Live Right Now

Soy: Perfect Food or Evil Imposter?

Live Right Now - Episode 009 – Soy: Perfect Food or Evil Imposter?

What’s square, white, jiggles, weighs about eight ounces, can make you gag, and often can clear a room in ten seconds?

The answer is, tofu, or soy bean curd. This often-maligned product has been known to strike dread in the hearts of the bravest culinary souls, paralyzing them in fear at its mere mention. (Not wholly unlike the feeling you might get when receiving notification of an IRS audit.) Flash back to the flower children of the mid and late 1960s, when a rumor wafted through the grease-filled air that the Golden Arches folks used a sinister form of fibrous soybeans as filler in their burgers. “Ai-ee! Hack! P-tooey! We’ve been poisoned!” In retrospect, what we should have protested instead was the saturated-fat-laden bovine tallow used to deep-fry those golden, salt-covered French fries. (Just as an FYI, though, McDonalds and Taco Bell have indeed been using soy products as filler for decades. Nevertheless, don’t expect to see the International House of Bean Curd popping up soon.)

So how many centuries have people been eating tofu? Tradition has it that tofu was invented by Liu An (179–122 B.C.), a prince of the Han Dynasty, supposedly while searching for a substance to help him achieve immortality. But way before then, in 2838 B.C., Chinese Emperor Cheng Nung developed soy cultivation. Soybeans did not, however, grace American soil until Samuel Bowen brought it to the continent and Henry Yonge planted the first soy crop on his farm in Thunderbolt, Georgia, in 1765. Did Henry know when he sowed the seeds of soy he would be saving us from the sorrow of serious sickness and senility? Somebody let a snake loose?

New findings are out about tofu and soy products, however, and as I painfully sift through the mountains of information on the subject, I have to ask myself, “Is it actually—gasp!—bad for us?”

After decades of aggressive research and marketing and touting the wiggly curd as a miracle cure-all for many of humanity’s maladies, I wonder, alas, is the honeymoon over?  Is mass tofu-phobia justified? Can tofu really make your brain shrivel and encourage dementia and breast cancer? What’s with that? For a substance that has been providing nourishment for humans for so many years, this Rodney Dangerfield of food is getting no respect.

But what I’m placing in your to-go bag is whether we should be alarmed about these new studies regarding the safety of eating tofu, or is this junk science? Is it safe to continue making tofu a foundation of our diet? Ignorance may be bliss, but information is a powerful tool, so let’s look objectively at both sides of the issue, and, as my Mom would have said, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” We need to encourage more funding for further studies and season our own judgment with a generous helping of knowledge. I'd like to emphasize that in every study I looked at showing beneficial effects, the study was either sponsored by the soy industry, or the authors had some kind of financial ties to the soy industry. Follow the money, as they say.

When asked about the validity of tofu-phobia, the Indiana Soybean Board responded passionately with this reassurance: “Wendell, I think the important thing is that overreacting and taking things out of context is the biggest problem...Asians have been eating soy foods for centuries and undoubtedly there is no evidence that they have less cognitive function.” Yes, but they were not GMO! And, contrary to what you may have heard, Asians do not consume large amounts of soy. They use small amounts as a condiment (about two teaspoons daily), but not as a primary protein source. And the type of soy they consume is traditionally fermented soy.

Soybean crops are also heavily sprayed with chemical herbicides, such as glyphosate (Round-up), which researchers have found to be carcinogenic. The herbicide has been the subject of controversy for years once it became known it causes serious health problems, including endocrine disruption, allergies, asthma, autism-spectrum disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, rhinitis, obesity, leukemia, lymphoma, and other forms of cancer.

One of the primary reasons it would be wise for you to avoid soy is more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified. Since the introduction of genetically engineered foods in 1996, we’ve had an upsurge in low birth weight babies, infertility, and other problems in the U.S., and animal studies have shown devastating effects from genetically engineered soy including allergies, sterility, birth defects, and offspring death rates up to five times higher than normal. Soybean crops are also heavily sprayed with chemical herbicides, such glyphosate which a French team of researchers have found to be carcinogenic.

Glyphosate, the world’s most widely (vilified) used herbicide linked to Monsanto’s Roundup Ready genetically engineered crops, has been found at alarming levels in a wide range of best-selling foods across the U.S., Food Democracy Now! and The Detox Project announced Monday.

The results published in this report are from the first independent glyphosate residue testing of popular American food products performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the regulatory recognized “gold standard testing methods at an FDA registered laboratory.

These newest findings also come as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) postponed hearing which were due to explore glyphosate’s link to cancer in humans. Last year, 17 leading global cancer experts from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) sparked a firestorm when they classified glyphosate as a class 2A “probable human carcinogen.

