Bar Soap to Liquid Soap Blunder

So here is my saga of trying to make liquid soap from bar soap. It seemed so simple, and of course Pinterest never lies, so what could go wrong? I scowered the internet to compare recipes and most were pretty basic and called for three simple ingredients: bar soap, water, and glycerin. Every place in town was out of glycerin, no joke, and I had to wait almost a month before I could attempt this so my expectations grew and grew as time went on. The time had finally come and it was more trouble than I bargained for.

I started by grating my bar of soap. Mine was only a little over 5 ozs but it really took some elbow grease. Im not sure why everyone is doing this by hand but its crazy. The little spiral shavings are adorable and I should have just stopped right there!

So I started with 2 cups of water, my soap shavings, and glycerin. Some recipes suggested starting with less water and then thinning it down later. 

I boiled it....and I boiled it but there were this clumps that just wouldnt break down. 

One recipe suggested blending, yes while hot, and this was a huge mistake. I was prepared so the force the blender would exert from the inside. I should have known better....so much better. It exploded all over my kitchen. I caught it in time so you can see I retained most of my soap but there was still soap everywhere. It will not add to my credit that Im married to a physics major and understand hot liquids, pressure, small space, no no. lol.

So the site that recommended working with a small batch and then adding liquid as you needed also suggested you put it in the fridge to set it up quicker instead of waiting until the next morning. Dont.

I essential creating a much larger bar of soap. So i cut it into chunks and put it in the microwave to soften. Then I put it in the blender with warm water, not hot. 

I got the same consistency I had the first time which was like a very foamy marshmallow. The next morning it was unchanged and I added at least a gallon of water. The soap was so stringy that it was wrapping around my hand blenders beaters. I just kept adding water until it thinned out and stopped attacking my beaters.

Youd think nothing else could possible go wrong. Well I lack the skills to poor liquids properly. Its just not a skill God gave me. In trying to poor, yes even with a funnel, I spilled probably a cup of soap or more. So I thought I mine as well clean with it!

It looks like I got a decent amount out of this bar. Almost a gallon plus the mason jar, so maybe a full gallon but youd be wrong like I was. After sitting, I checked the other day, they had settled to half that amount. Worst of all it still feels like bar soap. It was good bar soap and feels just like it did as a bar soap. Nice but not that soft feeling you get from liquid soap, even with the glycerin. Luckily this bar was free.

Read More..

Tip of the week by Nancy Clark and Gloria Averbuch – Want better recovery Eat more colorful fruits!

Tired of feeling sore after a game? Try eating more colorful fruitsand veggies. Tart cherries, pomegranates, purple grapes, and blueberries. These are just a few of the colorful fruits and their juices that are filled with healing powers. Colorful fruits are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; they are perfect remedies for soccer players who get “beat up” during a game.

 Several studies have shown the power of fruits in reducing muscle pain. For example, tart cherry juice taken for 7 days before—and on the day of— a 12 mile run significantly reduced post-run pain (1). Sounds to me like a better alternative to NSAIDs with the risk of adverse medical effects.

While the folks who sell tart cherry juice products have funded this research, the bottom line is that all colorful fruits and their juices are very powerful in terms of reducing pain associated with inflammation. These include Welch’s purple grape juice, PomWonderful pomegranate juice, as well as strawberries, blueberries, dates, mango….

How do you plan these health-protective fruits into your diet? Four easy suggestions include:

• Whip up a fruit smoothie for breakfast or recovery snack: frozen berries + OJ + Greek yogurt or powered milk for protein.

• Sprinkle generous amounts of chopped dates, dried apricots and other dried fruit on top of oatmeal or other breakfast cereal.

* Tuck two bottles into your gym bag: one with water, one with tart cherry, pomegranate or blueberry juice into your gym bag so the fluids will be ready and waiting to quench your thirst. 

• Establish a food rule: You have to eat some dates (they are powerfully sweet and very rich in anti-oxidants) before you have a cookie or other dessert. (Hopefully, this will even kill your appetite for the cookie!)

