A few forgotten power foods?

Are stuck in a food rut eating the same foods all the time? Well, here are few choices you really need to consider adding to your everyday meals. Not only are they packed with all the good nutrients and vitamins your body needs, they are yummy substitutions for the same old , same old.

First, let me reintroduce you to kale. Did you know that one cup of kale (steamed, not overcooked) can give you double the vitamin A you need for a day? Kale also gives a healthy dose of calcium. Well, maybe you need to take another look at kale ,and add it wherever you would leafy greens.

Here's a kale saute' with cranberries and pinenuts . Just a suggestion!

Barley is another. Barley is full of protein, fiber and potassium. Have some barley as a side dish instead of rice for a change, or just add it to your next batch of soup. Packed with fiber, you will just be filling up on something that just makes sense to add to you diet.

Oh yes, and don't forget the lentils. Lentils supply about 40 percent of the daily requirement for protein and 65 percent of the daily requirement for fiber. Its a great source for B vitamins, and copper, with zero fat!

Just a friendly reminder on a few forgotten power foods.

Keep the pesticides out!

The more organics we buy , the more pesticides we keep out of our soil ,and eventually our bodies. So some of you are saying, "Yes, I get that, but its more costly to purchase organically."

Maybe, yes, but its more nutritious, better tasting and there are no toxins. Think about that for a moment. Do your own taste test. Buy some conventional produce ,and then the similar organic version. You will be surprised at how much better they taste, and free from toxins!

If you're just starting this process, then, just make gradual changes at first. Start by purchasing only organic produce. It will be a balance at first between whats available to you, and the cost. Beginning this process will not happen immediately. It will take time to make the changes.

But do make the changes!

Thank you fans!

So, before we get into the week-end , I just wanted to say thanks to all the Peacecake fans that stay connected to us every day. Thanks for the comments, the pictures you send in ,and just being there to support us. We know who you are and appreciate you very much!

Its not every day people get around to saying thank you to those who count! Follow my lead. Get out there and thank someone today that you feel you should have acknowledged a while ago. Isn't it time to show your appreciation?

Mix up some homemade vanilla......

Mix up some homemade vanilla extract today. The process couldn't be simpler. This is all you need to get started:

quart mason jar
lid and screw down ring
6 vanilla beans
2 cups organic vodka

First, cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise, then add them to the jar. Cover the beans with the organic vodka and store in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks. Be sure to shake the jar every couple of days. The more you let it stand, the more intense the flavor will be. When its ready, strain into a dark bottle and store. Now you have your own homemade vanilla extract for baking!

Go animal-free this week-end!

More than 3 million Americans are living the vegan lifestyle. With so many animal-free options out there today, it makes it easy for anyone to give it a try. You would be surpised at how many vegan foods you are enjoying already. Did you know that just one less meat-based meal a week helps the planet, and your diet. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce just one lb. of beef. Is that really necessary? For each hamburger you eat that started out from animals raised on rainforest land, about 55 square feet of forest was destroyed. Is that burger worth it?

Just try it this week end. Breakfast can be cereals, oatmeals yoghurt or a fruit smoothie, with soy milk of course. Then for lunch and dinner, vegetarian meats if you must, but fruits and vegetables are always a great choice. Have a potatoe, some pasta,brown rice, or even peanut butter and jelly. Just start slow. Snack on pretzels, popcorn, raisins, nuts and fresh fruit.

Are you setting a good example for your kids? Its their future. Think about that the next time you pick up dinner. Itsn't it time you made some changes that will impact them and their envirement?

Oh, and don't forget when you are shopping this week- end to buy cruelty-free products. Most of these items can be found in natural stores. Saving the anmimals saves the planet. Not so bad ! You will feel better, and you'll be saving the planet in your own very personal way. Give it a try!

C'mon , have a vegan week-end!

Isn't it time you went green and black?

Ok- so you know you should be drinking more tea, right? Well, start with the green stuff you know is good for you. The main ingredient in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Can you say that? It doesn't matter if you can, all that matters is that you are drinking it because it keeps your metabolic rate up. This helps burn more calories during the day and helps with keeping the abdominal fat off so you can still eat your cookies. Ok, we like that.

Green tea also has loads of antioxidants to help fight aging and ward of diseases. This is good stuff. Are you listening?

Now, green, oolong and black teas all come from the same plant . However, there are different processes that cause the black and oolong teas to lose their green color. Studies have shown that black tea can help in reducing Cortisol levels, which encourages fat storage around the mid section. Black tea also aids in lowering cholesterol and regulates blood sugar. Ok, so now that we have discussed the benefits of these teas, its time to put the hot water on and have a cup!

Did your cookies come out flat?

Ok, so your cookies came out too flat? What did you do wrong? Sometimes it happens. If the butter or vegan spread you used was too warm when you added to the mix, your cookies will come out as flat as pancakes. Sometimes its a good ideas to refrigerate the cookie dough for about 45 minutes before scooping and baking. Ok, there, now try that , and let me know how things went for you the second time around.