Natural Super Foods & The Doctrine Of Signatures

The Doctrine Of Signatures is an ancient belief that natural foods and plants tell us what the beneficial uses of that plant are, based on its structure or “signature.” For example, a plant bearing parts that resembled a human body part would have benefits keeping that part of the body healthy. Not much has been written or studied about this philosophy in modern times, but it is interesting to note certain things. The two examples that I find fascinating are the super foods, tomatoes and walnuts.

Tomatoes are red and have four chambers, just like the human heart. Scientists are now saying that tomato-lovers may be more likely to reduce the risk of serious heart disease. Lycopene, the antioxidant which gives tomatoes their dark red color, also helps remove free radicals from the body. In its natural form, lycopene is an excellent antioxidant that helps to prevent formation of the ‘bad’ cholesterol in blood. The ‘bad’ cholesterol contributes to the buildup of plaque that narrows and constricts arteries and can lead to heart attacks.

If you crack a walnut and look at the shape in the nutshell it looks like a miniature brain. They have a “signature” of a brain. In the past, walnuts have been considered good for curing headaches. Today walnuts are put on the list of one of the top twelve healthy super foods and frequently considered to be “brain food.”

This delicious nut is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a special type of protective fat the body cannot manufacture. Walnuts’ concentration of omega-3s (a quarter-cup provides 90.8% of the daily value for these essential fats) has many potential health benefits. These good fats found in walnuts promote better cognitive function which is only one of the many benefits of omega-3 fats. The brain is basically structural fat and it needs the omega-3 fats found in walnuts, flaxseed and cold-water fish. Proper amounts of omega-3 fats allow our brains to be fluid and flexible. This allows it to use nutrients while eliminating wastes. A healthy brain means a healthier body.

Isn’t this interesting??!!  It is obvious that nature intended us to eat natural food diets!

Good-For-You Thanksgiving Recipes

Pampered Chef Products: www.DebCooks4U.com

Thanksgiving Dinner Is Good For You!

I post this Talking E-Book every year and thought I would put a post up now so that everyone can plan a Thanksgiving dinner with good for you foods. Thanksgiving is made up of many foods that are good for you. Actually, several of them are even considered super foods. This holiday season give your family the gift of health Thanksgiving dinner with these whole food-relatively low-fat food choices.

PDF Healthy Holiday Feast Save it to your computer then you can send it to friends by attaching it to an email.

Give your family the best holiday gift possible…a healthy life!

Diet Solutions For Disabilities In The Kitchen

Positive Attitude Overcomes Obstacles

My Aunt Mimi was born with cerebral palsy.  At the time of her birth my grandparents were told that she would not live to age one.  Her parents would not accept that, and they became her strongest advocates.  She went on to live a long, fulfilled and healthy life in spite of many challenges.

Aunt Mimi (center) with Deb (baby) and Mimi

Her Dad, Daniel Desmond, insisted that she get a good education even if the school systems of the time looked at physical disabilities as if they were mental disabilities.  As a result of his constant love, devotion and creative solutions to obstacles, Aunt Mimi got her high school degree from the Fanny Farmer School Of Cooking.  This gave her a passion for cooking, and a style of cooking that took into consideration her palsy and physical disability.  Aunt Mimi went on after high school to get a master’s degree in English literature and become the English literature librarian at the University of Massachusetts. She was also  influential, working with government agencies during the Vietnam era to create better handicap access in public places.  Mimi is a good example of how positive attitude can change your life.

Healthy Diets Solve Many Health Issues

Aunt Mimi cooked almost entirely in the oven to avoid open flames.  The Now We’re Cooking episode “Aunt Mimi’s Baked Dinners” commemorates my Aunt Mimi, who passed away at age 78.  Her passion for good cooking and real food certainly played a role in her long life.  Aunt Mimi offers inspiration and solutions to cooking a healthy diet even when you have physical disabilities.  Healthy food, a passion for cooking and a natural diet will assist everyone in overcoming life’s challenges.

Special Needs Cooking - Wellness Classes

Deb offers specialty cooking classes for all challenges.  Gluten-free, physically or mentally challenged groups, ADHD classes and more.  Solutions for people with disabilities in the areas of food, cooking, diets and wellness are available. If you have a challenge or disability and would like to learn more about cooking or living healthy to assist you in reaching your potential, please contact Deb NOW using this form:

Mimi’s Chicken Casserole

1 roasting chicken
1 Tbs. each 3 different fresh herbs
1 cup celery-diced
½ cup green pepper-sliced
1 cup onion-minced
salt, pepper
1 (30 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 large sweet potato-washed and sliced
1 large baking potato-washed and sliced

1. Cut chicken into 8 parts. (or buy chicken already cut) Arrange in casserole dish.
2. Top with all other ingredients in the order listed and cover with casserole lid.
3. Bake for 1 hour at 375º.

Mimi’s Baked Cod Au Gratin

1 lb. cod fillets
½ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. fresh herb
salt and pepper

1. Cut cod into four equal pieces, so that all portions are the same thickness and size. Arrange in baking dish or pan.
2. Combine all of the rest of the ingredients, mix well.
3. Smear the cheese goop evenly over the fish pieces.
4. Bake in a 375º oven for 25 minutes.

Oven Brown Potatoes

2 baking potatoes-washed and cut into spears
1 tsp. olive oil
salt and pepper
¼ tsp. Italian seasoning mix
1. Toss cut potatoes in olive oil and spices.
2. Arrange on baking stone and bake at 375º for 30 minutes.

Baked French Beans

1 bag frozen French style green beans
1 tbs. butter
1 tsp. seasoning mix of your choice
¼ cup pepper diamonds

Combine all ingredients in casserole dish. Cover and bake at 375º for 30 minutes.

Rice Pudding Made Easy

2 eggs
4 oz. egg white
2 Tbs. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. orange zest
½ orange-juiced
½ cup dried fruit of your choice
2 cups 1 % milk
2 cups cooked brown rice
1½ cups cookie crumbs

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well.
2. Add rice and mix well.
3. Place one cup cookie crumbs in bottom of stoneware casserole. Pour in rice mixture and top with remaining crumbs.
4. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes.