Into the Maelstrom

April 5, 2009 at 12:27 pm (Eco-wellness, Facebook, NXT2EDN, Obama, Social Media, Twitter, alternative fuels, article, bamboo flooring, food, healthy living, next2eden, nutrition, personal wellness, wellness)

Next2Eden is growing rapidly. We now have over 30 article writers making fabulous contributions to the site.  Over the next month Next2Eden will be search engine optimized.  We anticipate hundreds to thousands of visitors per day.  Next2Eden is entering the electronic vortex, being pulled into the social medium that spins around Web 2.0

A close friend of mine, Autom Tagsa, has contributed a featured article that links two ideas – social media and health – into one package.  If you are reading this article then chances are you are involved in social media.  Social media includes experiences such as Twitter and Facebook.  In spite of the downturn in the economy, there is a huge upswing in the number of people connecting through the internet.  In its most uncontrolled state it is a frenzy of activity:  Here I am.  This is what I am doing now.  This is who and what I know.

Isn’t this electronic maelstrom too much? As the great communications philosopher, Marshall McLuhan, said, “The reason I study mass media is to learn how to turn it off”.   Our global village is much smaller than we realize. We are given a sense of empowerment. Yet what about our true sense of wellness?  Are we sacrificing our physical, psychological and spiritual health when we spend much of our daily activity in the electronic world as virtual participants?

I challenge you to look at your daily habits and ask yourself the question, “How much of what I do improves my personal health, and the health of my environment?”  You would be surprised.  So much of what we do is maintenance and reaction.  Social media is for the consumer.  It is the blinding experience of apparently having it all, rather than the experience of living itself.  Here at Next2Eden we understand that we walk a fine line between insight and electronic noise.  Let us know if we have helped you find peace and health in your life.  Send me an email at cscott@next2eden.com.  I promise that I won’t ask to be your Facebook friend or Twitter follower, at least not in the short term…

Best wishes and good health,

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I just love the Slumdog Millionaire Sountrack

March 9, 2009 at 11:34 am (NXT2EDN, lyrics, music, next2eden, slumdog millionaire)
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This is a very personal entry.  I want the world to know that I think the music to Slumdog Millionaire is fantastic.  The synthesis of modern electronic music, extraordinary lyrics and world music flavor is fantastic. You must see the movie and then buy the soundtrack! Just for example here is a translation of the theme song “Jai Ho” thanks to http://inkspillz.blogspot.com/2009/01/slumdog-millionaire-jai-ho-lyrics.html for this work.  Spread the good news, there is more to hope for than you can imagine…

Jai Ho =Something between “Hail” and “Hallelujah”

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!
Iota by iota, I have lost my life, in faith

I’ve passed this night dancing on coals

I blew away the sleep that was in my eyes

I counted the stars till my finger burned
Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!
Taste it, taste it, this night is honey

Taste it, and keep it,

It’s a heart; the heart is the final limit

You dark black kohl

It’s some black magic, isn’t it?
Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!
For how long, how very long

It’s been on your lips

Say it, now say it

The eye is downcast

Such lit up eyes

Are they two lit-up dimaonds(?) ?

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!

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Next2Eden provider pages are open for business

March 7, 2009 at 1:26 pm (90/10 rule, Homeopathy, NXT2EDN, Obama, Probiotics, Providers, Solar power, Sport drinks, alternative fuels, article, bamboo flooring, corn, energy drinks, ethanol, food, good food, healthy living, holidays, license plate, mental wellness, next2eden, nutrition, osteoarthritis, overeating, personal wellness, sports drinks, wellness)
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The Next2Eden provider pages are now available for FREE advertising.  Simply go to www.next2eden.com and click on JOIN NOW! button located at the top left hand corner of the home page.  As you can see from this blog Next2Eden has a growing number of well writen articles.  Either enjoy the articles indirectly by viewing this blog OR go to www.next2eden.com .

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Putting a Lid on Canned Energy Drinks

March 7, 2009 at 1:10 pm (Sport drinks, energy drinks, food, good food, healthy living, next2eden, personal wellness, sports drinks)
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by Janet Little, C.N.

Day-to-day routines can be so hectic and exhausting, that you’re too tired even to think about what comes after a hard day’s work. Often times, the temptation is to pop open a can of energy and hope it helps you get more done throughout the day. However—as popular as they’ve become—carbonated, energy and sports drinks are notoriously full of sugar and caffeine, two unhealthy things that your body doesn’t need. Your body may crave them if it is used to consuming them, but they do more harm than good to your overall wellbeing.

