Micro of the Macro

Thinking Outside the COVID-19 Box: 10 Ways to Boost Immune Function

Over the past 18 months, I’ve heard a lot about masking, hand washing, and social distancing to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Sadly, I’ve also heard about many immunocompromised people dying from the virus. But I haven’t heard top health officials talk much about boosting immune function. Have you? Doesn’t it make sense that we should all be working to strengthen our immune systems now more than ever?

Immunity is our first line of defense, meaning, more than anything else, it works to keep us healthy regardless of what’s going on around us. But it’s up to each of us to provide this mighty defender with good fuel and take other beneficial steps to enhance its efforts. You will find below 10 of my best ideas to accomplish just that.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In addition to drinking plenty of mineralized water, eat lots of (home-cooked & organic, if possible) soups, suggests Gina Bria, co-author of Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration. Also, I’ve read from many sources, daily green smoothies with (organic if possible) fruits and veggies are deeply hydrating, as well as nutrient-rich. Think apples, oranges, pears, mangoes, grapes, blueberries, avocados, celery, cucumbers, sprouts, cilantro, Italian parsley, spinach, red leaf kale, spirulina, cinnamon, cardamom, fresh ginger, chia seeds, and turmeric with fresh-ground pepper. (Shoot for using more veggies than fruits.) Any combination is tasty, and will gift your body with perfect, structured plant water. Anthony William, the New York Times Bestselling Author of Liver Rescue, says your hydration level (or lack thereof) can be a pivotal factor between getting sick and staying healthy.

Exercise moderately several times a week. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that participants who did aerobic exercise 5 days a week reduced upper respiratory tract infections over a 12-week period by 43%. Exercises in that category include brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, and other cardio pursuits sustained for an extended period. An article on Health.com states exercise helps highly specialized immune cells—such as natural killer cells and T cells—find pathogens (like viruses) and wipe them out.

Consume natural probiotic food & drinks such as (organic & raw, if possible) kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso soup. Stanford University of Medicine researchers Justin & Erica Sonnenburg, PhDs, say their family gets a different natural probiotic food or drink each day to diversify the population in their microbiomes as well as those of their kids. Studies show that diversity in the gut is a major key to staying healthy.

Eat fewer pre-processed foods, including fast foods and junk foods, and more high-fiber whole vegetables, including beans and lentils, as well as prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic, dandelion greens, and asparagus. Again, all in service of a microbiome that can promote good immunity.

One more tip for the microbiome, from Dr. Zach Bush, a physician specializing in internal medicine, endocrinology and hospice care. A healthy microbiome, according to Dr. Bush, consists of between 20,000 and 40,000 species of bacteria. (Which explains why you should not eat the same foods all the time.) Spending time outside and in multiple ecosystems (for example, a rainforest, beach, desert, waterfall, lake, and river) can diversify your gut’s bacteria. And, if you’re far enough away from others, take off your mask! (Unless that is prohibited in your area.)

Diffuse essential oils inside your home, which is the next best thing to being outside. Dr. Josh Axe, Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, says that many essential oils are antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. He suggests eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, lemon, and cinnamon for immunity. Add a few drops of some or all of them to your diffuser, vaporizer, or humidifier, if it offers that function, to purify the inside air that you breathe.

Even though you are practicing social distancing, make emotional connections. Phone or text a loved one, just to check in. According to Dr. Dean Ornish, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, those societies and cultures over the past several hundred thousand years who learned to take care of each other were more likely to survive than those who did not. Our species has a primal need to feel cared for.

Practice expressing gratitude for your life and your blessings. Your feelings and beliefs have a strong impact on your biology, according to Gregg Braden, 2020 Templeton Prize Nominee. Your cells are always listening in on your thoughts, Braden says. Therefore, immune function is directly affected by your state of mind.

Take a break from watching or reading the news. Non-stop negative reports about the pandemic, environmental degradation, violence, dirty politics, etc., can result in a fearful mindset, constantly activating the fight-or-flight mode in our bodies. This can result in biological conditions that suppress immune function. Check in on the news only once or twice a day, or maybe even skip a day (unless you feel more anxious as a result.) Instead of spending so much time sitting on the sofa watching or reading the news, get outside to walk, do some yoga, or other enjoyable activity. (Since exercise and time in Nature are also good for immune function, this one idea offers three times the benes for your hard-working immune system!)

And finally, get enough sleep that you awake feeling rested. With so much ongoing illness around us, our biological functions may be working harder than usual to keep us well. You may find your need for sleep has increased. Listen to your body.

I hope this list empowers you to become healthier and diminishes your fears of the virus. It is important to continue following the many protocols in place. But it is also critical, in my opinion, to do all you can to boost immune function at this time when illness abounds.

Blessings for Immunity,

Lisa

Note: The original version of this post was published in March of 2020, just as the pandemic was first revving up in this country.