On the heels of the growing controversy surrounding glyphosate’s safety, this unique testing project  that started in 2015, has so far found alarming levels of glyphosate in General Mills’ Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran and Frosted Flakes and PepsiCo’s Doritos Cool Ranch, Ritz Crackers and Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips, as well as many more  famous products at levels that present significant risks according to the latest independent peer-reviewed science on glyphosate. Detoxproject.org

Soybeans — even organically grown soybeans — naturally contain “antinutrients” such as saponins, soyatoxin, phytates, trypsin inhibitors, goitrogens and phytoestrogens. Traditional fermentation destroys these antinutrients, which allows your body to enjoy soy’s nutritional benefits. However, most Westerners do not consume fermented soy, but rather unfermented soy, mostly in the form of soymilk, tofu, TVP, and soy infant formula. Mercola.com

Fermented Soy Probiotics versus Unfermented

Many types of fermented foods are very good for our gastrointestinal tracts, helping to keep points A through Z flowing and in good working order, which is imperative for optimum health. Soybeans are among those foods that are best whether fresh or fermented. Fermented non-GMO organic soy products such as tempeh and miso are much easier for our Earth Suits to digest than processed silken tofu products.

Tempeh, a fermented soybean product that comes in cakes, is made from whole soybeans and has a nutty, smoky flavor and is similar to mushrooms in texture. At our home we us it to cook sloppy joes, barbecue, Cajun “steaks,” Caesar salad protein, spaghetti sauce, taco filling, and chili. The grandkids love it, and sneaky chef that I am, I don’t tell them how good it is for them!

Four ounces of cooked tempeh contains 17 grams of protein, a mere 204 calories, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of (good) fat. Plus, it’s full of calcium, iron, zinc, and fiber. It’s so much better for you than the same size portion of steak, and doesn’t contain artery-clogging saturated fats, antibiotics, and growth hormones so commonly found in factory farmed beef.

A plethora of reasons to make soy the center of our diets abounds. In 2001 in San Diego, California, at the Fourth International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, a mutually agreed-upon conclusion was reached: Non-GMO, organic Soy may possibly have a positive effect on cognitive function. Two preliminary research studies presented at the symposium showed that soy actually improved several aspects of cognitive function, especially verbal memory. Hopefully, this good news will alleviate any concerns you’ve had about the soy-and-dementia issue. The Soy Board reminds people to keep things in perspective. The negative effects were found only in an epidemiological study; however, animal studies suggest just the opposite—soy has beneficial effects on cognitive function.” Hmm?

This is somewhat contrary with what Dr. Lon Wright of the Pacific Health Research Institute presents. He has conducted a study of 3,734 middle-aged Japanese-American men that indicates that eating tofu more than twice a week may be linked to dementia. White’s theory is that the phytoestrogens in tofu interfere with the brain’s estrogen receptors and keep the brain from properly using estrogen. His article appeared in an edition of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. But listen to this:  He says, “I would be violating a cardinal rule if I said my data says you shouldn’t eat tofu [or other soy foods].” Ah-hah! White emphasizes this data can’t be turned into sweeping conclusions, and the findings must be considered preliminary. And according to Beverly Creamer, staff writer for a Honolulu advertiser newspaper, “It’s the first time scientists have labeled a dietary risk factor for the disease that affects 2 percent of the nation’s sixty-five-year-olds and up to 16 percent of eighty-year-olds.” Finally, White’s study was based on processed tofu, which is not fermented, and which could be considered another endorsement for the fermented forms of the bean or edamame.

Here’s more spice for the health stew: University of Minnesota scientist Mindy Kurzer, Ph.D., who does extensive research on the humble bean, assures us that there are no data connecting soy and cancer. “There is a theoretical risk that processed soy might promote breast cancer in some way,” Kurzer added, “but it’s purely theoretical at this point.”

Forgo the ubiquitous protein bars made with protein isolate. Side effects of soy protein isolate: In animal studies, soy isolate has been linked to allergies, thyroid problems, and even brain damage. Soy has been labeled one of the top seven allergens for people to avoid, as soy isolate is found in a lot of processed foods, including bread and baked goods, soups and sauces, and breakfast cereals and protein bars. There have also been several studies on soy protein and age-related dementia, although many of those studies have been inconclusive. Wellnesstoday.com

Perhaps the problem is our American lifestyle. Otherwise-healthy Asians who come to live in America ultimately succumb to the same health maladies as native-borns. Is it the pineal gland-trashing fluoridated water, the pesticides, food coloring, preservatives, fungicides on our produce, or our overly polluted environment? Or is it a disconnection from earth.

Consider the negative findings. Until then, open your mind as well as your mouth to the healthy virtues of unprocessed, non-GMO, organic soy products, but don’t go overboard and follow the American mantra, “More is better.” Most of the time, less is more.

Sweet and Spicy Peanut Noodles with Avocado and Kale                                                                     (Recipe from: Eat Right Now with Chef Wendell Fowler: The Divinity of Food-2017 Lulu Press)

 

• 1 package tempeh (can substitute firm Tofu if preferred) - cut into cubes-protein
• 3 tbs. coconut oil
• 2 tbsp. wheat-free soy (Tamari)
• 2 tbs. maple syrup or brown rice syrup
• 1 # brown rice noodles or rice noodles
• 2 avocados
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• Green onion, chopped
• Ground flax or chia seed

 

Sauce:

• 2/4 cups peanut butter
• 3 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp. wheat-free soy (Tamari)
• Hot pepper flakes to taste
• Juice of two fresh limes
• 2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil

 

To Prepare:

1. Cook pasta per package instructions, drain and reserve.
2. Cut tempeh into 1/2 inch cubes
3. In a large sauté pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat and add the tempeh cubes.
4. Sauté gently till the edges begin to brown.
5. Add the soy and syrup and cook 4- 5 minutes longer. Set aside to cool. Keep warm however.
6. Cook noodles to package instructions
7. To make dressing, whisk together the peanut butter, ginger, syrup, soy, lime and sesame oil to a mixing bowl.  Too thick?  Add water.
8. To assemble the dish, fill four bowls with noodles and top with kale, peas, and avocado quarters.
9. Pour about 1/4-1/3 cup of dressing of each and garnish with sesame seeds, chia / flax, avocado wedges and green onion.

