakara LOVE notes

Click here for pricing and more information. This package is only available for NYC residents.

CHOCO-LUSCIOUS BY VERMONT SOAP ORGANICS

When you talk about innovative products in the organic industry, Vermont Soap Organics is always at the top of the list.

And the company delivers another one with its Choco-Luscious Skin Smoothie.

This 100% organic product is made with coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and rosemary extract, and will leave your Valentine’s skin feeling smooth and moisturized but not greasy.

To order Choco-Luscious Skin Smoothie, click here and enter the code chocomax at checkout to receive a 15% discount.

LOV IS BEAUTIFUL ORGANIC TEA BLEND

From the internationally-known organic tea company, Løv Organic, comes a special mellow blend called Løv is Beautiful.

This enticing blend uses white tea, green tea, and green rooibos, and contains two crucial allies in the fight to preserve your skin’s looks, antioxidants and zinc.

To purchase Løv is Beautiful, click here. Shipping is available to more than 100 countries around the world.

[via Living Maxwell]

The Natural Effect

Check out the new Only Organic Campaign! The organic seal indicates that food has been grown in ways that has passed nature’s own test for being good for you and good for nature.

In this hilarious video "The False Advertising Industry" reveals the shocking truth about what is allowed in "Natural" food. As a reminder to not be convinced otherwise, only the USDA Organic Seal guarantees your food contains no Genetically Modified Organisms, no toxic pesticides, and no growth hormones or antibiotics

Food labels that claim a food is "natural" may not guarantee that food is good for you or for nature. In fact, many so-called "natural" foods contain the toxic chemical pesticides, antibiotics, hormones and genetically engineered ingredients that are harming people and the planet. Only the organic seal guarantees that food is being made in ways that Mother Nature intended.

FDA considers "natural" food to mean "nothing artificial or synthetic (including colors regardless of source) is included in, or has been added to, the product that would not normally be expected to be there." But, federal regulators do not enforce the policy. And, many heavily processed foods containing "unnatural" ingredients designed to make food look better or last longer carry the "natural" label.

Some familiar foods using the "all-natural" promise include:

• Some Greek Yogurt labeled as "natural" is made using milk from cows fed genetically engineered ingredients. Sound natural to you?
• Despite being labeled "100% Natural", Corn Oil is often made with genetically engineered corn.  
• "All Natural" chips may sound healthy, but they actually contain genetically engineered ingredients.
• Granola products can contain highly processed ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup, despite their "all natural" claims.
• Orange Soda can be "naturally flavored"...despite having high fructose corn syrup listed as an ingredient.
• Some companies advertise their frozen food products as made with "100% Natural white-meat chicken", even though its chickens are raised with the use of antibiotics. 
• Some frozen meals say "100% Natural", but really contain genetically modified ingredients. 
• “All Natural” Ice Cream...is it really natural? Hardly. It can come form cows treated with hormones and fed a diet containing pesticides. 
• Turkey Breasts labeled as "All Natural" can use turkeys that have never been outdoors. Sound natural to you? 
• Cheese labeled as "natural" could have been made using milk from cows injected with hormones, kept in poor conditions or fed genetically engineered food. 

[via Only Organic]

Trying Meatless Mondays? 7 Ways to Go Meatless Every Day of the Week

If you are on to Meatless Mondays, kudos to you for taking a step in the right direction. Undoubtedly, you’ve discovered it’s not so terrible, and now that you’ve got some momentum, why not up the ante a little and ditch the meat more often?

While it might be a bit much to expect everyone to give up turkey, cold turkey, it doesn’t mean a meatless meal or two on the other days of the week is out of the question. There are great vegan options for every time of day, all occasions, and any craving imaginable—even meat.

So, here are seven simple ways to go seven days as a part-time vegan.

 1. Fake it. Then, Everyone Is Happy.

Contrary to popular belief, giving up meat and dairy doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorites. There are great alternatives to nearly every beef-y buffet you’ve grown accustomed to: meatless burgers, cheese-less pizzas, mock meatloaf, and—for the brunch-lovers out there—egg-free omeletes. Not sure about them. Well, devote one meal a week to exploring what we are eating on the greener side of life. You may just dig it.

Recipe Suggestions:

Vegan Omelette: Looking for protein? This has more than the egg equivalent.

Veggie Burgers: 15 Recipes, Countless Benefits—Try a new one every week.

Lentil Loaf—A side of mashed potatoes, a little gravy, and you’ve got a classic.

 2. Forgot Milk? Go Nuts.

How many times have vegans of the world heard the initial gasp of I just couldn’t live without cheese? Usually, this is the deal-stopper for lactose lovers. It still doesn’t change the fact that milk and all those milky products just aren’t quite living up to the hype they once carried. They taste great, but that’s not to say that a nice cashew pepper jack can’t get the job done just as well, maybe even better. A vegan variation means cheese isn’t necessarily off the table.

Recipe Suggestions:

10 Vegan Cheeses That Will Knock Your Socks Off—A taste-testing party.

Vegan Baked Nut Cheese—Got crackers?

 3. Eat Your Vegetables. You’re an Adult Now.

Maybe as children, our palettes were so unrefined as to need casseroles and cream sauces to cover up the fact that we were eating vegetables, but most people eventually reach a point where at least a few vegetables are enjoyable. Then, it’s actually possible, palatable, and potentially pleasing to have a veggie-based—not just vegetarian, but vegetable—meal every day. They are faster to make and increase the likelihood of reaching the daily-recommended dosage. Mom will be so proud.

Recipe Suggestions:

20 Ways to Enjoy Kale, the King of Greens—Nutritious incarnate.

Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup—A big, warm bowl of goodness.

