LOCAL SOURCE OF CHILLS.

Check out these beautiful Swiss Chard leaves. HUGE! An amazing...

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:23:28 -0400

Check out these beautiful Swiss Chard leaves. HUGE! An amazing source of vitamins K, A, and C, magnesium, potassium, iron, and fiber. And….would be incredible for making gluten-free wraps.

Shop Seasonal: Month of May

Sat, 04 May 2013 01:33:42 -0400

April was a busy month! I’m excited to get back into routine, which includes my Sunday farmers market trips. And the month of May could not be more enticing…there are tons of new fruit and veggie crops that will brighten market aisles, as well as my dinner plates.

Here’s this months list of what’s in season!

Apricots (1st month!)
Artichokes
Arugula
Asparagus
Avocados
Basil (1st month!)
Beets
Blackberries (1st month!)
Blueberries (1st month!)
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Cherries (1st month of only 2 months!)
Collards
Garlic
Kale
Lemons
Mushrooms
Nectarines (1st month!)
Onions
Oranges
Peaches (1st month!)
Peas
Potatoes
Radishes
Raspberries (1st month!)
Spinach
Strawberries
Summer squash (1st month)

Amazing list! Enjoy filling your fridge this month!!!!

Home in Arizona and am so grateful that my family supports...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:53:44 -0400

Home in Arizona and am so grateful that my family supports healthy eating and a whole food, organic diet. Roasted lemon basil organic chicken and roasted organic spring vegetables in garlic, rosemary and coconut oil. The epitome of comfort food.

Mixing rain and sun during SF’s magic hour = An...

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:49:09 -0400

Mixing rain and sun during SF’s magic hour = An ethereal glow, and yeah, some killer rainbows. Local Chills, from my neighborhood and my roof.

Did I go overboard at the farmers market today?? Nah. And had...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:36:26 -0400

Did I go overboard at the farmers market today??

Nah.

And had this incredible farmers market salad for lunch to prove it.

Ingredients (all organic):

Local arugula and mixed greens
Sunflower sprouts
Chopped radishes
Baby cucumbers
Red onion
Dino Kale
Broccolini
Chopped cilantro
Apple cider vinegar / extra virgin olive oil / salt / pepper / garlic

How to Shop: Eggs

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:42:25 -0400

So many labels. How do we make the best purchasing choices at the grocery store when there are 10 different options to choose from?

Love this easy guide for buying the best eggs by Takepart.com; lists what to avoid, what to look for, and where to shop!

Cage-Free: This label simply means the absence of a cage. It doesn’t mean the absence of fences or enclosures in general. It also doesn’t guarantee that chickens have access to an outside area. Birds that qualify as cage-free can still be packed tightly into an overpopulated and darkened barn.
Free-Range: When chickens are free-range, they’re required to have access to the outdoors—but that may amount to a narrow patch of dirt. Access to it can be a tiny door cut into the back of the shed, which in an overcrowded barn stuffed with hens, the birds may not ever notice, let alone use.
Organic: This label dictates that the birds are antibiotic and hormone-free, in addition to being provided with access to the outdoors. Still, some organic farms abuse the system by housing their hens in overcrowded sheds—with a small, unused door. Under certain conditions, some may also make their chickens endure the painful process of beak trimming that’s common in factory farms.
Certified Humane: According the Humane Society, even this certification allows for farmers to house chickens indoors at all times if they choose, and also allows beak cutting. A similar term, “American Humane Certified” even allows laying hens to be caged.

Instead, look for Pasture Raised chickens. ”A label used increasingly by smaller, sustainable chicken farms to indicate that they legitimately raise their birds outside, on an actual pasture. Hens also enjoy access to shelter when they choose to take it, and they’re raised without the use of harmful chemicals or painful procedures.”

Where can you find Pasture Raised eggs?

Whole Foods
Real Foods
Your farmers markets!

Activist Blogger Scores Big Win With Chipotle

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:10:09 -0400

Activist Blogger Scores Big Win With Chipotle:

Inspiring!

A Minty Fresh Spin on Salmon.