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.

5 Little-Known Secrets for Looking and Feeling Younger

I can remember the first time I heard the expression Youth is wasted on the young. It came from a 40-something character sitting on a beach during an episode of Beverly Hills 90210. At the time, I was too young to understand the meaning, but for some reason, the curious sentiment stuck with me. Now, I get it. The vitality, fitness level, and lightheartedness of youngsters can become enviable as we age. And although it’s impossible to return to those carefree days, there are natural ways to reclaim or retain youthful attributes, regardless of our current age.

We live in a beauty-obsessed society; Americans spent more than $9 billion on plastic surgery for purely aesthetic reasons in 2020. (And who knows how much we invested in beauty products!) With this kind of money being spent on little procedures, they can start to become the norm. This kind of normal can cause us to forget the fact that the human body is a revitalizing marvel. Countless rejuvenating processes are going on at all times in our bodies below the level of our awareness. We were designed to heal ourselves with proper support; our cells work unceasingly to help us feel and look better. No liposuction, tummy tucks, or facelifts required.

After many years of studying the workings of a healthy body, I want to share a few of the best ways I’ve found to support my body’s efforts to help me look and feel younger.

Daily Stretching – Dr. Gil Hedley, Board President for the Institute for Anatomical Research, produced a YouTube series called The Integral Anatomy Series: Deep Fascia & Muscle. Working with a cadaver, he shares The Fuzz Speech, demonstrating how fascia creates a fuzzy connection to muscles as we sleep. When we stretch each morning, the fuzz dissolves, he says. But when we forget to stretch or refrain from stretching due to injury, the fuzz gets thicker and thicker, resulting in stiffness, limited movement, and chronic pain often associated with growing old. To continue enjoying the full expression of the physical body throughout life, stretching each day is a must.
Proper Hydration – Gina Bria, Anthropologist & Founder of the Hydration Foundation, has done much to shed light on the critical importance of hydration. This is an example of the extraordinary information you can find on her website: Fascia has recently been discovered . . . to be not only our connective tissue, holding us up and together like a crocheted sack, but a hidden irrigation system, a hidden electrical system, conducted by water, that sends cell-to-cell communication instantly. To work well, it must be fully hydrated. Most of us go through our lives chronically dehydrated, which can present as low energy, various adverse conditions, disease, pain, and premature aging. (For more on this, check out my article Hydration – No, Really.) Additionally, Dr. Christiane Northrup, in an interview with Gina Bria, says that properly moisturizing the skin begins with internal hydration. Mineralizing water with a bit of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of Himalayan salt, eating fruits, getting outside, and taking Epsom salt baths can all contribute to better skin health and cellular communication.
Fasting – Fasting has been a part of many spiritual traditions for eons, and for good reason. In his life-changing book, Conscious Eating, Dr. Gabriel Cousens writes, During a fast, digestive enzymes are relieved from their digestive role and mobilized for the cleansing and rejuvenation of the body . . . rapidly removing dead and dying cells and toxins. Aging occurs when we have more cells die than are being built. Autophagy is the process described by Dr. Cousens, and according to Nutrition Expert Naomi Whittel, the process starts in as few as 16 hours. Intermittent fasting for this period of time could be a good starting point for first-timers who have their physician’s consent.
Protect your Telomeres – In an article on NutritionFacts.org, Dr. Michael Greger, author of the book How Not to Die, shares that a plant-based diet is foundational for longer telomeres, the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes that typically shorten with age. Other lifestyle factors, like normalizing weight and regular exercise are important, but without the right kinds of fuel, the telomeres continue to shorten, research shows. Dr. Greger writes, Swapping just 1% of saturated fat calories in our diet (for high-fiber plant foods) can add nearly a whole year of length onto our telomeres. By slowing the shortening of the telomeres, he says, we can slow the aging process.
Up your DHEA – In his book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra, MD, discusses how DHEA, a hormone that is depleted by stress over the course of a lifetime, is found in elevated levels among regular meditators of any age. Studies show DHEA improves physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength and bone density, and reduces body fat and age-related skin atrophy stimulating procollagen/sebum production. (It also) reduces total cholesterol and improves sexual satisfaction and insulin sensitivity. But, according to Dr. Chopra, oral DHEA supplementation is not very beneficial due to it being broken down in the digestive tract. From other sources, I’ve read that, in addition to meditation, DHEA levels may be naturally increased by sufficient rest, regular exercise, time in Nature, and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (think walnuts & chia seeds.)

Reading through these tips, I’m noticing parallels of a healthy diet and regular movement. The bottom line, I believe, is this: youthful aging results from a commitment to a lifestyle that supplies your body with what it actually needs. Making good choices each day brings about beneficial ingrained habits. Soon, you’ll realize, trying to be healthy doesn’t feel like extra effort – it’s just what you do. And your body will thank you.

