Reassess Technology in Your Life

I often find myself wishing I didn't have facebook, instagram or even a phone. Yet we live in a world that is so consumed with technology and social media that it feels like we almost don't have a choice anymore. I encourage you to read these articles and reflect on how technology is impacting your life. Try think of ways to tackle this notion so that it can be beneficial to your well being. Xx

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8185/why-you-need-to-stop-checking-your-phone-all-the-time.html

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8141/is-it-time-to-rethink-your-relationship-to-facebook.html

Teecino-- A coffee alernative

For all you avid coffee drinkers out there, I just want you to ponder the fact that coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, with plenty of toxic pesticide residue present on the beans.

I'm not trying to bag out coffee, I just want you to know the facts:) and why not try this lovely coffee alternative! The brand is Teecino and they have a range of beautiful flavours. So far I have tried vanilla nut and loved it! It has a blend of dates, figs and almonds in it. I have never come across a drink like this, its truly delicious!

Love

20 Instructions for Life

These are 20 instructions for life compiled by Rebecca Ketchum. It was thought that these teachings are by the Dalai Lama as nearly all of the lessons correlate to the teachings of Buddhism, however readers pointed out that it is actually from the book  Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Anyhoo, regardless where they are from, they are great lessons! 

1.Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:

-  Respect for self,

-  Respect for others and

-  Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and

think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Check out the website Body Mind Green for awesome articles about health and wellness. 
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3776/20-Instructions-for-Life.html

Sogyal Rinpoche Buddhist teacher

Last night I went to a talk on Buddhism by renowned Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche. Besides from him being the cutest man I have ever seen and having the best smile and laugh, his teachings were highly inspiring and logical (at least for me). 

I do not follow Buddhism, but it is starting to feel like it is the only sane religion out there. I really appreciate how Buddhism truly focuses on being a good person, doing no harm to others and emphasises the power of the mind. With that combination, I don't think you can go too wrong in life..

Obsessed with figs!

Raw Cheesecake by My New Roots

I made this delicious raw cheesecake the other day and it was such a hit with my friends, they absolutely loved it! The recipe is from a beautiful website called My New Roots. Check it out for inspiring healthy recipes.

http://mynewroots.org/site/ 

Raw Cashew Dreamcake

Ingredients:
Crust:
1/2 cup raw almonds (pecan or walnuts will also work)
1/2 cup soft Medjool dates
¼ tsp. sea salt

Filling:
1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 3 hours, overnight is best
juice of 2 lemons
the seeds of 1 whole vanilla bean (or 1 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla extract)
1/3 cup raw coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup raw honey (solid or liquid.)(Vegans use agave nectar.)
1 cup raspberries (thaw completely if using frozen)

Directions:
1. Place nuts and dates in a food processor with sea salt and pulse to chop until they are to your desired fineness (process a finer crust longer than a chunky one). Test the crust by spooning out a small amount of mixture and rolling it in your hands. If the ingredients hold together, your crust is perfect. Scoop out crust mixture in a 7” spring-form pan (if you don’t have a spring-form pan, use a pie plate lined with saran wrap), and press firmly, making sure that the edges are well packed and that the base is relatively even throughout. Rinse food processor well.
2. Warm coconut oil and honey in a small saucepan on low heat until liquid. Whisk to combine.
3. In the most powerful food processor / blender you own (you decide which one has the most torque) place all filling ingredients (except raspberries) and blend on high until very smooth (this make take a couple minutes so be patient). If you have a Vita-Mix, absolutely use it.
4. Pour about 2/3 (just eyeball it, you can’t make a mistake!) of the mixture out onto the crust and smooth with a spatula. Add the raspberries to the remaining filling and blend on high until smooth. Pour onto the first layer of filling. Place in freezer until solid.
5. To serve, remove from freezer 30 minutes prior to eating. Run a smooth, sharp knife under hot water and cut into slices. Serve on its own, or with fresh fruit. Store leftovers in the freezer (what leftovers?).

6 hours of chemistry! Note the chlorophyll water ;)

Couldn't agree more.. it's all about your perspective :)

Fungicides and pesticides found in supermarket frozen mixed berries

A recent story aired by "Today Tonight" revealed we might be getting more than we bargained for when it comes to our favourite brand of frozen mixed berries. 

Brands under the microscope: “Creative Gourmet”, “Woolworths Select”, "Nanna's" and "Coles Fresh Frozen" products.

The findings? The following brands were found to contain traces of a number of fungicides and pesticides, some of which are banned here in Australia for agricultural use due to their carcinogenic (cancer causing) effects on the human body.

* Creative Gourmet berries were found to contain Carbaryl - "Carbaryl is a cholinesterase inhibitor and is toxic to humans". It is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.)

