and here a more indepth interview with the speaker:
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Boosting immune defense...
We've been through a week of illnesses. And I am proud to say that I managed to take care of my little ones last Friday all by myself although I had also been ill and was quite week. We worked through it together, without any paracetamol this time, only wet cloths and a lot of water. It increased my confidence in myself, and although I became a bit anxious when the high (39) fever didn't seem to want to let go of my little girl. But both she and I were determined to fight it off naturally, and we did. Second day she was already a lot better.
Now I am boosting them with all kinds of foods that hopefully will help them to fight off any other infection present at their daycare. This is what I have come up with so far:
1. Juiced oranges with ginger and cinnamon - made into popsicles in the muffin molds in the freezer. Usually it is hard to get the kids to eat ginger, but this way it worked!
2. Bone broth - soup out of bone broth. I only had fish broth in the freezer so I made fish soup. Added som ginger to it as well, so little that it hardly had any effects.
3. Water - water - water. When the kids were so ill that they didn't want anything at all I used all techniques except for force. I blackmailed and I psyched them. Call me a witch mother but it worked. They drank it all up.
4. My natural chocolate / date / coconut balls, filled with dried c-vitamine rich berry powder, anti-inflammatory coconut oil, and probiotics powder. The kids usually notice when I add the probiotics to yogurt or porridge, or smoothies and then they refuse to drink it. But in these chocolate balls the probiotics went down unnoticed.
5. Coconut icecream , fortified with probiotics, for the same reasons as above.
6. Treat: chickpea/oatmeal bread. New recipe of mine. Worked wonders yesterday when appetite was still low. I guess bread isn't the best thing in the world to give the kids but when the only thing my girl wanted when she was feeling really bad was some bread, I just had to fulfill her wishes. I got a big hug as I served her some fresh bread right from the oven yesterday.
And with this, I hope we are done being ill for now ...
Now I am boosting them with all kinds of foods that hopefully will help them to fight off any other infection present at their daycare. This is what I have come up with so far:
1. Juiced oranges with ginger and cinnamon - made into popsicles in the muffin molds in the freezer. Usually it is hard to get the kids to eat ginger, but this way it worked!
2. Bone broth - soup out of bone broth. I only had fish broth in the freezer so I made fish soup. Added som ginger to it as well, so little that it hardly had any effects.
3. Water - water - water. When the kids were so ill that they didn't want anything at all I used all techniques except for force. I blackmailed and I psyched them. Call me a witch mother but it worked. They drank it all up.
4. My natural chocolate / date / coconut balls, filled with dried c-vitamine rich berry powder, anti-inflammatory coconut oil, and probiotics powder. The kids usually notice when I add the probiotics to yogurt or porridge, or smoothies and then they refuse to drink it. But in these chocolate balls the probiotics went down unnoticed.
5. Coconut icecream , fortified with probiotics, for the same reasons as above.
6. Treat: chickpea/oatmeal bread. New recipe of mine. Worked wonders yesterday when appetite was still low. I guess bread isn't the best thing in the world to give the kids but when the only thing my girl wanted when she was feeling really bad was some bread, I just had to fulfill her wishes. I got a big hug as I served her some fresh bread right from the oven yesterday.
And with this, I hope we are done being ill for now ...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Sugar statistics
Thought I should share with you this statistic:
Year Kg/sugar consumed per capita, UK
1700 1.8
1725 3.5
1750 3.5
1775 4.9
1800 8.5
1825 8.0
1850 13.0
1875 26.6
1900 40.0
1925 39.0
1950 44.2
1965 48.5
1983 44.5*
2010 53.0
*Of which 13.5 kg was sugar added by the consumer, and 31 kg was sugar ‘hidden’in foodstuffs (Cannon, 1987: 111), e.g. tomato soup. cereal bars, biscuits, soft drinks. Adaptedfrom, (Ferguson 1971: 66) (Mathias, 1976: 453) (Johnstone, 1976: 60) (Ponting,1991:.237)
Now, what kind of thoughts come to my mind looking at these figures?
Well, first of all: increased sugar consumption is directly related with the availability of large sugar plantations in Americas. No doubt.
Second, how can these figures have gone unnoticed in the cholesterol-heart attack debate? Wouldn't it be logical to link the rapid increase in sugar consumption with the increase in cronic deseases? Particurlarly as our consumption of fat probably (should be checked) was quite stable until 1950.
The UK is almost consuming the same amount in a week that they used to consume in one year in 1700, per capita that is, average in common English. This means some consume a whole lot more.
