Godliness of Water

Without water, there is no life. Humans can only survive for a few days without consuming this nectar of the gods. Much of this liquid nourishment comes from the food we eat. The most water-rich foods –and therefore the most healthy — are plant-based, organic and raw.

With their electromagnetic, ionic charges, the juices extracted from fresh, vegan fare fulfills the need for hydration while supplying high-level nutrition. Water constitutes a significant portion of the body mass in every living thing.

Much of the oxygen we need comes from water — another reason we should drink copious amounts. Surprisingly, an average daily intake of water for an adult contains approximately three times as many molecules of oxygen as are consumed through respiratory metabolism.

A person who is not living in an arid climate and/or active in the outdoors should consume a minimum of 1-2 ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. For very active individuals, and those residing in the desert, more is required.

Water not only hydrates our trillions of cells — it helps to clear our bodies of toxins and is the most effective lubricant and carrier of bioelectric energy. Even our bones are made up of 40 percent water. Dehydration can actually provoke death. All we have to do to see water’s power on us is to avoid drinking for a full day.

The molecular structure of water is also of great interest. Stagnation (lack of movement) and chemical manipulation cause water molecules to become disorganized. This disorganization creates friction when cells attempt to absorb water. This interrupts hydration. When our cells lack hydration, dysfunction occurs.

Water is so central to our physical and spiritual needs that to ignore the importance of water may cause disaster — both personally and globally.

If wars have been fought over oil — a substance that we merely invented a need for — what are we willing to do for access to that which makes all life possible? In this century, this question will manifest into reality, becoming a critical factor in international affairs.

It is important we all realize that water is a sacred substance. After all, each of us resided in water in our mothers’ wombs for nine months. Unfortunately, many of us consider H2O an abundant substance that does not deserve respect.

In many indigenous cultures, water is a carrier of disease. For this reason, “civilized man” began assaulting water’s potential microbes with deadly, human-made chemicals. This resulted in myriad new problems rooted for this extraordinary elixir. Cancer and many other illnesses are directly connected to the fluoride, chlorine and chemical debris that float within drinking water.

As far back as 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency concluded that chemicals such as fluoride, an aluminum industry byproduct intentionally placed in municipal water systems, causes tumor growth. Chlorine (another intentional additive) is far from harmless. It has been directly linked to the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and weakening of the immune system.

The average public water supply contains a minimum of 27 different chemicals. Pharmaceutical drugs, including steroids, insect repellents, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides — as well as many more organic and inorganic chemicals — reside not only in municipal water, but in Earth’s waters.

Contamination isn’t only a concern when drinking; bathing and showering in this toxic stew allows even more of these vile substances through your skin. Globally, our aquatic ecosystems are slowly but surely being destroyed by human-made chemicals. Our greed and carelessness also cause weather-related disorder. The idea that we can pour pollution into our water and air and then simply “strain it out” is absurd. Such thinking must be abandoned. Nearly every lake, river, stream and pond in Europe and North America contains mercury. We must immediately begin to treat water with the same respect with which we aspire to be treated.

How can we deny that water possesses character and energy? When observing waves crashing on the shore or whirlpools that dot rivers, brooks and streams, we see that the power of water is tremendous. This wondrous substance has the potential to stir us, calm us, frighten us or awaken us. Water is the primal element from which we all spring and that to which we ultimately return as we break apart and become part of Earth’s great system.

Throughout history, many humans have understood the central need for H2O. It is used to baptize newborns, and some cultures send elders off in boats to the “Aqua Yonder.” Nothing is more calming than staring at the ripples in the lake or even a contemplation pond. Water respects people so much that it manifests our images as we gaze through the transparent liquid.

Swimming in clean water has proven to be the only exercise that utilizes every muscle in complete coordination with all parts of the brain. Therapeutically, water calms muscles, releases pain, and activates the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Cleansing our bodies of the many ounces of waste that leave through our skin each day is possibly the second most important function of water. When we choose the purest water, our bodies hydrate, function, and excrete at maximum levels.

There is actually a well-established science surrounding the therapeutic benefits of bathing in healing waters, including mineral springs, jacuzzis and hot tubs. The health of our water is nothing short of the health of our species.

