Labor of Love: Pomegranate

Every time I split open a pomegranate, I am amazed at the perfect beauty that is concealed within.  The leathery skin with its mild red tones gives way to nature's bling.  Tiny, beautiful jewel like seeds hiding beneath sheets waiting to be discovered, waiting to burst with sweet tart juice.   

They have always had a special place in my heart.  As a child, I remember standing on a chair at my parents sink eating each and every ruby seed in the pomegranate.  It was pure happiness for me.  Well, maybe not pure happiness- there were constant, friendly reminders that the fruit has a wicked stain and I was essentially shackled to the kitchen sink until I finished.  I always finished satisfied, belly swollen with the delicious juice I worked so hard to imbibe, and my fingers stained to prove it. 

When I was living in San Francisco with The Husband, during the months of November, I would eat a pomegranate for dessert nightly.  It was kind of a ritual.  I would slice it open into quarters, and since I was no longer under my folks' watchful eyes, I would grab three old towels and the roll of paper towels and head for the couch.  I was, however, always met with my Husband rolling his eyes as I  gushed for the umteenth time about how it is the perfect fruit and how each seed is like an explosion of sweetness.  I never understood why he just didn't get it.

My home rocks for countless reasons, but one of them is the most luscious pomegranate tree sitting in my backyard.  It is a source of my joy and a reminder of the sweet and sourness that the last year has brought.  During this week, one year ago, I was told I had cancer.  I remember like it was yesterday and many of the emotions are still lingering. 

Last year, I remember looking out at the tree and being able to relate with it.  I saw the weight of pomegranates barring down the branches, and felt a similar sense of heaviness inside of myself.

As the weeks passed, I was pissed I couldn't fully enjoy the fruit that was overflowing from my tree, that I wasn't well enough to pick them with my kiddos, and that I couldn't share the deliciousness with my family.  I was thankful for my Mom and Mother-in-law to each share a special moment with the kids during this time.  I remember watching my mom, who was practically living with us (thankfully!), pick the fruits with E and I remember my mother-in-law splitting them open with the boys and watching the joy in their faces as they gobbled the seeds up.

Last weekend, I was thankful and happy to tackle that tree armed with my kids, a John Deer tractor, a stepladder, and scissors.  E helped spot the fruit and he and X both helped load'em up in the tractor.  We had quite the pile.

   

 

All that was left to do was sit down, enjoy, and start our own rituals.  Although, X and the Husband abstained...this year.  Even baby M had a few seeds!

Why you should dig in?

- They have a very high concentration of antioxidants.  Nearly 3 times the antioxidant levels of any other fruit.

- They can help lower high blood pressure and can help reduce bad cholesterol.

- The fruit is very good at promoting anti-aging properties. Whoo Hoo!

- Phytochemicals in pomegranate seeds and juice can help the body fight against some cancers.  The juice has shown positive results against prostate and breast cancer.  

According to Leo Galland, "The anticancer effects of pomegranate juice are related to its potential ability to induce cancer cells to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis. Laboratory research studies suggest that pomegranate juice may help induce apoptosis of human breast, prostate and colon cancer cells by activating genes and enzymes that regulate apoptosis."

- They are an awesome source of vitamin C, A, fiber, and potassium.

The Pomegranate Bath

The easiest way to clean a pomegranate is to cut it open, put it in a deep bowl of water and split it into quarters.  Then just break and pick away the seeds.  The white pith will rise to the top while the seeds drop to the bottom.  This is so simple and it doesn't stain your hands.

Recipes

Sprinkle seeds in cereal, oatmeal, or salad. 

Add 1 cup of pomegranate to 2 cups of vanilla yogurt and a banana with a dash of apple juice for a delish smoothie.

or serve a rockin' side dish to your Thanksgiving meal...

Barley and Wild Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate Seeds        Adapted From: Eating Well

serves 6, 3/4 cup each | Active Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup wild rice, rinsed

1/2 cup pearl barley

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/3 cup pine nuts

1 cup pomegranate seeds (1 large fruit)

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

goat cheese

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened.  Add wild rice and barley; stir for a few seconds.  Add broth and bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the wild rice and barley are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant, 2-3 minutes.  Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

3. Add pomegranate seeds, lemon zest, parsley and the toasted pine nuts to the pilaf; fluff with a fork.  Sprinkle with goat cheese.  Serve hot.

*You can also add mushrooms or kale to this. 

**You have to try this.  So yummy!!!!

Another use for Pomegranates?  Skin care!

Because of the antioxidant properties in pomegranates, they are amazing on the skin!  They are said to promote the regeneration of cells in the epidermis and dermis.  In some labs, it has even reduced skin tumors caused from skin cancer. 

