Month: October 2019

A Healthier Way to Live

A Healthier Way to Live

Organic Farming

What is “organic farming”?  It’s a system that works in harmony with nature rather than against it. This involves using techniques to achieve good crop yields without harming the natural environment or the people who live and work in it.  The soil is a living system containing millions of different creatures which are needed for recycling nutrients. It needs to be continuously nurtured.  Organic farmers carefully manage the use of soil, land and water resources without using toxic pesticides that are poisoning farmworkers and farming communities.

Conventional farms use these synthetic toxic pesticides which drift through the air and water to other areas in the community causing people to get very sick. Children are especially at risk of being poisoned because their small bodies are still growing and are vulnerable to these toxins.

“The Whole Picture”

Organic food contributes to better health through reduced pesticide exposure for all and increased nutritional quality. In order to understand the importance of eating organic food from the perspective of toxic pesticide contamination, we need to look at the whole picture—from the farmworkers who do the valuable work of growing food, to the waterways from which we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat.  Organic food can feed us and keep us healthy without producing the toxic effects of chemical agriculture.

Nutritional Benefits from Eating Organically Grown Foods

*Fruits and Vegetables have higher levels of antioxidants.

*They are richer in micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper and magnesium.

*They are easier on the immune system.

Personal Note:  We have little control over air and water pollution in our environment, but we do have the power to choose what foods we eat.  I have chosen to eat organic foods whenever possible.   Most of the produce in my soup is grown organically.  I grew up eating conventional foods and it wasn’t until a few years ago that I researched the subject and decided that it was in my best interest to eat organically grown foods whenever possible.  Being an Environmentalist I’m deeply concerned about the damage caused by conventional farming methods to the land and our bodies.  I also learned that I like the taste and texture of organic produce over conventional.  It’s tastier and heartier with a deeper color and flavor.

I am blessed to live in a community which offers “organic” at reasonable prices.  This might not be true for you.  If this is the case I suggest that you do the best you can with what’s available in your area.  Buy “organic” when you can get it and conventional when necessary.  Organic produce might be expensive in your area…another consideration.  If this is true…then grow your own!  Start a community garden! 

https://www.organicconsumers.org/sites/default/files/what_is_organic_farming.pdf

https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/organic-agriculture/why-organic/health-benefits

Posted by DSaull in Farming Methods
“Mind over Matter”

“Mind over Matter”

This is where I’ll share what I’ve learned about motivation, building healthier habits, developing that “positive” mental attitude. Think of it as “exercise for our minds”.

There are some books that have been especially helpful to me that I will be sharing in what I hope will be an entertaining way – presenting them in a “series” format so we can really get the most out of each one.

Posted by DSaull in Mental Matters
Nutritional Support

Nutritional Support

*Food Labels:  Here’s where we’ll learn how to interpret those Ingredient Labels on packages…the ones written in Latin (pharma-speak)…We’ll break all that down into simple, understandable language that can help you make better choices for you and your family.

*How about suggestions for dealing with those low blood sugar moments?

*Can’t sleep? Healthy alternatives to taking a sleeping pill will be shared here.

*Feeling sluggish? Are there changes you can make in your diet that can reverse that?

*Sometimes we don’t know what we’re doing wrong…we’ve developed habits that have created problems for us and we can’t see it…this is where a “Diet Survey” might come in handy. Writing down what, when, and where we eat can help give us some objective feedback about ourselves. I will be creating a survey that you can answer privately…once you’ve identified some issues we can begin to search for some healthier options together.

*The Support Group could be a useful tool for this.

Posted by DSaull in Nutrition
What’s so Intelligent about Emotions?

What’s so Intelligent about Emotions?

This is where we’ll explore ways to achieve Emotional Intelligence about ourselves and others…how to deal with our emotions in healthy ways.  Lots to discover here!

 

Posted by DSaull in Emotions
It’s More than Just the Food We Eat!

It’s More than Just the Food We Eat!

This is where I’ll share ideas for finding “organic” solutions to health issues like using a heating pad on sore muscles for as little as 15 minutes or adding Epsom Salts to your bath water to relieve soreness.  As an example, my body was so sore the other day but I didn’t want to wait for the bath to fill…so I poured a few cups of Salts into a container of hot water and stepped into it.  I sat on the couch for about 10-15 minutes soaking my feet, and when I got out the soreness was gone!  Simple and so relaxing!

It’s all about achieving harmony!

Posted by DSaull in The Organic Approach
Our Physical Side!

Our Physical Side!

This is where I’ll share my Stretching techniques, workout ideas, suggestions for sport activities, and much more!

Posted by DSaull in Physical Fitness