Eat wisely and be well,

Nancy Clark and Gloria Averbuch

Food Guide for Soccer: Tips and Recipes From the Pros

www.nancyclarkrd.com

(1) Kuehl KS, Perrier ET, Elliot DL, Chesnutt JC. Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 May 7;7:17.

Read More..

3 Day Diet Day 3 Supper

Day 3 Dinner

Menu

1 Cup of Tuna

1 Cup Ice Cream

1/2 Banana

Blog where I got the diet plan: http://blessedmommy.hubpages.com/hub/Lose-Up-To-10-Pounds-In-3-Days-On-The-3-Day-Diet

*Disclaimer: This is not my diet plan I am just following it. Check with your doctor before doing this diet and read the blog link provided. I am simply sharing my experience with this diet and not recommending it*

Read More..

How can you decrease the weight of home simple and will

Everyone wants definitely a good body shape, flat stomach. For all this to turn into reality is to deposit an additional effort by doing exercises fizice.Multe people choose starvation diets, eventually reaching out of the plan breakfast or dinner food which is harmful for the body! Even if your weight will drop, this is due to dehydration and not burning calories even get to starting regular physical medic.Exercitii smoothly every day at least 30 min.Results real 100% after 60 days.

Read More..

How does drinking water help you lose weigh

There was a long period of time that was rooted belief that you should drink 8 glasses of water a day. Current research shows that things are not so. Thus, scientists have concluded that only we can decide what is sufficient, the optimal amount of water consumed daily is relative, depending on individual preferences.
In other news, it is important to know that in many beverages that are found in trade and beyond, it would be preferable to choose water. It is clean, refreshing and contains no calories.

How much water do we need?
Recommendation is recognized worldwide for 11 cups per day for women and 15 cups daily for men. What should be stressed is that it includes the total amount of fluids that accumulate during the day, given that 20% comes from food. Thus, the RDA for women is somewhere around 9 cups of water. There are foods that contain lots of water, which provides the body with a good portion of the RDA. Here are some examples:

salad -> 95%
Watermelon -> 92%
broccoli -> 91%
Grapefruit -> 91%
milk -> 89%
orange juice -> 88%
carrot -> 87%
yogurt -> 85%
March -> 84%

When you need more?
When you have intense physical activity when conditions are subjected to extreme heat or high humidity. In all these cases, to avoid dehydration, you should always have handy water bottle. Other situations that require more moisture than usual are states caused by temperature, excessive sweating, frequent urination or diarrhea.

When is too much?
Until now, there were no cases of water intoxication. Its never too much, as long as you keep a balance between thirst and satisfy it. Trust your instincts, and you will not fail. Drink water whenever you feel the need, and there are no problems.

Water and weight loss
For some time now, water has become the recommendation addressed to women aiming to lose weight. However, we already know that water does not satisfy your hunger, but thirst. And as hunger and thirst are two mechanisms regular sensations totally different, it is easy to understand why the water comes to weight loss. A recent study in America proove effects of water consumed during lunch has on the human body, so it seems that those who drink water during and after eating, absorbs fewer calories than those who do not drink water, but other beverages during meals.

Although water is not in itself an active role in the process of losing weight, she still performs a direct role if replacing soft drinks and alcoholic ones. Also, the water found in fruits and vegetables is important for dieters because it gives fullness. In this sense, it is good to know that vegetable juice is more nourishing than cooked vegetables themselves. The main benefit is that so, who you diet, eat less food, and drink more water.

Involvement of water in your diet:
* Water-rich foods tend to appear larger, their appearance is appealing, especially for us matters a lot the way they look what we eat.

* Large amount of these foods requires high oral stimulation, which which shows a better state of oral appliance and improved hygiene.

* When the water is associated with food or alternated or embedded, it slows intestinal absorption. This means that the food last longer in the stomach, and thus delay the onset of hunger.

* The more you eat, the more effectively lose weight. Vegetables and fruits rich in water could hold the secret to losing weight, quickly and safely. Eats saturated and lose weight.

Conclusions:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain lots of water
- Drink plenty of fluids low in calories, such as skimmed milk, tea, juices, and of course, water
- Always pay attention to any signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and concentrated urine.

Read More..

