**SPICY** GINGER DRINK

It is starting to get really cold out there and I was thinking about what I would drink if I caught a cold when I remembered my Mom's honey and lemon remedy. I was out of lemons but I did have ginger and I decided to make myself a ginger drink to boost my immune system before anything happens :)

The ginger root is a very medicinal plant that has been used for decades to treat all kinds of ailments. Here are a few benefits of the ginger root:

-Immune system booster
-Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects
-Soothes menstrual cramps, migraines and nausea
-Aids in digestion and soothes an upset stomach
-Lowers cholesterol

As for me I ALWAYS use GINGER & GARLIC in almost every food I prepare, I love the flavor and of course their health benefits too.

Our ***SPICY*** Ginger Drink

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh ginger root, skin removed (If you don't like it too spicy you may want to reduce your measurements to 1/2 a cup or 1/4 cup of ginger root)
6-7 cups of water, divided
1/3 cup honey

Directions:

First, place the ginger root and 2 cups of water into a high speed blender and blend until liquefied.
Then pour content from the blender into a medium size pot.
Add 4-5 cups of water into the pot, cover and bring to a boil.
Next, using a sieve, carefully pour boiled mixture (You may also want to let it cool down some to avoid getting burned) from pot into another container in order to catch all the chaff from the ginger root.
Finally, add 1/3 cup of honey into your ginger drink and mix.
You may also add a dash of cinnamon to your individual glass before drinking.
Enjoy it warm or cold
Save the rest in a bottle with a lid and store in the refrigerator.


EAT & DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

ALMOST THANKSGIVING!

I haven't blogged for a little while but you must know I have been super busy. As usual I always have more than one project  going on at the same time. Recently I've been busy with the 3G MOMS. Have I told you about the 3G MOMS? Well, you're in for a treat so why spoil it now?


I have been doing my hair, yup, I do my own braids and I'm getting better with practice. See? My daughter calls them Rock N' Roll Twists, others call it City Twists. It is a very trendy hairdo that people pay $300 to have done at an exclusive location here in Atlanta, BUT I HAVE BEEN STUDYING IT FOR MONTHS AND FINALLY CRACKED THE CODE! So I am mighty proud of myself :)

Now let's talk about food. My little Wonder aka Nina and I have been experimenting on breakfast smoothies all week and came up with some pretty delicious stuff.  Even my 14 month old son loves it, when he hears the blender he runs to the kitchen screaming "Banana, banana!" it is the cutest thing I ever heard :)

"Mommy, this is the best and most fun part of my morning!" 

Our Raspberry Explode:

3 ripe bananas
2 cups of Soy milk (vanilla-flavored) *You can also use Almond milk if you want*
1 Tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp Lacuma powder
5-6 frozen raspberries *You may use your favorite frozen fruit*

Directions:

Blend the first four ingredients until smooth and then pour about 3/4 of it into a glass. Next, add the frozen raspberries and blend until smooth. Pour the rest of the smoothie from the blender into the glass. Be creative with your designs and let the kids do theirs, they come up with the best designs and ideas. This is a great way to enjoy a healthy breakfast. Have fun!


Our Meatless Meatballs:

I was in the mood for some meatballs today and remembered I had some meatless meatballs in the fridge. I also had some cabbage which I'd blanched, squeezed and then stored in the freezer. This was my lunch. The pictures above show just the meatballs before I added my cabbage. Hope you like it if you do try it.

Ingredients:

1.5 large yellow onions, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cm fresh ginger root, minced
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 tsp onion powder and garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 dried oregano
2-3 Tbsp curry (I love curry)
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 vegan vegetable bouillons (or salt to taste)
9oz Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs (You can find this in the organic section of your local grocery store)

Directions:

In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the onions, fresh garlic and fresh ginger. Once the onions become lightly translucent add the rest of the ingredients except the meatballs. Let cook for about 3 minutes covered and then add your meatballs. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat. (If you decide to add spinach or cabbage, add about 2 cups of either at the same time you add your meatless meatballs and let cook together). Serve with pasta or eat as is. I enjoyed mine very much. Next time I will add some pepper to kick it up a notch. I like spicy food :)