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

The Fiber Bell Workout

Live Right Now - Episode 008 – Fiber Bell Workout

Ring the bell! The CDC reports getting fiber from food or a supplement can reduce inflammation; the silent epidemic. Did you know seven out of ten Americans die each year from chronic diseases?  The CDC says inflammation is responsible for heart disease, cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s and many other diseases. The CDC reports chronic disease is generally triggered by diet, lifestyle habits, and environmental toxins; more than 75% of health care spending.

The benefits of fiber are plentiful. Fiber is good for the heart, may prevent some cancers and now appears to lower C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation found in the blood. A high CRP level signals general inflammation and could indicate anything from an infection to rheumatoid arthritis to heart disease.

Web MD and Mayo Clinic suggest:

• Cut back on red meat, dairy, fats and Trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, highly processed carbs. (AP white flour products)
• Eat lean, skinless local chicken
• Avoid refined processed foods
• Watch intake of pasta and white rice
• Eat more fresh fish (Not fried)
• Eat plenty of fresh colorful fruits and vegetables
• Eat Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, fish oil supplements, chia seed and walnuts
• Eat long grain brown rice, quinoa or oats
• Spice food up with ginger, curry, turmeric

Fibrous foods like beans, the poor man’s meat, fill you up but not fill you out. If you’re trying to cut back on meats after the damning report of their link to cancer, and increase your fiber intake, but still want to enjoy your favorite dishes, rethink the bean. Beans are the food mostly likely to get ‘dissed’. Too bad since beans are a rootin’ tootin” source of heavenly human nutrition, protein and fiber.

If you avoid eating beans, evolve and unclench. Society is a bit hung up on a fundamental bodily function. Passing gas is embarrassing for most of us, but you might feel better knowing it's one of the most common bodily functions. Everyone does it, from Hillary Clinton to the Queen of England. Did you know "fart" is one of the oldest words in the English language? We must pass gas or as my grandkids say, we’d explode. Sandi used to ask me where I kept them when we were dating because now I eat beans all the time today. So she got me a t-shirt that says, “Fart Now Loading: Please wait” To no avail, I pointed out farting is healthy, according to scientists at the Mayo Clinic.

So, you don’t eat them because the make you fart? Really? The good of eating beans far outweighs a moment of social impropriety. Fiber in beans may help remove yeast and fungus out of your temple, preventing them from being excreted through your skin where they trigger acne and rashes. Just 30 grams of fiber every day can be the Roto-Rooter of your colon; keeping it clean, clear and flowing like the Fall Creek after a rain storm. A stagnate colon incubates snarky toxins and belly bloat. Not only that, the fiber in beans controls blood sugar and, when eaten with regularity, a high fiber diet reduces heart attack risk by 40%. Researchers found for every 7 grams more fiber you consume daily, your stroke risk is decreased by 7%. Fiber in beans is essential for a healthy digestive tract. A high fiber diet may lower your risk of the pain in the ass (butt) of itchy, burning hemorrhoids.

What you eat has everything to do with your temple’s health. We must overcome our silly, uptight social fears and learn to embrace the fibrous, nutritious bean and a bottle of Beano. Now, let ‘er rip!

Anti-inflammatory Tabbouleh with Quinoa, “Reconstructed”

• ½ cup washed quinoa seed-Protein & FIBER
• 4 tbs. Extra Virgin olive oil-Anti-inflammatory
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tbs. ground flax or chia seed-FIBER
• 3 green onions, washed and chopped-Anti-cancer
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (Dry won’t cut it)-Anti-Cancer
• 3 cups washed, stemmed and finely chopped Kale
• ¾ cup mint, stemmed and chopped coarsely-Good digestion
• 4 tomatoes, diced-Vitamin C and lycopene
• 1 cucumber, skin on, diced-A, C, and FIBER
• ¼ cups lemon juice (Not from a bottle)-Alkaline and loaded with vitamin C
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

 

1. Boil quinoa in water and olive oil for 10 minutes, pull off the fire, reserve and let reach room temperature. Do not overcook.
2. Toss and fluff quinoa with all the remaining ingredients with a fork. Do not over mix and turn it into mush.
3. Enjoy!!

Rainbow Vegetable Salad with Sweet Curry Dressing

• 1 cup loosened cilantro, patted dry, leaves removed, chopped
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
• 1 cup each thinly sliced yellow and green zucchini
• 4 green onions, cut into strips
• 8-10 strips of julienned roasted red pepper
• 1 cup pistachio’s

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1-2 tbs. Curry powder
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbs. maple syrup or raw honey
• 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
• dash of sea salt on top

In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, curry powder, black pepper, salt and garlic powder. Whisk well.

