G is for GREEN ... TEA!

G is for GREEN ... TEA

Drinking green tea is certainly nothing new and in recent years Americans consumed over 50 billion servings of tea annually. Although the majority is black tea, 20% was green and that number continues to soar. Green tea was discovered in China nearly 5,000 years ago and has long been heralded for its healing properties.

Why the interest in green tea? Green tea contains no sodium, fat, or sugar and is relatively caffeine-free. Green tea contains magnificent antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants are paramount because they prevent or delay oxidative damage to the body, cells, and tissues. Another plus is that green tea has the means to lower cholesterol. An ingredient known as catechin which boosts metabolism is also found in green tea. Drinking up to five eight ounce cups per day can increase your energy expenditure by 90 calories! 

A study conducted by the University of Birmingham located in Birmingham, United Kingdom reports that not only does green tea exert its affects on fat oxidation but also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance. Essentially this means it may have the potential to reduce the risk of Type II diabetes.

Each day more studies are being conducted and scientific data continues to pile regarding the benefits of green tea.  

Prior to your favorite exercise, drink a cup of green tea; you’ll not only burn more calories, keep your cholesterol down and reduce your risk to other diseases ... you’ll also save money by going “green”!

originally posted:

G is for Green Tea

CoMmUnItY!

Each day my belief in supporting the community where I live grows stronger. As fall is approaching in South Florida, albeit rather slowly, I am excited for the local farmers market to open. Within walking distance from my home, it's one of my favorite weekend activities. Roaming the aisles, talking with the farmers, searching for the best croissant while sipping hot tea are all fond memories from fall Saturday mornings. Carrying cloth bags bursting with brilliantly colored greens makes me smile. This year I'll have a new bicycle and envision my cute little basket full of local wildflowers, organic herbs, dinosaur kale and maybe a fresh baguette - shhh. My friend Pam would always say, “You have to meet people to meet people, so go out and talk.” Buying locally and organically grown produce not only feels a bit decadent, it also gives back to my local community and the food is much tastier and nutrient dense!

When I lived in Boulder, Colorado there was a community garden nearby. One could actually rent a small section on a plot of land to plant their own garden. How cool is that? Folks would grow different vegetables and swap with one another. Such participation boosts collectiveness, sparks new friendships and maybe introduces one to a new vegetable or fruit. For me, local gardens create a bond with the very Earth I walk upon.

Each year, from the time I can recall, my father has planted a garden. Last year he proudly handed me a full bag of; tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, cucumber, radishes and potatoes. What didn’t immediately make it in my special salsa, stayed fresh for a month!  Does your produce last that long? Oftentimes ingredients needed or wanted may not be available locally. This is a perfect opportunity to substitute, experiment and perhaps create a delightful new dish.  If I absolutely must have that certain something, I'll head to the nearest locally owned health food store.

Remember, it is straightforward and extremely rewarding to grow your own food; parsley, rosemary, basil, dill, or baby collards. Local farmers often have starter plants for sale. How fun to snip snip delicacies from your window sill or balcony and add to your salad!  

Learning to live from our land and learning to live in community with one another is the preservation of the future. So grab your shovel and follow my father's old pick up truck, you'll know which one when you see the sticker on the bumper "No Farms No Food".

Farm Salsa

What makes this "Farm Salsa"?

Because all ingredients came from the farmers market this morning!

amelia tomatoes

celery stalk & leaves

white & red radishes

red pepper

scallions

cilantro

dill

mint

garlic

One of the vendors that I regularly visit at the market told me that in California, tickets are issued to the farmers who use plastic bags!

yay

So, maybe in about 10 years, Florida will hop on that band wagon,

but ...

until then ...

please please please

remember to bring your own cloth bag!

it's NOT just a trend

:)