Positive Eating

New Blog

2012-01-05T21:53:00.001-05:00

This blog is officially retired

please visit my new blogging adventure at

sugarchallenge.blogpost.com

King of Kale?!

2011-06-15T08:13:00.004-04:00

(from a really cool blog called katheatsrealfood.com)

Hi Positive Eaters,

So the other day someone called me the "King of Kale." I found this a humorous coronation, because I just pictured myself wearing golden robes and with a crown made out of curly leafy protrusions of the superfood. While I may not be a king of anything....Kale certainly is the king of leafy greens.

Kale, is a cruciferous vegetable, and is loaded with more nutrients than you can imagine. This how it stacks up in just a few nutrient categories.

- Kale contains four times more Mg (magnesium) and five times more Ca (calcium) than Brussels sprouts
- 17 times more Vitamin C than carrots and four times more than spinach
- Nearly double the magnesium of spring greens
- More folate than broccoli
- Seven times more carotene than cabbage
(from discoverkale.com)

Kale often freaks people out because it is this huge stalk of green leaves coming at you. But it is actually quite easy to use. You can steam it, stir fry it, work it into dishes...like vegetable lasagna. You can even bake it and make Kale chips. Kale is also shown to have a detoxifying effect and may actually aid in recovering from cancer. Here are a few great recipes.

Sautéed Kale with Smoked Paprika Recipe (from simplyrecipes.com)

I make this all the time!

Kale tends to collect dirt in the leaf wrinkles, so rinse carefully before using. To prep, cut the leaf away from the center rib and stem of each leaf. Discard stems and center ribs.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh kale, carefully rinsed, stems and center ribs cut away and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (also sold as Pimenton), sweet or hot
Pinch of dried crushed red pepper
Salt

1 Bring a large pot (4 qts) of water to a boil. Add a Tablespoon of salt to the water. Add the chopped kale. Cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2 Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper. Add the kale and sauté for several more minutes. Sprinkle on more salt and smoked paprika to taste.

Serves 4.

Kale Lasagna Diavolo (from livestrong.com)

Unbelievable!

Ingredients
1 tsp Olive Oil
8 oz Organic Green Kale
15 oz Fat-free Ricotta Cheese
4 oz Goat Cheese
2 cups Tomatoes Puree
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
6 pieces Whole Wheat Egg Lasagna Noodles
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

1. preheat oven to 400F. coat 8in square pan with oil.

2. cook kale in large pot of boiling salted water 2min. drain, and rinse uncer cold water until cool enough to handle. thoroughly with out kale, then chop. season with salt and pepper, if desired, and set aside.

3. mash together ricotta and chevre in bowl, and set aside.

4. heat 1 tsp oin in small saucepan over medium low heat. add garlic, and cook 15sec, or until fragrant. add tomato puree and red pepper flakes; simmer 5min, or until thickened.

5. spread 1/4 cup sauce in prepared baking pan. place 3 lasagna noodles on top of sauce. top with half of cheese mixture, half of kale, and 1/3 cup sauce. top with three more noodles, remaining cheese, and emaining kale. top with remaining lasagna noodles, and cover with remaining sauce. sprinkle with parmesan and bake 40min, or until cheese has melted and lasagna is bubbly.

Kale Chips

Everyone loves these...I am not crazy about them...but trust me I am in the minority!

Ingredients

1 Bunch of Kale
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Seasonings of your choice

Preheat oven to about 375*

Tear the leaves off the thick stems into bite size pieces. Spread out on cookie sheets.

Drizzle with about 2 tsp of olive oil
Sprinkle with Parmesan, Asiago or your seasonings of choice. Plus a sprinkle of kosher salt.

Bake for about 15 minutes, until edges are brown and kale is crispy.

A Bus Full of Sugar!

2011-06-12T21:35:00.002-04:00

Hey Positive Eaters,

I just started watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution! I know I am a little late to the party but this guy truly is a kindred spirit of mine. Remember the Sugar Challenge? Check out the demonstration he did in a local LA park.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Big Thanks to Andover High School's IN THE SPOTLIGHT

2011-06-11T20:20:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

This week is going great! I got a chance to do an interview with Andover High School's IN THE SPOTLIGHT. I love seeing kids doing something positive and creating worthwile media. The show featured an exceptional host, Joe Kukyendall, and he asked some great questions about this blog and other prevalent health issues of the day. I believe this is airing on Andover Community Television right now! I had a really good time and would love to do it again in the future.

Green Challenge is going well. I made a couple of green juices that were really good lately. I tried one that was just greens and it wasn't as disgusting as I thought it might be. I am also holding it down everday with some fresh salad greens that I picked up the other day. That is right...fresh local greens are starting to pop up some places!

I am really happy to be getting this blog going strong again. I look at it as a platform to advocate for healthy eating as an avenue to a more fun and enjoyable life. Please let me know of ways I can improve this corner of the World Wide Web. I appreciate any feedback you can give. My goal is to get a video up this coming week. So visit back!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Go To Green Recipe

2011-06-08T11:32:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

How is everyone doing? I promised a green recipe a few days ago and am finally getting around to posting it. I wanted it to be something outrageously simple and involving only a few ingredients. Then it hit me...why don't I just post my "go-to green recipe." This is what I make when I need to get my greens in and I don't feel like putting the chef's hat on. I think you will find that greens are not quite as scary and hard to prepare if you give this a try.

Sauteed Greens in Garlic and Olive Oil

1 Bunch of Greens (I often use Kale or Swiss Chard...but you can mix and match)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic Minced
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice or Vinegar

Rinse and chop up Greens. Heat Olive Oil in frying pan. Add in minced Garlic. Add in Greens and saute for five minutes. Dash on Vinegar or squeezed Lemon. Don't be afraid to mess with spices too!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Adding stuff in is way cooler

2011-06-04T07:36:00.003-04:00

Hi guys,

Wow! I am really surprised at how difficult this challenge is. I am four days in and almost failed twice to get in a daily green. Fortunately, throwing some Kale into my morning juice and a special delivery to work one day kept me on top. I got to say adding things in is the way to go. This to me is why many "diets" fail. They are too restrictive. They follow the "eat this, not that" paradigm and that is no fun for anyone.

As soon as you are told not to do something, the human psyche wants to do it. This is just a reality that makes being a human a wacky experience. That is one of the reasons this blog focuses on all the great stuff you can eat. There is an abundance of healthy and delicous food out there. I'd rather say "eat this, and this and this, and definitely try some of that, and you can eat as much of you want of this over here, and don't forget to try some of this too." Americans were told, not to eat fat, then we became deficient in healthy fats. Then there was the "great carb scare" and people starting consuming sugar alcohols at an alarming rate. We literally became frightened to put a fork in our mouths. I believe, you do less harm and have more fun when you concern yourself with adding healthy food in, rather than cutting certain foods out.

I am pretty confident you can eat greens til you are blue in the face and not face any dire consequences...except for maybe a blue face. Leafy green vegetables is a great "add in" to get started with. I notice people tend to notice a kind "healthy feeling" inside when they first start trying them on a regular basis. Tomorrow, I will try and post up a really good green recipe!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The Green Challenge!

2011-06-02T10:01:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Two months have passed since Jeff and I wrapped up the Sugar Challenge. We are glad so many of you followed us and even joined us in giving up the sweet stuff for a month. We were itching for a new challenge, so I decided to throw down a new one this Memorial Day weekend. This challenge will not be about taking something out, but rather adding something in.

The number one missing food in the American diet is green leafy vegetables. For some reason, we are just freaked out by them. Which is really a shame because they pack a powerful punch of lifegiving nutrients. Just ask Popeye! They are typically very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamins A, C, E and K. Plus their is a list of life enhancing phyto and micronutrients a mile long that are hidden within the cell walls of these dark green nutrional superfoods.

The challenge will be to eat one serving of leafy green vegetables every day for the month of June. Jeff and I started last night with some sauteed Kale before the Bruins game. No, things like lettuce and celery do not count. These got to be those dark greens that are often used to as garnish. Here are a few examples:

Broccoli
Kale
Collard Greens
Mustard Greens
Dandelion Greens
Mesclun
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Arugula
Green and Napa Cabbage
Broccoli Rabe
Watercress

That's right the real freaky ones! Don't be scared though...here are some of the health benefits to eating green vegetables.

- Alkalizes the Blood
- Cancer Fighting properties
- Increased Blood Circulation
- Strengthens Immune System
- Fills in Nutrional Gaps for Many Common Deficiencies
- Alleviates Symptoms of Depression
- Tonifies Liver, Kidneys and Lungs
- Reduces Congestion

Over the course of this month, I will go over many of these benefits and post a ton of Green recipes. We will host this challenge over at my old blog site Positive Eating. I believe this will be fun, adding something in is way more enjoyable than taking something out. It will by no means be easy, but hey it's not easy being green.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

First Video Post!

2011-03-03T06:28:00.001-05:00

Here is what is going on over at sugarchallenge.blogpsot.com...

Hello Everyone!

This is our first video post! This is Oscar worthy stuff, so make sure you grab some popcorn and give it a watch! Just make sure you don't eat caramel popcorn, that stuff is like crack! We like to think of ourselves as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck from Good Will Hunting, except instead of being a math genius and his scrub friend, we are Nutritional Superheroes.

Enjoy!

Taking on the Sugar Challenge

2011-03-01T19:30:00.002-05:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

We got the new blog up and running and I just posted this introduction over there. Stop by because we got some pretty cool things going on over at

sugarchallenge.blogspot.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi there...thanks for stopping by our blog. We hope you visit often and provide support, advice and humor...we are going to need all three!

Why the sugar challenge? All of us in America are drowning in a sea of sugar. We are riding a glycemic roller coaster that leads us into a constant grab for cheap energy every step of the way. This became even more apparent to me personally when after two years of cleaning up my diet substantially, I noticed I still consumed many products that contain processed sugar. When I went a day without them, I felt nervous and/or foggy. I began to notice that even my most health conscious friends still went gaga for chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

I was discussing this with my good friend Jeff Bartlett one night and someone blurted out that we should just give it up for a month (I am thinking that someone is me since I am prone to exaggerated overtures). That's right, go Miles Davis on this thing. So here we are taking on this radical challenge for the entertainment of you all.

Sugar is in everything from baked goods to salad dressing. The question is often raised "what will you eat then." The answer is a lot simpler than you might believe. We can eat anything that is a plant or an animal. Sure fruits and many vegetables are packed with sugar but these are natural occuring fruit sugars and/or more complex carbohydrates. Refined and processed sugars are extracted from their natural source to surge into our blood stream with a take no prisoners mentality. Here is a simple example, when someone collects sap from a tree to make maple syrup they need to cook out the sugars to get that sweet gooey substances we pour all over our waffles. Tree sap alone is not very appetizing. Fruit on the other hand glistens in the sun asking us to devour it. We go through all this chewing and we break down all this fiber as a rite of passage to the energy/sugar it provides. That is how it works if the sugar comes along with the whole package we will roll with it...if it needs to be cooked/extracted/evaporated/siphoned/crystallized out we are staying away for 30 days!

We plan on allowing one glaring exception. We will allow honey to be used as a sweetener. Honey acts, looks, behaves and tastes just like sugar and techinically is processed, in a plant called hive by a workforce called honey bees. I find this one example of nature providing a refinery for us to get quick energy. Honey will also be necessary to make breads and get us by from time to time. I know it seems cheap...but there are so many positive health claims to consuming honey, it seems silly to restrict it.

We hope that this challenge raises some awareness to some pretty important issues. Sugar consumption is linked to obesity, heart disease, certain cancers and type II diabetes. If one were to graph the rise in sugar consumption in America and the rise in occurence of these health issues, you would see the march upward in lock step with one another. Reports by the Word Health Organization show type II diabetes hitting rates of 60% among North Americans in the next 30 years. Such a future would cripple the current health care system and lower life expectancy dramatically.

This blog, like Positive Eating will stay away from the doom and gloom. We are hoping to show you how living without sugar for 30 days can be a life changing and fun experience. Let us know how you feel by posting comments or visiting our facebook pages.

Alright...Let's Ride.

Matthew

No Sugar for 30 Days!

2011-02-28T15:45:00.002-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am excited to announce a new 30 day challenge! I will be taking it on starting tomorrow. I will be going almost the entire month of March without consuming any processed sugar of any kind. This means anything made with sugar, white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, organic cane sugar, agave nectar, maple syrup and other such glycemic spiking substances are out for 30 days!

This challenge is going to be even more dynamic because my good friend Jeff will be joining me. Jeff, is better known as Mr. Bartlett, a middle school health teacher by day and superhero by night. He blogs regularly at Middle School Health Esteem. He is a self proclaimed sugar junkie and trying to go clean. Jeff can get me amped to do anything so his involvement is clutch. We will be co-posting at a separate blog page as well on our own respective blogs during the challenge. Here is the new blog make sure you visit it every day...because we will be posting something eye opening, inspiring and wacky every single day. That's a promise

No Sugar Added: A 30 Day Challenge

The URL is : sugarchallenge.blogspot.com

The gist of this thing goes like this. We will be avoiding all processed and refined sugars until the evening of March 30th. That evening I will bring this whole thing crashing down by consuming birthday cake (I turn 29 on March 30th). Along the way I hope to drop some knowledge on you about the sea of sugar we are all swimming in and how awesome it feels to teach your body to burn good clean carbs for fuel rather than rely on the short range jittery junkie energy that sugar provides. Most importantly we are looking to make it fun and interesting.

I will be going into a little more detail in tomorrow's post. I just wanted to get it out there...so that my boy Bartlett remembers this is for real and to make sure you all keep me on task. Here we go!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

PS
If anyone reading this works for Starbucks....do not allow me to order a Green Tea Latte with Soy from you guys for at least 30 days. Thanks a million.

The Great Health Debate

2011-02-06T10:27:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Were the past 6 months was awesome? I hope so, it's very cool to be writing a post right now. I came close to shutting this blog down. Over the holidays, a lot of people asked me "what's up with the blog?" and "I really miss the blog". So, here I am firing it up again. The thing is, I am a pretty multi-dimensional person and was starting to feel like one of those "intense foodie people" writing about it all the time. However, I missed writing this stuff and apparently so did a few others. So, from now on I am simply going to write about anything that inspires me.

That being said, I decided to write about today's big matchup. I am not talking about the Packers and Steelers in the Super Bowl. I am talking about Gabriel Cousens and Joseph Mercola in the Great Health Debate! That is right for the next 7 days a series of debates between leading voices in the field of nutrition will be squaring off every night. This is a result of the hard work of Kevin Gianni over at RenegadeHealth.com. The greatest thing about this event is it is free to listen to! You just need to sign up and listen to the debate within a certain time frame everyday. If you like what you hear you can purchase all the debates for an incredibly reasonable cost.

I am heading over to Ryan's today for the first edition of the fight card. We are actually forgoing the Super Bowl for this. I know that makes me sound like an obsessive foodie person right there... but I am actually huge sports fan. I am still smarting from the Patriots loss and I actually think this debate carries with it the potential for even heavier hitting action than two great NFL defenses on the field tonight. If you want to sign up there is still time. The link is below.

http://www.thegreathealthdebate.com

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Feel the Force Flowing Through You

2010-08-16T14:15:00.005-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

It is nice to be posting again. I just finished up what proved to be, quite literally, a weekend on the run. After a nice long day at the Boston Sports Club in Andover, I got into my Nissan Cube and drove out to my old stomping grounds in Fitchburg Massachusetts. I was to spend the evening at my teammate Jamie Aubuchon's house. His house was about halfway to Shelburne Falls, which is the site of the infamous Bridge of Flowers 10k, I was registered to compete in on Saturday morning.

Crashing at Jamie Aubuchon's to me, was the equivalent of Luke going to Obi Wan Kenobi's hideaway in A New Hope. Jamie, is the person responsible for teaching me the "force" or in other words getting speed into the legs of a gangly 19 year old Matthew Germain. Jamie to this day competes in track and field competitions, specializing in the Pentathlon and middle distance events. He can get on a track and roast anybody on any given day. His body seems to refuse to accept the ravages of age and he patiently continues to rear the talents (or lack thereof) of the young runners at Fitchburg State College.

I spent the evening with him and his son Ethan. What is remarkable is Jamie's conversational style and approach changed very little around his 10 year old son. He seemlessly brought him into our conversation and Ethan and I both enjoyed listening to his present day war stories at a recent series of track meets in Worcester. Ethan is of course the best runner on his football team, and it is probably only a matter of time until he sees the light and becomes a runner himself. Jamie of course sits patiently in the stands watching his son at every football practice. I wonder if he is waiting for the day the pads come off and his son learns that he can fly down the track with a speed and force that you are either born with or learn to develop through the mentoring of a great coach such as Jamie.

The next morning I slowly ate a bowl of Hemp Plus Granola, topped with bananas and slipped out of Obe Won's cavern. Shelburne Falls was still an hours ride and I needed to be ready for any of the twists and turns that the forgotten highways that penetrate Western Massachusetts can throw at you. This race was to be an experience. I put aside any concerns with time and place and just went out there to soak in every moment of this truly challenging event. After evenly splitting the first two miles, we were sent up Crittenden Hill Road, a portion of pavement that is legendary amongst New England running folklore. You are sent a mile up a steep and switchbacking beast of a hill. Your pace slows to almost a trot as you muster up any strength you can find to put one foot in front of the other. After this, well it is pretty much off to the races as the course sends you hurtling down hill mostly for the next 3.2 miles. I must say it was an easy ride, all that I needed to do was open my stride up and let myself go.

After the race, I was happy to see that the post race refreshment consisted of fruit, organic granola bars and veggie burgers. Thanks to the forward thinking race directors I did not need to stop for lunch on the way home. When I got home, a strong urge to go running again took hold of me. I kept pushing it aside...but it kept coming back. I finally suited up and went out for an evening five mile jaunt. The next morning I arose and headed out the door to meet up with my teammates for our typical Sunday morning long run. I showed up and noticed I was the only one in the parking lot. So off I went, just me and my running crazed self. I did my typical 12.6 mile loop and then just kept going. I ran through the trails at Winnekenni park and back out onto the streets...I kept going and going and going. I ended up running 16.6 miles and wanted even more.

I was able to get a hold of myself and head home for a well deserved lunch.

That afternoon, I went to Plum Island to soak my legs in the cold ocean water. The surf was strong and what felt like such a strong frame on the land suddenly became fragile as swell after swell lifted me and through me wherever it wished. I was even sent hurtling onto the sand from one particularly strong wave. A couple of teenagers who were bobbing up and down ever so cooly and riding wave after wave, commented on how well I "rode the wave", I laughed and assured them that the wave just had its way with me. We laughed and I dove into the water several times before returning to the land to dry myself off.

Walking along the sand, I was thinking about our perceptions of inner strength. Several beach goers swam amongst the churning surf with little or no concern about the massive force the ocean can exert on their tiny bodies. Often, people gawk and make comments like "I would be lucky to run 16 feet" when I tell them about my running exploits. When I am running I take little note or care about the forces gravity is exerting on my musco-skeletal system. Forces equal to 2-4 times by body weight repeatedly impart themselves on my joints, ligaments, bones and muscles. I fling myself throughout space and allow myself to float along with gravity as if nothing truly remarkable is going on. As if the forces that are "having their way with me" are natural and not distressing at all. It seems as if feats of strength and will require either an ignorance or a passive dismissal of the truly overpowering forces of nature.

