Author: Monica

Gallery Monica

Kick HFCS to the Curb Already!

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I think a lot of us were born in the era of the HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) Boom.  If you are around my age, you were not around to see the switch.  Bleaching the nutrients out of pure sugar was enough of a detriment to our health, now, with the use of HFCS, illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, liver failure, dementia, cancer, tooth decay and more are at an all time high and rising.  On the average each American has increased their yearly intake of HFCS from 0 to over 60 pounds which mostly comes from sugar sweetened drinks and processed food.

So, while various organizations are trying to push the lie that HFCS is good for your health, follow the trail back to who benefits if corn loses its foothold as a major crop in not only the American economy, but other countries as well…..the Corn Industry.  The bottom line is that sugar is sugar no matter how you package it!!! Oh but wait….what’s worse is that HFCS can be more detrimental than sugar because no digestion of the sugars is required and they go straight to your bloodstream, elevating your blood glucose as well as producing fats such as triglycerides and cholesterol.  You develop a fatty liver, your metabolism becomes a hot mess, you crave more food, you gain weight and have a likelihood to develop one or more of the above mentioned diseases.

It is also stated by those promoting HFCS that when used in moderation, it is safe.  The biggest problem I see with this statement is that if you are consuming it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between in snacks or drinks, is this in moderation? question-622164_960_720.jpgHmmmmmmmm

About 15 years ago, I made up my mind that I was going to eat and cook as healthy as I could with the means available to me.  It was a rude awakening to go to the grocery store and come out with flour, bread (which I had to search for a brand without HFCS for 10 minutes), dried pasta, brown rice, sunflower oil, beans, butter, real cheese, fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed meat from the butcher section of the store.  I was on a mission!!!  The biggest hurdle was time.  I was and am a working mom outside of the home, but once I convinced myself that it takes a bit more time to make what you can from scratch and be healthier instead of being a consumer of numerous processed food, I felt much better about what I was feeding me and my family.

In short, do what you can to minimize your intake of HFCS:

  • Look at food labels and decide if this is a product that maybe you can do without and incorporate something healthier, or maybe just do less of a serving.
  • The fresher the better!  Buy raw or frozen fruits and veggies….whatever you can afford.  I would even go a step further and say to experiment with your own garden.  You would be surprised the number of things that I have grown in a small space and if you have children, they will be more likely to eat healthy from the experience.
  • Continue your research and spread the news to others.

There are a list of foods that do not contain HFCS, but please do your own review.  I came across the below sites that may be helpful.  Happy reading!  Please share this article if you enjoyed it!

References:

Monica

Dancer & Future Leader, Featured Artist Saquana Royston

 

 

 

Who says you can not have brains and beauty?  Saquana Royston is a Junior at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.  While inspiring other students to strive to be their best and reach their full potential, she is also breaking new ground herself in dance.  Her latest accomplishments in the dance world include a Double Platinum Award (first competitive high score) and a Second Overall Award  in Stage One Dance Competition.  Saquana also is a member of the National Honor Society and the KEY Club.  The KEY Club is an organization led by students whose goal is to encourage leadership through helping others.  Also, she is a dance student at Caruthers Creative Center Dance Studio, a phenomenal long-running black owned business in Kansas City.  Saquana inspires to be an obstetrician, and I have no doubt that with her steadfastness in her studies and her leadership qualities that she will become a great doctor.

Monica

Need to Detoxify…Have a Radish

Wow!!! I began a journey searching for a natural remedy or at least something natural that could help a close loved one suffering from jaundice and never did I think it was already in my fridge!  Something as simple as a small root vegetable called a radish.  There are many varieties, but in general, a serving size is just 1 radish and this is about 100 mg.  What makes it healthy is that it has insoluble fiber that helps to clear the gut and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol because of its high content of water (about 90%).  The radish also has an array of essential vitamins and minerals. If that is not enough, they possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. You may also find it extremely healthy because of its minerals and vitamins such as: potassium, vitamin C, folate, fiber, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, riboflavin and sodium.  Let’s look at the hi-lites of the nutritional content of one radish below:

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the-radishSome health benefits worth mentioning (My top 5):

I told you that I began this search in hopes to find a natural way to help a loved one with jaundice due to a blood disorder called Thalesemia.  One of the first things that I saw when researching natural things was the radish.  The radish is a potent detoxifier and if there are issues with the liver or the stomach, it will help to purge the toxin by eliminating it in the body’s waste products.  Radishes help to eliminate bilirubin as well and keep its production at a manageable level.  They help promote blood health by reducing the amount of red blood cells destroyed that is caused by jaundice and helps to oxygenae the blood.

  • Urinary Disorders

     

Due to the diuretic properties of the radish, it acts to stimulate urine production.  If you have ever had a burning sensation or urinary inflammation, well, there is help!  First of all, make sure you have been properly diagnosed by your doctor.  If there is something natural such as this that you can incorporate into your daily diet, make sure you inform your healthcare provider before beginning.  Radishes also help to keep the kidneys clean and healthy.  They have been known to treat a number of urinary conditions that if you can rid yourself of the toxic agents, the condition improves.

