My kombucha tea finally is done. I need to start a new batch, I guess.
I finally got to make mayonnaise today. I am going to boil some red potatoes so I can make potato salad, and use the mayonnaise. I used the recipe from _Eat Fat, Lose Fat_ and used "Mary's Oil" which is a mixture of equal parts sesame oil, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
I actually had a burst of energy last night. First time in I don't know how long. I used to be able to count on a maternal type "nesting urge" which basically meant I actually felt a strong compulsion to clean, every single month (a few days before the start of my menses). But for the past few years, it has been sporatic. I thought at first it might be because I am not ovulating, but I take my basal temp, which shows that I am indeed ovulating, so it's not lack of ovulation.
I have met other women who experience this "nesting urge" phenomenon, and some have come to the conclusion that it is a cleansing, as the body is cleaning out the old egg, and preparing for the new egg, so there is the urge to clean the house, etc.
My lack of energy is sometimes frustrating, as by the time I actually feel like I can do something, there is SO much to do that it is overwhelming, and no way physically possible for me to get all of it done in the few hours that I have energy.
The lack of energy is much of my reasoning for trying to make changes to my diet.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Kombucha Tea is Done and Mayonnaise
Labels: Burst of Energy, Nourishing Traditions
Monday, September 12, 2005
Gardening
Labels: Gardening
I tried to get a watering system set up for our small orchard today. I had to use every spare piece of hosing I could find, and it was barely enough. But one joint broke lose and I wasted a lot of water, at least 100 gallons, maybe more.
Many of my squash plants have germinated, and I saw one bean plant coming up. So far, nothing is eating the baby plants. I had hoped to get another bed planted today, with swiss chard, lettuce, and other cool weather veggies, but did not get to it. I will try again next weekend.
Smoothie Update
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
I'm still having my smoothies. I found this way cool stainless steel thermos. Normally $19.99, but on clearance for $4.50! Stainless steel inside and out. Awesome! Holds 24 ounces. So I've been bringing my smoothie to work with me in that. I was drinking the whole thing in the morning, but then I realized that what works better for me is to take a few sips once it is prepared (have to make sure it tastes yummy!) and then I drink a few sips as I feel hungry. Then it lasts me for about six hours, with no light-headedness whatsoever.
I have changed the ingredients slightly. I'm now up to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil for one thing. My kefir was turning out too sour, and I was starting to detest my smoothie, and then a friend talked to me about enjoying my food (which I do know that, but had forgotten in my quest to eat healthy) and so I started adding in some milk with the kefir. I was up to 1.5 cups of kefir a day, but now I'm using 1 cup kefir and 1/2 raw goat's milk, 2-3 raw egg yolks, 1 tsp. vanilla, some type of fruit. I was using blueberries (bought fresh on sale, then put into the freezer) and that was okay, but two days ago I started adding in 3-5 frozen strawberries. Oh boy, what a delicious treat my smoothie has become!
Also, I try to take my supplements in the morning, with my daily dose of cod liver oil. It makes a HUGE difference in my eating for the day. I have no cravings for candy bars, fast food, donuts, cookies, etc. I see them and am easily able to avoid eating them. Compared to days when I don't start out on the right nutritional foot. And believe me, there are still those days.
Butchering
Labels: Nourishing Traditions, Self-Sufficiency
We had two dairy calves that we purchased a few weeks back. Well, now we only have one calf. The other died on Friday morning. We think due to snakebite. We purchased the two calves for $40. We did what we could for the calf, naturally, because we weighed the situation and decided that a visit from the vet would cost a lot of money, and the calf might not make it with costly intervention anyway. There were two choices for how to dispose of the body. 1) Dig a big hole 2) Practice our butchering skills. We chose the latter. It was a good learning experience. We were taught how by a friend of ours back on Memorial Day.
That only started out the day. Then we went and cleaned four buildings. The last three usually take 6 man hours, but today it took 10. Our butchering teacher works there, and so we had to talk to him for awhile.