 
One survey shows that Americans are gulping down approximately 50 gallons of soft drinks per year, and on average, nearly 20 percent of calories that a person obtains are from beverages. That’s roughly two 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola per day. So how bad can a couple cans of pick-me-up be? 
 
Calories in Liquid Form
Studies suggest that our brain doesn’t register calories in liquid form as they would with solid food. For example, a 400-calorie glass of orange juice doesn’t register an “I’m full” response from your brain like a 400-calorie hamburger would. In other words, liquids do not satisfy our appetite the same way that solids foods do, and we are left feeling just as hungry as when we first started drinking. Moreover, since most energy and sports drinks are loaded with sugar and lack fiber, your brain has an even harder time registering a sense of satiation.
 
Children Are What They Drink
 
According to David Ludwig, M.D., a Harvard researcher, the odds of a child becoming obese increase by 60 percent with each additional serving of sugar-sweetened drinks they have per day. Yet, children have started drinking soda at a remarkably young age, and typically, consumption increases through young adulthood. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 56 percent of 8-year olds consume soft drinks daily, and a third of teenage boys drink at least three cans of soda per day. On average, adolescents get 11 percent of their daily calories or 15 teaspoons of sugar from soft drinks. Soft drink consumption in males and female teens is two to three times the consumption of milk, which is a much healthier alternative. Unfortunately, while milk consumption continues to decline, carbonated, energy and sports drinks continue to climb. 
 
Portion Distortion
 
One reason for the increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is that the beverage industry has steadily increased its container sizes. In the 1950s, a six-ounce bottle was the standard serving. In the 1980s, bottle size increased to 12-ounces, and now those bottles are being replaced by 20-ounce ones. Most of the drinks purchased today contain two more servings per container, yet most people gulp it down in one sitting.
 
Tips to Drink By
  • Save yourself some calories by drinking more spring, filtered or sparkling water. For a twist, add limes, lemons or flavored Stevia to your water. (Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener). Water is a natural energy booster.
  • Look for 100 percent fruit juice rather than flavored drinks that have added sugars. But, be careful of serving sizes. Limit consumption to one or two four-ounce drinks per day.
  • Ease yourself down from whole milk to low-fat or fat-free milk.
  • Be sure to carefully read labels. Most of the advertising on the front of the package is designed to attract your attention. Check the nutritional fact panel for serving size and ingredients. Most drinks contain two servings or more per bottle and are loaded with refined sugar and artificial flavorings.
  • Do NOT make assumptions! Bottled tea and coffee drinks are also a hot new trend. While regular tea contains no calories, most bottled teas are loaded with sweeteners and calories. All those popular coffee drinks also hold a bombshell of excessive calories.
  • Do NOT let the smoothies fool you! Touted as a healthy drink, fruit smoothies pack a powerful calorie punch. Some smoothie drinks can reach levels of 500 calories or more with six to 10 teaspoons of sugar per drink.
  • Cocktails and calories can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention. One fruity cocktail can load you up with 500 calories or more. Also, alcohol dehydrates your system causing you to drink more, and if that wasn’t bad enough, we tend to consume more calories when drinking alcohol during a meal.
If the temptation to pick up that energy or soft drink is still strong, there is a new emerging category called “function” drinks that have begun to hit the market. Function drinks are touted to have special capabilities, such as cleansing or calming the body. Most of these drinks are nothing more than glorified sugar drinks. However, there is one company that delivers enough active ingredients in the beverage to make a difference–Function Drinks™. Function Drinks are physician-developed and 100 percent natural. (Please note that some of the drinks are not designed for children because they may contain caffeine.).
So take a look at your fridge. And start the process of eliminating those unhealthy drinks and stocking some healthy ones. Your body will thank you.
 

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Catching your Zzzz’s

March 1, 2009 at 3:53 pm (NXT2EDN, healthy living, mental wellness, next2eden, personal wellness, wellness)

It is 2:00 a.m. and while the rest of the world sleeps peacefully, you’re wide awake.  You toss and turn, while thoughts of work, family and finances keep spinning through your mind, making a restful night’s sleep a distant dream.  It’s true; all of these stressors can thwart your attempts to get a good night’s rest. In fact, if you find yourself spending too much time trying to fall asleep, or if you wake up feeling tired and cranky, then you might be experiencing insomnia.  Insomnia is a growing condition in the United States with about one in every three people experiencing sleeping problems.  While insomnia is the most common sleep complaint for people of any age; it affects almost half of adults age 60 and older.