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

Inflamation and Acidity

Live Right Now - Episode 007 – Acidity and Inflamation

After presenting my Eat Right Now program to a vibrant senior living community, I walked outside and observed two sweet ladies walking together, each carrying large bottles of Bragg’s Apple Cider. “May I help?” They politely declined, stating if not for the amber liquid, they’d be wracked with arthritis, unable to tend their garden. Both were 90 and claimed drinking this particular brand of ‘living’ vinegar was miraculous.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, considered raw vinegar a powerful elixir and used the “mother” to fight common germs. For thousands of years, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been commonly recognized as the most effective natural remedy for arthritis that can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the fingers, hands, knees, elbows, hips, jaw, and all joints in the temple. It cannot be cured, but you can get sweet relief.

21 Century America is malnourished and acidic: ripe for a host of diseases. Mineral deficiencies exacerbate joint pain. ACV contains the calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus your temple needs to dull that pain. Plus, magnesium helps bones absorb calcium, which is essential to bone strength.

Acidity is also linked to cancer. The book, “Alkalize or die,” supports ACV to have an alkalizing effect on your blood and urine. Even though ACV is acidic, its structure changes to alkaline through the digestive processes. disease thrives in an acidic environment, therefore eating a diet high in alkaline foods is important. Acidic foods like ACV, lemon juice, baking soda, and raw honey are surprisingly alkaline forming. Refined sugar, processed carbs, dairy, and meat create an acidic environment in our temples.

Still considered whacko hokum by many conventional doctors, Naturopaths regard your blood’s pH level an important measure of health. Research confirms the use of urine pH as an indicator of the dietary acid-alkaline load. If your level is too acidic, and your arthritis is screaming, diet modifications are in order.  pH strips can be purchased at the pharmacy. You are an amazing miracle. Express gratitude by activating your inner healer.

 Alkalizing Apple Cider Vinegar beverage:

• Mix 2 tbsp. Braggs ‘living’ apple cider vinegar into 8 ounces warm, not hot water.
• Add juice of ½ fresh lemon (NOT bottled juice)
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• Drink 2 X daily, preferably on an empty stomach before meals.
• To tweak flavor, add raw (most supermarket “honey” is not honey, but an ultra-filtered deceiver, frequently containing high fructose corn syrup)

 

Nearly 53 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis; that number is expected to grow to 67 million by 2030.

• Almost 300,000 babies, kids and teens have arthritis or a rheumatic condition.
• Arthritis is the nation’s No. 1 cause of disability.
• 57% of adults with heart disease have arthritis.
• 52% of adults with diabetes have arthritis.
• 44% of adults with high blood pressure have arthritis.
• 36% of adults who are obese have arthritis.
• 1/3 of adults with arthritis age 45 and older have either anxiety or depression.

My dearest achy-breaky, pain-pill-popping pals, you deserve delicious relief.  Inflamed Americans limp and hobble under the erroneous belief that arthritis is a natural part of aging.   Again, we’ve been hornswoggled. Millions agonize unnecessarily due to some really, really bogus, not-so-erudite medical advice, and the slime of low grade foods oozing from the Western diet.

The word arthritis comes from the Greek arthron meaning "joint" and the Latin itis meaning "inflammation".  It can result from youthful sports injuries, aggressive autoimmune response, and infuriating innocent cartilage; the glistening white surface of bone joints. When this gliding surface is no longer intact, agonizing discomfort, swelling and stiffness result. Arthritis affects 46 million and is not inevitably a natural part of aging; rather, it’s years of physical self-abuse or a nutritional deficiency resulting from feed-bagging the gory-awful Standard American Diet of dead food. The reality is the pain of arthritis can be prevented, subdued, and aided thru whole foods nutritional and vitamin supplementation. Anything triggering an immune response also triggers inflammation.  Alien foods your immune system recognizes as not belonging in your temple can ignite allergic reactions resulting in joint irritation. Oh, your doctor never told you?

The Nightshades family triggers arthritic pain: eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and white potatoes contain solanine which interferes with enzymes in the muscles causing agony in neighboring joints. Now, add red meats, egg yolks, dairy, wheat gluten, corn, corn syrup, sugar, flour, processed foods, and alcoholic beverages to the list. Especially for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) the gluten in wheat, oats, barley, and rye are troublemakers.  Doctors report a higher than average number of folks with autoimmune disorders who are allergic to gluten. A new study also discovered folks with rheumatoid arthritis have a 50 percent increased risk of diabetes compared to people without arthritis. Get tested for gluten allergies known as Celiac disease.

If you dig milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, or casein and whey in other food fare such as bread or milk chocolate, then you can potentially trigger the symptoms of your food allergy, in this case arthritis. Allergy symptoms may show up hours or even days later, well after a food is absorbed into your delicate ecosystem. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites also trigger an immune response so take a probiotic supplement.

Since we’re primates created for a mostly plant-based diet, many people have limited capacity to digest animal proteins efficiently as they age, so when they eat excessive animal protein the Temple’s ability to cleave all the amino acid bonds is limited. Hence the proteins may not totally break down into amino acid building blocks which lead to the creation of antibodies against themselves; a.k.a. auto immune disease Over 100 types of arthritis are auto immune related diseases the body's immune system becomes lead astray, attacking what it was designed to protect.  For those with autoimmune disease everything you place into their temple is either making them healthier or sicker.  There’s simply too much research disproving the disease is caused by aging.  So, get over yourself and ditch the, “If it dies, it fry’s,” mentality and foods from the 50’s.