Aging doesn’t have to be a dreaded or lamented process compensated for by plastic surgery. Healthier skin, a stronger body, increased energy, and a joyful disposition can be ours throughout our time on the planet by making daily choices contributing to optimal body function. Cheers to the phenomenal design of our bodies!

Blessings for Youthful Aging,

Lisa

Pestoed Pasta Summer Salad

During the time I lived in South Florida, I worked for a few years in an office on Palmetto Park Road near the Intracoastal Waterway. The area offered an incredible choice of really good restaurants, but my lunch go-to was a little Italian place called Lilly’s New Cuisine. Their signature salad was my favorite, a bed of greens topped with marinated chicken, penne, toasted walnuts and light pesto dressing. Once I became vegan, I made some adjustments, and the recipe you’ll see below came into being. I like it even more than the original!

The nutritional value of this salad is off the charts! You can read about many of the benefits of romaine in my Quick & Crispy Chickpea Salad post. Basil offers a number of nutrients, including those contributing to bone health, oxygenation of the cells, cancer prevention, and inflammation regulation. Walnuts are also rich in the good stuff, including a load of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce risk of stroke & coronary artery disease, as well as an abundance of vitamin E which contributes to the health of cell membranes and the skin. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), you may have heard, is one of the mainstays of the Mediterranean Diet, which for over half a century has been considered by many one of the healthiest ways to eat. According to an article from the National Institute of Health, EVOO contributes to health by assisting in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases thanks to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory components. An impressive line-up of benefits for a salad, wouldn’t you say?

The ingredient list & directions here are a little longer than my other recipes, but each step is straight-forward and doesn’t take much time, so I hope you won’t avoid trying it due to its length. The bold flavors and varying textures in this delicious, filling salad make it one you’ll find well worth the effort for a special dinner with family and friends.

As always, I’d love to hear in the comments if you give it a go!

Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients (use organic and/or non-GMO when possible)
For the vegan parmesan
heaping 1/4 cup almond flour
1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/8 tsp Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp lemon zest

For the pesto
2 cups basil leaves
1 – 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped & lightly toasted
vegan parmesan (use all made from recipe above)
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the salad dressing
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp dried oregano

For the salad
12 oz penne, cooked, drained and mostly cooled, spritzed with a bit of EVOO & gently stirred if needed to keep it from sticking as it cools
pesto (use all made from recipe above)
1 large head romaine, torn into bite-size pieces
1 1/2 cups broccoli, broken into small florets
4 medium carrots, sliced 1/4″ thick
1 cup whole walnuts, lightly toasted

Directions
Make the vegan parmesan by placing all ingredients in a small jar and shaking vigorously until well combined. Taste for salt & zest.

Make the pesto by placing all ingredients except for olive oil in a medium food processor bowl. Pulse until broken into small pieces. Add oil through feeder tube to form a smooth paste. Taste for salt.

Make the dressing by whisking the 3 ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Gently combine the pesto with the penne, using a wooden spoon or your hands, until the ziti is well coated.

Make beds of romaine on up to 6 plates. Add pestoed penne, broccoli, carrots, and a good sprinkling of walnuts to each. Add dressing as desired. Serve with crusty bread and a nice Merlot.

Bon appétit!

*Unfortunately, I tried a new gluten-free pasta. The pestoed pasta usually looks much nicer!*

A Secret to Happiness

If I were to tell you about a new medication that relieves pain, reduces stress & anxiety, lessens your risk for type 2 diabetes, helps improve memory, increases longevity, and enhances overall life satisfaction, would you drop your to-do list and rush to phone your doctor’s office for a prescription? According to an article on Medical News Today, social interactions can result in all those benefits and more.

*Exploring the Victorian Charm of Cape May, New Jersey*

According to Dean Ornish, MD, whose Program for Reversing Heart Disease has been covered by Medicare since 2011, no other lifestyle factor has a greater impact on our quality of life, incidence of illness and premature death from all causes than loneliness and isolation. The real epidemic in our culture is not only physical heart disease, but also what I call emotional and spiritual heart disease, Dr. Ornish explains.

*Enjoying the adobe architecture in Taos Plaza, New Mexico*

A write-up from Harvard Health informs us that scientists are finding social connections not only give us pleasure, they also influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking. The article goes on to say that caring involvement with others may be one of the easiest health strategies to access. It’s inexpensive, it requires no special equipment or regimen, and we can engage in it in many ways.

A Psychology Today article says that engaging socially not only lessens feelings of depression, but also helps you fight off colds, the flu, and even some types of cancer. I’d say that’s some pretty strong medicine!