Allow yourself to rekindle a healthy and balanced relationship with water, our second most important element, only trumped by oxygen. When you learn to use this phenomenal gift in a kind and respectful way, you will gain the benefits that it is here to offer.

For more information on how to optimize your health, see http://www.hippocratesinst.org.

Photo credit: Hani Amir

Be a Bargainista

Nutritious, whole, organic food can cost a pretty penny, especially if you’re not committed to investing time and energy into becoming a savvy shopper and proactive consumer. I’ve encountered every excuse and complaint in the book and believe me – I hear ya! Family, work and exhaustion are tough demons to tame when you’re staring at an empty dinner table, but let’s face it … Would you rather cut corners and save some money in the short term or spend more time planning, eating consciously, and shopping smart to ward off future hospital bills, prescription costs and long-term health issues? We all slip sometimes and that’s okay! But if you put forth the effort 80 to 90 percent of the time, you’re setting yourself up for increased energy, self-esteem, and happiness for you and your family on a daily basis.

I’m not saying you should run to the nearest health food store and spend your whole paycheck. But before I dive into a bevy of cash saving tips, I’ve got a news flash. This diet and lifestyle wasn’t created for sissies. We’re warriors! That means that you’re not going to see savings unless you stick with the program. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and join this burning hot revolution. Easy-peasy food that you can scarf down in two seconds flat usually equals cheap and unhealthy. Like most things in life, the good stuff takes a little more TLC. I’m not saying that you have to give up your social life, you just might have to cut back on half an hour of Facebook stalking or the latest episode of The Bachelor. A little planning and effort goes a long way.

Now for the dirt. Over the past decade, I’ve been collecting my own tricks of the thrift (I’ve always loved a good haggling), and I’ve picked up loads of cost cutting strategies from my peeps at Crazysexylife.com and my online community posse at my.crazysexylife.com. Please, for the love of unicorns everywhere, add your own killer advice in the comments section. If we keep swapping knowledge, nothing can stop us. Not even 15-dollar raw organic almond butter!

1. Buy bulk. Sure, those bins aren’t as sexy as the pretty packaging on the shelves, but they’re a hell of a lot cheaper! While you’re scooping your millet, get chummy with the grocer and clerks. Your new buddies may be willing to order certain other items in bulk for you. Costco or BJ’s is also a prime destination for large quantity, low cost items.

2. Join your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group. Some may be intimidated by this option because of the commitment and quantity. You’ll usually have a variety of veggies to choose from each week and if a half share is still too much too handle, see if a friend or family member wants to go in on it with you. There’s always the trusty freezer for preserving what you can’t consume that week. Hello strawberries in December! Here are some handy websites: Local HarvestBiodynamic Farming and Gardening AssociationRodale Institute Farm LocatorWilson College DatabaseEat Well GuideNational Sustainable Agriculture Information ServiceJust Food (NYC Region).

3. Shop your local farmers markets. Take advantage of the local bounty by perusing veggie stands with a critical eye. There are usually a variety of farmers offering an array of prices, so compare prices, bargain and make friends with your favorite farmer. Be open minded about your weekly menu, too. Take advantage of the lower priced veggies and fruits by designing your meals around their deliciousness (they taste even better when they’re a bargain). Find a market near you: Farmers MarketUSDA Farmers Market DirectoryFarmer’s Market OnlineLocal Harvest.

4. Budget and plan. Before we even get to the heart of this tip, make sure you aren’t famished when you walk through the entrance of the grocery store or farmers market. That’s the quickest way to derail your well-laid plans to be a smart, healthy shopping minx. Set a comfortable budget for your weekly or bi-weekly shopping excursions and then get to whipping up a list. First, examine your fridge and cupboards. What can you build on? You might start saving right away if you get into this mindset and stop building meals from scratch every time you touch a shopping cart. If planning a whole week’s worth of meals is overwhelming, bite off few days at a time. Need inspiration? Dust off your cookbooks and get creative. You’ll find a list of my go-to recipe books in this Love List.