Scientific reports reviewed thirty-one studies concluded that fasting, followed by a vegetarian diet, is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Non-prescription anti-inflammatories include vitamin C, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, glucosamine.

Be mindful it’s never too late to self-manage and douse the conflagration of inflammation with informed dietary modifications and the no-nonsense use of nutritional supplements. Recognizing the relationship between diet and your symptoms can bring blissful relief. Go against societies flow.  Take the road less traveled by choosing the dinner fork in road to joyous relief and you’ll enrich your quality of life, shrink medical costs, and liberate your beautiful temple. You can do it. Life ‘s too short to not to feel good with every breath.

Healing Turmeric, Ginger, Apple Cider Tea

There’s been lots of news lately about the amazing healing and detoxing properties of the spice, Turmeric. It a free-radical-fighting antioxidant hailed as defense against both cancer and Alzheimer’s. Ginger is its best friend.  In India where turmeric and ginger is part of the daily diet, Alzheimer’s rates are 4 times less than that of the US.

Turmeric, Ginger and Bragg’s Apple Cider vinegar

• Vacuums up free radical debris that can cause a variety of disease.
• It controls damaging inflammation implicated in Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, colitis, IBS, Crohn’s, post-giardia or post salmonella conditions.
• Improves digestion.
• Regulates blood sugar.
• Keeps the body pH alkaline, hence slowing down cancer growth.
• Cleans the pineal gland. (Calcified from fluoride)
• Cleanses the liver overflowing with pharmaceutical toxins. 
• Reduce the itching and inflammation of hemorrhoids.

Americans do not use it for the reason it was given to us by creation. In the US we use turmeric to color mustard, cheddar cheese, clothing, butter pickles, and butter.

Turmeric / Apple Cider Tea for Two
Powerful Anti-inflammatory

2 cups tepid water
1 tablespoon organic ginger powder
1 tsp. powdered turmeric-From health food store-not grocery
1/8^th tsp. cayenne
¼ cup Bragg’s Cider Vinegar
1 tbs. raw local honey or local maple syrup (Stevia is okay too)
2 Large coffee mugs

• Bring enough water for two tea mugs to a boil. Shut off heat. Add turmeric, ginger and cayenne.  Let set for 10 minutes.
• Grab your 2 mugs and add 3 tablespoons of Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother to each cup. Keep the Braggs at room temperature. It’s alive.
• Strain tea into each mug; add raw honey (alkalizing), stir to combine.
• Gravity takes the turmeric to the cup bottom quickly.  
• Drink warm and stir frequently between sips because the turmeric gravitates to the bottom-- so keep stirring it up.

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

Road Tripping

Live Right Now - Episode 006 –Road Tripping

What an adventure it can be traveling the open road. America’s breathtaking beauty makes my soul smile as I cruise down the highway into 360-degree postcards of peacefully grazing livestock, unique old barns, rolling meadows and pastures with meandering streams; lakes blending with the horizon, sun-dappled mountains painted in shades of blue, gray, brown and green rising into a sea of cottony clouds and blue skies speckled with hungry hawks chasing small birds. 

I also viewed semi’s barreling and swerving down the road, distracted texters, tailgate bullies, signs warning of drug activity, the potential of hotel bedbugs, leering strangers and creepy bathrooms. I enjoy people-watching. This vacation when stopping for gas at rest stop food courts I surveyed portly folks, ten deep, eagerly waiting in line for fries, burgers, doughnuts, and sugary frou-frou coffees. Conjured up images of insatiable Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, “Seymore, feed me, I’m hungry!”

It’s clear we’re an obese, sickly bunch of Americans seeking ephemeral moments of pleasure to ease our fears and unhappiness. Crappy food is manufactured to make us feel good, for the moment, as these foods stimulate the holy temple to release dopamine, the feel-good drug. However, if you’re compassionately disciplined with your food choices, traveling can be daunting unless you plan ahead and have a strategy.

Vacations should be a sensible departure from normal daily routines and eating behaviors: to occasionally cheat with a self-promise to lose that 5 pounds, “after I get home.” Sandi and I learned when we make deals with ourselves and depart from our normal way of eating clean and choose to cheat, we’ll pay for it later. 

As a rule, we avoid hard-to-digest processed junk food, fizzy sodas, doughnuts, fried animal parts, burgers and fries. Instead we plan ahead and pack what we want to eat to stay alert and energetic as we cruise so when we arrive at or destination we’re not diminished, sleepy, bitchy and dehydrated. When our packed food runs out, we google the closet grocery store exit and purchase hummus, almond butter, Ezekiel bread, salsa, guacamole, fresh fruit, sugar-free juices, veggie sticks and nuts. To prevent dehydration’s snarky side effects, we opt for Kombucha and water, but no caffeine. On your next road trip, avoid the dead food outlets that line America’s highways and eventually your arteries. For a memorable, energetic vacation, have a plan, do your best and maybe listen to my #LiveRightNow Podcast on iTunes.

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

The Age of Asparagus

Live Right Now - Episode 005 – The Age of Asperagus

Asparagus is one of the most nutritional, well-balanced veggies. Grilled or baked asparagus has been one of my go-to veggies for years now. It's easy, tasty, it's oh so good for you. Create health by eating more plant foods.