*Independence Day Parade, Flagstaff, Arizona*

Dan Buettner, in writing The Blue Zones of Happiness, reviewed various polls and surveys from countries around the world to discover the factors that contribute to making the happiest populations. Costa Rica, he found, is one of the countries whose citizens reported being the most content. He attributes this to their focus on spending a great deal of time with others. Costa Ricans are socially interacting five to six hours a day, face to face, he writes, including barbecues with friends, church services, family meals, and soccer games. The U.S., with its rigorous work philosophy, did not make the top 12 in Buettner’s tally.

*Recent concert at the original Woodstock venue, upstate New York*

Being outside is the easiest way for me to feel part of a physical community. I find open-air concerts absolutely exhilarating. And time outdoors with friends, food, and drink is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. But even strangers who are hiking, biking, fishing, or sitting in a park are often cheerfully willing to engage in conversation. According to an Evidence Note from Forest Research in the UK, green infrastructure can help bring people together, . . . increasing social activity, improving community cohesion, & developing local attachment. These benefits, the research says, reduce domestic violence and overall crime rates. It’s no surprise that spending time in the embrace of our Primal Mother brings us together in a way that makes us more tolerant, loving, and supportive.

Social interactions can contribute immeasurably to our lives, helping us feel better about ourselves, enhancing immune function, and prolonging our lives. Focusing less on life’s never-ending to-do list and more on sharing time with others is a sure way to increase happiness. How often are you willing to become happier?

The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food. ~Dean Ornish, MD

Blessings for Community,

Lisa

Working Toward Oneness: 6 Favorite Asanas

According to a write-up on India’s Ministry of External Affairs website, the term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to control, yoke, or unite. The philosophy was developed thousands of years ago as a way of bringing together individual consciousness with that of the Universal consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man and Nature, the article explains. Although the physical branch of yoga that many of us practice does not encapsulate the whole of the original discipline, it does offer a wide array of benefits which can contribute to our sense of oneness and a happier, healthier life.

You may have read my article on how yoga can contribute optimal function of the entire body, reason enough to do some sort of regular practice. One of the best physical benefits, in my opinion, is keeping our fascia stretched and pliable. The many ways we don’t move our bodies daily can lead to the fascia becoming tight, restricting flexibility, which compounds as we age and can lead to limited movement. Differing poses offer particular benefits, as well. I want to share with you the 6 types of asanas, or poses, that I practice daily, along with the specific reasons.

Forward Folds – I think my love for forward folds started because as a young adult, I developed tight hamstrings, and I wanted to be able to touch my toes. In an article describing the benefits of forward folds, American-Australian Yoga Teacher Jacqueline Buchanan says that, in addition to opening the backside of the body from the heels to the head, these postures also increase circulation and soothe the nervous system.
Backbends – As a youngster, I couldn’t get enough of gymnastics on the mat and on the grass. Dropping into a backbend from an upright position was a regular part of that. I don’t do those anymore 😊, but decades of yoga have taught me that bending the front of the spine is just as important as bending the back of the spine. These days, I find bridge pose, cobra, and pigeon pose get the job done. In a Yoga Basics article, backbends are said to enhance posture, boost mood, and improve breathing.
Side Bends – Yup, more spine bending! This time, from side to side, because how often do we do those types of movements each day? According to Roger Jahnke, author of The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body’s Own Medicine, regularly stretching the spine in all directions can help us avoid lung problems. So simple, huh?

Twists – According to an article on Total Yoga, twisting poses stimulate the liver and lymph system, release tension, and can even help with back pain. From years of learning from yoga teachers, I’ve also gleaned that twists are good for digestion. I enjoy seated twists and twisted lunges, which also challenge my balance.
Balancing Poses – Speaking of balance, I shared in a post several months ago about how I committed to doing half moon pose every day for a couple years to improve my once horrendous sense of balance. It worked, and to this day, I still do it along with other balancing poses such as tree pose, side plank, and extended hand to toe pose regularly to keep my abs taut and my balance in check. As we age, we tend to lose the skill of balance unless efforts are made to maintain it.
Inversions – A few years ago, I attended a weekly arm balancing yoga class, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had with a group of yogis. Handstands, shoulder stands, crow poses, and their many variations were always part of the merrymaking. Unfortunately, the teacher moved to another state, but even today inversions are an enjoyable part of my routine. They boost blood flow to the brain and improve immune function, according to Yogapedia.com. If you have only a few minutes a day for legs up the wall, it can be beneficial.

Even on days that I don’t do a full yoga practice, I incorporate at least one of each of the above into stretching prior to and after other exercises. Every little thing we do, or don’t do, works together either for our benefit or to our detriment, and committing to small healthy acts is an easy way to stay on the positive side of that equation. (I’m a big-picture person, you may have noticed!)