I'm really proud of us for being practical and using the opportunity for learning. Not many people will share my opinion.
I had some meltdown this weekend. Probably PMS or perimenopause. At any rate, I can usually take a lot before I'm crying like a sissy. But not this weekend.
I tried some of my kombucha tea yesterday. It has been brewing for 10 days. It was still sweet, with a bit of a fizzy taste. I thought it wasn't that bad. I asked how it should taste, and was told I should let it brew some more and try it again at 14 days.
My olives still are rather "pungent" tasting. Meaning, they still taste pretty yucky. But not as HORRID as they are before any preparation.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Fall Gardening
Labels: Gardening
It's that time of the year again. Time for cool weather gardening. I have been feeling discouraged about my garden... some type of rodent has been chewing things down right at the base of the plant. Not that there is much left in the garden currently. The ants are skeletonizing the okra to death. The entire garden is fenced in top and sides, with chicken wire. It keeps the birds out, and it USED to keep the ground squirrels, ground chipmunks, cottontails and jackrabbits out, too. But now one has dug its way into the garden, and is wreaking havoc.
Also, my soaker hose isn't working well at all. I talked with a lady at an herb association who suggested I try using a product called "laser line". So I bought some of that, when I could finally find it... and installed that into one bed of my garden today. I also planted a whole bunch of squash. Recommended dates for fall planting of squash is 8-15 to 8-31. I'm a few days late, but it's been unseasonably hot, so maybe it will be okay. I also planted bush green beans, which should have been planted by 8-31. And some broccoli, and lettuce.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
New Kefir Grains
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
My first kefir grains I bought from a lady last fall, September 2004. I was a bit miffed later on to find that most of the time people share their grains, and only charge for shipping costs. But some people charge you a lot more than just shipping. I decided then and there when I have enough grains to share, I will only charge for shipping, and maybe a little bit more for the cost of accepting PayPal.
In November, I tried to share my grains with someone, (let's call her Amy) but it was a big flop. "Amy" asked me to ship the grains by Express Mail to her friend "Judith" because "Judith" was leaving in two days to visit "Amy" (who lives in another country - the idea being the grains would be cheaper to ship, and would get to "Amy" sooner). Well, when the grains arrived, the box was leaking, so "Judith" threw the whole box away. This was upsetting as I had sent a full tablespoon of my grains, leaving only about half a teaspoon left for myself! I also paid $15 something to ship the grains, only to have them thrown away. And I guess it was really stupid of me, but I told "Amy" not to worry about paying for the shipping, since she didn't get anything.
So a couple weeks ago my kefir went "off". There was some white powdery looking stuff on the top, and the kefir smelled bad, cheesy, and like dirty socks. I tried rinsing the grains, and putting in more milk. After a few days, the kefir was turning into gloopy slime. It was so gross that I was unable to consider using it. I was too busy to figure out what to do, so for a few days the kefir just sat in the cupboard, all gloopy and slimy. Finally I asked on a list I'm on what I could do for my kefir grains. I got some answers, and now I'm trying to cure it. The grains are only about 1/4 teaspoon worth now.
I also got anxious for some more kefir. Not that I love the stuff, but I feel it's doing a lot of good for my body, and I want my family to start drinking it, and my mom asked me if I could give her some more. She doesn't drink much kefir. I gave her a cup about 2 months ago, and she just finished using it. I think she takes like a teaspoon a day or something. Hah. I'm up to 1.5 cups a day. So... being anxious for more, and not sure my grains were going to survive, I saw a post on a list I'm on, and the lady was offering a generous amount of grains for $8. I went ahead and went for it. But again, I'm a little miffed because it cost $1.07 or something really cheap like that. I guess I shouldn't begrudge folks making a couple dollars, but then a day later, someone on another list was sharing grains for the cost of shipping. And it's not just them making a couple bucks, but some people think of kefir like a living entity and it's doing so much good for us that it shouldn't be sold, be shared for free. Cost of shipping is fine, but then people tack on quite a bit more.
