"All grain is ordained for the use of man,...to be the staff of life....
All grain is good for the food of man;...--
Nevertheless, wheat for man...."
Doctrine and Covenants 89: 14, 16-17 (Known as the Word of Wisdom)
Our Blog Names
Gwenith - Welch (female) is Honeybee
Basak - Turkish (female) is Grandma
Zea - Latin (female) is Walkers
OUR QUEST
Gwenith: Several months ago, the thought came to me. How will we eat in the Millennium? That sounds funny, I know, but what I mean when I say that is, 'What is a higher law of health and nutrition and how can I eat that way using my food storage?' This is what I am working on.
Zea: My quest... to learn and live the word of wisdom so that me and my family will be blessed to live a healthy life. In this process I've ended up having several "sub" quests, such as learning more about grains, herbs, what things in our diet and life are created by "evil and conspiring men", and needless to say one subject leads to another. Right now I'm trying to put the knowledge I've gathered so far (while still gathering more) into practice for me and my family... not an easy task when you have a picky eater!
And as we pursue our quests, we desire to help others.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
I'm astounded
I've still be eating lots of wheat, and much of that is in the sprouted form. I been amazed at what is happening to my body as I look in the mirror. The weight is staying about the same - I think it's because I eat a little of the "other" stuff that is cooked for dinner. I feel the colon is getting cleaner. It's fun to behold.
Started to run. The last time I ran, I could hardly do it. Again, I was very pleasantly surprised as I was able to run quite a ways before having to walk and then again re-cooperated quickly and began running again.
This is sooooo fun.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
So what about almond milk?
I do not have the answer but I so feel, I as "man", have broken it down and I'm losing the results of the "whole".
I know after my 10 days of eating wheat, I'm eating so much better than I've ever eaten in my life; but, my body is gradually going back to where it was. I find this so interesting. It should not be going back but continuing in a forward state. I've complicated the eating some - meaning eating more things together and this very well could be the reason.
Is it our eating such a variety of so many things in a meal and then dessert and all else that we've really done a number on the ways of God and how He created it to be? I just feel so much better when it is so simple.
Will the world catch on to this? As I've been to several "whole food" sites, I'm quite amazed at their simpleness but yet, there is making it complicated, too. But, even though a bit complicated, the results of eating that way seem to be the usual astounding of feeling so much better.
I need another mental adjustment!!! I need to let go of the world's (and my) thinking of eating meals and get a new thinking!!!!
Simple and whole ---- and wheat will be a part of that!
"Whole"
So -- the FDA says Comfrey is not safe to take internally. Now notice, they did not say the constituent was the problem. They banned the plant from being used in anything taken internally. And did you know, most of our medicines are made "from" plant constituents? There is another plant that has a carcinogenic constituent. The FDA is considering banning the use of this plant. But, when you take it as a "whole", the other constituents are antidotal to that carcinogenic constituent. That is there to protect the plant.
God is so all knowing. This is just so awesome to learn.
And now -- after having a couple weeks to absorb this, and feeling badly for the trusting souls that we are in those that provide the medicines prescribed, and also knowing of the powers behind the drug industry and that it's all about the money..... what can one say? I just know I want to learn to eat right and learn about all of God's creations and how they are provided by Him for our help and well-being.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 25 - The 10-day eating wheat is done
First off --- the report of the weight lifting. But I do need to tell you that I'm a wimp in the shoulder/chest area - always have been. I rode horses lots and was so envious of those who could get themselves on bareback without having something to stand on. Knowing this, I decided to do the thing that is the most challenging for me to test my strength.
In the beginning, I did 11 chest presses with the bar that weighs 45 pounds, 13 bicep curls with 10 pound weights and 35 crunches. This morning, I did 11 chest presses. It was the same - no strength gained, no strength lost. Am I disappointed? I think just a teeny bit in that one thing --- but --- I did do 15 bicep curls and 50 crunches. That last one was a huge surprise. But all in all I was pleased! Was the test a success? To me, it is a resounding YES!!!!