Kristens Menu Week of June 12

Breakfasts:
Favorite Oatmeal (Never gets old...)
Berry Oat Bars (Excited to try this new recipe.  No strawberries on Kates half.)
Crepes (I would say I will post this recipe from my Bosch cookbook later, but I know I wont.  So here it is...)
      1/2 c. fresh ground wheat flour
      1/4 c. white flour (always buy unbleached)
      3/4 c. milk
      2 eggs
      1 T. honey
      1 T. olive oil
      dash of cinnamon
Combine in blender and process 1 minute.  Refrigerate about 30 minutes.  Brush skillet with oil and when hot pour about 3 T. batter into pan.  Tilt pan in all directions until batter covers pan in a thin film.  Cook crepe 1 minute.  Turn or flip crepe and cook 30 more seconds on other side.  Stuff with fruit, drizzle with natural syrup, and be in heaven.

Lunches:
Sandwiches (This week it will be almond butter/jelly, chicken or turkey, and tuna.)
BBQ Chicken Wraps (Seriously, so yummy.  I use nitrate-free deli sliced chicken and add a drizzle of healhi{er} ranch with the bbq sauce.)

Dinners:
Pizza (I tried premade wheat pizza dough last time I made pizza and remembered that nothing compares to homemade pizza dough made with fresh ground wheat.  Learning about the amazing benefits of using this type of wheat is one of the most important things you can do for your familys health.  Just substitute it for white flour in any recipe.  And if you need some, just let me know.  I grind every two weeks, thanks to my kind mother-in-law who lets me use her grinder.) 
Lentil Rice with Chicken (I bought this on sale at Sprouts a month ago and decided to try it tonight.   I love having convenient meals around that are still healthy.  I am happy to say that this one was a hit with everyone!  Follow the link and click on the Lentil Pepper Rice Medley recipe on the right of the page.  I reduced the cumin to 1/4 tsp., left out the pepper flakes for the girls, and substituted olive oil for butter.)
Tamale Pie (Another easy meal that everyone likes.  I try to go easy on the cheese and leave out the sugar.  I will be using some of the organic grass-fed ground beef I stocked up on last time Sprouts had it for only $3.99/pound.  Its supposed to be as good for you as salmon, and much cheaper/easier to make too!)

Shopping at Sprouts this week.  Here are my picks...
nitrate-free deli meat chicken (Always go nitrate-free with deli meat, hot dogs, bacon, etc.  Especially for children.  The new research on nitrates is just plain scary, so try to stay away from them when possible.)
watermelon
strawberries
blueberries
white onion
cucumber
red pepper
green pepper
organic bananas
organic apples
Earths Best Chicken Nuggets Family Size Bag (Only $3.99 so I am stocking up.  These are the healthiest/yummiest you will find for your little ones.  And maybe for yourself too.)
eggs (omega 3)
fruit juice
milk (always antibiotic/hormone free)
Sprouts brand Mac & Cheese (Always nice to have on hand, these are much healthier than the traditional brand and are only 89 cents a box this week.)
Real maple syrup
Sprouts brand tomato sauce

Thats about all for the week!  Kim is coming over to help bake bread tomorrow, yay!  And I absolutely must remember to take my iron and protein this week.  And here is a picture, since I never take the time to post any.  Not that this even looks good at all, but I try to teach Olivia to make a rainbow at each meal and this was her attempt one day for lunch.  Grapes, strawberries, cheese, meat, and lentil chips on a piece of bread.  Yummy.  :)  And speaking of rainbows, I need to post our baking session on Saint Patricks Day when we made rainbow cupcakes using fruit to create the colors. 

Read More..

Plant Based Diet Challenge Week 2

This week was spent settling into the lifestyle and getting the portions right.

Eating fruits and vegetables until I am full is different to calorie restriction and watching the meat and portion.

I have been exercising, but due to the heat I have less days. I am going to aim to get up earlier to fit in the exercise before work.

I dont feel as bloated and I have more energy during the day to function and work.

My Challenge buddys skin is clearing up. He suffers from a skin condition where food and lifestyle can either calm it down or flare it up.