5. Clean and organize your fridge and cupboards, then stock up on the essentials. The kitchen is no longer a prison. It’s your playground and your personal pharmacy. Would you let a carton of almond milk get moldy in your blessed new sanctuary? In order to know what you really need, your kitchen should stay relatively clean and organized. Then, get the good stuff in there and keep the fresh and perishable items at eye level. It’s easy to forget about that poor bunch of kale when it’s sitting in the back of your crisper. Once you’ve stocked your pantry with non-perishables, you’ll have the building blocks for countless meals and going to the grocery store is less likely to break the bank.

6. Learn the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen: Organic can be pricey! Check out the Environmental Working Group’s lists to determine your priorities for organic purchases. They even created an iPhone app!

7. Grow indoor greens. It is exponentially more economical to grow your own food. Whether you live in a tiny Brooklyn apartment or a McMansion, there’s room for a few pots of greens. Your choices are infinite and the how-to is at your fingertips! Start greening your thumb today by reading “Urban Gardening for the Everyday Person.” You Grow Girl is also a fantastic resource. And don’t forget to join the Crazy Sexy Gardening group at my.crazysexylife.com! Want more? Check out Garden Girl TVUrban Homestead, and Four Season Farm.

8. Be flexible. I know it sounds like I’m giving you mixed messages, but if you arrive at the supermarket and there’s a big sale on bananas, snag those babies! They may not have been on your list, but you can cut them up, freeze, and pop them in your smoothies or soft serve ice cream later. This goes for most fruits and veggies and we all know that staples like quinoa or brown rice aren’t going to go bad in your pantry, so stock up when the prices are low!

9. Skip restaurants. This gets a lot easier when you’re planning meals at least a day or two ahead of time and your fridge/pantry is stocked. Let’s get real. Those restaurant bills pile up and there’s something about the low lighting and aromas coming from the kitchen that makes you forget that you don’t need a bottle of wine plus a five-course meal. I’m not saying that you should never step foot in your beloved establishment again, just try to limit your visits to a couple times a month rather than twice a week. It’s more special that way and meals at home will become a delight rather than a drag once you get into the swing of things.

10. Make your food last: When you arrive home from the market or grocery, wash and store your fruits and veggies so that they’re organized and super accessible (Debbie Meyer Green Bags extend life expectancy!). If you’re a juicing king or queen, divide your produce into individual packs that you can pull from the fridge at a moment’s notice. Smoothie lover? Pop your packs in the freezer. Finally, if you’ve slipped a little and your goodies are going south, rescue them in a delicious soup or smoothie. Your leftovers are not second-class citizens. It’s easy to shrug them off the next day for lunch or dinner, but with a little TLC, you can whip yesterday’s meal into today’s treasure. Your fridge is not a graveyard!

11. Buy used or barter: Buying a new juicer or blender may not be in your budget right now, but what about a used one? Craigslist, eBay, not to mention your friends and family, might have an affordable gently used model. Heck, your pal might be willing to barter if you’ve got something in the house that they’ve been eyeing. In the meantime, you can still juice with any old blender and strainer (cheese cloth or nut milk bags work great!). Just blend your veggies and send them through the strainer for a tall glass of green goodness.

12. Skip the bells and whistles. Do you really need that bag of raw organic cashew butter? Once in a while, go ahead and splurge, but if you are looking for somewhere to cut corners, the specialty foods are a good place to start. You could probably satisfy that craving with something reasonably priced, you might just have to use some elbow grease to make it from scratch.

Photo credit: o5com, Paul Wittal, Jeff Cushner

The Ins & Outs of Raw Cacao

To enter the Ulimana Coconut & Harvest Nectar Truffle contest: Visit Kris Carr’s Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment under the Ulimana contest post for the chance to win some delicious raw cacao truffles. We’ll announce the winner on Monday, August 30th.  Read on to learn all about raw cacao from Ty Stevens…

My first experience with raw cacao arrived in the form of a truffle. Wow, who knew?

Growing up, chocolate to me was a candy bar, a fudgsicle or even an almost drinkable syrup drizzled over a mound of ice cream. Little did I realize I was actually filling my body (my temple) with preservatives, processed sugar and artery-clogging saturated fats–with maybe a trace of cacao (or cocoa as it is often referred to). As a kid, I thought that was normal. As an adult, I realized that was a death trap …literally!