I looked in the body-length mirror this morning and smiled because there is shaping to my liking going on with my body. I got on the scales and there was another 1 1/2 pounds gone.
I know my body is healing. (See the post on 3/23/2009) I can feel it. Would it have been the same without eating the wheat? I do not know for sure but when I considered that I've done green smoothies for about a year now and have done it faithfully, I've not accomplished this kind of success.
When I awoke this morning, I felt wonderful. When I progressed in my day, I felt a little sluggish off and on. I think this is typical of these 10 days. Could it be that what seems to be an adverse reaction is the body utilizing what it's been given which causes detoxing? I believe it very well could be. I believe when I don't feel like eating, the body is saying, "don't send anymore until we get this roadblock cleared and the gunk on the move." When I feel a bit sluggish and yet still feel hungry, my body is saying, "give me a little more power to help move this along". Wheat is such a good fiber -- is this one of the reasons for the "Nevertheless, wheat for man"? I know I don't get the same result with oatmeal and when I eat the grain mixes, I don't think I get the same result either. I think I need to check this out! Ah, another test. lol
Will I keep eating wheat? That is also a big YES! Will I keep eating it as often as I've been doing? Yes, but will be incorporating it with other things that my family will also be more involved. It probably won't be as often as the whole meals have been; but yet, I've kind of grown to like it that way. But -- I do know I learned one really important thing and that is when I am going through that "what can I eat?" feeling, I'm going to eat wheat because I've never been so satisfied so quickly and it didn't take that much of it.
Oh, one more interesting thing that seems to be happening -- my appetite is increasing. When I eat, I'm eating more. Figure that one out! Maybe my body is being able to utilize more of the nutrients and so wants more!!! I hope so. I'm sure it's been "starving" for nutrients for years because it just couldn't utilize them. I do know the increase is not from activity. I've spent way too much time sitting on my you know what at the computer! lol
What a fun road to be on -- so many questions, so many theories, some answers and lots of learning. So much to look forward to and exercise, you are on that list!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 24 - Continued learning - no surprise there!
I had green smoothie for breakfast. It was so light and tasty. Wheat sprouts, apple pieces and cinnamon for lunch. It was also tasty.
I made more almond milk and I just can't throw away the pulp. I dried it from the previous making. I decided to make one loaf of bread and put it in it - 2 cups wheat flour and 1 white. It turned out okay!! I had a crust, then a slice and then the other crust. It tasted very yummy and I did get full. Didn't eat dinner - just drinking lots of water.
Found a new site today. It's about eating raw and I especially liked a post entitled, Welcome To Raw Food Right Now 2.0 I think it's going to save me a lot of time getting to where I want to be. They seem to have already been on this road and where I seem to be heading and seem to be where I feel the balance will be. Gives me hope! However, couldn't find much "wheat for man" in it. Will be studying this site a bit more - lots to learn.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 23 - Simple
Have to admit, I'm counting down for day 10. I'm so consumed with making sure I get wheat eaten. It's going to be fun to let this Daniel part go and zero in on more of a variety of whole foods but still with lots of grains. I'm a bit nervous. What if it doesn't make any difference? Then I'll be thinking I need to do it again to determine why. I need to go to my faith place -- now!
Day 22 - A little bit of hunger going on
This is all sounding so same-eeee, I'm sure. But, it does taste so good to me. I'm missing bread - gotta do something in that area one of these days. I've not done many nuts and seeds and really need to get them in here. I'm hoping they don't have an effect on the strength test at the end, but they are the protein so it just may be. Time just passes too quickly and I surely don't get all done that I would like to!
More gluten intolerance
I then read on a health site this morning, "Millions of people have celiac disease,.... Infertility seems to be more common in women with untreated celiac disease."