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 22:47:00 -0400

I absolutely loved this meal. Such a refreshing and light take on a traditional baked salmon dishes, and uses such fresh and beneficial whole ingredients. Best of all - yeah, it might look like a gourmet dish, but takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Cucumber Mint Wild Salmon

Prep wild salmon by rinsing, dressing with a dash of olive oil, pink sea salt and lemon. Wrap in parchment paper and place in 350 degree oven. Start your timer. 20 minutes.
Dice 1/2 organic cucumber, 1/2 organic red onion, 1 organic garlic clove, and a heaping handful of de-stemmed fresh organic mint leaves.
Whisk in 1/2 cup of organic plain Greek yogurt. I love Wallaby Organic brand, found at Whole Foods.
Mix all above ingredients into bowl and flavor with 1/2 organic squeezed lemon and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.
Check salmon at 20 minute mark and be sure cooked through to your liking.
Dress salmon with your mint chutney, and serve with a side of steamed organic broccoli.

Not like I have to sell this anymore, but the dish is 100% gluten-free, VERY low dairy intake due to the Greek yogurt variety, no sugar, low salt, and about a bajillion health benefits on your plate.

Wash Your Cloth Bags!

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:12:00 -0400

You’re are saving the world one grocery shopping trip at a time sporting your reusable bags…but you also could be spreading bacteria and food-borne illnesses!

Read the article and, yes! Toss your bags in the wash this week!

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/08/do-plastic-bag-bans-make-people-sick—and-steal?cmpid=foodinc-fb

Word, Meryl. Word. Found this Meryl Streep quote painted on a...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:44:00 -0400

Word, Meryl. Word.

Found this Meryl Streep quote painted on a door in True Foods, a trendy restaurant in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Andrew Weil, who started True Foods, promotes a healthy, anti-inflammatory, whole foods diet. Their menu is to die for, and I love what they stand for.

Multiple True Foods locations also in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Newport Beach, San Diego and Denver.

http://www.foxrc.com/restaurants/true-food-kitchen/

Crowd-pleasing appetizer or palate-cleansing dessert....

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 01:12:00 -0500

Crowd-pleasing appetizer or palate-cleansing dessert. Regardless, there’s no doubt this makes for the utmost beautiful presentation. Organic blood oranges, mandarin and meyer lemon, topped with organic blueberries, goat cheese and organic basil leaves. This dish is gluten free, uses all low-glycemic fruits, and is lactose free due to the goat cheese varietal.

Stunning!

The Best Sources Out There.

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:45:00 -0500

Forbes.com just posted an article with “Five More Food Websites You Can’t Live Without”. I think these are some of the best out there. There are so many resources on healthy eating and how to make the best choices each day…Why wouldn’t we take advantage of them?

1. NOAA’s FishWatch

Are you confused about whether or not it is okay to be eating seabass? How is the salmon population doing now that the fish is listed on every menu in the country? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has developed FishWatch, a website to “provide easy-to-understand science-based facts to help consumers make smart sustainable seafood choices.” The site allows users to look up information by species and explains the differences between wild caught and farmed fish. While it does not discuss current debates in fishery management, the site is a great primer for anyone interested in making better consumer decisions at the fish counter.

2. Just Label It

This website was born out of the genetic engineering (GE) labeling movement, and provides up to date information about what is going on in the campaign to mandate companies to include GE information on food. The group’s home page provides a link to easily contact Congress and the FDA to express your views on the matter (a service all advocacy sites should include) and a video explaining the reasons why many believe such foods should be labeled. The “About GE Foods” page could be more robust, but the site is well designed and easy to use.

3. Abe’s Market

While there are websites like Fooducate and the GoodGuide which can help you find more information about products, Abe’s Market is one of the first to allow users to filter for social, environmental and dietary attributes while shopping online. Just chose from the long list of attributes you want in a product – fair trade, vegan, recycled packaging – and the system will provide you with a list of available products. Currently, because Abe’s offers only packaged goods, the more qualities you select, the list of products to fit multiple criteria is very limited (“fairtrade” + “green packaging” left me only chocolate and tea to pick from, for example). But I believe sites to help consumers wade through the plethora of eco-labels now on the market are the wave of the future.

