Month: July 2015

They are killing us!

I am reading this very informative book called “Natural Cures They Dont Want You To Know About” …i went camping for the past four days so thats why I havent been on. This book is blowing the whistle on the FDA, FTC, our Food & Drug Administration (and why are these one and not two separate entity’s? Think about it and will scare the hell out of you) Im only on ch 4 and I am shocked and I believe they we are being kept on meds and there will never be a cure because if they give cures they lose customers. Our meds give side effects that cause us to get sicker and need more meds. They are killing us by keeping us sick to make money. Our foods and meds are wiping us out…Im not one of those people who think the whole world is a conspiracy either but this book is something else. Did you know the FDA has said that only a drug can treat, cure, or prevent disease. So if you find a plant that will heal something you will be fined and imprisoned for saying so! Once you say it heals, treats or prevents it becomes a drug under the FDA’s law and you dont have a license to being selling or promoting it. You also can not get a patent on a natural method. It has to be man made….Natural means can treat and cure but because they are inexpensive we would buy them instead of the FDA’s drugs that only treat the symptom unlike natural means that can treat, cure and prevent, and they arent going to lose money. Friends they are not gonna give us cures sadly. They can’t afford to…its all about the money so they will keep us sick and to make this money they are killing hundreds of thousands a yr. I am now seeking out natural means to treat everything…I am starting by using 5-HTP to treat my cognitive and mood issues (bipolar disorder) the MS has caused. Studies have shown this natural supplement works as good as Zoloft does. I’m also using pure biotin to treat my MS. I havent stopped my MS med but Im going to later down the road for right now I have overhauled my diet by changing the high carb foods for healthy exchanges, and I use only olive and coconut oils along with almond and coconut flours. They have healthy benefits and in August I have gonna have my panels pulled to see what effect this has had on my cholesterol etc. Of course I do take Invokana and its side effect is raising your bad cholesterol which it did so now Im on cholesterol meds to keep it down. See what I mean about how they keep us sick, need more meds to cover up another? I’m getting ready to shed the Invokana for I think my sugars will steady on their own from my healthy eating. I will keep everyone up to date on this as I progress and get my numbers back.

Dump cake the healthy way for my ms friends!

Okay, we are getting ready to go to Hiawassie in GA here for their county fair. I love dump cake made in the dutch oven when camping.

Dutch oven dump cake healthy organic recipe. Helping those with ms eat healthy.
Dutch oven dump cake healthy organic recipe. Helping those with ms eat healthy.

Only issue is, is that its very unhealthy for me for its full of carbs, calories and sugar! Well I have started to tweek the recipe so its healthy. Its actually gonna be a fp for THM.

I hope you enjoy this Vanilla Cake Master Mix. The vanilla cake is great for the dutch oven. For the fruit part your gonna take a berry of your choosing, add two c. of water bring to a boil and then slowly add some Glucomannan to thicken. I use about 2 TBS. You just have to do a little at a time until it reaches the thickness you desire.

Vanilla Cake Master Mix (THM-FP)

Mix all ingredients with a whisk in a container with lid. Cover with lid and store in refrigerator or freezer. (Note: This Master Mix should probably be stored in the refrigerator because of the whey protein powder, which has to be refrigerated.)

Note: Before using mix, make sure to give it a stir or two to make sure all the ingredients are mixed well and did not separate.

Yield: Makes enough master mix to make about 8 servings.

** If you find that the Vanilla Cake is not sweet enough, just add more sweetener to the Master Mix OR sprinkle in a little more stevia powder when mixing it up to bake!

Take this cake mix and pour it over top of the fruit filling I instructed you to make above. Add half a stick of whole organic butter in small pats, and 1 c of water. Do not stir just layer it. Cook over open fire for about 30 min.

So what do you make when you go camping?

