Super Healthy Sugar Alternatives (STEVIA)

Have you discovered that sugar is poison yet? If not it's time to wise up. I won't take the time to explain all the reasons why it is right now, because I have so much to say about Stevia Rebaudiana, the “sweet leaf” from Paraguay.

Stevia is the healthiest alternative to sugar and the perfect artificial sweetener replacement. For hundreds of years the Native American Indians of Paraguay have been sweetening their mate-tea with stevia, and use the leaves of this plant (similar to the peppermint) as a healing herb for diabetes, high blood pressure, and skin problems. They named stevia “the sweet bliss,” because it also harmonizes the emotions, and is great for the mood. The stevia leave is already 10 to 20 times as sweet as sugar, however in powder form it is 300 times sweeter than sugar. I find it best to use 1 part stevia to 1 part agave in drinks until you have acquired the somewhat bitter taste. Stevia powders can also be used with agave to replace sugar in recipes. As amazing as it is, stevia has zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero glycemic index and zero side affects. Making it the perfect alternative to sugar and sweeteners for everyone including people who are watching their weight.

HEALTH BENNIES: Stevia has many health advantages and even healing effects! It is still used today in South America, not only in teas and recipes, but also prescribed and administered as a tonic, to improve digestion, harmonize blood pressure, overcome fatigue and tiredness, loose weight, get rid of fungus, and normalize the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Stevia also represents a healthy and side effect free sweetener for diabetics, and is known in Brazil as a healing food for this disease. Clinical studies have shown that stevia is able to improve the glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics already notice more energy and enthusiasm with half a teaspoon of stevia per day. Stevia is also recommended in candida cases, because it does not feed the fungus like other sweeteners do, and has instead an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect, which helps control the growth of the fungus. Stevia helps teeth problems, and is traditionally used in South America against bleeding gum, cavities, and inflamed gums. Modern scientists have acknowledged the anti-bacterial properties of stevia, which are probably related to its high vitamin C and chlorophyll content, and its ability to slow down the growth of undesired bacteria in the mouth. Someone suffering from cavities or other teeth problems could snack on stevia leaves, chewing them between the meals.
Because it is quite easy to propagate we can grow stevia plants on windowsills, balconies, in gardens, and always have a few leaves to chew on when a sugar craving overcomes us.

SKIN, HAIR & BEAUTY: Stevia is also used to keep the skin and hair young and beautiful. It is traditionally used in South America to heal wounds, treat eczema, acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Apparently, the enzymes and chlorophyll are responsible for this healing effect on the skin. There are many ways we can use stevia is also a beauty herb. It is said to be effective against hair problems such as dandruff, falling hair, gray hair, and dull hair. Add some green stevia powder to the shampoo during the last washing and let it soak in a little. Another hair treatment is two tablespoons of olive oil mixed with two tablespoons of green stevia powder. Let it sit in your moist hair for one hour, cover your head with a towel, and thereafter wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
Due to the control of artificial sweeteners companies, stevia products have been banned from most European countries (isn't the scary?). In Canada and America, stevia powder and extracts can just recently be found in some supermarkets. They are usually sold as “nutritional supplements.” Your local health food store will be your best bet. Of couse you can always shop online.
1. Whole, dried leaves. I have not been able to find them at the health food store, but I have seen some online businesses that sell them. The alternative would be to grow stevia plants yourself.
2. Green powder. A powder made out of the dried leaves of stevia. Not too refined and can be used in recipes, nut milks, salad dressings, etc. It has a strong sweet taste and a licorice after taste. Great.
3. White powder. A very refined product, though the most popular form of stevia because it looks and works so much like sugar. It contains only the compound steviosid which makes stevia sweet. It does have a bit of an after-taste that you will some get use to. Stevia power can be used in herbal teas, raw lemonades, or any hot drinks. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract Packets for baking (with agave), and in my green smoothies.
4. Liquid stevia extract. A few drops are enough to sweeten a cup of tea. Can be carried along. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS, AND QUESTIONS!!!
With Love,
Carmen

