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

Homeopathic Cell Salts For Superior Health From the Inside Out

History of Cell Salts: Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler, a German doctor, established the theory of Biochemic medicine in 1873. Dr. Schuessler combined the principles of biochemistry with homeopathy to give us the 12 safe & natural Cell Salts – each derived from one of the 12 inorganic mineral compounds most important to our cellular health.
The Importance of Cell Salts: Cell Salts stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms to satisfy mineral deficiencies and imbalances. In his biochemic theory, Dr. Schuessler states that deficiencies in theses minerals are the source of most common health problems and that the Cell Salts derived from these minerals give the body what it needs to prevent and treat illness.
With today’s reliance on highly processed foods, keeping a healthy balance of minerals in the body is a major challenge. Cell Salts can be part of a healthy daily regimen.
Ideal for Self-Care and Safe for the Whole Family: Cell Salts give families the flexibility and assurance of safety to treat minor health issues quickly and effectively. As they will not react with other medications, Cell Salts complement any health plan. More and more healthcare practitioners are embracing Cell Salts for natural, self-care options for their patients.
Parents can rely on Cell Salts to help solve their children’s minor health issues before they may become serious. They are perfect for children because they taste good, are easy to use, work very well with children’s very responsive health systems, and are perfectly safe by themselves or in combination with other therapies.
Effective in stimulating fast healing responses, Cell Salts relieve and speed recovery to resolve common problems such as colds, flu, earaches, and other ailments. Kids love their faintly sweet taste and how quickly the tablets dissolve on the tongue as well. Try them with your children and you will agree!

Cell Salts:

#1 CALC FLUOR: Restores flexibility and supports bone strength. Symptoms include lower backache, muscle strain and weakness, arthritic or injured joints, hemorrhoid symptoms.

#2 CALC PHOS: Aids proper growth and development of bones & teeth formation. Symptoms include iron deficiency, afflictions of the bones, issues with teeth, growing pains.

#3 CALC SULPH: Skin Conditions. Symptoms include wounds, acne(puberty), eczema

#4 FERRUM PHOS: Oxygen Carrier, Anti-Inflammatory. Symptoms includefecer, colds, congestion, fatigue, ear pain, sinus headaches.

#5 KALI MUR: Aids digestion, Reduces congestion. Symptoms include colds, sinus issues, ear congestion, slow digestion.

#6 KALI PHOS: Nerve Nutrient. Symptoms include nervous or stress headaches, backaches, neuralgic pain, sciatica.

#7 KALI SULPH: Supports perspiration & respiration balance, Maintains healthy hair. Symptoms include skin and scalp conditions, stiffness in joints.

#8 MAG PHOS: Relaxes spasms of the nerves & muscles, Relieves radiating neuralgic pains. Symptoms include muscles spasms, backache, headache, menstrual cramps.

#9 NAT MUR: Maintains a proper degree of moisture throughout the system, Aids nutrition. Symptoms include water distribution problems, dry skin, chafing, headaches, constipation.

#10 NAT PHOS: Acid neutralizer, Aids in the proper functioning of the digestive organs, Reduces uric acid build-up in the joints. Symptoms include stuff muscles and joints, colic, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea.

#11 NAT SULPH: Aids in water distribution/elimination, Supports liver and kidney function, Supports respiratory system. Symptoms include sluggish digestion, nausea, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, influenza, shortness of breath.

#12 SILICA: Skin cleanser, Perspiration balancer. Chronic skin conditions, scars, acne, weak nails, excessive perspiration.

BIOPLASMA: Brings balance to muscle tissue and overall cell function. Thia formula combines all 12 Cell Salts and gives the proper daily supply of each. This formula can be taken daily to support cell health.

Energize, Alkalize and Cleanse with Green Superfoods!

Did you eat your vegetables today? Everyone agrees that they’re vital to good health, especially the dark green, leafy ones. They provide antioxidants, folate, potassium, fiber, lutein, flavonoids, and other important nutrients. The darker the leaves, the more nutritious these veggies are.
But it takes time and effort to prepare and consume large amounts of these greens each day. That’s one reason a growing number of supplements contain alfalfa, barley grass, chlorella, green tea, kelp, spirulina, or wheat grass - all of which are considered green superfoods because they contain nutrient-dense, energizing, nourishing, and pH-balancing substances.

