Thursday, April 7, 2011
How we have been giving back
We at SOMAMA believe that education is the root for many of South Africa and other 3rd world countries shortfalls. Even when kids do go to school they are not getting the education they rightfully deserve due to a variety of factors. It has therefore been on our hearts to share our blessings of education with kids who are in this situation. However small our effort is we still believe that it can make a difference, even just for the kids we teach.
SOMAMA have been involved with a group of 12 young girls in various ways in order to improve their basic skills like maths, English and computers. They all come from very poor backgrounds, living in a nearby squatter camp. They often have to cook, fetch water from a source a few kms away and don’t get time to do their homework.
Last year in July, two of the most promising young girls, Avela and Hlengiwe, were given the opportunity to attend Inanda Seminary School (www.inanda.org), which is a private school in Inanda and the Alma mater to a number of prominent government and business women. This was made possible through the generous donation of monies from various companies and individuals and this year they have been sponsored by Rotary. We were fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to pay for some of their education and were able to bless them with R10,000 to give them a chance to shine and hopefully bless others. Some of this money was also used for girls at Sparks like Nokwanda who’s parents couldn’t afford the school fees.
Every Tuesday afternoon, Coral (the inspiration for our name SOMAMA) makes healthy lunches for them and joins up with 2 other ladies at Sparks Estate Secondary School where we help them with their schoolwork. Last year we concentrated on English and the year before mainly Mathematics – two major educational deficiencies of underprivileged communities in South Africa. The girls are developing a love for reading and drama. At the end of 2010 they put on a mini play which was very entertaining and rewarding.
The one young girl (Nokwanda) has now got a group of 5 preschoolers that meet with her once a week, in the squatter camp where she lives, so that she can read to them and help develop a love for reading at an early age.
Alan, Grant, Brad and Jonathan meet on a fairly regular basis with the girls on a Saturday to teach them computer skills. This has proved to be very popular with the girls and obviously lacking in of these communities. The exposure and the resources on the internet has amazed them and encouraged them to think broader than they previously would (which is often underdeveloped in their classrooms).
Often when you give of yourself you don’t realise it is often you who receive and benefit the most. The look in their eyes and the appreciation is well worth the time, money and the effort. If you wish to get involved in any way please drop us a mail and we will try our best to include you. The best you can do is try to find a place in your locality where you can give of your time, expertise, heart and passion.
If you can read this webpage you are blessed in more ways then you could imagine. SOMAMA encourages you to find a way to share your blessings with others less fortunate.
PS – You can also arrange for your My School card (usable at WW and other shops) to benefit Sparks Estate Secondary School, we all have.
Sign up here - https://www.myschool.co.za/supporter/apply/
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Racism makes me MAD!
I was at the Post Office this morning waiting to collect a parcel. An old sullen man was first in line and had definitely seen many days of sun without suntan lotion which apparently evaporated any happiness out of him.
He was obviously there to receive a parcel as he gave his tracking number over and waited for the lady to return. This lovely counter lady searched all over but could not find his parcel. It baffled me that within such a short time this man was getting so infuriated! Soon his upside down opening articulated the undeserved irate reflex reaction "incompetent", "you can't read". And openly intimating that the counter lady and manageress, from a previously disadvantaged background were stupid or at least not as clever as him just because of their skin colours!
This really makes me MAD that people can still openly exhibit disgusting racist habits in our lovely rainbow nation! If anything we should have extra patience for previously disadvantaged communities as he is part of the generation that disadvantaged them! We are the guilty ones and they are doing their best! And no matter if someone has a different colour skin, intellectual capacity, age, sex, income, religion, school or anything it doesn't make you better or worse off then them. We are all equal!
This story ends with an old sad man going home angry and bitter, blood pressure and stress rising, lifespan decreasing and a separation between people of the same nation. And the funny thing is it wasn't the lady at the counter or the branch manager who was stupid but it was the old sullen man whose parcel wasn't even there but will arrive tomorrow!
