Balanced

I’m currently reading “The Book of Joy.” It’s a wonderful book of interviews with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These two men are two of the most joyful people on earth, despite (or perhaps because of) immense hardships they have suffered during their lives including over 50 years of exile and severe oppression. The interviews took place during the Dalai Lama’s eightieth birthday celebration, and brought these two friends together to reveal the secrets of joy. Somewhere near the beginning of the book, Archbishop Tutu brought up the concept of Ubuntu (pronounced oo-boon-too) from his home in South Africa. The Archbishop explained it as “A person is a person through other persons.” Roughly translated, it is the concept of community. I wanted to learn more about this Ubuntu concept, so I took to Google. Once I got past the articles for Ubuntu, the open source operating system for computers (who knew?), I found some interesting stuff. Ubuntu is a southern A

We’ve all heard the reports, too much sitting during the day is bad for you. It’s been called the “new smoking” for it’s detrimental effects on your health. It increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol to name a few. Now they’ve actually figured out how much it too much. I’m a little skeptical about blanket statements like this, knowing we’re all different, but I also err on the side of caution, and it certainly can’t hurt to move more. So what are the experts saying? First of all, understand that the average office worker sits for about 10 hours each day, between work and home. Researchers are now saying that we should begin to stand, move and take breaks for at least two (and four is better) of every eight hours. Don’t just lump that time all together, spread it throughout your day. And as much of that time as possible should be in movement, not just standing still. The stillness is what’s killing us. So, how in the world d

“Milk, it does a body good.” Those of us “of a certain age” remember well this catch phrase from the 1980s campaiagn of the National Dairy Board. Great marketing, but is it truth in advertising? IS milk, or any dairy, good for you? Let’s look at some facts: Humans are the only species on earth to continue to consume milk after we are weaned (unless, of course, you’re feeding it to your fur-babies). Most people stop producing significant amounts of lactase, which helps break down the sugar found naturally in milk, by they time they are five years old. That’s why over 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. They can’t properly digest dairy products. If you notice a gut ache, bloating or gas after you eat dairy, that probably includes you. Human milk is especially suited for human infant consumption. Compared to cows milk, it is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein. It doesn't put a strain on developing kidneys, like cows milk does. Cow dairy is design

This month at my vegan Meet-up, "Meatless Monday's and Beyond," we talked about non-dairy "dairy," aka dairy substitutes. The potluck is always amazing and this time we were also treated to a food demo on how to make your favorite dairy foods, non-dairy. We even got to sample - don't get me started on the chocolate mousse, WOW! Cheese seems to be the hardest thing for people to give up and there is good reason for that. For more on this subject, read this article .  But while it may be difficult to wean yourself off of milk products (pun intended), you don't have to miss the taste. Here's my recipe for nachos that's quick, easy, nutritious and yummy - lactose intolerant people, rejoice! Bean Layer 1 tbsp Olive Oil ½ medium Onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves Garlic, minced 2 tsp Chili Powder 1 tsp Cumin 1/2 tsp Salt Dash Cayenne Pepper 1 can Pinto or Black Beans, drained & rinsed (save the liquid) Cheez Layer 1 medium Onio