A Variety of Greens: Alfalfa contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus along with vitamin A, C, B-1, B-2 and niacin. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that contains catechins, which may help prevent cancer and tumors. Like other sea vegetables, kelp is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which helps correct an underactive thyroid. Spirulina is high in protein and may help improve immunity, lower cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar levels. Chlorella, another nutritional powerhouse, nourishes the body and helps protect it from damaging chemicals. Wheat grass and barley grass have similar properties. Dr. Ted Morter teaches that barley green is the most alkalizing food on earth. And remember that cancer cells cannot grow in an alkaline environment.

What Makes Greens Super: Enzymes, the biological catalysts essential to life, and chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green, may be the heroes in green superfoods. Chlorophyll appears to help the growth and repair of tissues, mitigate the effects of pollution, deliver magnesium, oxygenate the blood, neutralize free radicals, deodorize the breath and body, interfere with the action of carcinogens, and treat infected wounds.

In Prescription for Natural Cures, James F. Balch, MD, recommends green superfoods for antiaging, cancer prevention, detoxification, muscle aches and cramps, hemorrhoids, and psoriasis.

Consider chlorella, the unicellular green algae that has been a popular food supplement in Japan for decades. Rich in protein, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, chlorella extracts have been found to protect against gamma radiation as well as the adverse effects of several drugs and toxic chemicals. In a recent clinical trial, some patients with moderately severe symptoms of fibromyalgia improved significantly on 10g daily of chlorella tablets.

Additional research suggests that chlorella reduces dioxin levels in breast milk, improves overall health, supports detoxification, improves digestion, and helps treat hypertension. In another, Korean researchers suggest that lutein and zeaxanthin (best known for their vision benefits) in chlorella have a powerful antitumor effect, particularly in colon cancer.

Ever since the late Ann Wigmore made wheat grass a household name, enthusiasts around the world have been taking powdered wheat grass supplements. Thanks to Wigmore’s prolific writing and teaching, many consider wheat grass useful for cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a treatment for detoxifying the liver, purifying the blood, neutralizing pollutants, improving energy and circulation, and slowing aging.

Most of us simply don’t get enough raw green foods in our daily diet. Green superfoods are an important part of my daily regimen. I believe they work from the inside out. They are the fuel that energizes me and keeps me on the run. They also contribute to younger-looking skin and sharper eyesight.

No-Bake Energy Bites and Apple Pie Breakfast Recipes!

NO-BAKE ENERGY BITES RECIPE:

Ingredients:

1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
1 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1″ in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

Tip:

Substitution ideas can abound for just about any of these ingredients! Feel free to substitute in your favorite nut butter (almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.) for the peanut butter. And you could also add in some wheat germ in place of some or all of the flaxseed. I would caution, though, against substituting agave nectar for the honey, as the honey’s thickness helps hold things together.

Some other fun substitutions for the chocolate chips (or an addition to them) could include:

chopped dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins, etc.)
dried berries (cranberries, cherries, etc.)
chopped almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds
other chips (butterscotch, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, etc.)

The joy of these bites being “no bakes” is that this recipe is super flexible. If you end up needing to omit one of the dry ingredients (such as coconut or flax), just add in some extra of whatever other dry ingredient is remaining (for example, the oats). If you feel like your energy bites are too dry, just add in extra honey or peanut butter.


APPLE PIE BREAKFAST RECIPE:

Ingredients
- 1 cup of steel cut oats*
- 3 diced apples
- 1 cup apple juice
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions - Slow Cooker

For Best Results: Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook for 2-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low until it reaches the consistency that you like. Be sure to stir every hour or so.

You can also cook longer without stirring, but you have to add more liquid and it does come out a bit mushier. Add an extra cup of liquid for 7-8 hours in the slow cooker.

