Kielbasa Spinach Soup and Cacao Nib Oat Bar Recipes!

Kielbasa Spinach Soup
 

1 lb. kielbasa                                                                1 clove garlic, minced

2- 14 oz. cans chicken or beef broth                            

1- 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained

1 c. sliced carrots                                                         1 c. diced onion

1/2 c. diced celery                                                        2 small zucchini, cubed

1- 14.5 oz. can cannelini beans, undrained                     2 c. spinach, rinsed and torn

¼ tsp. salt                                                                     ¼ tsp. pepper

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium high heat, brown kielbasa and garlic.  Stir in broth, tomatoes with liquid, carrots, celery, onion and salt and pepper.  Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir in zucchini and beans with liquid.  Cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until zucchini is tender.  Remove soup pot from heat and stir in spinach.  Replace lid and let spinach steam for about 5 minutes.  Enjoy!

Cacao Nib Oat Bars

¼ c. coconut oil                                                                        1 Tbsp. wheat germ

¼ c. cacao nibs                                                                        1/3 c. chia seeds

1 c. packed, moist Medjool dates                                             ¼ c. almond milk

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract                                                               1 ½ c. rolled oats

½ c. spelt flour                                                                          ¾ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp salt                                             

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.  In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil into a liquid. Pour coconut oil into a food processor, and add in dates, milk of choice, vanilla extract and chia powder. Blend until a smooth paste has formed, stopping machine and scraping down the sides if needed. In a large bowl mix together oats, flour, baking soda, salt and hemp seeds.  Stir in date mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and cacao nibs.
Spread mixture onto baking sheet with a spatula into a ½ inch layer. Cut wet dough with a knife into 4” x 2” rectangles, or desired shape. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden brown. Let cool before serving.  Optional:  Add in goji berries for a special treat!

Saf Slim Belly Fat Transformation!

The Natural Belly Fat Solution!

Banish stubborn belly fat once and for all! A revolutionary breakthrough in targeted belly fat science. SafSlim is the first-ever solution to target the root causes of unsightly and health-threatening OMENTUM fat, the fat that accumulates in the belly region.

This natural belly fat solution featured on Dr. Oz is a special blend of non-GMO, high-linoleic safflower oil, which has been shown in a major university study to help reduce belly fat by up to 9.4%, or 6X more than the leading omega oil, in only 16 weeks without diet or exercise! This “belly fat omega” activates hormones, such as adiponectin, to help mobilize dormant midsection fat. It also helps curb appetite, kick start metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity to inhibit belly fat accumulation.

Emulsified and “body-ready” for maximum absorption, SafSlim is whipped into a delicious creamy texture that’s fun to take. It’s the easiest and most effective way to transform your belly and ab flab…naturally

What is BELLY FAT?

Belly fat is comprised of visceral or omentum fat. This fat is different from subcutaneous fat (the fat you can pinch) – it lies underneath and acts as a storage facility for our fat. Experts agree that omentum fat is the most dangerous fat on the body because of the way it packs itself around our vital organs. Excess belly fat in both men and women can contribute to many serious health conditions.

Why is BELLY FAT so hard to lose?

Research and science has revealed that there are good belly fat hormones and bad belly fat hormones that contribute to the loss of belly fat. Omentum fat triggers the release of bad hormones, which can contribute to insulin imbalance and insensitivity. Conversely, it hinders secretion of good hormones, which keep inflammation in check and helps balance our insulin levels.

Other Health Benefits of safflower oil!

The latest Ohio State University study on safflower oil found it’s not just your waistline that stands to benefits from the daily 2 tsp. of the stuff:

*Better cholesterol levels! Folks given safflower oil had a 14% increase in HDL, or “good” cholesterol, compared to folks who got a different oil.

*A healthier heart! Safflower oil was found to trigger an 18% decrease in C-reactive protein, a type of protein that causes inflammation directly linked to heart attacks.

 *Diabetes prevention! Women who took safflower saw their blood sugar levels drop by up to 19 points—which can go a long way towards staving off diabetes.

Message from Marge- May 2012

  May 4^th and 5^th we will be celebrating you, Schlarman’s extended family, for our Customer Appreciation Days. These are exciting times as society changes focus on consuming an abundance of food to that of food nourishing the body, mind, and emotions. As our farmers are busy tilling, planting and caring for livestock; we hold them in our thoughts and prayers.

  This month’s Healthy Living features an article with Health Crusader Dr. Patricia Bragg. She is a worldwide health educator, author, lecturer, president and CEO of Bragg Live Foods. Bragg Live Foods celebrates their 100^th anniversary this year and Dr. Patricia Bragg is as passionate as ever about spreading the word of health, fitness and living a happy, fulfilled life. Her father was a founding pioneer of America’s health food movement and originated the first health food store in 1912. The Bragg Live Foods abides by the principle that a simple, healthy diet offers solutions to many of life’s perplexing health challenges. The Bragg family motto: “You are what you eat, drink, breathe, think, say and do” is evident in their business, products, and lives. You will find the Bragg Live Foods products stocked on our shelves here at Schlarman’s. Look for the following Bragg Live Foods as you browse the aisles: salad dressings, apple cider vinegar (with the mother), liquid amino acids, extra virgin olive oil, organic sprinkle ( 24 herbs and spices seasoning), and sea kelp delight seasoning. I plan on using some of the Bragg Live Foods products in our food celebration for Customer Appreciation Day.

