Raw foodists have warned us about the damage that is done to food when it is cooked. Heat changes the make-up of food, and nutrients and beneficial enzymes can be destroyed. Not to mention the digestive system has to work harder and longer to process cooked food. This concern was taken a step further for me a couple of years ago as I was completing my Holistic Lifestyle Coach certification. The question arose, what are the
hazards of using microwave ovens?
We discussed Robert O. Becker M.D.’s book The Body Electric and the dangers of simply standing next to a microwave. We reviewed Swiss, Russian, and German scientific clinical studies on the effects of microwave cooking. I was intrigued and continued research on the topic. There is definitely controversial debate on the subject, but the read that turned me away from microwaves for good is published by Lita Lee, Ph.D.
The waves produced by a microwave oven damage the cell wall of foods to such a degree that the human gut receptors are not likely to recognize microwaved food particles as food subsequently causing an immune response. The human body cannot metabolize these unknown by-products. No atom, molecule, or cell of any organic system can withstand such destructive power.
Wisely banned from Russia, microwave ovens destroy some nutrients and turn some amino acids into carcinogens. It is widely known that breast milk should never be microwaved, many hospitals even refuse to microwave breast milk. So I definitely think avoiding the electromagnetic pollution entirely is a good idea.
Are you ready to stop zapping your food? Take a few minutes and snoop around on the web and make an informed decision. Microwaves are convenient, but with a little planning ahead you won’t miss it at all. If you need to reheat something, simply throw a skillet on the stove top or use a toaster oven. It’s fast, easy, and tastes better too! You will probably find that you actually spend more time cooking from scratch, and that is definitely a healthier choice.
Recyle your microwave at Earth911.com. This informative website includes a search engine that will help you find a recycling center in your area that accepts microwaves.
Gardening is on the rise, yet about one in every five do-it-yourself injuries occurs during the activity. It’s important to recognize, however, gardening does not cause injury. Poor gardening technique causes injury.
Planting flowers or an organic vegetable garden should be enjoyable. Call me crazy, but I actually think weeding is a great way to relieve stress and connect with nature! However, spending time working in the yard or garden is not fun if you wake up sore the next day.
My low back was very tight before I headed out to my garden on Saturday. I never would have been able to enjoy the day in the garden without practicing what I preach. Stacy’s number one rule while gardening? AVOID BENDING OVER AT THE WAIST!
Improper form
Instead, avoid discomfort by alternating between sitting on a stool (get creative, an upside down pot can work just as well)
And kneeling
Remember to keep your work close to you and tighten your abdominal muscles if you need to reach or move. It is also important to keep your wrist in alignment and avoid “flicking” your wrist as you dig.
For more information on gardening biomechanics, check out the proper lifting technique demonstration.
Attention gardeners! Perform this simple ball chop exercise to strengthen the core muscles, lower body, and shoulder girdle stabilizers. Strengthening these muscles will help gardeners avoid next day soreness and protect the low back. Complete 3 sets of 8 repetitions on each side.
I’m starting to harvest from the kitchen garden every day! I recently prepared a wonderful dinner starring cucumber salad.
Ingredients
1 large cucumber
1 red onion
1 Tbsp fresh dill
3/4 c distilled white vinegar
1/2 c filtered water
1/2 c organic sugar
Organic sea salt and pepper
Directions
I know that cucumber skin contains curcurbatacin which can cause digestion challenges for some people, so I [...]
It just wouldn’t be summer without pasta salad. Can’t wait to pick some of the ingredients straight from the garden.
Waaaah Hooo! We have cucumbers….
….and tomatoes!
Now if I can just keep the critters and insects from enjoying the salad before I can.
The cold, hard truth? Vegetable gardening isn’t simple and glamorous…it’s a constant learning curve. As the reality gardener, I’m here to share both my triumps and pains.
My cukes, zukes, and squash starting showing signs of trouble. The leaves had white spots and the plants seemed to be struggling. I researched the problem and decided [...]
Attention gardeners…give your back a break and watch this quick video demonstrating the proper lifting technique.
I must confess…I have become obsessed with companion planting! I recently invested quite a bit of time researching the appropriate layout for the plants that are growing in my kitchen garden, and have subsequently moved some plants and added plants to my original layout.
Here is my updated Plangarden layout:
Changes include:
Strawberries have been omitted (couldn’t find [...]
I love this cookie cutter set! Using the doe from my organic sugar cookie recipe, I cut out eight petals, one bumble bee, and one flower. I baked the petals and bumble bee separate because I knew the smaller cookies would bake much faster than the large flower.
I frosted each cookie and let them dry, [...]
Check out Stacy’s top three health benefits of gardening
