When it's time to detox it's time for a fresh start

Why do a body detox?

Detoxifying your system is a way to start over.  Isn’t that what we all need sometimes, we need to create better habits so a radical change is necessary.  When you noticed that you are slowing down, experiencing extreme fatigue, are experiencing weight gain, hair, skin and nail changes, body aches, and even certain mental health issues it is time to detox and fortify.  We are now turning the tide on COVID and shifting into LIFE POST QUARANTINE.  Many of you are returning to work after being in the house for 2 months, some of you don’t fit clothing that you were just wearing a few months back, others need to fortify their system

and prepare to grind.  Whatever the reason is, your body needs a reset and this is going to help you.  

Let’s talk holistic and naturopathic detox methods that will help your body filter out the toxins and start a new clean system for a fresh start. 

1.       An extreme change in diet.  You need to know where the toxins come from.

a.        During this time I challenge you to go green, grow clean, and sustain by converting your system to a plant-based diet.  Plant-based means that most of your meal’s nutrients are coming from the ground as opposed to an animal or by-products of an animal.  I will tell you if you choose to reset your body by eliminating meat you will see how your digestive system is impacted by animal products. 

b.       Eliminate dairy products.  Dairy products are the culprit for a lot of digestive issues and poor gut health.  Why do I keep focusing on gut health?  Well, what you put in your body circulates through your system and ultimately ends up in the gut until its ready to be voided. 

2.       Incorporate herbal remedies for your vitamin boosters.  Cumin, turmeric, garlic, dandelion, green tea, spearmint, peppermint, basil, oregano, etc. have all been linked to holistic detoxifiers.  You can take these herbs in a pill form, utilize fresh herbs in cooking, or create detox teas.  All three are an excellent way to incorporate holistic healing methodologies in the new clean you.

3.       Rest.  What do you mean?  How does rest detox the body?  Our bodies sustain much abuse when we don’t have the proper rest.  You need to reset your body and your clocks to ensure that you are getting the sleep that you need so that you can handle more throughout the day. 

Don’t Keep them Around-  It’s for your good.

10 detox benefits would inspire anyone to start over.  When you need a boost in life, you have to know where to start purging.  Some times the things that we put in are just as bad as the things we keep around.  Let me tell you how God does me… and it's not always the most enjoyable thing to g(r)o(w) through but it’s a discipline tool that will help.  OUT OF REACH, OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND FOR THE MOMENT--  Allow me to explain.  I bake with my girls, call it antiquated but I believe in raising girls to be wives and mothers who take care of their family and home.  I started them early in the kitchen and with little tasks to help out.  Baking is our fun time.  We baked a tray of brownies recently and they were not going to be touched for 3 days.  So, I knew they were toxic to me, so I gave the majority of them away(OUT OF REACH AND OUT OF SIGHT), left a portion for the girls and enough for me to satisfy a small craving (MOMENTARY INDULGEMENT).  When I do my shopping, I put stuff in the virtual cart, and then ask myself:  Is that going to be a problem?  Like over eat?  Overindulge?  Most of the time the answer is yes, and those things come out of the cart and I usually have a conversation with the Lord about how I should’ve gotten it- and then eat oatmeal.. (and in some unusual craving moments, doubled down on kale- I know right, who says that).  During the time of detox, you do have to starve your body of the things that weigh it down.  When you detox long enough, your body becomes used to a system and won’t tolerate or easily adjust to the shock of adding in certain foods again.  For example, I don’t use sugar; some of the foods I have are made with sugar, but I don’t buy it or use it.  If I eat something to sweet, I can feel it—Its because I trained my body to reject what is not good for me.  The worst is reintroducing those foods back into your diet because you will start to crave them again.  Then its harder to become disciplined again; as you eliminate these foods you are adjusting your taste buds and mind to want the replacements more than you wanted what was not good for you.  I tell you this is true to nature; I buy bags of Kale, I refuse to eat jar tomato sauce because I make it from fresh tomatoes, I eat barley instead of rice, and almond milk (small portions) instead of dairy, no more yogurt, and sometimes can’t even stand the natural fructose in certain fruits because its too sweet.  My system has made a conversion but I still have work to do shifting the hormones to align with the conversion.  (*This too I believe can be done holistically to help women who are menopausal and experience hormonal weight gain and those who need to balance some things out during those lovely two weeks of the month. The luteal phase of hormonal dysfunction is the culprit for weight gain or slowed progress of weight loss.)

