They say you are what you eat....

I say you feel like you eat... You eat crap...
you will feel like crap or you eat well
you feel well...
I admit like most people I don't eat the perfect diet, but I do well most of the time. I love good fresh ingredients, as most chef do! Since being part of the non working, i have spent lots of time cooking for and with my family. I never have eaten better... that's crazy to think all the time I have worked in kitchens and could pretty much eat what ever I wanted good or bad. I make better choices now... I wonder why people insist on eating crap. It doesn't even taste good...if we are to busy to eat a healthy meal.. we need to slow down and change are agenda.

There is nothing difficult about healthy eating. It is simply a common-sense approach to food that is easy to live with.

Soooo.. I think I'm going to starting putting up some tasty whole food recipes.... with ingredient's that are in season and simple. Cooking is simple. If there is something you would like to learn how to prepare just let me know.

Remember "The body is the Garden of my soul" is an excellent mantra

Which should I eat???
Popcorn VS Pretzels

hmmm...i like them both!

Although a snack-sized bag of pretzels and a single-serving bag of 94 percent fat-free microwave popcorn have about the same amount of protein and fat, the popcorn yields six satisfying cups, counts as three whole-grain servings, and provides five grams of fiber. Plus it has 50 fewer calories than pretzels and half the amount of sodium.

I knew liked popcorn for a reason...
Look below and do your own comparison:

94 Percent Fat-Free Popcorn
(6 cups popped)110 calories
2.5 grams fat
4 grams protein
5 grams fiber
410 milligrams sodium

Pretzels
(1.5 ounces)167 calories
1.5 grams fat
3 grams protein
1 gram fiber
881 milligrams sodium

Popcorn it is!!! Note to self watch my pretzel intake...very high in sodium..

Happy Snacking all!!

WATERMELON and why we love it....


An American favorite for meals and snacks. People can’t seem to get enough of the sweet treat, and nutritionists have long talked up the health benefits watermelon provides. Recently research has shed new light on its numerous health benefits. Watermelon contains high concentrations of lycopene,(much more than tomatoes) an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases. Did I mention it is delicious...

Watermelon is fat free, nutritionally low in calories and considered an ideal (Really awesome)food, and is high in energy, making it a great energy boost! Watermelon, the fruit that is really a Vegetable. Watermelon can be traced back to Africa and is part of the cucumber and squash family. Early watermelons were mainly rind and seeds. Today's varieties are larger, the flesh sweeter, the seeds smaller and the rind thinner.

It is perhaps the most refreshing, thirst quenching fruit of all. Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar, so it is aptly named. Did you know??? Americans eat over 17 lbs of watermelon each year. (I'm sure we eat more than that in my house....we love it) The largest one on world record (Guinness Book of World Records) weighed 262 pounds. ( I wonder if they ate it...was even good??)

When to look for them a the local produce market: Watermelons are available all year. (but I really recommend eating them when they are in season locally...They taste some much better)

Nutritional Facts:Fat-free Saturated fat-free Very low sodium Cholesterol-free A good source of vitamin A High in vitamin C.

Selecting: Choose firm, symmetrical, fruit free of cracks, bruises, soft spots or mold. Ripe watermelon will have a healthy sheen, a dull rind, dried stem, and a buttery yellow underside where it touched the ground. There should be a melon like smell or fragrance. Thump if you must, sound should be dull and hollow. Lift them, weight should be heavy for size.

I don't need to read this to convince myself to eat it.... Did I mention it's delicious and good for us to boot'

So have some watermelon.. your body will thank you!!!

In the News: Why Snacking is Good for You

interesting ...losing weight by snacking. Many people cut out snacking to lose weight, but that this is not a good idea, because your blood sugar gets low and then you may overeat during meals. hmmm.. makes sense to me...
Snacking is OK...good snacks, that is. In fact, to keep your metabolism revved up, it’s better to snack between moderate-sized meals, than it is to have 3 large meals with no snacks.

But that doesn’t mean you should snack on just anything:

Cereal:
I know snacking at night is not a good idea, but if you can barely muster the willpower to avoid the ice cream – try a bowl of cereal instead! There are many cereals in which a whole cup is only 100-130 calories. What a deal! It’s a good snack, just dry in the bowl. It will also get rid of those hunger pangs, if you eat it slowly in pinchfuls. Try to get one high in fiber and low on the sugar...