Can someone tell me why we are debating fat when all statistics points towards another villain???
Year Kg/sugar consumed per capita, UK
1700 1.8
1725 3.5
1750 3.5
1775 4.9
1800 8.5
1825 8.0
1850 13.0
1875 26.6
1900 40.0
1925 39.0
1950 44.2
1965 48.5
1983 44.5*
2010 53.0
*Of which 13.5 kg was sugar added by the consumer, and 31 kg was sugar ‘hidden’in foodstuffs (Cannon, 1987: 111), e.g. tomato soup. cereal bars, biscuits, soft drinks. Adaptedfrom, (Ferguson 1971: 66) (Mathias, 1976: 453) (Johnstone, 1976: 60) (Ponting,1991:.237)
Now, what kind of thoughts come to my mind looking at these figures?
Well, first of all: increased sugar consumption is directly related with the availability of large sugar plantations in Americas. No doubt.
Second, how can these figures have gone unnoticed in the cholesterol-heart attack debate? Wouldn't it be logical to link the rapid increase in sugar consumption with the increase in cronic deseases? Particurlarly as our consumption of fat probably (should be checked) was quite stable until 1950.
The UK is almost consuming the same amount in a week that they used to consume in one year in 1700, per capita that is, average in common English. This means some consume a whole lot more.
Can someone tell me why we are debating fat when all statistics points towards another villain???
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Some new selected pics!
Lemon tree on a friend's back yard. Pick and choose!
Huevos de campo = REAL EGGS (check out the Chilean colors, even blue!)
HAHAHA!!!!
My best lunch place, Naturista, here with an algue soup (cochayuyo)
Naturista, peak lunch hour. Check out those men in black! haha!
Yet another morning at yet another market. Lovely!
This one even sold chicken. Didn't manage to convey mother-in-law that she should have one in her backyard...
Stroller is almost full.
Half a rabbit, at a new typical Chilean food restaurant in Viña del Mar. The waitrer told us that the dishes would be big...well, yes, humangously big! Pottery from pottery village Pomaire.
Borgoña vine = redwine with strawberries... a little bit too sweet but oh so good!
Peruvian lunch in Viña del Mar: Ceviche... oh how I have missed this dish!
Snack at the road toll stop, handy way to shop... if you eat alfajores or bread that is!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
From burned out to hunting witches!
Last year was intense (last year as in school year Sept 2011-Aug 2012). I allowed myself to open my eyes, or actually open my links to alternative blogs and Facebook pages regarding food, and to new (to me) streams of thoughts within economic sciences. Heavy.
Since long, my private email is filled daily with new information on food and health related issues and my work mail is filled with other alarming studies on society, environment, and sustainability. I am totally aware of the problems of the world, both inside our bodies and outside. Living currently in a place where these things are not even dicussed makes me feel that there is really not much left to do. Here, ALL kids drink some sort of sugary drink every day (many times even). And it doesnt end there, it is completely normal to eat white wheat based breads for breakfast (if not chocopics or some other sugarfilled cereals), before lunch and as evening snack. Kids have sugar yogurts for breakfast and snack. People think you are crazy if you do not want sugar in your coffee or tea... Kids meal at the restaurants always include "papas fritas", and asking for something else causes eye browse to rise (also asking for water for the kids instead of the juice that otherwise would be included).
Then in my work inbox: rising sea levels threathen US coast line, Loss of the hope of Utopia etc... And not surprisingly the major newspaper over here is prentending that it is a good thing that China is hungry for the country´s natural resources (now also turning its interest towards food, not only minerals and pulp...). The same newspaper reports the alarming tendency that the country is loosing its position as the most important cupper exporter... I mean, hello, earth calling!!! Reality check, anyone?
I think it has been great the the new social media have opened new venues for concious people to exchange information and also pass on information to others interested. But really, who are we kidding? And really, is it really worth it? Could it be that more happiness is hidden is just relaxing, instead of walking around and thinking of the end of the world. Because right now reading my inbox it really feels like "its the end of the world" but after a couple of days at the beach I can also tell you that "I feel fine..."(thanks vitamine D!). I even had a pisco sour today, and an ice cream ( the kids too...and how they smiled afterwards!)!
Anyways, for me it is time to turn the page and start focusing on the good stuff. That is why I am planning to learn more about indigenous culture and medicine. I am really intrigued about the whole cosmovision of Chilean indigenous tribes. This is my second year of eyes wide open, and instead of walking around being alarmed about the state of the world I am going to concentrate on the good stuff. Because it still exists out there, we just have to go and find it! And pass it on and defend it, as if it was the most precious gift of all!!!
