Forbidden Black Rice

Early this year my mother, who has the privilege of being a stay at home grandmother, was watching the Dr. Oz show and forwarded me information on Black Rice. I immediately drove to Whole Foods to pick some up! The great part about WF (not always "whole paycheck"), is that you can find items in dispensers and get only what you need and that is exactly what I did! 


Through my little research and personal taste test, I found that black rice is a superfood, likened acai or any other antioxidant rich food. Unlike white or brown rice, black rice helps your cells fight cancer causing free radicals. Now onto the taste, it is very light in flavor and was somewhat floral. The color did bleed a little and the texture was no different than any other rice grain.

Head on over to BlackRice.com to further your own research and find recipes.

The Power of Bentonite

For years, I have been an avid user of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay Powder, mostly for my hair and skin, but I have come to love the liquid detox form by Yerba Prima.

I am always discussing the release of unwanted toxins, especially after my colon scare last year. We are constantly consumed with unwanted and yes, sometimes welcomed toxins (alcoholic beverages, smoke, etc.), so we must become conscious of ways to release them from our systems.

Bentonite is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays on the market. As stated above, you can use it internally, as well as externally. There are a variety of brands that you can purchase, though my personal faves are referenced above, with a click through to Vitacost. Bentonite basically creates an "electrical charge" when hydrated and attaches itself and absorbs any and all toxins. It is long known to remove not only toxins, but heavy metals and impurities.

For my face, I just mix the powder with equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar, apply to my face as a mask and let harden. With my hair, the process is very detailed in which I include various oils that may not work for your hair type. I suggest that you conduct your own online search to learn the best way to use Bentonite. If you decide to purchase the liquid form, be aware that it does what it says its supposed to do and you will be fully cleansed! :-)

Here are additional uses of Bentonite:
  • Acid Reflux and bloating
  • Constipation, gas and diarrhea
  • Oral health, teeth whitening and remineralization
  • Bug bites, stings, cuts and burns
  • Skin problems, face masks, detox body baths
  • Morning sickness

Green Superfood Supplement - Amazing Grass (Goji & Acai)

I am often asked about the additional supplements that I add to my green smoothies and this Amazing Grass Green Superfood is just one that I use for added benefits. I have tried the various flavors and personally, I prefer the Original or the Goji & Acai (pictured). The beauty is, you can purchase the small packets at your health foods store for $1 to test them out for yourself before investing in the larger canisters.

According to their website, here are some of the benefits:
  • Naturally detoxifies and boosts your immune system
  • Probiotics and enzymes to aid digestion and absorption
  • Complete raw food with powerful antioxidants
  • Alkaline green plant foods balance acidic pH levels
  • More organic whole leaf greens per gram than any other supplement
  • Features Sambazon organic pure acai powder
  • Gluten Free and Vegan
Of course, these add additional benefits to your nutrition, but they may also disguise the bitter taste of some green juices! You can also just add the recommended use to a bottle of water.

Try green powders for yourself and judge them on how they taste and most importantly how you feel. Another favorite of mine is the Green Vibrance, which you can view my blog post about it here.

10 Scientific Ways to be HAPPY!

May is coming to a close, but mental health awareness is ongoing for me. Here's a graphic I found some time ago that illustrates 10 ways to BE happy!

I think it is pretty self-explanatory, so start doing these things on a regular basis and watch your life shift!

May is Mental Health Month!

Mental Health has always been my #1 priority. I am involved in a lot of community efforts to raise awareness and provide sufferers proper treatment.

Locally, I have teamed up with Mental Health of America to spread their initiative, "Mind Your Health". I received a pdf file and I wanted to share with you this calendar of things you can do every day during the month of May, to ensure you are paying extra attention to your mental well-being. 

I encourage you to print out the calendar, hang it up and be mindful of the daily task. I plan to journal each day and conduct a daily assessment on how I am feeling. 

Hopefully this blog has posted in enough time for you to avoid your daily coffee. *smile* If not, simply swap out day two for day 1.

Happy Mental Health Month! Stay tuned for more mental health info/news/blogs, etc. 

JMP