THM cupcakes for my ms creativity for the week

First Id like to let you know this is one of my many posts today on my facebook group page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalhealthymsmama/1598531853728967/?comment_id=1601205613461591&notif_t=group_comment

I run this blog and also the facebook group mentioned above. I also run the website where a link to my blog is found at:

http://naturalhealthymsmama.wix.com/organic

I usually don’t share or cross post my posts to each of my groups, blogs, or sites. But I thought I would today to give you a taste of whats going on that you may be missing! My fb group is where several meat up to discuss natural means of control disease, etc. We also discuss Trim Healthy Mama there. But to get recipes for THM you usually have to visit my website for that. I share all my pinterest posts there of different recipes. THM is my way of eating both healthy and clean, getting rid of high carb and non organic foods. If your interested in more please visit any of my sites above…ok now off to todays blog post:) Oh and by the way, yes these are my cupcakes and not just a photo prop.

Eating healthy to treat disease. Chronic diseases such as MS. You get a mix here of healthy eating and a way to show off my creativity which is good for the soul.
Eating healthy to treat disease. Chronic diseases such as MS. You get a mix here of healthy eating and a way to show off my creativity which is good for the soul.

Thm baking can be not only delicous, but so much fun!! I am having a blast over here while making cupcakes and watching my pounds melt away! I have been feeling so much better since eating natural, organic and healthy! I’m not dealing with inflammation like I once was since getting rid of the processed foods with all the additives. Sugar? We wont go there! I think it was one of my biggest issues for Im addicted to it and it causes inflammation as well. I’m loving the substitutes! Also you know how I preach on creativity to help with ms. Creativity calms the spirit and soul and gets your mind of something else other then our disease…so heres my healthy creativity…I love making cakes etc and now since I got my inflammation under control my hands are back to working doing small motor skills once again:) So this is very therapeutic to me and pretty much low carb, sugar free and healthy! I love THM as my clean healthy way to eat and live…

Cupcakes:

This is the basic recipe I use for cupcakes. I make a Triple batch for cupcakes, sometimes 4x.

I like to add different flavors for more than one flavor cupcake, like lemon (lemon cake)
Banana extract, pineapple extract, drop of mappe extract and walnuts (hummingbird cake)
Or shredded coconut, walnuts and caramel extract for italian cream cake
Bake at 350 15-20 min or until done

http://healthyfaith.org/berry-cream-cheese-cake-thm-s-dess…/

Frosting:
I tried 2 kinds, and the cream cheese frosting was easier to work with and more stable, but here is both recipes:

Cream cheese frosting: (soo easy)
Equal parts cream cheese and butter (I used 4 oz each)
Powdered xylitol to taste (I used 4-5 tbs)
1 tsp glucci
1 tsp vanilla
Creamm all together and mix well (2-3 minutes)

“Buttercream” frosting:
1.5 sticks softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup powdered xylitol
1 tsp glucci
1/2 c whipped cream (whipped firm)

Cream together butter, sweetener, vanilla and glucci with mixer about 2 minutes. Fold in whipped cream.

Thrive Market Online Store Free Two Month Membership

Ever want to change how your eating from the not so good to ever awaiting great? But you just don’t know where to start and what should you buy? Below I’m gonna give you some beginners that you can restock your shelves with in the kitchen…so where are you gonna get em at a good price? I use Thrive Market…you can check out Thrive by clicking my affiliate link here:  http://thrv.me/mhrRw7

So what is Thrive Market? Thrive is an online store where you get all the natural and organic foods and staples known to man all in one place, at a discounted price. Some items are at least 50% off what you would pay in the stores, but prices vary on all items. If you use the following code when checking out: 2FREE

You will get two months free membership so you can get a feel as to whether or not the stores for you. I love it and all the variety it provides. They have all sorts of items that you can’t normally get in the store. For ex: Seventh Generation feminine pads. They are chlorine and toxic free. Yea we are gonna have a topic and discussion on that soon!

Certain foods really are packed with nutrition that can jump start your health. Here are some great picks for the five superfoods every newbie should get familiar with–plus five you’ve got to try if you’re already a superfood pro.

For Beginners:
Camu Berry

Reddish and about the size of a grape, the camu berry is the most concentrated source of vitamin C on the planet, which makes it incredible for rebuilding tissues, boosting immune systems, and increasing energy. The berries are also touted for their antidepressant qualities. This versatile camu berry and almond butter spread is a great way to try  it for yourself.

Bee Pollen

Nope, bee pollen isn’t going to kick your allergies into high gear. Bee pollen actually contains almost all of the essential B vitamins and all 21 essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein source. A scoop added into smoothies, or even just a spoonful dipped in raw honey, will deliver an entire day’s worth of nutrients!

