Denise Holden on Edible Flowers, the Rose, and Sage

Posted By Katrina Ariel On July 27th, 2010

flower saladThis post is from my dear friend, Dee Holden. She is a plant intuitive and a great person to learn from when it comes to all things green and good.

Connecting with Plants

Eating flowers is one of my favorite things to do in the Summertime. They share their healing vibrations with us when we eat them. The flowers of these plants are edible: alliums, bee balm, borage, calendula, cornflower, dandelion, johnny jump ups, lavender, lilac, nastursium, pansy, rosemary, wild roses, violets, squash blossoms and sooo sooo many more.

Remember to identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers. Never harvest flowers growing by roadsides or flowers sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.

Flower salads and calendula pancakes are yummy, healing and certainly beautiful, yet there are also ways to experience the healing effects of the whole plant: heart, body, soul and spirit. Read more…

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Fantastic Farmer’s Market Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms

Posted By Katrina Ariel On July 17th, 2010

It’s always so delightful to find a new recipe for enjoying salad, especially one that includes the medicinal benefits of shiitake mushrooms!

Shiitake mushrooms are considered one of the most important mushrooms in the East, and are used to boost the immune system and support healing for many conditions.

I get mine from Michael’s Mushrooms at the Kamloops Farmer’s Market, and they are so fresh and delicious!

For many people, the idea of a bunch of lettuce isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but there are ways to make salad absolutely scrumptious!

In fact, many (possibly most) of my meals at home are different variations of salad. Salad wrap, veggie sandwich, rice or quinoa salad, etc. It’s easy, it’s quick, and SO nutritious.

So here’s my latest creation:

Farmer’s Market Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms

Feeds 2-4 people. Approximately 15 minutes to prepare. Read more…

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Food Becomes You, for Better (Health) or Worse (Obesity and Disease)

Posted By Katrina Ariel On March 6th, 2010

healthy cherry tomato, herbs friut and vegetables“You are what you eat” has a lot of truth in it, on many levels. The food you choose builds your body based on what the body can do with it. At the same time, anything else you take into your body (what you read, watch, listen to, etc.) also affects your thoughts, mood, and energy.

Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, sprouts, seeds, nuts and whole grains are the foods that offer the most nutrients and nourishment. Unfortunately, the majority of the diet most North Americans eat is not focused around these foods.

When the body isn’t getting enough of what it needs, it keeps saying “I’m hungry – nourish me.”

Read more…

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Sprouting For Healthy Eating

Posted By Katrina Ariel On February 15th, 2010
A salad with yummy sprouts!

A salad with yummy sprouts!

The following article is by my dear friend Denise Holden. I’ve been meaning to post about sprouts for a while now, as they are a prominent part of my diet. They’re such a great way to eat fresh, live, nutrient rich food. Here’s what Denise has to say about them:

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During the winter season, sprouts are an excellent source of fresh vegetables.

Sprouts represent the point of greatest vitality in the life cycle of a plant. During sprouting, vitamin and enzyme content increases dramatically. The sprouting process predigests the nutrients of the seed, making it easier to assimilate and metabolize: starches are converted into simple sugars, proteins into free amino acids, and fats into free fatty acids. This explains why grains and legumes, many of which are common allergens, often do not cause allergies when sprouted. Read more…

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Growing Your Own Food

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 28th, 2010

One of the most important considerations in your health is the food you choose to eat. And not only what kind of food, but where it comes from and how it was grown.

For some incredible inspiration, watch this amazing short video about a community within the city of Milwaukee that is making huge change by growing their own food:

Read more…

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The Power Of Blessing Your Food

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 14th, 2010

salad02When you think about blessings, what comes to mind?

A kind thought or word? A gracious gift from the universe? A friend or loved one?

Blessings come in myriad forms, yet the ones that YOU spark are so special. Positive thought has been proven again and again to have profound impact on every level. By using blessings (or prayer if that word resonates with you) you tap into a bigger energy and amplify your own intention for higher results.

One of the ways I use the power of blessings every day is with food. By being grateful and blessing your meal before you eat it the food’s vibrations are raised. Read more…

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Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 8th, 2010

Okay. I admit it. Sometimes my will power is a bit weak. I’m working on it.

It’s funny because I wake up with a green smoothie every morning, I eat a salad nearly every day, and I don’t really drink anything other than water and herbal teas. But then I get around bread or cookies, and my discipline evaporates. Do you have this issue? It can’t just be me – leave a comment below and let me know what your food delights are so I feel like I’m in good company, eh?

Are bread and cookies terrible things that should be avoided at all costs? No, of course not. But is it really in my best interest to eat as much of them as I have over the last month? Well… Read more…

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Why Green Smoothies Are So Healing

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 5th, 2010

lettuceGreen smoothies are one of the very best choices you can make for a healthy diet. They’re growing in popularity faster than people can tweet about them, and I wouldn’t miss my morning green smoothie because of how much my body loves it.

“You want me to drink kale?” This is what goes through some people’s mind the first time they’re introduced to green smoothies. You know the face children make when they don’t want to eat something? I’ve watched that look come across the faces of people before they try it.

But then they give it a shot, and lo and behold, it tastes good! Better yet, it FEELS great! Your body says, “Oh yeah, that’s what I want.”

Why is that? Well, green leafy veggies are one of the most healing foods nature provides. They lower the acidity in the body and help your system restore balance with that all powerful substance: chlorophyll.

Plus they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Read more…

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Kiwi Goodness Green Smoothie Recipe

Posted By Katrina Ariel On October 22nd, 2009

kiwiOkay, I’ve got a new favorite.

This morning’s green smoothie developed from whatever I could find to put in the Vita Mix. Since I’m visiting my parents at the moment, and my dad brought home some kiwis, I thought I’d throw one in.

At some point this summer I ate my first kiwi with the skin on. I know, if you haven’t done it this seems very strange, but it doesn’t taste bad at all, and gives you more fiber and other goodness. So for my smoothie this morning all I did was cut the very tips of the kiwi off (the hard bits) and toss the rest in.

Kiwi is very low on the glycemic index (meaning it’s less likely to spike your blood sugar and insulin levels). It also is high in potassium and vitamin C, as well as other minerals and vitamins. Read more…

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Green Smoothie Recipes

Posted By Katrina Ariel On September 7th, 2009

At first glance a green smoothie might not look apetizing. I mean, it’s green! This generally evokes a child-like face with a scrunched up nose as a reaction.

But then you taste it. And very soon after that you FEEL it.

And lo and behold, it’s really good!

Green smoothies are one of the very best ways to get a whole lot of nutrients, anti-oxidants, and healing green leafy veggies into your system. When you do this, your body responds with energy and vitality. Read more…

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