Asparagus facts:

• Loaded with fiber.
• A five-ounce portion of provides folacin, necessary for blood cell formation growth.
• Folic acid helps prevent liver disease, cervical cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and heart disease.
• Asparagus contains potassium that helps regulate the electrolyte balance within cells and helps maintain normal heart function and blood pressure.
• Asparagus contains thiamin, B6, and is one of the richest sources of Rutin, a phytochemical/drug that strengthens capillary walls.
• Asparagus is especially rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C, and vitamin E.
• Asparagus contains Glutathione that helps repair damaged DNA.
• A compound found in asparagus shows some antiviral activity in test tube studies.
• Between 20 to 40 % of the population observe their urine smells rotten eggs, cabbages after they eat asparagus which is partly caused by the sulfur compounds in the spring vegetable.
• In the 19^th Century France, bridegrooms were required to eat several courses of asparagus because of its alleged power to arouse

 

TRY THESE RECIPES!

Perfect ‘Oven’ Asparagus

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F
2. Place the asparagus into a mixing bowl, and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat the spears, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake in the pre-heated oven until just tender, 4-5 minutes depending on thickness.
4. You want it still crisp (l dente’) in the center.

 

Perfect ‘Grilled’ Asparagus

Just toss with some garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper and throw it on the grill. Unless you really char them, you can't go wrong

1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.

 

Asparagus and Salmon Fajitas

6 portions

• ½ pound fresh asparagus, washed and bottom trimmed
• ½ each red and yellow peppers cut into strips-beta carotene
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
• Juice of one lemon-vitamin C
• Himalayan sat and black pepper
• Wild spring greens from local market
• 6-8-inch whole wheat burrito wraps

 

1. In a sauté pan, add a scant amount of EVOO or avocado oil and the salmon strips skin side down and begin to sauté over medium high heat.
2. Cook till just done….do not overcook.
3. Add the asparagus, peppers, corn and onion. Cook, uncovered for 3 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat.
4. Gently remove salmon skin. If it breaks up, no big deal.
5. Drizzle salmon with lemon juice, and Himalayan salt and black pepper.
6. Lay down bed of greens; spoon 1/2 cup asparagus, corn, peppers mix on each tortilla; fold in sides, let it rest for a few moments and serve.

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

Cereal Killers

Live Right Now - Episode 004 – Cereal Killers

Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine declared, “Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine shall be thy food.” Einstein predicted, “The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” What’s happened?

If you studied the history of the Industrial Revolution and Rockefeller, then you know an unconscionable decision was made to use manmade petroleum-based drugs rather than allowing nature to prevent disease: an ugly divorce from God’s perfect pharmacy. But trusting Americans fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Before then, man’s pharmacy was sourced from plant medicines. Your daily life and wellbeing depends on plants: the backbone of all life on Earth and an indispensable resource for mankind.

However, it’s turned out to be a disastrous, money-centric decision as lives and dreams were and are destroyed while chronic disease rates soar unchecked into the 21st Century. Knowing how to hunt and forage, start a campfire and cook is a basic, primal human skill essential for survival. Otherwise you are handing your health to a corporation who couldn’t possibly care less.

Back to the future: The World Health Organization states, "The use of herbal medicines and phytonutrients or nutraceuticals continues to expand rapidly across the world with many people now resorting to these products for treatment of various health challenges. The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare.” What is it they know that we do not?

The use of plant medicines to heal or combat illness is as old as civilization.  We receive a bountiful rainbow of gifts from God’s plants, most of them beneficial for our health and absolutely crucial to mind, body, and spiritual existence. Alas, two or three previous convenience-addicted generations became a little “I love you lazy”, nuked lifeless food in unholy, destructive microwaves, and didn’t model good behavior of scratch cooking. Sad. If we don’t teach our kids, who will? Toni the Tiger? Poppin’ Fresh? Gordon Ramsey?

Lazy, disconnected humans need fertilizer just like plants. Without highly energetic nourishment we get sick, whither, perish from a lack of what life requires to survive and return to the earth. Get thy lazybones into thy kitchen.

Early on, like street drug pushers, Kellogg's and C.W. Post realized people love and can be easily addicted to sugar; and that kids really, really like sugar. Processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar-loaded, processed grain cereals should never be fed to kids, adults nor the walking dead.

Kellogg invented breakfast accidently when they were actually trying to create a bread replacement for inmates at the Battle Creek (Mich.) Sanatorium. Created as a “health food,” (wink, wink) the Kellogg brothers added processed sugar to the mix, then predatory marketing executives got busy and the rest is dark history.

 

Cardiovascular Medicine researchers say children quickly become accustomed to the taste of high-sugar cereals, and find healthier options less appetizing, leading to long-term effects on their precious temple’s health. Some cereals have over 30% of their calories coming from white, crappy sugar and highly processed grains, bad fats, and artificial this and that: the genesis of America’s obesity epidemic and plague of chronic disease.

 

Beyondthebasicshealthacademy.com report sugar depressed the immune system, increasing the likelihood of obesity, causing inflammation, mood changes, and contributing to the rise of many diseases.

