Sunday, March 18, 2012

Onions - More Than You Ever Wanted to Know


ONIONS! More than you ever wanted to know about Onions, and then some - but this is important information I believe, so try and read it until the end.

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu...Many of the farmers and their families had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, more information from a hairdresser.  She said that several years ago, many of her employees were coming down with the flu, and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got sick.

More information from a magazine contributor.  She writes:  Last year I contacted pneumonia, and needless to say, I was very ill... I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put it into an empty jar, and place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.

This is the another note someone contributed about onions.

Lots of times when we have stomach problems we don't know what to blame. Maybe it's the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn't eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

Another lady had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of mayonnaise, and wrote the following. Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist.  Ed, who was our tour guide, is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said that all commercially-made mayo is completely safe. "It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the summer picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table, and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick. Ed says that, when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the ONIONS, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.

He explained onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says  it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by  being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!).  Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down.

Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions Please remember it is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning.

Tomatoes, really?



Who likes tomatoes? As a kid, you couldn't get me to eat one, and honestly - have not even tried as an adult. They freak me out. Yes, tomatoes freak me out. Just looking at one makes me nauseated. I do not eat pizza or spaghetti sauce or pasta sauce or salsa or anything of the like. I definitely do not like ketchup. I can't even stand the smell of ketchup. The only way I get the resemblance of a tomato in me is by eating Hormel Chili. Seriously, that is it. Up until now, I've known they were important and healthy - but not enough to motivate me to try them.

But get this. The tomato is rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anticarcinogenic properties. They are an excellent source of vitamin C (the vitamin C is most concentrated in the jelly-like substance that surrounds the seeds). They also contain vitamin A and B-complex vitamins, potassium and phosphorus. A tomato grown in a hothouse has half the vitamin C content as a vine-ripened tomato. I actually did not know that until a friend posted about it on Facebook.

So, NOW will I try a tomato? I don't know. But maybe if enough people bug me about it - I will. We'll see.

As always, make champion choices today.

Debra

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Knee Pain ANYONE ?



This article is for anyone who suffers from knee pain (like me) ;-)
How to Reduce Knee Pain During Exercises Like Burpees 
Aug 18, 2011 | By Juliet Wilkinson 

Your knees take a lot of abuse on a daily basis. They are involved in almost all your movements and as such, it's easy to understand how knee pain could interfere with your workout. There are ways to prepare your knees for whole body workouts, such as burpees, by strengthening the supporting structures. Taking good care of your knees may actually reduce some of the post-workout pain. Check with your doctor before exercising on a bad knee, you could inadvertently do more damage than good.

Knee Care

Step 1
Wear proper athletic shoes every time you exercise. The cushioned soles and proper arch support may help relieve the knees and back, and keep everything in proper alignment.

Step 2

Complete at least 5 minutes of aerobics prior to stretching. You can jog, walk briskly or do any activity that get your heart rate up and your blood circulating.

Step 3

Stretch the muscles that support your knees, such as the hamstrings and quadriceps, prior to performing burpees. The hamstrings are the muscles that allow you to bend the knee, whereas the quadriceps help you straighten them.

Step 4 
Complete daily strengthening exercises to build up your hamstrings and quadriceps.

Step 5

Eliminate any steps of the burpee that cause you pain, such as jumping, or work up to them slowly.

Step 6

Do not let your knees extend over your toes while squatting for the burpee. Start with a mini-squat -- don't worry if you cannot touch the floor during the burpee -- and work your way closer to the floor over time. You can also step your feet back -- as opposed to jumping them back -- to reduce strain on your knees.

Step 7

Apply ice to your knees for 10 to 20 minutes after exercise. Ice decreases tissue swelling and pain after exercise.

Exercise to Strengthen Your Quadriceps for Burpees

Step 1

Sit in a chair with your back straight and your feet touching the floor. Extend your feet in front of you and let your heels touch the floor.

Step 2

Tighten and flex the muscles on the tops of your thighs by focusing on the quadriceps muscles and contracting them.

Step 3

Hold the contraction for 10 seconds if possible, then release and wait for three seconds before repeating. Work up to 10 repetitions daily.

Exercise to Strengthen Your Hamstrings for Burpees

Step 1

Sit in a chair with your back straight and you feet flat on the floor. Push your heels into the floor and hold.

Step 2

Pull your heels towards your body without physically moving your feet -- try to feel the flexion in the backs of your thighs.

Step 3

Hold the contraction for 10 seconds and then release. Aim for 10 repetitions on each side.

Tips and Warnings

•Start a weight-loss program if you are overweight. Each pound puts additional and unnecessary strain on your joints.
•Do not attempt knee exercises or stretches if you have torn ligaments or prior knee surgery without first consulting your

If you need help with an exercise or weight loss program - contact me at 210-701-0821 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            210-701-0821      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or debra@healthyhabitgal.com


www.healthyhabitgal.com


Sunday, March 4, 2012

Fabulous Weekend

The weather here, this weekend, has been amazing.  Very energizing for outdoor activity.  We visited a Japanese Tea Garden yesterday and it was just breathtakingly beautiful.  Kids had a blast.  Then we went to a natural park area and climbed hills, followed hiking trails.  So fun.  I think we definitely wore the kids out big time.

Meanwhile; I have been battling migraines since my car accident in February - - but I'm trying to deal with as best I can.  It was suggested to me to visit a chiropractor, so I definitely think I shall do just that.  I missed out on doing a MS Walk I was suppose to do Saturday, so that definitely made me sad.

This afternoon, I made an online purchase today for some various Quest bars.  I cannot wait to get them.  They were suggested by a friend, so I am eager for their arrival.  I had also ordered some PB2 online, and it is here already.  I am discovering so many cool new things.

Let me just say I love my new city.  San Antonio is amazing, and it has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural events, etc.   I am so happy the Lord blessed us and moved us here.  God is so good.

Gear up for a great week, and as always, make champion choices.

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