Let’s talk about the benefits of getting rid of the bad stuff

There are numerous benefits to a body reset and detox.  Let’s look at these 10 benefits and see if anything on this list inspires you to make the change.

1.       Weight loss and management

2.       More energy *

3.       Aids organ health

4.       Builds the immune system

5.       Better breath

6.       Shinier hair

7.       Clearer skin

8.       Improved thinking*

9.       Slows signs of aging

10.   Resets your body to enjoy eating healthy post-detox

The Faith Detox

Here is a product that I would like to introduce to you.  Its called, “The Faith Detox”. I downloaded this book some years ago but never fully read (Google books).  I heard the audio, and truth be told should be relistening during this month.  It’s a great book and can be found via Google.  The book identifies sin and toxin associations within the body.  The book has seven sections and I want to give you a quick sneak preview just so you download the book and get to detoxing.

1.        Faith and Physics – identifying body systems and why you have to clean house

2.       Prepare to be amazed- preparation

3.       Social Influence Toxins- Media, Ungodly Counsel, Soul Ties, Catastrophic world events

4.       Financial Toxins- fighting lack, debt, and missed opportunities

5.       Relationship Toxins-

6.       Purpose and Identity Toxins- 

7.        The blessings-

Each section identifies areas and systems of the body that need to be detoxed that are associated with spiritual toxins.  I think it's worth the read and the few dollars from the app.  

I pray that this resource blesses you and that you continue to detox to get that fresh start. 

Mind over Matter

Are you ready to make those changes that your body needs?

What's in your cup? Well, its time to sit back and evaluate literally what is in your cup.  What have you been putting into your body that has given you the same results of no change thus far?  So let's start there?  You started off this year saying that you aren't going to be a couch potato and now C19 has you quarantine cooking and snacking it up and you're like- whoa, why am I so tired lately? Where is my energy?  How did that get there?  Well, what you are consuming on a daily basis has a way of catching up with you whether it is good or bad.  If you have a healthy intake, a balance of greens, fruits, grains, water, with some "goodies" then you are in good shape and might just need to add a little movement to your day.  On the contrary, if your food choice has been carbs, fats, sweets, and snackin' it- well you are one of those people who put up the quarantine memes about not so subtle weight gain and have seemingly backed yourself into a corner and need out!  Help is on the way!   Let me help you get out of that corner by helping you change your mind.  

Ok, so I've said it quite a few times and I am going to reshape my statement.  I have struggled with weight since I can remember.  I have struggled with negative words spoken over me, I have struggled with being compared, and I have struggled with accepting the various shapes I've had over the years.  There were some seasons and reasons where I once was one of those people who ate and slept and saw the results of WHAT I DID TO MYSELF (ACCOUNTABILITY MOMENT) and I was frustrated, depressed, and overwhelmed because I needed to get out of that corner that many of you are in right now.   I had to take authority over my mindset and want to change.  It started with making up my mind!  Then I prayed about it and I asked God to take the taste out of my mouth for everything that I wasn't supposed to have and to give me the taste for everything that I needed to be clean and healthy.   Today, my diet is completely different, thanks be unto God.  While I still have some struggles with discipline - the greater battle is knowing how disciplined I've become, how much work has been put in to becoming this person, and to not allow anything to drag me backward.  You will always have to fight off temptations- hence the reason why when I bake- I give a lot of it away. I have to, because I know there are certain times (its a lady thing) when I can really get it in...  but doesn't mean I should give in to it.  