* It must be steel cut oats when cooked in the slow cooker, as regular oats get very soggy when cooked this way. You can find steel cut oats in your local grocery store (sometimes they are called "irish oats" or "pinhead oats"). If you would really rather use rolled oats, be sure to use the stovetop method below and adjust your liquid/cooking time accordingly.


Directions - Stovetop Method

A few people have asked me about a stovetop method since not everybody has a slow cooker, and let's face it, sometimes we don't know what we want for breakfast until the morning of. Below is a stove top method and it tastes similar, but I still prefer the slow cooker version better (the oats become softer the longer they cook).

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it reaches the consistency that you like.

Hope you enjoy these recipes!!

Message from Marge- March 2012

March 2nd and 3rd will be this months Customer Appreciation Days. I am always excited to know that the month of March is arriving as I consider it the transitional month of the first quarter of the year. It is the month that changes from winter to spring and the earth comes back to life as it basks in the sun’s rays. We, too benefit from the newness and freshness of the new season in that we transition our diets from winter dense foods to lighter, more cleansing foods of spring. Just as we “spring clean” our homes we can benefit from cleansing our bodies of toxins. We carry two products in our store that assist in gently cleansing the body. Our Whole Body Cleanse is a 10-day cleanse that restores balance to regularity and digestive health. We also have a whole food Probiotic Cleanse that combines superfoods, herbs, and live probiotics, promoting optimal digestive health. In our society we are all exposed to an array of toxic chemicals whether it is work related, cleaning products, foods, or lifestyle. There are numerous ways to enhance our body’s elimination of toxins that will improve our overall health, energy level, and vitality.
You will continue to see a greater selection of gluten-free products as we increase our selection as the need arises. One out of every 133 people in the U.S. has to make the fundamental lifestyle change to be gluten-free due to the painful side effects associated with eating gluten. Our shelves are stocked with gluten-free breads, crackers, cereals, pasta, granola bars, cookies, chocolate chips, soups and additional selections. Some gluten-free products are not located in the gluten-free section such as rice, taro chips and protein shakes. We also carry a gluten-free all purpose flour as well as quinoa, amaranth, rice, millet, coconut and almond flours. Gluten Defense capsules are also available to help the body digest wheat and dairy. There are also many products in the freezer section such as muffins, breads, pizza and pizza crusts, hamburger and hot dog buns, bagels and cinnamon rolls. We also have buffalo, beef, chicken and turkey hot dogs as well as fish sticks and chicken nuggets. Some of our older companies have always offered gluten-free products but never marketed them as such. As knowledge of gluten-free lifestyles surface, there will continue to be more of a selection of great tasting choices. The reason I mention great tasting is that in the past gluten-free has not always been pleasing to the palate, that is not the case today. The products are great in taste and are equal or superior to foods containing gluten.
We are also offering grass feed beef in the freezer. The product is locally grown by my son Todd. Todd takes great pride in growing and managing vegetable produce, livestock, and crops that are compatible to the philosophy of Schlarman’s Health Center. I am always looking and researching to find the best quality products to offer you. I am grateful to Todd and Kari for undertaking this endeavor in order to increase our selection of high quality products we offer. There is something here for everybody to improve and enhance your health. Whatever your need is we are here to assist you in acquiring the knowledge concerning the discomfort, finding solutions, and enabling the body to heal. If we can be proactive with our health instead of reactive our bodies will often correct the situation before it becomes a crisis situation.
Just as the earth is continually changing we too change to adjust according to our needs. It is easier if we are able to make changes in small, consistent increments. Our bodies are grateful if we are able to make choices that have far-reaching health benefits. We are here to help you with those choices and enjoy the opportunity to do so! Blessings,
Marge

Grass Fed Beef

Starting Monday, February 20th, Todd will have grass fed beef available for sale! Many customers ask how grass fed beef is different and we hope that this article will answer some of those questions.

Grass fed beef is a healthy alternative to conventional, grain fed beef. No pesticides, antibiotics or hormones are used. The steers are fed a diet of grass, hay and are supplemented only with minerals for their overall health. Grass fed beef is lower in fat while still having the appropriate marbling for great flavor.
A major benefit of raising animals on pasture is that their products are healthier for you. Grass fed beef has less total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. It also has more beta carotene, vitamins E, C and D and a number of health promoting fats, including Omega 3’s. Research shows that grass fed beef has many positive effects in the areas of heart disease, cancer and the immune system.

