August 2025
Vegetable gardens add years to your life, and life to your years.
We should all be Eating Fruits and Vegetables as if our lives Depend on it–because they do.
“Basing our diets on plant foods…can reduce our risk of cancer.” American Institute for Cancer Research.
Everyday I either have a vegetable salad or and vegetable drink I make with my juicer...celery stalks, ginger, lemon or lime, 4-5 chunks of pineapple, a carrot, small chunk of a raw beet, and 1/2 cucumber. Purple cabbage is good too! Some days I have both. Juicing gives you more nutrients as you can consume more, the salads give you the roughage.
The picture to the right is my current garden. It has produced well this summer with strawberries all summer, snap peas season just ended. What I didn’t eat while watering, I froze the peas for salads this winter. Tomatoes are starting to ripen, lettece all summer and will continue into the winter. I thined the carrots and used them in my juicing, pumpkins are taking over the garden! Raspberry season is just beginning. The cilantro plants are getting ready to pick coriander seeds, which I use in salads and soups…bone broth. Cucumbers have been wounderful in my salads as well as the blueberrys. Sadly blueberry season it over, froze several containers. Potates did well and we are still eating. Lastly I am currently drying sage, oregano.
Next spring I want to try purple onions, rudabagas, and garlic! Every year is always a new adventure…some years everything grows great…some years it’s a struggle…you may fight the weather, bugs, or deer. This year my letttece, pumpkins, and snap peas did awesome!!
May 2025
It is gardening time again. The freshest and nutritious foods you will eat will be the foods you grow yourself. Grow the foods you like to eat such as beets, carrots, lettece, cucumber, pumpkin (always frun to watch grow), herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, etc. The list is endless. I have a small backyard, but a producing and functional garden.
I live on the Oregon coast; however, last winter I grew lettece under clear tubs and it worked!!! It has been a fun and rewarding experince. You don’t need a lot of room…some pots and a couple planter boxes to start and you’re good to go!! Start out small and see what works. Have Fun & Good Luck!
Below is a 10 minute video regarding why it is a must to eat organic foods. Jennifer Sierzant tells us the history of contamination to our foods. Why people get auto immune diseases, cancer, and many other illnesses. What they sprayed our food with and why. It will change you mindset on eating food with no GMOs. It is critical to your health and the health of your family.
My story
In the late 70’s when I was diagnosed with food and chemical sensitivites. To get organic was 30 minutes from my home, a farmers Co-op what my kids called “The hippy store.” It was a very small store with breads, honey, seasonal produce, juices, almond butter, nuts, dry cereals, oats, millet, wheat…etc. All was chemical free.
I had to eat organic otherwise I my system would shut down…so tired I would be on the couch just wanting to sleep. Chemicals would cause my legs to ache, severe fatigue, headaches, and brain fog, nausea…etc. I couldn’t trust myself to drive…too sleepy. If I would drive by myself I wouldn’t eat or just take two bites until I got home for fear of food making me sleepy. If we were traveling I usually took my own food. Currently I not only eat organic but I use the Anti-inflamatory Protocal diet (AIP), which eliminates foods that can cause inflamation. With this diet I don’t have as much trouble with digestion.
Thankfully today most stores have an organic produce /health food section with so many options as well as a Natural Grocers in most every town. You can also get so much online. So many organic options. I use Amazon.com all the time for shampoos, conditioners, supplements, 100% cotton bedding, cotton clothing, essential oils, organic foods and teas, different nut butters, organic body oils, clean make-up…so easy!! It is just as easy to be organic as not. As for me I don’t want the pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or GMOs (genetically modified organism) changes in my food let alone my my cells…creates unhealthy cells which creates disfunction, then illness. I go ALL NATURAL!
ADVANTAGES OF ORGANIC FOODS
1. ORGANIC FOODS ARE NUTRIENT-DENSE.
Meaning they contain a high concentraion of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for optimal health. The organic farming practices, such as crop rotation and the use of natural fertilizers, promote nutrient-rich soil, which, in turn, increases the nutritional content of the food. So, indulging in some organic fruits and vegetables in your diet will ensure you get your daily dose of essential nutrients.
2. Organic foods are chemicals-free.
Which is a game-changer when it comes to your health. Conventional farming practices use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals that can lead to numerous health problems. By consuming organic foods, you can avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals, which can cause a range of health issues – from allergies to cancer.
