tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26716065988140259022024-03-13T09:31:06.549-06:00Health 4 Life CookingPurchase my cookbooks and find out when my upcoming cooking classes are at www.health4lifecooking.comApril Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-4073669201897059772016-03-11T13:02:00.001-07:002016-03-11T13:02:05.005-07:00Why the Nation’s Largest Health Plan Wants Its Doctors to Recommend a Plant-Based Diet<span style="background-color: #fdf9ea; color: #4b301a; font-family: open-sans, 'open sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 33px;">If physicians know of a treatment that could prevent and reverse disease, then it seems like that treatment should be the first-line method of care prescribed to patients. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest managed care organizations in the country, found that there is, in fact, such a treatment. In their</span><a href="http://www.thepermanentejournal.org/issues/2013/spring/5117-nutrition.html" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(253, 249, 234); box-sizing: border-box; color: #d93f3c; font-family: open-sans, 'open sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 33px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">official materials</a><span style="background-color: #fdf9ea; color: #4b301a; font-family: open-sans, 'open sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 33px;">, they now advise the 17,000+ physicians in their network to recommend the most powerful, yet least-used prescription to their patients: a healthy, plant-based diet and active lifestyle.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdf9ea; color: #4b301a; font-family: open-sans, 'open sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 33px;">Click <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/why-the-nations-largest-health-plan-wants-their-doctors-to-recommend-a-plant-based-diet/?mc_cid=0736657e96&mc_eid=bcffc8fcf6" target="_blank">here</a> to read entire article.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-16364180654309873522014-10-02T15:25:00.000-06:002014-10-02T15:25:59.734-06:00Recipe: Apple Cookie Crumble<span id="yiv7177587830yui_3_16_0_1_1412284124502_9687" style="font-family: Calibri;">Every year when summer comes to an end, I'm always sad to see the wonderful summer fruits also come to an end. Thank goodness we have apples to look forward to in the fall! And they are here in full swing in many varieties! I love a good sweet crunchy apple just the way it is. I also love to make salads with apples and apple desserts. According to Dr. Michael Greger with NutritionFact.org those who consume an apple a day have less oral, breast, colon, kidney, and ovarian cancers. The more apple the less cancer. They stop all stages of tumor growth and clears out all budding tumors. Peelings are anti-oxidant and anti-prolific (stops spreading). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div id="yiv7177587830yui_3_16_0_1_1412284124502_11111" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yiv7177587830yui_3_16_0_1_1412284124502_11110" style="font-family: Calibri;">Just in time for the weekend is a favorite recipe that is published this week in the Independent on-line. This recipe can also be found in my new cookbook Whole Food American Favorites. Give it a try and make a comment under the recipe. I would love to hear from you!</span></div>
<a href="http://www.suindependent.com/news/id_6761/cid_84/Healthy-Recipe-of-the-Week:-Apple-Cookie-Crumble.html">http://www.suindependent.com/news/id_6761/cid_84/Healthy-Recipe-of-the-Week:-Apple-Cookie-Crumble.html</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-28465927811265541432014-08-23T19:29:00.000-06:002014-08-23T19:29:20.182-06:00Welcome Whole Food American Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwMNESOg0ug/U_k4pOe8oRI/AAAAAAAABFc/8TBII130QJ4/s1600/Whole%2BFood%2BAmerican%2BFavorites%2BFRONT%2Bcover%2Bfinale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwMNESOg0ug/U_k4pOe8oRI/AAAAAAAABFc/8TBII130QJ4/s1600/Whole%2BFood%2BAmerican%2BFavorites%2BFRONT%2Bcover%2Bfinale.jpg" height="320" width="207" />I</a></div>
I'm super excited to introduce my new cookbook <em>Whole Food American Favorites! Whole Food American Favorites </em>is not just American food. It's the food that American's love, including Mexican food, Mediterranean, Asian and more!<br />
<br />
My recipes are made with whole natural plant foods that are high in nutrients. No refined foods, no oils, and minimal processed sugars and flours. Nothing artificial!<br />
<br />