In a class years ago, a lady was teaching people about the nutrients of wheat and when infertile couples started eating the "whole" grain, they got pregnant. She emphasized the "whole" of the grain. She related many other cases of better health because of eating the whole grain. In today's modern world, most things that are made are made with the constituents of the whole -- not the "whole". Is this the problem? I so desire to know why.
I've just recently learned that herbs as a whole are so complete and powerful. When broken down, and only specific constituents are used, they become dangerous. Is it the same with wheat. I did not have this thought until writing but it very well could be the answer to my knowing why.
And what if the damage has been done to the body? Can it be repaired? Yes, it can! It has been done. If a person were to eat whole foods and cleanse the colon so it could heal and function properly, many of those problems would not be there. The body is a magnificent thing -- it repairs and rebuilds if we just give it the chance.
And it is sooooo funny, NO ONE, yet, will admit their colon could not be functioning properly. I do know mine isn't and now I'm wondering how long it will take for this to be accomplished. I know with time, patience and learning I will yet be successful.
Onward and upward!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Almond milk
When thinking about making almond milk, I always imagined way more almonds than it takes. I was quite surprised with the yield from not too many almonds. I'm now drying the almond meal. It will be fun to use!!!!
Measure and soak almonds
You will be using about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of raw almonds out of the shell. Soak overnight in enough water to cover with a little water more, to provide room for swelling. Another easier way to measure if you want to make 2 quarts or 2 liters at a time, is that 1 lb (or roughly a half kilo) of raw almonds out of the shell, makes a half gallon or 2 quarts or roughly 2 liters of creamy, rich almond milk when sufficient water is added after squeezing, to equal that volume. You can of course halve the water to make an almond cream suitable as coffee creamer, nog base, cream pies, or other uses where milk may be too thin.
Puree in blender or food processor
A quick whir in a powerful blender results in a thick, frothy almond puree, ready to be squeezed in a mesh bag or jelly bag, cheesecloth, or something similar. Simply place your cheesecloth or mesh strainer bag over the bowl, pour and scoop your puree into it, draw it closed, and start squeezing until the almond meal is as dry as you can get it. Don't add any more water at this point.
The harder you squeeze, the more creamy and nutritious your milk will be, but not to worry, any you don't get into the milk will still be eaten in the form of the almond meal, so there is nothing wasted. I use a fine plastic mesh drawstring bag that doubles as a shopping bag for small loose items like garlic or peppers.
Fine-strain for perfectly creamy results
I then pour the undiluted almond milk (that I just strained through the bag into a bowl) through a reusable gold metal mesh coffee cone filter. When it slows, gentle stirring makes filtering go faster. At the end, I press the bit of almond paste in the bottom to extract the last and creamiest bit. This finer, white almond meal is good to keep and dry separately and use as almond flour.
Add water to equal your total volume
I make this easier by straining it the second time directly into my glass half-gallon refrigerator pitcher, and then adding more water to fill the pitcher, but if you are making an amount different from a half gallon, proceed accordingly to get an end result of 3 cups of water for every cup of almond. You may thin it to taste by adding water, but better too rich than too thin, because too rich can be solved by adding water, but too thin is too bad.
Let "bloom" 24 hours in the fridge, add a bit of salt etc
Let it sit covered in the refrigerator pitcher for 24 hours. You will notice a creamy layer floats on top, but with a few gentle shaking sessions and a day or so in the refrigerator, it will blend nicely and taste superbly creamy. Once that has happened, add sweetener if you choose, and salt a pinch at a time, shaking in between and tasting, until the flavor goes from a little "flat" with no salt, to "better than any milk I ever tasted" (perfect). If not sure, hold back on another pinch of salt because one pinch too many ruins it. If you accidentally do add that one extra pinch past perfect taste, add more sweetener and it will no longer taste salty. Some add vanilla, others add almond extract or other flavors. You can even add dutched cocoa for a creamy sensation.
See how this clings to the glass like the freshest dairy milk? Commercial preparations use thickeners such as guar gum to achieve something similar but their results are inferior. It's hard not to drink it all up the first day, but it's even better the second. Keeps about a week in the refrigerator, but don't leave it out on the counter unless you want to experiment with raw almond yogurt or kefir.