I thought about my compulsion this weekend to keep feeling my body move through space. I realized there was a certain relief associated with every step. I believe a certain surrendering to the force cultivates a cooperation and respect that allows us to accept these forces as they come at us. We know it is impossible to fight it so we simply go with it. We even sometimes become intoxicated by it.

People I work with often see themselves as failures when they fall victim to a craving or a need to eat. The forces that push us to eat are completely natural and necessary. Our attempts to resist them only knock us over. Being human means accepting we need to satiate our hunger, whenever possible. The old model of dieting involved restrticting our meals, portion sizes and calorie counts. This process certainly will work, but I believe it involves fighting against a force rather than cooperating with it. One reason, I started this blog was to show people that eating healthy can be fun and stress free. Let's accept that we need to eat and then put all sorts of awesome stuff into us.

I started this post wondering if I was going to write about food at all. Interestingly, enough here we are. I challenge you to accept and cooperate with any of the innate natural forces in your life this week. Nature provided them to power our lives not wipe us out. Obe Won would say, "may the force be with you," Jamie would say "he wants to play football so I take him to football practice"...I might say "positively eat until you feel so nourished that your insides smile."

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Finally Found a Chaga Mushroom!

2010-08-04T13:44:00.004-04:00

Positive Eaters!

Above is the wild mushroom known as Chaga! I started searching for this superfood after Ryan returned from a seminar with David Wolfe at Kripalu in May. He came back with stories of this mushroom you could find growing on birch trees in the woods that possessed an ORAC rating higher than Cacao. So off I went into the woods, bushwacking and staring up and down at birch trees of every shape and size. I also started to research this magical mushroom (that does not cause you to hallucinate so don't get too excited). I also wanted to make sure I went about this safely and successfully.

Chaga is a parasitic fungus (I know you just read parasite and are thinking I finally went completely crazy, not to fear I did my research) that infects primarily birch trees. Accounts of this mushroom being used in traditional medicine date back to the 16th century in Russia. The mushroom gained substantially more attention when a Russian author wrote a book called Cancer Ward. In this fictional book, (that is often thought to be an autobiographical account of the author's own battle and recovery from cancer) the main character discusses the use of Chaga to help treat his case of cancer.

Recent studies are starting to back up these claims. Scientists in Russia, Finland and South Korea located something called betulinic acid in Chaga mushrooms. When the acid was applied to tumors in vitro they brought about anti-melanomic activity, in other words stopped the growth of tumors. Later studies showed it can also produce apoptosis, the killing of cancer cells. Human and animal trials still need to be conducted (which always makes me laugh because humans have already been using it for 400 years, they should just go study those people).

The anti-tumor thing is certainly exciting. However, chaga is also know to be anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, a pain reliever and effective in the treatment of ulcers. As I stated earlier, tests for antioxidant content on Chaga specimens reach well over 1000. To give you a reference point, blueberries are often touted for there high antioxidant content...your best batch of blueberries might get you into the 200's.

The craziest thing about finding my first Chaga mushroom is where I found it. I searched high and low and deep into forests for these things and I end up finding it three miles from where I live. I dropped my car off at the mechanic to get some routine service done and was about to go out for a run. I walked over to a grassy spot near a housing development and looked up into this birch tree that abuts the property and lo and behold there was this burnt charcoaly mushroom. The process now will be drying it and breaking it up into a powder to make a tea. I will let you know how that goes.

*Disclaimer: definitely study these things well if you go searching for one...they really are unmistakable in the way they look...still I don't want anyone ending up in a hospital or going on a three day halluconegenic trip because you made a tea out of the wrong mushroom. Best resource on finding and harvesting chaga mushrooms that I found was this guy, Daniel Vitalis, check out his website and videos if you are interested in Chaga.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Reflections on Being Outside the Box

2010-08-02T14:04:00.003-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I made it! One entire month without entering a grocery store. I managed to even avoid those grey area "health food stores." I did get food from a few restaurants and a couple times bought an item from CVS, but other than that I survived on what was stocked in my pantry and the bounty of local farms. This post isa reflection on the food, the people and the fun that was last month's challenge.

One thing that cannot be understated is how quickly you gain the ability to make several different dishes from the same items. When you are limited to whatever is already in your pantry you get creative. Quinoa with vegetables was a stir fry, a salad, a pizza and a wrap. You also start diving into food that would either be ignored or went to waste in the past. How very efficient!

The freshness of local farm raised food is unmatched. Anything that was picked yesterday and ends up in your stomach today carries with it a crispness and flavor unique unto itself. This is devoid from store bought food as it is bound to fade away when it sits in a truck on its trip from Florida or California. This freshness makes you appreciate the fertile lands that exist in your own backyard. The potential for food to sprout from the land right beneath your feet helps to develop a unique reverence for any open space you come across. I probably walked around barefoot on the grass more times this month than usual. I just wanted to feel this soil that can grow plentiful amounts of food beneath my feet.

The experience of shopping amongst farmer's markets and conversing with farmers was truly the most special part of this challenge. Often "grocery shopping" is on the list of "to do's"...just another necessary task in our busy schedules. People often try to get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible. I often found myself looking for a reason to hang around longer when visiting a farm or a farmer's market. Often people visit the farm as a "summer excursion." This was like a little excursion for me three or four times a week. Talking about the food with farmers was a joy. They are often deeply connected to their food and their land. They become more connected to you the more you shop there. They are not simply putting the food on display, they are selling you a piece of their land and their labor.

The reason I encourage all of you out there to try and look for more options outside the box is that it is incredibly fun. Not every farm carries the same stuff, so you find yourself visiting many different locations. You meet cool people and travel cool places this way. I spoke mostly about farms in this post...but I also needed to find places that sold bread, eggs and even peanut butter to replenish my cupboard. I discovered a mediterrean bakery where I was able to buy pita bread and even found people who kept chickens in their backyard and sold organic eggs. I met a bee keeper who sold honey and homemade jams and peanut butter. I would have never met these people if it wasn't for forcing myself to look outside the box.

And that is the point of all this! To get outside the box and feel free! Many people asked me "how are you going to eat" when I told them I was going to take on this challenge. This shows how we are trapped into the thinking that we are reliant on the big grocery store chains and food makers of this world for our survival. This is the furthest thing from the truth. The very ground underneath your feet can sustain you. Challenge yourself....maybe not for an entire month...but make one meal with food bought from sources other than the grocery store. You will feel slightly rebellious and you are guaranteed to meet some interesting people and even have an adventure or two.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The Final Week Outside the Box

2010-07-28T16:33:00.012-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

We are here! The final week of shopping Outside the Box. Lots of adventures to share with you in this post...since we are coming towards the end I wanted to get in some great content that will hopefully give you a better glimpse into what this month was like for me.

I finally ran out of Quinoa and needed to think up a new idea fast. There were plenty of farm fresh veggies in the fridge so I put them in a cast iron frying pan and lightly sauteed them.

This was not going to carry me any sort of distance. I put some dough in the oven and made myself a baked flatbread and put these veggies on top. I added some fresh mozarella and instantly made a "pizza like creation." This was delicous and satisfied me for quite some time. The picture below says it all.

One beverage I often buy inside stores is iced tea. This month made me realize how insane it is to spend a $1.79 every time I feel like iced tea. There is more tea in my cupboards then you might find at a bed and breakfast. I can make my own. Simply pour hot water into a glass cylinder of some sort (I actually used a flower vase). Allow to cool...add ice or put in the fridge. Very simple...I may never purchase iced tea again....I do like Steaz and Guayaki though.

Now that my own iced tea was prepared it was time to re-stock up on the "Beverage of Everlasting Life"....Spring Water that is! I piled all my jugs into a milk crate and headed to Exeter. On recent trips, I brought all these loose bottles with me. This was incredibly inefficient, plus they were prone to tipping over this way. When I got to the spring there was a woman who was using the same milk crate system. I said "I just thought to put my jugs in milk crates today" she looked at me, cigarette dangling from her mouth and said "you sure are pretty slow aren't you." We both laughed and I kept my comments regarding her nicotine habit to myself.

I was committed to picking some Blueberries before the season comes to a close. In this month of filling my fridge and pantry with foood from farms, I did not pick a single item myself. That is shameful, I thought. I need to get close and touch the food as it comes out of the ground...or in this case off the bush. On the way to the spring I stopped at Monahan Farms and spoke to the very nice lady who works there. She gave me a bucket and said "Now there is no need to fill this up. Just make sure you pick the firm ones...the soft ones can be for the birds." Can you imagine hearing that at a grocery store?

I picked about 2.5 pounds of blueberries. I was certainly impressed at the speed in which I filled about half the bucket. When I got home, I thoroughly rinsed and put 2 pounds in freezer bag for freezing. The rest went in a tupperware container and in the fridge. I felt like Huckleberry Finn walking amongst the blueberry patches singing and being out in the open air. Still there was one more stop I needed to make on this trip.

I heard rumors of a tea shop in Exeter. Those of you who follow this blog know that I used to frequent the Licorice and Sloe Tea Company in Newburyport for many years until they closed up. This loss was difficult for me to bear. Still, I set out in hopes of finding a nice place to grab a cup of tea when I visit the spring. I found the White Lily Tea Shop.

Upon entering, it became immediately apparent this place was so much more than a tea shop. There were botanicals, herbs, soaps...the shop also offered herbal remedy consultations and massage therapy. I felt like I walked into a magical nook in which I could order up any potion I wished. The owner was a lively and engaging woman named Rebecca. She let me look all around her shop and taught me about some of the teas and herbs she carries. I ordered up her secret recipe Chai on ice...which was made just the way I like it. She even let me take a picture inside her shop.

I told Rebecca that I will be posting this on my blog and that she will get a ton of new business after this goes out to the world. I know there are tens of thousands of you out there who read this every week...so just try not to inundate her all at once!

Three more days before I make my return to Whole Foods...part of me wants the journey to just keep going. I will write a bonus post on Sunday, a reflective piece regarding all the insights and friends I gained through this experience. Then the blog will continue to evolve into an even brighter beacon for filling our lives through positive eating and positive living!

Stay Outside the Box!

Matthew

The Journey from Goudreault Farm to my Lunch

2010-07-21T14:29:00.015-04:00

Goudreault Farm

Plaistow, NH

Hello Everyone,

Nourishing myself "outside the box" is 3 weeks old. To this point, no pictures of farms were included in any of my blog posts. This post is to make up for that. The closest farm to my house is in Plaistow, NH off route 108. The people there are friendly and will carry on spirited conversation with you. I really like being there...so much so that I think of any reason to go back and buy more produce from them. I decided to take you on the journey from one trip over there to my lunch on Monday.

This is one section of their farm land. I even saw a young farmer tending to these crops wearing a straw hat. Perfect! He seemed shy so I left him out of the picture. The picture above is where food should come from...not factories farms! People with straw hats! The woman at the farmhouse said I was welcome to walk amongst the crops and take pictures. I thought to myself what might happen if I walked out back at a grocery store and started snapping pictures...or at a food processing plant!

Above is a summer squash growing on the vine. How cool is it that there is flower on the end. The squash wants you to eat it....it grows a flower just to invite you over to it! The only byproduct from the factory is the smoke. Here at Goudreault's it is flowers and rich soil.

Inside the farmhouse was an array of fruits and vegetables. They also sell homemade jam, fresh eggs, pies and pottery. I bought Zucchini, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Onions, Salad Greens and Carrots. This, combined with some quinoa, will make lunches for at least four days and it costs me around $14. I also picked up some blueberries, my most expensive item at $3.95...they only lasted two days. They were that good.

"Farm Beauty" is the title of the above photo. The landscaping in and around the farm is as vibrant and colorful as the people who labor there. They work hard not only in producing food for us to eat but keeping their surroundings bright and aesthetically pleasing. This makes a difference in the quality of the meal these people are helping to provide me. I feel more connected to my food, the people it comes from and the images in my head while I eat it are of this picuturesque farm in southern New Hampshire.

Everyone on the farm seemed to bounce about enjoying their labor...everyone except this guy below, who on this 90 degree day was just enjoying the shade.

I took a picture of this sign that hangs on the other side of farmhouse door. It made me smile.

I brought my produce home and chopped up the Onion, Summer Squash and Zucchini. I sauteed the vegetables in Olive Oil. I also prepared a salad and made individula containers for Monday's lunch. On Monday, Ryan called me and asked if I was available to meet him for lunch at Whole Foods. Ryan forgot that I was not shopping or eating there this month. I agreed to meet him anyway and just brought my own lunch. We ate in the outside eating area. He thought it was hilarious and took this picture below.

The comments are going to be..."what farm did you pick those bananas at?" {insert smurk here}. For those who read my last post you might remember, I commented on missing bananas...since I cannot buy them at the farm. My mother was nice enough to make a gift of about eight bananas. Which are already gone.

10 days to go!

Stay Positive,

Matthew.

Just about Halfway/Mike and Matt's Spring and Farm Adventure

2010-07-14T12:21:00.006-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am about halfway through the "Outside the Box" month and after a few rough spots things are going really well. As promised I made a big batch of Quinoa, Kale and Black Beans and a gigantic salad. I bought a bunch of fruit as a "dessert". That got me through four lunches and dinners! I must admit I got pretty tired of it after the third day. Here is a picture:

Not very exciting I guess...but sustaining.

Friday night at work was juice night. This time all of the ingredients in the juice came from the farm stand right down the street (Strawberry Hill Farm in Andover). The beets, the carrots, the swiss chard, parsley...everything were pulled up out of the Earth a stone's throw from the BSC in Andover. This early in the season the farms feature more vegetables and less fruit (berries and a few peaches are what is coming out at the moment). This juice was less than appetizing but made us feel great.

That's Rick in the background...he usually refuses anything I bring in to work saying "that's too healthy for me" in this case he lucked out. The juice was very nasty. Mike, Lisa, Laura and I took the plunge and were feeling a little more "juiced up" because of it.

Today, Mike and I went on a "Spring and Farm Adventure." Mike is friend of mine who is seeing the light. He committed himself to a healthy lifestyle back in January and is addicted nutrient dense food. Seriously, he would cut you if you tried to pry away bunch of kale or a farm fresh onion from him. He is down 83 pounds as a result! What can fruits and vegetables do for you?

A solitary blog post on this adventure is probably called for...but of course I forgot my camera!

We drove up to the Spring in Exeter and then hit Monahan Farms and Goudreault Farms on the way back down Route 108. After filling up our water jugs, we got some peaches and blueberries at Monahan's. Goudreault's featured fresh eggs so we both bought a dozen. Plus there was some great looking beets, broccoli and tomatoes there. Awesome stuff! I went home and made a broccoli and tomato omelet. The word fantastic does not even come close. I got to admit...these farm stands are making me wonder why I overspent on sub par produce at Whole Foods for so long. I will continue to shop there when the month is over, there is lots of stuff I like there that I am unable to get at a local farm stand (bananas being one major example). I also am enjoying all the friendly people I meet. The connectedness you form with your food after discussing the harvesting and tending of the crop with the people responsible for getting it to you is a really cool experience. These people are really in touch with the land and there is a calm and peaceful way about them that cannot really be described.

Alright, 17 days to go and lots more adventures to go on. Check back in soon

Stay Positive,

Matthew

One Week Outside the Box - Time to step up my game!

2010-07-07T10:50:00.010-04:00

Arial View of Farmer's Market

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am one week into eating "Outside the Box" and must admit I feel like a cheat. I did not shop or enter any grocery stores for seven days but in many ways took the easy way out. I shopped at farm stands and made all sorts of great dishes out of the items I bought, however, I did purchase many items from healthy on-the-go type places. I ate about three burritos and bought two tuna salad wraps. Technically this is not a grocery store...but I don't believe this follows along with the spirit of the challenge.

Starting today, I will be avoiding as many of these establishments as possible as well. I am slightly scared. Honestly, it will be all about preparation and slowing down my sometimes fast paced life.

I forgot to bring my camera to the Andover's Farmer's market. This was an awesome experience. Everyone seem to be in a good mood. There was arts and crafts table for the children and live jazz music being played while I shopped! There were also lots of great produce items to pick from and I even was able to buy some home baked bread. I spent $10 there and I ate for three days! I will try to remember my camera this weekend. Above is a photo I got off the internet of the Andover's Farmer's Market.

I also visited a new spring! I went to the Cooper Spring in Buckfield, ME. This spring travels through underground crystal and gem stone reserves. The water was incredibly cold and wonderful. The view was spectacular from this spot and I want to return someday around sunset! I was happy to go with several friends...and even more happy they enjoyed the adventure...I get a kick out of driving to the middle nowhere to find water coming out of the ground...but I also grew up without cable or video games.

When we were there we actually met the local church youth director. He stepped out of his car in literally his "sunday best". Two spritely little girls danced around him in their church dresses. He explained how they need to drive past this spring and several farms just to get to a grocery store. For them it only makes logical sense to get their water from the spring and their produce from the farm.

Today, I will need to make a gigantic salad from the salad greens and produce I bought yesterday and make a ton of Quinoa and Beans. I also got tipped off on a couple local fish markets that sell fish caught that day. Check out a blog post on that :)

The local organic food makes me feel fantastic! I strongly encourage you to buy from your local farmer's market and compare the freshness and flavor to your local supermarket. You might just find yourself outside the box as well.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Outside the Box for 2 Days

2010-07-02T13:34:00.002-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am two days in to my "Shopping Outside the Box" Adventure. The closest I came to a grocery store was being in the same parking lot, when I went to the bank this morning. Yesterday, I made enough Soba Noodles from a Trader Joe's Soba Noodle Kit (thanks Sarah!) to carry me through lunch and dinner. I also stopped at Strawberry Hill Farm in Andover and picked up a cucumber, three tomatos and some lettuce. That produce will provide salads for the next couple days at work.

I don't feel particularly challenged by this yet. I am still stocked up on enough groceries to feel comfortable. I am sure as the cupboards go bare I will need to get creative. Last night, I actually went out of my way to be creative...just because I was kind of disappointed at not feeling more challenged as of yet. I made my own dough and baked a flat bread in the oven. Then I sautee'd some Swiss Chard in Olive Oil and Garlic and ate it over the flatbread. Very filling and very delicous!

Tonight is friday night and that means the juicing party throws down at the BSC in Andover. Since I will not be buying produce from the grocery store we will be limited only to fruits and vegetables from the farm stand. Looks like it will be Beets, Greens and a few Apples that were hanging out still at the house.

Tomorrow, I will hit the Farmer's Market in Andover. Look for a blog post on that.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Shopping Outside the Box

2010-06-29T17:14:00.007-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

This is the season of fresh fruits and vegetables, pick your own berry farms and farmer's markets. Nature is bringing forth its bounty and the weather beckons us outside. Why are we still roaming the fluorescent aisles of the supermarket? I thought about this on my way to Whole Foods one afternoon. I drive by two farm stands on my way there. These stands are open for the season and are selling many of the same items I go pick up at the market.

Many of the people who know me, consider me a Whole Foods addict. I probably help drive the stock price up or down. I once went a week without purchasing anything there just to show people I could do it. After a recent haranguing by my good buddy Mike, I threw out the idea of going one month without buying anything from Whole Foods. Mike did not think it was possible. Then I considered my thoughts regarding the farm stands I drive past on my way there and decided to take the challenge one step further. The challenge was set: for the entire month of July I will not shop at a supermarket!