  I have looked long and hard for a modern, fresh, new line of make-up for our store. I am excited to introduce and announce Gabriel Cosmetics. The following information highlights the Gabriel line:

The secret to mistake-proof beauty is 100% natural ingredients along with 100% vegan + gluten free products

Classic color palette with earth tone shades for all ages

Full spectrum sun protection as every product ranges from 8 – 18 SPF

All products are free of Parabens, mineral oil, lanolin, talc, propylene glycol, lead, coal tar derivatives, and FD&C coloring agents

  As promised Burt Goulding will return this May 21^st for a workshop entitled; Learn a Holistic Approach to... New Hearing, Vision, and Teeth. We will learn how mineral imbalances hinder the body’s self-repair, the role circulation plays keeping the body healthy, and steps that can maintain and rebuild the body. We will learn effective techniques to take control of our health and correct imbalances. We are honored to have Burt teaching this workshop as he teaches this very material to medical students and doctors across the United States as well as internationally. For a $10 savings be sure to sign up in advance!! See page 2 for more details.

  It often has been said the “hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” and so it is as we thank our mothers for the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice they have given. Mothers instill beliefs, provide unconditional love, and prepare us to stand on our own. As the Bragg family motto states we are what we eat, drink, breathe, think, say and do; our mothers lay the foundation of our health and lives. With gratitude, we celebrate mothers everywhere!

Blessings,

Marge

Hypertension--- The "Silent Killer"

Hypertension often has no symptoms, hence it is described as the “silent killer,” one that raises risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. This trio of natural remedies is particularly effective, with complimentary benefits.

1. Magnesium Calms

Magnesium, the fourth-most abundant mineral in the body, is indispensable to good health and needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Only 1 percent of your body’s magnesium is in your blood, but it is critical that blood levels of magnesium are kept constant.
Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady and promotes normal blood pressure. One 10-year study of women over age 45 found a direct connection between magnesium and lower blood pressure. Another study determined that a diet moderately deficient in magnesium increases hypertension risk.

2. Hawthorn Improves Circulation

Several studies have shown that hawthorn extracts help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. For example, a British study found that hawthorn was successful at reducing blood pressure in diabetics. In other research, hawthorn lowered blood pressure, relieved heart palpitations and improved overall heart function.
Consider hawthorn long-term therapy, rather than an overnight cure. You may have to wait two to four weeks before the herb takes effect and its effectiveness may continue to increase after one to two months.

3. Garlic Reduces Plaque Deposits

Garlic reduces plaque and supports overall heart health. According to published research, garlic appears to reduce blood pressure levels by about 5-10 percent. This may not seem like much, but it is enough to significantly reduce the total chronic damage from hypertension. Clinical herbalists using garlic usually see larger reductions with higher doses.

One trial looked at 47 subjects with mild hypertension. For 12 weeks, half were given a placebo and the other half received a daily dose of 600 mg of garlic powder, standardized to 1.3 percent alliin. Garlic reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number, measuring pressure when the heart beats) by 6 percent and diastolic (the bottom number, representing pressure when the heart relaxes between beats) by 9 percent. A particular form of garlic—aged garlic extract—may be especially beneficial for cardiovascular health. Kyolic now has a special garlic formula called Blood Pressure Health.

Amazing Asparagus!

Lean, Green and Nutritionally Mean!!

Nothing quite captures the essence of spring like fresh asparagus! Asparagus is now one of the most popular of all vegetables, but it is also an extraordinary source of nourishment, especially for pregnant women.

Asparagus contains generous amounts of vitamin K, which assists with blood clotting and helps prevent cell damage; vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption and reduce cancer risk; and carotenoids, which are antioxidants that are converted to vitamin A, a natural antiviral.
But it’s the B-vitamin folate that’s the big star here, and the reason why asparagus is an indispensable part of a pregnant women’s diet. Folate has been shown to be essential for proper cellular division in the fetus; low levels of folate during pregnancy have been clearly linked to a multitude of birth defects. And folate is vital for a healthy cardiovascular system—it converts homocysteine to cysteine, thereby strengthening blood vessel walls and decreasing the risk of heart disease. It also helps prevent liver disease and ward off cervical cancer. And it doesn’t take much to provide these benefits—only one serving of asparagus provides 20 percent of your daily recommended intake of 800 mcg of folic acid.

Shop, Steam, Serve

When buying asparagus, choose stalks that are round, firm, and thin, with closed tips; of course, organic is always best. Occasionally you’ll find purple asparagus, it has the additional benefit of cancer-fighting anthocyanins.