4.Environmental Working Group (EWG)

EWG has been producing reports and guides for consumers, parents and decision makers for many years, but an interesting new retro website design now makes finding information on their website easier. While there are arguably still too many tabs, a quick click on any one of the photos on the homepage takes you to more detailed information about food and agriculture. “Good Food on a Tight Budget” for example, brings consumers to a handy list of “ best foods” to buy, while the Farm Subsidy Data Base provides unparalleled information on who receives subsidies – and how much money they receive – for growing agricultural crops.

5. FAOSTAT

Perhaps the most impressive data base on everything from food security to population growth, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has now also developed a tool to help you visualize the information they collect. The site allows users to chart and graph “large time-series and cross sectional data relating to hunger, food and agriculture for 245 countries and territories and 35 regional areas, from 1961 to the most recent year.” All I can say is, wow.

Pulled directly from article posted on 2/19 here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/bethhoffman/2013/02/19/five-more-food-websites-you-cant-live-without/

Another sunny February weekend in San Francisco. Homemade...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:32:13 -0500

Another sunny February weekend in San Francisco. Homemade juice, best friends, and one incredible back porch view. Local Chills.

Juice: green apple, spinach, baby kale, cucumber, celery, parsley.

Killer Salad.

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:21:00 -0500

Another salad recipe, but this one is specifically packed with virus and cold killing ingredients, and is sure to give your immune system a kick in the butt!

The base of this salad is dark leafy greens, the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. TONS of antioxidants and beneficial proteins, giving energy to your immune defense and cell walls. I used organic dino kale and organic spinach.

Ooh, the toppings!

Pumpkin seeds for zinc. Zinc stops viral replication.
Avocado for Vitamin E. It’s the best fruit source of this vitamin, which promotes antibody production to fight off infection and disease.
Celery for its anti-inflammatory properties and rich water content.
Zucchini for Potassium. Potassium serves as an electrolyte that helps to maintain your fluid balance
Baby grape tomatoes for the antioxidants and Vitamin C. One cup of raw red tomatoes gives you almost half your daily intake of C!
Cilantro! The king of virus killers! Contains phytochemicals that promote immune system activities.
Parsley for it’s luteolin. Luteolin searches out and rids the body of free-radicals that cause oxidative stress in cells.
Quinoa, yes quinoa. For its super-protein power, filling you up and giving you energy.

This is all tossed in organic extra-virgin cold pressed Olive Oil (great source of mono-saturated fat), tons of lemon (rich in vitamin C), a tablespoon of flax oil (helps to encourage your cells to absorbe all of the above benefits), and salt/pepper to taste!

Good luck you cold/flu virus. You dont stand a chance.

In My Bathroom Cabinet...

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:59:00 -0500

Meet Astara:

An all-natural skin care brand I am becoming utterly obsessed with. The below blurb on their website fully explains my infatuation with Astara’s line.

“Astara was founded on the belief that the human body is a beautiful, self-healing organism if given the proper nourishment and environment. Eating an enzyme-rich diet of raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, seaweeds and sprouted seeds has proven to have a profound effect on health. We at Astara Skin Care believe that optimum health and beauty can be achieved by the intake of raw, chemical-free, enzyme-rich foods, which detoxify and rejuvenate the body and its skin at its most essential level.

Astara believes this paradigm applies also to skin care. The skin, as the largest organ in the body, is a true reflection of overall health. In order to bring the skin’s healing properties to maximum performance and radiance, Astara Skin Care products provide essential, life-giving energy to the cells, using powerful, raw ingredients from elements of nature around the world. As a result, each natural ingredient is carefully chosen to support the skin’s healing process. Our products nourish the skin through the use of natural ingredients including flower essences, antioxidants and botanical extracts.

We understand that heating the life-giving ingredients above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) destroys their very necessary enzymes and oxygen, which are vital for optimum health. The latest research clearly suggests that the cooked and processed foods we eat have no vital healing energy, leading to illness, chronic disease and premature death. Because we believe in the value and integrity of our life-giving nutrients, our active ingredients are never heated above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 Celsius). Therefore our products maintain the power to heal deeply, to regenerate cells, and to assist the skin in attaining optimum health and a more youthful appearance.”