This leaves farm stands, butcher shops, fish markets, small health food stores, local bakeries and other such grass root establishments the new recipients of my hard earned pay. This will be a transcendental movement into local food, economics and personal sacrifice. I am excited the places I will visit, the recipes I will come up with and the interesting array of people I will come into contact with. I am inviting you to come along with me as I plan to blog routinely about this. I believe you will receive valuable insight and entertainment from this and will also be a measure of truth that I am following through with this.

My search for Pure Spring Water

2010-06-09T14:23:00.005-04:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

It is nice to be posting something here again. My exploits have involved trapsing through the woods in search of magical springs and healing mushrooms. I know, it sounds like a video game. I did not grow up with video games and still do not partake in any of these buzzing box fantasy worlds. I believe that we already live in a pretty remarkable world.

When my best friend Ryan got back from Kripalu where he took part in a David Wolfe program on naturally building your immunity to superhero levels, he told me that scattered around the world are thousands of natural springs where you can get pure, clean and fully mineralized water straight from the Earth. I heard "superhero" and "free" and was immediately interested. I found out that there was a spring only 16 miles from my house in Exeter, NH! I also visited springs in Swanzey, NH and Oakham, MA. If you want to find out if there is one near you check out FindaSpring.com. Above is a picture of the Spring in Exeter.

This water is truly unbelievable. It comes right from the ground and when you fill up your jug there is no sediment of any kind to be found. The taste is pure and clean and completely devoid of chemicals. You need to try it! There is not cost involved and it is kind of fun to go hunting these springs down.

Stay Pure,

Matthew

PS.

My next post will be on breathing...which is also free :)

Ryan Miller's New Coaching Page!

2010-04-21T13:36:00.003-04:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

My good friend Ryan Miller's new coaching page is up. I have placed it as a link on the right for all of you. Ryan is a ChiRunning instructor and coach. His guidance helped revolutionize my approach to the sport I love. Please check out his new site at:

http://www.sisuprojectyoga.com.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Soba Noodles with Garlic-Ginger Broccoli and Slivered Almonds

2010-04-14T12:25:00.004-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Today, I came up with a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for spring. During this season we will want to increase the amount of green vegetables we eat, as well as stick to grains that are easy to digest. This is the season of the stomach bug so easily digested foods along with green vegetables are a way to steer clear of that unpleasantness. Green vegetables are also stock full of chlorophyll, the sunshine nutrient, and this is the season of inviting the sun back into our lives!

Soba noodles are made from Buckwheat (which when toasted is known as Kasha). Buckwheat contains a bioflavanoid, Rutin, which is said to develop intestinal strength and improve capillary circulation. Soba noodles can be found at most natural food stores, and in the international section of large chain stores. If you can, purchase 100% buckwheat versions...just for experiment's sake.

Here we go....

Ingredients

1 serving Soba Noodles
2 cups frozen or fresh Broccoli
1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 tablespoon minced up Ginger
1 clove of Garlic (2 cloves if you love garlic)
1/3 cup slivered Almonds
Tamari sauce to taste

Fill a large sauce pan 3/4 with water. Bring to a boil and add soba noodles. Leave in boiling water for one minute and then switch off burner and cover. After 6-10 minutes, drain and rinse with cool water. Soba noodles are done :)

Heat olive oil in fry pan. Add garlic and ginger and mix around a bit. Add broccoli and cook for about 5 minutes. Switch off and cover for another 2-5 minutes. Mix together garlic-ginger broccoli with soba noodles. Add slivered amonds and tamari. Place in a bowl and enjoy. How do you like that, 10-15 minutes prep time!

Enjoy your soba noodles and I will shout out to you guys next week!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Caring for one's Health vs. Funding Health Care

2010-03-24T20:32:00.003-04:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

I posted on this subject long before it became a huge political issue. Today, there is a vast divide in this country regarding the Health Reform Bill that will potentially be signed into law by President Obama. The gist of my earlier post revolved around personal responsibility for one's health and how that was the best health care one could provide themselves with. The issue is grown into a debate about the economics and politics of funding health care rather than discussion about caring for one's actual health.

Simply put, the health care system only kicks in when something is wrong with you. Sure there are annual physicals and trivial check ups...but these are certainly not what is dragging the health care system down. The concern about the recent bill centers around the enormous rise in government spending and the drastic effect a public option may cause in insurance premiums, quality of care, cost to business and a slew of other concerns. Many of these concerns are warranted while others are merely products an Us versus Them dichotomy inherent in our political system.

The enormous cost of the bill makes this a salient economic issue. Unfortunately, I am not an economist. There are very talented economists who say a public option will save trillions and others who say it will drive America deeper into debt. This is an important argument to have. I am wondering why no one is talking about the real cause of the health care crisis?

The national debt did not cause the health care crisis. The state of health in America caused the crisis. I have seen estimates as low as 37% and as high as 61% for the amount of health care resources being allocated to treat conditions that are completely preventable. If you take the middle of that range we are looking at 50% or half of all the money being spent on health care today being used for conditions that can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. There are many more numbers that support this, such as eight out the top ten causes of death in America are diseases that are related to personal lifestyle. The truth is we don't really need the numbers, we can simply observe the sedentary lifestyles being fueled by fast, cheap and processed food. This is the heart of the health care conundrum.

I recently read an article about a guy who is powering his entire house with solar electric panels. This is becoming quite common for residences and businesses across the world. What was different about this man is he spent the last 11 years making his home as energy efficient as possible while remaining "on the grid." When it came time to convert his house to solar power it was affordable and relatively easy...simply because his home needed very little power to begin with. Does this appear to be a random tangent or can you see the relationship between the two issues. Let me try one a little closer to home. One of the first cultures to practice organized health care was the ancient Chinese. There doctors received payment only when their patients reached full recovery. They were paid to keep people well, not simply to treat symptomatic responses. With diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer being some of the Center for Disease Controls top priorities...what is being done to bring about wellness in our country. There is a lot of chatter about funding a system that only responds when these diseases become present.

Public funding of health care may indeed have a bright future...but only in an America where people take their health into their own hands. The concern should not be for "who is going to fund the health care" it should be "how are we going to care for our health." This is possible for each of us every single day. We are given upon birth great power and great control of our own bodies. Your physical body is yours to pilot through life and you are given complete sovereignty of it. This post is not about costs, premiums, taxes or political allegiance. I care about individual health, mine and yours. I want you to realize that it is something within your own power. The concerns out there are very real and I do acknowledge them...but they are all secondary to our physical state of well being.

The recession was a great time to look at the value in the non material parts of our lives. We learned to receive abundance and gratitude for how they filled up our lives. This tumultous time provides us the opportunity to appreciate the only material thing you are granted unwavering posession of, the miraculous machine, wrapped in flesh and bone that is you.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The One Night Stand with a Ho-Ho

2010-03-10T20:48:00.002-05:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

The title was absolutely meant to shock and awe you all! When I first started doing health coaching, I delivered this talk called Building a Positive Relationship with Food. This was a fun talk that centered around the truly intimate relationship we share with our food. What we eat involves taking an external, physical thing and making it a part of us. What can be more intimate than that?

During the talk I likened eating fast food to a "one night stand". Think about it! We run into some glitzy and overly fake setting and pick up a juicy fake food item and rush to experience an instantaneous few moments of pleasure. The salt and the fat is just right and its texture helps it glide smoothly down our esophagus. We finish it off with a creamy sugary substance that puts us into a brief state of bliss. Then only a few moments later we are wondering what we just did.

I believe eating should be an enjoyable experience everytime we pick up a fork. I am often challenged on this point. People tell me that if they followed their bliss in regards to eating, they would scarf down ho-ho's and eat ice cream all day long. This may be true for the short term. Do food choices like these provide us with any lasting joy?

When we deprive ourselves of valuable nutrients and we don't pay attention to what's on the inside of our food, we often miss out. I am not speaking just of the thousands of beneficial minerals, vitamins and micronutrients found in clean, natural and whole foods, I am talking about our sense of self respect. When we eat real foods that we love it fosters a deep connection to our bodies. We feel nourished down to the core of our being. I thoroughly believe this stimulates thoughts and feelings within us that are self affirming.

Few would argue that the foundation of a joyful life is an abundance of true and meaningful relationships. Why not start with your food. Nature adorned it with pretty and vibrant colors just to attract you and you won't need to worry about rejection...well unless you are allergic to that particular food. The point is to enjoy food that makes you feel good all the way down through your head, heart and toes. Eat and let yourself feel wonderful about how well you are treating your body with this magnificent food you are eating. Do this and maybe you can avoid the guilt you feel when you step on the wrapper you left on the floor from your recent fling with Little Debbie.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Vegetable Broth made from Scrap!

2010-03-03T12:27:00.006-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

As promised I decided to experiment with making my own vegetable broth. I often buy prepackaged boxes of broth from the store. These seem to work quite well, however most are still pretty high in sodium and probably missing many nutrients due to long shelf lives. For those of you who follow this blog, you probably noticed that I really like soup. So making my own broth is a great thing for me to learn.

A friend who I am advising, recently got struck with diverticulitis and was off solid food. He told me how much he missed vegetables...which was music to my ears! I suggested drinking vegetable broth. He was wary to do so due to the high sodium content in most prepackaged broths. I told him he should make his own. Then I realized, I never attempted this myself. We both set out to make our own broths that week.

As luck would have it, Tal Ronnen's cookbook that I recently got as a gift, recommended making your own broth by saving your vegetable scraps from the week. This includes peels, ends of vegetables usually tossed away, rinds, seeds, vegetables gone limp, leaves and anything else you might have lying around. The idea of making a nutritious food out of garbage was too exciting not to try. I saved my vegetable scraps for five days.

The rest of the equation is really quite simple. Put these in a pot with water and bring up to a boil, then back off the heat and let them simmer for a long time. I decided to make this process even easier by making the broth in a rice cooker, since that backs off to a simmer automatically for me. I minced up some shallots that were hanging out for the past week and put in some fresh kale to up the nutrient and taste profile and let the rice cooker do its thing.

I actually went to bed and let this simmer over night. I woke up at 2am and snuck out to the kitchen to see how it was coming. I was blown away by the pleasant aroma the broth gave off. Remember, the majority of the items in this pot would normally be thrown out or composted. This was the most pleasant smelling garbage ever. In the morning I strained away the scraps and added a little salt, sage, rosemary and thyme to the broth. I heated this up and gave it a taste.

This was a flavorful, nutrient dense broth that I was so excited about I invited friends over for soup. I made a quick soup that involved sauteeing garlic and adding celery and carrots. Then I added the broth and added portabello mushrooms and scallions. Everyone loved it...it is safe to say I will be making my own broth from now on!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

PS

I noticed many people who have blogs ask people to "follow" them. I just found out what this actually means. So if you like the content of this blog feel free to "follow" it, in the official sense of the word :)

Super Energy Bars!

2010-03-01T08:48:00.007-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am on a mission to start making items that I usually purchase pre-packaged. I often eat all natural energy bars, such as the ones Odwalla makes. While I was at Integrative Nutrition someone gave me this recipe for homemade energy bars and I decided to revisit it and share it with you. So here is my recipe for Super Energy Bars.

This is less of a recipe and more of a concept. You need to make a glue of some sort to stick together all of the super ingredients. I chose to use Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter and Agave Syrup (you could just as easily use other oils and other nut butters). Coconut Oil is perfect because of its low melting point. Solid Coconut Oil begins to get weepy at only 90 degrees faranheit. I melted these ingredients in a double boiler.

After the ingredients melted, I added four tablespoons of raw Cacao (pure unadulterated chocolate!) I mixed it together and took it right off the burner because I wanted the integrity of the Cacao to remain. Too much cooking will break down all of its powerful antioxidants.

I chose to use Almonds, Dried Cranberries and Oats for these bars. The combinations of dry ingredients you could use are endless. These are my favorites...I may try it again later in the week with Dried Cherries. I placed these in pyrex bowl and went to retrieve the "glue."

I then added the "glue" to the dry ingredients and mixed everything together well. I took some tastes of the mixture and was aware that these energy bars were not going to last very long.

After mixing together, I pressed the mixture into a pan and covered it with aluminum foil. These were in the freezer for an hour or less. They were solid and able to eat them like energy bars after chilling out in the freezer. These need to be stored in the freezer so that they remain solid. These may not be the best energy bar to bring on a 3 day backpacking trip...but perfect for grabbing when you get home from a run or from work.

Ry Chi and Fawn came over on Saturday and we ate almost the entire pan they were so good. I was able to salvage only one small piece so that I could share a picture of the finished product with you.

Super Energy Bars

1/2 cup of Coconut Oil
1 cup Peanut Butter
1-2 tablespoons Agave Nectar
4 tablespoons Raw Cacao

1 cup Slivered Almonds
1 cup Dried Cranberries
3/4 cup Oats

Melt the first three ingredients in a double boiler. Add Raw Cacao and Agave Nectar after melting is complete. Transfer this into a bowl with the bottom three ingredients and mix together well. Press into a pan and cover with aluminum foil. Place in the the freezer for an hour or less.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

coming up next...homemade vegetable broth!

Preservation of the Heart

2010-02-17T15:10:00.005-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

This week my first article for ChiLiving appeared in their monthly newsletter. ChiLiving Inc., are responsible for bringing you the practices of ChiRunning and ChiWalking, an energy efficient and injury free way to run and walk. The article they asked me to write was to center around heart health. This is quite a popular topic considering the high rates of heart disease and related maladies. These are best avoided by cardiovascular exercise and healthy nourishment.

ChiRunning and ChiWalking made exercise more enjoyable for people by teaching them to focus on their center and begin all of our movements from that place. I hope to make eating healthy enjoyable for you by showing you how fun and stimulating it can be. This alone cannot protect our heart.

The heart truly is the beat to which we keep the dance of life to. Every single stroke of its valves sends life throughout our body. Whether we move or stand still this internal band plays on. This is why heartbreak is so difficult for so many of us. Our hearts join in harmony with anothers and now we suddenly have a partner in the dance of life. When we disengage from this person the band plays on. How confusing?

Maybe the seeds of heart "dis ease" begin here. We know longer become comfortable with our own heart beat. We try and stuff it away like Poe's character in the Tell Tale Heart. We drown it in foods that put up blockages in our arteries in an attempt to choke it off. We become sedentary out of fear of feeling our heart beat within our chest. We run from our heart rather than run with it until it finally stops flowing life through our veins.

I spend at least an hour a day with my heart. Running through the streets, on the treadmill or in the woods. I need to listen to it so I know if I am pushing my body too hard. Often this spills over into my day. There is sometimes pain in my heart and sometimes joy. I notice that my heart only feels pain if I am blocking myself from an experience. I am by no means an expert on matters of the heart. I do know that the heart beats on its own accord, therefore we can never be its master. Our hearts will always keep us safe if we let them experience life. Give your heart a healthy body and a full and wonderful life and you will be dancing for many years that I can be sure of.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

view my heart health article by following the link below

http://www.chirunning.com/newsletters/latest.htm

Say I love you with Wheat Berries!

2010-02-10T19:39:00.008-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Valentine's Day is this coming Sunday. I find that people's emotional standpoint on this holiday ranges from apathetic to cynical to overly attached. I just think it is a great day to get in touch with our own hearts and the hearts of other people. I wanted to make a dish that was really healthy for you and would be a great precursor to some really good chocolate.

I picked up this recipe at Whole Foods in Andover the other day and was sitting on it. I decided to put it together today. I soaked the wheatberries all day Monday and cooked them on Tuesday night. If you never tried wheatberries they are definitely a hearty grain and you will enjoy them in this dish. I put together the dressing and started peeling a large beet. When I finished peeling, I place the beet on the cutting board and stood back for a minute, it looked just like a real human heart!

I grated both a beet and a carrot into the bowl with the wheatberries and added some chopped scallions. I began to view my creation as a culinary Valentine that was coming together right before my eyes.

I started mixing this together with the dressing and was happy to see that the entire dish was taking on a reddish hue...perfect for the holiday. To add some sweetness I added some organic Golden Raisins to my creation and stood back once again...it's easier to take the picture that way :)

I tosed this together lightly and added it to a small glass dish to sample. The dish was suprisingly sweet and satisfying. The succulent raisins give nice contrast to the crisp carrots and beets. This will be a perfect precursor to a full on chocolate experience. Enjoy this recipe and have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Wheat Berry Salad (courtesy Whole Foods Market with a couple tweaks)

2 cups uncooked Wheat Berries
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Orange
1 1/2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 1/2 tablespoons Flaxseed, Grapeseed or Canola Oil
1 large Red Beet peeled and grated
1 Carrot grated
3/4 cup Golden Raisins
1 small bunch Scallion thinly sliced

Place Wheat Berries in large bowl and cover with filtered water overnight. Drain and rinse and cook like any other grain (place in rice cooker or sauce pan with four cups of water bring to a boil and back off to simmer). Let these cool on the counter for several hours. They will become more tender when they cool.

Cut in Orange in half and add the juice of it to medium sized bowl (add zest of orange if desired). Stir in Lemon Juice, oil and Salt and Pepper, this will be the dressing. Pour dressing in with cooled Wheat Berries and mix together well. Add grated Beets and Carrots as well as chopped Scallions. Add juice from the other half of the Orange and a tiny bit more Salt and Pepper and mix together well. Finally, add in the Golden Raisins and toss lighlty. This dish is ready to serve!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad

2010-02-03T21:04:00.002-05:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

Okay...you are looking at the subject line and saying "Brussel Sprouts...really". These weird little cabbage looking things get a bad wrap. When fresh they are actually quite sweet and pack a ton of amazing nutrients. None of that really matters though because this recipe tastes like a dessert. That is right a salad that tastes like a dessert. Give it a try and if you don't like it...well I will certainly eat it for you!

Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad

Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs Brussel Sprouts
1 cup Slivered Almonds
1/3 cup Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
Handful or Raisins and/or Dried Cranberries
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Shred or chop brussel sprout and place in a salad bowl (a food processor can also be used). Add slivered almonds, dried cranberries and/or raisins. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Neat Fact: brussel sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable and are very good for your lungs and heart. Try out out other cruciferous vegetables such as kale, spinach or collard greens!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Positive Signs

2010-01-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to write a post on being positive. I post on this topic often because I feel people become confused by this concept. People ask "how can you just be happy all the time." Or..."thinking happy thoughts won't help all the people starving in the world." These people are absolutely right. However, being positive is not about forcing ourselves to be happy.

No one is happy all the time...the disturbing images coming out of Haiti are enough to sink even the most hardened person's heart. Holding hands and visualizing sunshine and butterflies while reading fairy tales will not pull desperate people out of the rubble. This type of catastrophe does call for people to be positive.

My brand of positivism is best displayed with an addition symbol +. When we add to something we are making a positive contribution. I was not a stellar math student but I did grasp this concept. Whenever we add or move forward me are making positive progress. I understand people will object, stating "if we put more guns on the street we are adding something but it results in tragedy." Once again this person would be correct. However, I am sure if we write out the rest of the equation we will end up with less than we started. People will lose their lives either to violence or to jail. True positivity occurs when our actions, our thoughts, our words add to the totality of human existence. There is no one on Earth who can finish out the whole equation, so we move forward in faith.

Even the smallest gesture can add to the sum. I contributed $15 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort. This was matched by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and I am sure many of my fellow classmates followed suit. In contributed with hope that my positive action would add to the efforts in the embattled country. If I simply turned off the television listened to some John Tesh music and thought about skipping through a magical forest, my gesture would at best be labeled null. I guess I would be one more supporter of John Tesh's lovely piano music....but in my estimation would have done very little.

