Healthmakers in the Snow

The unusually bitter cold in Utrecht this 2011 winter finally crescendoed into snow last night. We expected this morning to offer little more than some cold slush but were pleasantly surprised to see huge flakes floating quietly and gently down from the light grey sky.
Since the taxi’s were not running, half our employees never made it to work and missed the fun an hilarity of building the snowman and the usual snowball fights.

It is quite some years since we have seen good snow in Utrecht and I had forgotten just how extraordinarily beautiful everything looks when it is covered in a thick layer of fresh snow. The stillness is almost erie. The flakes continue to fall 14 hours later.

Pet Food Recipes with Vitamix

National Pet Month was celebrated in the UK and the USA in April this year.  South Africa for some unknown reason does not set aside a period of time to honour our pets that bring so much joy to so many, old and young.

Vita-Mix Corporation the manufacturers of the Vitamix 5200 Super Blender put together a few amazing recipes to spice up the life of your dogs, cats, horses, kittens and puppies, as their offering for the 2010 National Pet Month. As this was something quite unusual, I thought I would share them with you.

All-natural, homemade Vitamix Pet Treats…

are perfect for everyone in the family, including your pets. Fresh from the Vitamix test kitchen, these easy-to-make recipes are not part of any special pet diet, but are veterinarian-approved for pet safety. Instead of paying for packaging, additives and preservatives, make these healthy pet treats, with natural ingredients and love, in your Vitamix. Your pets will be begging for more!

About the Vitamix^® Machine

The Vitamix machine has the power to perform a wide variety of food processes and does them faster and more effectively than most ordinary kitchen appliances. It does everything without a single attachment and is easily cleaned in seconds.

Most importantly, Vitamix uses whole foods in every recipe. Our machine has the blending power to break down ingredients, so your body can quickly take advantage of their nutritional benefits as well as receive a natural boost of energy.

Here’s just a sample of what else this amazing machine can do for you:

• Make juice from fresh produce in under a minute
• Create hot soup from scratch in just five minutes
• Make healthy, delicious frozen treats in 30 seconds
• Grind whole grains and knead dough in one easy operation
• Chop vegetables in an instant

Veterinarian Approved

The great recipes found in this blog post have been reviewed and found to be pet safe by Dr. Thomas Wood of the Lorain Animal Clinic, located in Lorain, Ohio. The clinic provides comprehensive pet care including internal medicine, nutritional counseling and dental care.

Dr. Wood did his undergraduate work at the College of Wooster and his post graduate work at The Ohio State University. He has been a veterinarian since 1987. Dr. Wood is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Before changing your pet’s diet consult your veterinarian.

Look at this wonderful variety of recipes for your pets. Including 6 recipes for Dogs, 5 recipes for Cats and 2 recipes for Horses.

Dog Treats

Gluten Free Liver Treats

2 cups (160 g) old fashioned oats4 ounces (112 g) raw liver (chicken or beef)1 egg2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses or agave3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 180 C

2. Place oats into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds to create oat flour. Pour into a mixing bowl and set aside.

6. Place the remaining ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 30 seconds. Pour over oat flour and mix ingredients to create a dough.

10. If rolling out dough, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch (.6 cm) to 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 8-12 minutes depending on size for a crisp biscuit texture.

OR

Spread the dough into an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes for a chewy treat. Cut to desired shapes and sizes when cool.

OR

Pipe or drop “kisses” by spoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes depending on size.

Note: Store the chewy version of these treats in the refrigerator.

 

Frosty Strawberry Treats

1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries 1 (6-ounce) container plain yogurt

1. Place ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

Note: Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat. Suggested Serving: 1-2 treats daily.

Peanut Butter and Yogurt Kibble Sauce

Yield: 4 cups (960 ml)

2 cups (293 g) dry roasted peanuts 4 cups (960 g) plain low fat yogurt

1. Place peanuts into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

4. In 1 minute you will hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change to a low, laboring sound. Stop machine and remove lid.