I´ll tell you more once I have found my machi maestra!
Since long, my private email is filled daily with new information on food and health related issues and my work mail is filled with other alarming studies on society, environment, and sustainability. I am totally aware of the problems of the world, both inside our bodies and outside. Living currently in a place where these things are not even dicussed makes me feel that there is really not much left to do. Here, ALL kids drink some sort of sugary drink every day (many times even). And it doesnt end there, it is completely normal to eat white wheat based breads for breakfast (if not chocopics or some other sugarfilled cereals), before lunch and as evening snack. Kids have sugar yogurts for breakfast and snack. People think you are crazy if you do not want sugar in your coffee or tea... Kids meal at the restaurants always include "papas fritas", and asking for something else causes eye browse to rise (also asking for water for the kids instead of the juice that otherwise would be included).
Then in my work inbox: rising sea levels threathen US coast line, Loss of the hope of Utopia etc... And not surprisingly the major newspaper over here is prentending that it is a good thing that China is hungry for the country´s natural resources (now also turning its interest towards food, not only minerals and pulp...). The same newspaper reports the alarming tendency that the country is loosing its position as the most important cupper exporter... I mean, hello, earth calling!!! Reality check, anyone?
I think it has been great the the new social media have opened new venues for concious people to exchange information and also pass on information to others interested. But really, who are we kidding? And really, is it really worth it? Could it be that more happiness is hidden is just relaxing, instead of walking around and thinking of the end of the world. Because right now reading my inbox it really feels like "its the end of the world" but after a couple of days at the beach I can also tell you that "I feel fine..."(thanks vitamine D!). I even had a pisco sour today, and an ice cream ( the kids too...and how they smiled afterwards!)!
Anyways, for me it is time to turn the page and start focusing on the good stuff. That is why I am planning to learn more about indigenous culture and medicine. I am really intrigued about the whole cosmovision of Chilean indigenous tribes. This is my second year of eyes wide open, and instead of walking around being alarmed about the state of the world I am going to concentrate on the good stuff. Because it still exists out there, we just have to go and find it! And pass it on and defend it, as if it was the most precious gift of all!!!
I´ll tell you more once I have found my machi maestra!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Vegetarian "con piernas"
I have found my favourite lunch restaurant. Fast food. Fast vegetarian food. Its called "Naturista" and it is only one block away from the National Library.
Decorated like a "café con piernas" but the servants and male (not beautiful young light dressed women), the servings are delicious vegetarian plates (not coffee), and the clientel is mostly health concious busy people (not old and grumpy men). Loooove!
Yesterday I had a soup of "cochayuyo" (Chilean brown algues). I have never been a fan of chocayuyo, but this soup got me hooked. I went back today for a plate of lentils with rice, topped with ají and pebre! Yam, yam, yam.
I have also made a deal with the chef that he will prepare a "torta de ensalada" for a me to take with me home. It looks so delicious and I want to check if my kids like the concept. The problem is that they make it with pancakes but he promised he could make one with ham instead of the wheat pancakes, if I bring the ham (its a veggie-restaurant, they wouldn´t have such ingredients...).
I am also planning to go and buy a "water based" icecream made out of the fruits of the season. I guess that would be a sorbet. But I am curious to try.
Some day I´ll post the pictures from this lovely place!
Cheers!
Decorated like a "café con piernas" but the servants and male (not beautiful young light dressed women), the servings are delicious vegetarian plates (not coffee), and the clientel is mostly health concious busy people (not old and grumpy men). Loooove!
Yesterday I had a soup of "cochayuyo" (Chilean brown algues). I have never been a fan of chocayuyo, but this soup got me hooked. I went back today for a plate of lentils with rice, topped with ají and pebre! Yam, yam, yam.
I have also made a deal with the chef that he will prepare a "torta de ensalada" for a me to take with me home. It looks so delicious and I want to check if my kids like the concept. The problem is that they make it with pancakes but he promised he could make one with ham instead of the wheat pancakes, if I bring the ham (its a veggie-restaurant, they wouldn´t have such ingredients...).
I am also planning to go and buy a "water based" icecream made out of the fruits of the season. I guess that would be a sorbet. But I am curious to try.
Some day I´ll post the pictures from this lovely place!