Now you can enjoy lowcarb (depending on type and amount of sweetener if any) delicious vegan milk useful in vegan nogs, cream soups, mac-n-cheese, cream pies, alfredo, and so forth, whilst saving money over wasteful inferior pasteurized storebought concoctions, and keep your almond meal for the same price!
As for the almond meal, that may be another Instructable, but briefly, you spread it out on a half-sheet in a 300 degree F oven stirring a few times here and there until toasty and dry. Store in a jar, use as breadcrumbs, crumb crusts, breading, stuffing, cookies, cakes, and bars, or make into low glycemic granola.
Day 21 - Time is passing quickly
I fasted this morning -- trying to give my body a good opportunity to get rid of yesterday's food and some other special reasons. It was a wonderful morning.
I fed the boys the granola stuff I made as cereal along with a little raisin bran. One really liked it and the other one ate it but needed a bit of regular cereal after. lol
I finished up some carrot juice for lunch - didn't really feel like eating. If it takes my body this long to get to a norm after eating crappily, I can only imagine how the body really feels when we just over-inundate it over and over and over. I've done that all my life. Sad.
I had a small bowl of the granola stuff with some almond milk. I made some today and it was so easy. I don't know why in my mind I make everything so hard -- guess it's the unknown. I finally had some green smoothie in the evening. I'm just not feeling like eating. This is weird but I feel really good about it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 20 - Two steps back
Did have green smoothie for breakfast. That was good. Lunch became eating more and more and not of the good stuff. One good thing though, is at the end of the day, I needed to at least have some wheat and this thought of granola just kept coming to mind. I dumped the rest of the wheat sprouts into the blender and added the rest of the coconut milk. I whizzed it a bit and then put it into a bowl and added oatmeal, honey, raisins, a bit of cinnamon, coconut, and almond pieces. I then remembered some stuff I had in the cupboard -- a dry mix of buckwheat, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and some other stuff (pretty good stuff actually) but there was just a little left. I added it and by that time, it was stiff enough to put in a dish. Put it in the fridge for an hour and then ate some. Pretty good for just putting into it whatever came to mind.
It felt good to be eating something that felt like it was a staple.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dr. Pepper is food?
Went shopping at local grocery store. I was asked if I'd like a bottle of Dr. Pepper which was on special. I said, "No thank you." I was then asked if I would like to donate "it" to the local "FOOD" bank. I politely said, "Not pop". Am I missing something here????
Food: nutriment in solid form
Nutriment: something that nourishes or promotes growth, provides energy, repairs body tissues, and maintains life.
Diastic malt
Diastatic malt has long been a secret of professional bread makers in Europe. It is made from sprouted grains that have been dried and ground. In bread recipes, it replaces the sugar or honey needed to feed the yeast and brown the crust. Because diastatic malt is full of enzymes and vitamins, it increases the nutritional value of the bread. In addition, the action of the enzymes on the yeast and flour improves both the flavor and appearance of the bread; it creates a finer texture and helps the bread stay fresh.
Diastatic malt can be made at home using wheat berries, purchased from a health food store, and your food dehydrator. When using it in bread recipes, remember that it is very potent and only a small amount is needed.
Don't forget that your dehydrator makes a wonderful place to raise your bread.
The method: Place one cup of wheat berries in a wide-mouth glass jar and add 4 cups tepid water. Cover with a piece of nylon net; secure with a rubber band. Let soak about 12 hours. Drain off water (save for soup stock or use to water your plants - it’s full of minerals). Rinse well with tepid water, and drain completely. Repeat rinsing process 3 times a day for 2 days or until the little shoots are about the same length as the grains.
Rinse and drain once again. Place on teflon sheets and allow to dry at medium heat in your dryer. Grind dried sprouts to a fine flour in an electric grinder or blender. This will yield about 1 cup of diastatic malt. Store in a tightly closed glass jar in the refrigerator or freezer. It will keep indefinitely.