 

• Kellogg’s Fruit Loops: Sugar, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, modified food starch, annatto, BHT, artificial dyes red #40, 10g of sugar. Fruit Loops with Marshmallows contains 13g.
• Kellogg’s Corn Pops: Sugar and molasses, hydrogenated vegetable oils, annatto, BHT, 9g of sugar.
• Kellogg’s Apple Jacks: Sugar, partially and fully hydrogenated oils, modified food starch, modified corn starch, artificial dyes including red #40, BHT, 10g of sugar.
• Kellogg’s Honey Smacks: Sugar, honey and dextrose, partially and fully hydrogenated oils, soy lecithin, BHT and a whopping 15g of sugar.
• General Mills Lucky Charms: Sugar, corn syrup and dextrose, modified corn starch, trisodium phosphate, artificial dyes red #40, artificial flavor, 10g of sugar.

 

The Weston Price Foundation explains, “Dry breakfast cereals are produced by a process called extrusion. Cereal makers first create a slurry of grains and then put themin an extruder. The grains are forced out of a little hole at high temperature and pressure. A blade slices off each little flake or shape, which is sprayed with a coating of mostly hydrogenated oil and sugar to save the crunch. Ugh!

 

TRY THIS!

• Peanut or almond butter on Ezekiel bread
• Plain yogurt with walnuts, flax seed and nuts
• local eggs with avocado toast
• A fruit and vegetable smoothie.

 

Just say ‘no’ to Tony the Tiger.

 

Link to: Let There Be Peace On Earth

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

The Weenie the World Awaited

Live Right Now - Episode 003 – The Weenie The World Awaited

Often, our favorite childhood foods encourage unwelcome diseases. No need to give them up, simply get into the kitchen, tweak the recipe a bit and no one will know the difference. Most everybody is quite busy these days. We mean well, but often run out of time to cook and compromise with pre-made this and that.

“Sooner than later, we must get back to the kitchen and cook where we control the ingredients and create health. Not turn our health over to a stranger in a food processing factory assembly line” ~Chef Wendell

Hot dogs:

• Children who eat more than 12hot dogs per month have nine times the normal risk of developing childhood leukemia, USC epidemiologist in a cancer research journal.
• Hot dogs, bacon, processed meats linked to cancer.
• Men-eating hot dogs, ham and other processed meat can cause colorectal cancer, the World Health Organization's cancer agency report.
• https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cured-meats/cured-meats-tied-to-childhood- leukemia-risk-idUSTRE50R78120090128
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8167267
• http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19

Beans:

• High in fiber and antioxidants, beans aren't just good for the waistline, they may aid in disease prevention, too.

Cabbage:

• Cabbage helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Cabbage also helps prevent cancer.
• To date, more than 475 studies have examined the role of this cruciferous vegetable in cancer prevention (and in some cases, cancer treatment)
• Cabbage is an antioxidant: one key reason why an increasing number of studies link cabbage intake to decreased risk of several cardiovascular diseases

QUICK & EASY VEGGIE COLE SLAW

In this recipe, cabbage and asparagus fight cancer; cilantro removes heavy metals and cauliflower cools the fires of internal inflammation linked with a constellation of largely preventable diseases.

In a food processor :

• ¼ head of cabbage (Please forego the pre-shredded bags of cabbage)
• 6 stalks of asparagus, bottoms trimmed
• 4 cauliflower florets
• 1 carrot (leave skin on)
• 2 green onions, chopped fine
• ½ cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
• 2 tbs. grapeseed mayonnaise
• Juice of one fresh lime or lemon
• Himalaya salt and black pepper to taste

Cut veggies into smaller pieces before processing.  Pulse all veggies in food processor. Do not over pulse, however. Place chopped veggies into a mixing bowl, squeeze in the lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt and pepper and whisk / blend. Keep chilled.

STOVE-TOP BBQ BEANS AND FRANKS

• 2-pouches / cans drained white beans-fiber
• 1 pkg. meat-free hot dogs cut into bite-size pieces

Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato puree (try boxed rather than canned)
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 2 tbsp. tamari
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

Toss everything into a sauté pan and simmer briefly over medium heat till onions cook down. Stir often.  Add the drained beans, cut franks and gently simmer for 5 minutes max. Too thick, add a bit of water.  Serve with a generous side of Cole slaw.

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

A Date With Magnesium

Live Right Now - Episode 002 – A Date With Magnesium

Naturally high in magnesium, juicy, sweet dates are gaining popularity as a quick, healthy snack, or incorporated into desserts. Obtaining adequate magnesium through diet, supplements, or both can both prevent and reverse heart disease.

No pill’s going to cure your ills!  “Mother nature spent billions of years perfecting her healing and health-sustaining garden apothecary” Chef Wendell

• Some estimates suggest over 90% of Americans are magnesium deficient.
• Deficiency symptoms: heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, dizziness, ED, fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks.
• The Journal of Intensive Care Medicine indicated long-term magnesium deficiency makes you twice (2X) as likely to die as other people.
• A 10-year study found low magnesium levels contributed more to heart disease than did cholesterol or even saturated fat.
• Getting adequate magnesium through diet and supplements can both prevent heart disease in most people and reverse heart disease
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduced stroke risk(The Journal of Clinical Nutrition).
• Magnesium is in dark chocolate, dates, avocados, nuts and seeds, beans, bananas.

