"A life lived for others, is the only life worth living." Albert Einstein
After watching the news today about the life and death of aid worker, Kayla Mueller, I realized how much influence she had on this cruel world. I looked at many pictures of her and saw a smiling face filled with love and hope. She lived her life to help others end suffering. She appeared to really want to help people and would probably have been the kind of person who showed hope and optimism for people like myself fighting cancer. In my view, she is truly a person that Albert Einstein describes in the above quote. She is an inspiration to me and hope her death is not in vain!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Valentine Cookies
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." Mother Teresa
As promised yesterday, here is an easy and fun sweet chocolate heart cookie recipe. I made them and then delivered them to the cancer center at our local hospital. I found that sharing with other cancer patients, made my day a little brighter and hopefully cheered up others.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 whole large egg
medium heart shaped cookie cutter
Directions:
1. Add 2 sticks of unsalted butter to an electric mixer.
2. Cream the butter until fluffy, then add brown sugar.
3. Cream mixture, add one egg and vanilla.
4. In a seperate bowl, mix salt, baking powder, flour, cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Whisk together until combined. Add this dry mixture in two batches to the
buttter/sugar mixture until mixed well.
5. Knead dough lightly into a ball and place into a large ziplock bag. Flatten into a
disk shape and placenin refrig. for two hours.
6. Remove dough and let sit on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Roll out dough on floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch.
7. Cut cookies with heart shaped cookie cutter and place n a piece of parchment
paper or baking mat.
8. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
9. Bake for 12 minutes, make sure not to burn edges. Take cookies out and let them
cool completely.
10. Decorate with white icing, leaving edges exposed. You can also use powdered
sugar.
11. Place cookies in a nice container and deliever to a charity of your choice.
As promised yesterday, here is an easy and fun sweet chocolate heart cookie recipe. I made them and then delivered them to the cancer center at our local hospital. I found that sharing with other cancer patients, made my day a little brighter and hopefully cheered up others.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 whole large egg
medium heart shaped cookie cutter
Directions:
1. Add 2 sticks of unsalted butter to an electric mixer.
2. Cream the butter until fluffy, then add brown sugar.
3. Cream mixture, add one egg and vanilla.
4. In a seperate bowl, mix salt, baking powder, flour, cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Whisk together until combined. Add this dry mixture in two batches to the
buttter/sugar mixture until mixed well.
5. Knead dough lightly into a ball and place into a large ziplock bag. Flatten into a
disk shape and placenin refrig. for two hours.
6. Remove dough and let sit on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Roll out dough on floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch.
7. Cut cookies with heart shaped cookie cutter and place n a piece of parchment
paper or baking mat.
8. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
9. Bake for 12 minutes, make sure not to burn edges. Take cookies out and let them
cool completely.
10. Decorate with white icing, leaving edges exposed. You can also use powdered
sugar.
11. Place cookies in a nice container and deliever to a charity of your choice.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Charles M. Schultz
We are dealing with another 8 inches of snow up here in New England and another major snow storm, is expected on Thursday. With all this cold, snowy weather it makes me think of the upcoming Valentine's weekend and time to turn my thoughts to chocolate.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa beans) may not only be the tastiest food, it may also have many physical and mental health advantages. Like most good things, though, everything in moderation because it still has a lot of sugar and fat. While I sit here in a snowy New England, I am going to enjoy the best health reasons to enjoy chocolate.
1. It has disease fighting antioxidants, maybe more than most other foods.
2. According to research by a Canadian food advisor, "chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it's very high in magnesium, a stress reducer."
3. A study at the University of Illinois found that daily consumption of dark chocolate, may lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.
4. It helps prevent heart disease. A recent study showed that people who consume 70% dark cocoa beans on a regular basis, had improved blood flow. The dark chocolate is linked to a chemical in the body, nitric oxide, that increases arterial dilation.
Although many of these health claims are not without fault, in this cold snowy weather, I can see no serious harm in trying a little hot cocoa to ease the harsh winter blues. Tomorrow I will explore some great recipes that include rich healthy chocolate. Until then stay warm.
Charles M. Schultz
We are dealing with another 8 inches of snow up here in New England and another major snow storm, is expected on Thursday. With all this cold, snowy weather it makes me think of the upcoming Valentine's weekend and time to turn my thoughts to chocolate.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa beans) may not only be the tastiest food, it may also have many physical and mental health advantages. Like most good things, though, everything in moderation because it still has a lot of sugar and fat. While I sit here in a snowy New England, I am going to enjoy the best health reasons to enjoy chocolate.