Hemp

Hemp protein is an incredible, vegan-friendly way to get your daily intake of protein. Loaded with iron, amino acids, vitamin E, and omega-3’s, hemp products provide more healthy essential fatty acids than any other nut or seed.

Maca

Historically, maca has been used as an aphrodisiac—cue the romantic music—but this root commonly found in powder form does a lot more than help you out in the bedroom. Known for its energy boosting qualities, maca actually contains five times the protein and four times the fiber of a potato. Add it to nearly anything to get an extra energy boost!

Cacao

The OG of superfoods, cacao knocks it out of the park when it comes to health benefits. Cacao is a source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and chromium, which improves cardiovascular health and supports building strong bones. And it doesn’t hurt that it tastes great, too!

For Pros:
Mangosteen Powder

There is some research suggesting that mangosteen extract may have an effect on cancer cells, but the results aren’t concrete enough to promote this as a ‘superfood’ quite yet. Mangosteen is still super high in vitamin C and fiber, but if you’re looking for a more readily available substitute, papaya is a great choice, nearly matching mangosteen in every nutrient category.

Goji and Golden Berries

We love these little guys for their high nutrient content and great taste. Golden berries, a close relation, are equally tasty but have a lower sugar content and are higher in protein compared to other small berries. Try them over yogurt or in your trail mix.

Spirulina

Sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient dense eats available, but the salty taste can be overwhelming to some. Check out spirulina instead. Loaded with enzymes, minerals, phytonutrients, and trace elements, its actually incredibly high in protein. You can add it to water if you don’t mind the taste, but if you can’t stomach the flavor try it in tablet form.

Chlorophyll

Wheatgrass had a moment in the late 90’s, and if you tried it then you can probably remember exactly why you never did another wheatgrass shot again. Not exactly palatable in liquid form, wheatgrass has some redeeming qualities like its high iron and vitamin A levels,  but it turns out you’re just as well off opting for broccoli or chlorophyll instead! Bonus points to chlorophyll for it’s smell fighting properties.

Pearl Powder and Sesame Seeds

Pearl powder has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat acne and promote beautiful skin. While there are plenty of benefits to using crushed pearls for your skin, including the increase in collagen and the high concentration of calcium, you can bet that this treatment can get kinda pricey. Want to see the same healthy skin benefits? Try eating more sesame seeds. These little guys are high in calcium and packed with amino acids, plus they contain the healthy fats that keep your skin glowing and youthful!

Easy money making for those with ms…

Okay, in the past if you have or are following me on my website at http://naturalhealthymsmama.wix.com/organic or on my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturalhealthymsmama/ I had shared with you how I would give you info about jobs that we may be able to do since many of us who have been disabled by our ms are pretty limited on working, especially outside the home. Here is one I really like doing below:

Mystery Shopping – Make Extra Money BestmarkMystery shopping. Many of you have emailed me and asked me the question “what is mystery shopping” and have been wondering how I am making money through mystery shopping.

I usually make around $150 to $200 a month from mystery shopping.

Side note: If you are interested in the many other ways I make money keep an eye out here on this blog for I will release other ways in due time.

I mainly stick with Bestmark for my mystery or secret shopping. There are other companies out there that are good and reputable mystery shopper websites, but I know and can confirm from personal experience that Bestmark is a legitimate mystery shopper website, and that they do pay out like they state so you can trust me when I tell you this. I have considered signing up for other ones but with our resent home purchase and move I just haven’t had the time. With MS I have to do a little at a time or I will severely fatigue out and I try to avoid that.

What I take into account when choosing a mystery shopping gig for me:

It has to be 9 times out of 10 either an online shop or phone call shop.

It has to be close to somewhere I’ll be or live for me to make a drive, for its about making and not wasting money.

If a restaurant it has to be within my means and something my family will eat.

If its a freebie, it has to be something I’ll use like organic stuff or something I can resell and make money off of.

Of course, what I believe is worth while taking on for me might not be the same for you, for we are all like snow flakes and no two are identical. So Im guessing that your wondering…well what are the cons to this? Well the surveys that you will end up filling out are so repetitive that it will drive you nuts, and you’ll wanna pull your hair out..lol After doing so many I got so fatigued, but I have MS so thats expected. So I cut back on the amount I did and started doing other side gigs.