1st assault tactic

I am here to challenge your character by assaulting you with the truth.  The truth is that you know you need a change.  The truth is you know that you are not happy with how you physically feel, nor are you happy with how you look (no matter how fly you can dress- yeah I see you boo! you are full and fabulous and you look super fly!) but you also know that in that fullness you feel not so fabulous about the extra stuff and that is GOOD--  It is good to know how to make yourself feel good, but it is even better to be completely honest with yourself.  You've gone on too long trying to dress it up and make it work and you exude false confidence.   I want you to have real confidence so I am speaking to you this way.  If you truly felt good about yourself you wouldn't be reading this blog past the first five lines of this paragraph, but since you don't you are starting to feel the truth rise up in you and you are getting ready to learn how to hit back. 

Now that you got hit with truth are you ready to fight the lies?

Ok, well the truth is your eating habits have everything to do with the relationship you have with yourself and others and nothing to do with your love of food.   I like good food because I want to enjoy what I eat BUT I realized that not everything that I used to like was good for me, and there are some things like cakes and sweet treats that I still like, but turn my stomach inside out and therefore its a love/hate relationship.  What I should do is exercise discretion and say, "Hey, I might love you, but you aren't good for me.  Every time you and I get together I wind up feeling the pain in places that I don't need to experience pain in and you know what- it stinks! So, while I might love you, it is apparent that you aren't good for me because I hate the way you make me feel."  So its time for you to say goodbye to things that you might love, but simply are not good for you!  This is more than about food, this is about regaining control of your life and stop using food to fill voids.  I'm telling you the truth and I am telling you as someone who had emotional eating problems, and I speak to you today as someone who fights dysmorphic body images.  So are we ready to fight?  Yes, it is mind over matter and I need you to be ready to put the cookie down, put the fried foods in the garbage, and start a brand new relationship.

What's it like to start a new relationship?

Well, it depends on your zeal for what that relationship can produce.  Some jump right in and full-on, and hit the ground running.  Others ease into it because they aren't sure how it is going to treat them.  When I made the food changes, I had to quit some things cold turkey (through fasting on a continuum) and there were other things that I started to develop a craving for that became instant favorites and we developed a great relationship immediately.  I knew what was good for me, and my body would request it.  How did that happen?  I got more frequent tastes and urges to have it and so instead of craving bad things I was craving the things I really needed and enjoyed.  I started drinking beet juices with fruits and veggies, I was eating a lot of cooked vegetables and salads, and eventually, I got brave and tried salmon and other fish that I hadn't tried in my life!  What do you know, it was an instant love affair, one that I just can't help but want all the time.  

Tackling the fear that would prevent you from starting something new-

This is where you need to make the decision of your lifetime and I am going to show you what it looks like.  Complacency is a demon, this demon tells you that you don't have to change, it tells you that you are just fine the way you are and the only people who want to change you want to control you.  It tells you that if you change you won't be able to enjoy certain things because those OTHER THINGS don't fit your lifestyle, and it will tell you that you need them more than you need the new thing.  Have you heard that voice before?  Have you heard those things before?  Guess what- you heard the demon speaking out of fear of being killed!  So exercise your authority over something that is trying to kill the best you - and you kill it - before it kills you!  Survival of the fittest, it's a one-hitter quitter kind of game.  You see when the new thing comes in that what it does, it tackles the old system, nullifies it, and creates a whole new thing for healthier outcomes and sustainability.  You won't be able to tolerate old stuff.  You will be too enamored with the results that you are getting mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally from THIS HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP that you will want more of it, and want to explore the depth of what else it could offer.  

Let's wrap this up like a present waiting for you to grab and talk about THE BENEFITS... 

1. When you make up your mind that you need a change it's not because someone else pointed it out- its because you, yourself have come to a place where you recognize that change is needed for you to be the best you.   That's a benefit- developing an honest sense of self.

