Eco Emi January/February Boxes

I recently subscribed to a monthly product box. These have become VERY popular and there are many different companies doing it. What drew me to Eco-Emi is that everything is Organic, mostly vegan, and doesn't test on animals. This is what I received in my first two boxes.

Since I'm doing these together, I won't talk about the separate months. I really enjoyed some of these products and have ordered a larger size of one of them.  

1. Lip Balms: Each box had one lip balm, full size. The first supported Endangered Species. Mine supported the Monk Seal in lavender orange flavor. OMG this is AMAZING!! Definitely will buy from them at some point. The other lip balm was from Dagoba. I got the lavender chocolate flavor. They must know somehow I love lavender, and this product is amazing as well. Stock up!
2. Makeup Items: Currently, I'm not wearing make-up, so I'm not sure what I'll do with those products. I have a Lip Tint, Lip Gloss and Eyeliner. 
3. Food Products: I received a nice sample of sprouted quinoa, and three teas; two green teas and a Herbal Chocolate Mint Truffle Tea by Mighty Leaf Tea. I can't wait to try that one! They are all loose leaf, and I don't have the ability to brew loose leaf right now, so once I get a tea ball, I will try them out!
4. Laundry Detergent I have a sample of BioKleen detergent, which I'm sure will come in handy, and then the February box had the oddest thing. I, and most of the members, thought it was food at first. They are soap nuts. They are small fruit that grow in the tropics and apparently can clean laundry. They came in a little bag, which you just toss into the wash. I think the batch I got is good for about four loads. I'm really interested to try these. 
5. I also received a sample of coconut oil, Deep Steep lotion, Dr. Clean Green hand sanitizer, sunblock by Dr. Robbins, a full bar of OluvSuds Soap, Organic Energy Shampoo and Conditioner by Greenbody Greenplant and Lavender & White Tea Towelettes by Crystal Essence. I've only tried the towelettes, and I really feel they worked well, They were quick and easy to use and for those days you just need to run up to the grocery store but don't want to shower, wipe yourself down and you won't have to worry about stinkiness. 
6. Body Butter by Lauren Brooke Cosmetics: This came in a tiny sample, but I fell in love. My hands have cracked and need serious work. Just that little sample helped eased them. I ordered full sized and am so excited to use them! The scents include Sweet Chai, Chocolate Orange and Chocolate Mint. 

Overall I'm happy with the program and look forward to getting my March box at the end of the month!

Eden Alley: Kansas City's Greatest Vegetarian Restaurant

For most vegetarians, and especially vegans, going out to eat consists of a poorly made salad, side dishes, or maybe choosing from the one entree the restaurant has providing for veggies. Eden Alley is a delightful change for vegetarians. The entire menu is vegetarian, mostly vegan, with most of the food coming from local farmers. The staff is always friendly, the service quick, the food consistent, and the atmosphere comfortable. Located in the basement of the Unity Temple on 47th and Jefferson on the Plaza, Eden's Alley provides meals that satisfy any foodie, regardless of their vegetarian status. I've taken many die hard meat eater and skeptics over the years and I've yet to have anyone who was not impressed by the food. There is something for everyone on the menu.

The standard menu consists of a variety of salads, falafel platter, tacos, smokey tomato bruschetta, sweet potato burrito and several other delicious staples. They also have a daily specials menu, which can have anything from pasta's, to soups, Mexican fare, a raw entree, and my favorite, the Zucchini cake. And the desserts, to live for. Most of them are vegan, and range from the All About Chocolate, to carrot cake, various forms of bread pudding, raw tars, coconut cakes, etc.They also serve brunch on Saturday's, giving you even more options to choose from. This weekend I went to the restaurant with a group of friends; check out these drool worthy photos.

Mung Bean Soup

Tomato Bisque Soup

Cinnamon and Raisin French Toast

Ultimate Garlic Grilled Cheese (vegan)

Egg Salad Bruschetta

Avacado Vera Cruz

Falafel Platter

Zucchini Cake with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Sadly we ordered our dessert to go, so I did not get any pictures, but I guarantee they are just as mouth watering. I highly recommend checking out Eden Alley any time you are in Kansas City. They are open for lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday.  