Pickles:
Yes, pickles. (Not my thing but maybe for you!)These salty snacks have just 15 calories for the whole tasty thing. It’s a good, quick super-low calorie snack. Pickles are high in sodium so if you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, this may not be the right snack for you. or(Drink a large glass of water)

A piece of fruit:
An apple, pear, orange, banana can be surprisingly satisfying and hold off the hunger pangs. At or around 100 calories, per piece, fruit is high in nutrients, has low or no fat, and is high is fiber. They come in their own biodegradable wrapper, too, so take one with you when you’re on the go.

Celery sticks:
Celery is high in selenium and is mostly water. If it’s too bland for you, try a low-cal veggie dip (use a non-fat sour cream) or one high in fiber like hummus! While veggies and dip is a good snack, watch the dip part as it can pile on the unwanted calories!

Slushy:
What in the world, you might ask? A slushy is nothing more than a cup of fruit juice(or chunks of fresh fruit... yes more fiber) put in a blender with a bunch of ice. Blend it up and – viola - you’ve got a fun snack that’s no higher in calories than a cup of juice (100-120 calories).


I say cheers to all and enjoy a healthy snack!!!!

Farmers Market Food Finds
Local Produce is Healthier for You and the Planet!

From the small, mom-and-pop stand at the corner, to the large or an organized market with multiple vendors and extensive selections, it is definitely worth the trip.

Benefits of shopping at the Farmers Market
-The fruits and vegetables are grown locally and picked when perfectly ripened. This enhances the taste, texture, and aroma of the produce.

-Often, market prices are lower than at grocery stores.(Nothing better than good value)

-Our existing system of food transportation and distribution requires enormous amounts of energy and resources. Before reaching your table, the average food item in the United States will travel 1,300 miles! In fact, only about 10% of the fossil fuel energy used in the world’s food system is used for production. The other 90% goes into packaging, transportation, and marketing of the food. All this inefficiency creates many environmental problems.
Shopping at the Farmers Market benefits the local farmer and strengthens your local community.

-Since the produce is picked at the peak of the season, nutrients, and phytochemicals will be more abundant. Hippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine.” Below I put together a little list that shows many of the health benefits of fresh produce. Don’t get bogged down trying to remember the names of these different phytochemicals—just eat a RAINBOW OF COLOR!

Color
Phytonutrients
Health Benefits
Food Sources

Red ===Lycopene Anthocyanin
Prevents certain cancers. Strengthens collagen proteins.
strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, cherries
Orange===Beta-Carotene Liminoids
Protects against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts, and lung cancer. Can decrease cholesterol levels.
carrots, squash, melons
Yellow===Liminoids
Beta-carotene Zeaxanthin
Protects vision. Prevents colon and breast cancers.
yellow peppers, corn
Green===Lutein ===Saponins Glucosinolates
Protects eyesight. Heart and skin maintenance. Prevents cancer. Lowers lipid levels.
spinach, collard greens, broccoli, tomatillos
Blue===Anthocyanin
Prevents colon, cervical and prostate cancers.
blueberries, grapes, plums
Purple===Anthocyanin
Prevents cancer. Anti-inflammatory.
grapes, raspberries, blackberries, eggplant

Happy Heathy eatting to all!!!

A little laughter for everyone...

I Love watching this comedian... I laugh so hard... and you will too!!!

Your Good Self or Your Evil Twin?
This is why staying positive is so important because...
When times are tough and doubt creeps in so can this "evil twin"

As you may or may not be aware of, your unclaimed shadows (thats what i like to call unconscious mind) can tell you what you can and cannot do. what you should eat, when you should or shouldn't exercise even if you said you were going to do the exact opposite, how much money you can make or save, or how fulfilling your career can be.

Today's the day to say no to the evil twin!

Why? Let me shed some light. Some how not being aware we let our unconscious take over. So let's get honest. Would you want to drive while sleeping ..... sounds silly doesn't it?

This is why we need to make sure we are awake and in the presence of our goals, dreams, desires, wants and unmet needs. When we are awake, we will have the power to choose our path.

Life to short to snooze through it... choose to stay awake!!!!

Father

Pateras

El Padre

Pappa

Pere
- A man who raises or nurtures a child
- To acknowledge responsibility for

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful men who joyfully parent their children, others children and or complete strangers. We appreciate you and this most important role you play in our lives. Some of you are of our own blood, some of you are not, but you are still our fathers. You are needed in our life on so many levels. Essential to the balance of Ying Yang, our song of life.