Hope you're preparing for THANKSGIVING. What are you cooking this year?  In my house we always have an International-style Thanksgiving and this year will be no different. I will be making a large pot of eru (my favorite traditional meal from Cameroon)...thinking about it makes me smile already :):):)


EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

Yvette Odom, Week 2

The week has flown by but not without great news. Remember I told you I will be giving you updates of Yvette's FYR journey? Okay drum roll please !!!!!!!! You will be happy to know that after 7 days on the FYR program Ms. Odom has dropped 5 pounds! I was very excited for her as we watched the scale go down, down, down :)

She is more motivated than ever and before I write down her struggles and triumphs from the past week, I want to add that she consciously works out every morning as well. We text each other every morning and then wake up to exercise. You can do that too, set a time to consciously wake up and exercise. The time Yvette and I decided is 6:00am every morning. As you know I have two kids including a one year old who wakes up at night but no matter how tired I am I still push myself to get up because I made a commitment to myself and I hate letting myself down. So if I can do it, you can do it too. Yvette is doing it and so can you! I know you can!

YVETTE's NOTES:

Week 1 recap
Challenges
 gas
Multiple bathroom trips

Solutions
Alkaline water, smaller meals, no skipped snacks, increased exercise & general activity in the morning

Benefits
Increased energy, less stiffness, feel better during the day & better sleep at night

Other unexpected advantages
Feeling good all day & loss 5lbs the first week, nails & skin looks healthier already.

Next weeks goals
Lose 5-7lbs
Better food planning & organization
To increase flexibility during exercise




Are you ready to join the FYR clan? email me bernice4fyr@gmail.com

My Raw-vegan apple pie

Raw-vegan apple pie



Recipe coming soon...





EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER.

Yvette Odom, Week 1

FYR is about to do something we've never done before: I love working with people on a one on one basis. In the past we've gotten testimonies after the person has done the FYR-detox program but this is the first time I will be tracking/documenting the progress of a new FYR enthusiast. Meet Ms. Yvette Odom.

I have known Yvette for about 3 years now and she's been flirting with the idea of doing the program for sometime now. When we talked on the phone a few days ago she told me she was ready. This time I truly believed her because we all know that we usually only make that BIG decision when we are truly fed up. I am so very excited for Yvette and have no doubt that she will be as successful as she decides to be.

We started by charting her measurements and going through the food list found in the FYR e-Book. Then we both headed out to the local farmer's market so I could help her get the things she will need for her FYR journey. It was a blast shopping with her and picking up all her staples. We discussed key points , hints and many other important things that you will find in your FYR e-book (Yvette had already gotten her FYR e-books many months ago and has read it over and over in order to get the basics down). By the end of the our shopping experience we were both excited beyond belief. I love working with people especially someone as determined and enthusiastic as my friend Yvette.

Thank you Yvette for letting us document your journey and sharing your heart with us. I have no doubt that you will inspire so many people as you begin to LOVE YOURSELF A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY.

Here is a little interview I did with Yvette yesterday in preparation for her FYR journey (which starts today, October 10th).

ME: "Hi Yvette, howdy?"

YVETTE: "Hi Bernice, I'm doing great!" she giggled. She is a full-of-life, bubbly person and her laughter is infectious.

ME: "Can you tell us what is and has been your inspiration to undertake this journey?"

YVETTE: "I was and am inspired by a dear friend of mine (you). She is very disciplined and it shows very well. I see her success and how happy she is and I want to follow in her footsteps."

ME: "Well, thank you dear." I was smiling from ear to ear. What can I say, we were having a blast, yes, we had to control the laughter and concentrate on the interview, oh boy, is that hard!

ME: "Do you have any fears as you start the FYR program?"

YVETTE: "Yes, I fear that I won't do well. I know I will succeed to some degree which by the way my goal is to lose 133 pounds but most importantly I want to achieve optimum health. I want to avoid the stigma of my family background when it comes to diabetes and blood clots due to poor circulation. I know eating a healthier diet will alleviate these issues for me."