These are a few of my favorite Pomegranate 100% Pure products:

Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration SPF 20  

I love the Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration from 100% Pure.  It is a light weight, anti-aging facial moisturizer with SPF20 to protect your skin against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.  In addition to sun protection, it is concentrated with antioxidants to protect against environmental damage such as pollution, radiation, smoke, smog, car exhaust, etc. 

Click here to order!-Pomegranate Antioxidant SPF 20

 

Pomegranate Body Scrub

I can't say enough about 100% Pures' body scrubs.  They exfoliate and leave your skin literally glowing.  I love to use the scrub and then shave.  You don't even need any shaving cream or soap.  It will make for the smoothest shave.  It deeply nourishes and hydrates for healthy, glowing skin!

Click here to order! -Pomegranate Body Scrub

Pomegranate Nourishing Body Cream

After the body scrub, hydrate your body more with the Pomegranate Nourishing Body Cream but don't eat it!  It smells sweet and delish.  It is concentrated with potent anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins, skin softening fruit oils, and moisturizing cocoa and avocado butters.

Click here to order! -Nourishing Body Cream

 

 100% Pure Pomegranate Lip Butter

With an ultra-moisturizing base of organic avocado and shea and cocoa butters leave lips nourished, silky, soft and delightfully infused with natural fruit and berry pigments.  I keep this in my purse and it gives my lips a nice pomegranate stain.  Love it!

Click here to order! -Lip Butter

Now is a great time to try 100% Pure with alex+von. 

*Until 10pm tonight (11/10/11) we are offering 20% off all scrubs and face scrubs!

* If you purchase over $100 you get Fruit Pigmented Lip Butters 3 piece set ($39 value)!  Makes a great gift idea or split up into stocking stuffers! (while supplies last)

*If you spend over $150 you get 10% off! 

*Free shipping on all order over $50!

Time to stock up for the holidays and treat yourself.

E's drawing of a pomegranate! 

Pomegranate: absolutely appropriate that it is the symbol of life, health, and fertility!             

Why I Love Scotch

I love scotch.  Scotchy, scotch, scotch.  Here it goes down, down into my belly.   -Ron Burgundy

Funny thing, I do too.  Not only can it turn a crappy day around, but also, it can quickly get you party ready.  I bet you didn't know that it is downright healthy.  Pregnant ladies, even for you.  Scotch is healthy for you and your babe.  That's right, I am a huge believer in it.

Now before you go all rock star on me, I should clarify.  I am talkin' about the gorgeous non-toxic, chemical free nail polish made by Scotch Naturals. (Editorial note- this one shouldn't go into your belly!)

Switching to a "cleaner" lifestyle hasn't been the easiest for me or my wallet.  There is a lot of misleading information and green washing.  You have to really search deep down in order to get truthful information.  It can be hard to do, especially for folks that don't know exactly what to look for and are quick to believe.  I am one of them.  I think I find something that is amazing, then after some further research, I realize that it isn't so black and white. 

That being said, I feel absolute confident in recommending Scotch nail polish.  I have a nasty nasty habit of biting my nails and wearing nail polish helps me break the habit.  As I was sitting on the couch a few weeks ago, watching Dexter and gnawing on my week old painted nails, I realized that I am probably ingesting disgusting chemicals from my polish.  Not only that, but our nail beds are so porous, I figured I was likely blocking them from breathing and suffocating them with chemicals instead.  No bueno. 

Skip to last weekend, alone (with a fab group of ladies), I found myself in the desert (my best girls bachelorette party).  In a haze (hangover), I stumbled upon (shopped in a posh boutique) Scotch Naturals.  I remembered reading about it in my general health/beauty research (my typical form of procrastinating and avoiding cleaning/picking up) and wanted to try it.  When I saw it on this fateful day, perfectly displayed with the colors radiating out of the glass, I knew that I had to snatch one up and pass the good word on to ya'll.  I fetched a trendy grey color, two voice recording parrots for the kids, and gorgeous peacock earrings for moi.  My haze quickly turned to clarity.  Leaving the boutique, I had a little bounce to my step.  Kinda funny how spending $ impulsively can instantly cheer me up while simultaneously frustrating the Husband. 

According to Scotch.

Scotch Naturals™ polish has a lot in common with the women who wear it. We are smart, fun, and forward thinking. We care about the environment, and we come in a wide variety of colors. When we want to look and feel our best, we choose natural products, knowing it’s not just healthier for us, but for the world around us.

Making the change to non-toxic nail polish is one you won’t regret. Scotch Naturals is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional polish. Our revolutionary water-based formula delivers long lasting, salon-quality results in a stunning array of sophisticated shades.

