Category: Health and Wellness

Rambutan Fruit Tried for the First Time

Posted on by Kitty

While looking for strange fruit, my husband discovered rambutan at our local grocery store. It is an odd-looking fruit that is closely related to lychee. They are covered with spines that are harmless. Tasting extra sweet and delicious, the fruit also has several important vitamins and minerals.

Rambutan

From the picture above, you can see that rambutan are small and have slick, whitish fruit. The fruit is actually an aril, meaning that it’s the fleshy outgrowth of a seed. Seeds from this fruit are inedible and considered poisonous. To prepare the fruit, rinse in cold water then dry. After getting a cutting board and knife, make a superficial cut along half the length of the leathery shell. Continue cutting until the halves are separated, revealing the soft flesh. Some shells come off easier than others, but there is no hassle to cleaning them. I like to rinse any debris off the flesh after unsheathing.

Rambutan Health Benefits

Flesh from the rambutan fruit is low in calories with 75 calories per 100 grams of edible amount. In that 100 grams there are 30 mg of vitamin C, which constitutes 50% of the daily recommended value. There is also a decent amount of fiber (0.24 g) that helps with digestive health. The fruit has a good amount of B-complex vitamins as well. Minerals provided by the fruit are calcium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium. All of those are key components of our bodies that keep our systems running properly. The little fruits are filling because of their water content, so it doesn’t take many to be satisfied.

Rambutan

It was fun trying a new thing, and my husband and I now both like rambutan. To me, it tastes like a slightly sweeter and milder grape. A good way to eat one is to put the whole thing in your mouth and gently suck on it. Make sure the seed isn’t eaten or chewed when getting the flesh separated. It’s best to eat any peeled fruit immediately, but unpeeled fruit can keep 10-12 days inside a refrigerator with proper humidity.

 

Oriental Turkey Soup Makes Eating Healthy Simple

Posted on by Kitty

Oriental turkey soup is my husband’s favorite, and it is simple to make. My mother-in-law gave me the recipe for it, and I changed it a little. Sometimes the grocery store doesn’t have items that I need in stock, so I have to improvise. Improvising creates lots of possibilities in the kitchen!

Oriental Turkey Soup

Traditionally, oriental turkey soup is served with rice. Any rice can be used, depending on personal preference. If you are staying away from carbs, riced cauliflower can be a nice substitute. I found it in the frozen vegetable section. It only takes five minutes to microwave the cauliflower, making it fast and healthy. Nori sheets can be cut up and added on top when serving. However, this soup is delicious enough to stand on its own.

Riced Cauliflower

Oriental Turkey Soup

2 Tbsp. Oil
2 lbs. Ground Turkey
1 Sweet Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
3 Stalks Celery with Leaves
8-oz. Package Fresh Mushrooms
1 Quart (32 oz.) Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 Can, Drained or 1 1/2 Cups Bean Sprouts
1 Can, Drained or 1 1/2 Cups Oriental Vegetable Mix
1 Small Can, Drained Water Chestnuts
4 Tbsp. Low Sodium Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Teriyaki Sauce
1 Tbsp. Sesame Oil (optional)
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Saute the turkey, onion, garlic, celery, and mushrooms in the oil on medium heat. This can be done in a large pot for a one-dish meal, or it can be done in a skillet, making it a two-dish meal. This time, I chose a skillet because it was quicker. After the meat is thoroughly cooked, add the rest of the ingredients. Make sure to have a pot large enough to hold it all. Let the soup simmer for ten minutes, then it is done. If making rice, it’s good to plan a little ahead of time to ensure it’s ready when the soup is. Brown rice takes as long as fifty minutes to cook, and jasmine takes fifteen.

Oriental Turkey Soup

Oriental Turkey Soup

Trans Fat Explained and How to Avoid It

Posted on by Kitty

Trans fat has been in our mainstream food now since the 1950s. Since then, it has become very clear that its introduction did us no favors. It was first seen as a good thing because it allows food to keep longer, but it causes harmful buildup in the body. Trans fat has no nutritional value anyway. What is it? It’s an unsaturated fat (having double carbon bonds) that have hydrogen atoms oriented in opposite directions. This happens when hydrogen atoms are added to the fatty acid (hydrogenation) or when oils with low smoke points are cooked at too high temperatures for too long. It also occurs naturally in small amounts, mostly in animal-based foods.

Trans Fat Molecular Structure

Luckily, trans fats can be avoided pretty easily. Things to look for are what ingredients are listed in the food, and how it was prepared. Always stay away from margarine or highly processed foods with long shelf lives. Both usually have lots of trans fat. When cooking or baking at high temperatures, try to stay away from oils with low smoke points and oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats. Oils with low smoke points are best used for vinaigrettes or microwaving. Microwaving causes oil to boil quicker at lower temperatures, allowing less time for degradation. When frying, always use fresh oil. The darker the oil is in color, the more oxidation it has undergone.