5. Add the yogurt and secure lid.

6. Select Variable 1.

7. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

8. Blend 30 seconds or until smooth.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this sauce.

Tip: This sauce may be frozen in ice cube trays for a cool treat on a hot day. Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat

Beef Stew Kibble Gravy

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

4 ounces (112 g) beef chuck, in 2-inch cubes 2 medium carrots, sliced 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium beef broth 1/2 baked potato 1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum (optional)

1. Cook the beef, carrots and broth over medium heat until the beef is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add potato through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the potato.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this gravy.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) Serving Amount: Under 20 lbs. 1-2 Teaspoons 20-50 lbs. 1-2 Tablespoons • 50-100 lbs. 2-5 Tablespoons

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Puppy Muffins

Yield: 18 standard sized muffins or 36 mini muffins

1 1/2 cups (300 g) wheat berries or 2 1/4 (270 g) cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 large apple, quartered, seeded 1/2 cup (120 g) plain low fat yogurt 1/2 cup (120 ml) water 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or agave syrup 2 eggs 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. If making flour, place wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and add the baking soda and baking powder. Mix dry ingredients well to combine.

6. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

10. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

 

Dog Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Cat Treats

Tuna Bites

1 egg1 (6-ounce) can chunk light tuna in water2 tablespoons (28 g) popcorn kernels or 1/4 cup (40 g) cornmeal1/2 cup (100 g) wheat berries or 3/4 cup (90 g) whole wheat flour

1. Preheat oven to 180 C.

2. If using whole grains, place popcorn and wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and reserve.

6. Place the egg and tuna (with liquid) into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix ingredients to form a dough. If rolling out dough for cutting, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling.

10. Roll dough out 1/4-inch (.6 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 10 minutes for chewy treats or 20 minutes for crunchy treats.

OR

Spread dough in an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) pan evenly and bake for 15 minutes. Cut into desired shapes when cool.

 

Chicken Florentine Kibble Sauce

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (4-5 ounces)2 medium carrots, sliced2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth1/2 cup (98 g) cooked brown rice2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, steamed1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum

1. Cook the chicken, carrots and broth over medium heat until the chicken is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add rice through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the rice.

7. With machine still running add the cooked spinach through the lid plug opening and blend until lightly chopped.

Note: Treat your pet with Continental flair by mixing one or two tablespoons of this sauce with their kibble.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) • Serving Amount: 1 teaspoon

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Soft, Chewy Treats

1 cup (140 g) cooked beef or chicken 3/4 cup (180 ml) low sodium broth or water 1/4 cup (17 g) dry milk powder 1/4 cup (28 g) wheat germ

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) square pan

2. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool and cut into desired shapes.

Note: A nice, soft chewable treat for kittens and seniors alike.

Cat Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Horse Treats

Carrot Cookies

Yield: 24

2 medium carrots sliced1 apple, quartered2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 cup (80 g) oats1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a cookie sheet.

2. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to pressthe ingredients into the blades.

6. Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.

7. Drop by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until brown.

 

Bran and Molasses Muffins

Yield: 12 standard sized muffins or 24 mini muffins

3/4 cup (180 ml) rice milk1/2 cup (120 ml) molasses2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/2 apple, cut in half1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 1/2 cups (87 g) wheat bran1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl to combine. Set aside.

3. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

4. Select Variable 1.

5. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

6. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

7. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

8. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives

 

For more information about making these and other treats go to: Healthmakers

Extracted from Vitamix Pet Treats and recipes reprinted with permission of Vita-Mix® Corporation

 

Earth Hour 2011 and how you can be a part of 60+

Saturday 26 March at 8:30pm is the day and time we all give a little back to Mother Earth. Its Earth Hour 2011 and by switching off the lights for one hour in the evening you will be joining in the worldwide symbolic gesture to pledge your commitment to combating climate change (last year the ‘hour’ became the planet’s largest voluntary action ever witnessed as it reached 1.3 billion people in at least 128 different countries).

Imagine what we can achieve indeed! This year there is a movement to go beyond the hour (60+) with each person making a commitment to a positive action for the planet, a commitment that can be celebrated by turning off your lights on March 26th. The challenge is to find one way you can be an inspiration and make a difference by taking your pledge beyond the hour! Healthmakers would love to help you make this commitment to Earth Hour 60+ by suggesting a number of simple yet effective ways that can help you help the planet.

We believe the Eco-Charger is a break through in Green Energy Technology. It recharges ordinary bog standard AA and AAA Alkaline disposable batteries and also the rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH batteries are cadmium-free and therefore less toxic than the cheaper Ni-Cd alternatives). Becides the financial upside though money saved, by recharging all your batteries you will be helping to alleviate the environmental problems regarding disposing of batteries as the number used can very quickly multiply.

