Monica

“Violence” Poem by Gabby Y

A poem by a very talented friend of mine, Gabby Y.  Pray to see more of her beautiful work soon!

violence

Bloodshed, in reality and on that square we call TV
Nothing but immoral wickedness is all we see
Insanity filling into the brains of youth
Everyone on the same path, so never knowing the truth
ink-303244_1280The world frying it into our minds
Leaving a permanent scare for generations to find
Continuing on what The Man’s goal was
To keep our people against one another
Because of The Man who would kill his own mother
Violence is a sin against the Father
One must stand up and follow the path of his forefathersink-303244_1280
Not the path of this devil
Who enjoys killing, hurting and scheming, yeah that’s his revel
So the people of Judah, wake up NOW!
Stop killing and betraying and take one big bow
Before the Father and pray for forgiveness
That we may all repent from our sins and be sinless
The Father has no intentions of allowing us to inherit
The Land of Milk and Honey with and evil state of mind
We must get rid of that Babalioness, and let’s combine
ink-303244_1280Our knowledge, talents and numbers
So that we may do the Father’s will and this time stay in our Mother!

 

 

Aside Monica

What to Do with Your Bread Heels

banana bread pudding

Wait! Don’t throw away your bread heels!

I have a great bread pudding recipe that will bring a smile to your family’s faces.  It’s easy, quick and since it uses ingredients you usually end up with more than what you need, it’s relatively cheap.

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bread-pudding-ingreadients

In a large bowl, shred bread heels into about 1 inch pieces with your hands.  Don’t use the outside crust.  Add raisins.

In a small bowl, mash up the banana, then add the egg, sugars, vanilla, salt, cinnamon and melted butter.  Stir the mixture until consistent.

Add the water and the milk to the wet mixture.  Pour the wet mixture over the bread and raisins in the large bowl.

Stir the mixture with a large spoon and also begin to chop the pieces of bread to make them a bit smaller.  Stir and chop until you get a consistent mixture.  If you desire a more wet mixture just add a bit more milk.

Transfer into a baking pan and bake at about 350 degrees F or about 180 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes.  Cooking times may vary with ovens and depending on how wet your pudding is.  When you see the edges are light brown, your pudding is done!

Serve warm with ice cream and enjoy!  If you like this recipe, please share it!

 

 

Monica

Boost Your Immunity with Ginger and Lemon Tea

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As we continue to fight off colds and other viruses in the thick of the Winter, I have found one thing that seems to speed up me and my family’s recovery time.  For a long time, we have used ginger and lemon as a tea, but I had always been thinking how I could make it even more potent.

It suddenly occurred to me that so many recipes that I have used in the past that call for lemons as the ingredient specifically require the use of the lemon rind.  Just in the small amount of the rind, we know that we get a powerful amount of flavor.  Well it’s not just the benefit of the added flavor from this small amount of the rind ingredient, we also gain:

  • 5-10 times more vitamins and minerals in the rind than in the juice of the lemon
  • Cancer fighting protection from a phytonutrient called salvestrol Q40 as well as limonene.
  • Flavenoids also found in the rind help to slow down the division of cancer cells
  • Due to the amount of calcium and vitamin C, lemon rinds are excellent for promoting bone health and all sorts of joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory polyarthritis.  It even helps with osteoporosis
  • Decrease in cholesterol (LDL in particular).  This is the cholesterol that is not healthy for us.  This in turn will lead to better circulation and heart health.

So, I thought to myself, why not use the entire lemon in a tea with my usual ginger, but instead of using in the form of chunks, blend it  ALL up.  Here is what you will need:

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  • About enough ginger root to fit into the palm of your hand or about the size of a medium sized lemon. Peel it and rinse it with water.
  • About 1/4 cup of brown sugar (and 1/2 cup of white sugar , or use all brown sugar if you please)
  • 4 tea bags of whatever type of tea you would like (optional)
  • About a tablespoon of honey
  • 1&1/2 liters of boiled water (filtered or good quality bottled water, not tap)
  • A medium or large lemon, washed with soap and water
  1. Once you gathered your ingredients, chop the washed lemon and the peeled ginger root into chunks as seen above.
  2. Place the chunks of ginger, chunks of lemon, honey, sugars and about 1/3 of the boiled water into your blender.  Blend the ingredients for about a minute.
  3. Meanwhile, put the tea bags (optional) and the rest of your boiled water into a medium sized pot and pour the blended contents into this pot and stir a few times (above uppermost right picture).
  4. Let the ingredients steep by covering the pot with a top for about 5-10 minutes.
  5. After steeping, strain all at one time or one serving at a time as seen above.
  6. Save the strained ingredients in a tupperware and use it once more if you desire but within 1-2 days.  Store in the fridge.
  7. Enjoy your Immune System Boost and hopefully a quicker recovery!images

Leave a comment and share your experience if you tried the recipe.