While understanding the chemistry of trans fat is important in knowing how to avoid it, there is another component involved. Having an understanding of different oils’ smoke points is key. The smoke point is the temperature required for an oil to break down and burn. There are several different sources and charts available. If the oil you use isn’t listed in the table I have linked, I’m sure its smoke point will be listed somewhere. Knowing the smoke points will help make healthier decisions in the kitchen. Another thing to be wary of are nutrition facts because sometimes companies do not list everything. If ever in doubt, call them for the missing information.

Trans Fat in Oils and Smoke Points

Trans Fat Content and Smoke Points of Oils

Mediterranean-Themed Salad and Zingy Citrus Vinaigrette

Posted on by Kitty

Mediterranean food has long been associated with health. The “Mediterranean diet” was first made public by Ancel Keys and his wife, Margaret Keys, in 1975. They noticed that based on the eating patterns of poor in the southern region, health and longevity were common even in the absence of medical care. By the 1990s, the diet started catching on in the mainstream. The main objectives of the diet are to consume very little red meat, sweets, eggs, and processed foods, and be in a happy social environment when eating. Exercise and fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten in abundance as well.

Mediterranean Food Pyramid

Whether the Mediterranean diet works or not, the food is still delicious. There are many different choices as well, making it difficult to become bored with food. What’s a better excuse to have a glass of wine, anyway?

Mediterranean Salad

1 Can (16 oz.) Chick Peas (Garbanzos)
1 Can (14 oz.) Artichoke Hearts
Half a Head of Romaine Lettuce
1 Red Pepper
Half of a Cucumber
1/4 – 1/2 Cup Green Onions
1/2 Cup Grape Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Kalamata Olives
Parmesan or Feta Cheese (Add when serving)

Drain the chick peas and artichoke hearts. The artichoke hearts are usually quartered, but they may be cut to the size desired. Take the head of Romaine and inspect it for bad spots. Rinse what’s left and set it aside to drain in a colander. Clean and rinse the red pepper, then cut it into Julienne slices or however wanted. Take the cucumber and thinly slice it, along with the green onions. Measure the grape tomatoes and Kalamata olives, then mix everything together. The cheese should be added when serving, along with the vinaigrette.

Citrus Vinaigrette

1-3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp. Garlic (finely minced)
1/2 tsp. Oregano
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1-4 Tbsp. Champagne or White Vinegar

Put everything in a large bowl and thoroughly whisk until combined. Salt and pepper can be added for extra flavor. Another method of making a vinaigrette is by putting the ingredients in a jar and shaking it vigorously. Either way works well. Some may find this recipe to be too tangy, but tasting it along the way helps to prevent that. It’s also why I put a range on the acidic ingredients. Also, keep in mind that the salad above has tomatoes, which are very acidic. So, maybe try less lemon juice and vinegar to enjoy.

Make It a Spa Day with Homemade Bath Bombs

Posted on by Kitty

Bath bombs are so relaxing and easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and your favorite essential oils, you can have a spa day any day of the week. Bath bombs make excellent gifts as well, so really, it’s hard to go wrong making them yourself. It just takes about 1-2 days to cure before they can be used or packaged.

Bath Bomb Supplies

There are many different combinations for recipes, but the basic recipe can be found here. It involves citric acid, baking soda, and cornstarch. When making a bath bomb, Epsom salts or Dead Sea Salt can be added as well. Just remember the correct ratios when straying from the base recipe. I found a really helpful guide on how to change the base according to tastes. Personally, I do not like having as much oil as the basic recipe calls for so I greatly reduced it in my own batch. I prefer to add just enough oil to hold the bomb together well.

Bath Bombs: Basic Recipe

1 Cup Citric Acid
1 Cup Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
1/2 Cup Carrier Oil
10 Drops Essential Oil

While this recipe is solid, I created my own that includes Dead Sea Salt. In the guide that I linked, it says that it can be added up to 25%. The guide also states never to take away from the baking soda if adding another dry ingredient. That is because the soda acts as a softening agent against the citric acid. I could either take equal parts of citric acid and baking soda out, or I could just take away from the citric acid. Keep in mind that the closer the ratio of those two ingredients, the more fizzy it will be. The bath bomb I made doesn’t need to be super fizzy, so I just took away from the citric acid. Also, the recipe above makes quite a few, so I halved it for personal use.