2. Replace love / hate relationships with love / love relationships with food.  You can get rid of the ice cream that is causing you much pain, and honestly, it stinks! (You can catch that one later) You love to consume it but hate the way it makes you feel, sound, and appear. I say if something is making you feel bad, making you sound bad, and making you appear bad, then that is a clear indication that you aren't losing anything at all!  Heck- it's a gain for you to get rid of it.  The only thing you are losing out on is how bad it made you feel! TOOTLES BECAUSE GUESS WHAT, THE REPLACEMENT KNOWS YOUR TASTE BUDS AND ALREADY HAS SOMETHING YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE.   The replacement satisfies your cravings, gives you everything that you have been looking for, and won't make you look bad, sound bad, or appear bad.  For example:  Why eat regular ice cream, when you can get vegan ice cream NON DAIRY, and still have a salted caramel flavor over baked apples and in a warm crust.  It might look like it's bad for you- but honey, they really don't know the ingredient, and being good never felt so good- let me tell you!

3. Because you are no longer in love / like/love-hate relationships that make you stink and feel bad about yourself, you start to have a different outlook on life, and you start to have a different appearance.  Yes, making up your mind means that you will start to have the very things that you desire to have and will love achieving those results.  You will be moved by passion and sustainable outcomes rather than compulsion and competition.  

4. These changes that you made were for longevity.  Longevity means that you have a longer life span and can have more time enjoying the things of life as opposed to just existing and that my friend is more than enough reason to make the change to your lifestyle TODAY.  

Some of my personal habits and suggestions

1. Pray about it.  

2. Juicing is a good way to introduce fruits and veggies into your daily routine that you normally wouldn't eat.   A good juicer should cost about 100.00 and is well worth it.  Remember HEALTH is an investment that we should all make.

3. Look for alternatives.  Ie. Dairy.  When you cut out dairy you become somewhat intolerant of it. Choose non-dairy options and incorporate them into meal prep and consume.  Give your taste buds a chance to like something. 

4. Get vitamins.  You can go to www.vitacost.com (my mom sent me organic vitamins made from foods, herbs) 

5. Create new menu options often with FRESH HERBS and seasonings. 

6. Don't be afraid to try something new.

7. Eat what you love, but do it with love.  Watch how you prepare foods.  If you can bake as oppose to fry, if you can get an air fryer as opposed to a pan with oil, use different oils that promote good fats, and do not over process something.   Over-processing something can kill its intended purposes and then you really have defeated the purpose of something.  

8. Organic is pricey, but its the best.  Remember that your body is like a bank, and the more you invest in it, the greater return you will have.

9. Food habits must change and so does physical activity.  Its time to become active again.  

10.  A balanced appetite and consumption without extreme restrictions can lead to a healthy perspective on to do's and ugh don'ts (live neva eva's).   

11. Listen to your body, when it starts to crave something it is because it is in need. (Keep that in perspective please, you can't entertain everything) I was craving spinach and beets and wanted a fresh-pressed juice.  Seriously, who craves that?  My body was saying: Jamie your iron is critically low, you are dehydrated and need to take care of yourself better so feed me what I need. That gnawing craving did not go away until it was satisfied.  There are some things that won't go away until it is satisfied; and the thing about that is, once you satisfy it and it was good for you- you will always crave it.  It's your body telling you what is good for you- so listen closely.  

In closing....