Sometimes surveys may only take just a few minutes, but sometimes others can literally take an hour like restaurants because you have to grade every single little detail in and of the place.
Some of the mystery shops I have completed are:

Restaurants…this ranges from your rather cheaper restaurants like Taco Bell where your reimbursed for around about $30 bucks worth of food, all then all the way up to your nicer more expensive  steakhouses like the Outback whereyou’ll get $100.
Bestmark has a ton of car dealership stores and shops available, from getting oil changes to buying tires, but I only personally have done the over the phone calls for scheduling services online secret shopping gigs.
I usually get in around 4-5 of these a week and they are by far  the easiest shops. You do not have to worry about the gas and time to drive anywhere and the surveys literally and usually only take a minute or so. Use to you’d get  paid around $5 for each them. But recently they did lowered their pay out on these to only $3, and there’s a slew more work to do. I had to cancel around 2 to 3 gigs because they weren’t very clear and honest enough about the amount of work and time that I signed up for and would have to put in…. and for only $3, I’m not really willing to do too much. I think they may end up changing the price range back for the overwhelming amount of complaints coming in.
You can also get and apply for their dealership secret shopper gigs,  where you go in and pretend you want to purchase or buy car. These usually pay around $20 bucks. This is something I’ve never done but have been considering for their pay out is so good, and they have plenty of these available for everyone to do. I’ve never done this in the past for I’m paranoid that some car salesman will hound me to death. I’m not ready for thousands of annoying phone calls and due to my MS I can’t run away and get out of the store that quick..lol
Retail. I mainly do Estee Lauder. I’ve done so many of these. I’ve picked up the following freebies from the mall: lip gloss, concealer, face-wash, foundation, lotion, toner, and so on the list goes and they were all for FREEBIES! And these are not the tiny sample or trial sizes, I’ve probably received way over $200 bucks in stuff, plus gotten paid an additional amount of money, around $10 on top for each shop as well. Then on top of that, I make money by selling these on Ebay as a side hustle for I don’t wear anything unless it’s organic. As of yet Estee Lauder does not have a natural line of products.
I have also done a few  Best Buy shops. These as well are fairly easy too and don’t take much time out of your day. You just survey a specified dept. in the store and then you can just go and make your purchase…I always buy something small like a candy bar so that I have the required receipt to show that I was actually there and did the gig. Best Buy shops usually pay around about $13. Its not ton a ton but it adds up. Only sad thing is, is our Best Buy closed around here so there are no other close stores, so it ends up being something I pass for the long drive and cost of gas.

Easier jobs and ways to make money money for those with ms and ms symptoms who are disabled.
Easier jobs and ways to make money money for those with ms and ms symptoms who are disabled.

Bestmark Mystery Shopping – Make Extra Money.

The best paying gigs  I do are usually  restaurants. I’ve done a few of nice restaurants but where I had to eat over $100 worth of food, I make sure to bring friends or other family along. My family only consists of three so trying to order that much in food would be Crazy! I’ve also seen Hotel mystery jobs out there but they’ve either been on dates that I can’t accommodate or ones I can’t afford at the time so I’ve never been able to sign up.

Just remember that if you agree to do any of the available jobs that you stick to your word and show up. If you by some chance are unable to, call them up and let them know right away. Just don’t make this a habit or they will remember you for negative reasons and you’ll get skipped and left out. Again, these schedulers will remember you, and if you’re good to them, they will give you good shops, so remember that!

Being a mystery shopper will NOT make you rich or put lots of dough in your pocket. I want to make that clear for everyone. It is just an easy take of side income, where I can get things I want for free and plus pocket some extra money. What I make from it I add to my vacation fund or put away for my copays for doctor visits.  So it all adds up rather nicely every month.

I also love it when restaurants pop up for this that me and my family like to eat at…for then were getting paid for both eating and having fun.

The best tips I can give for starter is you may want to save up a little first for many you have to make a purchase and then you get reimbursed.
Do you secret shop such as through Bestmark? Any tips?

Tuesday Deals!