Why we need sleep
A number of vital tasks are carried out during sleep to help maintain good physical health and optimal mental function.  Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night.  Some adults need less sleep as they age, but there is no evidence to show that older people can get by with less sleep than younger people.  Interestingly enough, some reports show the average total sleep time for most people actually increases slightly after age 65.
Both quantity and quality are important to achieve the optimum benefits of sleep.  People whose sleep is interrupted or cut short may not spend enough time in all the beneficial sleep stages.  Different things happen during different stages of sleep. Some stages of sleep are needed to refuel and regenerate our bodies while other stages help us learn and retain memories. 
In fact, the pathways in the brain connected to learning and memory are very active when we sleep. Studies show that people who are taught mentally challenging tasks perform better if they are well rested when compared to participants who didn’t get a good night’s sleep.  How well-rested you are and how well you function depends on your total sleep time and how successfully you complete each stage of sleep. 
Sleep is important for good health.  Studies show that extended periods of lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep increase the risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. In fact, studies suggest that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight.  During a deep sleep your body produces and releases hormones that fight infection, repairs cells, builds muscle tissues and determines how the body uses energy.  
Insomnia
Many factors can contribute to insomnia, including physical disorders that cause pain or discomfort during the night, such as heartburn, arthritis, menopause and cancer. Neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia are also a source of sleep problems, as are many psychiatric conditions, including depression 
Four signs that you may be experiencing a sleeping problem:
1.     Taking a long time — more than 30 to 45 minutes — to fall asleep.
2.     Waking up many times during the night.
3.     Waking up early without being able to get back to sleep.
4.     Waking up feeling tired and the inability to focus or function well during the day.
Poor sleep affects our health.  Many people who have poor nighttime sleep are more likely to use over-the-counter sleep aids. They are also more likely to suffer from attention and memory deficiencies, a depressed mood, lack of energy, excessive daytime sleepiness and more nighttime falls. Poor sleep is also associated with a lower quality of life.
Older adults may have more sleeping problems because they typically nap more frequently during the day. Older adults also tend to take a variety of different medications that may negatively affect their sleep. Some of these medications might have side effects that cause daytime sleepiness, making it harder to sleep at night. 
As we age, we often get less sleep or spend less time in the deep restful stages of REM (rapid eye moment) sleep. Sleep also becomes more shallow, fragmented and variable in duration with age.  And our sleeping and waking patterns tend to change.  We tire earlier in the evenings and wake up earlier in the mornings.  And if that’s not bad enough, as we age, we are more easily awakened during the night.
However, the most common reason older adults wake up at night is to go to the bathroom. Prostate enlargement for men and incontinence for women are most often the cause of sleep disruption.
Insomnia & Sleeping Disorders
Sleep apnea
Heavy snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a disordered breathing condition that makes it more difficult to breathe during sleep. This condition affects at least 10 percent of all adults.  Obstructive sleep apnea is more common among older adults and among people who are significantly overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause fatigue, daytime drowsiness, headaches, and it also increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and cognitive problems.  If you think you have sleep apnea, please talk to your doctor.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a common condition in older adults and affects more than 15 percent of adults who are over the age of 80.  Scientists do not fully understand what causes RLS, but people with RLS often have low levels of iron in their blood.
Insomnia and Depression 
Insomnia is often a symptom of depression and depressed people often experience insomnia.  The relationship between the two is unclear and currently it’s unknown if one precedes or causes the other.  As reported in the Journal of Sleep, researchers found that people who experienced insomnia had a greater chance of experiencing insomnia coexisting with depression, indicating that insomnia may increase the propensity of depression.  In fact, sleep disturbance is one of the core symptoms of clinical depression.
Insomnia triggers you can control
Skip the nightcap.  Initially alcohol may relax you, but in reality alcohol produces unsettled sleep by reducing REM sleep and increasing middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one to two drinks a day and don’t drink within three hours of bedtime.