<em>Whole Food American Favorites </em>takes traditional recipes like enchiladas, sloppy joes, meat loaf, burgers, desserts of all kinds, and changes them into nutrient dense recipes using vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruits. I use ordinary foods that can be found at most grocery stores. These are the foods that can heal your body, help you maintain your ideal weight, and bring you greater health for life.<br />
<br />
Sickness and disease do not need to be your genetic destiny. You have the ability to enjoy optimal health throughout your entire life. Let <em>Whole Food American Favorites, </em>and my other cookbook <em>Whole Food Goodness, </em>help you to achieve superior health for life.<br />
<br />
Order your copy today at <a href="http://www.health4lifecooking.com/">www.health4lifecooking.com</a>. <br />
<br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-17333850962449312082014-06-29T08:58:00.005-06:002014-06-29T08:58:54.126-06:00Interview with Susan Leven, RDWhat a great testimony of a plant based diet!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/videos/advanced-study-weekend-experts/susan-levin/">https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/videos/advanced-study-weekend-experts/susan-levin/</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-14827365716178187612014-05-23T11:29:00.001-06:002014-05-23T11:29:35.884-06:00Protein and Muscles by Dr. John McDougall<span class="userContent">No one needs to worry about getting enough protein. If you are eating a healthy balanced whole plant food based diet, you are getting enough. The largest and strongest animals on the planet eat green leafy vegetation. They are healthy and free of the diseases that afflict most Americans. </span><br />
<span class="userContent">Listen to the words of an excellent doctor.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/videos/mcdougalls-moments/protein-and-muscles/">http://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/videos/mcdougalls-moments/protein-and-muscles/</a><br />
<br />
April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-50484391679427670452014-04-30T08:15:00.000-06:002014-04-30T08:15:09.741-06:00How to Reverse Diabetes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py7qJQ8nBzI/U2EEg5SaHII/AAAAAAAABEo/4K3AUqkX5gM/s1600/greger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py7qJQ8nBzI/U2EEg5SaHII/AAAAAAAABEo/4K3AUqkX5gM/s1600/greger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py7qJQ8nBzI/U2EEg5SaHII/AAAAAAAABEo/4K3AUqkX5gM/s1600/greger.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py7qJQ8nBzI/U2EEg5SaHII/AAAAAAAABEo/4K3AUqkX5gM/s1600/greger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
Dr. Michael Greger explains how fat (not carbs) is the main trigger for type-2 diabetes. <br />
<br />
Check out his web site <a href="http://www.nutritionfacts.org/">www.nutritionfacts.org</a> and learn what the science says regarding diet and other health related issues. <br />
<br />
Thank you Dr. Greger for your endless and unselfish contribution to human health!</div>
April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-72011677671259351702014-04-21T19:49:00.000-06:002014-04-21T19:49:31.484-06:00Soft Serve Chocolate Banana Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lauGG2p7snM/U1XKGlt73YI/AAAAAAAABEY/SNpZKnIQllY/s1600/Cocoa+Banana+Ice+Cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lauGG2p7snM/U1XKGlt73YI/AAAAAAAABEY/SNpZKnIQllY/s1600/Cocoa+Banana+Ice+Cream.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It's been way too long since I've posted recipes! Life is busy!<br />
I finally have a night to sit out side and enjoy a wonderful warm spring evening watching my cats play and eating some Chocolate Banana Ice. It has zero fat and is super easy to make and it's like soft serve chocolate ice cream! Yummilicious!<br />
<br />
Here is the recipes:<br />
3 cups frozen banana slices<br />
1 t vanilla<br />
2 T water<br />
3 T unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
In a food processor, grind frozen banana slices with vanilla and water until it starts to get creamy. You will need to stop the food processor and use a fork to help break up the chunks. Add in the cocoa power and process until it's all incorporated together. Scoop out into a bowl, grab a spoon and go for it! But you better share some with your significant other so you don't get a tummy ache from eating that many bananas:)April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-50703953136386679572014-04-09T12:36:00.000-06:002014-04-09T12:36:09.270-06:00Vegan Meals with Chef AJI love cooking videos! But to be honest, there are very few that I've found enjoyable to watch and that keep my interest. This video by Chef AJ is great! Take a look:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmXWgBCzdxU&feature=youtu.be" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397054783345_4591" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmXWgBCzdxU&feature=youtu.be</a> <br />