Day 19 - Feeling yuk after eating yuk
I decided to try some coconut milk. Cooked a batch of oatmeal cereal for everyone for breakfast. Perfect time to try out that milk. I can do this. It was good and fun.
I put the sugar container on the table, thinking everyone (specifically my partner in all this) would do just a "touch"; but boy, I came to a standstill as I watched. I realized that even here I've progressed in my self control because I did not say a word. But later, when the time was right, I suggested he put a little in his spoon and then sprinkle it on his cereal and told him I didn't think he had any idea just how much he'd put on it and said it was at least one tablespoon and probably more. He just smiled at me in his "I know" look.
When I was doing a presentation on wheat, I made diastatic malt. You sprout the wheat, dry it, grind it and it's diastatic malt and it is EXTREMELY sweet - in fact, almost too sweet. However, it does go to show how much "sweet" is in sprouts. We do not need any added sweetener but some things just need a "touch".
We had sauteed mushrooms for lunch and we were both bloated and upset about an hour later. Funny. So hard to let go of the good memories of what you liked. It was a good lesson.
Pizza was ordered by the others in our house. We had a large glass of green smoothie and were going to have just a skinny slice. Neither one of us could even stand the thought of eating it. We are still very much feeling the results of the lunch. Amazing!!!! Again I'm proud of us for recognizing that and resisting. We very well could have eaten it anyway. We ARE progressing!!!
Update: Later in the evening I was at that point of "what can I eat" -- it's that time of night when before it was eat everything and never finding what you wanted. I realized I hadn't eaten wheat all day. Went and got some sprouts, added some coconut milk and half a banana and what a difference in the munchy cravings. I've always thought this was happening but tonight it is very evident that it does!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Garlic and onions
This is just sooooooooo fun!!!!
Authentic Italian Red Sauce
4-8 fresh garlic cloves **NOT garlic powder**
1 (29 oz) can of tomatoes (you can add another 14 oz can if you desire a milder sauce)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup fresh basil, or as much fresh basil you desire **NOT dried basil**
1 tsp Better Than Boullion, beef flavor OR 1 beef bouillon cube
Mild cayenne pepper to taste **OPTIONAL** Not too much and not if kids are eating it. You can always add it to your own plate.
The secret to making it perfectly is to use the correct ingredients and, more importantly, you have to make it with love. Don't ever cook this when you're angry; it doesn't turn out right.
Blend up the tomatoes from the can so they are a fairly smooth consistency. Mince garlic with mincer and put in sauce pan with olive oil. don't be shy with the garlic. I use about 8 medium cloves. You'll think it's too much, but it's not. It really gives the sauce that kick. Turn on heat just until the garlic starts to really sizzle. Do not overcook the garlic. Do not let it turn color. It will loose its flavor and turn bitter. Add tomatoes to garlic and olive oil. Bring to a simmer. Add tomatoe paste, bouillon, fresh basil and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer. Let cook a minute or two. Enjoy!!!! This does not need to cook a long time. It will actually loose its pungent flavor if you do. This sauce will store for a long time sealed properly and kept in the refrigerator.
The sauce is very good on many things: zucchini and onions sauteed in clarified butter and sea salt; thinly sliced cabbage (to resemble fettuccine) lightly steamed; spaghetti squash; baked potato; onion, carrots and yellow squash sauteed; buttered brown rice with cayenne on top, sauteed chicken or beef strips; for just a few
Day 18 - Dinner just for me? No one else liked it.
We had a vege sandwich for lunch.
Dinner was a red sauce recipe given to me by my daughter-in-law. She went to Italy on her mission and they truly make it from scratch and there is very little cooking. I love it. I cooked a spaghetti squash and cabbage. I had both, along with some wheat sprouts, under my sauce.