But looking on the bright side (which I do try to do most of the time!) she sent a LOT of grains, I weighed them, they weighed 32 grams! It is more than 2 tablespoons.
For my other teeny amount of grains, I sterilized the jar, sterilized the water and am soaking them for 24 hours. Just soaking them in a jar with water did not cure them.
I'm a little bit afraid that the new grains will end up with the same fungus. I am hoping it's not that something is wrong with our goat's milk. I tested the milk for mastitis, and no one has any problems with that.
And we chatted with some neighbors today, and I mentioned kefir and the husband has wanted to try kefir. So if I can get these new grains doing their thing, I promised him that I would bring him some kefir, and if he likes it, then I will give him some of the grains. I am planning to try freezing some grains, but also I will give some to the neighbors. I was really happy to hear that, because there are so many grains I would probably be having to make half a gallon a day. He also said I can use the kefir for our baby calves instead of Probios.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Water Kefir Grain Soda
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Okay, Water Kefir Grain Soda... made the recipe from Eat Fat, Lose Fat for the ginger ale. I guess I used too little water, as we got wine coolers instead of ginger ale. ;-) Since I hate alcohol, that wasn't a good thing for me. I have a second batch brewing. I am also making brine cured olives. I am supposed to be "processing" the milk... bagging it up and freezing it. The wine coolers are okay, probably as with all these fermented foods, an acquired taste. My sauerkraut is finally sour, and halfway decent. Not one of my favorite comfort foods by any means. ;-) Now, the Zucchini Custard Casserole I mentioned in an earlier blog? Oh my gosh. Heavenly stuff. Especially with my homemade kefir bread. Which, btw, I figured out needed more kneading and then it isn't heavy at all. I just needed to knead it for 15 minutes! Worked up a sweat on that one.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Kombucha and Water Kefir Grains
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Ohhhh, I can't believe so many days have passed since I've written anything here!! Well, now I have kombucha started, and tonight drank some ginger water kefir soda that I started two days ago. And now I'm too tired. 'Nighty.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Zucchini Custard Casserole
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Tonight I made a dish that has to sit overnight in the fridge. Zucchini Custard Casserole. Also, I started some homemade sauerkraut. My Beet Kvass will be done tomorrow morning. Tired. 'Nighty.
Eating Healthy - Different Theories
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
It's really weird how our perception of what we happen to think fits the description of "healthy eating" can change from time to time. I went through a period where I thought eating lowfat was the way to go. I have always considered white flour and white sugar as basically poison. But I ended up with ridiculous cravings for donuts, which I have never cared much for (don't even like Krispy Kremes that much) and would buy and eat, and not even like.
But now I'm learning, these ridiculous cravings are due to the foods I was putting into my body. I thought I was craving the carbs, and thought I was a carb addict, but I'm thinking more now that it was the FAT I was craving. Sally says that in EFLF, that craving cookies and donuts is our bodies craving FAT. When I was pregnant with my youngest, my midwife told me I was hungry for PROTEIN when I craved donuts, or cookies. I tend to think Sally's hit the nail on the head.
PHOs (Partially Hydrogenated Oils) and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) are both very bad for us; and amazingly, they are in nearly EVERYTHING on the store shelves. MSG CAUSES you to gain weight, and if it says "natural flavorings" or something vague like that, it could contain MSG.
My youngest cooks meals for his grandmother, and now his aunt has tasted some of his food, and she wants to buy food from him, too. She (the aunt) feels she is eating healthy and naturally, because she's eating home cooked meals! Because my son is not yet cooking "NT". Who knows what the aunt's interpretation is of "healthy and natural".