Cheers!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Metro observation
I am right now baking a "tiger cake". It is so nice that there are frozen beans in the deep frozen section at the supermarket. You do not need to plan ahead two days to get this bean cake done. It is realy nice to get the hands into the dough again. There is not much time over for that kind of stuff right now. Mostly it is the head that is in the middle of a very messy (but oh so interesting!) dough of field research.
Thought I should plot down some food observations while the cake is baking (and the kids watching tv). Like yesterday, when I took the metro at 7:20 in the morning, and the two young ladies accompanied by a girl the age of my daughter got on the metro at the same place as me. As the metro started moving they picked up a "alfajor" (cookie with caramel sauce dipped in chocolate frosting) and opened the packed and handed it to the girl. Nice breacky! The girl was happy! I stood right next to them, and watched. Was this close (1 cm) to tell them how bad that is for the girl's long term health. But I kept quiet. None of my business.
My father-in-law explained a better strategy. If I have the chance, I should use the economic arguments (and the weight loss argument) to get people to understand. Usually one of the most misinterpreted issues about eating healthy is that it is more expensive. Really, it isn't. Particualrly not here. How much money isn't poored into all those coke bottles? Cookies? Different types of bread. At the end of the day, you need less when you eat healthy. But I am not really into converting anyone (anymore). If someone asks for advice, I can help, if not, not my business. And that is why am taking a step back and keeping my mouth (and eyes) shut. Not my business.
My business it to get my bean cake out of the oven. Now!
So long!
Thought I should plot down some food observations while the cake is baking (and the kids watching tv). Like yesterday, when I took the metro at 7:20 in the morning, and the two young ladies accompanied by a girl the age of my daughter got on the metro at the same place as me. As the metro started moving they picked up a "alfajor" (cookie with caramel sauce dipped in chocolate frosting) and opened the packed and handed it to the girl. Nice breacky! The girl was happy! I stood right next to them, and watched. Was this close (1 cm) to tell them how bad that is for the girl's long term health. But I kept quiet. None of my business.
My father-in-law explained a better strategy. If I have the chance, I should use the economic arguments (and the weight loss argument) to get people to understand. Usually one of the most misinterpreted issues about eating healthy is that it is more expensive. Really, it isn't. Particualrly not here. How much money isn't poored into all those coke bottles? Cookies? Different types of bread. At the end of the day, you need less when you eat healthy. But I am not really into converting anyone (anymore). If someone asks for advice, I can help, if not, not my business. And that is why am taking a step back and keeping my mouth (and eyes) shut. Not my business.
My business it to get my bean cake out of the oven. Now!
So long!
Monday, October 1, 2012
The dangers of soy - 170 of them - scientifically proven.
With hubby this morning, we just talked about how badly informed people are about the effect of soy. The conversation started from that I had seen one kid bring Ades juice (soy milk sweetened with some flavor of orange or apple) as morning meal drink. His parents probably thought they were choosing the "healthier" option. I was also still affected by the article I read last night on how polluting the GMO soy is in Argentina. The numbers that sticked in my mind was 300 out of 6000 inhabitants next to a soy field, with cancer. I do not want to contribute to such numbers...somewhat ironic that many big consumers of soy are vegetarians, and one of the main purposes of that lifestyle is to defend this earth from harms of the food supply.
So if you are a soy eater, read this and reconsider! 170 scientific reasons to lose the soy in your diet
Extract:
"
"
In sum, soy in almost any form is bad for human health. It is particularly bad for those with thyroid function.
"
For those of you who just sat down because you are so taken aback by the notion that soy is not actually the healthfood you thought it was, here are 170 scientific reasons to back up this assertion.
Please note that fermented soy in small, condimental amounts as practiced in traditional Asian cultures is fine for those who have healthy thyroid function. Only miso, tempeh, natto and soy sauce (IF traditionally brewed) fall under this category. In addition, if you want to sprinkle a few edamame on your salad or have a few small cubes of tofu in your miso soup from time to time, that is fine too. Just don’t make it a regular part of your diet!
If you have any sort of thyroid issues going on, however, it is really the best policy to avoid all soy all the time as soy is a potent goitrogen (thyroid suppressor) even if fermented.
"
In sum, soy in almost any form is bad for human health. It is particularly bad for those with thyroid function.
I think Lindt is the only chocolate I have found which doesn't include soy lecitin. And there are many many many other places where soy hides as lecitin. That is yet another reason to stay away from as much industrial processed foods as possible (and preferably only eat grass fed meat... which is not possible where I am right now).
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