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	<title>Real Food for Life</title>
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	<description>Mastering Balanced Eating</description>
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		<title>KABOCHA SQUASH SOUP</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/kabocha-squash-soup/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/kabocha-squash-soup/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:47:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1668</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is my favorite soup which I developed over a year a few years ago.&#160; Every time I make it for friends they just love it and so do I! 
	
KABOCHA SQUASH SOUP 
Ingredients:
	1 medium Kabocha squash
	1 large onion or two small onions
	2 large leaves of Kale
	4 to 6 cups water 
	2 inch piece of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This is my favorite soup which I developed over a year a few years ago.&nbsp; Every time I make it for friends they just love it and so do I! </p>
<p>	</span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/soup-2.jpg"><img alt="soup 2" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1673" height="298" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/soup-2.jpg" title="soup 2" width="450" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">KABOCHA SQUASH SOUP </span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:<br />
	</strong>1 medium Kabocha squash<br />
	1 large onion or two small onions<br />
	2 large leaves of Kale<br />
	4 to 6 cups water <br />
	2 inch piece of fresh ginger<br />
	&frac12; tsp Cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, <br />
	1 tsp turmeric <br />
	5 drops of Sunny Dew (light Stevia)<br />
	Vege salt &amp; pepper to taste </p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
	1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cut squash in half then scoop out the seeds, then cut the squash into eight pieces. <br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chop onion and ginger<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Put squash, onions and ginger into a steamer and cook till squash is soft, remove it and let cool.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steam chopped Kale till tender, a few minutes.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saut&eacute; spices in sesame oil or coconut oil for a couple of minutes.<br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Separate the squash flesh from the skin. Put the cooked squash in a large bowl or pot.<br />
	7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add 3 cups water from water used to steam the squash, stir in onion and ginger.<br />
	8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Run the squash and onion mixture through a blender, portion by portion, until you&#39;ve blended it all or use a hand blender and blend it right in the soup pot which is what I do but do be careful as it can splatter ever where. <br />
	9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Put the blended mixture into a soup pot, adding the broth created from the steamer to make the consistency you like. <br />
	10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add cooked kale, spices, salt and pepper to taste.<br />
	11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream which can be a vegan one which is what I use.<br />
	</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>Note!&nbsp;</strong></span> We did not have a personal picture of this soup so used a stock photo. Imagine that the bread is healthy rice bread!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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		<title>Squash &#8211; Powerfood For All Seasons</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/squash/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/squash/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:50:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PowerFoods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1649</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Squash is a member of one of the oldest vegetable families in the world. It is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in soups, stews, purees, desserts and pies. There are also many kinds which are just decorative. 
	

	There are 2&#160;Categories of Squash: 
Summer Squash, which have bush vines, tender skin and are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Squash is a member of one of the oldest vegetable families in the world. It is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in soups, stews, purees, desserts and pies. There are also many kinds which are just decorative. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Squach.jpg"><img alt="Squach" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1650" height="301" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Squach.jpg" title="Squach" width="450" /></a><br />
	<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">There are 2&nbsp;Categories of Squash: </span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Summer Squash</strong>, which have bush vines, tender skin and are eaten when small and immature.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Winter Squash </strong>which are hard skinned and good for storage.&nbsp; Summer squash is a tasty offering savoured by people from around the world. Its nutty flavour and moist texture enrich a vast array of dishes, ranging from dumplings to salads.</p>
<p>	<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>Summer squash </strong></span></span></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Summer squash has an abundance of manganese and vitamin C, and also magnesium, vitamin A, fibre, potassium, folate, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus. It also has omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, zinc, niacin, and protein. So you see it is a very healthy food. </p>
<p>	</span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/zucchini.jpg"><img align="" alt="zucchini" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1662" height="213" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/zucchini.jpg" title="zucchini" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Zucchini:</strong> still dominates as the best known summer squash.&nbsp; It has thin skin that is usually green but can be yellow or striped or speckled. Being tender it cooks fast and it has edible flowers are often used cooking.</p>
<p>	Other Summer squashes are:<br />
	<strong>Crookneck and Straightneck Squash:&nbsp;</strong> usually have a yellow skin and sometimes a green skin. Crookneck squash is partially straight with a swan-like neck. It was genetically altered to produce its straightneck cousin that is shaped as its name implies. </p>
<p>	<strong>Pattypan Squash:</strong> a small saucer shaped squash with skin of either pale green or golden yellow. Its flesh is more dense and a little sweeter than the zucchini. </p>
<p>	<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>Winter Squash </strong></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Winter squash has a high amount of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), with vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and manganese. It also has folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin B6, niacin-vitamin B3 and pantothenic acid.</p>
<p>	<strong>Butternut squash</strong>: Tan colour with small seed cavity. This squash stores well and has a good flavour. Fairly dense golden flesh, makes an excellent puree. </p>
