Author Archives: DailyKale

About DailyKale

Whole Foodie. Techo-geek. Lover of all things , TED and Espresso. Welcome.

A “Healthier” Flourless Chocolate Cake

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chocolate cake

5-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake.  A rich,  chocolate-ly completely delicious “Healthier” Chocolate Cake. Paleo-friendly. Gluten-free. Dairy-Free. Flour-free. Refined-sugar free. Not too “sweet”. The Chocolate is the star here.  Easy when flour and alot of refined-sugar aren’t stealing the show. Use a good chocolate bar. Next time I would add 1/2 tsp salt. That would bump it up to a 6-ingredient cake. Oh well. xo

Adapted from Detoxinista

4 oz 70% chocolate bar
3 whole eggs
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey

  1. Preheat over to 375F. Grease 6-inch cake pan. (I lined bottom with parchment paper for easy release). Original recipe uses an 8-inch springform pan if you prefer a thinner cake.
  2. Melt the baking chocolate and coconut oil in double-boiler and stir until smooth.  Let cool for few minutes.
  3. Combine the melted chocolate/oil with the cocoa powder, honey and eggs.  Whisk until batter is smooth.
  4. Pour into greased pan and smooth top.  Bake for 30 min.  If you want more of a chocolate molten/lava cake.  Bake 20-25 min.  The center will be “lava” like.
  5. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove.

Note: the original recipe uses 4 oz unsweetened chocolate and 3/4 cup honey.  I only had the bittersweet chocolate bar, so decreased the honey by 1/4 cup.

~

Orange Julius

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orange julius

Orange Julius.    The chain of fruit drink beverage stores that some of us grew up with grew out of an orange juice stand which opened  in Los Angeles in 1926 by Julius Freed.   The orange juice was replaced with a frothier, creamier drink in 1929, when Freed’s real estate broker developed the mixture that made the acidic orange juice less bothersome to his stomach.   Sales went up substantially when the new drink was introduced and people began lining up shouting, “Give me an orange, Julius!”….. hence the name.

The Orange Julius was named the official drink of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

New_York_World's_Fair_1964-65_76843_B

The original Orange Julius Recipe used 1/3 cup OJ concentrate, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla, blended with ice cubes in a blender.

orange_julius

Or here is one from the 70′s:

orange-julius

For a healthier, refreshing orange drink sure to take you back a few years, here is my vegan option:

Orange Julius
2 clementines or 1 orange
1 – 2 tsp of orange zest
1 cup non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, or rice)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional – if you want it thicker)
Pinch of Sea Salt (do not skip!)
Ice

Mix all in high speed blender.
xo

~

Receiving.

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Receiving

This is a big year of transition for me. I am moving next month and am positioning myself for major career change.  In a big way.  Different industry and different lifestyle: a true Escape from Cubical Nation.

It is both exciting …..

audrey

and, well….scary as hell …..

JanetLeighPsychoShowerScene

A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend, X, who asked for status on my  job/career search.  I told X that I’m doing heavy due diligence/research, networking meetings/coffees,  and reading everything pertinent I can get my hands on.  Also, the most important conference and networking event of the year (for the industry I would like to work in) is coming up in a few weeks.  It’s not held in the city I live in.

X promptly said, “you’re going, right?” Me:  ”No, I can’t justify the cost of attending this close to my move, which is also next month.”

X urged me to strongly consider and quickly outlined the benefits of attending, especially this year of transition.  It would be a “wise investment” in myself and my future.  Even if I determined that the industry was not for me, it’s a win/win trip.

Before we parted, X to me: “Do whatever you have to do to attend that conference.  I think it is really important for you and your future.”

do-something-today-that-your-future-self-will-thank-you-for

Upon reflection that afternoon, I thought: I can make it happen, but I wouldn’t feel good about it.  The cost of doing it would take away (at least initially), from the enjoyment of really being present and fuel my self-talk:  ”Girl, what the eff are you doing??”

I awoke the next morning to a message from X:  ”I really think you need to do this.  I would love to pay for this for you.  You will never know until you do.  This is such an important time for you.”  Wow.  Talk about an Angel Investor.

I thought about this while I made my green tea.

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X’s message moved me beyond words. I felt so grateful and empowered by it. It completely energized and exhilarated me.

“Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it.”  - Rabindranath Tagore

I responded and noted how overwhelmed I was with gratitude for X’s generosity.  I would definitely accept the offer.  It meant so much to me.

What didn’t occur to me initially (until I heard back), was how much it meant to X that I accept this offer.  Frankly, it didn’t occur to me to not accept. (Apologies for the double negative.)  But I can think of many past times when that was not the case.  This got me thinking about giving and receiving….

“For it is in giving that we receive.”  - St. Francis of Assisi

They are necessary counterparts.  Like inhaling and exhaling. And, speaking and listening.

yin-yang-cloud

Receiving is an energetic match to giving.  Just like when someone speaks, a true listener is giving back as much as they are receiving.

The often quoted bible phrase “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, which we are all familiar with, places the importance on giving.  That half of the pair is preferable to the receiving half?  Giving does feel good, yes? But, what about receiving and accepting the good in our lives?  Does it mean that receiving needs to be the opposite?  Why do we often struggle with with receiving and accepting good?

For me, it has boiled down to two reasons:

  • It taps into our vulnerability.  Big time.  Particularly when it comes unexpectedly or at a time when you are already feeling vulnerable.  That can leave us feeling “unable to do for myself” or , yikes…”needy”.   This prompts the old feeling of powerlessness.  {For more on vulnerability, the best 18 minutes you can take out of your day is to watch this TED talk by one of my mentors and a local rock-star here in Houston:  Brene Brown.}

Vulnerability

  • Secondly, it can give the perception of being “dependent” on someone. So much emphasis in our culture today is on our independence and self-reliance that we often forget that we can’t “do it all” and there is no shame in needing help.  Usually the messages drilled into us are along these lines……

beingindependentquotes

This line of thinking keeps our therapists in business.

In receiving graciously, we  honor an act of giving with our acceptance.   If I say “no thanks…..”, or simply don’t acknowledge – it is, in essence, shutting a door and denying them the opportunity to serve.  Why not open that door, give others the opportunity to serve and for us to connect?  What could be better?

To my Angel Investor, it is with a grateful heart that I embrace this upcoming event.  Thank you…

IMG_1072

And, may we continue to lift each other up. xo

~

Non~Dairy Chocolate Pudding. AKA: Chocolate Heaven.

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Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding.  You will either hate me or love me after this post.   Sometimes life calls for a little indulgence.  It is certainly in my blood to desire a “treat” or a sweet indulgence.  With all the garbage out there these days that might taste good for the moment, but makes me feel like crap within an hour…..it is a gift to find these better-for-you “treats”. And to be able to do so relatively guilt-free makes life all the more pleasurable.

This decadent chocolate treat is elegant enough to be served at a dinner party, or casual enough to put in your lunch box container for work or school.  Can easily be made in 5 minutes.  The base for this delicious pudding are these beauties:

Avocados: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.  I use them in smoothies, salads, puddings, soups and the list goes on.  Avocado is an uber nutrient-dense food. A good-for-you fat, that is excellent source of potassium, soluble fiber, and is rich in antioxidants  which boost our immune system, slow the aging process and promote a healthy nervous system.

The Four “Pillows” ~ This blends up *so* beautifully in the Vitamix!

Chocolate Pudding
Serves two

2 avocados
1/2 cup almond milk
4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1/4 cup sweetner (raw honey, agave, stevia)
Generous sprinkling of real sea salt.  **Do not skip**
Splash of pure vanilla extract

Blend in Vitamix , you will need to use the tamper and spatula to scape sides down.  Refrigerate (if you can wait that long!!)

Have fun with it!!  Variations:  use mint extract for a “choco-mint”, add nut-butter, add handful of spinach (greens hide soooo easily in chocolate desserts!!)   xo

~

Creamy Strawberry Ice-Cream: Dairy-Free. Sugar Free.

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Happy Summer, Friends.  It’s been a while!  Hope everyone is enjoying summer now that it is in full swing!  In my quest for refreshing dairy-free treats, wanted to share this jewel with you.