My weight is still the same but at the moment I am focusing on settling into the new lifestyle and getting all the nutrients in. Documenting my daily food is helping me with this...

So Far So Good

Read More..

Tip of the week by Gloria Averbuch Celebrate the World Cup with Healthy Snacks

With World Cup fever firmly taken hold, and the trumpeting sound of the vuvuzelas heard wherever there’s a game, it’s time to turn to the best possible accompaniment to viewing the games; that means snacking!

Below is a dish which honors the heritage of many of the teams taking part in the World Cup, and features both nutritional benefits and taste.

In the meantime, Women’s Professional Soccer’s 2010 season continues to role on, with the WPS All-Star Game presented by U.S. Coast Guard Reserve kicking off on June 30^th.

Boston Breakers Black Bean Spinach Dip

Here’s a tasty dip that’s a helpful recovery food because it is rich in both carbs and protein. Bring it to a post-game tailgate party, along with some baked chips.

1 15.5 ounce (440 g) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup (120 g) salsa

1 4.5 ounce (135 g) can chopped chilies

1 10-ounce box (300 g) chopped spinach, thawed and drained

2 teaspoons cumin

1 cup grated cheddar cheese (8 ounces, 240 g), preferably low-fat

1 chopped jalapeno, as desired

Optional: 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, or to taste

1. Mash the beans either by hand using the back of a fork or in a blender or food processor. Leave some beans whole, for varied texture.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, salsa, chilies, spinach, cumin, cheese (cilantro and jalapeno).

3. Pour the bean mixture into a pie-plate or other similar baking dish. Bake in 350º F (180º C) oven until well heated, about 20-30 minutes.

4. Serve with baked corn chips.

Yield: 10 servings

Total Calories: 1,200 (without chips)

Calories per serving: 120

16 g Carbohydrate

9 g Protein

2 g Fat

 Excerpted from Food Guide for Soccer—Tips & Recipes From the Pros, with Women’s Professional Soccer, by Gloria Averbuch and Nancy Clark, RD. Available on www.amazon.com or www.nancyclarkrd.com

Read More..

New Types of Eating Disorders

Due to the obsession of body image increasing, eating disorders is on the rise. Due to different reasons, people of all ages are losing their self esteem and in turn new eating disorders are arising.


These new eating disorders have been occurring in the past few years.      
These disorders can have long term health effects.

Here are a few of the disorders that are arising:


Pregorexia: is a disorder where a woman wants to control pregnancy weight gain through extreme dieting and exercise. This can affect the unborn child in a negative way. A pregnant woman needs to gain a certain amount of body weight for the baby to develop. This isnt the time for women to lose weight. 


Anorexia Athletica: is a disorder where someone tries to control weight loss by excessively exercising.  

Drunkorexia: is when someone has a restrictive diet so they can drink large amounts of alcohol without compromising their calorie intake. 

Gainers: Gainers is when someones mission is to gain as much weight as possible. This can be dangerous and can cause a number of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attack and stroke.

Binge Eating: is a disorder when someone binge eats. This type of eating can lead to obesity, anorexia or bulimia. 


Chew and Spit: As mentioned in a previous blog, this disorder is when the food is chewed but not swallowed in order to prevent consuming calories, when doing this, there are vital nutrients that are missing and can cause a number of health conditions and nutrient deficiencies. 

If you think or you are suffering from any of these disorders please talk to a health professional, counselor or your doctor. Talking about it is the first step to recovery. 

Further Reading: 

• http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/new-eating-disorders

• http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/

• http://www.nedc.com.au/

• http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/types-symptoms-eating-disorders

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/pregorexia/expert-answers/faq-20058356
• http://www.acefitness.org/blog/1668/anorexia-athletica-the-not-so-healthy-mind-body

  

Read More..

You can save money weaknesses

Weight loss brings a number of benefits. Besides helping you to stay away from diseases associated with excess weight, weight loss also means spending cuts. How can such a thing? Its easy! Over half of people who attend fast food restaurants are overweight because they consume it excessively rich foods empty calories that do not provide any benefit body. On the contrary, they contain many fats and sugars while leading to diabetes and obesity.