Todd and Kari have been using grass fed beef at home for about two years now. The meat is very tender and flavorful and is prepared exactly the same as any other beef product. Steaks, roasts, hamburger patties and bulk hamburger will be available in addition to all of the whole hog pork products that are already in the freezer section! If you have any questions regarding any of the meat products that are available, please contact Todd at 419-852-8346!!

Sweet on Xylitol

Americans have a mighty hankering for sugar. It seems that we just can’t get enough of the stuff. It is estimated that the average American eats, drinks, stirs and sprinkles about half a cup of sugar per day, and 150 pounds of it annually. Sugar deserves some of its bad reputation. From its well-known role in the process of tooth decay, to its implication in cases of pre-diabetes, excessive sugar intake has become a cause of concern for all people. Luckily, there is a go-to alternative.
A Sweet Alternative
Xylitol is not only a safe, natural sweetener without the side effects of sugar and some artificial substitutes; it’s also good for your teeth, can support normal insulin and hormone levels and promotes overall health. Although xylitol has a similar sweetness profile, and looks a lot like sugar, that is where the likenesses end. Xylitol is in many ways sugar’s opposite. While too much sugar can cause harm, xylitol offers benefits. Because of xylitol’s five-carbon chemical structure, it has antimicrobial properties, preventing the growth of bacteria. Other forms of sugar, such as the popular alternative sweetener sorbitol, have six-carbons and therefore serve as food for dangerous bacteria and fungi. While table sugar (sucrose) is acid forming, xylitol swings things in the alkaline direction. This alkaline environment is inhospitable to all the destructive bacteria in the mouth, including the worst culprit: Streptococcus mutans.
Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate, more specifically a sugar alcohol, found in fibrous vegetables and fruit and commonly extracted from birch bark. It also occurs naturally in our bodies. As a bulk sweetener with similar sweetness and functional properties to ordinary table sugar, it helps prevent tooth decay and upper respiratory infections.
Xylitol is slowly absorbed and only partially utilized. It also carries a reduced calorie profile: 2.4 calories per gram or 40% less than other carbohydrates. In the United States, xylitol is approved as a food additive in unlimited quantity for foods with special dietary purposes. Importantly, because xylitol is slowly absorbed and metabolized, it creates very negligible changes in insulin levels. Therefore, xylitol won’t raise your blood sugar like table sugar.
Keep the Dentist at Bay
According to the American Dental Association, 75% of American adults over the age of 35 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Much of this is simply tooth decay that results from bacteria in the oral cavity consuming sugars. When food containing ordinary sugar (sucrose) is ingested, it gives these bacteria energy, allowing them to multiply and to form acids that can eat away the enamel on the teeth. This “acid attack” causes cavities to form. Xylitol is not fermentable and does not break down like sugar, thus helping to keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.
Acidity is a problem because it strips the tooth enamel of minerals, causing it to weaken and making it more vulnerable to attack by bacteria, leading to demineralization. Ordinarily, saliva bathes the mouth with an alkaline solution that neutralizes acidity and actually remineralizes the teeth. However, when saliva turns acidic because of too many sweets, bacteria in the mouth have a feeding frenzy. By helping to raise oral cavity pH, xylitol reduces the time that teeth are exposed to damaging acids as well as starving harmful bacteria of their food source.
With xylitol, the acid activity that would otherwise last for over half an hour is cut short. Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. The use of xylitol for oral health reasons is supported by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
The published research into xylitol’s oral health benefits is extensive. This is not to mention its other potential benefits, such as inhibiting visceral fat accumulation. A recent review of the oral health research literature supports the notion that xylitol not only prevents and removes plaque, but also can aid in the rebuilding of cavity-riddled teeth.
Needless to say, diet plays a major role in dental health. When there is an excess of sugar in the diet, this weakens the immune system and allows for an acidic environment, causing oral health to suffer. Xylitol, for its part, can help aid the immune system in its fight against illness, as evidenced by its use as an ingredient in nasal sprays such as Xlear.
With proper use, xylitol actually stops the fermentation process leading to tooth decay. Long-term use suppresses the most harmful strains of oral bacteria, making a long-lasting change in the bacterial environment. Although larger cavities won’t go away, it can in fact help small decay spots harden and become less sensitive.
After taking all of this into consideration, it’s clear that xylitol is a dentist’s dream. Using xylitol toothpaste and mouthwash right before bedtime, protects and heals the teeth and gums overnight. Only small amounts are needed for dental benefits (in the daily range of four to 12 grams, one teaspoon to one tablespoon). Since the oral environment becomes less acidic with continued xylitol use, it is advisable to chew xylitol gum or use a xylitol mint after every meal or after eating sweet snacks, preferably for a total of five times each day. The best news is that studies have shown xylitol’s effects to be long lasting, and possibly even permanent.