I have learnt that there are an infinite number of lessons we can learn from each other no matter who they are or what they have done. Be open to it. I am so proud of those two ladies that didn't react to that sad man. And I hope they dispelled all the bitterness and anger he forced onto them today.
Let's come together and stop racism. Learn to relax and have patience for everyone around otherwise you too will end up senile, sullen and stupid!
Feel free to share this story with your friends and family or comment below...
He was obviously there to receive a parcel as he gave his tracking number over and waited for the lady to return. This lovely counter lady searched all over but could not find his parcel. It baffled me that within such a short time this man was getting so infuriated! Soon his upside down opening articulated the undeserved irate reflex reaction "incompetent", "you can't read". And openly intimating that the counter lady and manageress, from a previously disadvantaged background were stupid or at least not as clever as him just because of their skin colours!
This really makes me MAD that people can still openly exhibit disgusting racist habits in our lovely rainbow nation! If anything we should have extra patience for previously disadvantaged communities as he is part of the generation that disadvantaged them! We are the guilty ones and they are doing their best! And no matter if someone has a different colour skin, intellectual capacity, age, sex, income, religion, school or anything it doesn't make you better or worse off then them. We are all equal!
This story ends with an old sad man going home angry and bitter, blood pressure and stress rising, lifespan decreasing and a separation between people of the same nation. And the funny thing is it wasn't the lady at the counter or the branch manager who was stupid but it was the old sullen man whose parcel wasn't even there but will arrive tomorrow!
I have learnt that there are an infinite number of lessons we can learn from each other no matter who they are or what they have done. Be open to it. I am so proud of those two ladies that didn't react to that sad man. And I hope they dispelled all the bitterness and anger he forced onto them today.
Let's come together and stop racism. Learn to relax and have patience for everyone around otherwise you too will end up senile, sullen and stupid!
Feel free to share this story with your friends and family or comment below...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Anytime Healthy (Helsy) tasty Meal
This is a meal that I eat and love. Not only does it taste amazing but it also is highly nutritious, healthy and easily digestible. It is great for any meal of the day. And provides you with a lovely balance of high quality protein, carbs, antixodants, vitamins and minerals.
There are also so many ways to adapt it to make it healthier/raw/ vegetarian or however you want it.
Here it is …
Components
• Napoletana sauce
• Low GI/health bread of choice
• Pouched eggs
• SOMAMA Raw Chia
• Raw Super Guacamole
• Raw Sprouts
• Hummus optional extra
• And some leafy greens if you want
Pouching eggs like a chef
Fill pot with water heated by the kettle
Dial stove to maximum heat
Add vinegar to pot
Wait for the water to boil
Stir water in the pot to create a vortex
Quickly break your egg (free range of course) and add the contents into the vortex
Keep checking the eggs to see if they to your preference of hard or soft
Use a spoon (with holes in it) to take the eggs out of the pot
Using the spoon drain the water off the eggs
Use your poached eggs as desired
Gourmet Napoletana sauce
What you need –
• Two tins of tomato (any form) or 5 tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• 2 Onions
• 5 cloves of Garlic
• Olive oil
• Sweetener of choice (can use SOMAMA organic goji berries)
• Salt of choice
• Black pepper
• Herbs and spices of choice (e.g. rosemary, thyme, coriander)
• 1-3 Chilies (if you don’t mind a bite)
• Blender (preferably hand variety)
Chop or use a hand blender to cut the garlic and onion into fine bits
Heat up a pot with some olive oil
Add the garlic and onion bits to the pot
Once they are cooked add the tomato, chili, herbs, black pepper and spices
Bring it to a boil and boil any excess water off the mixture
Take the temperature down to a simmer
Blend into a fine liquid with your hand blender
Add salt and sweetness as needed
Simmer the mixture, at low heat, allowing the flavor to development (longer the better)
Use as a base for pizzas/pasta dishes, as a sauce or just as is
Raw Super Guacamole
What you need –
• 1 Avocado
• ½ Lemon
• ¼ to ½ Onion
• 1 to 2 clove of Garlic
• Salt and Spices
Cut or blitz the garlic and onion into fine bits
Cut open Avo and scoop out contents into a bowl
Squeeze the ½ lemon into the bowl (take the seeds out)
Add the onion and garlic bits
Add sparingly salt/spices of your choice
Mix it all together
Putting the meal together
Start off by cooking the Napoletana sauce
Once ready prepare guacamole
Poach your egg simply or chef style (if you dare)
Toast your health bread of choice
Spread guacamole over the bread
Shake SOMAMA Raw Chia all over the guacamole
Pour Napoletana sauce over your mixture or keep it on the side
Shake more SOMAMA Chia over your Napoletana sauce
Eat all together with some sprouts and perhaps some greens.