No backache when I woke this morning after 7.5 hours sleep. For breakfast I made "Crispy Pancakes" and "Super Scramble". Filling and satisying. We ate around 9am, I am just starting to feel hungry.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Stiff Back II
Wednesday I had a bit of EVCO in a smoothie. Thursday I had a bit. Friday I had my regular "dosage" 1 Tablespoon. I went to bed at 9:15pm last night, and was able to sleep for NINE hours. This is unheard of for me, as my usually stiffens up and gives me great pain and I have to haul myself out of bed. I am still holding reserve that it isn't the EVCO, see my coworker isn't the only skeptic.
This same coworker also told me I can't make cheese unless I get a cow, because goat's milk has a TANG to it. I have had dairy goats for over 2 years now, and goat's milk does NOT have a tang, unless you allow your bucks to run with your does. I told her there is no difference in the taste, aside from goat's milk vs. store bought cow's milk tasting much better. She said there is a TANG and she's known the taste difference since she was six years old, the first time she ever had goat's milk. BAH. That's the story everyone tells. Goat's milk tastes "goaty" "It's horrible, I had it once when I was a kid and there was a hair floating in it." Whatever. Like I'm going to drink milk with hairs in it, and call it delicious?? Agh.
Friday, August 05, 2005
People that have to know everything
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
I have a coworker that has to be the one who's the authority on everything. I really like her a lot, consider her a friend, but boy if I bring up a topic that she knows nothing about, she shoots me down immediately. I have mentioned a bit to her about the coconut oil, and how my back had stopped aching due to taking it [I think, time shall tell] and I explained how the coconut oil helps our skeleton to absorb the calcium we ingest. I said maybe I had some arthritis in my back, she told me there is no way because I'm too young [42yo]. Then she proceeded to ask me if I knew of anyone who could give me a massage, or did I know of a good chiropractor. I just looked at her, because here I am telling her I'm certain the coconut oil [heretofore known as VCO] is what stopped my stiff back, and she's trying to find a solution for me. I am really starting to understand that nutrition is very important. Incredibly important. And I feel that the aching back is a sign that I'm missing something, and VCO is providing it. I had some VCO on Wednesday evening, and some last night. But I haven't been taking it regularly again yet. I guess I'm hesitant to start taking it again, only to find my back will still be aching.
Here is something else. Before my back started aching again, I was able to sleep up to 9 hours. Now that my back is stiffening up, I can't be in bed more than 7 hours. It would sure be wonderful if I could start getting my sleep at night, instead of having to nap on the weekend days. I have no problem getting to bed early enough to get 8 hours sleep. It would be incredible if part of my problem is that I don't get enough sleep! I have heard that not getting enough sleep can cause all kinds of problems, even weight gain!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Stiff Back
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Me and diaries, just like me and blogs. No time or motivation to enter data. Anyway! Ran out of coconut oil. The sixth day, my stiff back returned. I had -- amazingly -- not even noticed it had left! I had pneumonia 3 years ago, and since that time, my back has stiffened while I sleep. I am awakened by the stiffness, and cannot stay in bed longer than 7 hours. Being one to need at least 8 hours sleep, this hasn't been good for my energy level. Anyway, my gallon of Tropical Traditions extra virgin coconut oil arrived yesterday, and I'm anxious to see if it banishes my stiff back!!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The Lasting Effects of Smoothies
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Yesterday's morning smoothie lasted pretty good. I kept checking in with myself to see if I was hungry, because I was experiencing some mouth hunger, but my stomach didn't kick in with hunger until lunch time. About six hours the smoothie lasted. But I started to feel light-headed a couple hours before lunch, like I really needed to eat something!
I had another smoothie this morning, same ingredients, but with only 3/4 cup of kefir, instead of a full cup.