Allow me to speak these words over you as you start to go through your transformation process.  You are not defeated, you are victorious and empowered to have a prosperous mindset that will shape the way you see yourself, the way you take care of yourself, and the way you invest in yourself according to God's will for your life.  You will have thoughts that will lead to your body prospering and your soul prospering and will love the new life that God has for you.  You are empowered to fight every demon, every snare, and every tactic that tries to pull you backward.  You have been armed with power of God through you to demonstrate self-control and exercise authority over things that hold you down and hold you back.   You have the power in truth to destroy every lie, because Truth Himself will free you from the corner you feel you are trapped in.  There is no trap, snare, nor situation that God can't set you free from and so, therefore, all authority and glory goes to the Almighty God.  God will do exactly what He says He will do, and He will cancel EVERY assignment of the enemy, He will destroy the works of darkness AND HE WILL PREVAIL IN YOUR LIFE.  God will change your appearance from the inside out to match His predestined perfect plan for your life.  You are meant to live a life that is abundantly prosperous, mind, soul, and body.   Therefore you will have everything that God says you are supposed to have and He will make a way for you. 

Meals for a Time Such as This

Hey Guys!  It has been a long time since updating this blog, yet I have been posting directly to the Facebook page- its time to give this blog life again.  Remember, this blog was started in 2017 with the intention of getting a new healthy perspective for S.trength T.o R.each O.ur N.ew G.oals.  In order to RISE, we must have a newness about our strength, one that comes from the Lord.  As His word prepares your spirit, His ways will prepare the temple fit for the Master's use.  Globally we are entering into times that have pressed each and every one of us on all sides; whether it was economical, whether it was in our family dynamics, in our health, and even in our spirit.  God wants you to be prepared and He has shared these recipes and tips with me for a time such as this. I am not a medical professional nor am I certified as a Holistic and Naturopathic specialist, but I do know Who the remedy is and I do know Who gives the insight, that which I did not have prior to listening to what God has shown me.  My diet has DRAMATICALLY CHANGED and if you read the foodie posts from a few years ago you will see that I like good food.  Well, God has shown me how to appreciate GOOD FOOD and it certainly wasn't what I was always eating.  Without making it personal, I'd like to leave you with these hints to be able to get the most out of what you have, to meal prep, make more than enough by creating different meals, and some very healthy holistic herbs that can help you.  I pray that this blesses you.  Pay close attention, this diet is for a time such as this.  We are going to tackle some gnawing health concerns and economic concerns, first with the Power of the name of Jesus Christ, and with HIS STRATEGIES to keep your family healthy. 

Herbs that will help you boost the immune system

1. I was craving garlic - eww, I know right.  Well, I do like fresh  and after cooking it with almost every meal I inquired of the Lord (don't be fooled, the jar stuff does not compare).  Garlic fights infection, viruses, boosts the immune system, is heart-healthy, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressures, helps with the aging process, athletic performance, (energy), longevity of life, prevents Alzheimer's and Dementia.  

2. Bags and bags of Kale- I go through the big bag of kale in one week (or less).  Kale does a lot.  Kale is a plant-based protein.  Kales is a reliable source of fiber.  Kale has incredible amounts of vitamins so if you aren't taking a multivitamin, eat Kale.  Kale, lowers blood pressure, its a dense food and will help you feel fuller longer when combined with the right mix (guess what I got a recipe for you below) and it lowers cholesterol.  Reducing the risk of heart disease, Kale also has a great source of Vitamin K which is potassium.  It helps with osteoporosis, reduces inflammation (those with autoimmune disease and sed rates that are high) let's tackle some of those body aches and pain with holistic measures.  

3. A fresh tomato sauce with basil- I have the utmost respect for Basil.  I love it. Basil does much, not only does it add flavor, but it helps with gut health, but it tackles water retention which could be related to many other issues (I'm not a doctor but water retention could impact the heart, the lungs and the kidneys).  Basil is an excellent source of Vitamin A, K, C and Iron.  All of you "Anemiacs" the anemia crew-  get yourself a little plant, love on it, and it will be the gift that keeps on giving.  If you haven't noticed the vitamin source in these herbs please note that they are immune boosters and will help your body ward off invaders.  Now basil oil is used for tension, mental fatigue, and even treats depression.  I say throw it in some tomato sauce, on top of the eggplant and nibble while you work.  PSA-  It helps freshen your breath, so if you don't have gum but have your plant- pluck and eat and you can help someone by not hurting them.  