Our polishes contain none of the chemicals found in typical nail polish. We are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals. We are truly non-toxic.

They even make a line for kids.  If I had a little girl, I am sure this would be the only thing aloud to touch her precious nails. 

Check out their website at www.scotchnaturals.com.   They run about $15 and they sell a Cocktail Trio for $48.99.  You can get any three colors, the top coat and a nail buffer.  If you buy the Cocktail Trio you can get 20% off the Soy Nail Polish Remover or additional colors.  Plus free shipping on orders of $35 or more.  Check it out, they sell some wicked colors.  After browsing the website I think I need a few more colors and the Soy Nail Polish Remover.  I also would recommend the base/top coat.  My nails look great, but I would like a little more shine :)

  

Now if you don't buy Scotch, please, please, please, read the label and stay clear of phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde.  These are the big 3 no nos.

Now that your nails are looking lovely and healthy, why don't you slather 100% Pure Hand Buttercream on for a truly magical eco-marriage. 

Bottom line, I love this stuff.  I love that it has no smell whatsoever and it goes on so smoothly.  I feel safe knowing my nails can look fierce without sacrificing my health.  Here's to Scotch.  Now go pour yourself a drink!  -Cheers    

Treat: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Halloween is hands down, my favorite holiday.  I adore the crisp, cool morning, the leaves changing, comfort food, spooky decorations, and dressing up.  It also makes me want to transform into a domestic diva.  No, this is not a trick, rather a sweet treat, especially for The Husband.  I don't know what comes over me, but I suddenly feel like cleaning, cooking, and doing crafts. Scary!

E is probably more excited about Halloween than Christmas, Disneyland, snow, candy, and sadly his family.  As early as September he wanted to start decorating the house.  Superheroes have been replaced by skeletons, goblins, witches, bats, vampires, and mummies.  Last week we made a calendar for October because I wanted him to realize that even though it is October, Halloween doesn't come for another 31 days.  My child doesn't really even care about the candy!!  He is more excited about all the decorations and spooky critters at home and in stores.  Today he asked me if we can ask Santa for a new soccer ball with a witch chasing a goblin on it.  Adorable! 

Do to the fact that we MUST get pumpkins wherever we go, they are rather quickly taking over my house.  Being surrounded by them, I felt inspired.  As you may know, I drink my Amazing Grass Amazing Meal smoothie every morning.  Today I wanted to see if I could transform it into a delicious pumpkin smoothie.  I guess I am sick of Starbucks having all the fun with their insanely good pumpkin spice latte (one that I seem to constantly crave).  Even  though this isn't a warm, cozy treat, it might just make you smile and your mornings a little yummier. 

Pumpkins are not just the perfect squash to carve silly or spooky faces into, they are actually really healthy.  They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients.  They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins,  and minerals, and both the flesh and seeds are equally nutritious.  Best part, they will not hurt your waist line (unless it is in a pie) because they are low in fat and calories.    

Pumpkins are high in:

Alpha-carotene and beta-carotene- these are powerful antioxidants and are pro-vitamin A carotenoids, meaning the body transforms them to vitamin A.  The beta-carotene might also reverse skin damage caused by the sun and act as an anti-inflamimatory.  Alpha-carotene is thought to slow the aging process and also reduce the risk of developing cataracts and prevent tumor growth. 

Fiber- one-half cup serving contains 5 grams of fiber.  Fiber helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, protect the body from heart disease, controls blood sugar levels, promotes healthy digestion and plays a critical role in weight loss. 

Vitamins C and E- the C in pumpkins boosts immunity, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and regulates cholesterol levels.  The E in pumpkins promotes healthy skin by protecting the body from sun damage and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. 

Potassium- aids in balancing fluid levels in the body, promotes strong bones, is necessary for energy production, and helps to control blood pressure. 

                                                                                     *according to Jennifer Murray from Suite 101

Pumpkin Spiced Latte Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 tsp of maple syrup

1 frozen banana

sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice (I got this at Trader Joes)

* 1 scoop of Amazing Grass Amazing Chocolate Meal

*optional.  I do this for my morning breakfast and love it.  On the days I need an extra treat,  I add some dark chocolate chips.

Also, I left out kale.  I do blend it into my smoothies for added nutrients. 

There are so many options you could do to add a little flare- vanilla ice cream, yogurt, chia seeds, spinach, dark chocolate....  

If you make smoothies regularly, get in the habit of freezing bananas.  I always have them in my freezer and they do wonders for smoothies.  They make it creamy and add just the right amount of sweetness. 