Aunt Dot's Detox Tonic

Praise God I don't normally catch colds or flu's so I never considered anything like that when I began feeling out of sorts recently. I'd been out more this month than I had for quite some time. I attended a glorious wedding, stayed in a hotel out of town for a weekend, and visited family and friends. I've come a long way from the days of being sick and home bound. I know now that by His stripes I will forever be healed. I am a walking miracle. Anyway my husband reminded me that I'd been eating outside of my boundaries lately. I guess between that and the weather change I caught a little bug. Once I finally put two and two together I knew it was time for a Detox Tea Flush. So I began preparing my Aunt Dot's Detox Tonic. I'm happy to say I'm back to feeling good again.
This detox tonic is like the "lemonade diet" tea on steroids. It's great in the fall and winter, because it rids the body of mucus naturally. It also curbs the appetite, is very nourishing to the cells, and it tastes fabulicious! Enjoy 2 to 3 times per day to flush-out any bug or in place of meals during a weight loss detox. Simple and natural - life is good!

AUNT DOT'S DETOX TONIC
[Add the following to a large cup of pure hot water]
½ Fresh Squeezed Organic Lemon
Dash of Cayenne Pepper
½ Teaspoon Grated Ginger (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Unpasteurized)
Agave Nectar or Grade B Organic Maple Syrup (to taste)

To your health! Carmen

Fifty Reasons To Eat Raw Organic Part I

1. You will nourish your body on a cellular level.
2. You will allow your body to self-heal.
3. You will raise your vibration and better hear from God.
4. You’ll have more energy.
5. You become your healthy weight.
6. You will never have to diet or count calories again.
7. Your eyesight will improve.
8. You’ll revise the signs of aging.
9. Your skin will glow and you wear less makeup.
10. You will rarely if never get sick (if you detox as well).
11. If you are sick you will recover faster.
12. You’ll respect yourself and your body more.
13. Cellulite will melt away.
14. Your body will naturally wean itself off medication.
15. You’ll experience more moments of bliss.
16. You'll gain more self-confidence and self-control.
17. You’ll gain respect of others.
18. You’ll inspire others.
19. You’ll develop more endurance.
20. Your fast food will become a couple pieces fruit.
21. You’ll be free from allergies (if raw vegan) forever.
22. As your body changes you’ll want to live a healthier lifestyle.
23. You’ll beat depression without drugs.
24. You’ll need less sleep.
25. You’ll sleep more peacefully.

SPROUTING 101

Hi friends. As promised here’s the skinny on sprouting. I began my love for sprouting back when I went shopping at my first health food store. I was in high school and living with my two older sisters. I just had a natural unction to be healthy back then. Sadly, I did’t continue my love affair with healthy living once I began college. My poor food choices along with environmental conditions took their toll on me eventually. In any event, the purpose for soaking (most nuts just require soaking) and sprouting is to activate the enzymes to bring out the amazing life giving, nutrients of raw seeds, nuts, grains and legumes. Soaking and sprouting also increases their digestibility. Another good thing about sprouting is that it is economical. One teaspoon of alfalfa seeds can yield 2 pounds of sprouts. Some say that sprouts are the perfect food because they are alkaline energy food. In addition they are so rich in vitamins and minerals. What’s more is their proteins, carbs and fats are broken down into a usable form.

Soak seeds, nuts, grains and legumes by placing them on a large enough bowl that will allow you to cover them completely with purified water. Soak overnight or for at lease 8 hours. The next morning, or after 8 hours pour them into a colander for rinsing. Rinse completely. Nuts and seeds only require this process to made them ready to eat or use in recipes. I prefer to spread them out on a large flat pan or cookie sheet that has been covered with paper towel. They will dry free from mole this way. If using them right away in a recipe it does’t matter it they are wet. As for grains and legumes after 1st rinsing you will have to leave them in the colander covered with paper toweling, away from bright sun another 8 hours. Repeat the rinsing process for at lease 2 days, 2 to 3 times per day until they actually sprout. Drain and place paper towel underneath them and store in the fridge. Sprouts will keep about 4 to 5 days. It's gonna be FUN!!
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

MORE RAW VEGAN DELIGHTS

Here we go - more raw vegan delights for you to enjoy next week. You see, you won't starve. You will need to decide on what you want to make and prepare a shopping list. I highly suggest shopping at your best local health food store. Everything in these recipes are super nutritious, healing and life giving. These items will be the start of your glorious "food for life pantry".