Being positive is about progress. Each of us can either help one another evolve and in turn evolve ourselves...or we can live survival of the fittest in which each of us takes and takes until nothing is left. I believe human beings got to this advanced state of development through their positive intentions. Call me delusional but I believe it to be so. I would encourage each of you to remember that every action carries with it this potential. When I close my emails with "stay positive", I do not mean "think happy thoughts", I mean continue to evolve, to grow and to contribute to the world around you.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

To contribute to the Haiti Relief Effort see links below

Red Cross

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=1457186616&df_id=4437&4437.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=iziao0c2t1.app196a

Bill Clinton and George Bush Effort

http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

International Rescue Committee

http://www.theirc.org

Updated! Celery Root Soup Recipe

2010-01-17T17:40:00.002-05:00

I just made this today and made a couple alterations to the recipe. I only tasted it...I am saving it for monday night dinner...creamy and delicous.

Ingredients

Sea Salt
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil(the original recipe called for three :) love olive oil)
4 Stalks of Celery Chopped
1 Celery Root (I was able to find this at the local grocery store...peel an cut into cubes)1 Large Onion
2 quarts of vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 Cup Almond milk
1/4 Cup Plain Yogurt (added this to increase creamy texture and tangy taste)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Granny Smith Apple diced
Chives or Green Onions or Scallions (they may all be the same thing...not sure)

Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Sprinkle bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for a minute (this is new). Add oil and heat for another 30 seconds. Add the Celery and onion and saute for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring often until soft but not brown. Add the broth and the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add Cashew cream or almond milk and let it simmer for ten minutes.

Give it a try and impress your friends!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Celery Root Soup with Granny Smith Apples

2010-01-13T14:56:00.006-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

picture above from http://jewelsfromtherovingstove.blogspot.com (cool blog actually!)

My friend Oprah Winfrey sent me a recipe today from celebrity chef Tal Ronnen. I would not call myself an elitist...but if Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama both like the soup, it's worth knowing how to make in case they pop by one day.

I did not make it yet...so if any of you beat me to it let me know how it turns out. I made some modifications from the original recipe just to make it easier for me to make. I will update you guys after I make it.

Ingredients

Sea Salt
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil(the original recipe called for three :) love olive oil)
2 Stalks of Celery including roots chopped into 1 inch cubes
1 Large Onion
2 quarts of vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup Cashew Cream? (I am just going to use Almond Milk)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Granny Smith Apple diced
Chives or Green Onions or Scallions (they may all be the same thing...not sure)

Place a large stockpot over medium heat. Sprinkle bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for a minute (this is new). Add oil and heat for another 30 seconds. Add the Celery and onion and saute for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring often until soft but not brown. Add the broth and the bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add Cashew cream or almond milk and let it simmer for ten minutes.

Allow this to cool and then blend ingredients in blender. Add diced apple and scallions when serving...place a spoonful in the center of the bowl.

Now you are prepared in case the leader of the free world comes over. You can also just make it for your family and friends and pretend you are leaders of the world. I bet you guys would think up some pretty good answers for some of the challenges we are facing.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Washing my hair with dirt!!!!

2010-01-06T09:48:00.003-05:00

Hello!

I truly hope you all enjoyed your holidays and were warmed by both primary and secondary food experiences.

I wanted to tell you about a gift I received from my sister Alison. On the show "Dirty Jobs" they were highlighting a company that makes self care products out of dirt! Using dirt to get clean....interesting paradox. She realized the company was based only a short drive from her home and picked me up a bottle of "Sultry Spice" shampoo. We all got a good laugh, as I read out the ingredients.

Pure Earth Hair Wash —

Organic Sultry Spice

Ingredients: Organic aloe vera juice°, clay minerals: aka dirt, organic extracts° of organic linden flower°, organic nettle°, organic chamomile°, organic shavegrass° and organic vanilla°, essential oils of organic sweet orange°, organic patchouli°, organic true lavender°, organic petitgrain°, organic atlas cedar°, organic cinnamon leaf° and organic pine needle°.

°USDA Certified Organic

I decided to give this a try after my run the next morning. I followed the directions and applied it to my hair. This felt quite strange because the shampoo does not lather at all. I felt like I was putting mud directly into my hair. I applied three teaspoons and rinsed and repeated three times. The water turned all ruddy and brown on the shower floor. I was actually getting dirty in the shower for once!

The rest of the day my hair felt incredible. As a guy, I always laughed at how much money women spend on hair products. I will now admit that your whole day brightens up when you step out with clean flowing locks. However...the shampoo companies are in trouble if word gets out that you can receive the same effect with mud!

The company is called Terresentials and they make skin, hair and body wash as well as deodorant. If you are wary about putting dirt in your hair...you can always buy it for someone else as a joke gift :)

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Blessings from Positive Eating!

2009-12-23T14:05:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

This is a great season! We get together with the ones we love and enjoy a time where we embrace giving to one another. This time of year, every one of us seems to believe in peace, harmony and love. The best part is we celebrate these holidays with food and laughter, two powerful forces that nourish us on every level. Laugh and eat too much at the same time and our heart becomes so excited it sometimes burns :)

Positive Eating wants to thank all of you who followed this blog throughout the year. Getting it back going and maintaining it is a joy and I look forward to contributing each and every week. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Chanukah...I am wishing you great food, time with wonderful friends and loving laughter as 2009 comes to a close.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The "Expert" Advice we all need

2009-12-16T11:53:00.003-05:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Since I started this blog, I try to remind all of you that I am not an "expert." I am just on a journey to make the act of eating a positive experience for myself and the people I come in contact with. Given the holiday season, you will soon see all sorts of "experts" coming out of the woodwork offering all sorts of "expert" advice. These "experts" want to tell you all about your body and how you should treat it.

I hold a high amount of regard for people who possess a large body of knowledge and wisdom. This displays a commitment and enthusiasm towards a specific subject of interest. I also believe that sharing this knowledge and enthusiam is important for the world. However, holding onto a body of knowledge and using it as a source of power to control people's actions and behaviors is absurd.

This idea was first propogated by Plato, who felt that an intellectual elite (meaning himself and his friends) were to be privy to truth and knowledge and responsible for disseminating this at "appropriate times" to the general population. This may or may not work out. I am not sure...I unfortunately did not fall into the ranks of the elite and do not know Who Shot JFK or if extra terrestials actual run the whole show.

I do know this. The intelligence of the human organism is provided in its entirety at birth. The more we learn about ourselves and the more we tune into our own bodies the more we will know how to treat it. This is not to say ignore the work and words of experts. I read and fill myself with their knowledge regularly. I use this is a pathway from brain back into my body. Real wisdom comes from learning and applying it to yourself as an individual.

With nourishment it is important to always make your eating choices "your eating choice". How often do you hear someone say, "I've been eating seaweed all week because Dr. Octagon says it will help me lose weight." Check in with your body...maybe a piece of advice inspires a choice...only your body can tell you if it is right for you. A person is always operating from their own plane. A priest will tell you to seek God, a doctor will give you a prescription or surgery, a nutrititionist will tell you to eat healthier, an energy worker will tell you to balance your chakras all for the same problem. The truth is all these experts can be "right" at the same time..it is you that will decide the path that works best for you. The most powerful educators see themselves as guides and not as an instructor. Even geniuses were once pupils...such people can only be guided in a safe and positive direction. They will reach heights that no instructor can ever lead them.

You are the genius of your own organism. I hope what is written on this blog inspires you to realize this intelligence. Be safe and enjoy your journey!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

No Egg Nog!!!!

2009-12-09T13:46:00.003-05:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

When I was a kid the holidays were full of anticipation and excitement. For many children they are waiting to hear hoofs on the rooftop and go rushing downstairs to find presents under the tree. I was rushing past the Christmas tree and into the kitchen for that magical elixir known as egg nog!

The first glass was served up on Thanksgiving by my father in a tiny glass (that I always wished was bigger). Peppering the top of this delicous thick liquid was a sprinkling of nutmeg that seemed to make my mouth come alive. This was the ultimate positive experience with food!

Now that I try to make most of my own food...I checked out recipes for egg nog. It should come as no suprise that egg nog calls for the use of raw eggs. Well...I simply am not Rocky Balboa. The idea of cracking a couple raw eggs into pitcher with milk, sugar and spices did not sit entirely well with me.

This weekend I met a friend at the Revitalive Cafe in Newburyport and saw on their menu "No Egg Nog". This was a vegan joint so it did not suprise me. I quickly ordered a glass and asked them how to make it. It was incredible! I still need to try my hand at making it myself but after some internet research I compiled together several recipes to get the concept down and came up with one of my own. If you beat me to it let me know if it works.

3 Cups of Coconut Milk or Vanilla Soy/Almond Milk
2 Ripe Bananas
1 Vanilla Bean or a 1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
4 Tablespoons Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup

Blend all ingredients

I plan to make this up for myself (and maybe a few friends) while watching "It's A Wonderful Life" on a snowy December evening. Okay...I got a thing for the holidays :)

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The Heart Attack Grill

2009-11-18T13:23:00.002-05:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

My friend Jeff sent me a hillarious/grotesque/thought provoking/mortifying video today. As many of you know my goal is to bring as much fun and positivity to living a positive and healthy lifestyle as possible. Let's face it - we crave things that are attractive and pleasurable. We will pursue those things with reckless abandon leaving far behind the concerns of our friends, finances and especially our body.

Eating healthy is often seen as the "right" thing to do. However, it is caught with the stigma of being boring. This is simply not the case. Eating healthy makes us feel good, look attractive and brings a sense of adventure and unknown into many of of our food choices. These are all the same categories that make up a great suspense or romance novel.

The establishment in this video is attempting to stimulate all those pleasure centers with their outrageously awful menu. I watched this video and I felt sick to my stomach...however saw the humor in it as well. I will post it below and offer up several questions to ponder. I cannot wait to see what comments and emails I get regarding this.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

- Does this place get a pass because they are being truthful?
- What are your thoughts on the "you only live once" mentality?
- Should this place even be legal?
- What can healthy restaurants learn from this?
- Would you ever eat at the Heart Attack Grill

I cannot pass judgment. I used to eat a one pound hamburger and guzzle down a large milk shake every Monday just to make my friends laugh...until I landed in a real hospital.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Vaccination Fascination

2009-11-11T15:12:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone,

The flu vaccination seems to be the hip thing nowadays. Everyone is lining up to get one and the blog boards are abuzz. Everywhere I turn people are getting injections, asking about where they can get an injection or asking me if I am going to get one. I feel like I walked into a scene from the movie Requiem for a Dream (I would post a clip below...but the movie is a little too graphic for this blog).

Many people are asking me my take on the flu vaccine. Whether it be swine flu or this season's version of influenza, there is a lot of questions about the safety of the vaccine and who needs to get a shot. I am not a medical professional and am not at liberty to say who needs to be vaccinated and who does not. I will say a couple things about this matter though.

As many of you know, a vaccine contains a severely weakened or dormant version of a virus. This is injected into someone so that their body might build up the appropriate antibodies against the virus. I believe Louis Pasteur got the credit for this medical breakthrough and even won a Nobel prize for it. Vaccines are responsible for eradicating epidemics and thanks to vaccines certain diseases now only exist in history books. They truly are a medical marvel.

Many of us receive vaccines shortly after we are born and throughout our childhood. We go on to live happy lives free from the dangers of tuberculosis, polio and the measles. Today's children can expect to receive between 12 and 16 vaccinations before they reach age 13. This is up from the standard 4-6 vaccinations received commonly during the sixties and seventies.

Many of the studies done on vaccinations prove them to be perfectly safe. However, many studies are only focusing on the safety of that one particular vaccine. The most toxic chemicals in most vaccines are the preservatives used to keep the vaccines fresh since they are now mass produced (once again a difference between vaccines today and vaccines forty years ago). Many of these preservative's contain heavy metals such as mercury. The amount of preservative in one vaccine is perfectly safe....the amount of preservative in 12-16 vaccinations is up to debate. Studies regarding the safety of multiple vaccinations and their safety over a particular time span are hard to come by.

It is my belief that vaccinations are essential for certain diseases and save the lives of people in certain populations. My father, for example, is a transplant recipient and a strain of the flu could land him in the hospital. I on the other hand will not be receiving any vaccinations. The most important defense against disease is maintaining one's overall health. I work hard to maintain my immune system so that I can keep the number of vaccinations and chemicals in my body at a bare minimum.

I find it interesting that people line up to receive the flu vaccine in order to protect their health. I see no such lines outside health clubs (which would be great since I work at one!). We are far from a fruit and vegetable shortage in this country. Companies provide vaccinations for everyone of their employees, even in this down economy but they will cut health care benefits. They scoff at the idea of initiating a company wide wellness plan when profit purses are thin, yet hand out pharmaceutical company sponsored pamphlets regarding the dangers of Swine Flu (or as my friend Steve calls it Bacon Lung). There is definitely a vaccination fascination abounding within our society.

This blog is about making "health care" a fun and positive experience. I will do my part in helping to maintain your health during this cold and flu season. I will post some great immune boosting recipes along with remedies I learned from many of you. Whether you are vaccinated or not it is always important to protect your health.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

PS

If you get vaccinated for the Swine flu make sure you ask the nurse if it is okay to eat pork chops now :)

Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque and Pumpkin Ice Cream!

2009-10-21T15:08:00.001-04:00

Here are two great fall recipes I've thrown together in the last couple weeks. The first one is a soup recipe that I adapted from a recipe I found in Eating Well magazine. The author was cookbook author Nancy Baggett.

The second recipe is one I came up with, spinning off my summer post on vegan ice cream. Please let me know if you try either of these. I am so happy fall is here! There are so many delicous recipes you can make with seasonal vegetables!

Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque

2 large Sweet Potatoes
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion
1 large Yellow Onion
3 Cups Tomato Juice (I used juice from a juicer, canned is an option as well)
1 chopped Red Pepper or chile pepper depending on how spicy you want it
2 tablespoons minced Ginger
1 teaspoon Allspice
15-20 ounces of vegetable broth
2/3 cup natural Peanut Butter
Optional 1/2 cup tomato pulp from juicer

1. Bake or steam sweet potatoes until soft and peelings fall of naturally.
2. Heat olive oil in large sauce pan and add onion. Cook until onion browns and then add garlic and ginger. Stir in juice, peppers and allspice. When mixture boils back off to a simmer.
3. Remove peelings from sweet potato. Take one potato and blend it in a blender with vegetable broth and peanut butter. Take the other potato, chop it up and add it to soup pot.
4. Combine puree and soup mixture. If you ar using the pulp from the juicer stir it in at this time as well. This is definitely a hearty soup and you are sure to enjoy it.

Coconut Pumpkin Ice Cream!

2 cans of Coconut Milk
2/3 a can of Pumpkin Puree
3/4 cup Maple Syrup
Spices: Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon and Nutmeg or Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Blend coconut milk, pumpkin puree and spices
2. Place in ice cream maker and add maple syrup to taste
3. Let this spin in ice cream maker for twenty five minutes or more.
4. Add to re-used and washed ice cream pint containers.

This ice cream goes great with warm ginger bread!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Restaurant Review: Grezzo - Raw Food in Newburyport!

2009-10-07T15:06:00.003-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

The circulating buzz around a raw food restaurant in Newburyport was just too much to take. On just their third day of operation, I found myself sitting at the "bar" at their State Street location in the charming port city that acts as a second home to me.

Many people do not know what to expect when entering a raw food restaurant. I fortunately have visited several of these establishments over the the past couple years and I took immediate notice of the distinct aroma. These type of restaurants seem to manufacture their own atmosphere. More than just a distinct scent, a feeling of freshness and life just kind of hangs in the air. The walls of Grezzo are adorned with beautiful murals of painted vegetables and this merges with a distinct, sophisticated ambiance. Do not expect birkenstocks, dreadlocks and Ani Difranco blaring through the sound system, these people are here to serve you fantastic food and an amazing dining experience.

The place was empty when I walked in and I noticed many people wanted to come in and "just look at the menu." The idea of raw food is very new to New England and Grezzo does a great job of taking off the counterculture edge that can accompany the words "vegan" and "raw." The staff wear typical waitstaff attire and are extremely friendly. Within fifteen minutes the place started to fill up and a waitress named Molly was carefully explaining the wide array of local organic produce they use in their food as well as introducing them to the uniques superfoods they would experience in their different lunch choices.

I started off with a Raspberry Kombucha Spritzer. This is made like a mixed drink, except kombucha (a fermented tea product) is used rather than alcohol. Grezzo featured many organic wines and alcohol choices. Being a temperant man, I did not try any of these options. My Baby Arugula Salad was everything you would expect from a raw food place, teeming with life and amazing ingredients. A citrus based dressing drizzled locally grown Arugula and the salad featured, pickled asparagus, grapefruit, whole almonds, goji and incan berries as well as a nut based cheese. This salad could serve as an entire meal for some people.

My main entree was the Seaweed and Wild Mushroom Bistro Burger. This looked nothing like a burger but featured such incredible flavor and texture, I did not notice. This was served with dehydrated sweet potato chips. I definitely still steer towards baked chips with olive oil and sea salt...but they added an autumn color to the plate.

The woman behind the bar, Brenda, suggested a fantastic smoothie called a Goji Julius which was served thick and was almost like an entire dessert itself. The waitress Molly refused to let me leave without trying one of their chocolate cookies. This "dessert" featured raw cacao, blue green algae and peppermint oil. A must try for all those who visit Grezzo.

Before leaving, I met the owner Alissa Cohen. Alissa is an established restaurant operator and "living foods" expert. I gave her my best wishes on her new venture. I will definitely return to Grezzo and spread the word about its incredible offerings. The North Shore may finally possess its go to spot for fantastic healthy dining.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

visit their website:

http://grezzorestaurant.com/newburyport/

Prana - The one nutrient behind everything

2009-09-23T19:55:00.007-04:00

If you have ever been to a yoga class or seen some earthy crunchy types walking around you've may encountered this word, Prana, before. This is not some mystical cult or voodoo magic that is practiced by a secret society. It simply means energy. Energy is the one thing that exists and has always existed, as far as we can tell. There is no explanation for it, energy is just there and always will be! I like the word Prana, because it sounds cool and I got admit I own a couple of those shirts with the cool logo I posted above.

The Kripalu Psychologist Stephen Cope describes Prana like this:

Prana is life force - the stuff of those million, zillion stars circling and exploding. Human beings receive it directly into the body through the air. We take it in other ways as well - through live foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, through fresh water, through living, breathing, trees and vegetation, and, if we are open to it through the love of other people and creatures. We probably take it in more mysterious ways, too, I think - through music, the sound of inspiring words, and perhaps through beautiful sights

Prana - is the first and most essential nutrient. In many ways Prana is what this blog is all about. As Mr. Cope said we can get prana from eating fresh and living foods but also through a myriad of other ways. Make sure you are getting your daily reccomended dose of Prana each and every day. Consider the amount of energy that is pulsing through your food when you are packing or picking out a lunch. Ask yourself if you are actually breathing in enough air each and every day. And for Prana's sake laugh and give someone a hug...even if it is just your dog....or a tree...just do it! Okay, maybe I've been wearing these Prana shirt's a little too much but I guarantee it will make you feel better.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Wherever you are is a great place to start!