<p>	<strong>Pumpkin:</strong> Good in sweet and savoury recipes.&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pumpkin.jpg"><img alt="pumpkin" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1664" height="376" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/pumpkin.jpg" title="pumpkin" width="250" /></a><br />
	<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> <br />
	<strong>Acorn squash:&nbsp; </strong>A deep black-green colour with a rich orange thick flesh &#8211; Delicious! Good for baking in the skin. </p>
<p>	<strong>Spaghetti squash:</strong> Has a fibrous flesh which looks like spaghetti when cooked. </p>
<p>	<strong>Doody or white pumpkin: </strong>Has pale greenish-white flesh and a delicate flavour.<strong> </p>
<p>	Buttercup:</strong>&nbsp; Dark green colour with a deep orange flesh. This extra dry squash has a sweet flavour.</p>
<p>	<strong>Delicatta:</strong>&nbsp; A creamy colour with green stripes. This squash is like a Sweet potato squash.</p>
<p>	<strong>Spaghetti:</strong> Creamy colour with an oblong shape. The Flesh resembles spaghetti when cooked. Top with your favourite sauce!</p>
<p>	<strong>Small Wonder:</strong> Light orange colour vegetable spaghetti looks like a soft ball in shape. It has more flavour than spaghetti squash. Great with salt, pepper, and butter.</p>
<p>	<strong>White Acorn:</strong> A creamy white on the outside, pale yellow on the inside. It has a delicate nutty flavour.</p>
<p>	<strong>Kabocha</strong>:&nbsp; A pumpkin shaped winter squash. It has a rich, sweet flavour and when cooked its texture resembles that of a tender potato. Kabocha squash weighs an average of three pounds and has spotted or blotchy dark green skin. It can be baked, steamed, stuffed or pureed. Works well as a substitution in recipes that call for pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Kabocha is generally available all year round. (this is obvioiusly&nbsp;my favourite!)</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>When selecting a&nbsp;winter squash</strong>, do not select those that are soft or show pitting. Also, check that the stem is intact and looks fresh. Store up 1 &#8211; 3 months in a cool dry location that has good air circulation. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>In upcoming posts we will get into the BENEFITS and nutritional components and RECIPES of squash!</strong>&nbsp; Don&#39;t miss it by opting into our newsletter. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Feel free to share this information with others.&nbsp; Twitter and other links below. &#8230;<br />
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		<title>The Truth about Fats and Oils</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/fats-oils/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/fats-oils/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:47:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PowerFoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coconut oil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ghee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[margarine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oils]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[olive oil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sesame oil]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1604</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;
There is much confusion about fats and oils in our diet. 
I work hard at staying on top of the information but even I have had to rethink a few points recently.

	&#160;The Saturated Myth
Saturated fats have a bad public image but this is because of excessive consumption. Remember when they told us to eat margarine [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="color: #b22222"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>There is much confusion about fats and oils in our diet</strong>. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px">I work hard at staying on top of the information but even I have had to rethink a few points recently.</span></p>
<h1><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/olive-oil.jpg"><img alt="olive oil" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1605" height="400" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/olive-oil.jpg" title="olive oil" width="300" /></a></p>
<p>	<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)">The Saturated Myth</span></strong></span></span></h1>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Saturated fats have a bad public image but this is because of excessive consumption. Remember when they told us to eat margarine instead of butter?&nbsp; It turns out butter is fine when used in moderation.<br />
	</span><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px">DO YOU KNOW</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 16px">&#8230;The difference between margarine and butter?</span></strong></span>&nbsp; <span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">All margarine is made from assorted vegetable oils that have been heated to extremely high temperatures making the oils rancid</span>. <br />
	</span><br />
	<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Facts about Margarine:&nbsp;</strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 14px"><br />
	<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Margarine is extracted from used plant oils with <strong>chemical solvents</strong>. This leaves residues and strips away nutrients. <br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;It may say that there are zero grams of trans fats, but it still contains small amounts of this bad fat. (<strong>Trans fats are carcinogenic</strong>, triple risk of coronary heart disease and increases bad cholesterol and lowers the good cholesterol)<br />
	3.&nbsp; <strong>Deodorants are added </strong>to cover the unpleasant smell of rancid vegetable oils.<br />
	4.&nbsp; Artificial coloring to cover up the grey color. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">And I still see these big tubs of this stuff in people&rsquo;s homes<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span>.</span></p>
<p>	<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Butter has been used for thousands of years. It is a real food. The trouble is that it tastes sooo good we overeat it<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span>!</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/butter.jpg"><img alt="butter" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1643" height="133" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/butter.jpg" title="butter" width="119" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Benefits of Butter:</strong> <br />
	</span></span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rich in Vitamin A, has Vitamins E, K, D and Calcium.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children&#39;s brain and nervous system development. </p>
<p>	Another form of butter is Clarified butter or ghee. It is butter oil, without the lactose and milk solids. It is made by gently heating butter until it becomes a clear golden liquid.&nbsp; Ghee has been used as the ultimate healthy cooking oil in India for thousands of years.</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Benefits of Clarified Butter or Ghee:</strong><br />
	</span></span></span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">1.&nbsp; It increases the potency of certain herbs <br />
	2.&nbsp; Has Vitamin A E, K and D<br />
