Natural

Elderberry Syrup–for cold and flu season

Posted by HealthfulMama on Dec 1, 2011 in Natural Health | 7 comments

Elderberries have long been touted for their ability to boost the immune system, among other healthful benefits such as lowering cholesterol and helping with vision. Elderberry remedies have shown success in treating influenza as well. Increase your body’s flu-fighting superpowers by taking 2 teaspoons (10ml) of elderberry syrup daily. Children over the age of 1 may consume 1 teaspoon (5 ml). As with any medical practice, consult a health professional before starting a new treatment. Elderberry Syrup: 1/2 c. dried elderberries (use 1 c. fresh if available) 3 c. water 1 c. local...

Natural Network Blog Hop–Slow Food: Take the Challenge!

Posted by HealthfulMama on Sep 16, 2011 in Blog Hops, Dinner, Something From Nothing Meals, Yums | 0 comments

This Saturday, September 17th, Slow Food USA is inviting you to be a part of their $5 Challenge, and the Natural Network Blog Hop wants to kick it off and invite you to join us! The challenge is to take back the “value meal” by getting together with family, friends or neighbors to enjoy a meal that costs no more than $5 per person (the cost of the average fast food meal). Slow Food USA says that slow food shouldn’t have to cost more than fast food, and they’re right! If you want to join in, you can sign up for the challenge at Slow Food USA. If you’re a...

Committing to Change

Posted by HealthfulMama on Sep 6, 2011 in Steps to Healthier Eating | 2 comments

I was on my hands-and-knees this morning, wiping sticky quinoa off the floor, daydreaming about the arrival of my Roomba (WTF? Since when did *I* start daydreaming about appliances?), contemplating whether I should have saved my money and committed to the fact that I need to sweep the floor more often than I care to do, when the state of my life hit me. And then I stopped. There it is. I needed to commit to the change instead of trying to find an easy solution. So often, with the availability of technology and convenience items, it is simple to avoid change. (Will I be sending my Roomba...

Hot Dog or Not Dog?

Posted by HealthfulMama on Sep 2, 2011 in Dinner, Lunch, Snacks, Yums | 6 comments

So, what’s the deal with hot dogs? Why are they seen as the epitome of poor eating habits? Well, for one, they are a processed food. Does that tube steak look remotely close to the meat from which it came? Clue #1 that it’s probably not the best for you. Secondly, hot dogs have been known to contain nitrates. Check out this simple FAQ sheet about nitrates and cancer. Well, crap. I don’t want cancer. What can I eat, then? Those juicy dogs are callin’ to me! A brand I really like is Applegate Farms. Their all-beef, nitrate free dog is better than any other grilled “haddog” I’ve...