ME: "In the FYR ebooks I talk about the process of finding your 'Emotional Why' have you found yours?"

YVETTE: " I have always seen myself as someone with this inner style and personality but I don't think it reflects on my outside as much as it is inside. There is this girl in me that I know so well who is dying to come out of this outer shell. I want to have children, a family, I want to watch my children grow."

ME: "What are some tangible things that motivate you?"

YVETTE: "Janet Jackson. I don't necessarily want to be her size but growing up she has always being my role model for someone who openly portrayed a positive body image. She worked out and did it the way way. I want to do this the right and healthy way. I have been big all my life and I want to show people they can do it too. Most importantly I want to become my own role model."

ME: "Why did you choose FYR when there are many other programs out there that you could choose from."

YVETTE: "I don't want to feel guilty anymore of what I'm eating. FYR makes the most sense to me and is sincerely the very best option for what I want to attain with my health. I want my healthy looking skin back, healthy hair and energy back. FYR not only does it the right way but also the natural way. Plus I have you in my head and ear all the time, so I can't go wrong."

ME: "Don't forget to have a little fun and not take life too seriously while you're on the program, if at anytime you do deviate a little from the program, remember not to feel so disappointed that you abandon the program, just forgive yourself and get right back on board. But I know you can do this and I am so proud of you for making the best decision for your health.  With the Forever Young Revolution together we can encourage one another to love ourselves a little differently."

YVETTE's Weight Loss Goal: 133 pounds

Ms. Yvette Odom

"Our environment is our external metabolism."-- Dr. Max Gerson

"EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!"

VEGAN OATMEAL-CHOCOLATE COOKIES

 I have been gone for a while I know, but I needed that time. It is not easy to be a stay-at-home mom who home schools her 8 year old, has a super-active 1year old and has BIG DREAMS and projects she is fired-up about---to name a few. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have been/and I'm EXHAUSTED...but hey who's complaining? I am superwoman right?

I have decided to RE-BOOT my system with lots of green juices and smoothies. Anyway, anyone who would like to join is welcomed to send me an email to bernice4fyr@gmail.com

I came up with this wonderful recipe the other day and I would like to share it with you:

VEGAN OATMEAL-CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashion oatmeal
1 cup sugar
A pinch of salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp dried coconut shreds (Optional)
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Energy egg replacer + 2Tbsp water (equivalent to 1 egg)
3 Tbsp 100% pure chocolate powder

1/3 cup water + 3 Tbsp water

Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside
Add water, vanilla extract to mixture of Energy egg replacer, set aside

Now add all wet and dry ingredients together and mix well
Lastly add the coconut oil and mix till mixture becomes sticky

Lightly grease baking pan with non-stick olive oil spray or with some coconut oil
Place spoon-size cookie mixture on baking dish making sure they are several inches apart

Put cookies in oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees

When it's done, let cool down for about 10 minutes and then serve with a glass of almond milk :)

My oatmeal chocolate cookies

Up close and in your face...not quite in your mouth though hahaha

Enjoy!







DRINK AND EAT TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

4 FOODS THAT WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING YOUNG

Hello, hello, hello and happy 4th of July to everyone! So, I have been super-duper busy, as you already know, I am SUPERWOMAN lol, Mom of two (7 year old and 10 months old), wife, author, photographer, 3G MOM and the list goes on and on, but I'm not complaining :) creativity fuels me and gives me a RUSH wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (see, I told you)

I am going to share with you four of my favorite foods that keep me (hopefully) looking young, see picture below:

By the way, I braided my hair myself, nice huh?

Anyway, I am going to skip the obvious combination of water/fruits/veggies, as we all know their benefits.

1. Olive Oil/ Avocado: I've known about olive oil since I was a little girl because my mother always added a tablespoon to her body lotion, well, here's my FYR mama, 52 year old mom of 5 (ages 32 (me), 27,25, 24 and 17). I am so happy my mom has been following the FYR guidelines since she returned home almost two years ago. The first picture is when she just arrived in Atlanta and the second she sent to me a few days ago from Cameroon.