Mark Bittman wrote a great piece in The New York Times a few days ago:  ”Got Milk? You Don’t Need It.” Fantastic read in which he shares his own dairy-free journey.  While most don’t think of Milk in terms of sugar,  particularly interesting to note this little from Dr. Neal Barnard in the article:

“Sugar — in the form of lactose — contributes about 55 percent of skim milk’s calories, giving it ounce for ounce the same calorie load as soda.” – Dr. Neal Barnard

Whoa.  So, in the interest of a delicious dairy-free, and -with exception of the fruit, sugar-free ice-cream….I give you this super creamy and delicious Strawberry Ice Cream.

If you are using a Vitamix, this can be made with or without an ice-cream machine. Personally, I think it is better with the ice-cream machine.  I blended the base in the Vitamix and poured into  an ice-cream machine.  20 min later—a thick, creamy delicious ice-cream. Ice-cream machines have come a long way.  They are quick (20-30 min) , easy to clean, and don’t take up a lot of space.  I picked up this Cuisinart machine at Costco for about $30.

It CAN be done without the ice-cream machine.  You would just pour the base into a container and freeze it….similar to this ice-cream.  Some people enjoy a “soft-serve” and some prefer a harder ice-cream.  I am of the former.

NOTE: The coconut milk needs to have been refrigerated and cold.  When you open it, do not stir it up.  Pour right into the blender.

Strawberry Ice-Cream {Dairy-Free}

1 can of full-fat coconut milk – (refrigerated and cold)
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 tbps vanilla extract
1 tsp sel de gris or real sea salt – do NOT skip this–trust me!
Stevia to taste

Place all ingredients in Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy. Depending on size of your strawberries –If you need to add a little liquid -use a little almond milk.  I got the “four pillows” doing this—which means when the container is upside down –it is pretty much frozen..but still a bit soft-serve.  At this point, you could either enjoy it or put it in the freezer if you prefer a harder, more traditional ice-cream.

I poured the strawberry ice-cream into the Cuisinart ice-cream machine and gave it a whirl for 20 min.  This really takes it to another level.  Not essential—but recommended.  xo

 ~

Get Your Green On!

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Alas, a blogger’s dilemma.  I had this post planned to include two green smoothies and start with a beautiful green photo collage (pictured above).  Enter photo collage tech-issues.  My beautiful green collage could not be saved to desktop. Thankfully – a software, not a hardware issue. Knowing I have not yet photographed second smoothie,  Do I  (a) go ahead and purchase yet another collage program in the App Store and figure out how to get this up looking clear & mucho stunning or do I  (b) take a photo of the collage I cannot save w/ iPhone , post that and decide about the second collage program later, as I have not get got my workout in.  As you can see, I went with Plan B.  Although the photo is not 100% clear, sometimes you have to jam.  If you wait for perfect — post never gets done.  The other smoothie is especially glad, as it will not have to share the limelight with this one.

So down to business!  Can’t believe its been a month since I have posted….but with the Spring Equinox ahead of us this week (Tuesday,  3.20) and St. Patrick’s Day behind us….perfect time to get our green on!  Here is a super delicious, 5 ingredient green smoothie to kick it into high gear this spring.  As always, dairy-free.  The is an homage to my recent trip to Austin, which incidentally is consistently rated in the top 10 as one of the Greenest Cities in the US.  Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as it is the home to the MotherShip…aka…Holy Grail of food shopping and a green foodie’s heaven.

This  Super Green Smoothie has only 5 ingredients : Kale, Spinach, Banana, Almond Butter and Almond Milk….

Super Greens Smoothie

Kale – big handful
Spinach – big handful
2 frozen Bananas
2 cups Almond milk
2 tbsp Almond butter

Blend all in Vitamix…and remember….when the going gets tough, the tough go green.  xo

~

What I Learned from Bells Palsy.

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Two years ago today, I was out of state on a 6 week work assignment.  I woke up in my hotel room to find the right side of my face paralyzed:  no sensation, my eye did not blink and that side of my face did not move.

While not permanent and certainly not the worst diagnosis one could receive – it scared me.  How does a healthy person (or so I thought)  just “wake up” on a Sunday morning to a half-paralyzyed face?  Kind of incredible when you think of it.  This health challenge put me on a path of learning that I could never have imagined and one I am so grateful for. The knowledge I have gained about myself, my health, the human body, medicine (eastern, western and functional) is truly invaluable and one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

I was 40 at the time and had completely changed my diet a few years prior. I abandoned the SAD (standard american diet) for a whole food, plant based diet and traded in my Diet Mtn Dews for green juices. Ironically and thankfully,  I did so, in part, because I didn’t want to “wait for an illness” to make necessary changes. I have always been active and exercised.