This was NOT a big hit for the rest of the family -- in fact it wasn't even a little hit. I went to feel guilty and then had the thought that I should be entitled to a favorite once a year, I think? Or, why not even twice a year. lol
And so, one more day completed.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 17 - It's amazing that so little food is so satisying
We had a salad and I forgot to put the wheat sprouts on it. I had one small strip of grilled chicken with it. We also had the plantain - cut in circles and browned/cooked in a little oil. I had about four of those. After dinner I made the green smoothie and put the wheat sprouts in it and had some. Too funny -- it's not the best green smoothie I've made and it's not because of the wheat sprouts. You win some, you come in fourth with some; this one is probably sixth (too much ginger and too many apples because they are too pulpee), but it wasn't the worst one I've ever made. lol
I did eat wheat sprouts this morning with some bran flakes and raisins. I added a bit of honey. Lunch was late so just grabbed an apple.
It really is amazing to just go and go and eat so little and be full and satisfied.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 16 - Let the eating wheat everyday begin
I love the Lord's creations with a much greater vision than I've ever had before and now understand what the world does with God's creations. Many drugs are made from a plant- a part that has been isolated and then they sometimes even synthesize it. So sad!!!
We had sprouted wheat with 3 T of yogurt for breakfast. (Now we aren't supposed to be using dairy products but I had no time and this had to do - I know everyone can relate! lol) I had a green smoothie for lunch.
I fixed baked salmon and with that we had kind of a stir fry but I steamed the celery and broccoli and then added 1/2 of the bean sprouts. I then used about 1 T of butter and stir fried the other half of the bean sprouts and then put everything together and also added cooked wheat berries (wheat that has been boiled). Ya know -- it wasn't half bad. It all got eaten which surprised me.
Now I know I still have a long ways to go to get this down but I'm so pleased that today I ate wheat twice. I'm very blessed!!!! Answers to prayers are real!!!!!!!!!!
I did do some weight lifting this morning and will do the comparison after 10 days.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 15 - Detoxing? I think so.
We had cream of wheat cereal for breakfast. It was warm, tasty and filling. What a way to begin a day! I remembered that I wanted to do the 10 days of eating wheat everyday and decided I need to start tomorrow.
My general vitality has always been lower than my husband's so I've known I was worse off than he was -- yet he has all the worldly signs and on all the meds (heart trouble, high cholesterol and triglycerides and high blood pressure). He was who I was talking about the denial part. Yet, today I've realized I am really in denial. I'm worse off inside than he is. His turn around time of elimination after fasting was 36 hours and mine was 48. I must be detoxing off and on because I'm just off and on - quite interesting.
Just realized -- I wrote the above before I ran errands and as I was driving home, I was thinking about this day so far - not much energy, spacey, tired...... - and I remembered reading that detox happens in 7's - 7 days, 7 weeks, 7 months, 7 years. I then counted and today is day 7. I really AM detoxing!! I can now let go of wondering what is happening and enjoy the day as it is. It's kind of neat when you can zero into what your body feels and then recognize what is happening.
We had leftover potatoes (cut in really small cubes and browned) and black beans with salsa on them. Not much originality there!
A LITTLE ABOUT US
I met Gwenith a few years ago and she's become a very dear friend. We found we were kindred sisters in the preparedness world. We now live miles apart and yet, the kindred has never dwindled. When we talk, we find we always seem to be going down the same road in the thought process - a miracle in itself.
I'm Gwenith (Honeybee). I have a wonderful husband and two boys who are my jewels. I have known since serving a proselyting/welfare mission years ago that the Lord wanted me to be involved in the 'Provident Living' side of things.
The last several years have been an amazing learning adventure and I thank the Lord for allowing me to be an instrument in His hands in any way. Thank goodness I have a friend to share this adventure with -- Basak. Though Basak seems my peer, not my elder, I lean heavily on her wisdom, experience and most of all her strong spirituality. She is an example to me. My efforts to becoming closer to the Lord have benefited from watching her. Thank you, friend!