3. Organic foods promote heart health.
They contain high levels of fiber, potassium, and magnesium, which help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. So, if you want to keep your heart healthy, make the move towards organic fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
4. Organic foods promote digestive health.
They are free from harmful additives, preservatives, and synthetic chemicals that can disrupt the digestive system. Instead, organic foods contain fiber that promotes digestive health by improving bowel regularity and preventing constipation. I eat pickled beets and fermented carrots daily.
5. Organic foods boost the immune system.
They contain high levels of nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system. By consuming organic foods, you can protect your body against infections, diseases, and other health problems. For example, broccoli is rich in sulphurs, making it good for our immune system. So you can include fresh or even frozen broccoli in your diet.
6. Organic foods reduce the risk of cancer.
Conventional farming practices use synthetic pesticides, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. By consuming organic foods, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and lower your risk of cancer.
7. Organic foods reduce the risk of obesity.
Organic foods are nutrients-rich and contain fewer calories than conventional foods. By consuming organic foods, you can reduce your calorie intake and lower your risk of obesity.
8. Organic foods improve mental health.
They contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, which help to improve mental health. These nutrients can help to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, making organic foods an excellent choice for improving your overall well-being.
9. Organic foods reduce the risk of birth defects.
Synthetic pesticides used in conventional farming practices have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. By consuming organic foods during pregnancy, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and lower the risk of birth defects.
10. Organic foods reduce the risk of allergic diseases.
Switching to an organic diet may lead to a reduction in allergic symptoms, which includes seasonal allergies and eczema.
Eating organicly you can have an impact on your overall health and well-being. Our systems can only handle only so many toxins/chemicals. Even though you may not notice a difference it is a stress on your organs. When I was young you NEVER heard of an autoimmune disease. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “There are more than 80 disesases as a result of the immune system attacking the body’s own organs, tissues and cells…environmental exposures are likely to play a significant role in disease development.”
7 Autoimmune Diseases Every Woman Should Know About
https://www.prevention.com/health/g20506206/7-autoimmune-diseases/
For most there is no cure. Nearly 80% are women. So where ever I can cut down on chemicals I do. Food is a big one as you put it directly into your system and rely on your organs to process, eliminate, and pass through. I have used organic shampoos, conditioners, all soaps, make up, toothpaste for many years. It is a way of life so I can have a life.
I grow my own garden, lucky to have fruit trees on our property, I eat wild elk, deer, rabbit, (no fish because of mercury) bison, and bear. Also, all organic fruit, vegetables, teas, and I drink organic flax milk. I filter all my water…water has been a problem over the years, currently I use a Berkey water filter for now; I have tried many different types.
In addition to food, I sleep in organic cotton sheets, blankets, on a cotton futon. I wear cotton clothes only. I have to keep my chemical intake down as much as possible as chemicals make me sick.
Anti-inflamatory Protocal Diet…AIP Easy Healthy Organic Options
Eating AIP compliant has been a big step in my wellness journey. In the beginning my inflamation number were high, now as the doctor told me, “They are nonexistent.”
Below is a link to help with eating a low anti-inflamatory Protocal diet…AIP This can give you ideas what are healthy food to eat and to decrease inflamation.
https://chomps.com/blogs/nutrition-sustainability-news/aip-diet
The link below is a very good complete list of AIP foods you can eat. As you will see there are a lot of healthy choices. My digestion is happy when I stay on this diet. Digestion is better, not so sleepy after meals, and no bloating. If my stomach is not digesting after dinner I drink 6-8 ounces of water with the juice of one lemon. Always helps:) Many other people I zoom who are on this diet have more energy, some can get off their medications, their joints don’t hurt, and a big one…weight loss.
https://unboundwellness.com/aip-diet-food-list-with-a-free-printable-pdf/
Below I will give you several examples my menu which is close to the AIP diet.
Breakfast: Because I don’t digest well in the morning so I eat a light breakfast. I did add a few food items I don’t eat because of my sensitives.