Although the yoga that we know doesn’t involve the original philosophy in its entirety, we are fortunate that its physical practice has been brought to us through the ages. As you can see, the advantages of yoga are practical, and regular practice builds a strong foundation for uniting mind, body, and spirit, getting us a little closer to a sense of oneness.

Yogi Blessings,

Lisa

Does the Earth Love You?

If you’ve been around Micro of the Macro for a while, no doubt you’ve read a lot about the benefits of spending time with Nature. For example, being at the beach can reduce stress & cancer risk. Interacting with animals can result in improved heart & immune function. Visiting a waterfall can reduce chronic pain. I have written about how working with plants can reduce depression, trauma, and anxiety, and how wildflowers support all living systems. Nature, in Her infinite wisdom, contributes unceasingly to life, including ours. But let’s drill down further: does the Earth, our Primal Mother, love us?

In last week’s post, I mentioned briefly the book I am currently reading, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, member of the Potawatomi Nation and Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology at The State University of New York. Early in the book, she writes of the differences in two foundations which have strongly influenced the ways we think of Nature: the Creation Story and the language we use.

*Aspens, ferns and wildflowers near Arizona’s Snowbowl Ski Resort*

In Kimmerer’s Native American culture, and many others, the Creation Story does not involve Adam & Eve’s unhappy expulsion from a perfect garden due to a deceitful serpent. Instead, it is a story of Skywoman, who falls from the Skyworld, grasping for the Tree of Life on her way down, bringing with her seeds, flowers, and branches, and leaving an opening for the sun to shine through. During and after her landing, animals lovingly assist her. We are inevitably shaped by (Creation stories) no matter how distant they may be from our consciousness, the author writes. One (of the stories mentioned) leads to the generous embrace of the living world, the other to banishment. One woman is our ancestral gardener, a cocreator of the good green world . . . The other, an exile, just passing through an alien world on a rough road to her real home in heaven. A huge difference between perspectives for the followers of each tradition, wouldn’t you agree?

Kimmerer’s native language, alive with the energies of the natural world, is almost completely gone. (Due in large part to forced government board schooling of Native American children centuries ago, where speaking their native tongue was forbidden.) The language of her ancestors addressed the Spirit in Nature; it was a mirror for seeing the animacy of the world, the life that pulses through all things, through pines and nuthatches and mushrooms, she writes. The language reminds us, in every sentence, of our kinship with all of the animate world. A far cry from English, which categorizes the living world as either people or things. And how easy is it to neglect or abuse when we objectify? (Think of the unfortunate slaves of ages past who were considered property.) How could we possibly come to believe that things love us?

The author, a scientist and teacher, is a mother of two, as well. She writes with the greatest affection of her daughters, and says she taught them to garden so they would always have a mother to love them, even after she’s gone. She composed a list of loving behaviors shared with her girls. Included in the list are: nurturing health and well-being, protection from harm, encouraging growth, interdependence, and creation of beauty. When we observe these behaviors between people, she says, we know they must love each other. We even make the statement, “She loves her garden” when the same behaviors are demonstrated by someone carefully tending a plot of land. Why then, the author asks, would you not make the leap to say that the garden loves her back? The thriving of one is in the best interest of the other. This, to me, sounds a bit like love, the author concludes. I couldn’t agree more.

Braiding Sweetgrass is packed with practical teachings of the old ways, offering a clear way forward out of the environmental disaster we are living presently. But there is so much more to this book. The beauty of Kimmerer’s prose could make a willing student out of anyone. I find myself rereading some of her lines 3 or 4 times to relish gentle teachings that feed my soul. Her descriptive, love-infused narrative brings the science of botany to life, revealing the exquisite luminosity of Mother Earth.

*Jemez Springs, near Santa Fe, New Mexico*

An endless supply of loving support is made available to us by Nature, being the good Mother that She is. In addition to making things beautiful, She also provides us with ways to help us feel better and improve our lives overall. Like Robin Wall Kimmerer, I strongly believe that the Earth cares for us beyond measure, and spending time in Nature is the easiest way to feel the embrace of that unconditional love.

*Mazatzal Mountains, Arizona, strewn with Saguaro Cactus*

Blessings for Motherly Love,

Lisa

The Dazzling Blogger Award

The Dazzling Blogger Award, designed by Helen at Crispy Confessions, recognizes bloggers who excel in at least one major area of blogging: writing skills, engagement, social media marketing, or content. A big thank you to my friend Suzanne at Happily Decluttered, who has honored me with a nomination.

Suzanne is super-organized and shares tips to help the rest of us reach that pinnacle. In addition to loads of practical ideas, her writing is brimming with love for her family and Nature. She does a monthly Happiness Highlights post that demonstrates what a rich life she is creating. I urge you to visit her site, and let her know I sent you!

The Official Rules of The Dazzling Blogger Award

Thank the person who nominated you for the award & link back to their site.
Provide a link back to Helen, the award’s designer.
Answer the seven questions asked.
Compose seven questions of your own.
Nominate & notify seven more people.

