The Big Move!

The day finally came and we are officially moved into our new home.  We had a trailer hitch installed on the van for the move (used my brother's trailer) which will come in handy often I assume.  We spent a few days clearing out our old home and filling the new house with boxes.  Its been about 10 days since the big move and we are just getting settled in.  We have very few boxes left to unpack and have even starting cleaning up outside a bit.  We had a man come cut down a few trees that had grown right against the house allowing raccoons to hang out up there in the late evenings; their poop on our roof gave them away.  My Mom even spent some time weeding in the back gardens around our patio and sun room.  Our new batch of seeds arrived and we are getting ready to plant them, although I can't decide whether to do it before or after our upcoming vacation, which is much needed I amy add.  The gardens will not be ready here until mid summer but we are planting in the existing 2 raised garden beds as well as out at the CSA.  After our vacation Aaron will also be getting started on the chicken/duck coop.  Our day old birds arrive May 15th so we will need to get cracking.

Camp out with the kids our first night.

Front yard.

Front side yard from across the street.

Side yard. 

Back patio.

Backyard.

Backyard from opposite corner. 

Needless to say, we have our hands full!  It has been a long few weeks but I would not change a thing.  Now that we are in our new home it feels like we have been here forever.  It felt like home the moment I stepped foot into the house and we plan on having many wonderful memories raising our family here at BTC Acre! 

Coming along.

I spent some time over the past weekend moving some of the seedlings into their larger, temporary homes.  We will be in the new house after this weekend and will be able to keep the seedlings in the sunroom to prepare them for the great outdoors.  There are also some new sprouts coming up and I planted some more kale and cucumber seeds in larger pots.  I am hoping that more will germinate since we currently only have 1 of each from the first batch.  Hopefully we will be able to get some planting done out at the farming cooperative as well as get some gardens ready at the new place for the summer.

       
From the left: Wiltham Butternut Winter Squash, Brandywine Tomato,  Russian Red Kale.


Hopefully next year the gardens should all be setup and we will be far more organized.
                                                                                                                                                                            

Super Foods!

Not all foods are created equal.  If we were to compare the nutritional content of iceberg lettuce to kale many people would be flabbergasted by the results.  I have recently come across some foods that are not well known as being super foods... although they should be.  I became aware of some foods on this list from a film called "Hungry For Change" which was very informative and definitely worth watching.

Let me start off with a a few herbs that many people underestimate.

Parsley:   Souce

• The activity of parsley's volatile oils qualifies it as a "chemoprotective" food, and in particular, a food that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens. 
• The flavonoids have been shown to function as antioxidants and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. In addition, extracts from parsley have been used in animal studies to help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
• Also an excellent source of two vital nutrients that are also important for the prevention of many diseases: vitamin C and vitamin A (notably through its concentration of the pro-vitamin A carotenoid, beta-carotene) and folic acid. 

Cilantro/Corriander Seeds:   Souce

• When tested on animals, coriander helps stimulate secretion of insulin and lower blood sugar. Reduced the amount of damaged fats (lipid peroxides) in their cell membranes. And lowered levels of total and LDL, while actually increasing levels of HDL. 
• Contains an antibacterial compound that may prove to be a safe, natural means of fighting Salmonella suggests a study published in the June 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
• A powerful natural cleansing agent. Effectively used to help remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body (chlorella also works well).  Source

Oregano:  Source

• One of the most powerful healing herbs and natural anti-biotics ever studied.
• Oregano Oil is an extraordinarily powerful natural anti-biotic.  
• The strong phenol anti-oxidants in oregano destroy pathogenic bacteria, viruses and yeasts.
• It is the third highest herb in oxygen radical absorbency capacity (ORAC).
• One of the world's greatest sources of the powerful phenol component thymol. Thymol is great for improving digestive function as well as destroying harmful microbes.
• Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, & throat/respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions.
• Works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production.
• Studies have shown that carvacrol, a phenol anti-oxidant within oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity when applied to food or taken in supplement form.
• Also contains rosmarinic acid which has very strong cancer fighting properties.

Now onto some other super foods.