Hummus is also lovely with this meal.
Tips: - I suggest making guacamole and Napoletana sauces in excess so that you have more for the future meals. So when you are in a rush you just pop the egg and bread in and you have a meal.
- For more raw and vegan (and probably healthier) version
Substitute the Napoletana sauce for sliced tomatoes (lycopene)
Leave out the egg and bread (or substitute with raw bread)
HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!
Light hearted Disclaimer - I am by no means a chef so please take this with a pinch of salt. I just wanted to share a meal that has been help keep my lean and healthy over the past few months. Email me know if I need to make some changes - hello@SOMAMA.co.za and comment/share if you found this helpful. Email me if you want a list of the health benefits of each component.
There are also so many ways to adapt it to make it healthier/raw/ vegetarian or however you want it.
Here it is …
Components
• Napoletana sauce
• Low GI/health bread of choice
• Pouched eggs
• SOMAMA Raw Chia
• Raw Super Guacamole
• Raw Sprouts
• Hummus optional extra
• And some leafy greens if you want
Pouching eggs like a chef
Fill pot with water heated by the kettle
Dial stove to maximum heat
Add vinegar to pot
Wait for the water to boil
Stir water in the pot to create a vortex
Quickly break your egg (free range of course) and add the contents into the vortex
Keep checking the eggs to see if they to your preference of hard or soft
Use a spoon (with holes in it) to take the eggs out of the pot
Using the spoon drain the water off the eggs
Use your poached eggs as desired
Gourmet Napoletana sauce
What you need –
• Two tins of tomato (any form) or 5 tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• 2 Onions
• 5 cloves of Garlic
• Olive oil
• Sweetener of choice (can use SOMAMA organic goji berries)
• Salt of choice
• Black pepper
• Herbs and spices of choice (e.g. rosemary, thyme, coriander)
• 1-3 Chilies (if you don’t mind a bite)
• Blender (preferably hand variety)
Chop or use a hand blender to cut the garlic and onion into fine bits
Heat up a pot with some olive oil
Add the garlic and onion bits to the pot
Once they are cooked add the tomato, chili, herbs, black pepper and spices
Bring it to a boil and boil any excess water off the mixture
Take the temperature down to a simmer
Blend into a fine liquid with your hand blender
Add salt and sweetness as needed
Simmer the mixture, at low heat, allowing the flavor to development (longer the better)
Use as a base for pizzas/pasta dishes, as a sauce or just as is
Raw Super Guacamole
What you need –
• 1 Avocado
• ½ Lemon
• ¼ to ½ Onion
• 1 to 2 clove of Garlic
• Salt and Spices
Cut or blitz the garlic and onion into fine bits
Cut open Avo and scoop out contents into a bowl
Squeeze the ½ lemon into the bowl (take the seeds out)
Add the onion and garlic bits
Add sparingly salt/spices of your choice
Mix it all together
Putting the meal together
Start off by cooking the Napoletana sauce
Once ready prepare guacamole
Poach your egg simply or chef style (if you dare)
Toast your health bread of choice
Spread guacamole over the bread
Shake SOMAMA Raw Chia all over the guacamole
Pour Napoletana sauce over your mixture or keep it on the side
Shake more SOMAMA Chia over your Napoletana sauce
Eat all together with some sprouts and perhaps some greens.
Hummus is also lovely with this meal.
