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Spring is coming! I can feel it in the air and it is my favorite time of year! I love to get outside and see all the new things growing from the recent rains (namely my favorite edible weeds), plus I love getting geared up for my spring garden, and seeing the first blossoms arrive on the trees.

I also start planning hikes to see all the flowers on the hillside and the water that trickles down to the ponds and springs in the desert. It such a wonderful time to be outdoors. I just can hardly wait to see all the new things spring time brings.

How about you? What is your favorite thing to do when spring arrives? What is your favorite season? I would love you to share what you like as well! Send me an email and share your thoughts.

Feature Article

Are You Aware of the Harmful Effects of Microwave Cooking? Microwave cooking has become very popular around the world because of its speed in cooking and heating. Most people now prefer to use the microwave over the conventional oven even though foods do not stay hot as long, foods become soggy instead of crisp, and the outcome is often less attractive. Because of the time saving factor, these reasons are usually overlooked as an inconvenience. However, many of us are unaware of the harmful effects of using a microwave for cooking or heating food. The fact is that in spite the convenience of it, microwave cooking is causing harm to your foods as well as YOU! Here are some facts regarding microwave cooking: Microwave ovens heat food by forcing the atoms, molecules and cells to become electronically excited. This creates a friction which actually deforms the molecule structure of the foods. Microwaves destroy the life sustaining qualities within the foods. Microwaving breast milk has been researched and even at its lower settings can destroy the immunity building capabilities and nutritional properties. Furthermore, microwaving infant formulas causes changes in the milk which are also at a loss nutritionally. Microwaved foods retain only 20-40% of the vital nutrients, causing structural disintegration of the foods. Microwaves create cancer causing agents within foods. Microwaving alters the food chemistry which causes digestive disorders. Microwave cooked foods lower the body's ability to utilize essential vitamins and minerals. Microwaving alters the elemental structures of foods causing degeneration of the body's ability to protect itself against disease. The field around a microwave oven can often cause side effects to individuals, especially if there is a leak in the door seal. What to do about it? Use a conventional oven stove top for cooking sauces and reheating foods. It really is not all that much work to get out a saucepan. Use a convection oven which is faster as it has the blower with the heat. Toaster ovens and the Jet Stream Oven (a small convection oven) are the way to go for small items, which really do cook faster because there is basically no preheating time like a conventional oven. Look on the web for the Jet Stream Oven - it's the best microwave oven replacement and it cooks everything perfectly in minimal time. Raw foods are the best for highest nutritional content. When foods do need cooking, use regular heat and cook only as needed to retain the most nutrients. You body will thank you! To a Healthier Lifestyle, Erleen

There are many great sources of calcium rich foods which are also high in other minerals, vitamins, and fiber. They include leafy greens (chard, beet greens, collards, etc.), broccoli, alfalfa and other sprouts, beans, and raw nut and seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin).

One of the richest sources of sources is sesame seeds. Here are some ideas to incorporate then in your meals, but yop must chew them well to get the benefits:

There's a lot of great foods high in calcium. Here are some ideas to help you get the best sources for your body!

If you've ever want to learn great gardening techniques, now is the best time at Erleen's three-hour Organic Gardening Workshop on February 26, in Mesa, AZ. This workshop will be packed with information, examples, and hands on experience, plus there will be great give aways to help you begin your successful garden this spring. Don't miss this event! That's on Saturday, February 26, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in Mesa, Arizona at the Hampton Inn. Hurry and sign up here!

If you want to start out right with some seeds, we also have alfalfa, lentil, mung bean, clover, radish and sunflower. These are all organic too! Check out The Sprout Master and seeds here!

Erleen loves teaching people down-to-earth principles of nutrition as she sees the positive changes in others lives as they live the principles of good health and eating. She has a passion for wholesome foods and their life giving qualities. Her many personal experiences and years of study and research qualify her as an expert in health education, speaking, and consulting. Contact her now for your next conference, for health consultations, or for an upcoming event!

YOU CAN PUT YOUR AD HERE TOO! For information, send an email to Erleen.