4.  Break the stem and chop them up or even eat them whole. Mushrooms have been on the menu and they are good!  The Lord added mushrooms to my cravings and started to wonder why.  Well since the last posting and even before that over 3 years I haven't eaten meat.  No chicken, no pork, no beef, NO MEAT. Did you know that mushrooms are a good replacement for meat?   Mushrooms are a source of protein and fiber hence the reason why many vegetarians use them as their meat.  The protein and fibrous diet are actually quality characteristics for those who want to lose weight.  It promotes healthy diets, with a combination of soluble fibers that decrease the digestion rate of carbohydrates and this is especially good news for DIABETICS.  Those with hormonal imbalances who have elevated sugar levels can convert to a green, protein, fibrous diet can lose the weight which impacts the reproductive system. Start to see your body transform and become fertile.  It's all about how you look at it.  Fertility is cultivated by what you put in.  (The grocery store was out of dried lentils, so I had to get the canned ones, still prefer the dried but these Rienzi beans are pretty good) 

Grains and beans are essential for a time such as this...

How many of you love rice?  How many of you love eating rice? What about oatmeal? What about Quinoa?  Well, let me throw something in there that you might not have thought of as replacements or even thought of period.  

1. Barely-  While going through sitchi-a-shuns  (situations) I had limited funds and needed a good meal every now and then.  Whole Foods sell minute and a half packages of barley and lentils combo seasoned with Mediterranean Olive Oil and herbs.  It's amazing!! So amazing that I continued to eat it and let me tell you why.  Barely improves digestion, is a great source of fiber, lowers cholesterol, helps with weight loss (Woop Woop) and promotes a healthy heart.  Proven to improve digestive health which prevents gallstones, diabetes and has properties that help prevent colon cancer.  I say that's a win-win.

2. Lentils - Ok. Beans, beans they're good for the heart.. the more you eat... The more healthy you are! Gotcha!  B-vitamins, plant protein, high in fiber, growth of HEALTHY gut bacteria, and heart-healthy.  

 3. Black Beans-  Besides an amazing rice combination- you can make some congri yummm! Black beans have another purpose other than Congri and Morro.  Black beans are amazing source of protein and fiber- They can be consumed just in regular form, can be used in black bean soup, smashed and made into black bean patties and they can be even made over some barely instead of rice.  The little black beans promote healthy bones helping to fight against osteoporosis, health weight (weight loss), heart-healthy and wards off heart disease, lowers blood pressures, helps manage diabetes and promotes digestive health.  

Essential fruits for this time

1. Oranges - vitamin C

2. Lemons- helps detox the body

It's in the wrong section but its a gem-- Ginger / Lemon / Honey / Cinnamon Tea (you can add basil to it too, I never tried it like that so don't blame me if it's gross.  The recipe is on the last blog post)

You'll be glad that I'm cheap... 

So you see the shopping list of items and your thinking how can these healthy items be cost-effective.. Well, they are because I am cheap and I have learned to buy foods that can make much than shop for one meal.   I'll put some pictures up so you can see. 

Here is the fun part. Let's get in the kitchen

 

Homemade Tomato Sauce- You don't know what they put in the jar, so just put your ingredients into the pot and cook on a low heat until cooked down. Stir frequently.  I used Compari Tomatoes with Angel Sweet tomatoes.  Many people cut the tomato sauce with sugar (blek- I don't like that).  These tomatoes are buttery and sweet so when they are cooked down they are not bitter.  First heat the pan with olive oil, throw in fresh garlic cloves above 3 or so depending on how much you like, You can cut the cloves in halves or you through it in whole.  I suggest cutting them into 2 or three-parts.  Let the oil cook the garlic (do not let it get burnt, the whole thing will taste burnt).  I can't remember how many come in the cocktail tomato pack maybe 6 or so.  Cut them in halves and toss them in, and I don't measure so throw in about 1/3 of the package of angel tomatoes, maybe two or three hand fulls.  Add some diced onion if you want and don't forget the basil.  A pinch of salt, some pepper, oregano (I need to get fresh oregano) and cook.   Now you're done.  