CoQ10 with Omega-3 Fatty Acids-- Two Powerful Nutrients for Your Health

If you are health conscious and past 40, there is a good chance you have read how important it is to supplement your diet with fish oil and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). These powerful nutrients benefit cardiovascular, cerebral, joint, and sexual health. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have shown positive effects on the brain, including a recent study that showed women who consume fish during pregnancy gave birth to children with improved learning potential.
Among natural healthcare practitioners, fish oils and CoQ10 are two scientifically validated nutritional supplements they recommened to their patients with full appreciation for their proven health benefits.
Fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve mood, based on studies showing populations that eat the most seafood tend to have lower rates of depression. Fish oil helps bipolar patients maintain a normal emotional balance. Seafood consumption is also now strongly believed to be beneficial to children’s neurological development.
CoQ10 is another critically important nutrient. If your doctor prescribes a cholesterol-lowering “statin” drug for you, you should also take CoQ10. This is important because statin drugs, besides their many potential side effects, deplete the body’s levels of CoQ10, which is an essential nutrient for a healthy heart.
Many informed allopaths today are prescribing CoQ10 and fish oil in addition to their conventional medications. They understand that regular supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can support the function of bones and joints, and the combination of CoQ10 and fish oil can help maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. There is a reason the American Heart Association (AHA) has claimed fish oil to be one of the most heart healthy substances. While the AHA recommends several servings of oily fish per week, the organization also strongly endorses supplementing with fish oils.
Coenzyme Q10 is of critical importance to your body as you age. In European studies it is shown that people who develop congestive heart failure function better when supplementing with CoQ10. Of course, this is not a cure and such patients should work within a doctor’s umbrella of care and use this nutrient only to support their health. But the studies do appear to be promising.
Even though theses substances are natural supplements and not considered to be drugs for the treatment of any disease, let alone one as serious as cancer, preliminary studies show women who have used very high dosage of CoQ10 under a doctors supervision and only for immune support have experienced remarkable breast health benefits. The studies are limited, to be sure—yet, nonetheless, they suggest real possibilities that ought to be funded and explored.
For fish oils, the studies are even more exciting and show that people with high levels of omega-3s tend to resist the spread of genetically damaged cells better than their counterparts with low levels. These are important reasons to keep your levels of omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 up at reasonable amounts in your tissues. These two nutrients can be purchased together in one softgel capsule for your convenience.

Bee Propolis- Immune Boosting Power

Often called “natures penicillin,” bee propolis has effective antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. This substance recently has been “rediscovered” for its healing and medical properties. Not only does it help prevent infectious diseases; it clears them from the body as well.


What is Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance gathered by the bees from the leaf buds and the bark of certain trees and bushes. The bees use the propolis as a “cement” that lines the walls of the hive in which they prepare honey, bee pollen, Royal Jelly and other related by-products. Nature has provided bees with this substance to keep them and their hives free of germs in spite of 40,000 to 50,000 bees being crammed into close quarters in the hive.

Bees collect propolis, treat it with their own enzymes and use the sticky material, like putty, to seal cracks and patch holes in the hive and to sterilize it. It protects the insects and their homes from contamination, moisture and germs that could lead to infection or disease. Bees are the only insects having been found to be bacteria free, due to the actions of propolis.