Bath Bombs

1/4 Cup Citric Acid
1/2 Cup Baking Soda
1/4 Cup Cornstarch
1/4 Cup Dead Sea Salt
2 Tbsp. Carrier Oil
10-15 Drops Essential Oil
Dye of Choice

Have a cookie sheet with wax paper ready to go before getting started. It will hold the bath bombs while they cure. Add all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Carefully whisk them until they are combined. Be sure to keep the whisk in constant contact with the bottom of the bowl in order to avoid a cloud of acid dust. It may be a good idea to wear a mask while stirring because the citric acid can cause irritation. After the dry ingredients are mixed, drop the carrier and essential oils in slowly. The liquid will cause a mild reaction, which is normal. The dye I use is liquid, so I add it at this time. If the dye you have is dry, it should be added with the other dry ingredients before the liquids. The consistency needed for molding should be sort of like moist sand for building sandcastles. One of the best ways to achieve the right texture is by hand-mixing. When the mix is ready, take the molds and overfill each side. Try not to pack each side because they will stick to the mold. Only pack once both sides have come together. It takes some practice getting it right. This recipe makes two  6.5 oz. bath bombs with about 3 oz. leftover for bath fizzy salts.

Dry Ingredients for Bath BombsDifferent Dyes

Bath BombHomemade Bath Bombs

Easy and Delicious Chili Recipe That’s Quick to Make

Posted on by Kitty

This recipe for chili is simple, delicious, and healthy all in one. It requires only a few, affordable ingredients to make. In the past, I made it with canned tomatoes. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with different brands have been bad. Once I had a can that looked fine on the outside, but the tomatoes were coated in black mold. So now I buy tomatoes fresh because I can see what I am purchasing and because they taste so much better.

Fresh Tomatoes for Chili

Something that makes this chili unique is bison. About a year ago, I was looking at ground meats and noticed my local store started carrying bison. It’s a delicious lean meat that is just a little bit more expensive than ground white turkey. Sometimes I prefer it to turkey because it has more flavor and is more akin to beef in taste. Personally, I cannot handle any spiciness, so there is not any added in this recipe. If heat is desired, there are spicier seasoning packets available than original. Also, jalapenos can be added to the chili during simmering or when serving for extra heat.

Chili Recipe

2 Small Onions or 1 Large
4 or 5 Cloves of Garlic
3 Large, Ripe Tomatoes
1 lb. Ground Bison (or meat of choosing)
1 Chili Original Seasoning Packet
1 Can of Pinto Beans, Drained (optional)
Seasoning Salt, Oregano, Chili Powder, Fresh Peppercorns (optional)

Take the bison out of the refrigerator and put it in a skillet before starting preparation, so that it will cook more thoroughly. After doing that, take the onion and dice it into whatever size is desirable and add it to the pan with the meat. Then take the garlic and mince it and add it to the pan as well. Now, peel and dice the tomatoes and set them aside for later. Start browning the meat and vegetables on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the meat is thoroughly cooked. After the meat is done, add the seasoning packet and stir. Then take the tomatoes and incorporate them into the mix. At this point, beans or jalapenos could be combined with the chili. I usually add a little bit more seasoning than the packet because I enjoy lots of flavor. Seasoning salt, oregano, chili powder, and freshly cracked black pepper help stretch the seasoning packet and make the chili more delicious. Plus, these are nice seasonings to have on hand.  After adding everything desired into the chili, let it simmer for at least 10 minutes before eating to allow the flavors to mingle. Serve with sour cream, Frito’s, jalapenos, cheese, or guacamole.

Essential Oils Provide Many Benefits at Reasonable Cost

Posted on by Kitty

Essential Oils

Whether essential oils are used medicinally or for fragrance, they provide a broad spectrum of benefits. However, they should be treated as anything else that goes in or on the body. It is always a good idea to test a small area of skin with diluted essential oil in a carrier/base oil before applying fully. Wait about 24 hours for any reaction that may occur. If nothing bad happens, then the oil should be safe to use. Everyone is different, so always test to be certain.

There are a myriad of curative oils in existence that I could go on forever, so I will limit descriptions to just four today. I have used essential oils for almost twenty years and can say that they work. In a world where antibiotics are becoming less effective against bacteria and more detrimental to health, I find it comforting to know that nature has its own way of defeating sickness. When I was a child, doctors prescribed me every kind of antibiotic there was at the time. I took all of them, and ended up being sicker for it. Antibiotics not only destroyed the bad bacteria in me, but they also destroyed all the good. Because of this, I no longer take any unless it’s absolutely necessary. This is where essential oils are helpful.

Lavender Essential Oil

 

Lavender essential oil is amazing when it comes to calming and healing. It can aid in more restful sleep when it is dropped onto a cotton ball and placed under a pillow. Muscle tension can be relieved by adding a few drops to a bath. Infuse Epsom salt with lavender oil for added benefit while soaking in the tub. There is even evidence that the oil can promote hair growth.  Another great attribute of lavender oil is that it relieves inflammation, making it ideal for blemish control. If using it on the face, be especially sure to use it with a carrier oil and test first. There are many carrier oils to choose from, and they all interact differently with the skin.