Brazil nuts with dates
Bread with a nut butter
Banana with a nut butter
Bone broth
Hot tea with almonds and cheese
All Fruit
Eggs & uncured bacon
Lunch:
Organic chips with humus
Veggies dipped in humus
Fresh fruit
Chicken sandwich
Meat lettece wrap
Muffin or AIP banana bread with a nut butter
Dinner
All vetables cooked or fresh
All fruit
Fresh dinner salads
Bone broth, many types of soups ar AIP compliant
Your choice of meat with cooked or fresh veggies
Tacos or Taco salad
Most Mexican food and dips ( just no grains)
Substitute yams, sweet potates, rutabagas for potatoes
You can get any recipe just “Google it’ with many options. It is a great ressource!
Check out the AIP recipe book a couple paragraphs down.
The objective is to reduce inflamataion to reduce joint pain, fatigue, digestion issues, weight gain, diabetes, and help with most auto-immune diseases.
Remember you can have desserts but sweetened with honey, dates or date sugar, coconut sugar, and real pure maple syrup.
This is the cook book I use a lot and has a lot of easy recipes. I love the banana bread on page 104, fermented cucumbers on page 76, bone broth page 68…I use my Instant Pot. There are so many awesome recipes! You can also Google it, by typing AIP recipe for ex. cheese cake, or browies (whatever it is you want to make) Lots of recipes available!
The right picture is the Cold Brussels Sprouts Salad…very tasty, refreshing, satisfying and nutritious. The Banana Bread, lower left, is moist, tasty…made with cassava flour, coconut flour, no eggs (using unflavored gelatin and water. The Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash Soup lower right, made with garlic, bone broth, termeric, coconut milk, squash, carrots, sweet potato, etc. All AIP compliant complying with the Anti Inflamatory Diet. It is the only diet/way of eating I will follow. I don’t want inflamation/empty calorie food, low in nutritional value. I need all the minerals and vitamins I can get on a daily basis.
Best Alternative to Peanut Butter
tiger Nut Butter – AIP compliant
Looking for a healthy snack..
Many people are allergic to peanuts or nuts altogether, therefore are not able to eat peanut butter. I am one of those who are limited when it comes to nuts. Peanuts are such a versatile food from sandwiches, brownies, cookies, spread on bananas, smooties, yogarts, ice cream, etc. When it comes to the AIP diet, one of the main focus is to eliminate processed foods and ingredients that can trigger autoimmune response. Tiger nut butter is a whole food that is made from just one ingredient: tiger nuts. This makes it a great option for those following the AIP diet. This food is AIP compliant. I use tiger nut butter a lot.
Tiger nuts, are also known as Chufa are not nuts. They are naturally sweet root vegetable loaded with prebiotics, resistant starches, and anitioxidants for the balance of your digestive tract. Tiger nut butter’s ability to support brain health stems from its impressive nutrient profile. Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, tiger nut butter serves as a veritable brain superfood. Some of the key nutrients in tiger nuts that benefit cognitive function include:
– Omega-9 Fatty Acids: Tiger nuts are an excellent source of omega-9 monounsaturated fats, which help maintain brain health and contribute to proper brain function.
– Vitamin E: This potent antioxidant helps protect cells from oxidative damage and supports brain health by shielding neurons from free radicals that can harm cognitive function.
– Magnesium: An essential mineral, magnesium plays an important role in maintaining the function and structure of the nervous system. It also helps support memory and learning. Additionally, tiger nuts are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free, making them a perfect option for those with food sensitivities.
https://paleotiger.com/brain-health-with-tiger-nut-butter/
– Brain Health in Adults: Incorporating tiger nut butter into your diet as an adult can help maintain optimal cognitive function in the long term. Its antioxidant properties help protect brain cells from damage and support the function of neurons.
– Brain Health in Seniors: As people age, cognitive decline becomes a natural concern. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like tiger nut butter can help maintain brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Antioxidants like vitamin E in tiger nuts may even offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Many of us are allergic to peanuts so peanut butter is out. Tiger Nut Butter is a great substitute and I use it as I would peanut butter. Today I put a spoonful in my fruit smoothie. I also make Tiger Nut & honey sandwiches, I also love it with bananas. I order mine from Amazon. You can also use almond butter. I also use pistachio butter.
It has been such a great addition to my diet. Another great source of protein.
I hope this information is informative an helpful to for you to make your life style change. You won’t regret it and your body will be much happier and healthier.
Lulu's Health Journey 
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