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1397054783345_4590">
</div>
April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-29197571361144290382013-12-04T14:09:00.003-07:002013-12-04T14:09:42.103-07:00Reverse Heart Disease? Absolutely!Julia is living proof that you can reverse heart disease!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/success/SuccessStory.aspx?id=226">http://www.drfuhrman.com/success/SuccessStory.aspx?id=226</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-25263037461602398422013-11-20T14:01:00.001-07:002013-11-20T14:01:19.802-07:00Avoid Cardiovascular Disease with DietI have a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. Both sets of grandparents had it, my Dad had a quadruple bypass when he was 60, and many aunts and uncles have suffered the consequences of this life threatening disease. Is this my genetic destiny? I think not!<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful for the knowledge I've gained over the last 25 years, which I am implementing into my diet every day, that will greatly reduce, and most likely eliminate my risk of ever having a heart attack. <br />
<br />
In this article, Julianna Hever, the Plant Based Dietitian, tells 5 ways to avoid cardiovascular disease without medication.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://plantbaseddietitian.com/5waystoavoidcvd/">http://plantbaseddietitian.com/5waystoavoidcvd/</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-75017313596569092232013-11-15T08:29:00.002-07:002013-11-15T08:29:53.301-07:00Organic vs. conventionalIn almost every class that I teach, someone asks about organic vs. conventional produce. This is a great question and Julianna Hever addresses it very well!<br />
<a href="http://plantbaseddietitian.com/organic/">http://plantbaseddietitian.com/organic/</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-17753028443194823102013-09-19T11:18:00.001-06:002013-09-19T11:18:29.351-06:00Eliminate Chronic PainI love teaching cooking classes for the <a href="http://thebridgerecoverycenter.com/">Bridge Recovery Center!</a> My heart goes out to all who are suffering with chronic illness and I hope and pray that they can find recovery at the Bridge. In my classes I emphasize the importance of good quality, high nutrient plant foods and how they can cleanse, detoxify, repair and heal your body. This is a great testimonial from Roberta Joiner who is no longer suffering with chronic pain because she changed her diet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/stars/stars-video/roberta-joiner/">http://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/stars/stars-video/roberta-joiner/</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-70260632644226808172013-08-30T13:33:00.000-06:002013-08-30T13:33:40.395-06:00Extremeitis - from Disease Proof<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5220f3390b23a9764091843">
This is such a fantastic post by Disease Proof writer Emily Boller. I know that this is one reason that there are so many who come to my classes, come to the Vegetarian Society programs, so excited and ready to take control of their health <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">and after a few months, I never see them again. it's so hard to be different! It's so hard to be labeled "extreme" or "radical." It's so hard to with stand the funny looks, constant sarcastic remarks, criticism, and honest concerns of family and friends. I hope you will take the time to read this post and redefine for yourself what "normal" means in your life.</span></div>
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/inspiration-have-you-caught-the-extremeitis-bug.html">http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/inspiration-have-you-caught-the-extremeitis-bug.html</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-52052416183779801062013-07-16T11:00:00.003-06:002013-07-18T10:18:36.572-06:00Combating Common Diseases - Michael Greger, MD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBnlLss29I/UeV8IhERLtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/kTPt__08msQ/s1600/Michael+Greger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBnlLss29I/UeV8IhERLtI/AAAAAAAAA2I/kTPt__08msQ/s200/Michael+Greger.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another one of my favorite web sites for nutrition education is <a href="http://www.nutritionfacts.org/">www.nutritionfacts.org</a>. </div>