Avoid large meals and beverages before bedtime.  A large meal can cause indigestion, which can disturb sleep. Also, the amount of energy needed to digest food can also disturb sleep patterns..  And, as we all know, drinking too much fluid at night can cause you to awaken more often to urinate.
Stick to a sleeping schedule.  Set your internal clock by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day – even on weekends.  Sticking to a sleeping schedule will get you back into a proper sleeping rhythm.
Don’t take naps after 3 p.m.  Napping can boost your brain and energy power, but late afternoon naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. 
Relax before bed.  Take time to unwind.  Turn off the television and try reading, listening to music or meditating – anything that qualifies as quiet relaxation.  Create a ritual that will condition your body to become drowsy.
Create a sleeping sanctuary. Get rid of anything that might distract you from sleep. Turn the face of your clock away from you, put up darker shades to keep out light, replace lumpy, worn-out mattresses, turn down the thermostat to 65F or lower, splurge on some cozy organic cotton sheets and keep your bedroom clean. A clutter free room is a soothing and relaxing environment, one that’s conducive to a good night’s sleep. 
Avoid caffeine and nicotine.  The stimulating effects of caffeine and nicotine disrupt the signals of adenosine, the brain chemical that helps induce sleep.  The caffeine in coffee, colas, teas, chocolates and pain relievers can take as long as eight hours to work through your system.
Energize during the day to sleep well at night
Exercise early and often.  Regular exercise can help keep you in shape, as well as help you sleep.  Daytime exercise can promote deep sleep later in the evening.  But don’t exercise strenuously in the evening, since it may have the opposite effect and keep you awake.  
Get some sun.  The right amount of sunlight exposure is key to regulating daily sleeping patterns.  Try to get outside in natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes each day
Eat well-balanced meals.  Eating the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats will fuel your body with the energy it needs for the day and the nutrients it needs for a good night’s sleep.
Natural alternatives for a natural sleep
Melatonin.  Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is the main hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin also functions as a regulator of antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes, a radical scavenger and an antagonist of mitochondrial radical formation.
As we age, the production of melatonin declines and research indicates that taking a melatonin supplement is a safe and effective way to re-establish healthy sleep patterns.  A study published in the Journal of Sleep showed substantially higher sleep efficiency during the first three hours of sleep for participants who took melatonin treatments when compared to participants who took a placebo.  In another study, researchers gave eight healthy male volunteers, all without sleep complaints, either 1.5 mg melatonin or a placebo.  The results showed that in the first half of the sleep study, sleep stages one and two were significantly longer for the subjects who took the melatonin when compared to subjects who took the placebo.
Valerian and Hops.  These plants have a long history in folk medicine as natural sedatives.  In a random, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 184 adults took either two tablets comprised of standardized extracts of valerian (187 mg) and hops (41 mg) or a placebo every night for 28 days. The study showed that the adults who took the valerian-hops tablets experienced improved sleep and improved quality of life. 
The quality of life or physical component was significantly improved in the valerian-hops group relative to the placebo group at the end of 28 days.  The valerian-hops combination offers a safe and effective alternative to prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids and did not produce rebound insomnia upon discontinuation during the study. Please contact your physician before taking any natural supplements. 
Calcium and Magnesium.  Calcium has a natural calming effect and magnesium helps relax tense muscles. Magnesium is also needed when taking calcium as it aids the body’s absorption of calcium. In response, calcium inhibits the absorption of too much magnesium. They help balance one another out.  Taking 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg of calcium and 1,000 mg of magnesium, in divided doses throughout the day—including right before bedtime—is an effective combination for improved sleep.
Conclusion
When thinking about your overall health, don’t forget about how important sleep factors in the whole equation.  A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that older adults in good health also had good sleep patterns. If your sleep problems persist over several weeks, talk to your doctor.  Short-term insomnia, lasting less than one month, may result from a medical or psychiatric condition. If insomnia lasts longer than a month, it is considered chronic, even if the original cause has been resolved.