2009-09-16T11:30:00.003-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I am so glad you decided to read my blog today. Discovering the depth of what is possible is the most fascinating subject to me. We often look to athletes and geniuses to witness amazing feats of both body and mind. Usain Bolt, the great sprinter, just ran 100 meters in 9.69 seconds! We see the leaps being made in technology on a daily basis and marvel at what human minds are able to think up.

What we often forget is that these possibilities are within ourselves as well. Within each person's DNA lies vast human potential. We all experience momentary flashes of genius and find ourselves capable of amazing feats in our lifetime. These are not just chance encounters with adrenaline, luck or divine intervention. This is our inner self reminding us we are fully capable of anything we can possibly dream up.

Human beings are equipped with phenemonal intellect and imaginative capabilities. We were also blessed with a body that could perform an inexhaustible amount of functions. The tools are there to build your dreams, all we need to do is hammer a way a little bit each day. A vision becomes realized when it is held in the mind and transferred through our neurons to every cell in our body. We can literally feel our fingers and toes curl with inspiration.

Here are some of the visions that pass through my mind that I intend to bring into reality. What are some of yours?

1. Run a Half Marathon (Philadelphia 2009!)
2. Run a Marathon (Boston 2012!)
3. Own a beautiful home (In the Merrimack Valley!)
4. Earn a Master's Degree (Counseling or Education!)
5. Earn plenty of money doing something I love
6. Speak and Write professionally
7. Have a beautiful, healthy and happy family that is well taken care of
8. Eat the best and highest quality food for my body
9. Serve others in the most honorable way I possibly can
10. Make a lasting impression on every person I meet

What ten things do you want to accomplish? Can you name five? What is one thing you really want to accomplish? I look forward to supporting you.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Suprise - Apricot Muffins!

2009-09-09T14:41:00.003-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Today I decided to suprise some of the people at my Mom's work with Apricot Muffins. I was hankering for some muffins and wanted to do something different. I had some Polaner Apricot Fruit Spread and it hit me! Apricot muffins! Now I must admit this is not an original idea...I got the picture above from another person's blog who posted on Apricot Muffins (visit their blog here). There are a couple ways to make these muffins. One way is to chop up dried apricots and soak under warm water for 10-15 minutes...the other way is to just add apricot fruit spread to the batter. I used the fruit spread and kind of wished I'd used the dried apricots after. I guess next time. Here is the recipe!

Apricot Muffins

- 1 Cup chopped dried apricots or 4-6 Tablespoons Apricot Fruit Spread
- 2 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour (pastry flour or regular flour)
- 3/4 Cup Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar
- 2 Tbs Orange Zest
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (I think they are the same thing too)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Large Organic Eggs
- 3/4 Cup Yogurt if you want a heavier muffin

1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Pour hot water over dried apricots and let sit for five minutes (if using this ingredient)
2. Coat 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray (I reccomend rubbing coconut oil inside).
3. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
4. Combine liquid ingredients in another bowl.
5. Combine dry and liquid ingredients and fold in apricot (spread or dried fruit)
6. Fill muffin tins to top with batter. Bake these twenty minutes and allow to cool ten minutes in the pan.

Enjoy!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Nomadic Eating

2009-09-02T21:09:00.007-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

The past couple weeks were absolutely crazy! I am just getting around to blogging now. During this time I moved apartments and my meals have resembled a nomadic moveable feast. I was like a viking minus the goofy hat.

We all go through times where we seem to be eating in a different location every time we sit down to feast. Taking the time pack food can be time consuming and we often just don't know what to pack. We also seem to forget eating is essential part of daily functioning. We seem assume it is just going to happen magically on its own. If you were a viking you would simply go into a town and demand quarter for you and your viking band. This convenience is no longer available to us.

Remember to schedule your meals as you plan out your day. This is an important time for you to take care of yourself. If you are unable to pack your meals as you travel amongst the landscape pick a healthy place to pick up both your lunch and your dinner. This will save you time in the long run and assure you get two healthy meals. Avoid golden arches, cute little red heads with pig tails and dogs that give you advice on what you should eat! Pull into a grocery store instead grab yourself some bread and whatever you can put in between two slices that will satisfy your hunger. This way you will have plenty of food and you did a little grocery shopping too!

Alright...the real reason I am posting on Nomadic Eating was to show you these awesome videos below. My good friend Jeff showed me this and I almost fell out of my chair laughing. Have a look see and let me know what you think!

Stay Positive,
Matthew

The Mad Cowboy

2009-08-12T19:39:00.002-04:00

Dear Positive Eaters,

I want to introduce you to a man affectionately known as "The Mad Cowboy." His name is Howard Lyman and he was a fourth generation cattle farmer in Montana. He grew up on a small family farm and turned it into a full fledged "agribusiness" in the 1950's. In 1979 after almost thirty years working and running a factory farm he developed a tumor on his spine. This near death experience inspired him to begin practicing sustainable organic farming practices. Soon after this, he became a vegetarian and eventually a full fledged vegan.

He became an outspoken advocate for government regulation of factory farming. Howard earned his initial notoriety when he began to expose the connection between factory farming practices and their contribution the spread of Mad Cow Disease. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1996 and after giving Oprah a run down on some of the egregious practices carried out in factory farms across the United States, Oprah exclaimed that she was never eating a hamburger again. Well, lo and behold it is actually a federal offense to speak out against the meat or dairy industry. Howard and Oprah ended up in court battle that lasted six years. They were both cleared of any criminal offenses.

He truly is one of the most incredible personalities I've ever come across. His passion and humor is touching and positive. He speaks with tremendous credence and compassion. Please take a moment to watch a couple of the videos I've embedded below and get to know Howard!

His book is Mad Cowboy and his website is www.madcowboy.com

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Eating in the Atmosphere

2009-08-05T22:45:00.002-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Today I went out to lunch with a good friend of mine, Jennah Dieter* in Newburyport Massachusetts. Newburyport is one of my favorite places on Earth. It is a seaside town in the North Shore of Massachusetts with rich history and tons of positive places to eat and shop. I was actually born in this wonderful little city 27 years ago.

We went to Andaman Thai and got some fresh rolls and two refreshingly delicous salads. We sat up on the upper deck outside in the fresh air. From our perch we could see the Merrimack river pouring out into the Atlantic ocean. This made the meal even more enjoyable. When you enjoy your location and the company your with it actually improves the quality of your meals. When you were a kid you didn't want to go to McDonald's because the Happy Meals were so delicous, you were hoping your parents took you to the Mickey D's with the playground and were reaching for the toy before the burger and fries.

A relaxed and stress free atmosphere has been shown to improve digestion, which can lead to more effective absorption of nutrients. We may not all be able to eat our meals in such a scenic and lovely location as Newburyport, but we can work to make the place we enjoy our mid day meal more relaxing and enjoyable.

Try moving outside and eating in the fresh air. Bring a blanket and make a picnic for yourself
Make sure you keep company with co workers you enjoy being around
Avoid talking about work complaints and issues that raise your blood pressure
Pick a quiet room away from distractions
Switch off the computer and television and invite friends and/or serenity to your meal
Make an attempt to really taste your food by chewing and slowing down
Avoid "power lunches" , "lunch meetings" , or "working through lunch" (tip below)

Try a few of these techniques to bring enjoyment to your lunches and use this as an opportunity to destress and have fun. You just might be rewarded with better health and happiness.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Tip: When at a meeting that is in sincere jeopardy of creeping into lunchtime and potentially obliterating it altogether. Raise your hand to pose a question, put on a serious face so you appea to be bringing up something important and ask this question "Will be convening after lunch?" Trust me it works everytime.

*Visit my friend Jennah's Website! She runs in awesome Wellness Center in Newburyport

http://www.healthcarecomplete.com/

Extreme Hydration!!!!!

2009-07-29T22:23:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Yesterday I ran a ten mile road race! For those of you who know me and follow this blog, you know running is my favorite activity ever! The mercury was peaking at about 90 degrees so I needed to take some extreme measures.

I start everyday with a mug of warm water and lemon. This helps your body flush out all of the cleaning your digestive system did over night. It is like a daily detox and it is practically free! This of course was a great start but I knew it was going to take a lot more than just 12 ounces of water.

I headed over to the grocery store to pick up some bottled water. This was extremely confusing. Some water was from a spring, some was from an artesian well and one brand even was formed from man made clouds. The more I read the labels the more confused I got. I decided to go with the cloud water. I liked the shape of the bottle.

In all actuality, we should make an attempt to drink somewhere between 32 and 64 ounces a day. The amount people need is somewhat varied based on your sweat rate. Also the more caffeine you consume will require you to up your water intake. Caffeine stimulates your adrenal glands which stimulates the bladder and you end up making more trips to the loo than normal. Although I love reader participation, please don't tell me your sweat rate or let me know how many Red Bulls you drink a day. Both facts have the ability to deeply disturb me. Just try and hit 64 and you should be good. Since we can only process 8 ounces a water an hour go easy now :).

Since, I was going to be sweating like a politician in a sauna, taking a lie detector test, with his wife and constituents watching, I decided to go for 72 ounces. I took it easy and sipped from my cloud water all afternoon and prepared to hit the streets at 6:30pm. I want to thank all of the awesome road race spectators and volunteers who gave me water along the way. You guys rock! I had no issues with hydration and felt strong despite the ten miles and the heat. Below is a picture of me out on the course courtesy of the man, myth and legend Tom Derderian.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Health Care Reform

2009-07-22T21:54:00.002-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

Tonight I tuned into President Barack Obama's address regarding health care resolution 626. This issue is as hotly debated and politically charged as they come. What is important are these facts:

42 million Americans do not have health insurance
96 million Americans are inadequately insured
The average American family spends $1500 a month on health insurance
The United States spends more money on health care than any other nation
The leading health problems in this country are obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes*

While people in Washington rush around and try to make or break political careers by posturing on this extremely important issue, Positive Eating wants to offer its own brand of health care reform. I call it the Positive Eating Health Care Resolution. Americans are terrified by health care because they are reminded every day that it is in crisis. This makes people want to get as far away from health care as possible. No one wants to be part of a crisis. Imagine I walk up to you and say "hey, want some health care" you would be like "no way...haven't you heard it is in a crisis."

To me health care sounds pretty awesome. I am down for caring about my health. We can all start caring about our health today. Why wait for people in Washington to figure out how to care for your health. I am going to eat a ton of fruit and veggies, some whole grains, healthy protein and my vegan ice cream and just to go the extra mile I just might floss and brush my teeth as well. Let's commit to our own brand of health care every day. If you need a good place to start I encourage you to enact the Postive Eating Health Care Resolution immediately.

Positive Eating Health Care Resolution

Drink a glass of water every morning
Brush and floss your teeth
Dance around your living room for 15 minutes
Eat some fruit
Eat some vegetables
Smile and use the name of one person you don't know
Try a whole grain (rice, quinoa, cereals, whole grain bread)
Breath for one minute (seriously try it, this is free and way underrated)
Experiment with some different proteins (beans, lean meat, nuts and seeds, etc.)
Try healthy recipes that seem fun (come back here for suggestions if you like)

I am empowering you to put this resolution into action right now. I am not the "sovereign of health", I am just an eloquent cheerleader with and internet connection so it's in your hand folks. If you want to see what the actual president has to say check the video below.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

*all which are to some degree preventable by adopting a positive health lifestyle :)

My First Positive Eating Video!!!!

2009-07-15T21:47:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys!

Check out my first Positive Eating video. I plan to do one of these every month just to switch it up a bit! I am so excited. I am still figuring this multimedia thing out. I had to put this on YouTube and then embed it here. So I guess I am on YouTube now as well. Crazy!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Summer Recipes from Sumner!

2009-07-08T15:18:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I was lucky enough to get an email from my good friend Sumner Fletcher today. She is a great runner, an extraordinary yoga teacher and a positive force no matter where she goes. We both follow each others blogs and this week she was nice enough to send me over a couple recipes she enjoyed with her family over this Fourth of July Weekend. These recipes are perfect to bring or serve at a summer picnic and loaded with a colorful array of incredible vegetables and exciting spices.

The first one features Sweet Potatoes (a personal favorite)

Grilled Sweet Potato & Spicy Vinaigrette

2 1/2 Pounds Sweet Potatoes (peeled)
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 Ears of Corn (husked or use canned corn)
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Scallions (chopped)
1 Cup fresh Cilantro (chopped)
1/2 Cup rice wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon chipotle chili with adobo sauce
1 Tablespoon minced Shallot
1 minced Garlic clove
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

In a large pot cover potatoes with salted cold water by 1 inch and simmer, covered, until just tender, about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on size of potatoes. In a colander drain potatoes and cool to warm. Cut the potatoes crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

Prepare grill. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and cumin. Brush both sides of the potato slices with the oil mixture. Brush the ears of corn with the remaining oil mixture. Grill the potato slices for 1 minute per side and transfer to a large bowl. If necessary, the grilled potato slices can be halved or quartered into bite-size pieces at this point. Grill the corn for 3 to 4 minutes rotating once a minute and transfer to a plate. When the corn is cool enough to handle, remove the kernels with a sharp knife. Add the corn to the potato slices. Add the red bell pepper, scallions and 1/4 cup cilantro leaves. Do not stir to combine.

In a food processor or blender combine the seasoned rice wine vinegar, chipotle chili, shallot, garlic, lemon juice and remaining cilantro leaves and puree until smooth.

Pour half of the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine. Add the remaining dressing and carefully stir again. Cover and let stand for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to combine.

Here is the next one! This will be a hit at any summer cookout!

Fresh Mushroom and Three Beans Salad

10 ounces fresh white mushrooms, quartered (about 3 cups)
1 jar (about 7 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained, cut in strips (about 3/4 cup)
1 can (about 15 ounces) 50% less sodium cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (about 15 ounces) 50% less sodium red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 ribs celery, sliced (1 cup)
1/2 cup coarsely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 cup homemade or prepared Italian salad dressing, no salt added
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

In a large bowl combine mushrooms, peppers, and three kinds of beans, celery and 1/4 cup of the cheese. Add dressing and parsley; toss to coat well. Stir in parsley. Serve topped with remaining cheese.

Make sure you check out my friend Sumner's Blog out by visiting the link provided.

Keep enjoy your summer and I will see you next Wednesday!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

The Trans Fat Ban

2009-07-01T11:15:00.002-04:00

Just say NO to Trans Fat?

Hi Everyone,

In 2006, the mayor of New York banned trans fat from city restaurants. This is pretty remarkable! There are over 16,000 restaurants in Manhattan, making the restaurant industry the largest business sector in New York. If only they thought to ban greed from the finance industry! Can you imagine what a shiny happy place New York would be?

New York's move to ban trans fat is producing a dramatic domino effect. Minneapolis and Philadelphia have now passed similar legislation and in 2007 California passed a law that will make it our first trans fat free state. Lawsuits filed against both Kraft and McDonald's are causing the fast food industry and even packaged junk food companies to move away or totally eliminate trans fat from their offerings.

Trans Fat is also known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. I could let you guys know about how fats and oils take on a chemical cis shape in nature and when they are processed in this way take on the trans shape and how this process gives oils and fats a longer shelf life. I avoided taking organic chemistry in school and will spare you the lesson now.

Fats and oils become hydrogenated by bubbling hydrogen gas through them at high temperatures. Hence the word "hydrogenated". This is all well and good, but I don't want hydrogen gas in my food and especially not in my fats and oils. I remember sucking helium gas when I was kid from a balloon and thinking it was cool how I would talk funny, but then I got lightheaded and passed out. Ingesting gas is not really my thing.

Trans fat will not make you talk funny..they are associated with headaches, joint pain, arthritis, asthma, skin problems and menstrual problems. They are also a source of chronic disease. This blog is not really about the big nasties of eating. I would rather you try them out for yourself and make your own decisions. Trans fats can be found in the following foods.

packaged cookies and baked goods
food that just came out of a fryolator
margarine
microwave popcorn
frozen pizza and waffles
butter that comes in a tub

If you start to talk funny or pass out from eating these let me know.

You could also give fats and oils that still exist in their cis form, the way nature intended, a try. Here are a few of my favorites.

Olive oil (great for everything!)
butter (in the stick form)
sesame oil
peanut oil
coconut oil (great for desserts)
sunflower oil
ghee (clarified butter)
grapeseed oil

Thanks for checking out this blog post! If you would like the organic chemistry lesson regarding trans fats or more information about the ban on trans fats check out the websites below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_fat
http://scienceblogs.com/moleculeoftheday/2006/09/trans_fats_kinky_fat.php
http://www.bantransfats.com/whatnottoeat.html

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Summer - The season of mayonnaise

2009-06-24T14:14:00.004-04:00

Summer is a great season for eating! Farm stands are starting to offer some early season produce and some locations allow you to pick your own berries! People enjoy eating outside and lots of the food is served chilled to offset the rising temperatures.

Most barbecues feature something cooked on a grill and chilled dishes featuring vegetables covered in mayonnaise. This is a quandary to me. Fresh snappy vegetables are everywhere! Their sweet and succulent delights almost call out to us to savor their colorful splendor. So we take them home, chop them up and dump vinegar and egg whites all over them. You will see this phenomenon at at least one barbecue this summer. With your grilled piece of game you will be offered coleslaw (cabbage and mayonnaise), pasta salad (pasta, little pieces of carrots, onions, celery and mayonnaise) and potato salad (potatoes with mayonnaise) and if they really want to keep in the spirit of the season they will serve egg salad as well(which are eggs covered with an emulsion of themselves alson known as mayonnaise).

Now, there is no need to outlaw mayonnaise, what would a tuna fish sandwich be without it, I am just saying let's cool it just this one time. Let's team up and throw a barbecue this year where the hellman's stays in the fridge. I can picture the colorful array spread out across your picnic table now. Fresh salad greens with freshly picked strawberries and blueberries topped with poppyseed dressing. Fruit salad served in the hollowed out shell of a watermelon. Carrot sticks and celery for the kiddies to munch on (let them dip the celery in some peanut butter they will love it). Maybe some chicken served with a pineapple glaze and grilled pieces of pineapple to go with it. You won't even think about mayo until you find it in the back of your refrigerator, open it up to smell it and then ask yourself for the thousandth time "how long does mayonnaise last".

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream!

2009-06-17T10:02:00.004-04:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

If there is a food heaven, Ice Cream most likely inhabits its highest realm. What food makes every part of our being smile more than Ice Cream? Last summer, when talking with a vegan friend of mine, I mentioned that I could probably handle being a vegan...but I would never give up Ice Cream, no matter what. I was then introduced to vegan ice cream, a creamy dessert that does not contain a single ingredient deriving from an animal. To my amazement, this frozen ambrosia that uses coconut milk as a base was absolutely amazing! Creamy, sweet and satisfying (and easy to make)!

Whether you are vegan or eat meat on a stick for dinner every night this is worth a try.

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

2 cans of Coconut Milk
1 1/2 cups Chopped Strawberries
1/2 cup of Agave Nectar
1/4 cup Strawberry Jam (preferably unsweetened)

Pour coconut milk into an ice cream maker and begin mixing. Slowly add agave nectar and then strawberry jam. Make sure to run a spatula along side of frozen bowl to prevent sticking. Just before mixture becomes thick add strawberries. When the mixture takes on ice cream consistency remove and place in a freezer friendly storage container. This treat is best enjoyed right after making but can be stored in a freezer and enjoyed later!

