Thursday, October 4, 2012

Archive: K is for Kale

K is for Kale.
Since I am part of the Shapelygirl Fitness Challenge this month. I thought I'd post some of my favorite healthy recipes. Not to mention that I am determined to start eating and living healthy again. 
Now I'd like some input  I'm thinking of starting a meme called "Friday Favorites." I would talk about my favorite things and you could share your. I am considering a link up to go with it as well. What do you think. 
I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!


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I've only recently discovered Kale but I love it. I has a lot of amazing health benefits!Here are nine reasons to eat kale, and eat it often.
Diet and Digestion 
One cup of kale has only 36 calories and zero grams of fat, which makes it a great diet aid. Furthermore, one cup contains nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which promotes regular digestion, prevents constipation, lowers blood sugar and curbs overeating. Finally, kale contains the glucosinolate isothiocyanate (ITC) that fights the formation of H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), a bacterial growth in the stomach lining that can lead to gastric cancer.

Antioxidants
Kale is a superstar in the arena of carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. The key flavonoids kaempferol and quercitin (not to dismiss the 45 other distinctive flavonoids in kale) have also been shown to specifically fight against the formation of cancerous cells. With the addition of high doses of well-known antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and manganese, kale is certainly a smart choice in the battle against cellular oxidation.

Anti-Inflammatory 
One cup of kale provides about 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids that helps regulate the body’s inflammatory process. A megadose ofvitamin K further aids to fight against excessive inflammatory-related problems, such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and asthma.

Cancer 
Not only do kale's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities work together to prevent and even combat cancer, a healthy diet of kale also provides glucosinolates, which have been shown to prevent colon, breast, bladder, prostate, ovarian cancers, as well as gastric cancer.

Cardiovascular Support
The high fiber content of kale lowers our cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because many of these bile acids are coupled with fiber, the liver is charged with producing more bile acid to digest fat, and therefore requires more cholesterol to so, ultimately lowering the amount of cholesterol within our bodies.

Detox 
The isothiocyanates (ITC) from glucosinolates found in kale aid in both phases I and II of the body’s detoxification process. The high sulfur content of kale has further been shown essential for phase II of detoxification.

Vitamin K 
Kale provides a whopping dose of vitamin K (providing 1327% of the RDA in one cup), which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Finally, vitamin K is essential for synthesizing sphingolipid, the fat needed to maintain the myelin sheath around our nerves, and therefore our nervous system as a whole.

Vitamin A 
With over 192% of the RDA of vitamin A, one cup of kale is an effective antioxidant, boosts immunity, maintains healthy bones and teeth, prevents urinary stones, and is essential to our reproductive organs.

Vitamin C 
Vitamin C, which one cup of kale heartily provides (over 88% of our RDA), is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also lowers blood pressure, ensures a healthy immune system, and fights against age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Here's my favorite Kale recipie: Kale Chips! :)
  • eheat oven to about 375*
  • Use about 1 OXO salad spinner’s worth of kale (which was a stuffed grocery store veggie bag). Tear the leaves off the thick stems into bite size pieces. Spread out on cookie sheets.
  • Drizzle with about 2 tsp of olive oil
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan, Asiago or your seasonings of choice. Plus a sprinkle of kosher salt.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes, until edges are brown and kale is crispy when moved in pan
Have you ever tried Kale? Would you try Kale Chips? 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wordless Wednesday 10-3-12

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 Woman by Amy Bayliss



About the Book:

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 is a book that dispels the myths surrounding the P31 woman and gives a glimpse into the truth behind these verses of scripture.
It takes us from a works based mentality to one that frees us to accept that Christ is the only one who could ever fulfill scripture. Yet, there is practical wisdom and knowledge to be gained from those verses.
The book dives deep into the character traits represented and how we can accomplish them while keeping Christ as the focus. It is a short read but it is packed full of wisdom and practical application.

My review:
I have to be honest when I first agreed to review this book, I was dreading it. I thought Proverbs 31 was an unattainable list for every Christian woman to aspire to.  After reading this book I discovered that I couldn't have been more wrong. I love how this book helps you see beyond that. That each woman is different and that we all are on different journeys  What matters most is that we give our lives to God.  Everything-our mind, our wills, our emotions, our unrealistic expectations, you name it-give it all to Him. I love how the book is broken down into short manageable chapters with  questions, focused thoughts and scripture memory at the end of the chapters. I wish the book was in paperback form instead of ebook. I think it would be great to be able to make notes in the margins of the book while going through it.  I highly recommend this book for any woman who wants to draw closer to Him. 
About the Author:

I'm an indie author, web publisher, blogging, digital publishing, and social media consultant, and I am a small business owner but my favorite job is being a wife to Ryan and mama to my four, rowdy boys!
Most of all, I'm just me. I make mistakes (quite often). I don't always get it right. Hopefully I learn my lesson the first time. If not, I have an awesome savior who doesn’t give up on me.
Oh you want the official bio? Here goes…
Amy Bayliss, then Amy Grant, began blogging in 2005. Since that time she has trail blazed through the blog scene co-founding and propelling online retreats like Homemaker’s Challenge, and her personal website:Cajun Joie de Vivre. She also brought to the table an innovative way for bloggers and their readers to connect by establishing online conferences and workshops through A Woman InspiredHOTM Conferences, and DIY Ministry. She has been featured Woman’s Day Magazine, Inside Out Programming, and was the feature story and cover girl for CWO Magazine in August of 2008.
Currently, she is a regular columnist or contributing writer to the following publications: Sisters in BloomRooMag by Candace Cameron Bure,The Better Mom, and A Martha Heart.
Amy is the author of Pursuit of Proverbs 31 and Do It Yourself Online Ministry. She is now wife to Ryan and mom to four rambunctious boys that range in age from 18 months to 15 years. They reside in Cajun Country where they worship and serve under Healing Place Church.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of CWA Review Crew. 