Happy fathers Day with Love!!!!

Is Everlasting Love Possible?

According to some scientists, yes indeed…and scientists aren’t known for their romantic side!
A group of scientists from Stony Brook University studied the scans of brains of new couples and partners who’d been together for 20 year and compared the results.

More specifically, the scientists measured the chemical reactions of each person’s brain when viewing a photo of his or her partner. In many cases, the reaction was stronger in those who’d recently started their relationships. But interestingly enough, close to ten percent of the long-term couples showed the same results, reflecting that same passion as twenty years ago.

“The findings go against the traditional view of romance – that it drops off sharply in the first decade – but we are sure it’s real,” Arthur Aron, one of the researchers, told the Times Online.At first the researcher believed the couples were exaggerating their emotions but changed his mind after performing the study. “This is what the brain scans tell us and people can’t fake that.”

The researchers have nicknamed the lucky long-term couples “swans,” in honor of another animal that mates for life.

I hope everyone has the joy of being a Swan....

Family....

So this weekend My sister Karen, Bro-in-law Joe, and my super cute nieces are going to be in town for the fathers day weekend celebration...!!!!! Isn't that great...we are all so excited Expecially Grandma and Grandpa... aka my Mom and Dad. And on Sunday were having a family get together with the Family and all!!!

Families are Happy - World is Happy – World is Happy – Families are Happy-

Families are always happy when there is peace, love, respect, unity, happiness, development, and progress for the world; because everything good starts at home...

....no amount of meaningful actions can describe the wonderfulness of our families

...I toast to all families... especially mine.. it's the greatest!!!

I Like This.... just because it makes me SMILE!!



It's Catchie and fun... I hope it made you smile...

HAPPY?

Happiness is not difficult. It's only when we let other things get in the way that it seems difficult to obtain.

To me, the key to happiness is wanting what you have, rather than having what you want.
What this means is that I am satisfied with what I have, what I do, who I associate with. I don't spend my time seeking the next best thing. I spend my time appreciating what I have.
It's not hard to get there. You will need two things: a pencil and paper.

At the top of the paper write: "Things I am Grateful For" and then start making a list. As your list grows, you will automatically feel your satisfaction and happiness increase. Be grateful for everything, small and large: for butterflies and clouds and being able to breathe. For the cool of the breeze on a hot day, and the warmth of the sun in the middle of winter.
Give it a try. You'll feel happier by the time you are done.

Om Mani Peme Hum - Tibetan Short Form

A few of you asked me the meaning of the Buddhist meditation..

so here is a rough translation:

The theory, what is interesting is that the words translate to direst meaning..

"Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus."

The Dalai Lama is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it you should be aware of it's meaning.

The first, Om is composed of three letters, A, U, and M. These symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure body, speech, and mind of a Buddha.

The path is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method the intention to become enlightened.

The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom. Just as a lotus grows forth from mud but is not sullied by the faults of mud, so wisdom is capable of putting you in a situation of non-contradiction whereas there would be contradiction if you did not have wisdom.

Om- meditation

Ma - Patience


Ni - Discipline


Pad - Wisdom


Me - Generosity


Hum - Diligence

This is a very deep mantra, it embodies all of the Buddhist philosophy.. I feel that this mantra is universal.

Many Blessing!

Believe in Yourself and People Will Be Forced to Believe in You

I been on the job hunt and going about it the wrong way... yes i believe i am good at what i do but sometimes have to look at my resume, pictures of food I've created, and just remember the journey i have traveled in my culinary career. I am far beyond many of my peers just by where I have been. I do not need someone to hold my hand i'm ready and have been.
By the way if You are unfamilar with my work here are a few pictures, I was lucky to have a professional food photographer help out....

What does being unstoppable mean?
Over the past years I keep examining the reasons that make some people resilient and that make others helpless. I was and am always trying to find out if there are some sort of actions that could make someone really unstoppable... and I was and am right about it.
I would Rack my brain at night when everyone else would be long sound asleep...What does being unstoppable mean? Does it mean being extra superior or being omnipotent? No,(of course not...) it only means that I will become a normal human being who will always reach what she wants.

I might feel sad or down just like anybody else but the main difference between them and I is that within few days my energy will be recharged back and I will find myself fighting again for what I believe in.
Being unstoppable means that life problems will never stop you or me from reaching what we want whatever happens.

Have a great day...

Interesting Thoughts... What is my intention?

