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Also, note that my cookbook, Enjoy Nature’s Harvest, which is a great handbook of ideas, recipes, and instructions for healthy eating, will soon be out of print. It will be offered at a 15% discount for the next month or so, and then it will no longer be available. So get your copy now, before they are all gone, and remember it's a great gift too.

The Women's Health Retreats are such an awesome experience for all who attend. If you really want to get in shape, learn hands-on methods of healthy food and meal preparations, and get the knowledge and health training from an expert, then sign up now before the year end for a great discount. Check it out right here Now!

Meat is the hardest food for the body to digest because of the high fat and connective tissue. In order for the body to digest it and break it down, your body has to work harder which creates heat in the body - much like riding your bike uphill rather than on a level surface. This is why meat is sometimes suggested to be eaten during times of cold or winter when we need the heat. A good example of this is the Alaskans who eat blubber and larger amounts of meat to keep warm and literally survive, while the tropical climates naturally rely on lots of fruits, vegetables and plant proteins (beans & grains) for much of their diet.

The typical traditional American diet consists of 2 to 3 times more protein than the body needs. Most of this protein comes from animal sources that are high in fat and cholesterol which explains why Americans have such a high rate of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, strokes, arthritis, gout, and colon, breast and prostate cancer.

However there are other concerns from meat that need our attention. Many studies warn against the harmful effects of growth hormones in meats that could be at least partly responsible for the early puberty in children.¹ These growth hormones are also a potential cause for obesity and cancer in children as well as adults. Studies also conclude that red meat may boost breast cancer risk in women due to the growth hormones and natural carcinogens in meat.²

It should be clearly understood that the crux of these problems comes from the unhealthy conditions in the production of commercial meats today. Most animals (birds and mammals alike) live in crowded conditions, which thus creates a need for administering regular antibiotics (which are also passed onto the consumer). On top of this, once chickens and turkeys are slottered, they are placed in water vats that contain moisture and chemical additives to retain extra water. This water also contains the fecal matter, blood and dirt from the slottering which is also absorbed into the meat, which leaves the meat with a watered down flavor and chemical smell.³

It's all done in the name of "marketing" and "money", but unfortunately not done in regards to the health of the consumer!

We do need protein! However, there are many healthy sources of protein and better alternatives. Here are a few suggestions:

• Eat meats sparingly and replace them with plant protein sources, especially during the warmer times of the year, or if living in a warmer climate.
• There is plenty of protein in the legume family - a huge variety of beans and peas. These contain no cholesterol (as cholesterol only comes from animal sources), they are naturally low in fat, and are also high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Raw nuts and seeds are also a great source of protein. Yes, they are higher in fat, but it is the natural kind of fat that our bodies need (we don't need the fried fats from chips, snacks, and roasted nuts).
• Quit buying commercially raised meats. Organically raised or graze-fed meats will be more expensive pound for pounds, but they are void of the chemicals, antibiotics, growth hormones, water retention additives, etc. However, it's always best to double check your sources to make sure you are getting the quality you expect. The more you demand quality, the more available it will be.
• Most people have a disconnect with the understanding that in order to eat meat as part of their breakfast, lunch and dinner, an animal has had to die - and sometimes that may mean several animals in one day. Animals are God's creations and if we respect them as such, we will see a need to stop killing them and eat more plant proteins instead.

At this time of year, as well as always, it's great to ponder all the wonderful foods we do have that God has given us. Foods have originally been given to us in their pure and perfect form to nourish, cleanse and heal our bodies. We have a lot of great protein foods from plant sources that are naturally low in fat and calories, have no cholesterol or connective tissue, and are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals that would greatly benefit us health wise. Analyze your protein intake and see where you can improve the quality for your body's needs, and do it with thankfulness!

To Your Best Health,
Erleen Tilton

¹ CHEC's HealtheHouse:Article
² MSN Health & Fitness:Article
³ Experience Life Magazine, "A Game of Chicken", January/February 2003

One of my favorite stuffing recipes is Kashi Stuffing. Kashi is a multi-grain mix, that you can combine yourself and even use your own combination of grains. I use equal parts of: millet, oat groats (whole oats), barley, brown rice, rye, quinoa or sesame seeds, and either wheat, spelt or kamut. This grain mixture is one of my children's favorite breakfast hot cereals. But it is also great added as a salad topper, and in place of bread cubes in a stuffing. Here's my stuffing recipe which I hope you will try. It comes from my 31 Favorite Holiday Recipes cookbook, and if you order it here today you should still get it before Thanksgiving.

KASHI STUFFING

1½ C. kashi mix (7 whole-grain blend)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 C. chopped celery with leaves
1 C. sliced mushrooms (opt.)
2 Tbs. oil or non-hydrogenated Spread
1 Tbs. miso, bouillon, or Braggs liquid aminos
1 Tbs. poultry seasoning
1 tsp. salt
½ C. sliced or chopped raw almonds

In medium saucepan, bring 4 1/2 C. water to a boil. Add kashi and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until fluffy. In large saucepan, saute vegetables in oil or spread 2-3 minutes. Add seasonings, cooked grains and almonds. Stir-fry just to heat through, then serve. Serves 6 or more. Enjoy!

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!

The Ultimate Healthy Lifestyle is a TEN CD series with all the information you need to begin your journey towards a Healthier Lifestyle! Erleen serves as your guide, distilling over twenty-five years of health education and research into easy to listen to lessons on how to begin, where to begin and more! Check out this CD series today!

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