Given that, I was completely shocked, wondering how on earth this could happen: who  eats healthier than I do? And what in the heck is  Bells Palsy anyway?  And how is my face going to get back to normal?  <big lesson in humility forthcoming>.

~

Sometimes health adversity and challenges turn out to be the greatest good in our life.

~

I saw many doctors.  Got alot of prescriptions and not alot of answers.  They all treated my symptoms and did not address the cause.  In my journey, here are a few things  I learned.

1) Take Responsibility for Your Own Health.   It is our responsibility as a patient to do our due diligence not only on who we are seeing for treatment, but to educate ourselves on the different methods of treatment, regardless of which one we end up choosing. Ask questions. What treatments have worked for others?  What is the common denominator of those that have healed themselves of this condition? Just because someone in a white lab coat with a medical school degree dispenses advice, does not mean it is what is best for you or is it your only option.  Health is too important to be passive….be proactive.  For me, if the only tools in a doctor’s tool box are a prescription pad and a pen, then I move on.

~

“Nutrition, exercise and stress management can no longer be considered alternative medicine. They are essential medicine.”  -Mark Hyman, M.D.

~

2)  Your Body is not your Enemy.  Stop asking “why is my body doing this to me?” or “why is this happening to me?” the better question is “what am I to learn from this experience?  ”what can this teach me about myself?”  Our bodies are always talking to us, if we only stop and take the time to listen. The worst thing we can do is get angry at our body.  Our body knows how to heal itself, if we give it the proper tools in a good environment, then its work is easy. If we give it garbage (junk food, toxic thoughts) be a couch potato and skimp on sleep, then the cells are working at a disadvantage and in a disagreeable atmosphere.

~

There are no incurable diseases.  Only incurable people.

~

3) Live and Love Consciously.  Too often we are prisoners of our thoughts and “old tapes” we play in our heads.  Are these tapes negative?  Do they “build you up” or do they “beat you up”? Living in the mind makes us a slave to those negative tapes.  That is unconscious living. When we get outside our mind, we can change our behaviors by changing our thoughts. Good health also comes from love and appreciation of yourself.  As Dr. Bernard Siegal says, “Love heals.  Love is the most powerful known stimulant of the immune system.”

“Love Is All You Need”  by Sofia Papagni

4) Good Health is not just about Eating Well.  Bells palsy was both a wake-up call and an opportunity to really examine my own thoughts and beliefs; my own “internal tapes”.  To see what beliefs did not serve me well and change them.  When we stuff things down inside of ourselves, it is going to manifest itself at some point, somewhere. And when people make real internal changes, often the new person does not need the old dis-ease.  The thoughts we think create our beliefs, emotions and ultimately our life experiences.  Why would we not want them all to be good?

~

“Keep my word positive.  Words become by behaviors.  Keep my behaviors positive.  Behaviors become my habits.  Keep my habits positive.  Habits become my values.  Keep my values positive. Values become my destiny.” – Gandhi

~

It is with grateful heart and a not-so-crooked face that I write this two years later.  I have come a long way….not just physically.  And, although there is no need now, ha ha ha….I still make funny faces when someone pulls out a camera ….

photobells

~

To our health, and…may we continue to life each other up. xo

~

A Surprising Organic and Vegan Shopping Haven: Costco.

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Q: Where could one go to pick up a power juicer, 10lb bag of Organic Carrots, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Zico Coconut Water, a Vitamix and Almond Butter? A: Costco.

People ask where I food shop here in Houston and my answer is this:  1) Whole Foods (it’s right across the street from where I live…#Nice), local farmers market and Costco. Costco is the one that surprises people the most. On a recent trip, I combed through all aisles to really see what they have to offer on the organic and vegan front.  As we know, buying in bulk can be great, but only if you use alot of what you are purchasing and not everything is a “deal” …. but the bulk part keeps you from making multiple trips.  Brands vary regionally.  The store in my former stomping ground of Manhattan carries Almond Breeze Almond Milk, alas…my current store here in Houston does not.  No worries, I make my own now anyway! While not a complete list, I have highlighted some of the organic brands they carry and included some links to some of the brands below.  Costco is amazing for produce–fruits, veggies, greens—also spices, beans, rice, and let’s not forget the fantastic organic frozen fruits for smoothies!  Deal of a lifetime:  10.7 oz of Saigon Cinnamon $2.65.  Right-O, Costco. xo