They say a pound plus a year is less, but draws itself and more expenses. People who choose to eat in town frequently "throw" more money on food, unlike those who cook and eat at home. Also, weight accumulation, lead to the emergence of health problems, requiring in turn give more money on drugs. So, the easiest is to opt for a healthy lifestyle, which will only bring benefecii. With weight loss, reduce the risk of developing diseases and make substantial savings

Read More..

The Plant Based Lifestyle Challenge

Its the new year, for many it is also the start of their healthy eating and dieting.

Like many people i myself have made new years resolutions.

One new year resolution that i made is to further tweak my eating patterns and have a plant based diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, beans and further reducing my intake of meat, dairy and chicken.

My main reason for this is health. Last year i started increasing my fruit and veggies and reducing my dairy and i started having a positive result.   My asthma reduced
and my overall energy increased.

I will be documenting my experiences, weight and how i am feeling. I will also document recipes which i have found along the way and videos that have inspired me such as forks over knives.

My Current Progress 

I am currently 3 days in. The one thing i have noticed is when my staples are fruit and veggies, i need to eat more otherwise i will be hungry.

 I didnt eat enough fruit and vegetables yesterday and i did feel fatigued. Today I ate more vegetables and fruit and i feel i have a lot more energy.

I am loving my smoothie bowls, they are the most delicious breakfast out....

I have also started yoga (which i love) and i also practice Pilates at home, jump on the exercise bike or go for a walk. I will be increasing my yoga to twice per day.

At the moment I am also drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. So far i am loving the new lifestyle.

Read More..

The Tongue Patch Diet does this work and is it safe

I came across this the other day and I was curious about how this works. This treatment isnt Available here in Australia which is why I didnt know it existed until the other day when I saw it on a US TV show. 

I decided to do some research on this procedure and I didnt like what I read. 

This procedure is based on a mesh type of patch that is attached to the tongue. This mesh on the tongue causes pain for the individual with they eat foods like a burger due to the tongue pushing the food up against the roof of the mouth and back into the throat. There are two little sharp points on the tongue, rubbing up against the top of the mouth which also is going to be painful. 

The procedure takes 10 minutes and cost $2000 US. 

Basically the person that does this procedure can only consume shakes and soups because they cant swallow normal foods. It is meant to be a "quick fix" solution for people who are in extreme circumstances and need to loose 30 kilos plus quickly.  

It is not long term and the procedure is removed after about a month depending on the person.

I havent added any pictures because some of them may be too graphic for some.

I dont like this procedure for many reasons: 

• The surgery to the tongue: we dont know whether there is going to be long term damage to the tongue and taste buds
• It doesnt teach you how to eat properly 
• Due to the extreme diet, once the mesh is removed the patient can put the weight back on

This is a controversial procedure and is not available here in Australia. 

The best way to lose weight is the old fashioned way, through diet and exercise.   

Read More..

Kims Menu Week of July 4th

This week, like many weeks, I spend a lot of my spare time on the

PINTEREST app on my iPhone

Everyday I find wonderful new recipes and interesting recipe blogs.

The only problem is I again become overwhelmed by the many different "ways" to eat "healthy".

To be honest, I wish that I could be a vegan (with a few exceptions)

Those exceptions would be: 

eggs (for breakfast only)

free range, organic chicken or organic grass fed beef (2-4 times a month)

besides that I think being a vegan sounds fabulous. When you take out meat, cheese, and milk from your diet you not only feel lighter, cleaner, and healthier.. but it forces you to eat more of what you SHOULD be eating (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)

I have decided that I am going to TRY my hardest to transition into this way of eating by my 23rd birthday! That gives me exactly 6 months and 3 weeks

Ready... Set... Start!

This month I am going to start by planning 2 vegetarian meals and 1 vegan meal into my weekly dinner menu. I am also going to learn how to incorporate QUINOA ("keen-wah") and CHIA SEEDS 
into my diet. Click on the links to learn all about these superfoods and how EASY they are to add into your diet.