Tips: - I suggest making guacamole and Napoletana sauces in excess so that you have more for the future meals. So when you are in a rush you just pop the egg and bread in and you have a meal.
- For more raw and vegan (and probably healthier) version
Substitute the Napoletana sauce for sliced tomatoes (lycopene)
Leave out the egg and bread (or substitute with raw bread)
HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!
Light hearted Disclaimer - I am by no means a chef so please take this with a pinch of salt. I just wanted to share a meal that has been help keep my lean and healthy over the past few months. Email me know if I need to make some changes - hello@SOMAMA.co.za and comment/share if you found this helpful. Email me if you want a list of the health benefits of each component.
Friday, December 3, 2010
The new superfood CHIA - by Steph Martin (article from Breathe magazine)
Pronounced CHEE-ah, this highly nutritious seed has been aptly named, ‘History’s Forgotten Superfood’! Lost for over 500 years after the Spanish invasion of the 16th century, Chia is finally making a comeback due to its outstanding nutritional profile!
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Give the Gift of Health This Christmas By Steph Martin
No-one wants to be that last minute ‘stress ball,’ tearing around a frenzied shopping center in a mad rush, the day before Christmas, still trying to find that elusive perfect present! It is exhausting to even think about it!
How about this Holiday Season you allow yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun and festivities! Imagine that all your gifts are already wrapped and under the Christmas tree before December even hits… And how about we make this picture even better? Imagine that your gifts themselves are not just arbitrary last minute purchases, but gifts that are deeply thoughtful, exciting, interesting, and beneficial to the wellbeing of the recipient!
How about this year when you’re giving Christmas gifts to friends, family or coworkers you give one of the best gifts of all: The gift of good health!
And no, I’m not talking about carrot sticks and apples again! I’m talking about gifts that promote health; that are exotic, sustainably created, eco-friendly, nutrient-rich and interesting; gifts that are great conversation starters - that will get people to ask you what all this cool stuff is about; gifts that are different, that show that you care and gifts that the recipient will remember for years!
Here are just a few wonderful gift ideas to help you make this Christmas season exciting, stress-free, memorable and healthy!
Organic Superfood Hamper – Instead of the usual tins, biscuits and truffles; fill a basket with an amazing, colourful array of organic superfoods that are simply bursting with protective anti-oxidants, phyto-chemicals and fatty acids! Include a yummy recipe using the ingredients you have selected and be sure to include a personalised card with each item’s incredible health benefits! You can bet nobody else is giving them something so cool!
Some ideas of what to include are:
Goji berries – full of vital nutrients that strengthen the immune system as well as provide antioxidant protection, increase energy and aid in weight loss. Try the dark chocolate coated goji berries for a double-antioxidant treat!
Chia seeds: the ‘Aztec Superseed’ - rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and antioxidants, this amazing seed boosts the nutritional content and taste of any recipe!
Maca Powder – ‘the power food of warriors’ which helps increase energy, endurance and strength!
You could also include a selection of flavoured local raw honey like litchi blossom; the incredibly healing manuka honey; organic raw nuts like walnuts or macadamias; organic Bircher or gluten-free muesli; organic macadamia oil, coconut oil or olive oil; a selection of delicious, organic dried fruits (cranberries, peaches, dates, pomegranate arils, pineapple); exotic tea blends like Acai Green tea or Honeybush Caramel tea; organic spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg; or organic nut butters – try brazil nut, cashew nut or almond nut butter.
Raw Chocolate making kit – Did you know that raw organic chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU and better yet it is so easy to make! All you need to create this wonderful gift is a recipe book like “Naked Chocolate” by David Wolfe, the ingredients; raw cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut oil, vanilla and raw honey and a silicon mould to set the chocolate into beautiful shapes.
Even better yet book your friend or loved one on the raw chocolate making course “Death by Chocolate” (12th Dec) through Lifestyle Health. There you can learn how to prepare and enjoy this most loved and decadent food with the unhealthy side-effects!