	3.&nbsp; Has a high &lsquo;smoke point&rsquo; so it is a good oil to cook with. <br />
	4.&nbsp; Ghee does not spoil easily; does not need refrigeration.</span> </p>
<p>	<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Then there is the wonderful Olive oil that many of us know and love in our salad dressings. It is made from crushing and pressing olives&hellip;..for at least 5,000 years.</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;&#8230;..</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	</span><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Possible Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oi</strong>l:<br />
	</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">1.&nbsp; Contains- vitamins E, K, and A&nbsp; plus antioxidants<br />
	2.&nbsp; Helps lower bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol<br />
	3.&nbsp; Reduces colon, breast and skin cancers.<br />
	4.&nbsp; Lowers the incidence of gallstones.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Remember to store oil in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator, and do not heat as it has a low smoke point&hellip;add olive oil to foods immediately after cooking.</p>
<p>	One of my favorites is Sesame Seed Oil as it has a high &lsquo;smoke point&rsquo; making it good oil to cook with. Sesame oil has vitamins A, B and E and the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, copper.</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Studies have shown Sesame Oil to</strong>:<br />
	</span></span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px">1.&nbsp; Be useful in unblocking arteries. <br />
	2.&nbsp; Inhibit the growth of skin cancer <br />
	3.&nbsp; Maintain good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span>). </p>
<p>	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>The Myth about Coconut Oil</strong></span></span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/coconut.jpg"><img alt="coconut" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1644" height="300" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/coconut.jpg" title="coconut" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px">For decades it was considered bad because it is saturated oil which is said to raise blood cholesterol and cause heart disease.&nbsp; This idea was based on a study done 40 years ago that used hydrogenated coconut oil.</p>
<p>	In tropical climates like Polynesia, Sri Lanka and the Yucatan where they have a diet high in coconut oil, the people are healthier, have less heart disease, cancer and colon problems than unsaturated fat eaters. It is now accepted that there is good cholesterol and there are good saturated fats.&nbsp; </p>
<p>	<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Interesting fact:</strong></span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></span>&nbsp;<span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span> <span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px"><strong>Unsaturated oils in cooked foods become rancid within a few hours</strong>, even in the refrigerator. Once fresh unsaturated fats are inside the body, they oxidize (turn rancid). Coconut oil does not go rancid even after one year at room temperature.&nbsp; Most of the saturated fat in coconut oil is easy to digest and converted into quick energy so people are less likely to become obese as the fat is not stored.</p>
<p>	To quote Dr. Mary Enig: &quot;The research over four decades concerning coconut oil in the diet and heart disease is quite clear: coconut oil has been shown to be beneficial.&quot;&nbsp; Coconut oil has been used as cooking oil for thousands of years. </p>
<p>	</span><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil (cold pressed)</strong>:</span></span></span><br />
	<span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;To be Thyroid-Stimulating<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lowers cholesterol&nbsp; <br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Causes weight loss<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Has anti-cancer effects<br />
	</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong>Conclusion:</strong></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px">Use extra virgin olive oil, cold pressed for salad dressings </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px">For cooking use clarified butter, sesame oil and virgin, cold pressed organic coconut oil.&nbsp; </span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><strong>No matter how good the oil sounds&hellip;..it is still a fat, with 120 calories per tablespoon</strong>. Anyone who regularly consumes a high fat diet will become overweight and that is just not healthy!</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span></p>
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		<title>Why We Take Vitamins.  Why We May Be Wrong!</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/vitamins-vs-foods/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/vitamins-vs-foods/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:01:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Randy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minerals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutritian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raw food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vitamins]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whole foods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1574</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are there better options than bags full of vitamins and pills?

&#160;
One-third of Americans (and an even higher percentage of Canadians) takes vitamin and mineral supplements each day. Reasons include: 

	1. Our new understanding of the body&#39;s requirements for particular chemical nutrients. For example, Vitamin C helps reduce free radical damage in cells.&#160; It&#39;s easy to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Are there better options than bags full of vitamins and pills?</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/pills.jpg"><img alt="pills" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1575" height="275" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/pills.jpg" title="pills" width="385" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">One-third of Americans (and an even higher percentage of Canadians) takes vitamin and mineral supplements each day. Reasons include: </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	<strong>1. Our new understanding of the body&#39;s requirements</strong> for <strong>particular chemical nutrients.</strong> For example, Vitamin C helps reduce free radical damage in cells.&nbsp; It&#39;s easy to take Vitamin C in capsule form and to assume that it will give you the same benefits as a glass of orange juice.&nbsp; <br />
	<strong>2. Our food supply is not as nutritious today as it was in the past.&nbsp;</strong> This is due to large-scale farming which focuses on quantity, shelf life and profit rather than quality and nutrition.&nbsp; <br />
	<strong>3.&nbsp; Our modern lifestyle makes eating a balanced diet more difficult.&nbsp;</strong> Increased stress has also boosted our need for certain nutrients. <br />