FYI- this smoothie without the Amazing Grass powder is only about 195 calories.  With the Amazing Grass it close to 305.  Not bad for a breakfast with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.  Plus it keeps me satisfied (and the kids) until lunch.

Directions- combine all ingredients and BLEND baby BLEND!

You will be so happy you made this.  I actually look forward to getting out of the bed in the mornings because of it. 

 

The Anti Antibacterial Rant

 

Disclaimer: I don't love bacteria and enjoy being clean but I am not at war with the nasty bugs.  I am not obsessive about it.  I have never been one to wash my hands a million times a day or before I eat.  I don't arm myself with Purell. 

I also don't get sick very often.  Coincidence? 

Lately, I find myself plagued by antibacterial products.  I can't help but notice them everywhere.  I see women reaching for their H2O free hand wash, wipes at grocery stores, cleaning products, surface cleaners, lotions, etc.  I see all of these products and I am perplexed.  Why?

Just the other day, I was in Target and saw a women wipe the cart down, then her child's hands, then the poor kids face.  Come on!  What/who are we trying to kill?  Yes germs, but what exactly are in those products that we are using? 

 

And I am still questioning  this even after I just saw a horrifying movie about a deadly virus plaguing the world.    

I know there is a lot of alcohol.  I clearly remember reading a story about how a dog...or was it a child, licked an antibacterial product and died...or got really sick.  Obviously, I pay close attention to detail :) I guess I'll leave that to my analytical and sexy hubby.  Bottom line, I have questions about these products.  Are they safe?  What is in them?  Are germs really that bad for our health?

I am especially curious now because when I drop E off at school, I am met with a huge pump dispenser of hand sanitizer.  Every time I see it I am slightly (no deeply) bothered by it.  What is in that clear gooey gel?  How often do they squirt him with it?  Do the kids have a choice?  Are teachers aware of what might be in them?  Is my son licking the product?!?!?!  Is he going to get horribly sick or worse?!?!?!? 

Truthfully, I don't know the brand so I can't go all hog wild over the ingredients.  But I do know what is in many other antibacterial name brand products; Dial, Colgate Total, Right Guard deodorant, Ajax dish soap, Softsoap Antibacterial, Old Spice Deodorant, Clearasil....  The common ingredient that stands out is Triclosan.

The FDA is only now reviewing the safety of this chemical...after it has been used for over 30 years. 

Triclosan is a chemical that is mostly used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces.  It is used in antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, cosmetics, fabrics, plastics, and other products. 

A marketplace study in 2000 by Eli Perencevich, M.D. and colleagues found that over 75% of liquid soaps and nearly 30% of bar soaps (45% of all soaps on the market) contained some type of antibacterial agent.  Triclosan was the most common agent. 

It is so prevalent that a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemical present in the urine of 75% of Americans over the age of 5. 

So what makes it so naughty?

•          It may alter hormone regulation in laboratory animals and cause antibiotic resistance. 
•          It is classified as a pesticide by the EPA. 
•          It can easily be turned into chloroform and enter our water
•          It can disrupt hormones (now being examined closer in relation to breast cancer) is a reason to caution teens whose bodies are still developing.

Bath and Body Works have recently been under attack for their use of Triclosan in their hand soaps used primarily by teens. Their motto is to, "spread love, not germs".  How about spread good clean 100% Pure products?

Just today, I was talking  to my Dr. about Triclosan during a visit (yes, I am at the Dr. way more than any 30 year old should be, and yes, I consider him my friend).  He said that the body produces its own protective barrier through our hair follicles.  We produce two proteins that work together to protect us.  These antibacterial soaps strip the skin and the good bacteria that our bodies naturally make.  He is even specific with nurses about how they wash their hands and prep a patient before surgery as too not overly strip the skin.

Thankfully, many companies have removed it and substituted it with less controversial ingredients. 

Let's compare ingredients from a common antibacterial hand soap to that of 100% Pure.

Here are the ingredients for Dial Complete Foaming Antibacterial

 

Active Ingredient: Triclosan

Inactive Ingredient: Water, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Diproplyene Glycol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidoproply Betaine, Fragrance, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Red 4, Yellow 5

Here are the ingredients for 100% Pure Forest Hydrating Hand Wash

 

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Rose Hydrosol, Sake, Saponified Coconut Oil, Extracts of Organic Green Tea, Rosemary, Goldenseal, Oregano, Thyme, Lavender, Coffee Cherry, Pomegrantate, Calendula, Grapefruit Seed, Essential Oils of Clementine

With 100% Pure I can pronounce all the ingredients.  I know they are safe. They are natural, 100% vegetarian, and gluten free.  Instead of using antibacterial chemicals, 100% uses antibacterial herbsto kill germs.  There are no chemical preservative, no artificial fragrances, no sulfite or other stripping detergents and best of all, no Triclosan or any other toxins. 