Soy Candles – Not only are these wonderful candles scented with pure essential oils, but they are also petrochemical, toxin and 99% soot free. Soy oil is also environmentally friendly, biodegradable and long lasting – burning at least 50% longer than paraffin candles.
However, the best part has got to be the amazing moisturizing and therapeutic benefits of soy oil for the skin. The melted oil is warm to the touch and is fabulous to use as a massage treatment. Favourites include the Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon Citrus, or Harmony (rose, geranium and jasmine).
Healthy Kitchen Equipment - Good nutrition starts at home and it is so much easier to cook healthy foods if you have the best equipment available. Here are some terrific gift ideas to making healthy eating simple, delicious and a pure delight!
Hurom Juicer - compact and versatile, the Hurom Juicer is the ultimate drink making machine! Within minutes you can produce a delicious juice from any fruit or vegetable, as well as the green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, sprouts, beans and even nuts! YUM
Super Blender – this is an exceptional quality, high-powered blender that enables you to create so many simple and healthy recipes. It acts as a blender, a grinder, a food processor, an ice cream maker, a juicer, a smoothie maker, and so much more all wrapped in one amazing package.
Sushezi Sushi Maker – Their slogan is ‘professional sushi – made easy’! All you need to do is simply place the rice into the Sushezi, fill with your selected fillings, compact and push out a perfect Sushi Roll!
Spyragyra – Imagine being able to turn veggies into spaghetti! With the Spyragyra you can make raw zucchini or sweet potato spaghetti as well as salads, stir fry veggies, coleslaw, and more!
Organic Beauty Products – it has been shown that what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body! This Christmas ditch the chemical-laden beauty products in favour of natural and organic cosmetics that are paraben, SLS, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or propylene glycol FREE.
There are now a number of beautiful natural and organic cosmetic ranges that have brought out some stunning gift sets just in time for Christmas:
Dr Hauschka Christmas Bag with Rose Day cream and Rose Body oil
Earth n Love Christmas box with Cape Chamomile Mist, Cape Chamomile wash and Rejuvenating Soak & Detox
Victorian Garden Mango and Vanilla body butter and body scrub.
Badger Headache and Stress Soother balm.
Earthsap Lavender and Sugar beet shampoo and conditioner
Other ideas are;
• Subscription to the Natural Medicine Magazine
• Anti-radiation cellphone chip
• Health Books such as “Raising Happy Healthy Children” by Sally-Ann Creed and Alene Salvesen or “Hunger Free Forever” by Michael T Murray and Michael R.Lyon
• Kitchen Garden Sprouter set
• Voucher for an organic facial or massage treatment
So, why not consider a healthy gift this holiday season for your loved one? What better way to communicate that you care by giving a gift that will make them feel good all year long!
Happy healthy Christmas shopping!
How about this Holiday Season you allow yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun and festivities! Imagine that all your gifts are already wrapped and under the Christmas tree before December even hits… And how about we make this picture even better? Imagine that your gifts themselves are not just arbitrary last minute purchases, but gifts that are deeply thoughtful, exciting, interesting, and beneficial to the wellbeing of the recipient!
How about this year when you’re giving Christmas gifts to friends, family or coworkers you give one of the best gifts of all: The gift of good health!
And no, I’m not talking about carrot sticks and apples again! I’m talking about gifts that promote health; that are exotic, sustainably created, eco-friendly, nutrient-rich and interesting; gifts that are great conversation starters - that will get people to ask you what all this cool stuff is about; gifts that are different, that show that you care and gifts that the recipient will remember for years!
Here are just a few wonderful gift ideas to help you make this Christmas season exciting, stress-free, memorable and healthy!
Organic Superfood Hamper – Instead of the usual tins, biscuits and truffles; fill a basket with an amazing, colourful array of organic superfoods that are simply bursting with protective anti-oxidants, phyto-chemicals and fatty acids! Include a yummy recipe using the ingredients you have selected and be sure to include a personalised card with each item’s incredible health benefits! You can bet nobody else is giving them something so cool!
Some ideas of what to include are:
Goji berries – full of vital nutrients that strengthen the immune system as well as provide antioxidant protection, increase energy and aid in weight loss. Try the dark chocolate coated goji berries for a double-antioxidant treat!
Chia seeds: the ‘Aztec Superseed’ - rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and antioxidants, this amazing seed boosts the nutritional content and taste of any recipe!
Maca Powder – ‘the power food of warriors’ which helps increase energy, endurance and strength!
You could also include a selection of flavoured local raw honey like litchi blossom; the incredibly healing manuka honey; organic raw nuts like walnuts or macadamias; organic Bircher or gluten-free muesli; organic macadamia oil, coconut oil or olive oil; a selection of delicious, organic dried fruits (cranberries, peaches, dates, pomegranate arils, pineapple); exotic tea blends like Acai Green tea or Honeybush Caramel tea; organic spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg; or organic nut butters – try brazil nut, cashew nut or almond nut butter.
Raw Chocolate making kit – Did you know that raw organic chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU and better yet it is so easy to make! All you need to create this wonderful gift is a recipe book like “Naked Chocolate” by David Wolfe, the ingredients; raw cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut oil, vanilla and raw honey and a silicon mould to set the chocolate into beautiful shapes.
Even better yet book your friend or loved one on the raw chocolate making course “Death by Chocolate” (12th Dec) through Lifestyle Health. There you can learn how to prepare and enjoy this most loved and decadent food with the unhealthy side-effects!
Soy Candles – Not only are these wonderful candles scented with pure essential oils, but they are also petrochemical, toxin and 99% soot free. Soy oil is also environmentally friendly, biodegradable and long lasting – burning at least 50% longer than paraffin candles.
However, the best part has got to be the amazing moisturizing and therapeutic benefits of soy oil for the skin. The melted oil is warm to the touch and is fabulous to use as a massage treatment. Favourites include the Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon Citrus, or Harmony (rose, geranium and jasmine).
Healthy Kitchen Equipment - Good nutrition starts at home and it is so much easier to cook healthy foods if you have the best equipment available. Here are some terrific gift ideas to making healthy eating simple, delicious and a pure delight!
Hurom Juicer - compact and versatile, the Hurom Juicer is the ultimate drink making machine! Within minutes you can produce a delicious juice from any fruit or vegetable, as well as the green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, sprouts, beans and even nuts! YUM
Super Blender – this is an exceptional quality, high-powered blender that enables you to create so many simple and healthy recipes. It acts as a blender, a grinder, a food processor, an ice cream maker, a juicer, a smoothie maker, and so much more all wrapped in one amazing package.
Sushezi Sushi Maker – Their slogan is ‘professional sushi – made easy’! All you need to do is simply place the rice into the Sushezi, fill with your selected fillings, compact and push out a perfect Sushi Roll!
Spyragyra – Imagine being able to turn veggies into spaghetti! With the Spyragyra you can make raw zucchini or sweet potato spaghetti as well as salads, stir fry veggies, coleslaw, and more!
Organic Beauty Products – it has been shown that what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body! This Christmas ditch the chemical-laden beauty products in favour of natural and organic cosmetics that are paraben, SLS, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or propylene glycol FREE.
There are now a number of beautiful natural and organic cosmetic ranges that have brought out some stunning gift sets just in time for Christmas:
Dr Hauschka Christmas Bag with Rose Day cream and Rose Body oil
Earth n Love Christmas box with Cape Chamomile Mist, Cape Chamomile wash and Rejuvenating Soak & Detox
Victorian Garden Mango and Vanilla body butter and body scrub.
Badger Headache and Stress Soother balm.
Earthsap Lavender and Sugar beet shampoo and conditioner
Other ideas are;
• Subscription to the Natural Medicine Magazine
• Anti-radiation cellphone chip
• Health Books such as “Raising Happy Healthy Children” by Sally-Ann Creed and Alene Salvesen or “Hunger Free Forever” by Michael T Murray and Michael R.Lyon
• Kitchen Garden Sprouter set
• Voucher for an organic facial or massage treatment
So, why not consider a healthy gift this holiday season for your loved one? What better way to communicate that you care by giving a gift that will make them feel good all year long!