	We now assume that a vitamin pill will fill in these &lsquo;gaps&rsquo; in our nutrition.&nbsp; It may seem like a simple solution, but they often don&#39;t do enough.&nbsp; And sometimes they just DON&#39;T WORK.&nbsp; Why is this? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	A report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association concludes that the formula for optimal health isn&#39;t in the supplement aisle of a health-food store but in the FOOD AISLE. The American Dietetic Association is the largest organization of professionals that deals directly with your diet. It also has access to the most data and research in the field. So why do they state that foods are better than supplements?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">5 Reasons To Use a Food Based Approach</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #b22222"><strong>1. Vitamin supplements are limited to what is written on the label.</strong></span> If it lists 20 chemical isolates, that is all you get. In comparison, every whole food has thousands of different micro and macro nutrients. This is why the better (and the more expensive) the supplement, the more factors it has in it.&nbsp; But the best supplements are whole foods.&nbsp; An orange, for example, has not only vitamin C but bioflavonoids, beta-carotene, folic acid, fibre, magnesium potassium and many other valuable nutrients.&nbsp; </p>
<p>	</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/tomatoes-ring.jpg"><img alt="tomatoes ring" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1586" height="244" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/tomatoes-ring.jpg" title="tomatoes ring" width="399" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #b22222"><strong>2. Foods contain nutrients we don&rsquo;t fully understand.&nbsp;</strong></span> Nutritional science is still young. Each day it discovers new phytonutirents which have profound influences on the body. More importantly, nutritional science is only just discovering the relationships between the various nutritional factors: how one factor influences another and how different ratios of nutrients affect the body.&nbsp; The &lsquo;facts&rsquo; of nutrition may change tomorrow, so why should you depend on them today? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #b22222"><strong><br />
	3.&nbsp; Each person has UNIQUE nutritional requirements</strong></span>. These requirements will change over time and in different environments.&nbsp; If you take this into account and try to prescribe isolated vitamins and minerals it becomes very complicated very quickly. The &lsquo;gaps&rsquo; are constantly changing.&nbsp; You would need expensive professional help to pinpoint the best nutrients for your body.&nbsp; And they can only determine what your body needs at a single point in time while your needs will change from one day to the next.&nbsp; </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #b22222"><br />
	<strong>4.&nbsp; The body absorbs foods best.</strong></span>&nbsp; Mere decades of nutritional research cannot compete with millions of years of natural evolution. The body evolved to eat real foods. Isolates found in artificial supplements are poorly absorbed and are often eliminated by the body before they can be used.&nbsp; Many isolates are not recognized by the body as food, and may even be interpreted as toxins. Although certain higher quality supplements offer superior absorption, again, they usually do so just because they are closer to real food.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they still can&#39;t compare with whole foods. Why not give your body what it deserves and eat food instead of pills? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	<span style="color: #b22222"><strong>5. Foods have LIFE.&nbsp;</strong></span> There is something about the aliveness of food that makes it instinctively attractive. Fresh food is always more attractive than leftovers.&nbsp; People have recently discovered the value of raw foods. This value can be measured in terms of enzymes and specific nutrients, but also in qualities that are harder to measure like energy and vitality.&nbsp; All of these qualities are important for our physical and mental well-being.<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	</strong></span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/girl-eating-apple.jpg"><img alt="girl eating apple" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1587" height="376" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/girl-eating-apple.jpg" title="girl eating apple" width="250" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Health with Real Foods is the Wave of the Future:&nbsp;</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Right now, it is easier than ever to embrace whole-food based nutrition. New knowledge is helping people along this path to health, and we are here to share it with you. Many grocery stores are stocking a greater selection of high-quality foods in their organic sections and new supplements are emerging that are based on whole foods. Some of these supplements will have higher quality and value than the dead pills of the past.&nbsp; But they still imitate what nature has already perfected. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">I don&rsquo;t know one person whose life has been radically changed by buying a bottle of vitamins or pills.&nbsp; I do know thousands whose lives have become healthier and more energetic by changing their APPROACH to food. <br />
	This approach involves eating more whole, fresh, raw and organic foods as well as eating them in the proper combinations. These are the principles we teach individuals in our various programs that help them achieve healthier lives. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">To be fair, the American Dietetic Association did recommend that a few isolated groups could benefit from targeted supplementation. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with certain health conditions, and elderly adults may need to fill dietary gaps. But if you are in one of these groups, many of these gaps (like higher iron intake for women) can also be achieved with whole foods.&nbsp; One just needs to know what to eat, and to be motivated enough to want to improve their health.&nbsp; </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">And there&rsquo;s the rub.&nbsp; It&#39;s hard to know where to look and to put in the effort to make healthier choices.&nbsp; It&#39;s so much easier just to take a pill&mdash;one that contends to solve all of your nutritional problems.&nbsp; But it isn&#39;t that easy. Sometimes the harder road is the wiser one; it is the road to better health.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Feel free to comment on these ideas (below) and share this information with others. </span></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Edited by Michael Fisher</p>
<p>	</span></span></em></p>
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		<title>Amazing Sugarless Date Squares</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/wheat-free-date-squares/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/wheat-free-date-squares/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:21:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar Free Deserts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[date squares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy cooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oatmeal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegetarian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1538</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What I usually find with date squares is that they are too sweet. So I have made my own version which are less sweet and taste even better. Find it hard to stop at only one.