To be positive... because i know what i want, and that is the first step, INTENTION.

Part of being positive is praying and meditating, Praying (the act of communicating with god or spirit in worship) and meditating (a mental discipline that one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.) To calm the mind. So on my side bar I included some music that i like to meditate and pray with... Check it out, the music is lovely.

And then check out this video about intention, it is quite interesting.



I wish you happiness!

Here's some news....

In my quest to promote the positive.. i really was thinking about the news. Yes it's important to be informed and have a clue what is going on so I can be a good citizen of the world. Sometimes it's really hard to look at the tv or in many cases the internet with so much of it being a downer. I think if intellegent life outside of our planet was observing the news or many tv shows how aweful they might think this planet is. Yes I know i have to take the good with the bad so I ask why is there so little good news out there? i know you say it doesn't sell....sad isn't it. But i think If could start a tv show it would show case all the positive things happening... like this for example:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

So as I was surfing looking for positive news I found a great web site which i have to add it to myside bar of my blog. Happy News, it real news about all the good things happening in the world You should check it out it's pretty cool if you ask me! Much Happiness until next time :^)

Using humor and play....To improve everything!!!

Have you ever sat around with family or friends and laughed so hard it almost hurt! I try to do this as often as I can.. because it's so much fun. Ohh, you haven't laughed lately? That's not so good, and if you have keep up the good work! Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body!!! All kidding aside there has been tons of research, proving the benefits of Laughter it relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Maybe I should become a laughalagist....
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, so if we laugh more we will be well...
Laughter triggers the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins (feel good chemicals) promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Yes it does all that for free.. now you see why it's a good idea to hang out with funny people like me. Or in fact you can check this out....We have a local group in the pinellas county area...

So... start laughing.. remember...it's good for you!!!!

A little observation...
As I was doing my errands I was people watching.... people are allowing the world to get them down. What a shame it is to allow outside forces to control U. Life is pretty darn good, and I am unemployed. So i continued through my afternoon with a smile, I think they are contagious. And it looks like a lot of people need to find one....maybe you don't have one right now, try to catch one and use it. It makes me feel better....(hmmmm.).. that kinda sounds like om, how interesting. You know the ancient sanskrit word for God or everything the alpha and omega. Its a good way to meditate... or to focus or relax, we all could benefit from that so next time you or i sigh we should try a little excercise even for one minute. So I included a little youtube therapy... close your eyes... and get comfortable, try sitting with good posture, this helps with better breathing. Make the "OM" sound on your exhale...and I bid you happiness!

Youtube therapy is what I will call it!!!

I been thinking... I remember last year I kept thinking I needed a break. Well, I finally got it and just wasn't paying attention. Proof again that you get what you ask for, and I should be enjoying this opportunity.

So I want to use my blog as a way to bring more positivity into the world, there's so much negativity out there.. I will not contribute to that. So my glass is full...and it is with the finest champagn..... happiness to all!!!
I will explain the therapy ...this is funny to me!!!

Rays Kicked booty tonight!!

Awesome game!!! Woohoo!!!

Now that I have a little more time..not working.. I can scan the net for news (If you want to call it that) Check this one out it's from florida... I have nothin' to say...but huh?

Manliness: The Redneck Yacht Club opened in February near Naples, Fla., consisting of an 800-acre carefully designed mud pit that drivers pay $30 to frolic in with their own customized off-road vehicles. One mechanic told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in April that he had spent $15,000 fixing up his rig, with 6-foot-high tires and a skull ornament. His review: "This place is kick-butt." [Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 4-2-09]

Time To Make The Donuts?

Depending on your age and where you are located, you may or may not remember the famous Dunkin' Donuts commercial in which "Fred The Baker" declares "Time to Make the Doughnuts"

What was true for Fred The Baker is true for all of us...the minute we raise that first eyelid in the morning and set that first foot on the floor, it's time for us to make the donuts.

Here's my personal Manifesto Challenge , and I invite all of you to join in too.....when you get out of bed tomorrow morning, what's it going to take for us to make the donuts?

Who do need to forgive (even if it's myself)?

What do I need to forget (the past is the past)

Where do I need to go in order to get the job done?

Before i go to bed tonight, take all of the excuses that have held me back out to the trash. Put the lid on the can, get a good night's sleep, and get out of bed tomorrow ready to make the donuts.There's no rehearsal for life. This is it.

Time to make the doughnuts everyone....life's short.. i need to make my own doughnuts...