When you get your asparagus home, rinse well, and trim off the woody bottom portion. If not using immediately, wrap a wet paper towel around the bottoms, seal in a plastic bag, and store in the back of the fridge—exposure to air, light, and heat destroys folate. Use within a day or two at the most.

Asparagus spears are wonderful steamed and served as a side dish. Slip them in pot pie, stir-fry them with lots of other colorful veggies, and heap them over organic brown rice. Or try this recipe to take advantage of the delicious, protective qualities of this tiny green nutritional plant.


Penne with Asparagus
and Sweet Onion
8 oz. organic penne pasta
3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces
½ large sweet onion, sliced thin
¼ cup shredded farmers cheese
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook pasta according to the package directions, drain, and place in large bowl. Meanwhile, heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Stir-frying asparagus and onion until just crisp, about 5 minutes. Toss pasta with asparagus - onion mix, cheese, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

Cooking With Quinoa

Learn how to prepare and enjoy this versatile, delicious, and highly nutritious supergrain.
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa) has its place in a healthful diet. Though quinoa is a relatively new grain alternative in the United States, it has existed for centuries. The ancient Incas called it “the mother of grain,” and the pre-Columbian Andean Indians ate it often because quinoa provided nutritional qualities that another main food source, the potato lacked.
Today, nutritionists praise and recommend this ancient “supergrain” for its nutritional value. Unlike other grains, quinoa boasts a complete protein because it contains eight essential amino acids. It is also higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley, or corn. Additionally, quinoa, is easily digested, a rich source of fiber, and gluten free, making it a wonderful grain alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten allergies.
Once cooked, this grain has a delicate, couscous-like texture and nutty flavor that creates a perfect canvas for both sweet and savory enhancements. Start the day with a bowl of quinoa mixed with dried fruit, milk or yogurt and a bit of cinnamon, or stir a cup of it in with your favorite soup to give the dish a subtle texture. An easy lunch can be had by tossing a cup of quinoa with a mixture of veggies and a tangy vinaigrette; for dinner, try a similar mixture as a filling for a healthy wrap.
Prepare this quick-cooking grain just as you would rice by boiling in water, However, know that unlike rice, quinoa will be ready to serve in less than 20 minutes—yet another trait that adds to its appeal. Also try our quinoa pasta, quinoa flakes and quinoa flour.

A Message from Marge- April 2012

This April’s Customer Appreciation Day falls on Good Friday. We all are busy this week participating in Holy Week activities and preparations for Easter services and family gatherings. Because of this, in place of the traditional Customer Appreciation Days that entails 2 days of store specials and snacks I will be running only store specials the entire week Monday – Saturday, April 2 – 7. I hope you find this more convenient in planning for the week and it allows you to focus on priorities, fellowship, and relationships.

I am excited to announce two up-coming seminars so you can schedule them in your calendars: The first is on Monday, May 21, from 3:30 – 7:30PM with Burt Goulding. Many of you have heard Burt speak on balancing the pH of the body and how we can reach our health goals. He is Managing Director of Positive Nutrition Institute, lectures in medical schools, has training seminars (that we have been privileged to participate in on site), and holds radio interviews. This time he will be instructing on Improvements in Vision, Hearing, and Teeth.

The second seminar will be Monday, July 23 at 6:30 pm. The speaker is Terry Lemerond, from Green Bay, Wisconsin. We are honored to have him here in our community. He is passionate about health and nutrition. In addition to being knowledgeable he is an informative and inspirational speaker. I for one, can sit under his instruction for hours and it seems like only minutes. He formulated Curamin which allows the body to balance its natural inflammatory response and is the number one selling product in our industry.

A new end cap display has been brought in where you will find a greater assortment of LEANIN’ TREE greeting cards. Leanin’ Tree has been ranked the Best-Selling Cards— Six Years in a Row!! There are a lot of greeting card companies to select from; some expensive, some not so, but Leanin’ Tree offers a great variety at an exceptional value. For you, our extended family, none of this computer generated assortment for our store. I hand pick each card selection with you in mind as to what you would want to say to another. I realize in this age of e-mail, instant messaging, tweeting, and Face Book, we can communicate instantly but there is nothing like getting a beautiful hand written addressed envelope in the mail. I send a card once a month to each of my grandchildren. Each anticipates a card arriving and are excited to open the envelope. Shut-ins also immensely enjoy that someone thought enough of them to send a card their way. An unexpected card in the mail for no reason at all is an extraordinary gift and a pick-me-up for the soul.

As we prepare for Holy Week and the activities associated with Easter celebration let us take time to find that quiet place in our homes to reflect and focus where we have been and where we are going. Seldom does anything happen if it has not been planned. I hope our week of specials aid you in planning for the holiday. Plan to let another know by a hand written note or a card that you appreciate and thought of them this Easter Season.

Blessings,

Marge