DATE SQUARES Wheat-Free
	
	

	Ingredients:
	1 large apple finely chopped
	2 cups dates, chopped
	1 cup water
	Juice of &#189; lemon
	&#189; cup vegetable fat or butter
	1/3 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">What I usually find with date squares is that they are too sweet. So I have made my own version which are less sweet and taste even better. Find it hard to stop at only one.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">DATE SQUARES Wheat-Free</span></strong></span></span></span><br />
	<a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/date-sqares-small.jpg"><br />
	</a></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/date-sqares.jpg"><img alt="date sqares" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1540" height="338" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/date-sqares.jpg" title="date sqares" width="450" /></a></p>
<p>	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	1 large apple finely chopped<br />
	2 cups dates, chopped<br />
	1 cup water<br />
	Juice of &frac12; lemon<br />
	&frac12; cup vegetable fat or butter<br />
	1/3 cup rice syrup<br />
	1 tsp. salt<br />
	1 &frac34; cups rolled oats<br />
	&frac14; cup potato flour<br />
	&frac34; cup Brown Rice flour</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
	1.&nbsp;&nbsp; Simmer apple water till soft.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp; Add dates and simmer till soft.<br />
	3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mash well.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Add lemon juice and set aside.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a separate bowl, mix vegetable fat, rice syrup and salt.<br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First add flour; mix in.<br />
	7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then add oats, mix well.<br />
	8.&nbsp;&nbsp; Pat 2/3 of the mixture into an 8 X 8 pan.<br />
	9.&nbsp;&nbsp; Spread the date mixture on top of the oat mixture.<br />
	10.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then sprinkle the other 1/3 of oat mixture on top of the dates. <br />
	11.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lightly press down.<br />
	12.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bake in preheated oven at 400&ordm; F. for 25 to 35 minutes.</span></span></p>
<div>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>Benefits of Dates:</strong></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span>Dates are rich in natural fibers and lots of nutrients: calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, magnesium and many other trace nutrients.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">They are easily digested so they are great for giving quick energy.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">H</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">ave been found to help in the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">Studies have shown that they can be good for those with a weak heart.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;">Hear that they are good as a tonic for improving sex stamina and sterility.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Oatmeal Nutrition:</span></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="entry-content">Oats have lots of manganese, are a very good source of selenium, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium, protein &amp; phosphorus.</span></span></span> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">1 bowl of oatmeal a day (3 grams of soluble oat fiber) typically lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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		<title>Hermit Cookies &#8211; Gluten Free</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/hermit-cookies-gluten-free/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/hermit-cookies-gluten-free/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:19:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar Free Deserts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cookies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hermit cookies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stevia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1547</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As I had promised to share&#160;this recipe&#160;right away I am posting it before I normally would. These have a dryer texture then the ones with wheat in them and I will be fine tuning this recipe. We will post below this one the Wheat Hermits soon.&#160; Both cookies are not overly sweet which is why [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">As I had promised to share&nbsp;this recipe&nbsp;right away I am posting it before I normally would. <span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">These have a dryer texture then the ones with wheat in them and I will be fine tuning this recipe. </span></span>We will post below this one the Wheat Hermits soon.&nbsp; Both cookies are not overly sweet which is why we like them.</span></span><br />
	&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Hermits.jpg"><img alt="Hermits" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1548" height="338" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Hermits.jpg" title="Hermits" width="450" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	&frac34; vegetable fat<br />
	4 tbsp sucanat<br />
	1 tbsp molasses<br />
	&frac14; tsp stevia<br />
	4 tbsp soy flour<br />
	1 cup water<br />
	1 cup white rice flour<br />
	&frac34; cup brown rice flour<br />
	&frac14; cup potato flour<br />
	2 tsp baking powder<br />
	1 tsp salt<br />
	2 tsp cinnamon<br />
	&frac12; tsp nutmeg<br />
	&frac14; tsp cloves<br />
	&frac34; cup walnuts<br />
	&frac34; cup sultanas</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
	1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Preheat oven to 400 F.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Combine butter, sucanat, stevia, and molasses until creamy.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stir in soy flour and water<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then mix in other flours, baking powder, salt, and spices.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mix in fruit and nuts.<br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Roll into 1 inch balls and flatten with a fork on a greased baking sheet.<br />
	7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.</p>
<p>	Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices. The darker the cinnamon the better it is.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong>Benefits of Cinnamon:</strong></span></span></span><br />
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used for colds, nausea, diarrhea, and painful menstrual periods. <br />
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It can improve energy, vitality, and circulation. <br />
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Recent studies have shown that cinnamon maybe have a beneficial effect on blood sugar.<br />
	</span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>7 Simple Steps To Succeed in Your 2010 Health Goals</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/7-steps-succeed-2010-health-goals/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/7-steps-succeed-2010-health-goals/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:18:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Randy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1495</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Its never too late to do the right thing!
Wow!!! It actually is 2010.&#160; Can you remember when 2010 seemed so far away?&#160; Now it&#8217;s almost mid January.&#160; Were you part of the 40-45% of the population that made resolutions in the first few days?&#160; They probably included goals like eating better, exercising more, and losing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Its never too late to do the right thing!</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Wow!!! It actually is 2010.</strong>&nbsp; Can you remember when 2010 seemed so far away?&nbsp; Now it&rsquo;s almost mid January.&nbsp; Were you part of the 40-45% of the population that made resolutions in the first few days?&nbsp; They probably included goals like eating better, exercising more, and losing weight. </span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/jump-fitness.jpg"><img alt="jump fitness" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1525" height="282" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/jump-fitness.jpg" title="jump fitness" width="457" /></a><br />