PRODUCE

  • Earthbound Organic Spinach  1lb/$4.99
  • Avocados 5lbs/$5.99
  • Wholesome Gardens Organic Butternut Squash
  • Organic Sliced Apples  8/ 6oz bags – 6.99
  • Organic Cello Carrots (10lb bag)–$5 if you are into juicing–this is heaven!
  • Organic Spring Mix 3.99
  • Organic Caesar Salad Mix  1lb  3.99
  • Bananas, Pears, Apples (5 kinds, including Organic Pink Lady), Mangos, Kiwis, Strawberries, Grapes, Raspberries
  • Medjool Dates 2lbs/7.99

APPLIANCES

  • FoodSaver 3800 series  $150 (with 1 11-inch roll and 12 qt bags)
  • Hamilton Beach 6 qt slow cooker $40
  • Cuisinart Mini Chopper $19
  • Cuisinart Blender/FoodProcessor $68.99
  • Oster Beehive Blender $29
  • Magic Bullet $45
  • Jack Lalanne Power Juicer $90
  • Vitamix $374  (this is with the shorter container).  Costco is also host to the Vitamix roadshows…a great place to pick up one of these blenders discounted.

FROZEN FRUITS/VEGETABLES — SMOOTHIE HEAVEN!

  • Wawona Organic Peaches 4lbs/$6.99  **Awesome score-Peaches are HIGH on the Dirty Dozen list!!**
  • Townsend Organic Raspberries 3lbs/$9.99
  • Organic Wild Blueberries 4lbs/$13.59
  • Watts Brothers Organic Yellow Corn 5lbs/ $5.99
  • Watts Brothers ORganic Mixed Vegetables 5lbs/$6.39
  • Pure Nature Organic Broccoli 4lbs/$5.89
BEVERAGES
  • Zico Coconut Water 12/14oz $17.99
  • Organic Soymilk 12/32oz $13.99
  • Organic Ricemilk 12/32oz $13.69
  • Sambazon Organic Acai Juice 2/32oz $9.99
  • Tazo Organic Green Iced Tea 12/13oz 12.99
  • Honest Kids Organic Juice Pouches - Variety: 32 pouces $9.59
  • Coffee Ruta Maya Organic Roasted Coffee 2.2lbs/$14.99
SPICES
  • Kirkland No-Salt Seasoning 14.5oz/$8.29
  • Kirkland Saigon Cinnamon 10.7oz $2.65
  • Kirkland Pure Vanilla Extract 16oz/$6.79
  • McCormick Organic Basil 2.85oz/$3.15
  • Gourmet Collection Cumin 14oz/$5.49
  • Gourmet Organic Oregano 2.5oz/$3.99
  • Gourmet Organic Thyme, Rosemary, Dillweed
NUTS
  • Almonds  48oz/$9.79
  • Walnuts 48oz/$14.99
  • Pine Nuts 24oz/$14.49
  • Pecans 32 oz/$15.99
GRAINS/SNACKS
DRY/BAKING/CONDIMENTS

NON-VEGAN, but ORGANIC

  • Kirkland Organic Chicken Stock 6/32oz $10.59
  • Pacific Natural Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth 6/32oz $10.59
  • Kirkland Organic Whole Milk 3/64oz $10.99
  • Kirkland Organic Brown Eggs 24 ct Grade AA $6.39
  • Kirkland Organic Butter 2/1 lb $7.49
  • Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef  4.49/lb
  • Coleman Organic Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast 5.99/lb
  • Coleman Whole Bag Fryers 2.29/lb
  • Organic Turkey Meat 3.99/lb
  • Fresh Farmed Catfish, Tilapia, Salmon, Whole Trout, Snapper

Agar Agar. Thank me later.

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Agar Agar.  What is it?  Widely used in Asia and in Japan for over 450 years,  it is the vegetarian, natural sea vegetable version of gelatin.  Flavorless, calorie-free and odorless, it has been known as ”the medicine to smoothen stomach conditions” and aid in digestion.     It is sold in the form of blocks, powder, flakes or brittle strands. Available at Asian markets, natural food stores and Whole Foods. It can be substituted  for gelatin but has stronger  setting properties  (about 5x more)….so less of it is required. Unlike gelatin, Agar will set at room temp.