Chocolate always seemed to carry a certain “I shouldn’t” quality about it: so bad yet so good, an indulgence, even sinister. Hence the intrigue chocolate still seems to carry with it today. Eventually I got older, and I started to actually think for myself. I then became more educated as to what role food plays in my overall wellness and where my food actually comes from. I recognized the importance of eating closer to the source and digesting food in its purest form without all the fillers often masking its true identity.

Enter raw cacao. Cacao is actually a fruit, specifically the bean of a fruit. With a history dating as far back as the earliest Mayan civilizations, cacao was used as a form of commerce and even a status symbol. Cacao was enjoyed and honored for its mind and mood elevating properties in ceremonies and celebrations of that time. Still today, cacao is harvested in many regions throughout Central and South America.

This highly coveted superfood harbors hidden qualities that have only recently become evident. This sexy, yet sophisticated superfood (very much in opposition to the conventional and overly marketed chocolates I grew up on) offers an abundance of health benefits naturally. While so many are faced with dis-ease from lifestyle, genetics, food and environment, raw cacao offers live food desserts you can really feel good about.

The raw diet has become a popular method of eating food close to its most original state by not cooking the food past a certain temperature, which maintains its integrity and abundance of natural health benefits. The raw diet requires much discipline as to where we get food, how we prepare it and of course how it tastes.

In the case of raw cacao (chocolate), it maintains its potency and its many health benefits preventing dis-ease and even further supporting the fight against it. Many studies exist to solidify the many positive effects raw cacao has on our overall health. These studies provide evidence that places cacao high on the list of premier superfoods. The following are a handful of the findings, nutrients and compounds present in raw cacao:

Flavanols – Prevent fatty acids and blood platelets from sticking in the bloodstream. Improve circulation, reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clotting and ultimately strokes.

Tryptophan and Dopamine – Promote positive mood and serotonin levels.

Phenethylamine (PEA) – Increases mental alertness and concentration. Postpone dementia.

Antioxidant levels – More than red wine, green tea or acai.

Increased insulin sensitivity – Results in diabetes prevention.

Magnesium – Better mood and healthy heart.

Blood and circulation – Antiaging and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Mono-unsaturated fats – Helps increase HDL levels (healthy cholesterol).

While making the adjustment to eating raw, organic or more holistic foods can be transformative, it does not have to mean sacrificing taste or convenience. Raw cacao is an excellent example of how it is possible to combat dis-ease and still enjoy the decadent tastes and textures of even the most supposedly sinister foods.

Many companies have made a name for themselves blending health-enhancing superfood treats that satisfy a desire for something indulgent. Case in point, Ulimana’s mouth-watering raw cacao truffles use natural sweeteners such as raw honey, agave, and/or date sugars combined with complimentary super ingredients such as sea salt, goji berries, chia seed, hemp, coconut and more. These raw chocolate desserts provide a most ideal introduction into the world of raw food and serve as a catalyst to indulge just a little while preserving quality and longevity of life.

Now we can fulfill our sweet cravings while protecting the sacredness of our body (our temple) and truly enjoy life without sacrificing our health and our body’s ability to embrace it!

Ty Stevens enjoys traveling and spending time with his greatest life teacher–his 8 year old son, Caleb. He has represented many companies and publications as a freelance journalist, and public relations guru in the outdoor and natural products industries.

When Should You Buy Organic?

One of the biggest debates as we peruse the produce aisle is whether or not to buy organic. Most folks know that eating organic fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancer and other diseases. However, in this economy, sometimes our wallets override our emotions. Well, I’m here to tell you that there is a loophole to get out of the guilt we may have when not buying organic. If you’re looking to do right by your body without breaking the bank, you will be happy to find out that you can skimp here and there!

Two lists were compiled with data from the US Department of Agriculture; one is The Dirty Dozen and the other is The Clean 15. Tests were run to determine the amount of pesticide residue found in non-organic fruits and vegetables after they had been pressure washed. The produce that made The Dirty Dozen list tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing positive for as many as 67. And that wasn’t just in the skin. They found traces all the way down into the seeds! By making sure that you stick to organic when buying the fruit and veggies from this list, you can reduce your exposure to harmful toxins by as much as 80 percent.