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Next2Eden…provider directory is now functional

March 1, 2009 at 3:48 pm (Uncategorized)

Hi Everyone,

Just a note to let you know that www.next2eden.com has plenty of new content.  Check out the new articles at www.Next2Eden.com .  You may also list your business in the Next2Eden provider directory. Simply hit the “Join Now” button at the top left section of the home page and select provider as your registration option. We will be optimizing the search engine and putting in an online store soon.

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Homeopathic Medicine: Nanotechnology for the 21st century

January 12, 2009 at 8:05 pm (Homeopathy, healthy living, next2eden, personal wellness, wellness)
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Today homeopathic medicine is sometimes seen as a medicine for the elite. It is used by such esteemed individuals as the Royal family, movie stars and professional athletes, while the general population relies mainly on conventional pharmaceutical medicine.1 However, only a century ago homeopathy was a major part of American health care.  Unfortunately over the past century homeopathy has been shunned by the American medical community and consequently has dramatically declined as a generally used method to enhance health.  In contrast, homeopathic medicine is currently widely practiced in countries such as in France, Germany and India.  Moreover, in developing countries such as Africa, homeopathy is often the first and only line of defense against disease.

The American medical landscape, however, is changing. North American interest in homeopathy is now on a rapid upswing, thanks in part to new legislation beneficial to homeopathic practitioners.  Gabrielle Traub, owner of San Diego Homeopathy, www.SanDiegoHomeopathy.com, envisions homeopathy as ‘medicine for the masses’.  It is an inexpensive, easy to learn, safe, gentle modality which has no side effects.  It can be safely practiced on children, adults and even animals. Traub emphasizes that the homeopathic community is not against conventional medical treatment, rather, they see homeopathy as a first choice against illness and imbalances of the body. 

Homeopathy was started by the German physician and pharmacologist Samuel Hahnemann almost 250 years ago — a time when blood-letting and prescription of high dosages of mercury were used to cure disease.  We now know these treatments often did more harm than good.  While translating a medical book into German, Hahnemann was struck by a passage that Cinchona officinalis bark, also known as Peruvian bark, could be used to treat malaria. The book stated that the mechanism of action was a function of its stomach-strengthening properties.  Hahnemann did not accept this explanation and decided to take Peruvian bark twice a day for several days in an attempt to characterize the action of the bark.  Surprisingly, the toxicological effect of Peruvian bark gave him malaria-like symptoms.  He concluded from this experience that effective drugs produce symptoms in healthy people that are similar to the disease the drugs are meant to treat.  This later became known as the “law of similars”, the most important concept of homeopathy.

Hahnemann and healthy colleagues began to test various substances to determine the types of symptoms they produced. Detailed daily records describing symptoms were kept during these experiments, or ‘provings’ as they were known.  In order to avoid severe toxic symptoms Hahnemann advocated reduction of the dose by serial dilutions.  Furthermore, when he tested his solutions on diseased individuals he learned that vigorous shaking between each dilution was required for the solution to retain its healing power.  Traub states that there are strong parallels with allergy vaccinations.  In vaccinations small amounts of allergen are used to elicit an immune response so when the body is exposed to the allergen again it is primed to respond rapidly.  Homeopaths draw on complex tables categorizing symptoms and treatments.  While 6000 substances is probably an accurate estimate of the number of homeopathically prepared substances sold from various homeopathic pharmacies worldwide, not all of them have been proven. According to Michael Quinn, a pharmacist at Hahnemann laboratories, there are currently between 1200-1300 homeopathic remedies listed in The American Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. Many homeopathic remedies have been utilized according to their clinical action without formal provings being conducted. Homeopaths also use toxicological reports of “accidental provings” of various toxins to add to their database of elicited symptoms.

The basic issue debated by the established medical community is that homeopathic solutions contain such extremely dilute quantities of the “active ingredients” that there is almost no probability that enough molecules remain after dilution to have any effect at all. But for some reason, these extremely dilute solutions have demonstrable medical effects that in some cases outperform that of a placebo. Herein lies the concept of nanotechnology.  One hypothesis is that somehow water molecules are able to retain a “molecular memory” — perhaps in a quantum field — of other substances that they come into contact with, essentially enabling the “active ingredient” to “program” the water molecules with its “molecular imprint.” As outlandish as this may sound, homeopathic medicine doesn’t necessarily need to fall under the new fundamentalism that pervades modern biomedical thinking.2 There remains a real possibility that homeopathy is exploring a realm of reality that cannot be quantified by current scientific methodology.3  In addition, Gabrielle Traub says, “An important key to homeopathy is the complex dialogue that occurs between patient and practitioner.” The needs of each patient are evaluated based on their constitutional type, which means it is accepted that certain types of people have different reactions to the same solution of homeopathic medicines.  Unlike conventional medicine, one’s personality is also considered in the diagnosis; for example, if a person internalizes emotions their reaction to a homeopathic solution is anticipated to be different from a person who does not internalize feelings. Furthermore the person’s constitution, their physical morphology (body type) predetermines certain disease susceptibilities. One of the key questions to ask, says Traub, is, “How do you describe the individual so a best friend could identify the patient without seeing her in person?”   The objective is to identify the most important parts of the case: determine what is unique to the patient and isolate the fundamental issue confronting the individual.  The goal is to individually match the solution with the unique and essential characteristics of the case.  For this Traub turns to an impressive computer based repertory of homeopathic solutions that links symptoms, constitutional types and constitution with appropriate homeopathic remedies.