I'm in conflict with what I'm wanting to do, and life. At work, there is no way for me to heat my food except with the microwave, which I'd rather not be using. Also, my "boss" and I exchange leftovers - she'll bring me soup or a serving of a cold salad she's made, and so I'm eating foods that I like, that are maybe not what I should be eating. I'm trying to avoid processed foods. I didn't take my cod liver oil or dessicated liver last night. I just couldn't bring myself to. Also, I had ice cream with hot fudge and walnuts for dessert again. Baby steps.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Cherry Banana Coconut Smoothie
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
For breakfast I had a smoothie, we'll see how long this lasts me. I took my supplements [4 kelp tablets, 1 400iu Vitamin E, 500mg Vitamin C, 1 B50 Complex] also. My smoothie consisted of: 1 cup kefir, 2 egg yolks (yes, raw, from my own hens; no, I'm not worried about salmonella), 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil, 6 fresh cherries, 1/2 banana, 30 drops KAL Stevia and 5 ice cubes. It was pretty good. There is a light coconut taste, but it wasn't chilled enough to clump the coconut oil. I have a hard time taking supplements consistently. I resent having to do ONE MORE THING for myself. But I am determined to see if I can make a difference in my energy level which I am pretty sure has to do with my thyroid not functioning properly. Even though the medical tests came back and said everything is just fine, I don't feel just fine. That's okay, I didn't want to take allopathic meds anyway.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Cod Liver Oil
Labels: Nourishing Traditions
Sally Fallon's _Eat Fat, Lose Fat_ says we need cod liver oil in our diets, and it is especially important for thyroid support. I bought some TwinLabs mint flavored cod liver oil a week or so ago. I worked up my nerve tonight and decided I would try some. My siblings and I were made to take the vile oil as children. Here I am again, repeating my childhood nightmares. ;-) So I hand squeezed a small orange, mixed in two teaspoons of cod liver oil, held my breath and swallowed. Hey! That wasn't bad at all!! There is a taste of mint in my mouth, but no fishy cod liver oil! This isn't so bad.
I'm always afraid to share with anyone what I'm currently embarking on with regards to food. One of my siblings is eating low fat. Of course, Fallon's theory is we are pretty much killing ourselves by eating low fat, claiming fats are vital to our bodies.
I also took four dessicated liver tablets with the cod liver oil.
I made two batches of mozzarella cheese. The first batch I used some milk from 7-1 which tasted fine, but once I made it into cheese it tasted goaty, so I made a second batch. I worked a lot in the kitchen today and yesterday. It is unusual for me to have this much energy. I have been attempting to eat more like NT ways, but I did have some ice cream today with hot fudge and walnuts.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Eat Fat, Lose Fat
Labels: Memory Lane, Nourishing Traditions
I am apprehensive about this "blogging" thing. Yet, I'm curious. Today the body of my Psycho Dad stopped by to visit, on his way to live in Mexico. He recently changed his name and claims that he is a new man. As we were playing his favorite game "Go" we chatted a bit. He said that only people who play Go together stay in contact. Well, that's not exactly been my experience. But I told him that I can't talk to everyone I know, about everything in my life as I always seem to be attracted to the weird/alternative lifestyle, such as drinking raw milk, and other things that no one in real life (except those I've found on the Internet) seem to have any interest in or knowledge about. Take owning dairy goats, for example. Their milk is wonderful, but 99 out of 100 people will tell you a story about how horrible their milk tastes.
Then there's my relationship with food. For years I have been making peace with food, trying to eat whatever I want, but gaining more weight each year. I have decided recently, due to my low basal temperatures, that I could have a low functioning thyroid. So, researching the 'net brought me to one of Sally Fallon's books, _Eat Fat, Lose Fat_. I have a lot of misgivings about jumping on board. I flipped through _Nourishing Traditions_ another of Sally's books, about a year ago. It was too soon for me to embrace the concepts.
After two pregnancies, at 20 pounds heavier than I'd ever been, I went on my first ever diet in my 30s. I chose low fat. I lost weight. I gained a sick relationship with food, and cravings like I'd never experienced before in my life. Well, several years later, I'm heavier than I'd ever imagined I could be. I weigh 215 pounds. I don't own a scale, I refuse to live by the numbers. Anyway, that's enough for now.