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Monica

Do You Love Me?”

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Starting something new in 2017!  A short poem from yours truly illustrating how in my imagination the Father may define LOVE as it pertains to His relationship with us.

Do you love me enough to……

Not put anything or anyone before me?

Put away your idols for your soul to be free, living to work so you can pay the bills and afford that Audi?

Not to create things with your hands to put before your eyes as a mighty one;

Realize that I am He that brings forth life and can send death when it’s all said and done.

Not to play with My name and utter it as such a small thing;

or mix it with foul words as you think it’s clever when cussing.

Not to forget the day that I ceased to work, but remember to set it apart;

it’s not for gettin’ in your over-time, clubbing or fillin’ your grocery cart.

Not to forget whatever your circumstance, that your earthly Mother or Father,

or whomever I gave to raise you, never make them feel like a burden or a bother.

Not to plot to take the life of anyone for this you know is wrong;

going against the 1st command, be fruitful, multiply, sing praises to Me all the day long.

Not to lay with another man’s wife, no matter how much your flesh yearns;

Use reason over emotion and from her gaze and grasp you must turn.

Not to take from one another, without permission what isn’t yours,

with the intention not to return it; go get your own from your pick of stores.

Not to hide the truth from or about your neighbor, spreading lies and even slander;

not stand for behavior of those that devise and deceive, don’t be a by-stander.

Not to wish or thirst for anything that is owned by any other person;

their spouse, car, job, wealth, for this also to Me is a strong aversion.

If you truly love Me my child, just start with these 10 SIMPLE THINGS.

Stand up to the entire world, be different and see what righteousness brings.

by Monica Terry, AKA Taptutor

Please share your thoughts about this poem or one of your own.  Would be happy to share it with other tapin2life blog followers.  Remember to share this poem by clicking below.point-24974_640

 

 

 

 

Monica

I’m #Nuts About You

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So which nut is more beneficial to our health?  Let’s get to the point!

The Brazilian Nut:

In just one-fourth of a cup there are 218 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 5 grams of protein, and 22 grams of fat (mostly unsaturated and great for the heart).  Selenium is a huge health benefit, which we will talk about in a bit.  You also get the added benefit of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.  There are trace amounts of thiamin, vitamin B6, riboflavin and niacin.

The Almond:
In one-fourth of a cup of almonds there are 162 calories, 14 grams of unsaturated fat (great for our hearts) and 6 grams of protein, but don’t get carried away.  This is only about 23 almonds and we must remember this about all nuts….the portion is important.  Almonds contain fiber in addition to protein and magnesium.  They also contain vitamin E.  This small nut helps us to lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Due to the amount of fiber and protein, they can also decrease appetite and help with weight loss.
So who are the stars of the contents:
Selenium– This is a trace element found in the soil and in certain foods as well as water.  It is good for preventing coronary heart disease, fighting inflammation, reducing free radicals, helping with antioxidant activity and increasing blood flow.  It also helps the thyroid convert T4 (thyroid hormone) into the active T3 form.  Healthy thyroid function equals a healthier metabolism.  It also plays a role in cancer prevention and improves sexual performance.  In men it boosts testosterone levels and helps with sperm production and motility.
Iron– Although pistachio nuts lead in the amount of iron as far as nuts go (four times more as Brazilian nuts or almonds), these above nuts are still a great source of iron.  Iron is one of the components of hemoglobin, the material in red blood cells that helps our blood to carry oxygen throughout our bodies.  Vitamin C can boost the amount of absorption of iron.
Nuts are loaded with vitamin E, healthy fats, protein and magnesium and those that eat nuts as a regular part of their diet have been shown to lower their risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes type 2.
So, based on which one of the above packs in more of the above important components, THE WINNER IS the Brazilian Nut over the Almond.  The fact that the Brazilian Nut comes in at number one for Selenium in food charts and the almond only yields about 2% of the daily amount that we use, for me, there is no contest!
What is a good serving size for most nuts:  one handful, 1/4 cup or  1 ounce.  So add these little delightful snacks as a regular part of your diet, especially to curb your appetite in between meals.  I like them with yogurt and a bit of granola.  If you currently enjoy them as a part of your regular diet, share your way of eating them below:
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Monica

What Are Your Barriers to Having #BetterHealth in 2017

Well, we have almost completed another calendar year and it has been a great journey and learning experience as a fairly new blogger and YouTuber.  I began blogging a year ago, and trust me, I came up with every excuse I could not to keep it going.