The conflict between conventional medicine and homeopathic medicine is so hostile that it is still illegal to practice homeopathy in some states.  Fortunately, six years ago the California Health Freedom Act allowed homeopaths to openly practice in San Diego. So what is the current status of homeopathic medicine in San Diego County?  Well, first and foremost, here is a lot of ground to make up. The level of education is lower here than most other parts of the world.  No concrete regulations exist to maintain the integrity of the work, although there is now at least a national exam which is recommended, but not required, to practice homeopathy professionally.  Surprisingly, California is not on the leading edge of homeopathy.  In 2011 the first homeopathic medical school in decades will open not in California but in Arizona. In the coming years, hopefully there will be different grades of homeopathic medicine certifications corresponding to different levels of practitioner competency.  To paraphrase, Gabrielle Traub says, “Every day I am amazed by the gentleness and effectiveness of Homeopathy in my patients.” There is still a mystic that surrounds homeopathy, reinforced by the medical establishment which questions the thinking of anyone interested in alternative approaches to health.  Traub’s response to this is simple, stop trying to appease the medical establishment, and carry on with what we do best.

For those interested in learning more about homeopathic medicine Gabrielle Traub recommends reading the book Patient guide to Homeopathy by Robert Ullman & Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman.  Gabrielle Traub can be reached at gtraub@gmail.com.  Gabrielle hosts a monthly homeopathy show at www.VitalForceRadio.com .

1. The homeopathic revolution. Dana Ullman. 2007
2. http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/acm.2007.0729?cookieSet=1
3. http://rsh.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/126/5/211

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Accelerating into the Future

January 10, 2009 at 5:58 pm (Eco-wellness, Obama, Solar power, healthy living, personal wellness, wellness)

The time of transition is upon us.  Barack Obama is 44th president of the United States.  Will his call for “Change” and assertion that “Yes we can” resonate in the long run? We will see.  However, it is clear that the US needs to make significant improvements in a number of fronts: health care, energy, and foreign policy to name a few major directions.  Next2Eden is here to help make sense of the changes that are in store for us and provide a clear description of how it will impact San Diegans.   Take for example the controversial proposal to run solar derived electricity through power lines from Imperial County (desert regions) to populated areas in San Diego County.  The Sunrise Powerlink, as it has been named, has been given the green light, but is this really in the best interest of green economy?  Clearly under Obama leadership such large scale efforts to provide clean power are congruent with his green energy plan.  However, there is a competing proposal to decentralize energy generation, to put solar generation on the very roofs we live and work under.  Doesn’t this make more sense?  How can we move a green agenda when it also has negative impact on our natural environment?  Not to mention the specter of safety hazards because of downed lines increasing the probably of forest fires. Can we balance the corporate need to control and decide our future with our own intrinsic desire to be self-sufficient? Let’s put the emphasis on innovative codependence.  Isn’t this the American way?    As editor my primary job is to ensure the integrity and appeal of our work for our viewership.  Above and beyond this fundamental job description I also need to ensure we have a realistic yet creative view of the events unfolding before us. 2009 will be an amazing year for change – but be forewarned — there will be curves and turns in the road as we accelerate towards our destined future.

I also want to thank all our supporters at this early stage of development of Next2Eden.  The contributions made by our article writers and our web development company, www.DogandRooster.com , have been impressive.  I have received numerous positive responses about the quality and pertinence of our articles to people’s lives.  Let me know what you think of our publication – my email is cscott@next2eden.com .  In 2009 we anticipate a number of major advances – completion of the ever so important provider directory, creation of an online store, and introduction of FLV video clips giving in person snapshots of leading ideas in health living from thought leaders across the continent.

The times are challenging yet I can’t help but feel that it is darkest before the first light.  Granted, there are financial worries, but money is not what fundamentally sustains us.  What keeps us motivated is hope for a better day.   We are motivated by a desire for something better than what the present offers.  I am excited about the future of our community.  Just imagine the positive impact progressive thinking will have on our personal and ecological evolution over the next decade — it is enough to give you a tingle of excitement.