Happy healthy Christmas shopping!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
What did you do on 10-10-10?
The 10th of October 2010 marked an important day in the combat of global environmental and social issues. A staggering 7347 events(about 70 in our lovely South Africa) took place in 188 countries and ranged from solar installations to cycling for awareness to the planting of trees. There must have been tens of 1000s of people involved which will in turn impact millions if not billions of people in the years to come.
Unfortunately a flat bike tire stopped us from joining the cyclists in Durban city but I did get to plant a lime tree. Quite random I know but it was the only one in the nursery's range (all out of macadamia nut trees) that we wanted to use and I love cooking with citrus! So 1-2 years and I'll have my own organic limes.
I am not a big gardener but it was really rewarding to do and I highly recommend it. I will defintely be getting my hands greener sometime soon, with a macadamia tree (6-7 years till it bears nuts). I believe that every little bit counts.
I am encouraged by the increased consciousness of social and environmental issues. I have become more aware and try do my part in making a difference. It humbles me to witness how much people care about the environment. What a selfless and admirable act to invest in the future of their offsrping and humanity. I hope for blessing on these people in their lifetime.
So tell me what did you do on the 10/10/10? And in what way can you make a difference in your local environmental and social issues?
We had help from Chester (our beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback) and were visited by a blueheaded lizzard
Check out the following websites for what you missed out on in your city and more info
www.350.org
www.1010global.org
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The republic needs Natural and Organic!
A little over a week ago my girlfriend and I caught a cheap Kulula flight into Lanseria to go to the Natural and Organic show at the Coca Cola dome (ironic choice of venue).
In JHB, the land of the rat race, it was great to meet citizens of the republic who are socially, health and environmentally conscious. Here are some of my highlights from the show and why –
Victorian Garden
• Awesome products – lovely smelling and with organic ingredients
• Friendly people – the lady gladly smelt my hair to try to determine the VG Shampoo and Conditioner I used the night before
Wild Olive
• Amazing soaps made with natural ingredients
• Lovely values – they are in business for the right reasons
Soya Lites
• Helpful people, very generous
• Awesome candles – fantastic presents and everyone loves a massage
Laharna Farms
• I just love their award winning chili products (tried chilli salsa on the weekend – amazing!)
Tierhoek Organic
• The use a eco-friendly plastic called PLA (from a renewable source instead of oil)
• Best product for me is dark chocolate naartjies
• All products are ORGANIC!
Hurom Juicer
• This product is very exciting and could blow the juicing market away
• Very convenient, top quality juice, high output, slow juicer
• Definitely considering replacing my high speed juicer with a Hurom
Green home
• Wonderful people that you can’t help being friends with – extremely patient and helpful
• Awesome to have people that are passionate about the environment and social responsibility and know what they are talking about
Reel Gardening
• Innovative, amazing product called seed reel - check it out! (Thanks Claire)
Blue Sky Organics
• You got to love organic products! Organic Olives and Chilli!
Totally Wild
• lovely friendly lady
• great tasting products
Earth and Love
• Love their detox bath salts can’t wait to have a local stockist
• Down to earth husband and wife who are very approachable
All the above products and producers are great but my highlight of the show has to be Leafy Greens. They confirmed my beliefs that healthy food doesn’t have to taste bad, it can taste AMAZING! I would pay almost any price for their foods - Choc Brazil Nut Milk and choc brownies all raw, all natural and SUPER YUMMY! If you are in JHB make sure to visit them.
I believe this show does more for the health market and RSA than we realize. It brings together people of similar mindsets and promotes the formation of a community. This community re-energized me to take on the current global issues – poverty, consumerism and health. And is probably the reason why I’m drinking an organic vegetable juice this morning.
Thanks to the organizers, exhibitors and visitors that keep pushing through and making the Natural and Organic show happen. I have exhibited before and it isn’t easy so thanks!
Let’s keep making it better…
Be blessed Gogee Grant
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