Fresh or Frozen

Because proper nutrition is important to creating health, I am always looking for the best bang for my buck, time and effort. So there is always the question about fresh or frozen and even whether to buy organic or just local. Frozen may be the best bet for convenience and cost - less spoilage. Frozen may also have the best nutritional value because of being picked at the height of ripeness and flash frozen. Fresh is great for in season items and organic is important in reducing toxins from pesticides. I always buy organic lemons to use in my liver cleanse. See below for other fruits and vegetables where you may want to go with organic.

Mary

This information from www.realage.com: According to John La Puma, MD -- RealAge expert and author of the new book ChefMD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine -- going organic with these 12 fruits and veggies could cut your exposure to pesticides as much as 90 percent!

• Fruits
  Peaches and nectarines
  Strawberries and cherries
  Apples and pears
  Imported grapes
• Veggies
  Spinach and lettuce
  Potatoes and celery
  Sweet bell peppers

A Love Affair…with Chocolate

This SOB has developed a late-in-life love affair. I was never one that cared much for candy of any type but I especially did not like chocolate. No candy bars, chocolate cake or ice cream for me. Admittedly when pregnant I did crave a Baby Ruth once. And eating just one took care of the craving – for the rest of the pregnancy. It is really the caramel that I like and the chocolate and nuts just came along with it. Now that I have “embraced health”, I have developed a love affair with organic, pure, dark 24 Karat Chocolate®. Yes, chocolate is a health food and I have fallen for the benefits of this highest antioxidant. I have chocolate for breakfast every day. And one of my buddies insists that a cup of coffee is best with a little chocolate. Of course you already know that those candy bars by the cash register at your local convenience mart or in vending machines are filled with extra sugar, dross, and wax that don’t benefit you. You can learn more about the history and benefits of chocolate at www.whychocolate.com and my favorite resource for chocolate.

Celebrate with your Valentine this week and share your affair with chocolate.

Mary

S.O.B Month….. that is Spunky Old Broads

January was National Hot Tea month. (I hope you took time to enjoy a cup. I am having one now.) February is Spunky Old Broads month. And I am a member of the club!

Many years ago, I thought 50 was the age of antiques and ancient civilizations. Of course my concept of what “old” is has changed considerably. In fact, as I have pushed that number of defining old up and up each decade, I now realize old is more a state of mind and health.

Good health is not something that just happens; we must continuously create health. And health is the foundation to almost everything else.

What do you see yourself doing in 10, 20 or 30 years? Are you actively involved with your family, in your community? Are you still engaging in your favorite sport ---- with your grandchildren? How long do you want to be healthy?

I have been focused on embracing health for the last few years so if you want to be an SOB sometime, contact me and I will help you - create what matters.