Randomness

I will feel like an accomplished blogger when I have a reader from Zimbabwe.  So far I have readers from the US (very exotic), Russia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, and Singapore.  I feel very International, yeah baby! 

Natalie Rose in Raw Food Life Energy recommends the Japanese mini pearl acidopholus.  I already have probiotics so I will wait till I'm done with mine.  She also recommends the Garden of Eden (I do believe she means Garden of Life) Fungal Defense or the OregaMax brand of oil of oregano supplements for candida.  Rose says that when cleansing or weight loss that the yucky feelings we get when detoxing can be amplified by candida and the two above supplements can help you to feel better which helps with diet success. In studying nutrition throughout the years, I've leaned about the syptoms and pervasiveness of candida.  Did you know that sugar addiction is akin to street drug addiction?  And that most American have candida in some form in some region of the body and quite of few of those have systemic candida?  Holistichelp.net says:

Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are:

• abdominal gas and bloating
• headaches
• migraines
• excessive fatigue
• cravings for alcohol
• anxiety
• vaginitis
• rectal itching
• cravings for sweets
• inability to think clearly or concentrate
• hyperactivity
• mood swings
• diarrhea
• constipation
• hyperactivity
• itching
• acne
• eczema
• depression
• sinus inflammation
• pre-menstrual syndrome
• dizziness
• poor memory
• persistent cough
• earaches
• low sex drive
• muscle weakness
• irritability
• learning difficulties
• sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals
• cognitive impairment
• thrush
• athlete's foot
• sore throat
• indigestion
• acid reflux
• chronic pain

Marlene's doesn't carry Fungal Defense any longer so I asked for something comparable for candida.  The guy who helped me said that the supplement needs to carry 1) an enzyme to eat the outer shell of the candida in order to allow the other ingredients to attack it and 2) it either needs to contain probiotics or should be taken with probiotics so that the good stuff in your gut is replaced.  He pointed out Candida Cleanse by Rainbow Light (vegan) which contains enzymes and lactobacillus.  The drawback of this stuff?  You have to remember to take it a half hour before your meal.  If I can't remember to take it I will have to set an alarm for the pill and then an alarm for the meal. 

NEXT! (shouted like your at auditions) Time management recommends that you lump like things together and do them as a unit.  Errands, save them up so that you can conserve your resources.  My last two errand trips just might not be a good idea.  I could maybe, hrmmm, let's see, run errands when I have a few of them not what I have been doing which leads to pain and limping and moaning and the kids saying "poor Mommy". 

Yesterday, I picked my bike up from the shop (needed a tune-up, rear derailleur, cables, and chain), pick up dishes, get pet supplies, pick up mead, grocery shopping (and when we go grocery shopping, it's not for whimps) and then to Marlene's.  Hours later I come limping home.  Our last errand run was to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Walmart, Walgreens, Home Depot, and Winco.  I think I have some screws loose, even Anna was tired after that run. 

After I got home last night, I got seeds and nuts soaking, sprouts started, made up some raw "hummus" (omg, even Tim liked it, it was so good, recipe to follow) and some sundried and herb flax crackers going in the dehydrator.  Today I will make up some almond milk for the week and some granola for when I don't want to fix anything and a piece of fruit or veggie won't do.  Also I am making up some pate for stuffed peppers and tomatoes.  Anything that cannot be made up quickly is being made today or as soon as the sprouts are done.  (that won't suffer from nutritional loss)

Ok, so last night I was too tired for anything complex for dinner so I took some "hummus", sliced english cucumbers, and raw almonds.  It wasn't quite enough so a bit later I had a piece of celery with raw almond butter. 

Here's the recipe and I'm outta here, gotta go make my smoothie:

Zucchini Hummus

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Traditional hummus is made with cooked chickpeas, which I’ve substituted with zucchini without sacrificing any of the fantastic flavor. Try it with Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb Flax Crackers (see page 151) or crudités.

1 cup (124 g) peeled and chopped zucchini

1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

3 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup (120 g) raw tahini paste

2 teaspoons minced parsley

Za’atar seasoning, paprika, olive oil, and pine nuts for garnish

1. Place the zucchini, lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, paprika, cumin, and cayenne in a blender and process until smooth. Add the tahini and blend again until well incorporated.

2. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the minced parsley. Garnish with the za’atar seasoning, paprika, olive oil, and pine nuts.

3. Chill for 2 hours.

The hummus will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator.

Wignall, Judita (2011-05-01). Going Raw: Everything You Need to Start Your Own Raw Food Diet and Lifestyle Revolution at Home (Kindle Locations 1607-1619). Quarry Books. Kindle Edition.