 

Carrier Oils

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is sort of an all-purpose essential oil. It is common and costs very little. Most people know it for its skin benefits, but it can be used to treat fungus, bacteria, and viruses. Anytime I squeeze pimples, I put some on the inflamed area to soothe and heal it. The best time to put it on the face is at night before bed since the eyes will be closed. Most oils can cause watery eyes if applied too close, and tea tree oil is one of them. Never apply an essential oil near the eyes, whether it’s on the eyelid or underneath.
Many different ailments can be treated at home using tea tree oil. Dandruff will lessen by adding a few drops to shampoo. Toenail fungus and ringworm die after contact with the oil. I use it “neat” (undiluted) when applying it to my nails. The best time to treat nails infected with fungus is after a shower or bath, making sure to cover underneath the nails as well.

Bergamot

 

Bergamot oil comes from the bergamot tree, which is a cross between an orange and lemon tree. It is mostly used for aromatherapy. The scent of the oil alleviates depression and energizes the body and mind. Bergamot essential oil can be used to help with anxiety as well. It has helped me with several panic attacks. Either sniff it from the bottle or add a few drops to a diffuser for relief. An interesting fact about the oil is that it is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. Always remember to keep it stored in a dark place because sunlight could cause toxicity.

 

 

Eucalyptus

 

Eucalyptus oil has many healing qualities. It has antibacterial properties concerning upper respiratory infections and streptococcus. The oil also has antimicrobial properties, making it excellent for dental care. It has even been shown to be effective at repelling insects. One of my favorite uses for the oil is to add a few drops of it to a pot of boiling water for sinus relief. Anytime I get stopped up, I get a towel and make a tent over my head in order to breathe in the healing vapors. Nothing is more helpful for me than this. Eucalyptus oil can also be used as an analgesic and massaged onto problem areas.

 

All essential oils have healing properties in some form. Of the four mentioned above, bergamot is the most expensive, but it is cheaper than most anti-anxiety drugs. With just these four oils, one can do a lot.

Always be sure to read all the information about an oil before using it. Also check for any interactions with medicines prescribed by your doctor.

 

 

Affordably Enhance Air and Sleep Quality in Your Home

Posted on by Kitty

Owl Fountain and Plants

One of the most important times in the day is when we sleep. It’s a time when our bodies are in recover-mode. If we don’t get solid, quality sleep, our bodies pay dearly throughout the day and the rest of our lives. I am no doctor, but I do know a thing or two about stress-relief. In a world so technologically advanced as ours, it is getting more difficult to unplug. So it makes sense to make sure that the space where you sleep is free from distraction and is calming.

There are many ways to enhance a sleeping area, but I prefer not spending too much. After discovering nature videos on YouTube, I realized that I could bring some of those noises into my bedroom. You’re probably thinking, “Why not just listen to the video already there?” Well, I could, but it wouldn’t be the same. A device would have to be turned on in order to listen. I believe that all devices should be off and charging far from the bed before my head hits the pillow. Also, there would be no plants providing oxygen in that case. Yes, plants! There are many varieties to choose from that can thrive inside a home.  Plants provide more than just oxygen though. NASA has conducted studies involving houseplants since the 1980s, and they found how beneficial they are. Houseplants brighten up any location, balance humidity levels, and filter out toxic chemicals. Some plants don’t even need much care for those of you not possessing a green thumb. Aloe Vera is a very good choice in that case. Not only is it easy to care for, but it is also used in treating minor injuries. My bedroom is home to one and a Prayer Plant. They look great and don’t need much attention.

While plants are a wonderful beginning, I needed more for a good night’s sleep. The sound of water trickling is so calming to me that I wanted to bring it in the bedroom, as well. So I decided to try an indoor tabletop fountain. It has been absolutely wonderful. A really neat thing about having a fountain, aside from the noises it makes, is that it is symbiotic to the plants since it provides humidity. There are many different designs of tabletop fountains, and they are all affordable. It is most beneficial to find one that makes a lot of noise where water is concerned. Unfortunately, the only way of knowing is by trying. I had to put my gemstone collection in my fountain’s basin for more trickling sounds. It worked really well, so now I get to see my collection and sleep peacefully.

By investing a little time and money, you can make your bedroom a more peaceful, relaxing place. It only takes a few plants and a small fountain. A well-rested body and mind are worth the effort, believe me. I can’t imagine going to sleep without my little ecosystem now. There is a huge difference in my sleeping-waking pattern because I have more energy and sleep solidly. So try ditching the smartphone and other tech and give nature a try!

Fountain and Plants