#fatcampwithmaria

Reblogged from Food Matters 

Ayurveda gives ginger the status of a virtual medicine chest. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits. In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu. On millions of dining tables in India, you’ll see matchsticks of fresh ginger that have turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to any cooked meal. Let’s give this knobbly root a closer look.

10 Terrific Benefits of Ginger

1. Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices. 2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. 3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time. 4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey. 5. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence! 6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger. 7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints. 8. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea. 9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater! 10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Pss...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)

Reblogged from Foodmatters

One of the most common myths about the vegetarian diet is that after ditching meat it becomes nearly impossible to meet the suggested guidelines for protein intake.

The USDA recommends that women get about 46 grams of protein a day and men get about 56. Some people, like athletes and pregnant or breastfeeding women, may need more, according to WebMD. But, thanks in part to initiatives like Meatless Monday, this year, Americans are expected to eat 12 percent less meat and poultry than five years ago, USA Todayreported. While protein is essential to growth, building muscle, the immune system and heart and respiratory functions, MSNBC explains, meat-free protein has the benefit of generally being lower in calories and fat than the animal variety. Whether you're a vegetarian , or not there are lots of tasty meat-free sources of protein that also pack additional health benefits. Read through the list of the top 10 vegetarian sources of protein below and tell us your favorite in the comments.

1. Spirulina

2. Hemp

3. Chia Seeds

4. Quinoa

5. Tempeh

6. Almonds and Almond Butter

7. Veggies

8. Lentils and Beans

9. Organic, Plain, Greek Yogurt (not vegan)

10. Eggs (not vegan)

Unedited raw....woke up at 6.30 and the words started pouring out of me.

I have just moved to the country side and I love it. I grew up in the country side and I have a feeling of coming home now that I'm back. It was very surprising to me because I have been fighting this place for so long thinking that I would never ever move back here again. Maybe it is my age, maybe I'm getting wiser or maybe it is my roots calling for me so loudly that fighting it was impossible. It was a choice of course but I also have the feeling that it just happened one day. 

My first reaction when I felt that feeling of coming home was OH NO. I don't want this to happen. Back here??? To this little village, but hey what am I going to do here? And then slowly during the last few weeks it all seems so clear. I could stay in the city and try to be big shot. And fight and fight and fight! Or I could live in this sweet little place where people have a sense of community and help each other. They see one another and they care for each other. And also I feel so energized and strong living in nature and not in the concrete jungle. Now I just open the door and mother nature greets me. With butterflies, flowers, wild strawberries, an ocean full of fish, oysters and mussels, with beautiful fields full of flowers, fresh spring water....abundant, loving mother.....always giving and never asking for anything in return.

If you say, "I don't have time to meditate."

I respond, "Do you have time to feel like crap?"

Photo: Benny Ottosson

Book recommendation: May Cause Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein

Are you ready to work miracles? Gabrielle Bernstein believes that simple, consistent shifts in our thinking and actions can lead to the miraculous in all aspects of our daily lives, including our relationships, finances, bodies, and self-image. In this inspiring guide, Gabrielle offers an exciting plan for releasing fear and allowing gratitude, forgiveness, and love to flow through us without fail. All of which, ultimately, will lead to breathtaking lives of abundance, acceptance, appreciation, and happiness. With May Cause Miracles, readers can expect incredible transformation in 40 powerful days: simply by adding up subtle shifts to create miraculous change.

Lilac Cauliflower Tabouléh 

Mix cauliflower in a mixer or food processor.

Then add:

Fresh Parsley

Chopped dates or raisins

Tomatoes

Olive oil

Cumin

Fresh chili

Red onion

Orange

Lemon juice

Sea salt