HEALTHY FOODS ON SALE TOMORROW! RED = awesome DEAL!
SPROUTS: (sale good thru wednesday)
Strawberries - $0.88 for 1 lb
Blueberries - $2.00 for 1 pint
Broccoli/Cauliflower - $0.99/lb
Romaine or Green Leaf Lettuce - $0.99 each

ORGANIC fuji apples - $0.99/lb

ORGANIC red/green grapes - $1.99 lb

Raw Almonds - $3.99/lb

Udi hamburger buns (gluten free) - $2.50

FRYS:

Strawberries - $0.77 for 1 lb (CHEAPER than Sprouts!)

Roma Tomatoes - $0.77/lb
Green bell peppers - 2 for $1


 oh yeah, and finally
Dinner this week:
Mon: Chiptole chicken bowls
(vegetarian) Tues: Cheesy Potatoes, Steamed Veggies 
Wed: BBQ chicken pizza braid
(vegan) Thurs: Spanish Rice, Clean Guacamole, & Bean dip
(vegetarian) Fri: Glorified Caesar Salad & spaghetti
Sat or Sun: Broccoli Chicken Calzones


And to end this post off right, please watch these videos that I watched this week. Always a good reminder to EDUCATE YOURSELF!!!

Read More..

Diet during breastfeeding

New moms, do not even think about weight loss in the first 6 months after birth. Listen to your body requirements. Eat only when you are hungry and try to always eat fresh and healthy food. And drink plenty of fluids - at least 2 liters daily.
Rather than worry about what you should not eat, choose carefully what you eat: food as nutritious. The goal is to burn fat while maintaining your health.
Calories are important, but they are not everything in the safe weight loss. Use your caloric needs as the starting point in planning a good and healthy diet.
Nutritionists recommend that we distribute calories as follows: Protein: up to 20%, carbohydrates: at least 50% fat: no more than 30%. There are very good books and a table that illustrates the possibilities we build a balanced menu.
Mothers are reminded that at 2300 calories per day, calcium intake may be too low, so it is important to choose foods high in calcium green vegetables, cheese, tofu, canned salmon with bones. If you decide to follow a diet of 1800-2200 calories / day, you must choose very very good foods to meet nutritional needs.
Finally, physical is the final piece of the puzzle. Stimulates weight loss and makes you feel full of energy and very happy with the changes that happen in your body If you lead a sedentary lifestyle before having children, start exercising gradually and slowly advanced.
Try to reserve time for sports 3 times a week - swimming, walking, cycling, aerobics, dancing, jogging.
Do not make too much effort in a warm and humid or if you have fever
Avoid pendulum movements and sudden changes of direction
Exercise on a wooden floor or carpet, to reduce the risk of concussions. Do not forget to warm up before exercise difficult, with 5 minutes of walking or cycling.
Finish with some light exercises for relaxation
Check your pulse
Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Wear a good bra to prevent mastitis
To find the time and motivation for weight loss, try these strategies:
Set a weekly meeting where it will build the menu for next week and change impressions and encouragement with other new mothers
organized together with other moms a surveillance program, so some of you to enjoy a game of tennis, while children are in a park nearby, in care of the other mothers in the group. Or attend a club which provides supervision your child while swimming or aerobics attend a lesson.

Read More..

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Stuffed Shrimp

I cant exactly go taking credit for this recipe as it was something my MIL had us help prepare on one of our camping trips. Trust me we didnt cook like this when we went camping when I was growing up but I love the idea. I forgot to take pictures after everything was cooked so youll have to forgive me and maybe next time around Ill remember. 

What Youll Need

2 Jalapenos (seeds removed & sliced into 1/8 inch strips or smaller)

21 Large Shrimp (shelled & veins removed)

7 Slices of Bacon (cut into 3 equal sections)

Skewers

Parmesan (optional) 

As you can see its pretty easy. You just need to place the jalapeno slice where the vein use to be and the wrap the bacon around to hold it into place. Then slide in onto the skewer. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon and what kind of grill your using. You can roll them into Parmesan before putting them on the grill if you like. I chose not to this time because I was making a green chili sauce to go on the side. We did these on our George Foreman grill but it worked just fine when we did them at our camp site. Happy Grilling!

Read More..