Dr. Michael Greger posts a new 3 - 5 minute video every other day about his latest discoveries in nutrition research. Below is his annual nutrition review in an hour long lecture. I hope you will take some time to watch. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://nutritionfacts.org/video/more-than-an-apple-a-day-preventing-our-most-common-diseases/">http://nutritionfacts.org/video/more-than-an-apple-a-day-preventing-our-most-common-diseases/</a>#April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-78410597919753313412013-06-24T13:45:00.002-06:002013-06-24T13:46:59.367-06:00Vegan Education at Your Fingertips<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372081493186_17636">
One of my favorite sources for "vegan education" is the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii. They have monthly educational programs where they feature some of the best health experts on plant based nutrition. This is a recent lecture by Mary Clifton MD, who has recently discovered the power of a vegan diet in reversing disease, something that she did not learn in medical school. She is cute and fun to listen to. I hope you will take time to watch.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=One5RrppWT8" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372081493186_17645" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=One5RrppWT8</a></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372081493186_17646">
</div>
April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-50106033691556358202013-06-07T07:40:00.001-06:002013-06-07T07:45:33.314-06:00Foods That Fight Inflammation.<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51b1e256d73347484478969">
I'm really excited to see this post from Dr. Michael Greger today on Facebook. <br />
<a href="http://nutritionfacts.org/video/anti-inflammatory-antioxidants/">http://nutritionfacts.org/video/anti-inflammatory-antioxidants/</a> <br />
In my smoothie class this morning, one of the guests asked which smoothie, out of the 3 smoothies I made, was best for inflammation. I told her the one with the highest anti-oxidants which was the <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">Purple Power Smoothie. And here is Dr. Greger to back me up. So this is for my friends at the Bridge Recovery Center (<a href="http://www.thebridgerecoverycenter.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.thebridgerecoverycenter.com</a>) and anyone else who is fighting inflammation. Be sure to read his blog posts suggested below the video.</span></div>
</span><br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-67756787219048576172013-06-05T13:12:00.000-06:002013-06-05T13:12:55.302-06:00Choose To Be Well!<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm reading another book called Uninformed Consent by Hal A. Huggins, D.D.S., M.S. There is s paragraph that I love and want to share. It might seem a little bold and offend some, but I'm trying to be more outspoken in my old age:)<br /> <br /> "If you are on prescription medicines, you are not well, even if you are holding most of the symptoms at bay. Dying in your seventies after spending the last twenty to thirty years of your life with one or more chronic diseases may be the pattern shared by the majority of the population, but it is not good health, and you do not have to settle for it."</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-37409279517517029222013-05-15T15:36:00.003-06:002013-05-15T15:36:53.630-06:00When "Vegan" is not Enough by Jeff Novick, RDLast night I had a great class with a group from the Bridge Recovery Center. One lady asked what the difference was between vegan, vegetarian, and plant based diets. Great question Lisa! I have always avoided using the words "vegan" or "vegetarian" because they don't mean healthy. Jeff Novick RD addresses this "trap" that many fall in so well. Please take the time to read this post and especially the comment at the bottom posted by a man who was eating a "vegan" diet and almost had his 2nd coronary event.<br />
<a href="http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=36550">http://www.drmcdougall.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=36550</a>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-76622206542521458362013-05-09T11:08:00.001-06:002013-05-09T11:08:33.410-06:00Things are looking up!<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I taught a class last night for my daughters Relief Society (my church women's organization) and am so excited and impressed by their knowledge of plant based nutrition! All in one night I heard "I'm vegan," "my mother is vegan," "my husband is vegan and finished the Iron Man," and two ladies who asked me if I knew of Dr. Fuhrman. And there were so many others who seemed very familiar with the things I was talking about. <br /> 20 years ago I felt alone in this journey. Today I am so excited that there are so many others wanting to take control of their health.<br /> A big thank you to my daughter Crystal for arranging this event and for those 30 or so women who took time out of their busy lives to come learn. I wish I had some pictures to share. Next time!</span>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-26836999195741106092013-04-24T19:19:00.001-06:002013-04-24T19:21:18.006-06:00Travel Smart with Healthy Snacks<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiD8iHlOETg/UXiDWvrQ1wI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/zBL0xqNkxBk/s1600/trip+snacks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiD8iHlOETg/UXiDWvrQ1wI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/zBL0xqNkxBk/s320/trip+snacks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51788255e88951016865747">
