les violettes » health

soy sauce substitute

michele — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:56:21 +0000

Coconut Secret introduces Coconut Aminos a raw seasoning sauce that is an excellent alternative to soy sauce.

Some of you are unable to use soy sauce for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have an allergy or you take medication that forbids the use of soy. Could it be that you simply prefer not use anything that is soy-based? Are you like me wanting to try something new? About a month ago, I purchased Coconut Aminos, and it’s a great low glycemic substitute for soy sauce.

Coconut Aminos only contains coconut sap and sea salt. Keep in mind that you will spend more money however, there are some advantages such as it’s: low sodium, gluten-free, 100% organic, dairy-free, vegan and it contains 17 amino acids. Seems like this product has a lot of pluses right? Yes, it does and the best thing of all is the taste. I actually prefer the taste to soy sauce – it’s sweeter, lighter and milder without the sharp taste. If you are a diabetic or you need to reduce your sodium intake and want a tasty sauce for marinades, sautés or seasoning, be sure to try this.

chocolate: guilty pleasure without the guilt

michele — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:49:42 +0000

QUEST on KQED Public Media.

February will focus on food and a few of the finer things in life. Why? With so many celebrations occurring this month, why not? Chocolate is definitely one of my guilty pleasures: Is it one for you too? If not, you may change your mind after this. Find out about the health benefits of dark chocolate with Mary Engler, a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco. Follow Timothy Childs of TCHO chocolates in San Francisco as he shares the process of making chocolate from the cacao fruit to the cocoa bean and finally to the finished product. Afterward, there are two delicious chocolate recipes for your enjoyment.

I used to love S’mores a child and remember making lots of them over the stove. S’mores are great with vegan marshmallows. Chocolate plus gingersnaps! Both treats are healthier with dark chocolate. Can’t wait to try them? Check out the recipes below.

relax with a facial and detox

michele — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:32:29 +0000

The end of the month is here, and it’s time for some rest and relaxation. A facial and detox is a great way to unwind. You can go to your favorite spa or you stay at home. Take a few tips from Remede Spa in San Francisco. Next month I will return with more posts and ideas. Until then, relax and enjoy.

carrot ginger soup and bitter greens

michele — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:21:11 +0000

So healthy and tasty as well. This recipe is from chef, Terry Walters. She has a new book out titled Clean Food, “The cleaner we eat, the clearer we think, and the better we can embrace good health and nutrition.” Now I know that this seems contradictory after that killer chocolate pecan cake. Well it’s all out balance – something decadent, something healthy. Right? Anyway, no packaged food here. Terry’s approach

“is not about denying ourselves the foods we love. Rather, it is about looking at the big picture, delving into our imbalances and incorporating the nutrients and life practices that we are missing in order to be healthy – mind, body and soul.”

Some may be allergic to soy and nuts or gluten so, use your own judgment. She recommends eating more of the following foods:

* Whole Grains
* Vegetables (especially dark leafy greens!)
* Legumes
* Soy
* Nuts and seeds
* Fruit
* Sea vegetables
* Herbs

Sounds good to me.

plastics – which ones are safe? which ones to avoid?

michele — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:31:38 +0000

Plastic is a controversial topic – how many homes are free of this ubiquitous material? While many plastics are recyclable, some are not recommended for daily use. There are also those who decide to completely forgo plastic. Glass, ceramics and metals are the most common replacements. Find out more about the plastics in your home.

food justice, community and equality 2 by bryant terry

michele — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:59:58 +0000

As many of you know, today – July 17, 2009 – is “Bloggers Unite for Human Rights” day. While the focus of this particular day is censorship, torture, journalistic freedom and crime among others, food is a crucial element in equality and human rights. Megacorporations, GMOs, the uneven distribution of food and food resources the list goes on. So… how about an example of local, community-based healthy food that is locally grown and also vegan! Are you are familiar with Oakland, California based Bryant Terry? Terry is a soul food chef and a community leader in the “food justice” movement.

Bryant Terry’s philosophy:

Now for a recipe.

eat your veggies, focus on phytonutrients

michele — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:08:15 +0000

Interested in the phytonutrients in vegetables. This video gives a good overview.

raw foods revolution

michele — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:20:30 +0000

A few years ago, I had the fortunate opportunity to have a meal prepared by Cherie Soria and her students from the Living Light Institute. She’s a warm and caring person with a wealth of knowledge and talent. Cherie Soria along with her teacher Dr. Ann Wigmore are frequently referred to as the godmothers of the raw food movement. In these videos divided into two parts, she discusses the types of raw “foodists,” health considerations, as well as some tips about preparing and eating raw foods. You’ll find some detailed information about the raw lifestyle. In future posts, I’ll try to find some video and recipes from some of the raw foods chefs trained by Cherie Soria. For now, enjoy this video series!

Part 1: Raw food philosophies

Part 2: Dietary considerations

Did you enjoy the videos? Did you learn anything? (I did.) Guess what? There’s more. Interested in a few recipes? Find them at the end of an interview from Vegetarians in Paradise.

nature deficit disorder

michele — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:01:44 +0000

Each of us cannot deny our connection with nature. Generations ago, connecting to nature was much easier – even for city dwellers. Now, many do not get the chance to experience nature. A few decades ago, much of the public became afraid to wander in nature especially in cities along with some suburbs. Some city parks became overgrown, crime ridden, in disrepair and filled with litter. Others lived in “cookie cutter” suburbs with manicured lawns and ongoing stretches of concrete and freeways. Now there are movements underway to reverse this trend and encourage people to find some time to enjoy nature. So many have busy schedules, busy lives – yet don’t you think it’s worth your health and sanity to spend time in nature?

Hooked on Nature is a non-profit that does encourages people – particularly children – to have as much time in nature as is possible. This is the group’s mission along with a three phase plan: raising awareness, meaningful action, and supporting cultural change. Enjoy the video:

QUEST on KQED Public Media.

cosmetics database

michele — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:52:10 +0000

really great cosmetics database