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Setting goals like this increases the chances you will actually make it to 2011 in better shape than today. Obviously you want to succeed but how can you make <strong>sure</strong> you will succeed?&nbsp; How can you not break the resolutions? How to not give up?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">These are valid questions because 97% of resolutions are never fulfilled.&nbsp; Early failure rates varies from 30% in the first week to 25% in the first month (depending on which study you are referencing) The good news is that if you are still on target right now you are way ahead of the game and even if you already stopped or never started &ndash; you can still start today.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s 4 mistakes that cause people to fail and 7 suggestions how to succeed.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	</span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/magic.gif"><img alt="magic" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1501" height="239" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/magic.gif" title="magic" width="175" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Mistake No. 1.&nbsp;</span></span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> Magic Bullet thinking</span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">.&nbsp; <span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span></span>Everyone of course wants to have more energy and look better but just having that desire or writing it down doesn&rsquo;t magically make it happen. It requires skill and daily perseverance. You have to have a PLAN to make it work on a daily basis.&nbsp;</span></span><br />
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">&nbsp;<br />
	</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Mistake No. 2.</span>&nbsp;</span> <span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Absolute or &ldquo;all-or-nothing&rdquo; thinking.</span></span></strong></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">People congratulate themselves for being &ldquo;good&rdquo; when they&#39;re eating well and exercising regularly. But then, the slightest slip can seem like a failure so they feel bad about themselves and the process and give up.&nbsp; Better to have smaller incremental goals and a plan that acknowledges there will be mistakes made. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mistake No 3.&nbsp; Unrealistic expectations</strong>&nbsp; </span></span></span><br />
	<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">People commit to making too many big changes at once, something that&#39;s incredibly hard to do considering habits seem to be hardwired in our brain. It is easier to make smaller changes but oddly enough Studies have shown that it&rsquo;s best to change multiple behavior patterns at the same time rather sequentially. This is because each little action that you take reminds and reinforces the other actions.</span> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Mistakes No 4.&nbsp; Not having a support system.</strong></span></span> Thinking that you will succeed just by your own dominating force of will has been shown to increase failure. It&rsquo;s SO much easier when you are being reminded and encouraged by others. This could be as simple as <a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/download-for-3-mistakes/">subscribing</a> to this newsletter or joining a group specifically set up to achieve goals (like our 5 week <a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/radiant-energy-course/">Radiant Energy and Healthy Slimness Course</a>). Sometimes too you need someone that you can relate your troubles to. You can even contact us on this too.&nbsp; We have certainly been in that situation before and are glad to help. </span></span></p>
<h1><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">7 Super Simple Tips to Keep You On a Healthy Track</span></span></span></h1>
<p><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>1. Keep a food diary </strong></p>
<p>	</span></span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Journal-writing.jpg"><img alt="Journal writing" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1515" height="150" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Journal-writing-150x150.jpg" title="Journal writing" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you have a pen and some paper? Can you write?&nbsp; It&rsquo;s that simple. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">This was the very first homework we asked participants to do on our <a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/radiant-energy-course/">Radiant Energy</a> course. We were using it as a teaching tool but writing down what and how much you eat provides awareness, focus and motivation. It clarifies what foods are in your diet and what&#39;s missing. You can&rsquo;t change or improve what you are NOT aware of. One or two weeks is enough. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>2 Increase your vegetables </strong></span></span>(just little more every day) <br />
	Do you want to lose 5 pounds?&nbsp; Eat more vegetables! Do you want to lose 20 pounds?&nbsp; Eat even more vegetables.&nbsp; If you want to lose 50 pounds &hellip; you get the idea. There is nothing more simple than eating MORE vegetables to lose weight, cleanse and alkalize and balance your systems. Starting off your day with a green smoothie is a fast delicious way to get leafy greens in your system.&nbsp; Then with a one or two salads and few serving of cooked vegetables you are all set. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	</span></span><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/beans.gif"><img alt="beans" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1499" height="189" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/beans.gif" title="beans" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>3.&nbsp; Have vegetarian dinners lunches once a day.</strong>&nbsp; </span></span></span>Find some bean and tofu recipes that you will enjoy and are easy to prepare. There are some on this site. You will be increasing fibre and reducing saturated fat when you eat less meat. <br />
	Here are a few tips that will help:<br />
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Replace meat with beans or tofu in a meat recipe. Serve tacos with black beans instead of ground meat. Serve vegetarian chili or vege burgers for dinner. Add cubes of firm tofu in stir fries.<br />
	&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Make a large batch of minestrone, split pea or lentil soup to have for lunch the next day or freeze it in serving containers for during the weeks to come. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>4. Have fruit washed and available.</strong> <br />
	</span></span></span>An apple or a banana is so healthier for you than a bar or a muffin. You know that but you won&rsquo;t eat it if the bar is easier to get at or you are at work and there is nothing else. Think ahead- it shows you have one!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>5. Drink more water </strong></span></span><br />
	Water is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps flush waste products from the body, keeps us hydrated and can stave off hunger. Women on average need 2.2 litres (9 cups) a day and men require 3 litres (12 cups). While all beverages count (except alcoholic beverages), choose plain water over sugary drinks, fruit juice and diet soft drinks.<br />
	Train your body to drink more water. Drink one glass first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth. Keep a glass of water next to you when you&#39;re at your desk. Drink from it regularly as you&#39;re working. Resolve to drink one more cup of water today than you did</p>
<p>	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>6.&nbsp; Listen to your body</strong></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/food-anticipation.jpg"><img alt="food anticipation" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1509" height="250" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/food-anticipation.jpg" title="food anticipation" width="250" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
	Your body knows itself better than your brain does. Being aware of its messages can help prevent you from consuming too many calories or the wrong foods. Before your meal ask yourself what foods are you attracted to and what tastes. During the meal keep checking in to see if you are still hungry.&nbsp; Your goal is to stop eating when you no longer feel hungry &ndash; you should feel satisfied, <strong>not full</strong>. A traditional saying is &quot;one third food, one third liquid, and one third empty&quot;.&nbsp; You will digest much better this way and thus be thinner and healthier. Many small meals a day is better than overeating once or twice. </p>