Have you been to Eden Alley? What's your favorite dish?

Rawman & Green Girl: Cartoon Superheroes

How do you introduce rawfoods, green smoothies, organic living and composting to a little kid? Cartoons of course! These videos are cheesy, fun and educational.  Check them out, share them with your kids, and support this wonderful cause!

Rawman & Green Girl on Cafe Press: http://shop.cafepress.com/rawman-&-green-girl

Healthy Monday's: The Protein Myth

As a vegetarian, the question I get asked most often is "Where do you get your protein?"  Most people believe that the best sources of protein come from meat, dairy and eggs, and are baffled at what vegetarians, especially vegans do for protein.  There are actually many wonderful sources of protein, which I will layout for you here.  An important thing to notice also is if something is a COMPLETE source of protein.  What does this mean?  Essentially a complete source of protein contains adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids the human body needs to function properly. 

One thing to get in mind before I divulge vegan protein options is that while most sources of meat and dairy are complete proteins, it doesn't necessarily mean that those sources are good for us.  95% of our meat and dairy industry is controlled by large factory farms.  This means that most of the meat, cheese and egg products we consume are filled with hormones and come from extremely unhealthy animals.  Most of these animals never see the light of day, live in terrible conditions, are disease-ridden, and are fed unnatural, nutrient-less diets.  Even if you are not concerned with the humanity issue, who wants to eat something that is filled with chemicals, stripped of nutrients and diseased?  Ewww.  If you choose to eat these items, go local and organic.  You'll find that not only will it taste better, but you will get more out of the food and not be exposed to harmful hormones and potential diseases.  And for those of you that believe you are safe by eating fish, think again.  Most fish sold in stores and restaurants now actual come from farms.  These fish are also pumped with toxins, and many fish are dyed so that the flesh appears white and is therefore more attractive.  Companies have also experimented with feeding fish corn, which is unnatural and leading to health and nutrition issues with the fish.  Do some research before consuming these products, or all you'll be doing is consuming toxic, nutrient-less food.

For more information check out these blog entries by Chris Beat Cancer:
Mutant Milk
King Corn

So what sources of protein are healthy and great for vegans?

1. Grains.  There are several grains that are a complete source of protein.  These include Amaranth (pictured), Buckwheat, Hemp seed, and Quinoa.  All of these grains are great for making pasta, cereals, baked goods, and much more.  Hemp seed is the star of this category, with the highest source of protein.  Another way to consume it is by purchasing vegan protein powders that are hemp based.  Famous vegan athlete Brendan Brazier has a great product called Vega that I often use in my smoothies.

2. Greens.  Most greens are a great source of protein, but these particular greens are also a complete source of protein.  Spirulina (pictured) is the highest source of protein of any food item in the world.  It can be purchased in powder form and is a great addition to any smoothie.  Blue-Green Algae is another green that also counts as a complete protein.  Usually you can find this in the freezer section of your health food store.  I recommend thawing it, putting it into ice cube trays, and then popping a cube into your smoothie. 

3. Goji Berries.  This delightful berry has one of the highest sources of complete protein in the word.  Goji berries are known as the "Longevity Berry" and Chinese history has many stories relating to people who have lived 250-300 years by eating these berries daily.  This fruit is also an adaptogen, which means that it strengthens the systems, helps our body deal with stress by supporting the adrenal glands.  These berries are also very high in antioxidants, boost the immune system, improve vision, hydrate the body, are very alkalizing, promote neurological and cardiovascular health, balance blood sugar levels, and increase the product of the human growth hormone. 

4. Nutritional Yeast.  This amazing food is an incredible source of protein, higher than any meat product.  It is also a great source of B-12 vitamins and regulates blood sugar.  It can be used as a condiment, added to gravies and sauces, added to the flour in baked goods, used to make a vegan cheeze, etc. 

Finding protein sources is really not that difficult.  Other vegetarian sources of protein include Chlorella, Cacao, Incan Berries (also known as goldenberries), dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.  Most of these are not complete sources of protein, but when combined will give you all the protein you need. 