I recently began using their Blue Flame Anti-Bacterial Purifying Toner and their Blue Flame Oil Free Moisturizer. My face has instantly felt cleaner, tighter and softer. I have also been using their Blue Flame Purification Mask for almost a year now. It’s enriched with Tea Tree Oil, a mega bacteria killer and healer. I use it almost every night before bed and swear by it. Majorly celebrity endorsed as well: http://www.astaraskincare.com/the-buzz/celebrities

The product will be a bit hard to find at your local store, but their site offers a really easy locator by address to learn where you can purchase.

Nothing beats this! Green juice post hike in the beautiful Marin...

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:20:12 -0500

Nothing beats this! Green juice post hike in the beautiful Marin Headlands. I get The Plant’s Green Basic; kale, celery, parsley, lemon, and I sub apple for cucumber for an all green blast of freshness. The perfect replenisher.

Budwig and her Discovery. Psst, Please Pass It On.

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:24:00 -0500

This is one of the most important posts I have written to date, and is a food practice I’ve been introduced to that has the potential to change many lives.

Heard of ‘The Budwig Diet’?

Johanna Budwig was a European Cancer Research Scientist and Biochemist who passed in 2003, but has left a true mark on natural healing and cancer prevention/curation through food.

Lets first talk about the body as it is prone to cancer, disease or immune dysfunction. In the traditional American diet, hydrogenated fats and chemically processed foods are ingested every day. These oils and toxins are harmfully deposited within the body, damaging cell walls, and oxygen can no longer flow into cells to renew and achieve optimum cell health. These cells then become inorganic, and cannot be protected from free-radicals in the body…which is one of the major causes of cancer and ailment.

Ok, now what does a healthy cell environment look like? Healthy cells, let alone, the functioning of the entire body, rely on good fats. Fats are vital for brain function, cell renewal, and for all growth processes in the body. Specifically, cells need true polyunsaturated, oxygen-rich lipids to function efficiently. This type of fat is most abundantly found in raw flaxseed oil. However, these high quality fat lipids are most easily absorbed and become water-soluble when combined with a sulfur-rich protein.

Enter, Mrs. Budwig, Flax Oil (the optimum fat) and Cottage Cheese (the perfect and pro biotic-rich protein).

She discovered that when combining Flax Oil and Cottage Cheese, the energy-rich fat lipids are stimulated by the protein, and the body is able to readily accept the oxygen and benefits…freely flowing into cells and giving them the air they need to breathe, grow and revitalize!

Ok……that is about as technical as I will ever get. Now on to the FOOD!

The Budwig Protocol:

I have been eating this for breakfast three to four days a week for the past two weeks, and I have never eaten anything more energetic, powerful and TASTY! I can literally feel my cells and body soaking up the healing properties of this mixture!

You will need 2 kitchen appliances, 3 basic ingredients, and about 7 minutes.

Dump 1 cup of Low-Fat Organic Cottage Cheese into medium size mixing bowl. Through my research, I’ve found Nancy’s Organic brand is best quality, it’s made with pro biotic lactic cultures. It’s at Whole Foods or Real Foods.
Add in 4-5 tablespoons of Flax Seed Oil. Barlean’s 100% Organic Unfiltered Cold-Pressed is favorable. It’s the black bottle, again, found at WF or RF.
Blend cottage cheese and flax oil with immersion hand mixer. This is the stick-like appliance…should be around $20 bucks at your local target or even hardware store. You will want to blend until the mixture is fluffy and custard-like; about 2 minutes on medium speed.

Grind 2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds in coffee bean grinder or small blender.

It is very important you do not buy pre-ground flax seeds, as these should be consumed within 15 minutes of grinding!! The seeds easily oxidate and go rancid, so only grind what you will be using right away!

Pour the ground flax seeds into the white fluffy mixture and stir well.
Add fresh, whole food ingredients to flavor/sweeten if you wish!

Here are a few yummy options — raspberries, blueberries, chopped spinach, chopped green apple (my current favorite), walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon — get creative so long as ingredients are FRESH and ORGANIC!