Spirulina (seaweed variety):  Source

• The protein digestibility of spirulina is rated at 85% versus about 20% for beef.
• A rich source of natural, plant-based iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
• The alpha-linolenic acid profile in spirulina is the highest in the plant kingdom, coming in third overall behind milk and evening primrose oil.
• Allergy sufferers who took 2000 mg spirulina every day saw significant improvement in their allergy symptoms.  (YAY FOR ME!!!)
• Enhances exercise performance.

Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L):  Source

• Contains the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid found in nature
• A complete source of protein. 
• Have the power to stabilize blood sugar, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Used as an endurance food by Aztecs and Mayans to increase the energy levels during hunting.
• They absorb water very easily (9-10 times of their weight), therefore, resulting in prolonged hydration and retention of electrolytes.
• Contain around 22% of protein, 35% of healthy fats (Omega 3, Omega 6), and around 25% of dietary fiber. Not only that, they also contain plenty of minerals and vitamins – A lot of calcium, potassium, and iron is found in these seeds.
• Help the body to absorb fat soluble vitamins.
• Provide relief from arthritis or diabetes (by absorbing sugar), decrease blood pressure, help with acid reflux, or just improve the general cardiac health.
• Cleanses the colon, and gets rid of toxins.
• Some research shows that it can also improve your mental performance and allow you to have a better rest during the night. 

Kale:  Source

• An incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food
• Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.
• Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.
• One serving of kale contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
• A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.
• An incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

Aloe Vera Gel:  Source

• Scientific research shows strong immunomodulatory and anti tumour properties for aloe vera polysaccharides.  One study published in International Immunopharmacology (1995) showed that aloe vera polysaccharides exhibited potent macrophage-activating activities including producing increased volumes of nitric oxide (which has antitumor potential).
• Can also be used internally, reducing inflammation throughout the body from the inside out.
• Also enhances skin health when used internally.
• improves the quality of the blood and helps balance the blood chemistry in a way that lowers cholesterol and total triglycerides (in people with elevated levels).
• It makes vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants work better.
• Polysaccharides in the aloe vera plant have curative effects on numerous digestive disorders. The Internet is a storehouse of information and testimonials about aloe vera curing IBS, ulcers, Crohn's disease and other disorders of the digestive tract.
• Also has many skin care benefits.

Chamomile:  Source

• Acts to sooth the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract, relieving irritable symptoms
• Used commonly to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia
• Aids in muscle pain associated with menstrual cramps and muscle strains
• Certain active compounds in chamomile work similar to anti-anxiety medications, which promote relaxation in the brain and nervous system.
• Fights bacterial infections by destroying the very bacteria that cause them. One of chamomile's active ingredients, Azulene, directly fights staphylococcus and streptococcus infections. 
• Also has many skin care benefits.

Coconut Products:  Source

• Highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. 
• Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits.  There are too many benefits to mention in this post; many of which can be found here.
• Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth."
• Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).  They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.
• Nutritional Content of types of Coconut products can be found here.  Links to coconut research can be found here.

Some other known super foods are Garlic (Source, Source), Goji berries, Wild Salmon, Cinnamon, Tumeric, Pomegranate, Quinoa, Avacado and Blueberries just to name a few.  

I am a firm believer that food heals!

Disclaimer:  I am not a health professional nor am I giving you medical advice.  I am simply sharing information for you to make your own informed decisions with regards to your health.

Homemade Neti Pot solution

Between allergy season (for me means nice weather) and cold and flu season I likely go through 30 boxes of tissues.  I will contract a cold from my husband from which he had the odd cough and sniffle and I can barely breath for a week.  I often will get severe congestion accompanied by pain in my sinuses (and eventually my entire face!) which lead to a sinus infection treated with antibiotics, which I loath!  There had to be a better way.  In came the NETI POT!

It was about a year or 2 ago that my wonderful mother in law introduced me to the neti pot.  I had been suffering from a terrible cold and sinus infection when she decided to purchase a neti pot for me and bring it by with a pot of homemade chicken soup... that's right, I am spoiled!  MAN, did this little pot ever save my life.  I have not taken antibiotics since receiving my neti pot!  The pot also came with 50 packets of pH balances sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate mixture (baking soda and salt).  It did not take long for me to go through these little packs so I decided to make my own.  Again, in came my Mother in law.  She had a recipe that she had been using with success for some time.  I gave this a whirl and EUREKA!  Works equally as well as the sachets you can buy... for me at least.  I have to imagine that the sachets you purchase are more refined and medical grade ingredients but for me, this homemade solution is working just fine.


