Turning Points to Health
April 15, 2012 by groovygran
Filed under Dietary Choices, Featured Articles, Latest News, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Equipment, Posts, Raw, Vitamix Super Blender, Weight Loss
The turning point in my life was when I purchased a Vitamix Total Nutrition Centre in 1994. I had wanted a high powered blender for some time, as I inherently knew that I needed to include more raw food into my diet. I could see the advantage of blending a whole pile of fruit, leaves, etc and just chugging it down. At that stage I was 40 years old and suffering from various maladies. These ranged from horrible PMS that lasted at least 2 weeks of every month, drinking too much alcohol and popping sleeping pills every night. I was a mess.
I purchased my Vitamix from my daughter’s friend’s mother, Colleen Thornhill. Meeting Colleen and her husband Mike, and purchasing the Vitamix changed my life almost immediately.
I became a vegetarian within two weeks of purchasing the machine and increased my raw intake by at least 70%. I blended smoothies every morning for myself and the rest of the family. I took a flask of the stuff to work and basically just had fruit all day. Supper was a big salad. I lost weight, strangely enough, even though I was already very slim. I dropped from 50kgs to around 44kgs, and kept this low weight for about 3 years – slowly stabilising and creeping back up to around 47kgs, which is my current weight.
For the next three years I still drank alcohol, but less so and still took sleeping pills, sadly, but I felt much better all round and I no longer experienced PMS, which was a huge relief.
In 1997 we left South Africa, and this was another turning point in my life. My husband and I both gave up alcohol. Two years later we moved to Saudi Arabia, and it was there that I decided to give up sleeping pills. This was exceedingly difficult, but since I was not working, it seemed like the right time. Within 6 months I was able to sleep without any chemical aid.
A year later we moved to Dubai. Here I increased my raw intake to around 95-100%, exercised every day on my rebounder (a gift from Colleen and Mike) and felt like I had evolved into the me I was meant to be.
At this point I purchased a distiller and a dehydrator. I wanted to be sure the water I was drinking was as clean and pure as possible. The dehydrator was to add other textures and flavours into the raw diet. Dried fruit is my passion! I eat far too much of it.
I am now 56, and incredibly happy and well. I have amazing energy and never get depressed, even if things do go wrong!
I highly recommend to anyone embarking on a ‘health crusade’ to seriously consider going ‘raw’. Somehow raw food vitalises the body. Every cell seems nourished, content and happy. If all the parts of the whole are well, it stands to reason that the whole being will be well too. The easy way to do it is with a blender, particularly initially. It is so easy to blend and chug. Purchasing a juicer is also a good idea, but I have not yet done so. I tend to only juice oranges and have a cheap little juicer for this purpose.
I also highly recommend exercising on a rebounder (or mini trampoline). I bounce/aeorobicise on my trampoline every morning for 30 minutes to very upbeat, trendy music. It is a great way to start the day and excellent for encouraging elimination, and of course keeping fit and trim. The other benefit I have noticed is that I now have really good balance.
Vitamix Giveaway
August 2, 2011 by Administrator
Filed under Did You Know?, Featured Articles, Lifestyle, Lifestyle Equipment, Posts, Vitamix Super Blender
Vita-Mix have featured their 5200 super blender on a number of popular TV programs. They featured on the Martha Stewart show ”The Martha Stewart Show” is an hour long daily series that informs and inspires viewers on subjects from cooking and entertaining to crafting and gardening, hosted by Martha Stewart.
And then, Vita-Mix featured on the Ellen Degeneres show ’12 Days of Giveaways’ and actually gave away over 300 of their 5200 Super Blenders on the show. This episode will no doubt flight in South Africa, but who knows when so here is a photo clip of the Viamix giveaway.
And then, Vita-Mix Corporation gave Colleen and Michael of Healthmakers one of the new Brushed Stainless Model 5200.
Now this is a Super Blender that you could REALLY get passionate about. Between looks and performance i’m not sure what the world has to offer that could beat it.
Go and check this beauty out at www.healthmakers.co.za. Just search for brushed stainless.
Another Healthmakers approved product that will be in stock mid August 2011.
Pet Food Recipes with Vitamix
May 10, 2011 by Administrator
Filed under Pets, Posts, Recipes, Reviews
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
