The Center for Unhindered Living




January 4


Animals have wisdom we can learn from.  Why do dogs and cats eat grass, when dogs are for the most part carnivores, and cats are obligate carnivores?  First of all, grass contains chlorophyll which has many healing properties.  It contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and assists in wound healing.  It helps to neutralize dangerous molecules in the body that could cause dmage to healthy cells.  Eating grass helps to get rid of nematode parasites.  The plant material wraps itself around the parasites, eliminating them from the intestinal tract.  The grass also helps the animal eliminate hairballs before they become a problem. 

How often do you eat greens?  I dare say that most of us do not eat enough of them.  Go to your produce aisle in the grocery store.  You will see a wide array of different greens.  Pick ones that have the brightest and most vivid green colors, as they have the most nutritional content.  Avoid iceberg lettuce, it has little nutritional value.  Choose Romaine or Green Leaf Lettuce instead.  Try some kale, bok choi, chard, napa cabbage, beet greens, mustard greens,  spinache, or arugula.

Arugula is especially tssty as a cold salad green, it has a peppery-mustardy flavor.  Here's a simple recipe for Arugula and Goat Cheese over Penne Pasta.

Ingredients

  • 5 1/2 ounces goat cheese
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped arugula, stems included
  • 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces penne pasta

Directions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. Crumble cheese into a large serving bowl.Add arugula, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt &  pepper.
  3. Drain pasta, and toss with goat cheese mixture.

If you don't like goat cheese, just substitute a cheese you do like.

Try some Sauteed Swiss Chard:

Ingredients:

1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 ckive garlic, minced
1/2 pound swiss chard
1 small onion, sliced
Lemon juice

Heat frying pan. Add oil. Stir fry garlic for 1 minute. Add Swiss chard and onion, saute for 1 minute. Cover. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

Swiss Chard Patties

1/2 c. cooked Swiss chard, chopped
1 c. bread crumbs
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
1 c. olive or cooking oil

Drain chopped cooked chard well. Mix thoroughly with pepper, crumbs and cheese. Add egg and seasonings. Shape into 3-inch patties about 1/2-inch thick. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

The more greens you include in your diet, the healthier you will be.  Just remember to wash them thoroughly irst.  Fill the sink with water and let them soak.  Add some fruit and veggie wash, and swish them back and forth in the water for a minute or so, then rinse thoroughly in clean, clear water. 


from "Nature's Guide to the New Year"
©  2010  Judie C. Snelson and The Center for Unhindered Living