The reality is, if we want to do something, there is always a way.  My biggest goal with my blog was to share information and wake people up as far as the state of their health and what small things we can all incorporate or change that will make a BIG difference.  Ultimately, I want to lead people to ways of enjoying better overall health and a healthier lifestyle.  This includes mind, body and spirit.

there-is-always-something-to-be-thankful-for

So, as we say goodbye to 2016, I wanted to leave my dedicated subscribers and visitors to my blog with some FOOD for thought (literally)!  I want to get your feedback on what barriers you believe you have to achieving better health in 2017.  I am hoping it will help me to not only give you some ideas of how to bust through these barriers, but to help other readers as well.

 

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I pray better health to you and yours in the year to come.  Thanks so much for coming along with me on this journey and look forward to bigger and better in 2017!  Please take a minute to do the survey below and let’s think of how to bust through those barriers together.

#betterhealth  #healthylifestyle

Monica

Chag #Hanukah Sameach!

In this time we celebrate Hanukah.  It is the rededication of the Temple and this is near and dear to me and my family’s hearts.  It is the story of the uprising of a people that fought against their oppression.

happy-hanukah

A little tid bit about Hanukah:

The Maccabees

Judah, son of Mattityahu, was called “Maccabee,” a word composed of the initial letters of the four Hebrew words Mi Kamocha Ba’eilim Hashem, “Who is like You, O G‑d.”  His name is famous and he is also known as the “Hammer” for his leadership and fearlessness in the revolt.

#Hanukah #Chanukah

Monica

#BelovedOne Performing Group!!!!

Sharing stories of truth through Poetry, Song and Dance

with the use of artistic expressions through voice, movement and words

belovedpost

(Logo: by talented artist Mykael Terry)

Beloved One is a newly formed group featuring Akilah Mosley, Nikia Browne and yours truly, Monica Terry.  We recently performed our trio act of Poetry, Song and Dance for The Association of Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) which was hosted by the daughters of Adinah Dorfman (Elana & Aviva Dorfman).  The subject was Freedom of Speech in honor of their mother, held in Jerusalem, Israel on December 21, 2016.

We would be happy to perform for your special occasion as well.  You can contact us at spitscattap@gmail.com or visit our site at http://belovedone.wixsite.com/beloved1 

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(Photo: Left Monica Terry- dancer & choreographer, blogger; Center Nikia Browne- singer, composer & music producer; Right Akilah Mosley- poet & playwright)

Monica

How Much Exercise Do We Need?

Okay, so Winter is here and it can be so uncomfortable to workout outside.  This is the time of year, for multiple reasons, that many people put on an average of about 5 additional pounds! How much exercise do we need to be healthy?  This will vary depending on your situation and goals.  If you have put on a lil’ weight and have kind of let yourself go, don’t feel so down on yourself.  There is hope!  Just start doing something about it.

 

get-your-20-in

As a pharmacist and dance instructor by trade, I can go through all of the medical studies and tell you the obvious about diet and exercise, but instead, I would like to share with you what has worked for me.  Although I am not a fitness expert, nor do I have a super buff body, I know a lot about nutrition, the body and maintaining a healthy weight in a hectic lifestyle.  However, I have to admit that the older I get, the more creative I have to be to maintain a healthy weight.  So, here are my top 5 tips about exercise, fitness and diet.

1. Know Your Goals & Make Them Realistic

Are you trying to maintain or lose weight?  Are you trying to build muscle?

If you are wanting to maintain your weight, go for moderate aerobic exercise about 30 minutes a day, five days out of the week.  You can watch my Taptutor vids…all 10 and have a great moderate workout while having fun!

If you want to lose weight, rev it up with a higher intensity workout and about an hour per day.  I’m working up to those videos!

Of course when it comes to building muscle, literally, no pain– no gain.  It takes a bit more commitment, but start slow with 2.5 pound dumb-bells and leg weights or resistance training, then work your way up to a more intense workout.  The key is to add over a period of time so as to not burn yourself out.  It will become more like YOUR lifestyle instead of forced.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmWJGw-cY7MsAUyM0AAd6cA

2. Don’t Deprive Yourself

If you eat a sensible diet that is high in fiber (adults up to age 50 need 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men), you will eliminate regularly and take in the nutrients and vitamins you need, feel fuller and are less likely to crave the things that sabotage us.  Water is most definitely important as well.  Generally 2-3 Liters or more per day for adults and you may need more as you lose fluids with exercise.