FREE Kindle eBooks:

(Note: Prices can change without notice so please double check the price before purchasing)

bored

Bored No More: A Children’s Book about Creativity Kindle Edition
declutter

Declutter Follow-Through: The Amazing Guide on How Not to Quit Half Way Through Rather go From Start to Finish
minimal

Minimalist Budget: 50 Minimalist Budget Practical Strategies To Organize Your Life And Personal Finances
sugar free

Sugar Free Recipes: Speedy and Easy 30 MINUTE Sugar Free Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert – Sugar Detox Diet Support

Weekly specials and freebies for those with ms and ms symptoms to help them control their disease naturally.
Weekly specials and freebies for those with ms and ms symptoms to help them control their disease naturally.

This week’s best coupons:

What to drink?

With having MS I try to monitor not what I just eat and drink but what my whole family eats and drinks as well. So what is the number issue for our son? The idea that children should drink fruit juice regularly.

On a hot summer day at the lake, we are always surrounded by kids consuming fruit juice from boxes.

In the grocery store line, moms with the WIC vouchers and their buggy full of Juicy Juice.

At our homeschool meet up days at the Shoals,  the juice boxes are on ice waiting for the kids to lift the cooler lid and to help themselves.

Restaurants now offer it as a healthy alternative to soda pop.

The world turning idea that fruit juice is a good a way as any to get the many and much needed healthy vitamins and minerals into our kids while as the same time of hydrating them even if the juice is organic is a myth, and here is why …

Why Any Type Of Juice Even Natural and Organic Is not Healthy

1. High in Sugar Content

Many if not most of the fruit juice we all purchase at the store are loaded up with sugar. Even if we each choose for the “no sugar added” alternatives, your kid is still consuming in sugar. For fruit has it’s own natural sugars which is still sugar.

When you juice a piece of fruit, you’re left with concentrated fructose – naturally occurring sugar. Our bodies treat sugar as sugar whether it’s fructose or sucrose. So even the new act of juicing isn’t all that good for us or our kids. This hidden sugar is the reason why a lot of those trying to live healthy are still putting on the pounds or suffering with diabetes.

The sugar in fruit juices rather it be naturally occurring or added, causes our blood sugars to elevate giving you a quick burst of energy, but once the sugar is cycled through your system your levels suddenly drop leaving you worn, tired and irritable.

Sounds very familiar?

When we each take in or consume fruit straight from the actual fruit its self, the fiber is there to help slow the intake of the sugar into each of our bodies. So this means that eating the actual orange or apple is way better for both us and our children’s bodies than consuming the apple or orange juice from a box or jug.

2. Filled With Many Not Needed and Empty Calories

Fruit juices being so high in calories will fill up anyone quickly consuming them. Which is why I believe most kids won’t actually eat foods that their little bodies need to grow and to develop. Fruit juice just doesn’t contain much nutrition. Any pros for it is readily overcame by the unhealthy cons of drinking it.

In addition, the main bulk of fruit juices are pasteurized, going through a heating process to ensure all bacteria is eliminated for safe consumption. So… What bit of nutrition the juice did have has now been cooked out of it, which means the supplier probably has had to add back in the vitamins and minerals that were stripped from it in the pasteurizing process, which leads to us to the following reason… number three.

The idea that fruit juice is a good way to get healthy vitamins and minerals into children while hydrating them is a myth. My kids don't drink juice everyday ... here's what they drink instead.

3. Contains Unwanted Ingredients

When it comes down to buying the all ready made and conventional juices, that choice is gonna come with added ingredients that you really don’t want, and surely don’t need.

If you don’t choose 100% fruit juice, then you’re also choosing high fructose corn syrup and some type of man made sweetener, artificial colors, fake flavorings, and the list goes on – arsenic anyone?

And since the juice has been pasteurized and lacking of nutrients, the manufacturer adds in different synthetic forms of vitamins and or minerals that were stripped off but legally required to be in the juice.

Phew….Now what a mouthful!

The bottom line is that when we process anything, and take it out of its God given meant to be state,  we mess up a good thing.