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Shapely Girl Fitness Challenge

I'm super excited to be participating in the Shapelygirl Fitness Review and Challenge this month. First a little about  Debra Mazda and then on to me and the challenge.
I absolutely LOVE Debra Mazda's philosphy on fitness. She describes her fitness program Shapelygirl   "...as a safe, fun and energizing program for women of all sizes to move, breathe and feel great. The ShapelyGirl Workout is more than just an exercise routine. It's a positive way of thinking about your body and your health. Debra says, "most women believe they have to lose weight before they can take a fitness class. They often feel too intimidated to walk into a health club. They put off thinking about exercising - in fact many women I know really put their entire lives on hold until the "someday" when they reach that magical number on the scale. That scale that is supposed to let them know that it's time to start living. I'm encouraging women to start moving and start living now. Whatever size you are or want to be, whatever diet you intend to start on Monday, no matter how many times you've tried and failed to make healthy changes in your life, you need to start moving today! That's what The ShapelyGirl Workout is all about."
 She describes a Shapelygirl as-  She's passionate, positive and confident in her curves. She is moving forward to better health. She's comfortable in her body and knows FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES. A ShapelyGirl doesnt let her dress size dictate how she feels about herself. She knows who she is, gets up when she falls and never gives up. ShapelyGirls are re-defining what fashion, fitness and beauty mean. No matter where you are on your journey come and join us in the ShapelyGirl Community for ideas, motivation and success stories from ShapelyGirls everywhere."  I love this! I want to be a Shapelygirl. No wait I WILL be a Shapelygirl!  I also love that she has a no diet contract. Debra encouarges healthy eating and movement not diets. You can download your own copy of the no diet contract here
You too can become a Shapelygirl! Debra Mazda's products are available at Shapelygirl Fitness  You can also follow Debra Mazda on Twitter @DebraMazda . You can also connect with ShapelyGirl Fitness on Facebook
I will be reviewing Debra's Let's Get Moving 2: Cardio with Weights for the the entire month of October.
Let's Get Moving! 2, Cardio Toning with Weights DVD
I've agreed to work out 3 times a week to the video. I am reviewing this video for the Christian Woman's Review
Now for a little about me
I've been chubby all my life. I am guilty of emotional eating. I am very slowly but surely making progress in this area though. I have medical issues that affected my weight and my life. I have been over weight as much as 300 lbs. My husband and I started eating heathier and exercising several years ago but  I just recently started getting serious about my health. I know I will never be a single digit size of clothing. I am totally ok with that. I am not okay with being unhealthy anymore. I want the last three fourths of my life to be the best it can be! I'm 5'11" (one inch away from 6"-so near yet so far! ) I am currently down to 244 but my goal is 200. Here's a picture of me now
No, it is not pleasent for me to look at this picture. But It's me- The good, the bad and the ugly. I am not where I need to be but I am thankful I am not where I was. I am also going to measure myself (actually my wonderful husband is-thanks my love)as well as weighing in each week. I have discovered that you can lose inches but still weigh the same or more because muscle weighs more than fat.
Here are my mesaurements: 
Bust:   48"                              Chest:     42"       Waist:51"     Hips:  50 1/2"             Thigh:   29"            Calves: 17 1/2"

Upper Arm:   16"          Forearm:  10 3/4


I will be posting every Monday about my progress, struggles and breakthroughs. I'd love to have you join me. I challenge you get get up and move three times a week for 30 minutes. I will be posting a button so you can link up each Monday with me and we can share our stories. I can't wait to hear from you! Together we can achieve more!


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I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  #cwareviewcrew


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Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire Book Review

cauldroncover Escaping The Cauldron

About the book:


An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom
Though Kristine McGuire was raised in a Christian home, at an early age she became fascinated by the occult. At sleepovers she and her friends told fortunes and held séances. As a teenager she was convicted and put all games of mysticism aside. She went to a Christian college and married a Christian man. But despite her decision to follow God, a longing for the occult persisted, leading her to leave her church and husband and to fully embrace witchcraft.
Escaping the Cauldron takes you deep inside Kristine’s eight-year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. Part Bible study, part memoir, it exposes the subtle occult influences that affect us as it reveals how God mercifully delivered her out of the occult altogether and restored her faith and life in Christ.

My thoughts about the book:
Once I got started reading the book I couldn't put it down. I didn't realize how many ways the occult influences are in our every day life. This is a topic that Christians seldom talk about even though I believe it definately needs to be addressed. The book helps readers be aware of what is going on in the world and always points the way back to Christ.  As well as telling her story, Kristine also shares her insight on pop culture items that we may or may not realize deal with the occult such as Harry Potter, the Twilight Series, scary movies, even yoga. I higgly recommend this book for any Christian.

About the Author:
Kristine McGuire is an inspirational writer and speaker, sharing her testimony and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. A gifted writer, her work has been featured on Positively Feminine, Faithful Devotions, and Praise & Coffee Magazine (Fall 2011). Kristine's testimony has also aired on The 700 Club.

Kristine is a wife and the mother of two adult daughters. She enjoys writing, spending time with her family, long walks, listening to music of all kinds, and experiencing God's daily gift called life.




I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of GlassRoad Media.


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