Natural acids and their derivatives as well as terpenoids are also found in propolis, which contribute to the antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral effects.
Propolis is uniquely rich in the caffeic acid phenethyl ester, which in animal studies has inhibited cancer growth and reduced inflammation as effectively as drugs. This super anti-inflammatory improves the absorption of vitamin C and helps to retard bacterial and viral infections.

Propolis is rich in minerals, B vitamins and antibiotics and works to raise the body’s natural resistance by stimulating it to produce its own disease fighting defenses.

Propolis contains all the known vitamins except for Vitamin K. Of all the fourteen minerals the human body requires for normal function, propolis contains all but one: sulfur. Sixteen amino acids within propolis have been identified and it has even more bioflavonoids than found in oranges.

Propolis acts as a local anesthetic, reduces spasms, and helps in the healing of gastric ulcers, while showing improvement on pulmonary functions and strengthening capillaries.

Propolis is a choice ingredient in wound salves. Along with being anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, propolis stimulates new tissue and new cell growth. It promotes swift replenishing of the skin, thus aiding in the quick and aesthetic healing of abrasions and acne, and can be used as a natural alternative for iodine. This is important in promoting the quick healing of wounds and diminishing the occurrence of scars.

Propolis has also shown positive effects in those with arthritic conditions, stiff joints, and in the regeneration of bone tissue.

Antiseptic properties make propolis an ideal nutritional supplement for the throat, mouth and gums.

An average healthy adult can take daily oral doses of propolis to boost the immune system and increase resistance. When prescription antibiotics must be used, propolis works synergistically to boost the effectiveness of the prescription, while strengthening the body and drastically reducing recovery times. Propolis has seen positive results at times when prescribed medication was of no avail. It boosts the immune system, and at the same time, scavenges for and fights invaders, something prescription antibiotics cannot do.

Propolis is known to be a safe, natural supplement, producing no known negative side effects, and when taken regularly, can actually create a positive reaction to almost any disease. In today’s world where antibiotics are routinely over-prescribed, propolis may be your very best natural defense against illness and chronic disease.

Hypothalamus Rebalancing Diet Workshop THIS WEEKEND!!

Get Off the Weight Loss See-Saw and Learn the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss

Retrain Your Brain – Gain Control Over Your Weight

Do you have a thyroid condition? Have you struggled with weight for a long time, but nothing you do seems to make a difference? Have you tried dieting over and over, only to lose weight in “all the wrong places”? Do you always gain weight back as soon as a diet is over?

Today, nearly 50% of Americans are overweight. Yet, despite low- and non-fat foods and zero-calorie sweeteners, obesity rates are still rising. The typical American
diet can damage the hypothalamus of the brain, which is the control center for all fat storage in the body. The good news is that resetting the brain to maintain an ideal weight is possible!!

At this workshop, you will:

• Learn How The Brain Controls Fat Storage

• Investigate the Signs Of A Damaged Hypothalamus

• Study the Phases of the Diet that Can Repair This Damage

• Discover How to Lose Pounds and Inches Rapidly Without Constant Hunger

• Learn About An Educational Program That Will Help You Finally Reach and Maintain Your Ideal Weight

Join us on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30 am for a Half-Day Workshop

Please arrive by 8am for measuring and body fat testing.


Burt Goulding, Jr. will be presenting the seminar and is the managing director of Positive Nutrition Institute. He is a Clinical Nutritionist and has been involved in the Natural Supplement Community for more than 28 years. As President/CEO of Positive Power Nutrition he has dedicated himself to supporting and strengthening thousands of independent nutritional stores and natural practitioners. His lectures, training seminars, and radio show interviews are based on the
99% success rating of his complete pH balancing protocol. Burt travels the country teaching seminars to health professionals and the highly-interested public. He and his beautiful wife of 28 years have 10 children. They lead happy, healthy lives in sunny southern California.


Pre-registration is required! Cost for this workshop is $124 and includes the workshop, book and website membership. Please contact us today for more information! 419-375-2659!