I feel a hell of a lot safer having my kids use this than the leading formula. 

If you are interested in ordering 100% Pure Hydrating Hand Wash please click here.

or

click this link: http://www.alexandvon.com/products/371-hydrating-hand-wash.aspx?SellerID=466

There are a few different scents to choose from including: Forest, Key Lime Mint, Clementine, and Lemon and Verbena.

Meatless Monday- Limit Cancer Risks

How many of you have tried a high protein diet?  How many have tried to eat more protein than carbs in efforts to look hot in a bikini (or board shorts) ?  I got on the high protein band wagon, and I am not going to lie, I saw results. 

But I can't help wonder if my carnivorous ways contributed to my cancer.

I am most definitely not trying to scare you into not eating animals.  I don't want you to feel that if you eat meat you are going to get cancer.  I just want to summarize some of the fascinating readings I have done on this topic.  

In the 60s researchers made a groundbreaking revelation.  They observed the fact that ladies living in North America and Europe commonly got breast cancer, whereas it was a rarity for women living in Japan.  Additionally, the ladies that did get cancer in Japan were much more likely to survive than their American and European counterparts. 

Since then, things started to morph.  Fast food and meat consumption began to be part of the Asian lifestyle.  McD's headed in for the kill and defused worldwide.  As a result, cancer rates rose in Japan.  By the 70's, Japanese ladies who ate meat every day had eight times the risk of getting breast cancer compared to those who continued traditional rice-based diet, according to Neal D.  Barnard. 

Strange coincidence?  T.  Colin Campbell's book, The China Study, touched on this comparison as well.  People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease ... People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease.

Now I know this may be too hot to handle.  I would rather not read it because I have been known to eat a dog now and then (a hot dog silly), but this article from the Huffington Post is interesting and touches on the link of hot dogs (and other highly processed meats) and cancer.  According to Neal Barnard,

"The more hot dogs people eat, the higher their risk of colorectal cancer.  And it's not just hot dogs.  Any sort of processed meat--bacon, sausage, ham, deli slices--is in this group.  And here are the numbers: Every 50 grams of processed meat you eat on a daily basis (that's about one hot dog) increases your risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent.  And just as there is no safe level of smoking, no amount of hot dogs, bacon, sausage, ham or other processed meats comes out clean in scientific studies." 

According to the Cancer Project,

A number of hypotheses have been advanced to explain the connection between meat consumption and cancer risk.  First, meat is devoid of fiber and other nutrients that have a protective effect.  Meat also contains animal protein, saturated fat, and, in some cases, carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCA) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formed during the processing or cooking of meat.  HCAs, formed as meat is cooked at high temperatures,  and PAHs, formed during the burning of organic substances, are believed to increase cancer risk.  In addition,  the high fat content of meat and other animal products increases hormone production, thus increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. 

You can read more about the Cancer Project here. 

I could go on and on about similar findings but I don't want to be a complete bore.  Bottom line is that veggies and fruits help reduce the risk of cancer, while meat, animal products, and other fatty foods are frequently found to increase the risk of cancer.

After my diagnosis, I gave up meat and dairy because of these findings.  I felt great.  However, as I increased my workouts and I needed my endurance, I turned back to some animal protein.  I just don't rely on animals for every meal in the day.       

Why not try cutting back on animal proteins that might harm our health and start focusing on foods that help it.  You will  not only be a hero to the animals, but the planet will love you too. 

Recommended Reading:

Crazy Sexy Diet, by Kris Carr

Life Over Cancer, by Keith I. Block, M.D.

Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer

The China Study, by  T. Colin Campbell

Meatless Monday Recipe- Gazpacho

Gazpacho is perfect for a warm summer day.  Since we have a few left before the leaves start turning why not make it one of your MM meals?  I adore it because, basically my son could make it.  Serve it with a hearty slice of multi grain bread and you got yourself a meal.  Winning.

Recipe Curtisey of Simply Recipes

6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 purple onion, finely chopped

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped

1 sweet red bell pepper seeded, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4  cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup  olive oil

2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons sugar

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

6 or more drops  of Tabasco sauce to taste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

4 cups tomato juice

Directions

Combine all ingredients.  Blend slightly, to desired consistency.  Place in non-metal, non-reactive storage container, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to blend.

I made mine in the morning and it tasted pretty amazing for dinner.  Next time, I think I will blend it less though.

You stay classy Meatless Monday!