Detox Your World

Our body takes in toxins daily, from the pesticides in our food, the chemicals in our shampoos and the air we breathe.  Even if you are on a strict organic diet using only natural household products, you still have toxins.  High levels of toxins affect how our body functions, creating disease, increasing parasites and nasty bacteria in our body, making us fatigued and gain weight.  There are several simple, at home tools that you can add to your daily practice that will help you eliminate these toxins from your body, and make you healthier overall. 

1. Skin Brushing The Skin is the largest organ in the body; a quarter of our daily elimination comes through the skin.  The Lymphatic System is the one system in our body that does not have it's own "pump" to help it circulated.  It can become stagnant it we do not actively move it.  Skin brushing stimulates the Lymph system, moving toxins through, into the colon, releasing during urination. Skin Brushing has many great benefits including improving the elasticity of your skin, removing dead tissue that clogs pores, reducing cellulite, improving digestion, increasing the production of new cells, strengthening the immune system and improving lymph function.  You can get a dry brush from most supermarkets, drug stores, Target, Whole Foods, etc. Do it before you get into the shower each day.  Watch the video below to see how it's done.

2. Colon Cleansing The average person has 25lbs of feces jam packed into their colon.  Yuck!! Because of all the toxins we've allowed into our bodies, the colon has become a feeding ground for parasites, who thrive on the nasty bacteria buildups.  All of this nasty commotion slows down the function of the colon, which can cause toxins to leak back into the bloodstream, make it difficult for you to assimilate all the nutrients in your food, make bowel movements difficult or infrequent and cause fatigue.  Finding a colonic practitioner is a great way to eliminate this buildup, and make your colon shiny and new again.  Enema's are a great at home tool, however they most clean out the rectum, the last 8-12 inches of the colon.  However, even doing this can help get you moving better, and eliminate the buildup in the rest of the colon.  Coffee enemas also help detox the liver, pulling even more toxins from the body.  I highly recommend including enemas in your detox practice.  I would personally purchase the enema bucket for the easiest and cleanest process. 

Purchase an enema kit here: Enema Bucket Kit

Learn how to perform an enema: Give Yourself an Enema

Detox Your Liver with a Coffee Enema: Coffee Enema

3. Neti Pot The neti pot is a great tool for cleaning out the sinuses.  Colds, allergies, respiratory problems are very common.  The sinuses fill with bacteria, mucus and other toxins.  By gently washing them with saline, you can prevent sinus related sickness! Simply insert the Neti Pot gently into your nostril, tilt your head, and let the liquid slowly drain through, cleaning out the nasal passages.  Repeat on the other side.  You can do this as often as you like, some people do it daily, like brushing your teeth.  I would recommend doing it before getting into the shower.  I often find that the moisture from the shower makes me release even more mucus from my nostrils, plus I'd rather get rid of the "gunk" during my shower, than sit on the couch for 20 minutes after blowing my nose. 

4. The Zapper This unique tool uses a small electronic pulse to kill parasites in your system.  Yes, people, worms, creepy crawlers and all sorts of nasties are living in your body right now, feeding off your waste, eating your food before you get to properly digest it, and they can also feed off of you!! Creating healthy eating habits and detoxing regularly can eliminate or reduce parasites in your system. The Terminator Zapper is a kickass little tool that you can wear anywhere, that literally "zaps" those pesky little parasites.  The first week I slept with it on the bottom of my foot every night, and wore it on various body parts while sedentary.  I spent 10 days mostly sleeping and taking trips to the bathroom, no kidding!! My body went into serious detox mode, and when I came out of it I had more energy than I'd had in years. 

Want to read some horribly disturbing, yet informative info on parasites? Human Intestinal Parasites

Grossed out? Would you like to get rid of those pets? Order a Zapper

These are just a few suggestions, that can make a HUGE difference in how your body functions.  Exercise, deep breathing, Tongue Scraping, laughter, meditation, detox bath and a good nights sleep are also important in eliminating toxins from your body and keeping healthy.