Vaccinations

The topic of vaccinations is one of the most controversial, especially among parents. When you educate people it gives them the freedom to make well-informed decisions for themselves and for their children.  That's what "The Greater Good" is all about: exposing the truth about vaccinations, their effectiveness, side-effects and hidden motives within the government and pharmaceutical companies. It is a film to be seen by all not just parents.

The number of vaccinations that children are given has risen dramatically. Are we even sure they are effective? Or necessary? Are you aware of the adverse side effects that could potentially occur? Or of the toxic effects of additives vaccines contain? Probably not and neither was I until I began researching and educating myself about this emotionally charged topic. There is no harm in opening yourself up to the conversation of vaccines and finding out for yourself if they are really the best option for you or your children.

The Weston A. Price Foundation is holding a screening this weekend of The Greater Good. The film will be shown on Sunday August 26 at 4:00pm at Santa Barbara Family Chiropractic. Learn more on the Weston A. Price Meet-Up page. As always the events are free and a wonderful way to meet other health conscious members of the Santa Barbara community. If you cannot attend this screening the film can also be purchased here. Don't wait to start learning about vaccinations and make knowledgeable decisions regarding their use for you and your children.

Book Review: The Diet Cure

After hearing Julia Ross speak at the release of the updated version of her best-seller, The Diet Cure, I knew this book was a must have. Her application of amino acid therapy in the lives of overweight, depressed, hormonal woman and men has proved to be ground breaking. There is no single explanation and answer but rather multiple different imbalances that occur in the body creating symptoms you can't seem to overcome. And you won't. Not on your own and not until you understand the chemistry behind why you've been feeling the way that you have. With proper diet, supplementation, guidance and support thousands of her clients and readers have found health and stability....naturally.

This book is your outline and explanation. It could free you from dieting forever. Hence, the title, the diet 'cure'. There are actually many dangerous side effects of dieting such a nutrient depletion and neuron damage as she goes through in more detail in the first chapters of the book. Not only have our eyes become heavily distorted as we look at stick figure models portrayed as 'beautiful' in the media but now we are causing major health issues as we try to become that image. On the other end we have a whole line of new 'food products' if we can even call them that, like high fructose corn syrup and genetically modified soy that have proven to be quite toxic. Even white refined sugar and refined grains are products that have become to removed from their original source I simply can not call them food any longer. And your body feels the same way. The way that your body and brain react towards these foods is not far off from drugs and alcohol stimulating major blood sugar spikes and straining the endocrine system. I am telling you, this book is a MUST READ!

Within it's pages you will find quizzes and questionnaires that help you defined what imbalances are causing your symptoms. Keep in mind that everyone is individual and unique in our bodies needs, which is one thing works great for someone and horribly for another! There are diet and supplement recommendations for each imbalance that can help restore the balance that is required for optimal energy, mood, and weight. If you feel that you need additional help my services are just within reach. Look for my contact information on the left side bar of the page, I can be reached anytime by email at wholesomepractices@gmail.com.

Purchase your copy of The New Diet Cure and explore Ross' website where you will also find her quick and easy questionnaires to get your started!

Padron Peppers

It may surprise you that these little green peppers are actually mild. Known for their great flavor rather than their heat, only one in ten will spark a flame resembling more of a jalepeno. It's like a "Russian Roulette" with your dinner. They are a traditional Spanish favorite served commonly as a tapas, sauteed in a bit of olive oil with freshly cracked sea salt. It's really that simple and people love them. They come back week after week buying more baskets than the last time calling them their latest addiction. You can't just have one of these, they melt in your mouth as you keep grabbing for more. Perfect for any dinner party as they are quite a guest pleaser.

These peppers have a striking nutrition profile, full of vitamins and minerals with therapeutic value as well. They actually aid the digestive system and have even been noted for quickening the healing of scar tissue. They help promote blood circulation, lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure. All while tasting fantastic!

If you have never tried these delicious Spanish peppers I highly suggest you get out to your local market and find them! These won't be found in a supermarket. May I also suggest starting out by serving them the traditional way: satueed until golden brown in a bit of extra virgin olive oil served with freshly cracked sea salt. After that you can venture into adding them to your favorite Spanish meal. Find them at the Milliken Family Farms stand on Tuesday or Saturday at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market. For my Santa Cruz viewers I know that you can find them at New Leaf Community Markets and on Wednesday at the Farmer's Market downtown.

'Tis the Season for Tomatoes

It is the most precious time of the year for tomatoes. Yes, precious. They are perfectly in season, ripe, sweet and juicy. Cherries, Heirlooms, Green Zebras, Purple Cherokees, Sun Golds, Indigo Rose, it seems there are an endless variety of tomatoes to be found at your local farmer's market. And if you think you don't like tomatoes, I dare you- get to your local market and try one of the many delicious, flavorful tomatoes grown in the richest soil in this fabulous summer sun. Supermarket tomatoes don't even compare,  some are actually picked green and ripened using ethanol gas to bring tomatoes to your table year round. This is not natural by any means and eliminates the beauty of eating seasonal foods.

Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Most commonly known for their high content of lycopene, an antioxidant that is extremely protective against breast, prostate, colon, lung and skin cancer. It is also helpful in lowering the risk of heart disease. Lycopene is actually more readily absorbed if the tomatoes have been cooked and are consumed with extra virgin olive oil. This is one of the many reasons why the Mediterranean diet is so healthful. So you can eat your bowl of spaghetti with a smile on your face knowing your body is loving that rich tomato sauce. Use brown rice pasta if you want an even bigger smile :)

Simply Marinara Pasta
5-6 large Brandy Wine tomatoes
1 large yellow onion
2-4 garlic cloves
1/2 C freshly chopped basil
extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
brown rice pasta 
1. Slice, dice, chop the tomatoes however you please. They will cook up anyway you cut them. Place in a dutch oven.
2. Slice, dice, chop the onion. Again, you can do big chunks or dice them, whichever you prefer. Add to your tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 2-4 hours.
3. Mince garlic and chop your fresh basil.
4. When ready to eat, cook your pasta according to directions. With rice pasta you want to be sure to not overcook it, generally 8-10 minutes is plenty.
5. Place steaming hot pasta in a large bowl, top with tomatoes and onions, the raw garlic and fresh basil, plenty of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and freshly cracked garlic.

This pasta is very versatile and gives you a nice foundation for any Italian meal. You can substitute any tomatoes and add other veggies like sliced zucchini or yellow squash, kale or throw in a handful of raw spinach and let it wilt. Add shrimp, some grass-fed ground beef, or sauteed chicken. The variations are endless! Adding the raw garlic in at the end preserves it's nutrient value. Likewise with the olive oil you are preventing any heat damage and keeping the quality of the fats intact by adding it to the pasta once it's been removed from the stove top.

Buon Appetito!