Suzanne’s Questions

What is your favorite hobby and how did you get started?

Creating new dishes in the kitchen. I seldom prepare the same meals, and I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. I think this originated during the many months I worked in the kitchens of Esalen, Omega, and Ratna Ling, all holistic retreat centers.

*Black beans, rice, & roasted plantains with fresh onion, cilantro, & tomato* – *yum!*

What is your favorite meal to cook?

Veggie burgers. We have burger night twice a month, and I have found so many great ways to make them. The leftovers get broken up over beds of romaine with red onions, brown rice, and avocado – my favorite salad!

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?

I am blessed and I am grateful.

What was the highlight of your week?

Getting together with a friend I hadn’t seen in months for hours of talking and laughing and sharing plans for travel.

What is your favorite board game?

Scrabble

Have you read any good books lately that you would recommend?

I’m about 100 pages into Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Distinguished Teaching Professor & Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY College of Environmental and Science Forestry. I’m enjoying it so much that I’m already considering how I might share its ideas. The author’s message is erudite with paradigm-changing potential, but her stories of the “old ways” are sweet, gentle, and communicate directly to the heart. I feel everyone should read it, and its precepts should be taught to young children.

If you could pick one chore that you could snap your fingers and it would magically be done, which chore would you pick?

The “big clean” of our house, which involves a deeper-than-daily cleaning that is done once a week.

*Favorite outdoor space of a beloved aunt and uncle in Cocoa, Florida*

My Questions

During the pandemic, have you learned of any new places you want to visit?
In what way would you say the pandemic has changed your life the most?
What is your favorite season of the year, and why?
What wild animal do you admire the most?
Do you grow/care for a garden, flowers, or trees?
What is your favorite outdoor space?
Do you have a mindfulness practice?

*Dazzling reflection in Yosemite’s High Country*

As for nominations, in a world of fantastic bloggers, I hereby nominate the first 7 who tell me in a comment below they’d like to participate. Or, if you’d like to answer one or more of my questions without fully participating, that’s ok too.

Thanks again, Suzanne, for the nomination!

Dazzling Blessings,

Lisa

Notes on My Beloved AZ

*A tree bloom on Sedona’s West Fork hiking trail*

During my first extended visit to Northern Arizona, it stole my heart. It was early springtime, and the trees were budding and blooming and releasing sublime fragrances. The hiking trails were numerous, and lined with boulders, multi-colored sandstone, red cliffs, huge ponderosa pine trees, alligator junipers, small cactus shrubs, and aspen groves. Some trails featured Native American cliff dwellings, mud-walled structures, and petroglyphs. Other trails crossed creeks or lead to lakes, big and small. The most interesting trail I hiked, Cathedral Wash (a workout for both body and mind due to the trail dropping between 5 and 30 feet in areas, leaving you to figure out how to descend) ends at the Colorado River, just outside the Grand Canyon.

*Cathedral Wash Trail. Look closely and you will see me (dwarfed, but waving!)*

I find that a great number of people are unaware of Arizona’s elevation changes, the presence of trees, and the dramatic climate differences in the state. If you think of a featureless, sandy, flat state with no water, trees, flowers, or beauty when you hear someone speak of Arizona, this post is for you.

You may have heard of the lovely red rocks of Sedona. Before beginning my 3-year road-trip adventure years ago, friends suggested I visit Sedona due to its incredible beauty and reputation as a spiritual hub. I took that advice, and they were right: its splendor is unforgettable, and with a guide, I was able to access a remote area that felt very sacred. But, did you know that Sedona sits at 4000 feet above sea level? And that it has a big, beautiful creek running through it, much of it recreation-accessible? (See this post for more on that.) During the late fall and early winter, trees along the creek turn spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow. When snow falls on the red rocks, the sight is nothing short of glorious.

Speaking of snow, the highest point in the state, Humphreys Peak, topping out at 12,633 feet in elevation, sits among The San Francisco Peaks to the north of the small town of Flagstaff. At about 7000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is one of the snowiest areas in the country, getting an average of 100 inches annually. Each of the seasons could not be more beautiful in Flag, as the locals call it. After winter covers Humphreys Peak with a bright white blanket, a lovely springtime arrives, bringing with it happy meadowlarks, woodpeckers, blue jays, hummingbirds, wrens, robins, warblers, finches, sparrows, and juncos. When summer takes over, there are a couple weeks of 90+ degree temps, but most days are cooler. It is possible during the summer to need a jacket at night, as high desert summer temps can drop into the 40s. Beginning around the first week in July, the area gets super-saturated with rain as a result of monsoon season, which lasts through September. The heavy precipitation encourages a myriad of wildflowers to pop up in meadows & canyons, alongside roads, and on hiking trails, once again transforming the beauty of the little mountain town. And then, fall arrives, causing local leaves to sing with vibrant colors.