4. Increases Carb and Sugar Cravings

Last but not least, over and over fruit juice consumption increases both ours and our children’s cravings for sweet foods and drinks. It’s just the way sugar works. http://lifehacker.com/5809331/what-sugar-actually-does-to-your-brain-and-body

Let’s summarize all this up short and sweet, no pun intended

What is fruit juice?

Water & Sugar

And if you don’t choose 100% real fruit juice, most times your gonna end up with chemicals and other unwanted ingredients.

Truth in all, fruit juice is liquid candy in a box and should be recognized as such when it comes to allowing ourselves or our children to consume it on a daily basis.

So what do me and my family drink instead of juice?

1. Water

It sounds boring, but water is essential to health. Because my kids were use to our back in the day consumption of fruit juice and Koolaid this was an adjustment for us. We decided to do the following:

We like to add whole fruit pieces like berries to our water to flavor it as well as Walmarts natural fruit flavoring made with Stevia to make it a little more easier going down.

2. Milk

We all like our milk but because of its sugar as well we limit it to one cup a day in the morning. Its part of our “Trim Healthy Mama” way of eating so we don’t totally eliminate it.

However, for myself in my whey and protein shakes I use Almond milk…. we made sure to buy it without carageenan added in.

Just remember that not all milk is created equal so check the labels and know what the ingredients mean. For that is how a lot of us are taking in toxic things and hidden sugars. Know your milks! http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/not-all-milk-is-created-equal-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2015/02/06/24640146-7fca-11e4-81fd-8c4814dfa9d7_story.html

3. Kombucha

Kombucha is a favorite in my house! All of have it as an option and freely enjoy kombucha as often as we want.

It’s a great fermented drink that helps populate the gut with all sorts of goodness! Especially for me since I’m on so many medications due to my MS, going to the bathroom has become an issue at times. Not to mention belly bloat!

4. Kefir

I also offer milk and water kefir. Both are very good for you and they have a taste that my husband and son had to aquire

but I love milk kefir. We drink it plain or flavored with fruit or Stevia,  whatever I have on hand.

Kefir is full of probiotics that aid in digestion, boost immunity,(which is an added bonus for my immunity messed up MS self) and more. So much more! Plus it also is very inexpensive and easy to make yourself, and if you’re like my husband and son, then you can hide it in other things.

5. Coconut water

Coconut water is also a great alternative to both fruit juice and sports drinks which also contain lots of additives and sugar. Coconut water is very super hydrating and its full of vitamins and minerals! My husband however hates coconut so he won’t even touch the glass or container this stuff sets in…lol

6. Herbal teas

Herbal teas is another favorite drink that my son enjoys as long as its cold Stevia sweetned and me an my husband consume it that way as well and warn team in the winter….yes we consume te year round.

7. GOOD GIRL MOONSHINE

Good girl moonshine is a “Trim Healthy Mama” beverage that we drink all the time. Its called a sipper because you can drink on it all day long. It is also a fuel pull beverage because it contains no carbs, fats, etc so its a freebie oh and this contains no alcohol by the way so the name can be misleading.  http://www.galonamission.com/strawberry-good-girl-moonshine-fp/ this is my favorite version of this drink for it includes strawberry’s! This gal here is one of my favorites I follow on Pinterest for she shares great THM recipes that we all love in my family:)

Good girl strawberry moonshine thats non alcoholic. It is low in carbs and calories but full of healthy stuff which is good for those of us with ms and ms symptoms.
Good girl strawberry moonshine that’s non alcoholic. It is low in carbs and calories but full of healthy stuff which is good for those of us with ms and ms symptoms.

So, do we ever consume fruit juice?

We do on occasion drink fruit juice. However, we understand that fruit juice is a treat, and not an everyday staple.

At home, we only drink fruit juice that we make ourselves by adding it in our juicer. Me and my husband like to juice our greens and to make them easier to get down we will add some fruit to it. We like to add orange, apple, and berry juices in small quanitites. So how do you do your juice?

Please click on the associated links in today’s post…they contain great information for you by other great writers and blogists pertaining to today’s topic.

Helping those with and without ms and ms symptoms to live a more natural and organic healthier way of life while treating their disease and its symptoms naturally at the same time.
Helping those with and without ms and ms symptoms to live a more natural and organic healthier way of life while treating their disease and its symptoms naturally at the same time