Happy New Year!

Been a minute. I'm checking in because I need to use a beet burger recipe today that I made years ago. I may start posting again. Still mostly plant-based, reading, riding, officiating and playing chess.  That's pretty much my retired lifestyle.  Take care until next time. Wishing you Life, Prosperity & Health ✌

Day 15.....Halfway there or halfway done?

 I'll keep it short. I had mandarins, grapes, apples and a smoothie today. Dizzy spells no where near as bad as yesterday. I spent most of the day relaxing, reading and thinking about the bike ride this weekend. 40% chance of rain. Outside of that, today was a good day.

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 13, 14

 I have know idea what happened to day 13 but day 14 started great witha 20 mile bike ride. I had water melon before the ride and after the ride. Later in the afternoon I had a pineapple.  The rest of the late afternoon and evening I was really dizzy. I went to the store to get more fruit for the next few days. When I returned home it was off to bed. 

I think it was one of those detox moments and the fact that after a hard ride I need to eat more.  I post about day 15 later tonight.

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 12

We'll be entering the "Teens" tomorrow.  Yea!  Today was a good day.  Rode with Major Taylor Phoenix Riders and it was a fun ride as usual.  I packed to bags of grapes today. Ate them all and drank most of my water. Put in 57 fruit fueled miles today.  

One of Ahmads birthday celebrations was had post ride.  Much fun.

After I made it home I was out again running errands.  Finally got back home a few hours later I had a nice smoothie and now I'm about ready to call it a day.  

No riding tomorrow.  Yard work is calling and a run to the store to stock up on fruit for the week.

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 11

 

Not a lot to report today. Maybe that's a good thing.  Took care of some errands early. Late morning I had a bag of clementines and a couple of dates while watching a little college football and cooking shows.

As for the evening I'm about to eat a pineapple and call it a day and get ready for the  Major Taylor Sunday Recreational Ride. All in all it was a nice peaceful and restful day. #fruititup

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 10

 

Man, what a great morning! The Friday Morning 🍩☕🚴  Lot's of laughs and a great time had by all.  My morning started with 3 apples and a date. It was chilly this morning but that did not stop the fun.

After the ride it was time for r&r.  Had a post ride smoothie and put the feet up. A little later in the evening I fixed some nicecream.

I also picked up another donut to add to the freezer for Dec 1. Two more Fridays to go and we are about halfway there.

Now I can shut it down. Thanks for checking in and hanging with me so far.

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 9

Not a bad day at all.  One orange and date before Da Morning Show Ride.  Energy up and down when the pace was 19-20.  Detox starts talking to the body around that speed not to mention it was 48-50 degrees this morning. 

The rest of the day I was fueled by a smoothie and for the rest of the day and evening oranges and apples.

Tomorrows temp at the start of The Friday Donut and Coffee Ride will be around 45-47.  Burr.......

It will also be the second Friday of the Fruit Feast which means I'll pick up a danish to bring home to add to week ones danish in the freezer. More importantly this is a chill ride.  Folks get to engage in different conversations along the route and at SOJO's Vegan Donuts.  Bam!

Check back tomorrow.

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 8

Got some welled needed rest today.  Started the day with banana, raspberry, pineapple, apple and strawberry smoothie. The rest of the day for the most part was rest and relax.  I did make a trip to the store for fruit and ate a bag of oranges during the late afternoon/evening hours. 

Now I need to get ready for that #4amRoll with Da Morning Show.  Second week  is on.......#FruitItUp

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 7!

My 1st goal was to make it 7 days. Done. I had an apple and a date before the ride. My energy was like a roller coaster but I did finish. All Praise. Da Morning Show crew pulled me through.

After the ride a long nap was calling me. Now these dizzy spells and feeling faint are more than I've had to deal with in the past. Eating some pineapple and a banana calmed things down a bid. Make that two naps. Ha Ha.

I guessing there is some detoxing, healing and or repair of some sort going on. I ride my bike 5-6 days a week putting in between 25-50 miles a day. Continued success to the Fruit Feast Group. Late this evening I had nice smoothie and later knocked off some distilled water. Feeling a lot better now. A good nights rest is in order. Tomorrow it's a trip to the store for another weeks worth of fruit. Fruit It Up! #plantbasedlifestyle

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 6

 It's day six and I'm please to have made it this far.  Mind you I have completed one about 3 or 4 years ago.  Many failed attempts since then but every other month it helps keep on track with a plant based lifestyle.  So this morning I had a date and a banana before the ride with Da Morning Show.  Post ride was the other half of the watermelon I had yesterday.  Sorta like a "Watermelon Monday".  I may have to revisit that after the fruit feast. 