If you can’t afford to buy organic all the time, you can still rest easy. Purchasing conventional, non-organic produce from The Clean 15 list is likely fine, as those were the least affected by chemicals. Mainly due to their thicker skin, The Clean 15 are able to fight toxin absorption much better than those on The Dirty Dozen list. Of course, I’m an advocate of buying local and organic produce whenever possible. But in this day and age, we could all use a financial break every now and again, so here’s a little pass when you need one.

When you MUST buy organic:
1. celery
2. peaches
3. strawberries
4. apples
5. domestic blueberries
6. nectarines
7. sweet bell peppers
8. spinach, kale and collard greens
9. cherries
10. potatoes
11. imported grapes
12. lettuce

When you can skip it:
1. onions
2. avocados
3. sweet corn
4. pineapples
5. mangoes
6. sweet peas
7. asparagus
8. kiwi fruit
9. cabbage
10. eggplant
11. cantaloupe
12. watermelon
13. grapefruit
14. sweet potatoes
15. sweet onions

While it is said that it’s safe to consume The Clean 15, never miss out on a thorough wash of your produce. In fact, conventional as well as organic produce should always be washed and treated with a special veggie wash. Even when eating organic, your produce can be touched by 20 sets of hands before it ends up on your fork, so take precautions for your health. Shop smart, stay healthy and save your money for rainy days whenever you can!

Carolyn Scott is the executive producer, creator, host, and writer of The Healthy Voyager brand. Her web series, radio show, site, blog and social network show you how to live, and travel, healthy and green.

Photo Credit: Darren Kirby

Seven Tips to Help Your Garden Flourish

Even someone who claims to have a brown-thumb when it comes to gardening can achieve green and gorgeous results with these easy gardening tips. Whether it’s digging up dirt in your own backyard or container growing on a sunny windowsill, these simple strategies will help your garden grow.

Gardening Tip #1: Reuse those packing peanuts. Container gardening is popular for folks with limited backyard space, but the large pots can be heavy to move when filled with soil and plants. Lighten the load by filling the bottom 1/3 of the pot with Styrofoam packing peanuts. It’s a great way to reuse the packing peanuts, while keeping the pots lightweight. Added bonus: The packing peanuts help prevent root rot and mildew growth.

Gardening Tip #2: Another use for the Sunday paper.
To prepare an area of the yard for your first garden, don’t spend hours tearing up turf. Reach for a newspaper instead. Place thick layers of newspaper over the section of grass you want eradicated. Place heavy rocks on top and walk away. In a few days, the grass will die off due to lack of sunshine and will make prepping the ground much easier for tilling and gardening. Bonus tip: Pour boiling water onto weeds and grass to speed up the process.

Gardening Tip #3: Plant a smelly sneaker.
Deer and other wild animals may find your vegetable and flower garden to be irresistible. Instead of erecting cumbersome fencing or using smelly sprays, try leaving a very used gym sneaker in the garden instead. The strong scent of humans is a natural way to scare off wild animals.

Gardening Tip #4: Use organic insecticides and herbicides. Using chemical sprays to control insect and invasive weed growth in the garden is passé. Try a natural product that uses a blend of sweet-smelling essential oils to target insects and weeds but is safe to use around children and pets.

Gardening Tip #5: Recycle cans. Instead of pitching used soup cans in the garbage, use the can opener to cut off the top and bottom of the can. Little seedlings can be protected in the garden by the metal sleeve. When the plant has grown large enough, remove the metal sleeve and recycle as you normally would in your curbside bins.

Gardening Tip #6: Use paint stirrers as garden markers. An easy and free way to know what’s growing in your backyard is to recycle free wooden paint stirrers into garden markers. Just write the plant’s name on the top of the stirrer with a permanent marker and insert into the ground.

Gardening Tip #7: Repurpose compost. Use eco-friendly tools like a mulching lawnmower to reduce waste. Repurpose grass clippings and compost to naturally feed the soil in your yard. Mulching (covering the soil with organic or inorganic compost) is a great way to help conserve water and prevent soil diseases from contaminating plants.

By following these gardening tips, you should be well on your way to a bountiful harvest!