1. It has disease fighting antioxidants, maybe more than most other foods.
2. According to research by a Canadian food advisor, "chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety. Plus, it's very high in magnesium, a stress reducer."
3. A study at the University of Illinois found that daily consumption of dark chocolate, may lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.
4. It helps prevent heart disease. A recent study showed that people who consume 70% dark cocoa beans on a regular basis, had improved blood flow. The dark chocolate is linked to a chemical in the body, nitric oxide, that increases arterial dilation.
Although many of these health claims are not without fault, in this cold snowy weather, I can see no serious harm in trying a little hot cocoa to ease the harsh winter blues. Tomorrow I will explore some great recipes that include rich healthy chocolate. Until then stay warm.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Control Issues
"I like to control everything, and you can not control everything. You have to at some point say, 'I let go and I'm going to let the cards fall where they fall... This is hard."
Naomi Campbell, Super-Model
After spending two days in doctor's offices, I realized how much I obsess and try to control my health. I know I can only control so much of the path my cancer will take. There is only so much good eating, thinking, relaxing or preventing I can do, but at times it's hard to let go and let the professionals do their jobs. I'm sure many of you can relate to any kind of over obsessing and how it can consume you.
I started to think of what was causing this obsession about whether I was getting the best care. What I concluded was that it's easier to obsess about my treatment plan than obsessing over whether I was dying. I reminded myself what several doctors have told me, we are all in the process of dying if we don't work at living.
Today I am choicing to let go and live. I'm going to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow and the comfort of listening to my heartbeat.
Naomi Campbell, Super-Model
After spending two days in doctor's offices, I realized how much I obsess and try to control my health. I know I can only control so much of the path my cancer will take. There is only so much good eating, thinking, relaxing or preventing I can do, but at times it's hard to let go and let the professionals do their jobs. I'm sure many of you can relate to any kind of over obsessing and how it can consume you.
I started to think of what was causing this obsession about whether I was getting the best care. What I concluded was that it's easier to obsess about my treatment plan than obsessing over whether I was dying. I reminded myself what several doctors have told me, we are all in the process of dying if we don't work at living.
Today I am choicing to let go and live. I'm going to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the beauty of the snow and the comfort of listening to my heartbeat.
Improving Blog
"Think Big, Have Fun, Be Kind. Show Love!" My new mantra for this blog
I spent all day yesterday in the doctors office having blood work and scans done, to allow my doctor to evaluate the current cancer treatment I am receiving. Today, I will speak to the doctor about the results. This is usually a mentally draining time for me. I decided to bring my tablet along with me to use my waiting time productively. I am working on improving this blog to make it more viewer friendly. I plan on adding pictures and side bars to the site. I appreciate any comments or suggestions you have, so blog away with comments. I am signing off for now so I can review other blogs to get new ideas.
I spent all day yesterday in the doctors office having blood work and scans done, to allow my doctor to evaluate the current cancer treatment I am receiving. Today, I will speak to the doctor about the results. This is usually a mentally draining time for me. I decided to bring my tablet along with me to use my waiting time productively. I am working on improving this blog to make it more viewer friendly. I plan on adding pictures and side bars to the site. I appreciate any comments or suggestions you have, so blog away with comments. I am signing off for now so I can review other blogs to get new ideas.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Snacking
"Sometimes, it's just easier to say yes to that extra snack or dessert, because frankly, it is exhausting to keep saying no. It's exhausting to plead with our kids to eat just one more bite of vegetables." Michelle Obama
Believe me I know first hand how hard it is to give up snacking between meals or choosing healthy snacks over unhealthy ones. My doctor is always reminding me that healthy eating can only aid in my cancer treatment. I think most people carry around this struggle even if they are not fighting a chronic disease.
Lately, I''m getting in the habit of freezing grapes and blueberries, I then use them as a snack instead of candy or cookies. When I have doctor appointments or other appointments that I know I will be sitting around waiting, I pack snacks like a peeled mandarin oranges, nuts, carrots and celery sticks, so I am not tempted to snack at the vending machines. I found that a mid-day healthy snack also helps me not to experience a late-afternoon slump. Today I decided to give my refrigerator a makeover to help with my effort to snack better. First I am placing fruits and veggies inside clear containers, along side yogurt ans salad fixings on a shelf at eye level. The objection is to open the refrigerator door and have these items grab my attention. Next I throw away any takeout containers to help discourage me from eating more take-out.
