Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Sorry this isn't the best picture, I'll get a better one up soon I promise!

 

The taste however is delicious, I just made it one day and added what I could remember from some other recipes I had seen, and then whatever else sounded good at the time :) I don't really get picky on measuring so you can adjust the ingredients as you like, maybe add more beans or corn if that's what you prefer, either way it's easy to whip up and great in a tortilla, lettuce wrap, or dipping some corn chips in.

 

 

Makes about 3 cups:

1/2 cup cooked black beans

1/2 cup corn

1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped small (I like to use red and yellow)

2 Tbs chopped onion

1 medium chopped tomato, or handful of cherry tomatoes cut in desired size pieces

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped fresh

1/2 avocado, diced*

Juice from 1/2 a lemon

10 dashes of green tabasco sauce*

A dash of cumin

 

-Mix everything together and let all the flavors mingle for a while in the fridge if you want, eat up!

 

*It's best to add the avocado right before serving so that it doesn't discolor, although the lemon juice does help. If you are storing the other half of the avocado it's best to keep the seed with it, this will help keep the color as well :)

 

*Green tabasco sauce is not as hot as regular tabasco, and gives a mild heat and is more "warm" than hot, if  that makes sense.



Coconut Oil And It's Many Uses

 

 

   Many things can be done with coconut oil, however I don't support the consumption of it Click Here to read why.

   My favorite thing to do with coconut oil is to use it as a moisturizer, it has antibacterial properties, helps with acne, and soothes irritated skin without clogging pores. I also make homemade deodorant, it's easy, cheap, and works awesome, Click Here for the recipe.

For more ways to use coconut oil check out these links:

• http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/814761/kitchen-beautician-one-ingredient-12-beauty-products-1
• http://www.crunchybetty.com/a-millionish-uncommon-and-not-so-uncommon-uses-for-coconut-oil
• http://www.cookingwithsugar.com/coconut-oil-beauty-and-health-secrets-50-ways-to-use-organic-virgin-coconut-oil-shower-scrub-video/
• http://www.naturalnutritionadvisor.com/blog/?p=981

Everyday Is Earth Day

Hi everyone! Earth day is coming up but you don't have to wait to get started on treating the planet better. I know last year I said I would start my compost bin but I didn't get to it unfortunately, so this year it is my main goal and I would have had it started already but winter doesn't seem to want to end here in MN so I will have to wait a bit longer. I have also noticed store bought compost bins have gotten a bit cheaper, I've seen them as low as 50$, they are also super easy to make and keep up, all you have to do is a google search. Check with your city guidelines and buy or make one today, it reduces so much waste you won't believe it. There are other ways you can help out the environment as well, it doesn't take much and it's easier than you think, treat every day like it's earth day and be the change you want to see in the world.
*Check out my Help The World page for more ways to treat the earth with respect.

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. ~Author Unknown

Easter Is Coming...

 

And it's coming up pretty quick, you know what that means...a gazillion eggs will be bought to eat and color. Well if your looking for an alternative I came across this site with some great ideas. I really like the felt ones, however I would use a non-animal material :) Also remember kids like other things besides a bunch of candy in their baskets, try making some homemade sidewalk chalk, or add things like bubbles, coloring books and crayons. Healthier treats would be good too like fruit leather, or freeze dried fruits, nuts, or even homemade goodies that don't contain artificial ingredients, or food coloring.

 

Although they are not a health food, here are some recipe's I would like to try:

Homemade Rolo Knock-offs

Homemade Twix Bars

Peanut Butter & Peppermint Cups

 

By not buying eggs you show that you do not support the egg laying industry which causes hens to suffer and have a shorter lifespan, yes even "cage free" hens still suffer, please Click Here to learn more. When I learned about the horrible way animals are treated and realized they don't need to die I stopped consuming them. They are no different then a pet dog or other loved animal in your life. It just breaks my heart to see what they go through and knowing this isn't necessary.


 

*Eggs are also very high in cholesterol, and other things that are not healthy, for more information on why it's a good idea to eliminate them from your diet Click Here and Here

*Click Here for ways to substitute eggs in baking.

What Pesticides Are On Your Foods

Hi all, I just found this great website that lists the pesticides on certain foods, and what harm they cause, quite interesting. Also remember washing your food doesn't eliminate all pesticides, it is also in the soil and grows into the food and cannot be removed. Even if you buy organic you should still wash your food well, I spray everything with white distilled vinegar no matter what I buy, also even if you don't eat the outside you should still wash it because when you cut the food it could easily contaminate the inside.

Check it out- Whats On My Food

Dr. John McDougall on Vitamin Supplements

Hey guys, here is another video that I recommend watching to learn why taking vitamin supplements aren't best, all you have to do is eat a healthy diet and you will have most of your basis covered, even taking supplements for "insurance" or "back up" is not going to be the same thing or beneficial, also keep in mind that fortified foods like cereals and milks are the same thing as taking a supplement, yes they are usually the same lab created ingredients and not from the true food source, the only supplement that is recommend for everyone is B12.

 Click Here for his short video on supplementing. And Click Here to read his newsletter that goes into more detail on what he talks about.

*Click Here to learn about B12.

*Click Here for my other post on why I don't take a multivitamin

*Also check out my other Eat Food Not A Pill posts for more info, and which foods contain what vitamin.

*To look up a food and find out what nutrients are in it you can check this site for the list of foods and information taken from the US nutritional data base- Click Here

Top 5 Ways to Save on Organic Food, by Alexandra Jamieson

My dry bulk items :) I love using different jars.

For some awesome shopping tips on how to save money especially when it comes to organic Click Here.

   I can't wait to do my shopping today with these things in mind. Does anyone else get excited when it's shopping day and your surrounded by wonderful produce, and get to breathe in all the fragrant spices when you walk in the door of a co-op? Hmmm.. maybe I'm just weird, but hey we already knew that, like it or lump it! That's what my dad would say.

   On that note I cannot agree with buying in bulk more, it saves a lot of money and reduces waste greatly, if I can buy something in bulk I will, otherwise I will go without for a day or two until I can get to the co-op to get it, unless it's an emergency. As you all know I hate plastic so this is an awesome way to reduce it, and you get to take only what you need, this is good especially for spices. Just make sure to bring your own containers with you! Oh and please wash your hands first before digging into those bins ;)

*If you want to know how to cook dried beans, or how to cook rice to perfection and reduce any arsenic check out my Recipe Tips and Alternatives page for more info.

*Also for a super easy and delicious recipe with dried pinto beans try this one- Refried Beans in a Crockpot , it's one of my favorites!