* Select Mixed berries were found to contain the chemical Pyraclostrobin- a suspected carcinogen. Select Raspberries were found to contain Iprodione which is considered a "likely" human carcinogen based on evidence of tumors in both sexes of mouse (liver) and in the male rat.

* Coles Raspberries were found to have traces of Difenoconazole - a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.

These fungicides are considered toxic to humans.

So how did these chemicals make their way into our food chain? Most of these berries are imported. As an example, Creative Gourmet import their berries from a variety of countries including Chile, Serbia, China and Poland. Why? The report interviewed an Australian farmer who said they just can't compete with the low costs from overseas.

In a separate report, a selection of peaches and berries that were imported from Chile were found to contain traces of DDT. DDT is one of the most dangerous pesticides that has ever been used on our food supply and as a result, has been banned in Australia for many years. DDT has been linked to the following:

- This chemical is likely to cause cancer.
- Reproductive effects have been observed in animals, including early onset of puberty in females, infertility, and sex reversal (fish). High DDE levels in mothers’ blood may also increase the likelihood of preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Changes in the normal levels of thyroid hormone.
- Chronic effects on liver, kidney, and nervous system (in laboratory animals).
- Laboratory tests of animals have shown evidence of birth defects (abnormal tail development) and other developmental effects (impaired learning in maze tests)

If you can find the spare coins, berries should always be organic varieties or pesticide free. Their soft permeable surface enables them to absorb high quantities of pesticides. If you can't afford organic, choose Australian producers in order to ensure you aren't ingesting any chemicals that are not permitted for use here in Australia.


info: http://www.anappleaday.net.au/

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is considered to be a miracle plant due to its amazing variety of health benefits. Growing a plant at home is a great and convenient way to utilise the power of this potent plant. Give it a go and see the benefits! I personally used it on a deep cut and within minutes I could see and feel it healing. 

Skin Care Benefits: 

- Relieves burned skin caused by sunburn, blisters, insect bites, any allergic reactions, eczema, inflammations, woulds and psoriasis. Apply topically.
- Its great for people with dry and sensitive skin
- Acts as a skin moisturiser. It provides oxygen to the cells which strengthen the skin tissues and helps to keep the skin healthy, ultimately provides glow and radiance. 


Aloe vera benefits for acne:

- Aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory properties that assist in treating acne and pimples. Acne is a skin state in which the sebaceous glands and hair follicles become more active and inflamed and hence produce pimples.
- Aloe vera plant helps to cure acne by healing the scars and redness associated with acne.
- Aloe vera juice can be applied directly to the skin through gels, creams and lotions to cure acne.

Aloevera Benefits of juice

- Drinking Aloe Vera Juice of Aloevera plant on a regular basis replenishes your body naturally with essential amino acids present in Aloevera plant.
- Aloe vera plant includes twelve natural substances that reduce inflammation without any side effects. Aloe vera plants anti-inflammatory benefits include joint and muscle mobility. This is great Aloe vera benefit.
- Aloe vera plant has vitamins including: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Drinking a daily dose of Aloe Vera Juicecan enhance body defense system against any kind of oxidative stress.
- Minerals found in Aloe vera plant juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese. One can have a daily dose of minerals just by drinking aloe vera plant juice.
- Aloe Vera plant juice when taken regularly supports digestion by naturally cleaning the digestive system. This is a great Aloe Vera benefit for those who suffer from constipation.
- Aloe vera plant with its immune enhancers supports immune system.
- The oral uses of Aloe Vera plant juice are numerous. Aloe vera benefits in relieving heartburn, arthritis, lower blood sugar levels. 
- Aloe vera juice helps in strengthens gums and promotes strong and healthy teeth.
- Aloe vera plant juice is a wonderful tonic for the female reproductive system. Aloe vera benefits a woman by rejuvenating her uterus.
- Aloe vera plant gel is useful for healthy hair. Healthy hair is one of the most important Aloe vera benefits. Aloe vera gel can be used to treat dandruff as well as lice. There are several aloe vera shampoos available in the market in self care products range.
- Aloe vera plant juice is also helpful for respiratory disorders. Aloe vera can help those who get frequently attacked by cold, flues, bronchitis, herpes, stuffy noses, and other respiratory disorders, this is a good news for them.
- Aloe vera plant has been found to be favorable in the treatment of diabetes; it lowers glucose levels in the blood.
- Aloe vera plant contains laxative properties, which is effective in relieving digestive tract problems, like stomach aches and heartburn.

Aloe vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its many curative and healing health benefits. Today scientists are even also looking aloevera juice capability in curing cancer and AIDS.

http://expertscolumn.com/content/25-health-benefits-aloevera

Foods that Kill Cancer