This recipe is featured in this month's ChiRunning Newsletter!

Thanks for coming back to my blog. Tune in next week for more Positive Tips!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

If someone eats positively and no one hears the chewing did it really happen?

2009-06-10T13:30:00.002-04:00

Hello,

While attending to various internet tasks today, I came across a dusty corner out there in my little patch of cyberspace. I blew away the cobwebs and came across my beloved blog Positive Eating! Why was it hidden from my view for so many months? So many positive meals and positive moments passed and we did not get to share them together.

Here we are together again. Positive Eating, a blog for those who wish to make living a positive and healthy lifestyle a fun, humorous and mindful journey. An opportunity for those of you who know me and those of you who don't to form a community based on the idea that we nourish also selves every day with food and experiences. I will be posting to this blog every Wednesday. Check back for recipes, stories and humor.

If you are out there let me know so I can say hello.

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Pumpkin Spice Soup

2008-10-06T07:11:00.002-04:00

Hello,

With fall well underway it is time to take advantage of the fall harvest. Pumpkin is a magical food (remember Cinderella) and loaded with incredible nutrients. Below is a recipe I adapted to be served thick and warm for the chilly weather that is blowing in. This is the best recipe because it seriously takes only 10 minutes! Let me know how it comes out for you!

Ingredients

1 can of pumpkin puree (use 2 cups of fresh)
1/2 cup of orange juice
1 dash cinnamon
2 dashes ginger powder
1 dash stevia powder
1/4 cup coconut milk (or cow/soy/almond milk)
1 handful of raisins

Preparation

Blend everything together until smooth . Add more spice to taste if desired. Place on stove and heat. Be careful not to heat too long. This is really like a five minute soup!

Serve topped with pecans, and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg!

A Passion That Lives On....

2008-09-15T15:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I went to a farm stand with my father, Raymond Germain. He enjoyed picking out local produce and I chatted with two other customers that were milling about the barn. The woman at the barn began telling us how a relative of her's just came off of dialysis and received a transplanted kidney from an anonymous donor. This woman was currently going through dialysis and was on the list to receive a transplant as well. The man who was also shopping related to us that he had been on dialysis for several years before receiving his transplant.

I became struck by the fact that every customer at this little farmstand had kidney disease! My father was born with an adult onset form of Polycystic Kidney Disease. He was diagnosed in 1982 and received his transplant in December of 2002. There was one key difference between my father and the other people in the barn. My father went twenty years without ever needing to be hooked up to a dialysis machine.

Many claim he was lucky. They explain this was a result of a gradual enough cyst formation to sustain him until 2001 when his sister, Sue, was declared a match. There cannot be a more incredible gift than life and that is what his sister was able to give him. My family is quite thankful.

What sustained him for so long? The answer is the inspiration for this blog. My father knew long before his diagnosis that being positive was the key to a vibrant and enjoyable life. This lesson he bestowed on his children and all those who were fortunate to come in his presence. However he began to take an even more active role in sustaining his life. He began to eat in a way that was positive as well.

His loving wife of thirty seven years, Jean, took to the library and began looking at the way food affected kidney function. Incrementally, they began to make shifts that worked for the entire family. This is where I was blessed to be born to such enlightened people. We woke up every morning to fresh fruit before heading off to school or play. In the evening, we came through the door to a fresh salad every night before eating a family dinner.

In addition to adding in more fresh fruits and vegetables, they began to limit foods that taxed kidney function. Sodium was cut tremendously and water intake went up. Cranberry juice became a pretty constant staple around the Germain household and we needed two water pitchers in a fridge just to keep up with H2O demand. Meat and dairy intake was reduced slowly and methodically over a period of ten years. Animal protein produces many acids that are tough on the kidney and the vegan or vegetarian lifestyle favors a person with such a diagnosis. Thanks to this process it became very easy for me to take dairy products completely out of my diet...a transition that is difficult for many.

Most importantly, Jean and Ray continued to create and share food together. This act of love may have been the most healing aspect of the entire diet they constructed. Even though they are responsible for everything that drives me to learn, live and teach the positive and healthy lifestyle, they maintain an eagerness to learn more and continue to make shifts that aid their wellbeing.

My passion was born from this. Eating is a positive and fun experience for me but that is just an outward expression of a deep understanding of its true importance. Food truly does sustain us and for many of us without a life threatening illness we forget that it keeps us alive. This is a conscious act of survival and I believe it nourishes much more than our anatomy. This is why food is so interwoven with love. What is sharing a meal with someone? It is the decsion to share with others the very matter that is nourishing our physical bodies, our growing minds and our loving spirits. When we create and share food together we are actually creating and sharing life.

By medical standards I am lucky to have shared as many years with my father as I have. The doctor's at Massachusetts General Hospital are to be regarded as angels and my mother a saint for all they have done to make this possible. We all can do something to sustain ourselves and those around us. The steps we take to actively improve the quality of our lives have a tendency to ripple out and benefit all those that are close to our hearts. The heart beat itself can almost be thought of as the source of this rippling effect. The strength inside our hearts determines how far out the waves will travel. Strengthen your own heart and you will truly affect others.

I wish you strength and well being and hope to hear from you soon!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

"Food is the one thing that is everything"

-David Wolfe

Sweeett!!!

2008-09-08T11:14:00.010-04:00

The Corn Refiner's Association and everyone's favorite refined sugar High Fructose Corn Syrup!

A recent campaign by the Corn Refiner's Association (an industrial group that protects and promotes corn based products) is defending the consumption of a natural sugar called High Fructose Corn Syrup or HFCS. This "natural" sugar is created by stripping corn of all its nutrients, separating out the sugar and then chemically treating that sugar so it matches the sweetness of sucrose, also known as table sugar (for a more accurate description of how it is manufactured click here). The ads feature every day people being served sugary treats and being comforted by the fact that corn syrup comes from corn. Other than the general "corniness" of the ads, I became slightly concerned. Over the past several years I have been taking HFCS out of my diet and replacing it with fruits and vegetables. I began to break out in a cold sweat. Did I make a rash decision leaving this wonderfully refined, processed and chemicalized natural product behind? I set out on a quest to find High Fructose Corn Syrup and possibly invite it back into my body.

This was not difficult. I found it everywhere at the grocery store. This sugar was found in breads, salad dressings, cereals, baby food, ketchup, juice and it even made it to the top of the charts on some ingredient labels. Soft drinks turned out to come away with the bragging rights of being the most HFCS power packed product. Later on I discovered that forty five thousand products in the average grocery store contain corn products, six percent of those corn products being HFCS (Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan Page 19). I was relieved. I did not want to be responsible for starting a trend that wiped out an entire denatured carbohydrate from the American diet. High Fructose Corn Syrup was alive and well and if I wished I could make sure it was present in every meal and drink I took in for the rest of my life.

I realized I needed to do more research. What were the potential benefits or potential dangers of consuming HFCS in large quantities? This is important to know, since the corn industry makes sure every single American is provided 78 pounds of HFCS a year. When you take out all the extraneous factors, we are all entitled to half a pound of HFCS each and every day for the rest of our lives (What to Eat, Marion Nestle page 319). I visited two websites launched by the Corn Refiner's Association, sweetsuprise.com and HFCSfacts.com. I was blown away to see what I had been missing. High Fructose Corn Syrup actually enhances the flavor of fruit and spices. What have I been doing eating apples and bananas without dumping refined sugar on them?! My cumin, turmeric and curry powder simply are not enough on their own, they are all begging to be brought out of their flavor prisons and freed by the miracle of HFCS. According to the Corn Refiner's Association, the refined sugar known as High Fructose Corn Syrup does not contribute to rises in obesity or type 2 diabetes. It made me wonder why type 2 diabetes is often called "sugar diabetes", for all the facts about how people develop diabetes click here (for those who want a quick summary it says the more glucose, or sugar, that builds up in your blood the more your body becomes at risk for type 2 diabetes)

There were even leading experts in the field exonerating HFCS, including Dr. Walter Willett from the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Marion Nestle an NYU professor and author of Food Politics and What to Eat and Dr. Michael Jacobsen of the Center for Science in Public Interest. This is where I started to become confused. The website HFCSfacts quotes Dr. Marion Nestle as a friend of HFCS yet in Chapter 27 of her own book, What to Eat, she offers some pretty startling evidence that the increase in sugar consumption can be declared "guilty by association" for the rise in obesity in this country over the last twenty years. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the consumption of HFCS has jumped 1000% in the last thirty years, "far exceeding the intake of any other food or food group" (Sugar Shock, Connie Bennett and Stephen Sinatra page 88) . Dr. Walter Willett even claims that the HFCS does not satisfy our need for sugar, especially when consumed in beverage form, causing us to take in more processed sugar than is healthy for us. His landmark project, The Nurse's Health Study, showed that "women who increased their intake in soda or fruit punch over a four year period gained weight" and "woman who consumed one soda or a glass of fruit punch per day had nearly a two fold higher risk of type 2 diabetes" (Eat, Drink and Weigh Less page 69). I actually receive Dr. Michael Jacobsen's Nutrition Action: Health Letter, where he states that all processed sugar, including HFCS, "undermines our diets because it supplies us with empty calories" (Nutrition Action Health Letter: January/February 2008)

This was all becoming very complex to me. I was diving deeper and deeper into the world of sugar and my intellectual cortex was expanding. I could feel myself becoming tired, cynical and in need of something to eat. On the way downstairs from my personal library, I remembered what Positive Eating was all about. Eating is supposed to be a positive and enjoyable experience and the things we put into our body should be as positive and enjoyable as possible. I grabbed an apple and came upstairs to write this blog post. I decided to look up a picture of High Fructose Corn Syrup and see if it brought up the same feelings of wholeness and goodness I was getting from my apple. This is what I found:

The Corn Refiner's Association is correct. Sugar is a natural occurring substance and the sweet taste was meant to be enjoyed by human taste buds. I enjoy it thoroughly every day...however it looks a little bit more something like this:

Please let me know what your thoughts are. If anyone from the Corn Refiner's Association is out there please send me a bottle of High Fructose Corn Syrup...I am curious of how much it can enhance the flavor of these remarkable tasty farm fresh locally grown peaches I've been eating daily.

As always eat positive,

Matthew

What is Health Counseling?

2008-09-02T10:37:00.003-04:00

Hello,

I am so happy to finally post on this blog page again! Things have been pretty incredible making the transition to being a Health Counselor full time. However, I am happily ready to start blogging again. Let's start by telling you what it is I do in this new career.

Health Counseling is about looking at the entire scope of a person and guiding them in ways that will bring more health and vibrancy into their lives. This is a holistic practice in the truest sense. There is really no effective way to teach or preach healthy living. The vast majority of people know that getting adequate rest, eating fruits and vegetables, drinking water and partaking in some form of physical movement are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Even with this knowledge, this country still struggles with many health problems that are completely preventable.

This is not because we are lazy! America is probably the least lazy country on the planet. We work long hours, we make sure our children are given every opportunity in the world and we remain active in our communities. We are actually so busy not being lazy that we leave our bodies on the back burner as we move through this land of opportunity at break neck speed.

Unfortunately, our mind and our spirit is given only one human body in which to travel through life. This is why it is so important to make sure that we nourish ourselves at every level of human experience. Only then can we truly integrate healthy changes into our lifestyle. This is why health counseling is so effective. It allows us to take a one hour break from the marathon we attempt to sprint every single day and take notice of what our body truly needs. My job as a counselor is to recognize those things with you and then develop a plan that will make sure the change is made and accepted by your mind, body and spirit.

To learn more about my six month health counseling program please contact me via my website. I strongly encourage you to sign up for a free initial health history consultation. I look forward to talking to you.

I am excited to be blogging again! Please know that your comments and support are always welcome!

Stay Positive,

Matthew

Leaving New Balance

2008-07-16T09:39:00.003-04:00

HEY EVERYBODY!

Major Life Changing Event Unfolding

August 1st is may proposed last day of employment at New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc.
My tenure here will forever be held in my heart as a life changing time. I am so filled with joy for all that I have experienced here. I worked with people and a product that were deeply engrained in my own beliefs and values. Threads of wisdom and positivity were woven deep and wide into the fabric of my young life as a result of the people I met here.

Starting in October 2007, I endeavored to earn a Certificate in Health Counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the world's largest nutrition school and the only school offering a certificate of this kind. I am happy to say I fulfilled all the requirements and received my certificate on June 21st. My path now leads to a place of service to those looking to bring health and vibrancy into their lives. Each and everyone of the people I work with will benefit from the lessons I learned here at New Balance.

Health, like most of life, is about constantly seeking a New Balance. These words not only appeared at the bottom of my paycheck each and every week....they adorned the very walls that surrounded me 7.5 hours a day and were found on the clothes and footwear that were worn on a daily basis as I participated in activities I love. These two words will forever guide each step I take on my new life path. Thank you for the blessed gift of allowing me to serve as an associate of this company. Thank you for your support and friendship that you've shown to me in the past, the present and I know you will continue to show in the moments to come.

With deep an sincere appreciation,

matthew
http://www.matthewgermain.com

Sky's The Limit!

Juicing at Work!

2008-06-13T13:14:00.002-04:00

I've dreamed of this day for a long time! Today it was a reality! I actually brought my juicer to work and made juice there for the associates. I was part of an incredible event called "What Else Do You Do?". I like to share positive eating experiences so I figured I would contribute in the best way I knew possible. The juice was a big hit!

People were blown away that I juice every single morning. They wondered if it was a hassle. My response to that question is "Did you taste the juice". Yes, juicing requires cutting, grinding and eventually cleaning the juicer.....but there is so much positive energy in one glass of juice....it is worth ten minutes every morning!

I would like to give a shout out to a man who is inspired me at the deepest levels of my being. Mr. Jack Lalanne introduced me to gaining positive energy via a fresh glass of juice every morning. This was the one step into the world of positive eating I needed. Every day has been an adventure since your wonderful infomercial.

with reverence,

matthew

Open House

2008-06-06T22:38:00.003-04:00

Tonight was my open house! Ry Chi hosted a ChiRunning class at the local park while I busily prepared some food at the house. We had a fresh salad with mixed greens, bok choy, avocado and strawberry. Raymond Tu made us some incredible sushi! I made fudge from fresh cacao beans. Even made a nice and simple pasta dish. Of course there was lots of fresh juice and smiles.

I delivered a talk called Building a Positive Relationship with Food. I had never delivered it before. This was my first go at it. Fortunately I was in the company of friends and loved ones which made it easier. I would tell you what I said....but I would rather just deliver it for you. Let me know...I will talk to anyone about food, relationships and being positive :)

The night was full of friendship and fun. Lots of great questions were asked and I feel everyone left a little more positive than they came in. I want to thank everyone of you who did come and reads this blog. That was awesome guys. Thanks for helping me live my dream!

stay positive,

matthew

Kitchen Sink Soup

2008-05-28T12:54:00.004-04:00

Hello,

Has it really been fourteen days since my last blog post? Wow. Did you all mis me? :).

I am busy living the life of my dreams. Helping people live positive and healthy lives, doing talks, counseling people, going to the grocery store, making some pretty good food. Life is great...but the positive act of eating needs to spread even further. So here I am back and in action!

Today, I want to show you a neat little trick for making soup. Everyone has vegetables lying around that they don't know what to do with. Half a stalk of celery, some leftover carrots, even at the office the refrigerator is full of leftover veggies that need a home. Here is a really simple way to make use of them: Make a soup.

Soup is very unfairly labeled a fall and winter food. I live in New England....we can go for a good soup any time of year.

So here is the process. Round up all your leftover veggies or steal them from the refrigerator at work and chop them all up. Put them in a slow cooker with some any type of broth you want (vegetable/chicken/mushroom/beef/eye of newt). Let this simmer all morning and by lunch you will have a soup!

This is a little chaotic but fun. Quantum physics says the structure of an atom is chaotic and orderly at the same time. Why not take this wonderful scientific theory into our food preparation?

We enjoyed this with some incredible tomato and avocado sandwiches provided by M. Lafleur. What a guy! I even included a picture of him chowing down!

Stay Chaotically Positive,

matthew

Quick and Easy Quinoa Pilaf

2008-05-14T20:12:00.003-04:00

Quick and Easy Quinoa Pilaf

as taught to me by Andrea Beaman :)

Everytime I make this dish it makes people smile! Plus, it looks really fancy and tastes unbelievable. Try it and you will be suprised.

Ingredients:

1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Onion peeled and diced (or use 2 garlic cloves)

1 small can of mushrooms (or use potatoes)

2 celery stalks

1 Tablespoon fresh sage (really folks I reccomend the fresh sage!)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (regular salt is fine)

1 cup Quinoa

1/3 cup of dried cranberries

2 cups water

Directions:

saute onions or garlic with olive oil in a saucepan for 2-4 minutes. Add mushrooms or potatoes and cook for five more minutes. Add celery and sage together and cook for 2 minutes. Add quinoa and then 2 cups of water into the saucepan. This whole concoction will come to a aromatic boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

This stuff is sure to make you smile!

stay positive,

matthew

ChiRunning and ChiWalking

2008-05-12T14:10:00.011-04:00

Hello All,

As many of you know, I am an avid runner. I love to run so much that I've driven myself to the point of sheer exhaustion doing it. This is partially because I have an exaggerated personality and partially because running is the most beautiful thing I've ever done with my body.

When my good friend Ry Chi became a certified ChiRunning instructor in October, he taught me how to run in a way that was both energy efficient and free of pain. Suddenly my relationship with running was no longer dysfunctional. I now run everyday with a feeling quite similar to marital bliss (I think...).

Ry Chi not only taught me how to run more effectively but introduced me to the fine people at ChiLiving. To make a long story short....like you, they love Positive Eating! In a recent addition of their newsletter they featured a nutrition article by yours truly :)

I encourage all of you to sign up for the ChiRunning and ChiWalking newsletter. You will learn more about your body than you could ever have dreamed and you may even get a dose of nutrition advice now and again.

Here is the link to the article,

ChiRunning Article

stay positive,

matthew

PS

If any of you would like to learn more about ChiRunning or ChiWalking you can click on the logo above for a list of instructors in your area. If you live near me....then you can be instructed by Ry Chi himself! His link is below

ChiRunning and ChiWalking Instruction

C is for cookie!

2008-05-07T13:40:00.003-04:00

Cookies....you absolutely got to eat your cookies. I mean where would the world be without them. As a matter of fact, the cookie is analogous to the spinning disk in the sky we call the "world." They are both round and as you move across them you find all sorts of sweet and good things. Someone should make a cookie that looks like the world!

Last night, I had company coming over and realized I had to make something quick. By no means am I Betty Crocker, but I remembered the concept of how to make a cookie. Take some dry ingredients add them to wet and sticky ingredients and then mix them together. After baking for 10-15 minutes you got a cookie!

So I grabbed some whole wheat graham flour, some rolled oats, cinnamon and nutmeg. I decided to add baking powder....that seems to show up in baking recipes a lot. I have no clue what it does but figured it was best to stay safe and add it. Then I mixed Maple Syrup, canola oil, a little bit of rice milk, vanilla extract in a bowl. I added these two mixtures together, threw in some organic, dark chocolate chips and baked at 350 degrees for fifteen minutes.