The afternoon consisted of an apple and later this evening it was a pineapple. Time to unwind. I'll check back on Day 7(3 weeks to go).

Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

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Fruit Feast Day 5

Really nice ride with Major Taylor Phoenix Rider on the Sunday Recreational Ride.

Pretty sure I'll have eat at least 5 apples before a 40-50 mile bike ride and of course I should have drank all my water. I did however eat a couple dates during the ride. I made it in good fashion though. After the ride I treated myself to 🍌🍏🍓smoothie.

That called for an unexpected and welcomed nap. The rest of the afternoon was just chill mode having the tv watch me off and on.  Now I saw a post on FB and the guy was eating a watermelon. My reply was that's what I'm have tonight. And I was sweet to. I ate half and the other half will go down after tomorrow mornings ride. I may go back to my "Watermelon Mondays".

Well folks I need to knock off a few household chores.  Lord willing I'll check in tomorrow.  Closing in on my first goal which is 7 days. #FruitItUp

Peace 

Fruit Feast Day 4

 Eventful or uneventful.......

The day started with a nice fruit smoothie to start the day then off to officiate a few basketball games. The rest of the day was about what to eat.  Turns out is was apples, oranges and bananas and of course a few ounces of distilled water after I ran a few errands.

Now the challenge got a little tough when I came home and family members were eating non fruit goodies. Let me tell you I was temped to jump off the wagon and indulge. I've done that many times on this challenge over the years. It should be noted that I have completed the challenge one time about 3 or 4 years ago. Let's just say even at this moment I'm going to have a couple more apples and call it day.

Sunday is the Major Taylor Sunday Recreational Ride and another opportunity to complete another fruit fueled ride and day.

Until then Fruit It Up........join me for a meal or a day.  Peace  

Fruit Feast Day 3

Fruit Feast Day 3........happy to say I'm still in it!  Most of the day before and after the Friday Donut and Coffee Ride I've been eating pineapple. I'll have a smoothie later this evening.

 

One of our favorite spots is Sojo's Vegan Donuts.......they also have breakfast sandwiches and drinks.  

So what's up with the date on the bag?  It's part of the challenge. One of the riders suggested the owner put the date that I could eat my favorite danish pastry.  It's in the freezer. One down and 3 to go. 

Just a little reminder before it hit the freezer. Out of sight of of mind.....NOT!  I usually don't ride on Saturday.  Tonight and tomorrow I'll be doing a little fruit fueled officiating.  Until next time #FruitItUp

🍎🍍✌🏀🚴

 

Fruit Feast Day 2

Day 2 started with a bowl of grapes before Da Morning Show 23 mile ride. Didn't drink all the distiller water but it was chilly and not a very aggressive ride. I really haven't been that thirsty eating watery fruit for the past couple of days.  We had fun as usual on our #4amRoll.  Post ride was 5-6 oranges.  Thinking about a smoothie later this afternoon or evening. All the snacks keep calling me. Trying to stay out of the kitchen, not watch any cooking shows and not pause on cooking post on social media. 😄

Tomorrow is our Friday Morning ☕🍩 Ride. I'm not counting but I'll have three more Fridays to go.  But whose counting. Ha Ha........until the next time.  Peace, Blessings & Prosperity

Fruit Feast Day 1

Had a fruit fueled bike ride this morning with Major Taylor Phoenix Riders Great weather and conversation as well.  Grapes and distilled water was the fuel. The post ride grub so far has been four apples and a cup of distilled water.  I'm sure I'll be snaking on some more fruit later.

Getting ready to do some reading. Lets see what tomorrow brings with the #4amRoll with Da Morning Show......Peace 

November Fruit Feast Challenge........

Has it been 4 years. I'm surprised I didn't receive a notice about the account being closed. So the #fruitfeast starts tomorrow and I'll be hanging out here, if I can remember. Ha Ha.  For more info about the feast and the person behind the challenge check out Orvel.  Talk soon. 

Protect Your Skin In The Summer

Article from http://foodrevolution.org

Sun Exposure and Your Skin

I don’t know about you, but in the summertime, I spend a lot of time outside in the sun. And it turns out that some sun is actually essential because your skin needs direct sunlight to produce vitamin D. Many health experts now recommend 10-30 minutes of direct sunlight — without sunblock or protective clothing — every day before you cover up.