CHUNKY MONKEY GUACAMOLE LETTUCE WRAP
2 Organic Avocados (diced into medium chunks)
¼ Cup of Organic Onions (diced medium/small pieces)
1 Medium Organic Tomato (diced medium/small pieces)
2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
Sea Salt (to taste)
Finely Chopped Cilantro (Optional)

[Gently mix together and wrap in any soft green lettuce leaves.]

COULD BE TUNA SALAD
½ Cup Raw Soaked Sunflower Seeds or Almonds
3 ¼ Cups Of Assorted Sprouts
½ Cup Onions (diced)
2 Celery Stalks (diced)
1 Sheet of Nori (cut up in small pieces)or ¼ Cup Seaweed
1 to 2 Cloves of Garlic (grated)
1 Tablespoon Kelp
4 Teaspoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (or sea salt to taste)
½ Cup *Avocado Mayo
[Puree seeds or nuts in food processor until fine and scoop into a large bowl. Next place sprouts, onions, celery, nori and garlic into processor and pulse chop just to mix and add to puree. Now add kelp, lemon juice, old bay, braggs liquid aminos and blend until smooth. Finally mix in nut butter or avocado mayo. Wrap in any soft green leaf lettuce or nappa cabbage with sliced tomato or enjoy over salad]

CARMEN’S ORGANIC COLESLAW
4 Cups of Organic Green or nappa Cabbage (shredded)
1 Cup of Organic Carrots (shredded)
¼ Cup Organic Raisins (Optional)
½ Organic Red Onion (thinly sliced)
¼ Cup *Avocado Mayo
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar or Honey
½ Tablespoon Mustard and or Celery Seeds
Sea Salt and Pepper (to taste)

[Place cabbage, carrots, raisins and onions in bowl and set aside. Next place vinegar, agave, and spices into another bowl and mix together. / Finally spoon mixture into bowl with the cabbage and toss until all is combined. Refridgerate]

* AVOCADO MAYO
You can also call this green mayo.
1 Cup Pine Nuts
1 Large or 2 Small Avocados
1 Teaspoon Lemon Jiuce
2 Teaspoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Optional)
6 Medium Pitted Dates
1 Clove of Garlic

[Blend in blender on food processor until creamy. Keep in fridge]
Tomorrow I’ll post a how-to on sprouting and making your own easy, nut butters and nut cream for creating creamy dressings, sauces and desserts.

Stay encouraged, you can do this. Please let me know how I can help.
And don't forget to signup for my newsletter below.
Blissful Blessings, Carmen

RAW ORGANIC CLEANSE [Liquid Meal Replacements]

AUNT DOT'S DETOX TONIC
This stuff is like the Lemonade Diet drink on steroids. Not only is it a great immune booster and detoxifier it's a great liquid meal replacement. To use as a body cleanse, have in place of 2 to 3 meals per day.
½ Fresh Squeezed Lemon
Dash of Cayenne Pepper
½ Teaspoon Grated Ginger (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Unpasteurized)
Grade B Organic Maple Syrup

THE GREEN SMOOTHIE
Place Into High Speed Blender…
Organic Spinach (1 to 2 hand fulls)
1 Organic Apple (whole)
1 Ripe Organic Banana (frozen is nice)
½ Cup of Fresh or Frozen Organic Berries
½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or 1 pack of French Vanilla Stevia Powder
½ Cup of Ice (judge the amount)
1 Cup of Water, or Almond or Vanilla Soy Milk
[SuperFoods]
1 Tablespoon of Hemp Seed Oil (optional)
1 to 2 Tablespoons of Organic Green Powder (optional)

Blend well in your high power blender. Drink 8oz. Chew your juice though tempted to gulp (yum yum). Save the rest covered in fridge for later.