Don’t deprive yourself of goodies.  Let’s face it, if I see ice cream on my left and an apple on my right, I am going to most likely want the ice cream every time.  We have to choose wisely depending on the time of day and how we have eaten during the day.  DON’T eat the ice cream at 10 PM because we know it will just go straight to our gut and butt.   I’m just sayin’.  Have half of the typical serving size and if you are still not satisfied, go for the apple.  Works for me almost 100% of the time (Almost).  The times that I do “comfort eating” are getting less and less and when I know I have had a frustrating day, this seems to be a trigger.  I’m learning to keep my guard up and anticipate my need to resort to foods that are either very sweet or salty such as chips.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/eat-this-fiber-chart

3. Have a Workout Buddy and Support System

I have recently started working out with a few fabulous ladies and they have been a great support and keep me encouraged in meeting my goal to be more toned.  It costs me no money, it’s so much more enjoyable than if I were to do the workout alone and I know if I start to get discouraged, I have someone to encourage me and not let me give in so easily.

4. Change your mindset of what you call exercise….be practical

  •  You can take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Walk to the store and back instead of driving (or ride your bike instead of driving)
  • Wash your own car instead of going to the car wash.
  • Get a 30 minute, daily house-cleaning routine to your favorite music. Dusting, mopping, sweeping and cleaning the windows can work up a sweat and be a good and unexpected cardio workout.
  • Dance while you cook your favorite meal (make sure you actually finish your cooking….if you are like me, you may get a little carried away with those old line dances)

5. Make these changes for life

Don’t keep the things that sabotage you in your house.  I know…..easier said than done.  When you go to the grocery store, REFUSE to put more than 1 item that has been pre-packaged into your cart.  I usually make my own desserts and my family has become used to not even checking the cabinet for a “snack”.  They know that it is truly a treat to have a manufactured item from the store such as chips, cookies, cakes or other items.  This makes us come out of the habit of eating just to be eating.  When I make dessert, it forces me to think of what I am putting into it and questioning if it is the best thing for our bodies.  Are we just eating out of habit….or are we really hungry?

Also, make it a goal to eat just 100 calories less per day and replace 10-20% of your fat intake with something high in fiber.  It’s not much and it’s a good way to get started as a change to make for life.  You can continue to increase your fiber, decrease the fat calories and decrease your calories as you see what works best for you.

Leave a comment and share your healthy tips for maintaining or losing weight and how you have changed your diet!

General References:

http://www.prevention.com/fitness/how-much-exercise-you-really-need

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916

http://thestir.cafemom.com/healthy_living/166836/the_ugly_truth_about_how

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

Disclaimer:  As always, my articles are food for thought…no pun intended.  Please consult your healthcare provider before making any dietary or exercise changes.

Monica

#Milk Does the Body What???

 

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How many of us were told to “Drink your #milk so you can have strong teeth and bones?”  Well, I believed that for a long time.  What if I told you that it may be just the opposite?  Here are a few facts to help you to decide.

  • Calcium from animal milk is not absorbed as well as the calcium that is found in white beans, canned salmon, sardines, dried figs, bok choy, blackstrap molasses, kale, black-eyed peas, almonds, oranges, sesame seeds, oatmeal, seaweed, turnip greens and more.
  • When we were babies, if our mothers’ breastfed us, this was best for us for so many reasons.  It gave us our immune system and  nutrients.  It was also bonding time with Mom.  However, once we developed teeth, we did not need to continue to drink milk as our main source of calcium and nutrients.  We graduated to FOOD! I’m just sayin’!
  • There is research that suggests that animal milk not only does not help build strong bones and teeth, but weakens them.
  • Evidence has also been found that revealed that animal milk may lead to a higher risk of prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
  • Animal sources of calcium come with cholesterol also.  If you have health issues due to high cholesterol, other plant based sources have none.
  • Due to the amount of antibiotics that are used in an attempt to keep the animals healthy and infection free, this is leading to antibiotic resistance.  YOU are ingesting whatever this animal digested!  If the animal was vaccinated, you are also receiving this.
  • Saturated fats are not good for us either and if you drink whole animal milk, you are most likely getting 20 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).  Even if you cut it down to 1% milk, you are receiving 8% of the RDA.  So before eating any food at all for the day, you can see how the calories from fat can add up in a big way.  This can definitely lead to weight gain.
  • Animal milk can have the opposite desired effect which is leaching the milk straight out of your bones.  This can cause brittle bones and osteoporosis. (See reference 3)
  • We need a healthy lifestyle and well-rounded diet.  It is a must to get adequate sunshine or supplemental vitamin D, and about 500 mg Calcium per day which can easily be obtained from plant sources.

In summary, I will just say that I hope all of this is FOOD for thought!  Let me know what your primary source of calcium is….plant based foods or animal source.  Please share this info in your social media posts!!!images

 

 

References:

  1. http://www.peta.org/living/food/reasons-stop-drinking-milk/
  2. http://greatist.com/health/18-surprising-dairy-free-sources-calcium
  3. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/89/5/1638S.full