Healthy living

Many of us seem to have this crazy idea that people need to have a hearty helping of meat, at least once per day. I believe some of us even prefer to have three or more hearty servings of meat per day.

I just don't agree with that. I am a firm believer that we can maintain a healthy diet with less meat, or even no servings of meat at all, in our daily diet. We don't necessary need to eat meat in order to maintain daily consumption of protein or in order to maintain that so called balanced diet.

Of course to remove meat from your diet, you will need to find other sources of iron in your diet, which could include eggs, or spinach to obtain the iron you need to have included in your diet. Remember the cartoon Popeye, and how he obtained strength every time he consumed spinach?

There is in fact plenty of other means of obtaining hearty helpings of protein without the consumption of mega amounts of meat products on a daily basis.

For instance, soy products contain a source of proteins, along with estrogen, which for menopausal women, is a good thing to have in ones diet for aid in symptoms of menopause.

Beans, by themselves, are a good source of protein as well. I thoroughly enjoy making vegetarian chile, myself. I have a tendency to use, celery, onion, and green peppers. In addition to my canned tomato and green pepper ingredients, which for improved chile flavor, I've been using a small can of diced tomatoes with green chiles in my chile which seems to top off that chile flavor. Although I've been adding pot roast to it lately, which changes the flavor entirely, I think I prefer the vegetarian chile.

Fruits and veggies, are a good source of fiber, along with the vitamins, minerals and even proteins, in which they contain. Food that is easily digested is a good means for energy and may assist in the reduction of the sluggish feeling we get from eating, a large hearty helping of meat.

Kale, I believe is a leafy type vegetable, which I seem to be finding some good info on, may be something for me to try this new year, as a new addition to my diet. The way I'm understanding, this leafy vegetable seems to have some good health benefits and just may have to do a little more reading on this and give er a try.

If you think you need that hearty helping of meat, perhaps in the evening, when you are ready for some R & R could be a good time to consume less easily digested foods such as meat.

Banana, is a good source of potassium, especially for the elderly, we need potassium. Potassium rich diet may help to prevent strokes. It may assist in the retaining of body fluid balance as well. It may be a good idea to speak to a dietician, if you have specific health issues, regarding what type of diet you should be on.




As I was reading one of those free local magazines, I came across an interesting post which suggests a kitchen remedy which could possibly work better than some of your antibiotics given out by your local physician. Seems for some reason, some of the medications being given out, just don't seem to work as well on some types of bacteria.

I found this new to me anyway, ginger root and honey, may or may not be a solution to this antibiotic resistance problem we seem to be facing these days.


It was saying that these easily obtained kitchen remedies, have worked for some bacterias that have shown resistance to certain bacterias. "Super bugs", is what they are calling these bacterias. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are among some of these so called "super bugs" they have been using these methods on with great success. (Of course don't forget to consult your local physician) on illnesses as well.

As a matter of fact, quite some time ago, I had spoken with an Asian lady, who works in a local Asian food market, and she suggested to me that many use the ginger root as a tea to treat allergies.

 My brother was speaking over the holiday, that he uses locally obtained honey which hasn't been through any type of heat treatment. That in order to get the full benefits you should let your teas cool down before adding your honey.

Feel free to try this ginger and honey tea concoction topically, on different types of skin eruptions,  ear infections and such, as well. It could possibly come in handy. Use your imagination, can't hurt trying.


In my many years of studies on alternate healing methods, I've had never heard of ginger root for allergies. I have, on the other hand,  heard of bee pollen being used for allergies. Hum, I wonder if there is some kind of a connection with allergies and these so called "super bugs". Something to think about.

A good old time remedy, is the trusty old garlic, many of us already utilize on a daily basis simply for some added flavor to our food. For cooking to get those added benefits from one of natures natural healing resources (garlic),  you may want to try dicing and crushing the amount you choose to add to your cooking and let it sit at least 10 minutes before adding it to your favorite dish.

Crushed garlic is supposed to have antibiotic type properties to it, and over use can lead to yeast infestation. If by chance, you seem to be obtaining a yeasty type of effect, you can remedy this with the trusty old yogurt, to replenish some of the natural good bacteria you my have lost. In turn treat the old yeasty effect, which is sometimes experienced when using antibiotics.

Garlic is supposed to lower blood pressure, and create a better cholesterol levels as well. If you are not a avid garlic user already, maybe you should think about adding it to your diet and see whether you like the flavor. If not you can purchase an odorless garlic product to add to your daily vitamin intake. Garlic, is however, a blood thinner as well, so if you are on a medication blood thinner, you may want to limit the amount of garlic you add to your diet; or perhaps keep an eye on your blood pressure and work with your doctor on that.

Cranberry has some health benefits which may give reason to think about adding it to your diet on occasion.
The most common know health benefit  that I've known for quite some time is for urinary tract infection prevention. Is also good for prevention of  plaque on teeth and in the blood stream.




Utilizing the organic option in choices of locally grown and raised food is an excellent  way to move toward living a little healthier lifestyle. Not only would the plants bear more nutrients and other good vitamin and mineral sources, but could also provide a reduction in the amount of  toxins we would consume, from the foods we eat.

Who wants to ingest all of those toxins or poisons, if at all possible it could be avoided?




Getting in practice for some sort of physical fitness practice is good practice to keep our self in physically fit shape, if you don't use it you may tend to lose some of those physical muscles you may pride yourself with. If nothing else, take a brisk walk around the block on a daily basis if you can.




Taking some time to yourself for daily relaxation and or meditation is a good practice as well. I usually choose prayer, but sometimes practice meditation or simply a bit of relaxation. Pondering on the Word of God, is a good practice, in my opinion, but what ever works for you I suppose. Just closing the eyes and listening to some soothing music may do, for some good relaxation or R & R if this is your preference.

There are some relaxation tapes available out there, if you would like to try that method. Or perhaps you may like to read some articles on the subject, for some different methods of meditation and relaxation.




Happy New Year! 2015 is a good time to work your self toward and new healthier living standard. Through healthier, less toxic diets, along with exercise, and perhaps even some workable kitchen alternative healing methods as well.

May all your  New Year resolutions work out for the the best, for each and every one of you.