<p>	<span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>7.&nbsp; Reward Yourself</strong></span></span></span> <br />
	</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">If you don&rsquo;t reward yourself in some way till you are completely finished your goal &ndash; you might not get there. Remember this is a process and you need to enjoy the path too. If its all just struggle maybe you need help in adjusting your plan.&nbsp; The health systems that have been successful for thousands of years suggest&nbsp; you should NOT deprive yourself completely&ndash; it only causes stress which is bad for your health.&nbsp;&nbsp; If you find you&#39;re starting to slip back into old habits, pull out that food diary to refocus your efforts.</span>&nbsp;</span><span _fck_bookmark="1" style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
	</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">What are&nbsp;Your Health Goals for 2010?&nbsp; Feel free to share below. <br />
	</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif;">Feel free to share this article with anyone you feel would benefit. </span></strong></span></span></p>
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		<title>Special Vegetarian Dinner</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/special-vegetarian-dinner/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/special-vegetarian-dinner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:24:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asparagus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cranberry sauce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy cooking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stevia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar-free]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1437</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This&#160;special occassion vegetarian&#160;dinner is easy to prepare and a balanced meal in terms of acid/alkaline and food combining.&#160; The most time consuming is the nut loaf but it is so delicious that it is worth it and does not take as much time as cooking a turkey.&#160; Also, it is full of protein from all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">This&nbsp;special occassion vegetarian&nbsp;dinner is easy to prepare and a balanced meal in terms of acid/alkaline and food combining.&nbsp; The most time consuming is the nut loaf but it is so delicious that it is worth it and does not take as much time as cooking a turkey.&nbsp; Also, it is full of protein from all of the nuts and seeds&hellip;even my non-vegetarian friends and family like it. </span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/vegetables.jpg"><img alt="vegetables" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1466" height="315" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/vegetables.jpg" title="vegetables" width="450" /></a></p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">NUT LOAF</span></strong></span></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:<br />
	</strong>&frac12; cup cashews<br />
	&frac12; cup almonds<br />
	10 almonds for decoration <br />
	2/3 cup sunflower seeds<br />
	1/3 cup pumpkin seeds<br />
	&frac12; cup walnuts (chopped)<br />
	1 cup short grain brown rice<br />
	1/3 cup soya flour<br />
	4-6 tbsp soya sauce<br />
	1 onion <br />
	2 pieces of celery<br />
	&frac14; cup water<br />
	2 tsp basil<br />
	2 tsp. marjoram<br />
	2 tbsp flax meal</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14px">Directions:<br />
	</span></strong><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lightly roast cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds in the oven.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chop and saut&eacute; onion and celery.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chop all the nuts and seeds.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mix all the ingredients together and moistening with water.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pat mixture into a well-oiled bread tin. <br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decorate top with 10 almonds and line bottom of tin with grease proof paper.<br />
	7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes.<br />
	Serve with mushroom or onion gravy.<br />
	&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />
	Usually the problem with cranberry sauce is that it is full of sugar. Here is my version of the popular Cranberry Sauce without any sugar which is no easy thing when is comes to cranberries as they are so tart<br />
	</span></span><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Cranberry Sauce (sugar free)</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:<br />
	</strong>1 Package whole, organic cranberries (fresh, not frozen)<br />
	1 Organic Apple, cored and chopped<br />
	1 Cup Apple juice<br />
	1/4 Cup Organic, Brown Rice Syrup<br />
	1 tsp Stevia (Sunny Dew is best)<br />
	Pinch of salt</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:<br />
	</strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Put all ingredients into a sauce pan and let simmer for a few moments.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remove and let cool.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taste and add more Stevia or Brown Rice Syrup if you like it sweeter.</p>
<p>	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong>Nutritional Tips:</strong></span></span> Cranberries are high in vitamin C, and have antioxidant and antibacterial effects in the body. <br />
	In clinical studies cranberries have been shown to help maintain a healthy urinary tract and be especially beneficial to the eyes (significantly improve symptoms of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy) <br />
	</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON JUICE</span></strong></span></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	1 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed, and cut diagonally into 2 inch lengths <br />
	1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil <br />
	1/2 lemon juiced <br />
	Dash of Spike seasoning</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
	1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In a large frying pan over low heat, heat the olive oil <br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add Asparagus and cover and cook for 5 minutes. <br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add Spike and stir cook an additional 1 minute. <br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add lemon juice stir well and serve. </p>
<p>	<span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong>Nutritional Tips:</strong></span></span> Asparagus is full of nutrients!&nbsp; It is a very good source of vitamin K, the B vitamin folate, vitamin C, vitamin A and also numerous B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and B6) as well manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium and protein.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"></p>
<p>	Here is a simple dish to make and have in the oven at the same time as your nut loaf.<br />
	</span><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">BAKED SQUASH WITH VEGETABLES</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	1 medium squash<br />
	2 sweet potatoes<br />
	2 medium carrots<br />
	2 parsnips<br />
	10 very small onions<br />
	3 &ndash; 7 cloves garlic, sliced (optional)<br />
	1 tsp rosemary<br />
	3 tbsp. vegetable oil or butter<br />
	Salt to taste</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:</strong><br />
	1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cut carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and squash into 2 inch pieces.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remove skins from onions and leave whole.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place all vegetables into a glass casserole dish.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mix in sliced garlic, rosemary, vegetable oil, and sprinkle with salt.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bake in 450&ordm; F. oven for 35 to 45 minutes till tender.<br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stir occasionally while baking.<br />
	</span></span></p>