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Tis’ the season for a Caesar – organic that is

December 20, 2008 at 10:15 pm (food, good food, holidays, personal wellness, wellness)
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How many of you out the love a great Caesar salad? Here is a link to a decent recipe to make a Caesar salad:  http://www.surelycaesar.com/html/traditional_caesar.htm

Below I have modified this online recipe to be more in line with what my father taught me.  The key is fresh ingredients, particularly the lettuce.  I only use organic romaine hearts (the green outer leaves lack sweetness and crunch) and the lettuce must be as cold as possible (not frozen!) when it is used to make the salad so one gets that great romaine crunch when eating. Also on that website is how to make a bloody Caesar cocktail, http://www.surelycaesar.com/html/caesar_cocktail.htm , similar to a bloody Mary except more zing to it. Its origins hail from Canada of all places.  Check out my website, http://www.next2eden.com for an online version of this write up. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Chris

 

 

Dressing:

 

2 egg yolks from extra large organic eggs (can substitute with 2 tablespoons of sour cream if you don’t want to use raw egg products)

 

3 cloves garlic, minced/crushed and rubbed into sides of a wooden bowl (preferably an unvarnished bowl).

 

4 salted anchovy fillets, drained and minced (I use up to 6 fillets with no problems, depends on how much you like fish/salt taste. Ideally you would be able to use freshly marinated fillets, which I have only seen once in my life – to die for)

 

1 tablespoon of lemon juice from a fresh lemon (juice from approximately ½ a regular sized lemon)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I purchase a deli mustard from Henry’s, made by Henry’s, that similar to a crushed Dijon mustard except it is a little sweet on the palate. I find the use of dry mustard too bitter for my taste)

 

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

 

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

 

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on how many anchovy fillets you put in)

 

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

 

1/2  cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

3 fridge cold hearts of Romaine lettuce (TJ’s grocery store has a bag of three organic romaine hearts that is perfect for a Caesar salad, get the biggest hearts as possible)

 

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

 

1  cup croutons (hopefully homemade unflavored croutons. My dad can tell you how to make good croutons.  I don’t like to put too many croutons in as their primary job is to suck up excess dressing)

 

Directions:
If you are planning to use egg yolks, place whole eggs into a pan of boiling water and simmer for two minutes to coddle the eggs. Cool eggs under cold water, crack eggs and separate whites from yolks.  Place yolks into a separate bowel.  Crush garlic and minced anchovies around the inside of the salad bowl then add lemon juice.  Mix thoroughly, leave for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the lemon juice to soften the minute anchovy bones, then add vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.  Whisk until blended well, then gradually blend in olive oil.  Minutes before you are ready to add the lettuce, whisk in the egg yolks/sour cream.  Finally whisk in the parmesan cheese. Remove half of the dressing. Now add the lettuce — tear bite-sized pieces into the bowl, toss thoroughly.  Make a decision as to how much of the remaining dressing to add as it depends on the size of the romaine hearts and the size of your bowl. Don’t put in too much dressing. Finally add crotons, toss again for a few minutes to coat the croutons with dressing and allow them to absorb excess salad dressing.  Serve immediately!

 

 

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Easy Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

December 4, 2008 at 9:49 pm (article, food, next2eden, nutrition, personal wellness)
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Here is a terrific article by a well know writer, Janet Little. Janet works as marketing director for Henry’s Market, a  well known grocery store in San Diego County.  Janet has been wonderful to work with and I greatly appreciate her input.  Go to www.next2eden.com for more articles by Janet.

By Janet Little, C.N.

The holidays don’t have to take a toll on your tummy. Here’s how to enjoy the holidays — and occasionally indulge — without going overboard.  Tis the season for tempting foods, family dinners, office parties, and a lot of other distractions that can deter you from eating healthy.  Just when you’ve polished off the Halloween candy, it’s time to stuff yourself with turkey and all the fixings.  Thenit’s time to get a second wind: Christmas is just around the corner and most likely you’re going to be overindulging in food, alcohol and just about whatever you can get your hands on.  However, this year can be different.  You can decide to manage your weight and live a healthy lifestyle with these tips:

Think of the 90 / 10 rule:

The holidays can be a time of great temptations: eggnog, cookies, brownies, chocolate candies, holiday parties and spirits.  Did you know that by allowing yourself an occasional indulgence will not cause a drastic weight gain, but it can actually help keep your weight on track.  Just think of the 90/10 rule – eat healthy meals 90 percent of the time and then allow yourself that 10 percent treat. 