  • Weight Loss

Radishes have lots of insoluble fiber which makes them filling and are low in calories.  They have a low glycemic index due to the high fiber content.  Now I’m not going to lie, eating a radish is not going to mentally satisfy my cravings for a donut, but, if I eat the healthier things such as this first, I may not be as likely to over do it when I have a dessert.  If done in moderation, you won’t feel like you are depriving yourself so much.  Also, they will increase your bowel movements which helps rid your body of excess waste and thus is good for weight loss and metabolism.

  • Kidney Diseases

Due to its disinfectant qualities, the radish acts as a cleanser and a diuretic.  Let your kidneys rejoice!  By incorporating these small veggies into your diet, you will help to clean out your kidneys, wash away toxins that may accumulate in the blood and kidneys, guard against kidney infection even taking root……no pun intended!

  • Liver and Gallbladder

In addition to helping to maintain the proper flow of bilirubin and bile, these little veggies also help to regulate enzymes and acids. Radishes contain esterase, amylase, diastase and myrosinase and help to clean out your bloodstream as mentioned earlier of excess bilirubin.

They are cheap, natural and a great way to improve your health, even if you do not have any current conditions.  Try to use them in salads and in other veggie dishes like a pot of green beans.  But most of all, just give them a try!

References:

  1. http://www.med-health.net/Health-Benefits-Of-Radishes.htm
  2. http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2012/05/14/9-reasons-to-eat-your-radishes/

 

Monica

Oh Honey, How Sweet!

honey-article

Honey is such an amazing food.  It has some very unexpected health benefits and because it tastes so good, we don’t mind using it.  Here are just a few things that you can benefit from by using honey:

Think about it as a natural way to give yourself a boost of ENERGY.

We all have experienced that run down feeling at some point in time if we are over doing it and have not gotten enough rest.  Honey is a wonderful source of carbs and an important component of our energy source for our bodies.  If you take honey, it will give you an immediate boost in your ability to get the task at hand done and hold on until you can get something that is even more sustaining into your body.  It decreases muscle fatigue for athletes and because of its natural sugars, you can use it as you exercise.

Here is how it works….two important properties of honey are that it contains glucose, which breaks down very quickly to give us immediate energy, and fructose, which breaks down over a slower period of time to help us to sustain the energy.  Honey is also known to stabilize blood sugar more as compared to other things we use to sweeten our food.

  • Take it in the morning as an energy booster in your tea or as a cleaning tonic on an empty stomach with the juice of half a lemon, a bit of warm water and a teaspoon of honey (see recipe below).

It not only works to cleanse your body as it works as an antimicrobial and antifungal, it also helps to boost your immune system, hopefully preventing illnesses.  It has very powerful antioxidant properties that give want to be diseases a PUNCH!!!

  • Honey has been said to help fight cancer.  See below references for more on this.
  • One of my favorite uses:  a natural cure for treating wounds due to its antiseptic properties.  Next time you or your little ones have an OWIE, try a bit of honey on it.  It also is known to work to help heal minor burns.  There is a brand that has been shown to be good for this in the link below called UMF Manuka.
  • If you have a sore throat or cough, try a drink of honey with warm water and lemon as mentioned above.
  • Got insomnia, try honey and warm milk before turning in.  This is an old remedy that has been proven to work by many grandmothers.  You can even use the honey in tea such as chamomile.  My favorite is green tea and honey.  It seems to have such a soothing effect.
  • Honey and vinegar have been reported by many to decrease their pain from arthritis and work as a home detox.
  • Honey and lemon are said to be good for weight loss

Overall, you can’t beat a food that has so many HUGE benefits and tastes so SWEET!

So next time you are low on energy, instead of reaching for that candy bar or granola bar, give honey a try.

Check out this recipe below:

Honey and lemon

Mix one tsp of raw honey with the juice of about 2 tsp of lime or lemon in a glass of warm water.  Make sure not to use boiling water and definitely not tap water.  Try to use distilled or at least a good quality bottled water such as FUJI.  The pH of Fuji bottled water is reported to have a pH slightly above 8 which is healthier for us.  Use this drink in the mornings before eating anything. It is effective in detoxing the body and as a digestive aid after a particularly oily meal.  This along with exercise and a healthy diet will hopefully help you to shed the pounds naturally and make it a part of your lifestyle change.

References:

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-and-lemon.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php#the_possible_health_benefits_of_honey

http://www.medicaldaily.com/liquid-gold-7-health-benefits-honey-could-heal-your-whole-body-325932

 

Video Monica

Taptutor Session 10! The Maxie Ford or Maxie Break!

Hello to all of my dancers out there, whether beginner or advanced, it’s always good to brush up on technique and practice.  This is for all ages.  Maybe you want to learn tap in the comfort of your own home.  Just subscribe to my YouTube after watching this video!