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		<title>Healthy Party Dips</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/party-dips/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/party-dips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:36:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Appetizers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[avocado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[avocado vegetable dip]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy eating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy party dips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[party dip]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raw food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1431</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

	So many of the dips that I find at parties are full of unhealthy ingredients.&#160;&#160;These two are full of healthy ingredients, chemical free, sugar free, dairy free, gluten free&#8230;.and very delicious,
What I like about this raw avocado dip is that it is full of vegetables; adding the celery makes it crunchy and not so rich&#8230;healthier. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/party-dip.jpg"><img alt="Party Dip" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1438" height="198" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/j0182716-300x198.jpg" style="width: 313px; height: 212px" title="Party Dip" width="300" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/party-dip-small.jpg"><br />
	</a>So many of the dips that I find at parties are full of unhealthy ingredients.&nbsp;&nbsp;These two are full of healthy ingredients, chemical free, sugar free, dairy free, gluten free&#8230;.and very delicious,</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">What I like about this raw avocado dip is that it is full of vegetables; adding the celery makes it crunchy and not so rich&#8230;healthier. </span></span></p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)">AVOCADO VEGETABLE DIP</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	1 ripe avocado, peeled &amp; pitted<br />
	1 stalk of celery, finely chopped<br />
	1 &ndash; 2 tbsp. lemon juice<br />
	1 tomato, chopped<br />
	Spike Salt to taste</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:<br />
	</strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mash avocado.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Add celery and lemon juice and mix in well.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Gently mix in chopped tomato.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Season with Spike salt to taste.<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Place in serving bowl on a plate surround with cucumber rounds, slices of radishes and corn chips.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">This is a creamy dip that is also dairy free.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18px"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: rgb(178,34,34)">BUTTER BEAN DIP</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:<br />
	</strong>1 cup Butter beans (cooked)<br />
	1 Tbsp Olive oil<br />
	2 Tbsp Lemon Juice<br />
	1/2 Onion, finely chopped<br />
	1-2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped<br />
	Salt to taste<br />
	A few sprigs of fresh Parsley chopped<br />
	Olives &amp; Watercress or Parsley for garnish</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:<br />
	</strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mash butter beans until smooth and creamy.* <br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Add rest of ingredients.<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mix together until well blended.<br />
	4.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Adjust seasoning to taste (salt, Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic)<br />
	5.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Put into a decorative bowl and garnish with olives &amp; watercress.<br />
	6.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Serve with corn chips or whole meal crackers. <br />
	</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">* you could use a blender, when I developed this recipe I did not have one by choice!</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Copyright &copy; Diana Herrington<span>&nbsp; </span>You are welcome to share this article with anyone who you think may benefit from this information as long as you give credit to Real Food for Life by including the link to the home page <a href="http://www.realfoodforlife.com/"><span style="color: rgb(128,0,128)">www.RealFoodforLife.com</span></a><span>&nbsp; </span>or the direct link to this post.</span></span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Christmas Party Recipes Part 1</title>
		<link>http://realfoodforlife.com/party-recipes-cider-creamy-chai/</link>
		<comments>http://realfoodforlife.com/party-recipes-cider-creamy-chai/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:51:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beverages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Chai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mulled cider]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[punch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stevia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sugar-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://realfoodforlife.com/?p=1417</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Would you rather take something healthy to the party?&#160; Here are a few recipes that taste great and are fast to prepare. 
	


	HOT MULLED CIDER
Ingredients:
	2 liters of apple juice
	3 whole cloves
	2 cinnamon sticks
	Juice of one lemon
	Grated peel of 1 lemon 
	Pinch of nutmeg
	Directions:
	1.&#160;&#160;&#160; Put all ingredients in a big pot, preferably stainless steel or pyrex.&#160; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Would you rather take something healthy to the party?&nbsp; Here are a few recipes that taste great and are fast to prepare. <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cider.jpg"><img alt="cider" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1419" height="350" src="http://realfoodforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/cider.jpg" title="cider" width="250" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #b22222"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
	HOT MULLED CIDER</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px"><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
	2 liters of apple juice<br />
	3 whole cloves<br />
	2 cinnamon sticks<br />
	Juice of one lemon<br />
	Grated peel of 1 lemon <br />
	Pinch of nutmeg</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:<br />
	</strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Put all ingredients in a big pot, preferably stainless steel or pyrex.&nbsp; Simmer for 15 minutes.&nbsp; <br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do not let it boil or get very hot. <br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Serve hot.&nbsp; <br />
	</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #b22222"><span style="font-size: 16px"><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">CREAMY SUNRIDER CHAI </span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:<br />
	</strong>4 cups hot water<br />
	4 cups almond milk or soya milk or rice milk, warmed<br />
	1 bag Calli Cinnamon<br />
	1 Fortune Delight &#8211; Cinnamon<br />
	1 squirt Liqud Stevia* (or to desired sweetness)<br />
	Fresh ginger, grated (optional)<br />
	&frac14; tsp ground cardamom or even better cardamom seed crushed. <br />
	Pinch of cloves</p>
<p>	<strong>Directions:<br />
	</strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place Calli bag into hot water and remove bag after steeping approximately 10 minutes.<br />
	2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add Fortune Delight and Suncare Plus to Calli<br />
	3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Add milk and keep hot. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Great on those cold winter days.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">* Suncare from Sunrider is best</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif">Copyright &copy; Diana Herrington<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>You are welcome to share this article with anyone who you think may benefit from this information as long as you give credit to Real Food for Life by including the link to the home page <a href="http://www.realfoodforlife.com/"><span style="color: #800080">www.RealFoodforLife.com</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>or the direct link to this post.</span></span></p>
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