When we start to gain weight is when we increase our calorie intake over time.  For example: having that “once a year” cup of eggnog (about 400 calories) is fine.  When problems of weight gain occur is when we have a cup of eggnog each night, or we pair the eggnog with cookies each night.  Then we start to see weight gain, slowly over a period of time.  So don’t beat yourself up for eating something that’s yummy and gooey – enjoy a small portion – and then go right back to eating natural whole-some foods 90 percent of the time.  

Remember tomorrow never comes:

Try to avoid the thinking process of, “This will be my last treat,” or “ I’ll start a new diet tomorrow.”  It’s important to note that new habits begin slowly and it’s easy to fall back into old ones such as yo-yo dieting.  So start right now! Don’t wait for the New Year to begin a healthy eating plan.

Prioritizing and planning are the keys to preventing holiday weight gain. Schedule your fitness plans just like a doctor’s appointment. Stock your cupboards and refrigerator with healthy food and snacks.  Another great idea is to start an eating dairy through the holidays.  Writing down everything you eat will help increase your food intake awareness.

Practice meditative eating:

Slow down and enjoy your food.  Too often we rush through our meals; we eat while watching television, reading the newspaper or surfing the web.  Instead, try to play some relaxing background music while you eat.  Set an attractive table using your favorite dishware and light some candles.  Just remember to savor each bit.  Listen to your body and stop eating before you feel full.

Start new traditions:

Get active NOW!  The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with the family.  Why not go for family walks in the park or for a nice long leisurely hike in the mountains.  Set a new tradition this year and have a family bike ride for the holidays.  Just try to pick a new activity each week and do it.  Your weight will stay in check if you stay active.

Be Kind to yourself:

Take time out for YOU.  The holiday rush can be a very stressful time.  And often during times of stress, we overeat.  Also when we are stressed our hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland, which signals the adrenal glands to release a stress hormone called cortisol.  High levels of cortisol can cause inflammation, and according to researchers from Yale, cortisol may cause women to deposit fat in their midsection.

Take time out to de-stress.  Each day set aside at least ten minutes just for you.  Wake up 15 minutes early and enjoy the sunrise or sit outside in the evening and enjoy the sunset; get active—aerobic activity helps to reduce stress; and get plenty of sleep each night.  Just take some time for yourself and enjoy a quiet moment.

Meal Preparation Substitutions:

Believe it or not, there are numerous incredibly healthy and flavorful alternatives to many of the foods we’ve become accustomed to eating over the years.  Some examples of common substitutions are:

  • Substitute nonfat plain yogurt for mayonnaise
  • Substitute skim milk for Half & Half
  • Substitute egg whites for egg yolks (three whites are the equivalent of one egg)
  • Substitute applesauce for butter
  • Substitute canned pumpkin or mashed bananas for hydrogenated oils

Consider Using Organics:

One of the best ways to ensure you feel better about the holiday meal you prepare is to use organic produce and ingredients.  Organics have increased dramatically in popularity over the last 10 years.  These days, people choose natural and organic foods for a variety of reasons, two of which are taste and health. 

In the production of fruits and vegetables, organics don’t rely on synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, and organic growing does not allow the use of genetically modified organisms.  For meat and poultry, the animals are free range and graze on certified organic fields. The animals are given organic feed that does not allow the use of animal by-products and are raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Additionally, organic packaged goods require that a very limited number of synthetics can be used and producers are required to follow strict certification guidelines.

Most chefs prefer to use as many organic ingredients in their recipes as possible.  They simply believe organics taste better, because organics are produced in a natural way.

Other Holiday Health Tips:

  • Make sure to eat before you leave for a party; choose a healthy snack so that you don’t end up filling up on chips and dip.
  • If you overindulge in alcohol, take a 100-milligram B-complex vitamin before bed, and drink a lot of water.
  • For every alcoholic beverage you consume, drink one glass of water.  This will slow down your alcohol consumption and prevent dehydration.
  • If you’re throwing a party, serve bowls of mixed nuts instead of snacks high in fat and sugar. 
  • Throughout the whole season, eat well and incorporate foods that will defend against viruses. Citrus fruits, rich in Vitamin C, provide antioxidants known for their ability to support the immune system. Vegetables, which contain beta-carotene, also nourish our immune system against viruses and are useful for supporting the respiratory tract.
  • Make sure to incorporate garlic into your diet.  It helps impede potential viruses and can be the key to promoting an active immune system when the weather turns cold.

Happy holidays!

So, before you head out to that holiday party, grab a healthy snack. While you’re there, allow yourself to indulge that sweet tooth a little, and savor it! And, by all means, be good to yourself

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