But getting too much sun exposure can be a serious problem, triggering premature aging and even skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is now the most common type of human cancer worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that one out of every three cancer diagnoses is skin cancer.

There’s no doubt about it: Getting burned can be seriously hazardous to your health. But it turns out that your diet and lifestyle can have a significant impact on the health of your skin, and on how your body responds to sunlight and other possible stressors.

How Food Can Protect Your Skin

iStock.com/SStajic

Certain foods can act as a natural sunscreen. And they can help your body protect itself from the skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. They can also protect your skin from other damaging effects of too much sun so that you can get the vitamin D and other health benefits you need, with a lower risk of harm.

How does this work? Eating foods high in antioxidants — compounds found in plant foods that help protect your body from free radical damage — does more than lower your risk for things like heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants are photoprotective of your skin (a fancy way of saying that they protect your skin from light); they prevent oxidative damage from the sun, and they reduce inflammation of your skin cells.

A 2001 study found that antioxidants — especially vitamin C — play a significant role in acting as a natural sunscreen and protecting your skin from sun damage. When applied in amounts that accumulated on the skin, vitamin C actually destroyed any free radicals that it came into contact with. What does this mean for us? Perhaps adding antioxidants into sunscreens is a good idea, but we should also eat them in abundance — and on a daily basis.

For some of the top antioxidant-rich foods, click here.

10 Foods For Sun Protection

iStock.com/TommasoT

Here are ten of the best foods for sun protection.

1) Grapes and Grape Seed: Sixty to seventy percent of the polyphenols in grapes are in their seeds. Grapes contain a unique type of polyphenol called procyanidin, which may have cancer-preventing properties. Studies have shown the ability of grape seed proanthocyanidins to attack melanoma cells, and lab studies have shown their effectiveness in targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma. Research suggests that grapes and grape seed extracts could offer sun protection by reducing the effects of UV rays on skin.

2) Garlic and Onions: Garlic and onions are part of the Allium family of vegetables. Their oils have been shown to slow skin cancer and reduce tumors in mice. The beneficial effect of alliums on skin cancer and other diseases is largely attributed to their organosulfur compounds.

3) Pomegranate: Research shows promise for the use of pomegranate extract, oil, and juice to prevent UVB-induced skin cancer. Even when mice were fed water containing pomegranate fruit extract, they experienced a reduced risk for UVB-induced skin cancer as well as lessened tumor growth. For more on the use of pomegranate to fight cancer, click here.

4) Green Tea: One major polyphenol in tea is EGCG, which has been shown to protect skin against UV radiation effects. A 2007 population study found that drinking one cup (or more) of tea per day for at least one month reduced risk for basal cell carcinoma. This has also been shown in animal studies when mice were fed green tea. Green tea may have the ability to boost DNA repair, preventing non-melanoma skin cancers. Matcha green tea is especially potent.

5) Soy Beans: Soy foods are rich in compounds called isoflavones, which bind to estrogen receptors in your skin and may reduce wrinkles. They also improve skin elasticity, increase collagen synthesis, and have an overall skin protective effect. However, when consuming soy and soy products, choose organic soy to avoid harmful GMOs.

6) Mushrooms: The Chaga mushroom has been studied for its ability to suppress tumor growth in mice, and its extract has been shown to cause melanoma cell death in mice. Some research suggests that Chaga mushroom extract has promising potential in cancer treatment. Find out more about the health benefits of mushrooms here.

7) Turmeric: One of the oldest Ayurvedic spices, turmeric has many health benefits. Its main active ingredient is curcumin, which has been widely studied for cancer prevention. Turmeric and curcumin have been shown to significantly reduce cancerous skin lesions and inhibit cancer cell signaling. One study showed that topical and oral curcumin were equally effective at slowing skin cancer tumor growth in mice. Find out about 600 reasons why turmeric could be the world’s most important herb, here.

8) Dark Green Leafy Vegetables: A high intake of green leafy vegetables — such as kale, spinach, collard greens, and swiss chard — may reduce skin cancer risk. Research suggests this protective effect has to do with their lutein and beta carotene content. A 2007 study also found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, like dark leafy greens, reduced risk of squamous cell carcinoma — whereas a diet high in fat and meat increased risk.