Going on a trip doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health. I'm going to Salt lake City this weekend and have gathered all my snacks for the trip so I'm prepared when hunger strikes or when I'm sleepy driving up and need something to ke<span class="text_exposed_show">ep me awake. There is also enough for back-up in case I get hungry while I'm there. So here it is: Jicama &carrot slices, refried beans (I was going to make humus but this was left over from dinner so it will work),sweet potato fries, nut/seed based ranch style dip, roasted brussle sprout halves(great for dipping), caulflower, sweet peas, and when that sweet tooth strikes I have lemon balls. The greens and oranges are for my breakfast smoothie which will also include some frozen strawberries. Yes, I haul my blender every where I go! Then I've got a container of water and 1/2 an avocado that I don't want to leave behind. I wont have any trouble finding a use for it!<br /> I hope this gives you some ideas for the next time that you travel!</span></div>
</span><br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-52032646936240496292013-04-13T06:25:00.001-06:002013-04-13T06:25:58.331-06:00Kale for Calcium<span class="userContent">Did you know that a 4 oz serving of steamed kale has just as much calcium as one cup of milk? Broccoli, bok choy, sesmae seeds, and garbanzo beans are also excellent calcium sources. These plant foods have very little artery clogging saturated fat, NO cholesterol, are loaded with fiber and thousands of micro nutrients that are critical for good health. Furthermore, the body absorbs about 50% of the calcium in greens compared to only about 32% of the calcium in milk.<br /> I think I'll have some leafy greens with my Chic Pea Burgers tonight! See my recipe page for Chic Pea Burger recipe.</span>April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-36589922366391498152013-04-13T06:05:00.000-06:002013-04-13T06:26:43.449-06:00Kids Can Have Fun Eating Healthy<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVKXNn8RzBg/UWlJkxdQfzI/AAAAAAAAAys/SfbgaCtpXTs/s1600/305999_10151388874291235_1697838762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVKXNn8RzBg/UWlJkxdQfzI/AAAAAAAAAys/SfbgaCtpXTs/s200/305999_10151388874291235_1697838762_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51694893b72782e27694951">
This is Sean. He is a lucky kid because he has a mom and grandma that are teaching him to eat healthy which includes making healthy treats. His grandma is one of my most committed cooking class attendees and has had great success transition<span class="text_exposed_show">ing her family to a plant based diet. Sean gives my Peppermint Patty nut candies 5 stars! Wow! Thanks Sean! It makes my day when I find a healthy treat that kids love. <br /> You can find this recipe and more on my recipe page.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51694893b72782e27694951">
</div>
April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-48367159293879214482013-04-05T21:16:00.000-06:002013-04-05T21:28:31.666-06:00Prevent and Reverse Heart DiseaseDr. Caldwell Esselstyn has done great work helping his patients reverse their heart disease. He has had 100 % success with those patients who were complaint to his program.<br />
Listen to John and Ocean Robbins interview Dr. Esselstyn about his program.<br />
<a href="http://www.foodrevolution.org/blog/dr-esselstyn/">http://www.foodrevolution.org/blog/dr-esselstyn/</a><br />
<br />
My husband and I heard Dr. Esselstyn speak live at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo in southern California in 2007 and it motivated my husband to put Dr. Esselstyns advise to the test. <br />
<br />
Despite eating a 95% healthy vegan diet since we married in 1996 (only because that is the way I was cooking) my husbands cholesterol was still up around 275. After hearing Dr. Esselstyn in an on-line video, I started cutting out extracted oils from the dishes that I was preparing because I had learned from him, and others in the plant based nutrition world, that "free oils" or "extracted oils" such as olive oil, canola oil, etc. were harmful to the body and increase risk of heart disease. My husband continued to use Earth Balance Buttery Spread, Veganaise, and a few other foods that contained oils that I continued to buy. I had already rocked his world by taking away his butter, meat, and dairy products, I just couldn't bare to take away these other things that I worked so hard to get him to transition to. <br />