Recipe:
3TBSP baking soda
1 heaping TBS salt (I used sea salt)

Method:
Simply mix these and add 1/2-1tsp per pot of lukewarm distilled water (tap water may contain pollutants).  I simply mix up a batch and keep it in a small tupperware in the washroom.  Be sure to use non iodized salt since iodized can irritate the sinus and exacerbate the condition.

Get the best from your food.

Trying to eat a healthy balanced diet can be challenging;  On top of our desire to grow the majority of our food we have also been taking a few simple steps to get the best from the food we eat:

1.  Purchase Organic, or get to know the farmer and go "beyond organic," to eliminate your exposure to hormones, pesticides and GMO's. (some of my local sources)

2.  Eat more raw produce:  nutrient damage to food as a result of exposure to heat has been said to begin, and progressively accelerate, at the following temperatures:

• Enzymes and co-enzymes begin losing effectiveness 118 F (47.7 C)
• Various vitamins show losses of function 130 F (54.4 C)
• Protein denaturing begins 161 F (71.6 C)*

* The temperature used to pasteurize milk
What cooking does to our food Info Source

3.  Juice your produce!  The Canadian Food Guide indicated that the average adult should consume between 7-10 servings of vegetables and fruits each day, juicing is a great way to be sure you get your recommended serving amount.  Some other health benefits of juicing are: (Source)

• provides vital nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for our bodies to repair themselves, strengthen the immune system and for cell regeneration and growth.
• Normally we do not consume peelings, seeds and pits of fruits and vegetables. These parts are a rich source of vital nutrients we normally throw away. A good quality juicer extracts juice from the whole veggie or fruit, including peelings, pits and seeds to provide vitamin and minerals that would otherwise be lost.
• minimizes heat in order to preserve the most live enzymes possible.
• Unlocking nutrients of raw foods is one of the vital benefits of juicing. Fiber is quite literally locked into many vegetables and fruits and the potential benefit of the fiber is lost as the digestive system does not unlock it. Juicing releases the fiber’s nutrition so that benefit may be realized.
• The antioxidant effects of juices will help detoxify your body and help you eliminate the toxins, fats, preservatives and chemicals that a diet of processed foods leave behind in your body.
• Juicing makes foods easy to digest and thus, easier for the body to receive maximum benefit 
  from the source food.

4.  Make it yourself!  Homemade food is always the best option, in my opinion.  With 2 kids of preschool age this can sometimes be a challenge.  Things like bread and pasta, even soda can be made at home with higher quality ingredients.

5.  Soak grains, beans, legumes as well as raw nuts and seeds to release the anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors.

Almonds Soaking                                    Some nuts after soaking

**You can also sprout your grains such as wheat, quinoa, spelt, millet, rye and your beans such as Mung, Garbanzo, Moth, Adzuki, Lentil, etc. Benefirs to sprouting your grains, legumes and seeds are: neutralizing phytic acid very effectively, you also neutralize the enzyme inhibitors, aids digestibility and increases nutritional content.

**Warning:  Sprouted Beans and grains should be cooked as they may contain toxins and irritating substances, although these toxins and substances are neutralized when cooked. (The main advantage to sprouting that you do not receive from soaking is an increase in nutritional content)  Info and other links found here.

What is really in processed foods?

Lately I have been reading and watching films about food, gardening and other fun things.  Food happens to be one of those topics that just has so much controversy surrounding it.  We are plagued with so many disease and health issues today.  If I think about the main things that have changed over the past 100 years or so that we may attribute to our immediate health you can't help but point to what we put in our bodies.  Food, air and water are what we put into our bodies so it is safe to assume (in my opinion) that our health is directly related and impacted by these three things.  Food is something that we, ourselves have total control over.  The deteriorating water quality and supply as well as air quality is something we, as a whole, need to be concerned with and address, but as an individual have little impact on.  But food... this we something we have direct and sole control over.  

If you walk through any supermarket today you will find all sorts of "foods" that are masked to appear healthy and delicious.  In reality, these foods are loaded with, lets face it...  crap.  The boxed, processed and overly refined products that clutter our grocery store shelves can hardly be classified as "food" at all.  So lets take a look at what is actually in many of these "foods".