These things are small things to help me. I know I have to work at it daily. To that I say Good Luck!
Believe me I know first hand how hard it is to give up snacking between meals or choosing healthy snacks over unhealthy ones. My doctor is always reminding me that healthy eating can only aid in my cancer treatment. I think most people carry around this struggle even if they are not fighting a chronic disease.
Lately, I''m getting in the habit of freezing grapes and blueberries, I then use them as a snack instead of candy or cookies. When I have doctor appointments or other appointments that I know I will be sitting around waiting, I pack snacks like a peeled mandarin oranges, nuts, carrots and celery sticks, so I am not tempted to snack at the vending machines. I found that a mid-day healthy snack also helps me not to experience a late-afternoon slump. Today I decided to give my refrigerator a makeover to help with my effort to snack better. First I am placing fruits and veggies inside clear containers, along side yogurt ans salad fixings on a shelf at eye level. The objection is to open the refrigerator door and have these items grab my attention. Next I throw away any takeout containers to help discourage me from eating more take-out.
These things are small things to help me. I know I have to work at it daily. To that I say Good Luck!
Monday, February 2, 2015
Healthy Eating
"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetable smelled as good as bacon." Doug Larson
When I learned of my cancer, I was referred to a registered dietitian. She was very helpful in getting me to begin eating healthier. I decided today to blog about some of the fruits and vegetables she shared with me. This information is useful for everyone whether you have cancer or not.
The first fruit on my healthy eating list are apricots. They are very rich in betacrptoxanthin, and have been shown in studies to prevent osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis. They also have high levels of magnesium, which strengthen bones and may ease pain. During the winter months when we in the north can not get fresh apricots, I use dried fruit. During the summer months when apricots are available, I stuff them with goat cheese and almonds (a good nut for breast cancer prevention).
Next on my list are tomatoes. They are loaded with healthy antioxidants , vitamin C, lycopene ( may help to lower cardiovascular risks) and quercetin (may help with inflammatory components that damage joints). When juicy tomatoes are not in season, I buy plum, grape or cherry varieties, which are very tastier. One way I enjoy tomatoes is by chopping them with basil and garlic and serve on toasted bread. A flavorful addition to a big bowl of soup in the winter.
Walking through the grocery store today, I noticed chunks of watermelon, the third item on my list. Watermelon is a great source of bone-healthy vitamin A, potassium and magnesium. It is available in most grocery stores year-round. I like to add chunks of it to ice tea with mint leaves.
Green vegetables, squash of any variety, and carrots round out the other items on my list. Most of them are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. All of these may help strengthen bones and ease pain.
In closing, I also recommend the book Unjunk Your Diet, by Desiree Nielsen (Skyhorse Publishing). It is a helpful guide to improving general good health by eating the right foods. Happy Healthy Eating!
When I learned of my cancer, I was referred to a registered dietitian. She was very helpful in getting me to begin eating healthier. I decided today to blog about some of the fruits and vegetables she shared with me. This information is useful for everyone whether you have cancer or not.
The first fruit on my healthy eating list are apricots. They are very rich in betacrptoxanthin, and have been shown in studies to prevent osteoarthritis and inflammatory forms of arthritis. They also have high levels of magnesium, which strengthen bones and may ease pain. During the winter months when we in the north can not get fresh apricots, I use dried fruit. During the summer months when apricots are available, I stuff them with goat cheese and almonds (a good nut for breast cancer prevention).
Next on my list are tomatoes. They are loaded with healthy antioxidants , vitamin C, lycopene ( may help to lower cardiovascular risks) and quercetin (may help with inflammatory components that damage joints). When juicy tomatoes are not in season, I buy plum, grape or cherry varieties, which are very tastier. One way I enjoy tomatoes is by chopping them with basil and garlic and serve on toasted bread. A flavorful addition to a big bowl of soup in the winter.
Walking through the grocery store today, I noticed chunks of watermelon, the third item on my list. Watermelon is a great source of bone-healthy vitamin A, potassium and magnesium. It is available in most grocery stores year-round. I like to add chunks of it to ice tea with mint leaves.
Green vegetables, squash of any variety, and carrots round out the other items on my list. Most of them are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium. All of these may help strengthen bones and ease pain.
In closing, I also recommend the book Unjunk Your Diet, by Desiree Nielsen (Skyhorse Publishing). It is a helpful guide to improving general good health by eating the right foods. Happy Healthy Eating!
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