 Chapati, Roti, Tortillas, wherever you are from-- its edible!  This is so simple and so Biblical it will make you feel like you're in one of the scenes of the Bible.  Take whole wheat flour into the bowl- start with about 1 cup (I don't measure but can tell you the consistency) add olive oil and a small amount of water.  You can use your hands or a fork, and keep mixing the three together until it gets clumpy.  You might need to balance it out by slowly adding a bit of flour, or a tad more water, play with it while mixing until you get a firm consistency.  (Kind of like playdoh).   Take it in your hands and kneed it and roll it.  Take a small piece off and flatten it between your hands, press it on a hard surface in a circular pattern the best you can, and press until it is thin.  You can get it slightly thicker than a tortilla.  You'll see what I mean in the next recipe.  Heat a pan with a little bit of olive oil in cook about a minute or two on both sides-- remove and place in a storage bag or saran wrap to keep from getting hard.  

 Black bean burgers- 1 can of black beans drained, and press them until it has a consistency of mashed potatoes. Add onions, peppers, garlic, and seasoning to your liking.  Add 1 egg and half cup of bread crumbs and mix together.  I added an authentic red salsa  (leftovers are always good to use) and don't get disgusted but added some ketchup to the mixture and it made sweet and spicy (not too spicy, just enough of a kick to give it flavor).  Heat the oven to 375 and lightly spray or grease a baking sheet (LIGHTLY) make patties and cook for 10 minutes each side- totaling 20 minutes.  Now you have your homemade bread (I toasted them because I prepared the food last night) and a cost-effective black bean burger. Slice some tomato, I had bagged salad so that worked, added some secret sauce ( a little mayo and ketchup mix) and I ate it.. Look and see..

It was good... and cost-effective!

Always make sure you are making an investment into your body.  Your health is important. Allow God to change your habits, by changing your diet, and give you a holistic approach to health and wellness.  Food is medicine, and based on what our bodies are going through will determine what "food" you need to take.  In this season- I urge you to stay hydrated, and consume tons of vitamin C foods and be SPIRITUALLY CONSCIOUS AS WELL.  You cannot just feed your body and not your soul!

Lentils, Barley, and Roasted Kale with Roasted Garlic

See that big bag of kale above- take a few handfuls in an oven-safe dish and through it in, slice up garlic, through some in on the top and bottom.  I add salt and I know that's not good for everyone so please be mindful of who you are cooking for (salt your own). Add a touch of olive oil.  Throw it in the oven on 350 and cook until crisp on the top, remove from the oven.  Now barley quadruples in size. Tell me about it.  1 cup of barley for 3 cups of water.  I add a little olive to the water you don't have to.  Boil until the water is cooked out- about 30 minutes.  Then place your lid or cover and simmer until the barley is fluffed on the top another 15 to 20 minutes.  You can choose to add sauteed mushrooms to this dish and it is amazing.  I loved it so much this is what I ate for dinner (a few nights) and ate the rest for breakfast with a cooked egg.   So Good.   

You might think that I use a lot of olive oil, but olive oil has its benefits.  These benefits include antioxidants, fights Alzheimer's, fights heart disease, promotes the usage of good fats, not associated with obesity, and prevents strokes.   

I hope that this has encouraged you during this time that you can stay healthy while on a budget.  This is a diet for a time such as this.  You can incorporate omelets and oatmeal for breakfast. You should get into making yourselves a holistic tea to boost the immune response and drink that twice a day.  Food is your friend and can be used in your healing process if you just heed to what the Lord shows you to do.   I pray that all of you are well and will check in next month with you guys!