First, we have Chemicals in our foods.  Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (causing carbohydrate cravings), MSG (used to fatten rats for scientific studies and also linked to cancer and many other illnesses), and propylene glycol (used to winterize your RV) to name only a few.  

Then we have our sugars.  We look on labels and see "Fat Free" and assume healthy and thin.  Funny thing about this is once sugar enters your body it is turned into fat.  Sugars are not always labelled as such on the ingredient list.  Other names and forms of sugars in our foods are:  corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, corn sweetener, cane juice, cane syrup, dextrose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrates, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, and molasses.  Any ingredient ending in "ose" is likely a form of sugar.  

Then onto 'potentially' the most dangerous of all the "crap" - GMO's.  GMO's are Genetically Modified Organisms which have not been proven safe for human consumption.  Therefore, we can assume that we the people are the guinea pigs in this experiment.  Considering that the safety of these products has not been proven, one would logically assume that they would not be widely used in our food system.  WRONG, they are everywhere!  The major problem here in Canada (as well as the US) is that there is no mandatory labeling of GMO products. 

Some of the  big name companies that use GMO products are: 

Heinz (Catelli, Classico), 

Kraft (Nabisco, Primo), 

Nestle (Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine), 

Lowblaws (Presidents Choice, No Name),  

Unilever (Knorr, Lipton), 

Pepsi (Gatorade, Quaker Oats, Hostess, Frito-Lay), 

Proctor and Gamble (Crisco, Pringles), 

General Mills (Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Green Giant), 

Kellogg's, Sefeway, McCormick's, Campbells, Schneider, Maple Leaf, Dare Foods, Coca Cola, Robin Hood, Hershey's and...

... not even our beer has escaped - Labatts, Sleeman and Molson.

The most disturbing places you find GMO's is in our baby products.  Often people have no idea what they are putting into their children's mouths.  Many people seem to just trust that infant formulas and baby foods would be free of such untested substances and ingredients... WRONG AGAIN!  Some of the baby products that contain GMO's are: Enfalac Formulas, Heinz Baby and Infant Foods,  Isomil Formulas, Nestle Formulas and Baby Foods, Similac Formulas as well as Loblaws (No Name, Presidents Choice) Baby Foods and Formulas.  GMO List Source

Even foods that are widely considered healthy are not always what they seem.  A few examples are:  Almonds from California have been pasteurized which causes them to loose much of their enzymes which are beneficial to your health.  Whole grains are filled with anti-nutrients such as Phytates, which bind to vitamins, minerals and enzymes to make them unavailable to the body.  Much of our fresh produce is riddled with pesticides and possibly a GMO product itself.  As well, much of our meat and dairy are products of animals that are filled with GMO's and pesticides (through their feed) as well as hormones (beef) and antibiotics. 

Now, I am not a medical professional (but they really don't know much about food anyhow) and certainly this is only my personal opinion based on my own research but it seems to me that there is a simple way to avoid all of this "crap".   We should simply be eating FOOD and only FOOD prepared at home.  What do I mean by food?  Real food such as high quality (beyond) organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meats and fish, dairy and some grains (and of course the incredible edible egg!).  It is not rocket science here; if you can grow or raise it, it is likely good for you.     We all have our guilty pleasures; for me it is Doritos, nachos with cheese, Taco Bell and gummy candies.  We are all entitled to a splurge once in a while... but that is the key "once in a while".

BTC Acre... 8 days away!!!

We have figured out a rough layout for the new yard.  Here it is:

Of course this is not to scale and is a rough idea we threw together.  Sadly, many large existing trees will be coming down since they provide too much shade as well as homes for predators such as raccoons.  The back yard is fenced off (if you look you can see the existing fence between the clothes line and the chicken coop) so the kids and dog will have room to play.  The ducks and chickens will be allowed free range of the yard (garden's will be fenced off) which is why we want to have berry bushes running along the front of the property.  The pond will be from runoff water that we will collect, the orchard will consist of fruit and nut trees and the garden beds will consist of some raised beds as well as some traditional beds.  As for the garage addition and pool area... this of course is a long term goal.  The pool and patio area will likely come first and then the garage addition.  There is a balcony off of the master bedroom above the garage which would provide access to the green roof if we chose to grow edibles or even install a greenhouse for winter produce.