*The San Francisco Peaks overlooking a field of wildflowers in Flagstaff.* *Humphreys Peak is on the far left.*

The drive north from Flagstaff reveals an other-worldly topography. Most of the land in the northeast corner of the state belongs to Navajo Nation and is largely undeveloped. About 90 minutes north of Flagstaff, you will see the turn-off to the Grand Canyon, which is a must-see. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Canyon is immense, sporting an elevation change of 8000 feet between its highest point and the mighty Colorado.

About an hour farther north, you will discover Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Antelope Canyon. A boat tour on Lake Powell (located in both Arizona and Utah) offers spectacular views of the red, orange and white sandstone cliffs surrounding the water. With a Navajo guide, a walk through the narrow, beautifully formed Antelope Canyon will astonish you. The slot canyons are the happy result of flash floods having eroded the soft sandstone.

*Horseshoe Bend, part of the Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon*

As for points farther south, you will find them uniquely interesting as well. A drive south on I-17 just north of Phoenix yields a plethora of saguaro cactus plants at a certain point, and although I’ve yet to witness it, I’m told their beauty is astounding when they’re all in bloom. Tombstone, made famous by outlaws like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, is a cool little town where gunfight reenactments are performed in the unpaved streets. It has been designated one of the best-preserved rugged frontier towns of the late 1800s. And Tucson offers an extensive Botanical Gardens network, Saguaro National Park, and Mt. Lemmon, a jewel that rises over 9000 feet out of the Sonoran Desert.

*Part of the set from the gunslinger performance*

If you have always pictured the state of Arizona as hot, sandy, and drab, I hope this post has forever changed that image. The state’s diverse and distinctive terrain is an eye-popping Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience its unique history and allure, and you may find yourself writing love notes, as well.

Blessings for Arizona Beauty,

Lisa

Note: My beloved state is currently aflame. At the time of this post, there are more than 130 fires burning around the state; the largest 7 encompass over 400,000 acres, and many of the fires continue to grow. If you plan to visit Arizona this year, I strongly advise that you wait until the fires have subsided and air quality has improved.

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The original version of this post, entitled Arizona: A Love Letter, was published in May of 2020.

6 Reasons I Choose Clean Eating

Clean eating is a term that is broadly & loosely defined, I’ve learned while writing this post. It can relate to not only food & drink, but also exercise, sleep, stress management, and spending time with loved ones, all of which are important for a happy, healthy life. But, to me, clean eating refers to only the consumption portion: choosing closer-to-the-Earth foods & drinks that are whole and organic, either unprocessed, or minimally processed with nothing artificial added. This practice provides my body with what it really needs. As a result, I am the best possible steward of my health, which I believe to be my greatest asset.

There are many reasons I have made clean eating a lifestyle, and I want to share 6 of the biggies with you.

Eating whole, clean foods is the manner in which our ancestors ate, and the way Nature intended. Only in the past 150 years has the practice of adding artificial flavors, colors, fillers, and other chemicals made in a lab become the norm. Because we evolved eating whole foods in their natural state, our bodies don’t recognize the man-made additives, and therefore don’t know how to process them. Many times, they are tucked away in our fat stores, but sometimes, they make their way into our vascular system and organs, and have the potential to cause disease. I don’t want to take that risk.

*Birthday cake made from black beans & dates, with avocado, date & cacao frosting* – *DELISH*!

Committing to buying organic fruits and vegetables keeps genetically-modified foods out of my body. Due in large part to government subsidies in this country, GMO food production is on the rise. This is true even though there have been no long-term studies done on human consumption, and short-term studies have yielded frightening results. According to the article 10 Scientific Studies Proving GMOs Can Be Harmful to Human Health, consuming GMO food & drink may contribute to various cancers, gluten sensitivity, autism, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

*Mineralizing water with cucs, berries*, *and Himalayan salt*

Nutrient-dense whole foods are high in fiber, the preferred food of my gut’s microbiome. Keeping my gut bugs happy is a priority, since they wield such power over my cravings and, therefore, my health in general. (Go to this article for more on that.) According to Michael Greger, MD, author of the book How Not to Die, eating the Standard American Diet, (which is high in processed foods, meats, & dairy, and low in high-fiber whole plant foods) can result in needing 4 or more days for digestion and elimination, whereas plant-based eating requires only one to two days. The slower process is undesirable for many reasons. For example, when those 4 or more days are passing, we don’t stop eating and wait for clearance; we continue eating more of the same hard-to-assimilate foods, placing an even larger burden on all body systems. It’s no wonder that the US spends more than any other country on healthcare (or disease management, to be precise.)