9) Ginger: Ginger is effective at slowing tumor growth and killing skin cancer cells, while fresh ginger juice has been shown to treat skin burns and lesions in lab, animal, and epidemiological studies. And gingerol, a chemical compound found in fresh ginger, has been shown to block the growth of skin cancer cells.

10) Milk Thistle Seed: Milk thistle compounds applied to the skin of mice exposed to UVB radiation prevents the development of skin cancer. What’s interesting about this is that protective effects were seen when the milk thistle was applied both before and after UVB exposure. This suggests that it actually blocks cancer pathways and doesn’t just act like sunscreen. Another similar study found that skin tumor growth was slowed when mice were fed silymarin, a phytochemical found in milk thistle.

Recipes For Sun Protection

Check out some of these recipes that use skin protective ingredients:

Photo Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie from Minimalist Baker — A nice blend of ginger, turmeric, and carotenoid-rich carrots, this is a refreshing drink that will cool you off in the summer sun while protecting your skin.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Floating Kitchen — This is a great recipe that combines dark leafy greens with beta-carotene-rich sweet potatoes and beans. You could probably add a bit of turmeric to the spice mix too, for an additional protective effect.

Chaga Mushroom Tea from One Green Planet — A new way to enjoy your evening cup of hot tea, this recipe uses chunks of Chaga mushrooms, and spices like ginger, to add a skin-protecting factor.

Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas from Simple Vegan Blog — With six cups of spinach in this one, mixed with just a few other simple and healthy ingredients, you’re sure to pack in the phytochemicals.

Spiced Pomegranate Rice from Bon Appetit — Sub water or vegetable broth for the chicken broth in this one, and you’ve got a plant-powered, antioxidant-rich meal that blends pomegranate with turmeric for a flavorful rice.

The Right Sunscreen Is Still Important

iStock.com/Imgorthand

Depending on how much sun exposure you get, it may still be a very good idea to wear sunscreen for additional skin protection. But which kind is best?

Many sunscreens contain chemicals like PABA, cinnamates, and oxybenzone. They can react with the sun’s rays to create free radicals and actually increase your risk of skin cancer.

And that’s not all; chemical sunscreens are associated with hormone disruption, meaning they can act like estrogen in your body and increase cancer risk. In addition, some chemicals in sunscreens may go much deeper into your body than your skin.

An alternative to chemical sunscreens is physical sunscreen, which contains natural compounds like zinc oxide and titanium oxide. While chemical sunscreens act to absorb harmful UV rays and prevent them from causing skin damage, physical sunscreens scatter UV rays. This prevents some of the UV rays from getting into your skin at all. They leave you looking a little like you’re covered in white paint because they are a physical barrier. But they do work well without exposing your body to chemicals like PABA, cinnamates, or oxybenzone.

An added reality of zinc oxide is that when you use it, some of the zinc gets absorbed into your body. Zinc is essential for metabolic function and tissue repair. Getting the right amount is important. And zinc oxide-containing sunblock could be a helpful part of the equation. However, we need more to know whether it’s also possible to absorb too much from heavy sunblock usage.

Protect Your Skin Naturally

There are many benefits to spending time outdoors. And it’s important to find a healthy balance between sun exposure and sun protection. For most of us, it’s smart to use barriers or sunscreen during times of intense and prolonged sun exposure. And you can also boost your body’s natural sun protection by eating antioxidant-rich foods year-round.

Resource: Do you want to keep your skin radiant and youthful? Aside from protecting your skin from the sun and eating sun-protective foods, good skin health comes from having a smart skin care routine. Our friends at Annmarie Skin Care have developed a line of all natural, organic, wildcrafted skin care products. And we’ve gotten excellent feedback from many of our members who swear by them.

Right now, the good people at Annmarie Skin Care are offering a sample kit for just $10. In this sample kit you’ll get:

1. Their pH-balanced Aloe Herb Cleanser, which is infused with marigold, lemon essential oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil. It gently removes environmental toxins, makeup, and excess oil, without drying out your skin or leaving any residue.
2. And you can also get their Anti-Aging Facial Oil AND their Probiotic Serum with Tremella. Together these give you that extra protection from harsh pollutants and extended sun exposure. And they also boost your complexion’s natural defenses over time with a concentrated blend of skin-reviving probiotics, olive leaf extract, astaxanthin, Tremella mushroom, and restorative herbs.

When you purchase the $10 Sample Kit, you also get a $10 coupon for a future purchase, plus free shipping worldwide. And Annmarie Skin Care will make a contribution in support of Food Revolution Network’s work, too! Find out more, and get your kit here.