Remember that ordinary batteries should not be thrown away with ordinary household waste as they contain toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and groundwater. You can safely dispose of all depleted batteries through the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) and Uniross, a company which has joined forces with all Pick n Pay stores and selected Makro, Builders Warehouse and Stax stores to put collection boxes for all battery types in the stores. The batteries are collected and the non-recyclable ones are “concretised” and disposed of safely, the recyclable ones are put in a container to be sent to a facility in France where they can be recycled as there are no facilities in South Africa that can recycle batteries. By using the Eco-Charger you are reusing every battery upto 20 times and then by recycling you are not only ensuring the safety of our ground water and food (through healthy soil) but you are also ensuring that the finite source of metals used in making the battery is reused.

A second way to take up the 60+ pledge is to get an ECO Kettle. If you are not using this kind of kettle you are currently on average boiling twice the amount of water needed because measuring the amount of water to be boiled is nearly impossible.  This means twice as much energy used, in fact if you are using a 3kw kettle and it takes 60 seconds to boil you could power a single lightbulb for 50mins using the same amount of energy. The ECO-Kettle with two reservoirs works differently. You have a 7 cup reservoir of water that feeds through to the boiling chamber (when you hold the selection quantity button down, where you can select to boil from a single cup to 5 cups of water at a time). This means that you save energy every time you boil by boiling only the exact amount of water that you need. (The Energy Saving Trust in the UK did a consumer trial on the ECO-Kettle and found that 31% less energy was used than by normal kettles).

There are those that care about the environment and there are those that care about their back pocket. If you are either of these people then this kettle is for you. Often when we make a change to benefit the environment we often have to compromise our own convenience. With the Eco Kettle it is win win all the way. Enjoy the benefits of a fast boiling 2200 watt element, save the cost of electricity by not boiling unnecessary water and honour your pledge to Earth Hour 60+ and our planet by playing a part in taking care of the environment. It will certainly pay for itself time and again.

Did you know that empty plastic water bottles have become a major contributor to worldwide pollution and that for every 2 plastic bottles produced you have added 1kg of carbon dioxide to your personal carbon footprint?  Did you know that 40% of bottled water is actually TAP WATER? With or without added filtration – you’re paying through the nose for it. Worse, an independent test found arsenic, DPBs and 36 other harmful pollutants including industrial chemicals hiding in bottled water which could also contain the potentially hazardous chemical BPA.

Buying your water in a plastic bottle means:

• that in the time it takes you to read just this one short sentence, over 8,000 empty water bottles are being thrown away worldwide.
• means that 5500 rubbish trucks will be filled each day solely with plastic bottles.
• that the U.S. alone used 4110 barrels of oil to produce the 67 million plastic water bottles discarded EVERY day!

The production of plastic bottles doesn’t just deplete the planet of oil reserves but we ask that you please consider the harm that the processing of plastic water bottles does as it releases toxic compounds such as nickel, ethylbenzene, ethylene oxide, and benzene into the environment.

Healthmakers therefore recommends that you give up your plastic water bottle habit and save the planet by offering a wide range of BPA Free water bottles which are reusable and refillable making them extremely Eco-Friendly. They can be filled with water (or other liquids) you can trust to keep you healthy (see our Water Purification range on our website for healthy water options)

BPA Free Water Bottles:

Cheeki Water Bottles are manufactured from Premium 304 Food Grade Stainless Steel and are healthy for you and the environment, and are available in a wide range of stylish and fun designs that keep your water fresh and cold. Cheeki bottles are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes; sports; exercise and everyday use.

The FLOW Water Bottles we offer are made from 100% food-grade Stainless Steel making them toxin and BPA Free, because all these bottles are stainless steel they do not need a liner like an aluminum bottle would, this means that the these bottles will not hold flavors or make the water taste strange. The caps of the FLOW Water Bottles are made from recyclable BPA-free polypropylene.

We believe that by adding your positive actions towards making our world a better place by using even one of these environment ideas, you can become a part of Earth Hours 60+ global symbol of hope and movement for change. “Together our actions add up. So take action, and save the date for this year’s Earth Hour.

Next Page »