Vegan Eggplant Noodles—Quick, simple, and balanced.

4. One Word, So Many Possibilities: Sandwiches

Sandwiches are the ubiquitous lunchtime choice. They stack up clean and fit nicely into the little brown bags and briefcases. Up until the recent cluster of peanut allergies, there was even a recognized, viable vegan option in the PB&J. But, somewhere between the bottom piece and the top piece of bread, many of us seemed to have forgotten that anything can go between. It doesn’t always have to be meat and/or cheese. There are a whole lot of fast and filling options out there.

Recipe Suggestions:

Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Sandwich—If you’ve just got have something familiar.

The Cracked Sandwich—For a simple, straight-up vegetable stacker.

The Vegan Gutbuster Sandwich—Need something substantial for lunch?

5. Travel Vicariously through Your Food

It’s a big world out there, and a sizable chunk of it goes without meat for every meal, or every day, or ever at all. Why not see what they’re up to? If Meatless Mondays are working out for you (which they must be if you are reading this), then World-y Wednesdays might just be a hit, too. Imagine trying a dish from a different country every week. Would it make any difference if that meal were meatless? Of course not, it’s still providing you with that certain cultural élan you were after.

Recipe Suggestions:

African Groundnut Stew—Ever even heard of this? Sounds funky.

Flashworthy Alu Palak (Curried Comforting Potatoes with Spinach)—Ah, India.

5 Delicious and Surprisingly Meatless Recipes for Taco Tuesdays—Or, Wednesday.

6. Sweet, Fatty Redemption

Yep, meatless dessert is possible. Heck, even dairy-free if need be. Contrary to popular perception, it is downright easy and worthwhile to whip up a vegan dessert. Often, you don’t even have to bother cooking them (and that doesn’t mean a fruit cocktail). Plus, there is the added bonus of getting to pretend it’s healthy. Sometimes, it even is. Regardless, there are vegan options far and wide that will put just the right ending to a beautiful meal.

Recipe Suggestions:

Raw Vegan Chocolate and Almond Fudge—Who needs an oven?

10 Scrumptious Cheesecakes That You Won’t Believe Are Vegan—Try them all!

Simple Vegan Sugar Cookies—Easy. Familiar. Delicious.

7. Get Real. Go Full-on Crunchy.

Meatless Mondays? Articles citing vegan recipes for mid-week dining. You’ve probably even watched some documentaries about the modern-day food industry and the sorry state of factory farming. That might even be why you’re here. Face it: If you’ve made this far in the article, you’re becoming one of us. Strap on some sandals, get some patchouli, and embrace the veggie power. There is plenty of room at the table, so jump right on in to the crunchy, granola wave we’ve been riding.

Recipe Suggestions:

Peanut-Butter-Maple-Pecan and Coconut “Bacon” Granola—Crunch.

Cooking with Tofu + 10 Delicious Recipes—Not just for hippies anymore.

Vegan Cherry Garcia Ice Cream—Ben & Jerry’s…Grateful Dead…the munchies?

[via One Green Planet]

5 Things Healthy People Do Every Day Before Work

Adding five things to your day usually means taking more time out of it, right?

Usually. But not in this case.

When the five additional tasks are tailored to give an efficient and healthy trajectory to your day, the result is actually the opposite: more time to do what you love, with less stress, a calmer mind and a body that feels damn good.

Here are your five action steps to feel less burned out and more accomplished when the day is over:

1. Drink warm lemon water.

Jump starting your day with hydration is always a good thing.

Warming it up and adding lemon activates digestion and sets you on the right track having made your first decision of the day in the direction of your health.

2. Move.

Stretch, go for run, do yoga, whatever your flavor. Giving your body some movement first thing in the morning is an energizing, stress-relieving and mind-clearing way to start your day.

3. Meditate (visualize, project, manifest, envision, etc.).

Set the tone of your day with a positive intention and you'll be surprised at how far that feeling carries you.

Whether it's reciting an affirmation or sitting in stillness for two minutes, you'll lift your mood and put a smile on your face. Guaranteed. Visualizing your awesome day ahead of you allows you to create your most ideal day before you even step out the door. Yes, please!

4. Schedule your to-dos.

Yeah, yeah, everyone has a to-do list, that's nothing new. Turning it into an actionable plan is the crucial factor. Here's how:

At the beginning of each week, take your running to-do list and assign each task to the day of the week when it's most likely to be accomplished. Then put them in order, starting with tasks you'll do before work, then on your lunch break, then after work. Start with the most important and go from there. You might find that some of them aren't urgent enough to add, so those can wait.

Adding a few doable tasks to each day takes the anxiety out of what seems to be a never-ending list. Checking off four things in a day feels more accomplished than hacking away four off a long list of 20 that just keeps building.

Planning each task you wish to complete makes your schedule more manageable, helps you remember and gives you someone to be accountable to — yourself! Anytime you can take out on-the-fly decision-making and potential anxiety, it's a good thing.

Allow me to contradict myself for a moment: flexibility is also a key factor here. If you find yourself with less time than expected, don’t sweat it; just find a place to renegotiate where it might fit later in the week. OR, perhaps you didn’t make time for it because it’s not as important to you as you thought.

5. Eat breakfast (and pack a lunch!).

It’s really a no brainer: a hungry person isn't as effective at work, nor is she that fun to talk to. Do yourself (and everyone around you) a favor and at least start your day off at baseline — fed.

As for lunch: when you BYO to work you're doing three things for yourself: saving money, ensuring you're packing a healthy meal and keeping yourself from the starvation-induced impulsive 3 p.m. lunch, which for me can turn into a 30-minute debate on where to go and what to get. What a waste of time!

Now go on with your productive, healthy and happy self.

[via MindBodyGreen]