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Peace

What to do about inflammation

#75HARD came to a squishing halt. I realized yesterday morning the day before I was short 8oz of water.  That means, in short, you have to start over. At some point in the near future, I may do that.

Inflammation is an important response in the human body. 

It can assist in the healing of damaged tissue during an injury, or to fight a foreign body like an irritant or pathogen.

But when inflammation is not kept in check, experts agree that chronic inflammation is associated with everything from heart disease, allergies, obesity, skin issues, arthritis, and so much more. 

Cleaning up our diets is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation. Food sensitivity tests can be helpful, as well as becoming more attuned to your body after you eat certain foods.

You may be able to notice changes in factors like energy levels, mood, skin clarity, focus, or digestive or bathroom discomfort. 

Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner, preferably one who practices functional or integrative medicine, or a nutritionist, is a great way to have support to determine what foods are best for you. 

Remember, not every food acts the same in everybody. 

This is one of the reasons diet and nutrition can be such highly debated topics. 

But as you continue on the life-long journey of optimizing your diet, here are some foods and herbs to keep in mind that may come in handy if you are actively trying to reduce inflammation. 


TOP 9 HERBS & FOODS THAT REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Ginger: Ginger reduces inflammation as well as “warms” the body. Its ability to increase circulation, paired with its anti-inflammatory properties makes it useful for treating osteoarthritis, and other conditions due to impaired circulation. Ginger also improves digestion by enhancing the secretion of gastric juices and is useful for nausea, gas, and motion sickness.

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne is both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative, and increases circulation. Cayenne may help in preventing certain types of cancers, hardening of the arteries, reducing histamine response. It's also useful in healing the mucous membranes, specifically those damaged by aspirin. 

Turmeric: Turmeric is widely known as one of the most potent anti-inflammatory herbs in the world and has been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammatory diseases. Turmeric has also been used by some to help prevent Alzheimer's Disease and tumor growth.

Pomegranate: Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols which are not only anti-oxidative but also anti-inflammatory. Pomegranates are useful in breaking down arterial plaque and strengthening the integrity of arteries. Studies show that pomegranate also inhibits the progression of tumor cells by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels to tumors. 

Sarsaparilla: Sarsaparilla contains steroidal compounds that are anti-inflammatory and can be used as a homeopathic alternative to treating inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. It can also be useful in arthritis, gout, and inflammation of connective tissue. Sarsaparilla is used in some countries as a heal-all herb, as it also has the ability to bind to toxins inside the gut and enhance the excretion of metabolic waste. 

Blueberry: Blueberries are high in proanthocyanidins, polyphenols that are potent anti-inflammatory agents. These berries have a strong ability to inhibit inflammatory cytokines which contribute to tissue damage, cellular damage, and even cancer. Blueberries also reduce histamine production and increase circulation to the brain, which makes them useful in treating allergies. Studies have shown that as little as 1/2 cup of blueberries per day can enhance cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.

Elderberry: Elderberry is not only useful for treating colds, influenza, and other viral respiratory disorders, but the anti-inflammatory property of this berry is also useful in reducing histamine production, specifically around the eyes. Elderberry is also rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and antiviral proteins. 

Cat’s Claw: Cat’s Claw has been traditionally used for treating cancers, but due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity, it is also used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gastritis. Cat’s Claw also has powerful antiviral properties as well as immune system boosting 

Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is useful for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The herb is also used to treat autoimmune conditions, strengthening and repairing connective tissue in conditions such as arthritis, and is most highly known for it being a “brain tonic”, as it enhances circulation to the brain and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease. 


To a healing future, 
Rob
The Need To GROW / Earth Conscious Life

#75HARD DAY 60 COMPLETED!!!

#75HARD DAY 60 COMPLETED!!! 15 MORE TO GO!!!

Ramadan Mubarak!! It's going well.  Pretty much the same routine every day. Reading, water, fasting, exercising twice a day, eating plant-based,  stock classes, 20 min of sun and I'll stop there.

Just a few pics from the past week since I've been MIA.

https://aiem.savingshighway.com/                                                 Covid-19 Poster at the bus stop 

                                                    Borsch-cold soup

Vegan black beans and rice dish                                                    Walking on a moonlit night

Mediterranean Dish                                                                        Night walk just before sunset

You guys have a great week and be safe out there.

Peace