This mixture is incredibly delicious and I cannot stress the benefits. Please see additional sites, how-to’s and research with cases and testimonials (below). This has cured many people of cancer and ailments, and is important knowledge to pass on.

http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/Budwig.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSoddptWL0s

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1230105

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=2105

Shop Seasonal: MONTH OF FEBRUARY

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:03:00 -0500

What I’m buying and cooking with during the month of February? Green smoothies sweetened with apple, brussel sprouts roasted in coconut oil and chili flakes, and my last fix of winter squash in soups and atop organic arugula salads.

Ohh but there’s so much more to enjoy… Here’s the list of Bay Area seasonal specialties you should stock your fridge with over the next month.

Apples
Arugula (1st month!)
Asparagus (1st month!)
Beets (YR)
Bok Choy (YR)
Broccoli (YR)
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage (YR)
Carrots (YR)
Cauliflower (YR)
Chard (YR)
Collards (YR)
Garlic (YR)
Grapefruit
Kale (YR)
Lemons
Lettuces (YR)
Onions (YR)
Oranges
Spinach (YR)
Squash, winter (last month!)

*YR = year round crops

Teaser. What can you look forward to lining the farmers markets’ asiles in the next few months? My mouth is already watering…

Artichokes!
Strawberries!
Avocados!
Peas!

Shop Seasonal lists are based on information from the “Buy Fresh Buy Local: The Eater’s Guide to Local Food”. Bay Area, 4th Edition).

Ten Mid-Day Snacks with a Boost.

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:21:00 -0500

I know it too well. It’s that 3:00 in the afternoon mark. You’ve burned through your lunch and the only foods you have access to are the “all natural” (yeah right) potato chips or crazy high sugar content granola bars down at your snack bar.

Yes, committing to eating healthy throughout your busy work days takes lots of determination, and I find that snacks are the hardest to plan ahead for. But, if you have a game plan at the beginning of each week, healthy foods will be readily available, and you will be surprised on how little the prep-work really is.

Here are 10 easy and super nutritious snack ideas:

Apples. Contains tons of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Choose green apples for lower sugar content.
Hummus. A really healthy energy boosting snack. Bring sliced carrots, red bell peppers or celery to dip. For a less starchy hummus dip, try this one made out of organic zucchini: http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2008/07/29/raw-no-bean-hummus/
Organic Dark Chocolate. What a treat. Tons and tons of antioxidants. Choose those without milk to gain the most health benefits, and yes, try to limit yourself on this one!
Pumpkin Seeds. Contain magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin K and a great source of protein. Roast a couple cups in coconut oil at the beginning of the week using my recipe here: http://localchills.tumblr.com/post/17252818470/roasted-seeds
Blueberries. These promote brain function and are packed with an energy boost.
Avocado. Fiber, healthy fats…personally I could eat this with a spoon every day. Avocado is also super beneficial for your skin.
Herbal Tea. A great pick me up when you don’t want anything heavy. I love the brand Traditional Medicinals. So many flavors that taste amazing and also have health benefits. http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/?gclid=CKe3qtL7lrUCFWPhQgodeGUAjw
Cucumber. A hydrating and yummy crunchy snack. Dip in hummus or eat alone!
Lemon Water. Sounds crazy but this actually provides energy to your body. It will immediately hydrate, get your liver working to expose of sluggish toxins, and give you a burst of vitamins and minerals.
Quinoa. The perfect protein, quinoa is packed with all of the essential amino acids. For a snack, try mixing cooked organic quinoa with some chopped cucumber, organic extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of salt, pepper and garlic.

All incredibly delicious, gluten and dairy free, VERY little prep needed, and your body will thank you for each of these afternoon boosts.

Color is slowly beginning to burst back into the farmers market...

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:34:06 -0500

Color is slowly beginning to burst back into the farmers market aisles. Peppers, Tomatoes, and CIRTON. Cook this week with organic tomatos to boost your beta-carotene for skin brightening benefits. Add organic bell peppers to your salad to absorbe its lycopene, an anti-oxidant that helps your body to fight free radicals. And this citron is just amazing to look at!! It can be used in lots of baked goods, as well as a sweetener in sparkling drinks.