CHOCOLATE (CACAO) SHAKE (Cacao is raw organic chocolate. It’s one of the Superfoods and sooo good for you. It’s the healthy,guilt-free way to eat chocolate)
1 Ripe Organic Banana
1 Organic Apple (whole)
¼ of Cup Soaked Raw Organic Sunflower Seeds
or 2 Tablespoons of Nut Cream (see recipe)
or 1 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1 Cup Water
½ Cup Ice
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract or 1 pack of French Vanilla Stevia Powder
1/2 Cup Organic Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries (optional)
1 Tablespoon of Cacao Powder (add more if needed)
[Superfoods]
1 Tablespoon of Hemp or Flax Seed Oil (optional)
Serving of Vanilla Protein Powder (optional)
1 Tablespoon of Maca (optional)

[Blend to a liquid.]


STRAWBERRY SHAKE
2 Ripe Frozen Organic Bananas
5 Fresh or Frozen Organic Strawberries
¼ of Cup Soaked Raw Organic Almonds and 1 Cup Water
or 1 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk
3 Pitted Organic Dates or Agave Nectar (to taste)
½ Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon of Hemp or Flax Seed Oil (Optional)

[Blend to a liquid. Add ice for a thicker shake.]


MEAL OPTIONS:

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started for lunch and dinner. Don't panic, I will post more tomorrow.

3 or 4 ORGANIC APPLES (Surprise! –Yes you can have 3 or 4 pieces of fruit as a meal)

BIG ORGANIC SALADS with My Classic Homemade Dressing
Dressing: ½ Cup of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, 1 to 2 Grated Garlic Cloves, 1 Tablespoon Maple or Agave Nectar, 1 Cup Olive, Hemp or Canola Oil (I like them combined) and 1 Package of Dressing Mix like Good Seasons. (Shake before each use and refrigerate)

I am very excited that so many of you are willing and ready to go. Lets stay in touch, I'm here to help. PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE FOLLOW BUTTON ON THE RIGHT, FURTHER DOWN FOR LATEST POSTS. Love & With much love, Carmen

JOIN ME ON A 4 DAY RAW, ORGANIC CLEANSE

Since my health has turned around I have been eating more cooked food than raw, organic vegan meals. All organic, wheat, gluten and sugar free, but cooked none the less. About 10 months ago my blood specialist and dear friend Alsuna, who helped me save my life suggested that I start eating cooked food again. I was so committed to healing my blood that when I first went to see her, I was under 90 pounds. Needless to say though a little hesitant I was thrilled that I could have a hot meal. Before then my diet consisted of raw fruit and veggies in their natural state. I also prepared tasty raw dishes by dehydrating spouted seeds, beans and veggies in my oven set no higher than 100 degrees. I have since gained most of my natural weight back. I was about 120 before I became ill in January 2007. I'm about 110 now. The problem is most of my new weight is around my waist. Everything else is looking pretty good. I'm so grateful that I'm getting my bootie back. When I was raw my stomach was the most flat it has never been in my adult life. So now the trick will be to get rid of the bloat, the gas and the fat around my waist, while cleansing my entire body temple. I also want to nourish my soul and feed my spirit. It's funny how not feeding your body can feed your spirit. So I'm going on a Four Day Raw Organic Cleanse. I said 7 days at first but Anthony (my husband) suggested that I start with 4 days. He says I'm always so radical, so I'm taking his advice.
Why don't you join me? This is going to be very simple - nothing crazy. If you're familar with the "lemonade diet", you may use the "tea" as your between meal support, or try my "detox tonic" (recipe forth-coming). Meals will be ORGANIC (more about that later) fruits and veggies, big salads and green smoothies (more on that later). Email me with any questions. Lets start Monday of next week. We're gonna be fabulicious.
Love You, Carmen
www.AScentimentalJourney.com