It contains no sugar, no fat and no carbohydrates. It is high in dietary fiber, protein and also contains an array of minerals and is rich in iodine from seaweed.  It has mildly laxative properties. It is used as a thickening agent for custards, puddings, soups and sauces.

Some ingredients do not set with it, depending on the acidic / alkaline state of the add-in:  Pineapple, figs, papaya, mango, peaches contain enzymes which break down the gelling ability.

How do you use Agar?  You must first soak it in liquid for 5-10 minutes.  I use 2 tbsp of Agar flakes to 3 cups of liquid:  (half/almond milk or coconut milk with half water).  It then has to be brought to boil and simmered for a minute.  I then pour it into a bowl and it will set at room temp without refrigeration.  If you want it firmer, you can add more agar; less firm, add more liquid.

This ratio produces this consistency: 

For a virtually calorie-free, quite filling and super-delicious chocolate pudding, I add 2 tbsp of Cacao Powder, a few shakes of Cinnamon, Stevia and a sprinkle of fleur de sel.  Give that a whirl in the Vitamix and you have a super delicious, almost-calorie-free (remember, agar has no calories, so the only calories in this are from the cacao, cinnamon, , almond milk) chocolate pudding:

Swear. And in the blink of an eye, that full cup of deliciousness turns into this…

 You can easily use many different add-ins here for puddings or thick shakes:

  • pumpkin, pumpkin spice
  • sub coffee for some of the almond milk to make it a “mocha”
  • strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  • pureed fruit or jar of baby food for a pie filling
  • oatmeal or millet
  • coconut or any nut butters

Have fun with it!  Here are some other great uses for this fun sea vegetable:

Basic Agar Pudding tutorial by Katie at Chocolate-Covered-Katie

Sweet Cinnamon Panna Cotta by Jennifer & Jaclyn at Sketch-Free Vegan Eating

Dairy-Free Red Quinoa and Broccoli Quiche by Heather at Yum Universe

Eat better. Feel great.  xo

On Paula Deen….Where is the compassion?

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Unless you have been sailing off a remote caribbean island with electronic shutdown (if you have–nice!)…then you have no doubt heard the news that Paula Deen has diabetes.  She was diagnosed three years ago and has come public only now that she has signed a multi-million dollar contract with Novo Nordisk to spread the word on “managing” diabetes.

The facebook threads and Paula-bashing tweets were on fire. The judgment, ugliness, mud-slinging and the name calling on alot of my favorite FB pages and from alot of tweeps I follow on Twitter were quite surprising to me.  Just to be clear:  I am not defending her decisions or lifestyle choices.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that she does not live a life of “moderation”… those are her words and, as told to Dr. Oz,  her two fav things are “french fries and a 50 yr smoking habit.”  Draw your own conclusions.  But , she is not unlike most of America and millions of others with diabetes: choosing to “manage” symptoms with medication instead of treating/removing the causation. How do we change this?  Not by name-calling and criticism, but through education and compassion.

People: as proponents of a healthy lifestyle, we need to be a positive force for change. Not everyone can immediately dive into the deep end of the pool.  I didn’t always eat this way and live the healthy lifestyle that I embrace today.  Did Bill Clinton become vegan after his first heart surgery?  No.  Sometimes it takes a few wake-up calls for people to change.  And some never will.  Is there a 3 yr statute of limitation on change after a diagnosis?  Puhleeze. And P.S., just because someone is vegan doesn’t mean that he/she is “healthier” or “better” than anyone else.  It is very easy to have a crappy vegan diet.

In focusing on Ms. Deen’s past poor choices, we create a negative environment that makes people less resistant to hear the positive messages we are trying to send.

Food is an incredibly personal issue.  It provides a sense of community and quite a strong connection to past memories and culture.  Alot of people aren’t ready to make big changes without first being educated.

Why not use this as an opportunity to educate people on the power of food to reverse disease instead of condemning them for past choices.

Let’s not be so quick to judge, meet people where they are and help them understand how a better food choices can lead to a better life.

To our health…. and, may we continue to life each other up.  xo