Monica

Rebellion of the Gridiron Gladiators, by Bryan Long, Featured Guest Artist

husband-father-2

As many of you may know, there has been an enormous amount of injustice done and still being done to African Americans in the U.S. on many levels; just to name one, the criminal justice system.  As an African descendant that was born in America, the injustices that I see on a daily basis hurt me very deeply.  What hurts even more is the inability of others to be able to have any empathy whatsoever.  The following are words of reflection from this talented poet, writer and activist for justice regarding the game in which quarterback football player, Colin Kaepernick, for the San Francisco 49ers refused to stand for the playing of the national anthem in protest of what he sees as wrongdoings against African Americans in the U.S.  Many citizens of the U.S. are beginning to understand that the mistreatment of African Americans boils down to a matter of not civil rights, but human rights.  Bryan uses his poetic skills in a creative way in this poem to demonstrate just this point.

Rebellion of the Gridiron Gladiators1-5s25qhrkmmse0yezjuy8pa

husband-father

Monica

The Versatile Potato

 

twice baked potatoes

Health Benefits of the versatile potato:

  • The potato is rich in iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and zinc which makes it great for bone health.
  • Potatoes can help to decrease blood pressure because they are rich in potassium.  Potassium widens the blood vessels.   This may be even more beneficial in lowering blood pressure than decreasing your sodium intake.  In addition, calcium and magnesium in the potato help to decrease blood pressure.
  • The large amount of fiber of the potato, potassium, vitamin C and amount of vitamin B-6 and the potato’s low amount of cholesterol make it a heart healthy food.
  • Potatoes decrease inflammation due to the amount of choline.  Choline helps with sleep, learning, our muscle movement and even memory.  Choline also helps to maintain our cell membranes and aids in transmitting nerve impulses.  It helps with fat absorption and reduces chronic inflammation.
  • Due to the vitamin C and quercetin content, it has antioxidant properties which helps to fight off free radical damage.  The folate in potatoes helps to repair our DNA which also helps us to fight off cancer.  It’s high fiber content is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
  • These are just a few of the benefits.  Potatoes also are good for weight maintenance and a feeling of being full, a healthier metabolism due to B-6 and healthier skin due to its vitamin C content.

 

Reference:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280579.php

 

My Recipe

Bake 5-6 medium size, thoroughly washed potatoes in the oven at approximately 175 degrees C until able to easily poke with a fork (usually 45 minutes to 1 hour, ovens may vary).  Remove from the oven and let them cool about 10 minutes. (Tip:  Before baking poke with a fork all over about 7-8 times, grease potatoes with a small amount of oil and sprinkle salt on them; this helps the cooking process and taste).

Take just the very top of the skin off, leaving the skin on all other areas of the potatoes. (Wait, don’t throw away the skin, eat it! The fiber is great for you!)

Remove the contents of the potato leaving only enough to keep the skin intact as shown in picture 2 and place contents into a bowl.  Set the skins to the side.

Take about 3-4 Tbsp of cream cheese and about 3 Tbsp of hummus.  Add this to the potato content in the bowl (picture 3).

Season with salt and pepper to taste (use sea salt for a healthier alternative), add about 1/2 tsp of cumin and garlic granules/powder and 1 Tbsp of olive oil (see picture 4).

Mix well by mashing potatoes then stir them until it is a consistent mush.  It will be very thick.

Place the potato mixture back into the potato skins that you have sat to the side.

Bake about 10-15 minutes at the same temperature as before, take them out, garnish with parsley or whatever garnish you desire and serve (picture 5).

I like to serve with a side of broccoli and fish.  Enjoy!

Leave a comment if you try this tasty recipe and tell me what you think.  Feel free to forward me any questions.

 

Monica

A Special Thanks

 

Monica

A Presentation on “Living Healthy Naturally” by Monica Terry

 

Upcoming Event!

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Living Healthy Naturally

 

Ashkelon’s own Monica Terry will be speaking with us about incorporating healthy habits that fit your lifestyle.  She will discuss ways in which we can incorporate healthy habits such as herbs, spices, and certain foods into our daily routines with the goal of preventing diseases and maintaining our health.

Monday August 22 @ 7PM

145 Sderot Yershalayim

20 shekels for members

30 shekels for non members

 

 

Monica

Oral Hydration Solution

This is a great post written by a talented young woman who is the proud owner of Sunni’s Holistic Delights.  She specializes in providing healthy, vegan and vegetarian dishes, drinks and desserts.  I am posting it here on my blog with her permission.  I personally can not wait to try the below recipe!  Please try it out and let me know what you think.  Also, give Sunni’s blog a visit as well and help to support her business!

Looking for a great way to stay hydrated??
However the thought of putting all those yucky unhealthy ingredients from the popular store brought brands in your temple makes you cringe…lol?? Well look no further; try my easy homemade Oral Rehydration Drink. I’ve used homemade fruit juices as well to give it a little extra color/flavor. My 3yr old Suns,favorite one is coconut water and grape juice, just sub one cup of coconut water for juice. Mix all the ingredients together,and enjoy. Place any leftovers in the icebox, and drink within a week(ours never last that long).
Light, Love and Shalom
SunniDelight💙