Dates are great for:

• Weight loss
• Relieving constipation, supporting regular bowel movements.
• Prevent hemorrhoids, reducing colitis risk, and prevent colon cancer
• Lowers blood pressure
• Promoting heart health and reduce heart disease risk.
• Treating Iron-deficiency anemia
• Impotence? Magnesium can improve ED.
• Promoting respiratory health
• Treating chronic arthritis
  
  Try this great date recipe!

CHOCOLATY SAMOAS
1 cup pitted medjool dates
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup ground flax seeds-fiber and omega-3
Pinch of Himalayan salt
Food processor

Chocolate dipping sauce:
1/3 cup ‘dark’ chocolate (chips or a chopped bar)
1/2 tsp. unrefined coconut oil
Double-boiler
Whisk

• Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Spread shredded coconut onto a baking sheet for toasting. Place in oven for 5-10 minutes, until coconut is a light golden-brown color.
• Please stay in the kitchen to watch the coconut, as it can quickly go from toasted to burnt. Or toast the coconut in a pan on the stove-top.
• Add dates and toasted coconut into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until mixture is combined and starts to form a ball of dough.
• Remove from food processor; roll 1 tablespoon size pieces of dough into a ball and then shape into a round cookie.
• Place all cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment and transfer to the freezer to harden up a bit.

Chocolate Sauce: Unlike grocery syrups and sauces full of corn syrup, emulsifiers, and refined sugar, this sauce has vitamins and antioxidants.

• While cookies are in the freezer, add chocolate and coconut oil to a double boiler over medium heat, and melt increments until chocolate is thin enough to drizzle.
• Remove cookies from the freezer and dip / coat each one in the chocolate. Place cookies on the parchment. Transfer cookies back into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate firm up.
• Once hardened it’ll be easy removing cookies from the parchment paper. If you want to enjoy right away, let them sit out on the counter for a few minutes.
• Store sealed in a container in the fridge for up to one week.

 

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia from the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

 

Good Oil Bad Oil

How to get good fats and vitamins into a simple, complete family meal

Here’s a simple meal that will get healthy fats and nourishing vitamins onto your family’s dinner plate. Good tomato sauces for pasta begin in the sauté pan with quality healthy cooking oil and lots of garlic. Combined with a dark leafy-green garden salad with a variety of vegetables and you’ve got a vitamin pill on a plate.

• Jarred pasta sauces are convenient but can be hiding sugar or HFCS. Scratch is so much better.
• Tomatoes: A study published in the journal “Neurology” reported that men who ate more lycopene had a lower risk of strokes.
• Potential to prevent prostate cancer,
• Tomato sauce contains vitamin C, iron and fiber
• For sautéing and salad dressings, many switched to avocado oil after learning the extra virgin on the grocer’s shelves, isn’t so extra virgin according to some reports.  (60 Minutes “Olive Oil” report)

Avocado oil:

• Shown to help decrease triglyceride levels and lower blood pressure. reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Anti-inflammatory reduces arthritis pain.
• A good source of vitamin E

Note: Omega-6.

• Practice moderation with grapeseed and other nut and seed oils which are high Omega-6. Eat an equal balance of omega-6 to omega-3.
• Increases inflammation.

 

Pasta with garlic, tomato sauce, fresh basil and parmesan

1-pound pasta, cooked to package instructions-(I prefer Barilla Plus)
4 tbsps. EVOO or avocado oil
8 cloves of garlic, minced-anti-cancer
½ tsp. ea. Himalayan salt and black pepper
½ tsp. hot pepper flakes
1 small can tomato concentrate-lycopene
1 cup water
1 package of fresh basil, julienned
Parmesan

In a large sauté pan, add oil, garlic, pepper flakes and black pepper and gently simmer over medium heat for several minutes. Don’t walk away.

Add tomato concentrate and water then mix / whisk thoroughly.

Reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 minute. Adjust salt and pepper.

Add pasta, gently toss to coat.

Served topped with fresh basil leaves, ground fax or chia seed, and parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes.

 

(Bonus Recipes!)

 

Garden “Vitamin” Salad

Dark leafy greens (Baby kale, spring greens, spinach)
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli florets, diced raw beets, and red onion
Sliced avocado-good fat
Walnuts-Omega-3
Chia or ground flax seed-Omega 3, fiber and plus protein

Basic salad dressing (ball jar)
½ cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil-vitamin E and antioxidant
3-4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or red wine vinegar-alkaline
1 tsp. Dijon
¼ tsp. ear Himalayan salt and black pepper
1 tbsp. sweet onion

 

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia found on the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Live Right Now Introduction

Welcome to the Live Right Now podcast with author, speaker and Chef, Wendell Fowler and the official ringer of the Fiber Bell, Producer Allan!  This is where food and faith come together in a recipe for mindful living as we talk about how we can Live Right Now!  In this episode we introduce you to the ideas that will be discussed as the Live Right Now podcast moves forward.  We believe that your body is a Holy Temple and what you put in your temple through your mouth as well as through your mind, matters.  What you eat makes a difference to how you feel, think, and exist in the world.  You can’t reach your highest potential and let your light shine in the world fully until you look at food for what it is and how it is nourishing you.  If you are mindful of how you live and what goes into your mind and your thoughts and if you are mindful of what goes into your body through your food you can live a better life and then you can begin to Live Right Now.

Live Right Now theme music is “future soundtrack II” by Adam Henry Garcia found on the Free Music Archive licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0