To my utter shock this came out delicious. So I recommend you put this concept into action yourself:

Dry stuff - Sticky stuff - Chocolate chips - Bake

It may not make the best cookie in the world. But this is certainly the simplest cookie recipe in existence!

stay positive,

matthew

Bisphenol A

2008-05-02T11:00:00.004-04:00

No, this is not a new pharmaceutical that someone walking next to a child pedaling a tricycle tells you about. Those are funny aren't they. They always claiming they got their life back, all they had to do was ask their doctor about _________. I am not quite sure where their life went? In all seriousness, this stuff leaches from PolyCarbonate water bottles and gets into your water.

Now, Positive Eating is the furthest thing from a "shock and awe" campaign. We are not even going to discuss all the nasty implications of this chemical. Because there is plenty of opportunity to have fun with this.

Find a simple glass bottle. Glass is probably pretty safe...we've been using it a while now and everyone seems to like it. Here is what I've been using.

Then I thought to myself....."well that is pretty boring". So I adorned it with this very simple sticker. I also am advertising my blog! That was the reason they started handing out those water bottles to begin with so made as well keep the tradition alive. I encourage you to create your own water container! If you would like to advertise for Positive Eating on the side of yours feel free. However, I would simply ask that you create a more appealing and eye catching logo than I did.
Stay Positive,

matthew

Wow! I got to up my game....

2008-04-23T22:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Positive Eaters,

Over the past six days I've been checking out some other people's blogs. While I am proud of my lovely little blogspot....some people are doing some incredible stuff out there. I am not a celebrity...but many of my friends are and there blogs have videos, guest contributers, contests, spiritual awakening practices......It is enough to make me want to dress up in a funny costume dance around and then figure out how to upload video. Well I don't have really any funny costumes. But if I was going to do a video on positive eating, I would dress up like Shrek and have the song All-Star by Smashmouth playing in the background and I would turn delicous healthy foods into mock disgusting foods! That would be wicked cool.

If you get a chance check out the important work many of these people are doing in the world of health and nutrition.

My School's Blog site

http://www.integrativenutritionblog.com/

The blog of an absolute genius

http://www.ultrawellness.com/blog

A woman who really understands building a relationship with food

http://www.geneenroth.com/notes_from_geneen/

Deepak Chopra

http://www.intentblog.com/

My Good Friend Sebastian Oddo's Blog

http://www.positivefeelingsrule.com/blog.html

I want to do another post with more blogs for you to check out. So all my friends that read this blog, who have blogs, send me the links and I'll get them up here.

stay positive,

matthew

Are you rooted and grounded? Try a Daikon Radish

2008-04-17T12:59:00.004-04:00

This may come as a surprise to many of you. But often I am not the most grounded person on the planet. Say one thing that gets me excited and I am off up in the clouds and ready to fly! You should see where a simple conversation about the Muppets can take me! When I drink green tea...which is known to grow at high altitude....consider me on another planet! So I thought to myself, maybe I should eat some foods that grow deep in the ground. We already know I am crazy about sweet potatoes. Well I decided to kick it up a notch when I saw this crazy root in the produce aisle. If the tail end didn't curve I would not have fit it in the picture!
I chopped up my Daikon Radish with care and tossed it in a hot pot with some freshly chopped ginger (another root). This simmered along with a box of Sweet Potato Soup. The box soups were on sale! I could not resist picking up a bunch. So they may be making a consistent appearance here.
Afterwards, I mixed it up with some medium grain brown rice. This meal consisted of three different root vegetables. After the meal my feet were stuck to the floor and I was nervous that I would not be able to get back to my desk. Fortunately I made it and was able to finish this blog post.
Stay Positive,

matthew

Food of the Heart

2008-04-15T11:15:00.004-04:00

I know it's been a while....but you positive eaters out there never leave my heart. I've been to New York and back and a little bit of everywhere the last two weeks and thought. I am going to make a lunch today from my heart. There is no scientific evidence to say that Red Peppers and Green Beans with Rice lightly flavored with Sweet Pea Soup is "certified Heart Healthy".
What I am talking about is making food from your heart. We should always love and appreciate our food. When we make food for others this is a chance to love and appreciate them. When I made this lunch I really tried to stay in my heart....I even listened to Tracy Chapman's Matters of the Heart album while preparing it. I know I am a big softy....but Tracy Chapman is cool and she is from Massachusetts!

It is important to put your heart in everything you do. But that can get stressful for people....so I recommend starting with your cooking. I promise you it will radiate out into other areas of your life

:)

stay in your heart,

matthew

Sweet Brown Rice with Sweet Red Pepper and Sweet Peas Soup

Sweet isn't it?

One or Two Red Bell Peppers
Three Handfuls of Green Beans
2 Cups of Sweet Brown Rice
4 Cups of Water
2 cups of Sweet Pea Soup

Remember we use a 2:1 ratio with our rice and water! I cooked this rice up in my rice cooker and right before it was finished cooking off all the water I added the soup and the vegetables. I let this simmer for a bit and then enjoyed!

Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs

2008-04-10T21:17:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone,

Today I made breakfast for a group of hardworking teachers in the town I live in. This is a monthly ritual for them. One Thursday a month they all bring in food and enjoy selections from a large spread of dishes. I felt one way to thank them for the important work they do is to make an organic healthy breakfast.

Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs

A bunch of eggs

1/2 cup of soy milk

chopped spinach

sliced in half grape tomatoes

lemon pepper

feta cheese

I beat the eggs and soy milk thoroughly then add in some lemon pepper and beat the eggs a little more. I then transfer to a a frying pan that is coated with butter, ghee, shortening...whatever works for you. I let these eggs cook until they are becoming solid but still a little moist. Then I put in the tomatoes and the spinach and move them around until the eggs are done. I transfer these two a casserole dish and sprinkle feta cheese on top. This makes a great lunch and it is colorful...making it a hit at group breakfast events. Sorry there is no picture....I guess I was still a little sleep making this and forgot to bring the most important cooking utensil I have....the camera!

stay positive,

matthew

PS.

off to school again this weekend. The world of Positive Eating is getting busy!

Fruit Faces

2008-04-06T15:59:00.002-04:00

Hello Positive Eaters,

I just wanted to share with you what our Pita Face project inspired. Ray Germain has added fruit faces to his morning fruit repertoire. He is quite proud of these and wants to go over and make this with his neices and nephews.

Positive Eating is now reaching out an inspiring people! Of course....when I say it is inspiring people I mean my Mom and Dad....but it is a start. Please feel free to send me any Positive Eating experiences you have had lately.

matthewgermain@yahoo.com

Stay Positive,

matthew

Positive Lunch notes from Mom

2008-04-03T14:16:00.005-04:00

picture found at zettwoch.blogspot.com

Remember those wonderful little lunch notes you got from Mom. At first, they made you feel so good about yourself. Then you started to hide them because you didn't want the other kids to find out....but you still cherished them all the same. There cannot be anyone out there who deep down wasn't smiling from ear to ear when they saw a little scrap paper in their lunch.

I've recently been lucky enough to start getting lunch notes from my mom again. Except now....she sends me emails and they are about the awesome positive lunches she is providing herself. Hear are a couple of her emails

Hi Matt,

I had another nice lunch. I took cherry tomatoes and sprinkled lime pepper and some balsamic vinegar in a small container. When I had lunch I cut up the rest of the avocado, but forgot to put in my pecans. I mixed it up a bit and it was sooooooo good! When I saw the pecans I dropped them in the container which had just a smidgen of the vinegar left, but it was still good, but I am sure would have been even better if I had put the pecans in before I ate it. Talk with you soon.

Love, MOM

Just thought I would tell you that my lunch was terrific. I had the spring mix salad dad made. I added pecans and then avocado and balsamic vinegar. It was great. Hope you day is going well.

Love, MOM

Now.....no one tell my mother that her emails to her son are broadcasting over the world wide web. She probably will be embarrassed. Maybe I am subconsciously getting her back for the time a couple of fourth grades stole my lunch when I was in the second grade and showed everyone a note from her that read.

Matty Boy,

Remember that you are great. This is your day. We love you

Your Loving Mother

Set me back about seven years from becoming one of the "cool kids".

Stay Positive,

matthew

PostiveFeelingsRule.com

2008-03-31T13:55:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to talk to you a little bit about a website that I am proud to be associated with. PositiveFeelingsRule.com is maintained by my friend Sebastian Oddo. He is a tremendous proponent of living a positive lifestyle. The work he is doing at PFR inspires me to keep up with this blog and build my health counseling business.

This month Sebastian is featuring a story I wrote about life experiences that I went through since age three. Since the story is about past events, I was reluctant to share it, but there is no denying that all of the moments of our lives build the foundation of our current reality. I encourage all of you to visit PositiveFeelingsRule.com and read any of the stories that catch your attention. Sebastian Oddo is doing great work and it is a pleasure to draw attention to it.

http://www.positivefeelingsrule.com

Everyone has a story.....I encourage you to take your wonderful story and use it as a basis for a truly remarkable life!

stay positive,

matthew

Welcome to the Party

2008-03-29T08:53:00.005-04:00

Last night we celebrated, Positive Eating style! I invited family and friends over for some Sushi made by world reknowned Sushi chef Raymond Tu! I made three pitchers worth of fresh juice for everyone and we just listened to music and were positive. Many people were trying Sushi for their first time and were pleasantly suprised. I like to say it was thanks to Raymond Tu....but most people I encounter are pleasantly suprised by the taste of Sushi. I encourage you, when you are ready, to try it out.

This was a birthday party for anyone who spent this last year trying to live positively. I should have invited all the readers of this blog! Okay....okay I was a little lazy getting the invitations out to you all. I will give you plenty of notice for the next one.

Stay Positive,

matthew

The Staple Office Meal

2008-03-27T13:08:00.002-04:00

The fuzzy image above is of a meal I consider the staple of all office cooking. Rice and beans with salsa and a vegetable. This meal is nutritious, offers "real" food and is flavorful. Most importantly it is very inexpensive. If you want to start office cooking I suggest you begin with this recipe.

Cooking Implements:

Rice Cooker
Can opener
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients:

1 can of Red Kidney Beans
2 cups brown rice
4 cups water
Jar of Salsa
1 Vegetable (broccoli, squash, sweet potato are all good choices)

Directions:

Soak your rice for one hour before cooking. Drain rice and add to rice cooker. Add four cups of water. Open can of beans and drain liquid. Rinse beans off in can until foamy water stops appearing. Dump into the rice cooker. Hit Cook on Rice cooker. After 30 minutes add chopped up vegetable. After ten minutes you may spoon into you dish topped with salsa.

This recipe will hold you over on any day. If you try this or any other office cooking adventure please email me and I will include you in my blog....don't forget a photo!

stay positive,

matthew

matthewgermain@yahoo.com

Bring some warmth to your vegetables

2008-03-25T10:58:00.004-04:00

Monday when I was walking by the freezer case, I saw all of these vegetables confined to bags and just needed to set them free. The very chlorophyll in their veins must have turned to icicles! If you remember photosynthesis from science class you know that plants go through quite a process to extract energy from the sun. If you are looking for some more sun in your day all you have to do is eat plants. Especially dark green ones because that green color is the result of a photosynthesis explosion. For those of you who need a refresher course on photosynthesis view the diagram below:

I do not use frozen vegetables that much but have to promote them due to their longer shelf life and easy storage. Above is some organic broccoli that just needs to be warmed up. I am steaming these with my brown rice today. Nothing like a little broccoli, rice and sunshine for lunch!

Thawing out,

matthew

Eating Dandelions for lunch!?

2008-03-21T13:46:00.003-04:00

Growing up we were blessed to have a nice big lawn. Raymond, my father, never spent time seeding and grooming the grass. As a matter of fact, I remember distinctly my father looking out the window at the dandelions that were creating a sea of yellow and saying this

You know something....everyone at work has all these tricks for how to keep their lawn looking perfect. There maybe something to that. In this affluent society we seek the best of anything. Whether it be a perfect house or a perfect car. Now look at us. We have this nice big lawn. People might say 'jeez Ray you really should pull those weeds up in your lawn, you would have a wonderful looking green lawn.' You want to know something. As I look out at all these dandelions....I can't help but admit, I kind of like they way they look

So in honor of Ray's wisdom I decided to eat some dandelion greens. The grass is now reappearing and it will be pleasant to see those dandelions grow!

Dandelion Green Salad Wrap

A Bowl full of Dandelion Greens
Two Avocados
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tomatoes are a nice touch

Chop stems off of the dandelion greens. Remove the green flesh from inside the avocado and dice up. Throw in some tomatoes....or my favorite, dried berries. Mix with some balsamic vinaigrette. Roll up in a wrap and enjoy!

If it weighs as much as a duck.....

2008-03-19T13:40:00.003-04:00

In an effort to be really cool, I tried to send all of you a post from New York. Unfortunately, not owning a laptop computer made that quite difficult. Here is a picture of me eating a duck at the Whym restaurant on 9th avenue in New York City. I shared a great meal with my friends Marian and Yael. The food was exceptional as well as the service.

As many of you have probably noticed, I rarely eat any meat. I am not a vegan or vegetarian. I am a "positivarian".....okay I am making up this term on the spot. I eat whatever is going to bring me positive energy. I tend to let the animals be. They are busy eating their grasses and grains...so I tend to do the same. A sense of adventure takes over me now and again and I try a dish with meat in it. The duck tasted very much like I thought a duck would taste like. My feelings on it were neutral.

I want to thank Marian for taking this photo with her Iphone. I am amazed at the photo quality.

Keep Your Heart Open,

matthew

Everybody is working for the weekend....

2008-03-14T10:02:00.004-04:00

Hey guys,

The weekend is upon us. I am sorry you've been without a pizza post in a couple weeks. We are working on the grandaddy (or grandmommy) of all pizzas. We are getting close!

I am headed to New York this weekend and am going to try and send a post from the road. Stay tuned it will be worth it!

I wish you all a marvelous weekend. Please take time to nourish yourself with the most important food of all....time with friends, family and loved ones.

Here is a great food related activity for you guys.

The Community Salad

(picture found at fellow blogger's site! check it out zioneocon.blogspot.com)

Invite all of your friends over for dinner. Encourage them all to bring one produce item that they would put in a salad. Get a humongous bowl and throw all of it in together! I might encourage your guests to chop, dice, peel the items before hand unless you find the idea of all your friends wielding knives in a confined area appealing. You cannot invite any picky friends over....because you never know what you are going to get. No just kidding, make individual bowls excluding the items your "selective" friends cannot or will not eat.

I've done this before. It makes for an interesting time. I once did a community salad and when we finally were ready to dive into the big wooden bowl of salad.....I realized I forgot to pick up salad dressing! So make sure you have salad dressing....or better yet....make your own! Here is a great easy recipe!

Sesame Maple Dressing (from andreabeaman.com)

2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil.
1 tbsp. maple syrup
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tbsp. ginger juice (grate ginger and squeeze to obtain juice)
2 tbsp. shoyu or tamari

Combine all ingredients.

stay positive,

matthew

Goji Berries and Chocolate - use with caution

2008-03-11T12:50:00.002-04:00

We all love chocolate! What makes people happier than chocolate? The chocolate we all know is really milk and sugar mixed with a bean called Cacao. I decided to investigate this. I ate a spoonful of sugar. That was certainly fun....but I didn't see myself yearning for more like people do as soon as they eat one piece of a chocolate bar. Then I drank a glass of milk....and well that wasn't all that exciting. The magic ingredient must be the actual chocolate.

Ry Chi hunted down some Cacao and brought into work. I must say I was nervous to try it! I swallowed a handful of these bark-like granules. This produced a visceral, bitter and powerful taste. This certainly could not be the magic ingredient that drives everyone into fits of euphoria!

I then sought the world over for the answer. Actually, I just visited www.sunfood.com where world renown raw foodist and Cacao expert David Wolfe opens up shop. I discovered that Cacao in ancient cultures was eaten with berries and that this combination was used for centuries in the Amazon for fertility and aphrodisial reasons. I am about to try Goji Berries (another exaggerated food) and Cacao. I don't know what will happen over the course of the next 24hours.
Wish me luck,

matthew

Looks like spring is on its way

2008-03-10T14:59:00.004-04:00

Hi All,

I absolutely loved having that blog post featuring that wonderful group of preschool students at the top of the page. Please feel free to scroll down the page and view the previous post several times. It will brighten your day!

Spring is on its way. I know this because of the following signs

I saw a hawk with sticks in its talons (must be making a nest)
My mother just bought a bunch of seeds and potting soil
ABC does this really cool commercial, featuring my good friend Oprah, where flowers blossom and they flash all sorts of upcoming shows with a song that says something like "Something New Begins"
My feet our soaked after my daily run
People aren't talking about football anymore
My cravings for spring foods are on the rise.

We all know every season has its own foods that go along with it. Apples in the fall, Watermelon in the summer, every pastry known to man during the holiday season!

Below is a list of some of my favorite spring foods. Many of these foods help ward off familiar spring ailments....such as stomach flu. These are worth experimenting with. We can all watch as I try to make some edible meals with foods from this list.

Bok Choy
Kale
Dandelion Greens
Broccoli
Spinach
Radishes

Blueberries
Pears
Grapefruit

Goat Milk

Brown Rice
Rye Bread

Sunflower seeds

Dandelion Tea

Grow Positively,

matthew

PS

*for a complete list of spring foods visit John Douillard's website

http://www.lifespa.com/article.asp?art_id=55

Make a Face!

2008-03-07T21:49:00.004-05:00

Here I am with the most positive group of preschoolers you could ever imagine. See me in the middle! In order to protect these children and abide by state and local laws I am not able to show you their priceless faces. Fortunately, these smily faces on the sticks were used in their activity and we were able to take this funny shot of us all in the classroom.

A very wonderful young woman who I went to both college and high school with was nice enough to invite me into her classroom and gave me an opportunity to talk to her students about positive eating. Eating is all about having fun, right?! Well we had a blast. We all discovered which foods make us smile and which foods make us grimace. No matter what our particular taste we found a way to enjoy these foods no matter what and we made these awesome faces!

If you want to do this activity with your children....I've copied it below.

Let me know how it goes!

Stay positive,

matthew

Make A Face With Your Food!

Healthy habits begin with our earliest memories. Use simple and fun exercises like this one to make eating wholesome foods a fun experience for everyone involved!

Ingredients:

Pita Pockets
Hummus
Carrots
Cucumber
Cherry Tomatoes
Apples
Alfalfa Sprouts
Start with some pita bread. Separate the pocket into two pieces. Pita pockets are made in wheat, whole wheat and oat bran varieties. Experiment and see which works best with your child
Hummus, this chickpea and sesame based spread can be used for gluing fruit and vegetable pieces onto the pita pocket. Other ideas: peanut and other nut butters, cream cheese, honey
With the inner surface of the pocket face up let child experiment using the food to make a face. This will foster a relationship between healthy food and the childs creative center. It also saves you prep time!
Prompt your child just enough so that they are able to establish appropriate facial structure. Leave lots of room for imagination!
Take time to admire their work and then let them eat their creation. If the child does not want to ruin their work use already cut pieces to make a standard Hummus and Veggie Sandwich.

Matthew Germain
Health Counselor
www.matthewgermain.com

Hey man, stop grilling my veggies.