As you can tell she looks younger and obviously slimmer.
I love cooking with olive oil, I have not followed my mom's idea of adding olive oil to my lotion but I do add coconut oil to my lotion sometimes.Olive oil is very rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants which slows aging and helps prevent age-related diseases. As for avocados, some people avoid eating them because they fear it is fatty when actually a medium size avocado has approximately 30 of fats, mostly monounsaturated fats, and have the same health benefits as olive oil. I also use avocado as a mask for my face and yes you may catch me licking it at times :) edible-beneficial-goodness!

2. Nuts/Seeds: I love nuts, especially brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pine nuts and macadamia nuts. Back in Cameroon we used a lot of pumpkin seeds in many of our vegetable dishes. But then I was only interested in how good the dish tasted, don't blame me, my mom is an extra-ordinary cook. Nuts and seeds are high in unsaturated fats, vitamin, minerals and phytochemicals. When something is good for me I eat and/or drink it. I eat to live.

3. Blueberries: If you don't get the right kind you may end up with a sour taste in your mouth and end up disliking them for no reason. Some of the inorganic blueberries I've bought in the past have usually tasted a little sour, I am yet to discover a sour organic blueberry. Yes, they can be a little pricey but boy do I monitor how we eat these at home hahhaha, I am a mother hen over my blueberries. I have a blueberry addict called Nina Lakota who lives in my house and LOVES fruits and VEGGIES especially blueberries. Blueberries prevent oxidative damage and are highly anti-inflammatory. You can add them to smoothies, salads or make a blueberry pie. Okay when it comes to blueberry pies, no one does it like my mother-in law, she is an amazing cook and her desserts are SIMPLY ADDICTIVE. Hold on, let me find a picture of her blueberry pie, you have to see to believe:

Sorry that's all you can get, a picture!!!

4. Lemons: I used to be one of those who thought that lemons are extremely acidic and bad for the body. But do you know that lemons are basic in the body as opposed to being acidic? and are extremely beneficial to your health? They are supercharged with tons of vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemons are not only great for cleaning your house but they act as a super cleanser for your body against toxins. So next time you see a lemon, instead of running away from it reach for it. Add it to the water you drink, squeeze it over your salad and foods in short marry a lemon, it is good for you :)

DRINK AND EAT TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!

FATIGUE

I bet you fatigue is a word most of us are very familiar with. Everyday is a 'run' and we are beat by the time we get home. But somehow even a good night's sleep can't seem to remedy it. Aren't we supposed to feel rested after we sleep? yes we are, but sometimes there is a kind of fatigue that feels everlasting--chronic fatigue. Do you know what I am talking about? I have been there in the past and I tell you recently I haven't missed feeling that way, want to know why? My remedy is simple: Detox. Other reasons why you may be feeling this way are;
Low blood pressure
Viral infection
Thyroid disorder
Low blood sugar
Anemia

I realized that whenever I did a detox I got an energy surge. The FYR program has a 21-day detox (complete with recipes in both ebooks on sale on this site) that you can follow if you choose to do it our way. The very least you can do is try to incorporate some of the recipes into your diet a little at a time. And if you 'fall off the wagon'? well then just start again.

Here is one of my favorite green smoothie recipes (Always do organic if you can)

NINA'S GREEN GOOD MORNING


1.5 ripe medium bananas
1 ripe mango
1.5 cups of soy milk or almond milk (vanilla flavored)
1 Tbsp of coconut oil (optional)
1 handful baby spinach

Blend till smooth and enjoy.

I especially love spinach so I eat it in every form possible. Spinach is very nutrient-dense and eating it in its raw(uncooked) form is the best way to get all the benefits you need since heat destroys enzymes. It is very low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients: vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, folate, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium, and vitamin B6. It’s a very good source of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, niacin, dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also packed with flavonoids which are antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Spinach is my favorite source of iron. Iron is a component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. I hope this encourages you to add more spinach to your diet and even better add it to your green smoothies in the morning. 

Don't forget to exercise.


EAT & DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!