<br />
After a weekend at the Healthy Lifestyle Expo listening to the best of the best plant based nutrition experts, he said to me on the way home "I want to give it a try. I don't think it will work, but I'm willing to put it to the test." He was talking about the oils. Getting rid of the oils. Yes, the Earth Balance, the Veganaise, chips, crackers, breads with oils and anything else that has even a drop of any kind of oil in it. We even decided we were not going to eat out during this 6 week trial period. <br />
<br />
Six weeks later his cholesterol had dropped 50 points! He was totally suprised and motivated to continue! Since then it has been slow going getting his numbers to drop but Dr. Fuhrman says that if you are eating a nutritarian diet like he recommends, high in leafy green vegetables and other colorful vegetables, beans, seeds, and berries, and limiting your animal products (which are the ONLY dietary source of cholesterol) you have cut your risk of heart attack way down despite your numbers. <br />
<br />
If you are eating a plant based diet and still have high cholesterol, I challenge you to get rid of the oils and increase your intake of dark green leafy veggies. April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-45705785367116211982013-03-23T19:53:00.003-06:002013-03-23T19:54:54.395-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dsk67nzvBU/UU5cCygPxoI/AAAAAAAAAyc/PSuz34AUfKw/s1600/Chic+Pea+Enchilada+Cass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dsk67nzvBU/UU5cCygPxoI/AAAAAAAAAyc/PSuz34AUfKw/s200/Chic+Pea+Enchilada+Cass.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Health for Life Cooking Class information has been moved to the "Dinner Class" page. Please see that page for pictures and menu items for uncoming dinner classes. Thank you!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2671606598814025902.post-2103953231920370952013-02-01T12:03:00.002-07:002013-02-01T12:03:58.677-07:00The Allium Family<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Are you familiar with the allium family of vegetables? They include onions, garlic, leeks, chives, shallots, and scallions. These vegetables, like green cruciferous vegetables, have powerful anti-cancer benefits. These compounds are not activated until you chop, crush, or chew them and break down their cell wall. You can smell a whole onion all day without it making you cry. Cut it open and start chopping and you have activated those powerful compounds. </span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">These compounds are called organosulfur compounds and they are anti-angiogenic, which means that they can prevent tumors from obtaining a blood supply to fuel their growth. In studies of breast cancer cells, garlic and onion phytochemicals have caused cell death or halted cell division, preventing the cancer cells from multiflying.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Shallots are one of the best in the allium family of vegetables. Red and yellow onions are also pretty high in anti-oxidants but white onions are lower in anti-oxidant compounds. Red onions are particularly rich in anthocyanins which is also abundant in berries. Quercetin is an anti-oxidant the keeps damaged cells from advancing to cancer, and also have anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to cancer prevention. Onions are also anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Eat them every day!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Reported by Joel Fuhrman, MD - <a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.DrFuhrman.com</a></span></span></span><br />
The other night for dinner I fixed my Deep Dish Tortilla Pie, which I will be demonstrating at my Bridge Recovery Center (<a href="http://www.thebridgerecoverycenter.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.thebridgerecoverycenter.com</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>/</a>) class tonight, and was reminded of how good it is and that I need to fix it more often! The recipe is out of my cook book Whole Food Goodness and you can also find it on my recipe page <a href="http://www.health4lifecooking.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html">here</a>.<br /> Try it this week end and let me know what you think!<br />April Ashcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12979468936091611922noreply@blogger.com0