2008-03-04T12:34:00.005-05:00

Today was a true cooperative effort. I was in the mood for a grilled veggie sandwich and picked up some really fresh wraps at the local Whole Foods (where the award winning Sushi Chef Raymond Tu serves food) and an eggplant. I thought I would bring some peppers and zucchini to work to grill up on my trusty George Foreman (which is stored at work with my blender, rice cooker, pasta maker, hot pot, cutting board and utensils). On my way to work I realized I did not bring any of these items. My trusty colleague Matt L. came through with a some summer squash and a zucchini.
We grilled these as they were with no oil and wrapped them up with some Roasted Garlic Salsa. This was really good. Many of my co-workers were hovering over our food with focused gazes. I believe the slang terminology for what they were doing is "grilling". I am happy people are "grilling me". One reason is, I love attention. The other reason is grilling makes for a delicious experience!

stay postive,

matthew

PS

I am kind of curious about the use of these food related statements now

"I am steaming"
"That guy really cooked my goose"
"That's Hot"
"Out of the frying pan and into the fire"
"She's got a salty attitude"
"Holy Mackerel"

let me know if you can think of any others.

A "Balanced" Meal

2008-03-02T19:11:00.003-05:00

Do you remember Saturday morning cereal commercials. They used to flash a picture of Golden Grahams with a glass of orange juice, a glass of milk, some toast and tell you that there cereal was part of "balanced breakfast". Tonight Caitlyn came up with a fantastic "balanced dinner". This was another kind of balance. We were making rice pilaf and sweet potato chips. The sweet potato chips were made in this way:

sweet potatoes chopped thin
put in a baking pan
drizzled with olive oil
salted with Garlic and Sea Salt
Dashed with Rosemary
and cooked for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees

We needed something to balance the saltiness of the chips and the pilaf. What balances the salty taste? The sweet taste! Cailtyn chopped up some apples and put them on our plate as well. This balanced out our taste buds and helped to make us feel satisfied and nourished :)

Stay Balanced,

matthew

PS
We also without trying enjoyed a delicous vegan meal!

Raymond and Lye Tu's marvelous Sushi Bar

2008-02-29T13:38:00.005-05:00

I would like to introduce you to Raymond Tu. He operates the Sushi Bar at Whole Foods Market in Andover, MA. As a native New Englander I vowed to never eat raw fish. Fish was meant to be cooked, that was simply the New England way. Well the tricky things with vows is nothing can stop you from breaking them. I don't know how it happened but one day I drifted over to the Sushi Bar and picked up some spicy tuna rolls. I was hooked! I've been eating Sushi on a weekly basis since then.

The Sushi that Raymond and Lye Tu make is of superior quality. They make it with loving and caring attention. Their customers are truly blessed. This post is not meant to be an advertisement. It simply must be stated that Raymond and Lye Tu are the most positive people I've ever seen preparing food. I am under obligation as an international expert on the practice of positive eating to let you know about them. They are setting the path for putting love into food. Ry Chi has experienced an actual sensation of physically being hugged after eating their wonderful Sushi plates.

You don't have to take my word for it. They are the recipients of numerous awards for their fantastic service and there is often a line of people picking up combo plates and Sushi platters.

I also want to thank Ry Chi for taking the photo above. Doesn't Raymond just look like he can't wait to serve you Sushi!

stay positive,

matthew

Paper or Plastic? That is so last centuty......

2008-02-28T15:59:00.003-05:00

I know it sounds like a stretch but I now carry the foremost in fashion statements when it comes to handbags. I am not talking Louis Vitton, Coach or Kate Spade (how do I know these names????) I am talking reusable shopping bags! Everyone is getting them. You simply leave them in your car and uses them to lug around your groceries while shopping. Let me tell you I prefer this! You know how many times I went to the grocery store and there were no available hand baskets!

I also want you to notice that the Whole Foods bag featured in the photo is authentic. You can tell it is a real Whole Foods reusable shopping bag by the darker green spheres inside the apple graphic. The knockoffs can't reproduce that! The bags they give me at school are also great. They are simple and functional. Plus, if people ask me about Integrative Nutrition I get to talk about using food as a way to bring positivity into your life. Which is simply my favorite topic of conversation.

If you don't want to be left in the fashion dust yet again I recommend picking up a reusable shopping bag. The real ones are 99 cents. You may find a knock-off for 5 or 6 cents...but why not treat yourself and get the real thing!

stay positively fashionable,

matthew

Staying positive even when the pasta is mushy

2008-02-26T13:36:00.004-05:00

Hi guys,

Today I brutally failed in my attempt to cook Sprouted Whole Grain Pasta. I made two attempts at this. Once with my pasta cooker and another time trying to cook it in my rice cooker. Simply put, it wasn't happening today folks. I was not even able to supply you with a picture of this debacle...because I could not locate the camera. Things were quite awry in the realm of office cooking.

Nevertheless, my primary food was well in tact. I enjoyed my mushy pasta with friends and talked about the wacky ways of the world. I went back to the kitchen to get some yogurt and low and behold an entire plate of fruit salad was sitting there.

I snatched the whole tray and brought it back as an offering to my fellow positive eaters! Just goes to show you that being positive always gives you a great return.....so start investing!

matthew

Forbidden Foods

2008-02-25T10:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend I ate a forbidden food. My mother told me she was going to make Steelhead Trout and was interested in having someone show her how to use her recently acquired rice cooker (if you don't own a rice cooker after reading this blog...you must really be attached to your pots and pans). Right before heading home I found some black rice at the grocery store. This was just too cool. I picked it up and thought this would be a great addition to her meal.

The story of Forbidden Rice was that it was kept under lock and key by Chinese Emperors because it was a powerful aphrodisiac. This is why it is called forbidden! The emperor shared it amongst his court when necessary. The rice was thought to be grown strictly on Royal Grounds. So I truly did eat like a king on Saturday night.

The rice is lower in gluten than brown rice and has a high iron count. It also gives off a popcorn smell during cooking. The water also turn purple during cooking. This stains so be careful!

stay positive,

matthew

PS

The meal was absolutely fantastic!

Spice is nice!

2008-02-21T12:50:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody. How are you.....and you better not answer "not too bad". If I answered "not too bad" to people, I would be lying. Usually, I am doing great! Even if things I prefer to answer "Fantastic" just because it is a fun little game I like to play. Of course, in that case I would still be lying.....who's the judge of this stuff anyway!

Yesterday's office meal was kind of bland. It needed some spice. I tend to think big so I envisioned myself bringing my entire spice rack to work. I decided I've littered work with enough cooking appliances...I better leave the spices at home. Instead, this morning I took the ingredients I needed and placed them in small tupperware containers. That little jar with the red cap had cumin, curry, nutmeg, chili powder and mustard seed in it. This morning before I left I sprinkled a little bit of each into it and then when I got to work I added them to:

1 can of Coconut Milk
4 Tablespoons Peanut Butter

This served as a drizzle for steamed Garnett Yams (really just a big sweet potato)

Here is a picture:
Upon tasting it Matt L. exclaimed "Not too bad"!

hahaha......see how it doesn't really match up with the emphatic passion we should bring to eating as well as life. His actual words were:

"This is good "

He then immediately apologized for using an expletive and said

"This is really good stuff, "

He will get the hang of it eventually. In the meantime may all your meals be positive!

Have a fantastic day

matthew

Watercress....pleasant sounding huh?

2008-02-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

What's behind the glare....Watercress!

I bought this from the Whole Foods yesterday just because the name sounded so fresh and alive. Say it with me-----Watercress.

One thing about dark green vegetables is they are power packed with nutrients. They are so packed that these nutrients can be hard to get out. One method to get at them is cooking. Cooking is great....but it is kind of like blowing up an entire city just because you have a quarrel with one person. That doesn't really make sense.

We still need to coax these beautiful life giving friends out of the tight cellular wall that contains them. Last night I chopped up the Watercress and placed it in a Ziplock bag with some vinegar and dried cranberries. The vinegar will act as an agent to break down the cell walls and let the vital nutrients out. Ancient traditions put vinegar on all sorts of vegetable for this very reason. It also helps increase their shelf life. This method survives today and is known as "pickling" as in Pickles!

Of course, I didn't place these items in a jar and leave them on a shelf for six months because I just can't wait to eat this beautiful sounding plant --- Watercress.

stay positive,

matthew

New York City's Most Positive Cook

2008-02-19T13:42:00.004-05:00

This weekend I was in New York for another incredible weekend of schooling at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. My very good friend, Nick, invited me to attend an Andrea Beaman cooking class with him. Andrea Beaman is a rock star chef. She was on Bravo's Top Chef and is now the host of Wise UP! a television show that sends Andrea around the country exploring holistic approaches to health.

Her energy and positivity was absolutely Beamin! (I could not avoid using that....sorry) With the help of her assistant Donna Sonkin (her website) they took us through a fun filled evening in NYC. Andrea and Donna are cutting edge in their application of holistic nutrition to cooking and fun! The passion that was brought to cooking was infectious and everyone left saying they could not wait to attend another class.

Here is a great recipe from her website!

Brown Rice Pilaf

- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 leek, cleaned and diced
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced thin
- 1 tsp. herbed sea salt seasoning
- 1 cup brown basmati rice, soaked overnight
- 1 3/4 cups water

Saute leek for 1-2 minutes. Add mushrooms and herbed salt seasoning and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add rice and water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce flame to simmer and cook for 40 minutes.

If you took the best nutrients possible and formed them into a personality you would have Andrea Beaman! I strongly encourage you to check out her website:

http://www.andreabeaman.com.

Stay positive,

matthew

PS: I have not started her book yet but I am sure it is going to be quite a ride

Valentine's Day Pizza!

2008-02-14T20:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I promised a suprise for you and boy did I deliver. Follow me as I take us through this love drenched experience!
Here are the toppings for this Thursday night's pizza. That's right that pot is a 30 year old fondue heater. In it is a melted brick of 65% Cacao chocoloate. On the right are chopped strawberries. These two foods have been enjoying a hot and steamy relationship for years now!
Here is the crust! The universal symbol for love! It is kind of funny how this looks nothing like an actual human heart. I thought about making crust in the shape of an actual human heart. I even broke out an anatomy book my mother bought me for Christmas. It was pretty complicated. I struggle with cutting hearts out of pieces of paper. Thank God Caitlyn is responsible for making the crust :)

Here is the finished product.

Pizza Crust

2 cups wheat flour
2 cups oat bran
2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons of "Brown Sugar" ("how come you taste so good" - Rolling Stones)
1 teaspoon of yeast
1 Cup warm water

Toppings
melted chocolate
chopped strawberries
lots of love

Here Caitlyn and I are with our Valentine Pizza. This was nothing short of amazing. You got to try it. "Try a little a tenderness" (Donkey, Shrek) while you are at it.

"All you need is love" - John Lennon

matthew

I was stewing all day.....

2008-02-13T13:53:00.002-05:00

I went right to work this morning....literally. As soon as I got into the office I chopped up three sweet potatoes and one regular white potato. I tossed these into my rice cooker with some carrot and ginger soup (one of those organic box soups). Then poured in 1/3 a cup of hot water just to loosen it up a little.

I brought this into the back room and clicked the pot to "cooking". When I got back to my desk I set my timer for 25 minutes. As soon as the timer went off I went to the back room and stirred this absolutely aromatic mixture of potatoes and vegetables! I backed the rice cooker of to "Keep Warm" and let it sit for about three hours. At noon time, Matt L., Ry Chi and me headed to the back room for what truly was a pleasurable eating experience. The smell was so wonderful that it attracted three people into the the back room to see what was cooking.

Our Positive Eating Clubhouse is officially compromised. It's okay...the humorous company was enjoyable for a change! I don't know what I will do if they all start wanting me too cook for them!
stay positive,

matthew

Marshall Law in effect!!!

2008-02-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

I came up with this great post idea and was going to publish it today! See, every Monday I go to Whole Foods and shop for the week's office meals. I thought it would be fun to share the purchases for the week and then you could watch each and everyone one of these items unfold into tasty office meals.

Here is what went down.....

Ry Chi and I hopped in his car and headed over to the store. Once we crossed the city line something strange occurred. The streetlights were not operating. Traffic was going in whatever direction it felt like. We were convinced that the "Great ReOrg"* may finally be taking place. Whole Foods was closed and people were scampering out with bags of groceries. The bakery manager stood like a bouncer at the door making sure no one entered.

The little devil on my shoulder thought of making a mad dash for as many free groceries as possible....then I thought the better of it and looked and turned to exit. At that moment very angelic looking woman told us to head to the next town over...there was safety there. I checked to see if she was real or just sitting over on my other shoulder....we were all set there thank God!!

We took the backroads and arrived in one piece. Fortunately everything was going fine and we got some soup and a sandwich at a positive eatery nearby.

Next week things will be back to normal and I will post about my fantastic food shopping strategies!

stay positive,

matthew

*for explanation of what I call the "Great ReOrg" please review any and all theories about the year 2012. ; )

Father and son bonding in the kitchen....

2008-02-09T19:04:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of my Father (Raymond) and I cooking together. Cooking is a lot more fun and easier when you do it with other people. My father is preparing a chicken caciatorre and I am making Gingered Broccoli with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds. Raymond is very methodical about his cooking. Ever since I was very young he carefully cut us fruit and made a colorful salad every night. He really is a positive guy and lets his attitude permeate through his food. Although this is quite obvious from the photo....I will also mention he is quite a sharp dresser.

Here is the recipe for Gingered Broccoli with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds.

You will need........

A couple heads of Broccoli

1/2 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds

5 inches of fresh ginger

3 cloves of garlic

1 Tablespoon olive oil

3 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce

- Pull the broccoli off the stem (this is an easy job to have other people do)

- Grate Ginger (this is not as easy...so I suggest have other people do this as well)

- Mince Garlic

- Steam or quickly boil broccoli

- pour olive oil into a hot skillet

- put garlic and ginger into the hot skillet

- after a minute add broccoli and tamari sauce and swish it around (I would type the word "saute" but I can't find the little line that goes next to the "e" on my keyboard right now)

- Toss in pumpkin seeds and reduce heat.

- cover and serve in 3-5 minutes

stay positive,

matthew

Breakthrough in Pizza crust!!!

2008-02-07T20:37:00.000-05:00

Tonight Caitlyn made the absolute best pizza crust I've ever had in my life. This was accomplished by blending rolled oats in the blender and adding them to whole wheat flour. Wowy....it was so good! I am trying to come up with adjectives and all I can say is it was the Perfect Pizza Crust. After it is blended it looks something like this

Here is Caitlyn's recipe for the perfect pizza crust!

2 1/2 cups of blended oats

1 1/2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1/2 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 (or 1 package) Tablespoons of Yeast

1 Cup Warm Water

Place these ingredients in a bowl in the order we wrote them. The warm water activates the yeast so get to kneading the dough right away. If the dough is no longer sticking to your hands but is till moist the texture is just right. Once it forms a nice ball of dough put a towel over the bowl and put in on top of your preheated oven. When we discover the perfect pizza sauce recipe will let you know right away. There is no such things as secret ingredients or hidden family recipes at positive eating. There is only one additive we put in all our food and that is a few heaping Tablespoons of Vitamin L.

you feel me right?

matthew

Lemon Oil to the Rescue!

2008-02-04T19:03:00.000-05:00

This blog post was to be about my experience with trying to bring some positive food to a Super Bowl party. Then disaster struck. Just as the hopes and dreams of the New England Patriots were dashed...my dream of transporting Toasted Pecan Native American soup came literally crashing down.

A substantial amount of soup remained in the crock pot...probably because people found the soup "weird"! I found it delicious and fortunately ladled myself out several servings before going to the party.

Just as I am new to the idea of "cooking"...I am also new to the idea of "cleaning". In a panic I got home and ran for the hose. I sprayed the interior of my car with water creating a mini flood in the back seat. I then sopped up all the remaining water with several beach towels.

Now my car smells like Toasted Pecan Native American Soup.....hmmm.

I called up my good friend Rachel who is an essential oils provider and asked her how to rid myself of this "gravy like" smell. This was our conversation.

Rachel: What did you do to clean it up?

me: I sprayed the back of my car with a garden hose.

Rachel: (laughing)....you really are a funny guy, Matt, well you might want to roll down your windows and air your car out.

me: got it....what about the smell

Rachel: Citrus oils are very effective at cutting through odors. All you need to do is sprinkle some lemon oil over the carpet and cloth seats, rub it in with a scrub brush and let it dry.

me: I will do absolutely everything you said

Rachel: Good....just make sure you credit me in your blog when you write about this.

me: you read my blog.

Rachel: Matt.....Oprah reads your blog!

me: Oh yeah....forgot thanks!

If you would like to learn more about essential oils and lots of other cool natural stuff....please visit Rachel's site at

http://www.naturalzest.com/

she is wicked cool!

Stay Positive,

matthew

PS: If you ever want to make Toasted Pecan Native American Soup here is the recipe

2 1/2 cups pecans

2 Tbs. Olive Oil

1 large Onion

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 Tbs Chili Powder

2 cloves garlic (minced)

3 cups vegetable broth

4 sprigs of fresh Thyme

1 bay leaf

1 cup soy or cow milk

1/2 cup shredded carrots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (Faranheit...if you had an oven that went to 300 celsius though that would be cool). spread pecans on baking sheet in place in oven for 7-10 mins. Chop them up after they cool down.
Heat oil in large sauce pan and add chopped onion. Saute for five minutes then 2 cups pecans. Adsdd maple syrup, chili powder, garlic. Then add broth and 3 cups of water with thyme and bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer. Go for a walk or do something positive for a couple hours.
When you return place soup in blender in batches and blend until smooth. Place in Crock Pot and add remaining pecans and shredded carrots.

enjoy in your home if possible....saves the trickiness of transporting that way :)

A New "Spin" on things

2008-02-01T15:34:00.001-05:00

Who wants to eat the same thing two days in a row. I never do. I love to mix it up, mash it up and blend when it comes to my meals! Every time I noticed that every time I make pizza sauce there is a ton of tomato juice leftover. Today I decided to do something about it. This morning I sprinkled some rosemary and salt into the juice. I also put 1/4 cup of milk in as well because one time I saw on a can of tomato juice from the store that they added milk.....so I did too. I grabbed a can of tomato paste and headed into work.
After blending the tomato juice (with added milk, rosemary and salt) and the paste I headed to the back conference room and found an outlet. I plugged in my rice cooker with the soup inside and let it simmer all morning. After three hours of simmering the entire room was filled with the wonderful aroma of tomato and rosemary.
I enjoyed this soup with come multi-grain bread and crunchy peanut butter....because a man (or woman) cannot live on soup alone.....well actually I think I could!

Stay Positive,

matthew

Fruit Pizza

2008-01-31T20:42:00.000-05:00

Thursday night is pizza night here at Positive Eating! I always make two pizzas...one standard Mozzarella and tomato with homemade everything and one off the wall one. This week I ventured to make a fruit pizza.

I made the sauce similar to how I make the tomato sauce. I juiced pineapple, a mango and some cilantro. I seasoned this with Lime Pepper and a little salt. I squeezed in some lime juice to give it that extra citrus taste. Then I blended a 3/4 a cup of the juice with the remaining pulp.
After spreading the fruit sauce over the homemade dough....I sprinkled mozzarella and goat cheese on top, crossed my fingers and put it in the oven.

This was the finished product. The positive eaters of this pizza said the taste hit you in three stages. First the sweet fruit taste....then a weird taste they could not pinpoint....this was followed by the cilantro taste. Whether this was good or not is open to debate. It certainly was an adventure. Feel free to offer any suggestions.

Stay positive,

matthew