Eating clean allows me to avoid taking most supplements. That saves me money. It also helps me avoid more man-made additives. In The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health, T. Colin Campbell, PhD, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, asserts that obtaining nourishment from a variety of whole plant foods is superior to taking supplements due to the symphony of nutrients released from plants that all work together, versus the single extracted vitamin or mineral that works on its own or with its manufactured ingredients.

*Cherry tomatoes ready for a light sauté*

Whole foods have a good amount of structured water in them, a different type of water molecule that is deeply hydrating and contributes to the optimal function of my body. In his book Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life, Dr. Gerald Pollack states that water is essential to each and every cellular process. Most processed foods & drinks have little to no water content that can be used for cellular hydration. (If you’d like to know more about the critical importance of hydration, check out this article.)

Clean eating contributes to a healthy pH balance in my body. Processed foods cause the blood to become overly acidic, throwing off homeostasis. When this occurs, the blood can leach minerals from the bones to reestablish its set point. This can contribute to thinner bones and osteoporosis. Additionally, blood that is constantly exposed to excess acid can become a breeding ground for cancer.

Eating clean is a way to help meet your body’s essential needs while avoiding a tangle of harmful effects. You were designed to eat real, whole foods. By following Nature’s protocol, you are taking responsibility for your health, your greatest asset.

Blessings for Healthy Choices,

Lisa

Spiralized Veggies with Thai Peanut Sauce

I first tried raw spiralized zucchini noodles at a deli in a Whole Foods Market near Austin, Texas years ago. There was a choice of raw tomato sauce or spicy peanut dressing to top the noodles, and of course, I had to try some of each. The peanut dressing was better, hands-down! The bold, piquant flavors of that sauce haunted me, until finally, a few years later, I found a recipe that could be modified to taste similar. (Regrettably, I didn’t record the name of the cookbook or author, so I cannot properly credit the person whose recipe I altered to create this fabulous sauce!)

Since that day at Whole Foods, I’ve experimented with many veggie noodle recipes. In addition to zucchini, I’ve spiralized other vegetables, including cucumbers and sweet potatoes, and thrown in all kind of nuts, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and coconut. Sometimes I lightly sauté the noodles in olive oil with garlic, other times I leave them raw. I’ve even cooked grain spaghetti and mixed it with raw noodles. I’ve found that the colorful, raw combination shared below is my favorite.

As for health-giving qualities, raw foods have significantly more enzymes, vitamins, minerals, alkalizing properties, and structured water than cooked foods. From various sources, I’ve read that, owing to these beneficial factors, 50 to 70% of our regular diet should be raw. When I first learned about raw foods from the life-changing book Conscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens, MD, the recommendation was for 100% raw – too radical for me, but I’ll admit, the people I’ve known who can manage that lifestyle are incredibly healthy. As much as I love to cook, going completely raw would take away my favorite creative endeavor. But I do shoot for 50% raw each day. My morning fruit and vegetable smoothie accomplishes most of that goal. I also eat quite a few salads and avocados, & often snack on raw veggies while I’m prepping them to cook. During the hotter months, there’s nothing I find more refreshing than a cool slab of watermelon. Additionally, I’ve started making various dessert balls by combining oats, nuts, dates, & other raw ingredients in the food processor. They are so yummy, I give them as gifts!

On to the recipe. My sincerest thanks to the cookbook developer whose name I did not record; this sauce was inspired in large part by the recipe Soba Noodles with Peanut and Ginger Sauce.

(Those of you with peanut allergies can sub almond butter & top with chopped almonds. I’ve made the sauce this way many times, even though I’m not allergic.)

Yield: 2 Large Servings

Ingredients (use all organic/non-GMO if possible)
8-10” long zucchini, spiralized
6” long daikon radish, spiralized
Large carrot, spiralized or cut into thin strands with a veggie peeler
Large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, & sliced into thin strips
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tbsp tamari
2-3 tbsp maple syrup (to your preferred sweetness)
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 tsp freshly grated garlic
1 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp cayenne
6 tbsp peanut butter
1/3 – 1/2 cup water (to your desired consistency)
salt to taste, if needed
chopped peanuts for the top

Directions
Mix all the vegetables in a medium bowl. Put the next 7 ingredients (tamari through peanut butter) in a small blender cup & spin until creamy and well combined. Add part of the water & spin again. Stop and check consistency. Add more water (or don’t) until you’re happy with the thickness. Taste for salt, adding a dash or 2 if needed.

Split the veggie noodles between 2 bowls and top with *sauce & chopped peanuts. Enjoy!

*You will have leftover sauce. Try its deliciousness on any green salad, or simply spiralize more veggies! Or, how ’bout using it as a dip for fresh rolls? It also works beautifully as a stir fry sauce. It might even be good on chocolate ice cream😊! It will thicken after refrigerating, so whisk in an extra tablespoon or so of water as needed the next day.

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