Green Penny Pincher

Just trying to check in even though I don’t have a big post ready.  Here’s what I’m doing/planning to do in the GPP vein…

• No ‘Poo.  I’m late to jump on this bandwagon but it’s something I’ve been thinking of doing for… ever.  My hair is fine and has just enough curl to it to always have a halo of fuzzy frizz whenever it is freshly washed.  I never really have been a daily shampoo’er anyway, mainly because my  hair only really starts looking good by day 3, and really starts to look great when it feels DIS-GUSTING.  Yesterday, after almost a week without washing it, I did my first “treatment” – a wash with baking soda paste and a rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar – as per the instructions from one of my favorite bloggers, Crunchy Betty.  It’s still too early to tell for sure, but so far I love it.  My hair after washing/drying yesterday was less frizzy with NO product in it than it usually is after a regular shampoo with anti-frizz product!  My scalp feels clean and tingly (might have helped that my baking soda had lavender infused in it; next time I might go for mint and/or eucalyptus for some nice tingle!) and my hair is nice and soft and continues to look and feel good today.
• In beautiful coincidence, my mom and I helped my son concoct his first “volcano” yesterday using – you guessed it – baking soda and vinegar!
  
• Daydreaming about gardening.  Trying not to spend all my time and energy on Pinterest adding to my already huge garden board.  I’ll post more about it in the future but I think this year we’re really going to keep it “simple” – tomatoes, maybe a companion crop, and then lots of herbs.  I’ll leave everything else to the nice folks at the Farmers Markets.
• Also daydreaming about hitting the road in a wee camper such as this one:
  More on that in future posts as well.
• Looking into Maca Root, which, if it works, may help me with one or more of a bunch of ills that have gotten to me.  Anyone have any info or experience?
• Loving this sunshine and the occasional super-warm days we’ve been having… and then shifting polarities to sadness and blah every time we get another chilly, cloudy day.
• At the request of some readers, as well as my own desire and need for it, creating a list of dye-free recipes and products.  If you have any to add, please comment!  I’ll be putting the list up soon-ish.
• Testing out the Safeway (grocery store) app on my phone and the more I use it, the less frustrated I get with it, and the more money I save!  (Still spending too much at the grocery store though.)  Last visit I saved 28% off my bill, PLUS filled my gas tank at their station with a discount of 60 cents off per gallon!

I’ve been working on this post for a while, trying to get something new up, but – ironically – I’ve been coming down with something and can’t seem to shake it. Thanks to the wonderful Pinterest (and Pinners) for helping me make my life a little easier today.

Basic rules of staying well:
Dress appropriately – scarves are “in” every fall,
Get enough sleep,
Get some fresh air every day,
Drink enough water, and
Eat your rainbow.

Most of the time, this will do the job. But sometimes it just isn’t enough, and you just get sick. Here are a few DIY/natural hints and remedies to get you through this change in season. How many have you already tried? What did you think? Do you have some that aren’t on this list to share with the class?

(If you’re not sick yet, consider yourself lucky, and read this over while you’re still well enough to prepare some of these concoctions that take some time to make/brew!)

I’m just finished up hitting “publish” on my last post on Banana Biscotti, but I am wayyyyy too lazy to do anything more productive right now than to tell you about the fabulous bath I took today during my Weekend Time Alone, while Husband took Mr. Adventure out for a walk around town.

In this order, I…

1. Poured myself a HUGE glass of ice water and brought it up to the bathroom.  A necessity, as I was about to start pulling all kinds of nonsense out of my body while submerged in very hot water.

2. Reached for my dry-brush.  Dry brushing is just what it sounds like – brushing your dry (as in unwet) skin with a dry brush with natural bristles.   I don’t have any scientific data to back up my claims, but from personal experience I can tell you that it sloughs off the dry outer layer of your skin, and leaves you all tingly and feeling like your circulation is much improved.  In any case, it feels good.  Here’s more info for anyone who is interested.

3. Turned my ipod on to music for me that is NOT about trucks, planes, or busses.  Or itsy-bitsy anythings.

4. Sank into a bathtub of hot water combined with some Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Soap, a stick of fresh rosemary clipped from my garden, and about  a cup of Epsom Salts.  I actually purchased these salts last month while planning a PinterTest – supposedly, you can use them to enhance your garden/soil - but never got around to it before I went on a rampage and ripped out most of my garden.  I’ve never used them before, even though I’ve heard of them forever and passed them a zillion times on the shelves of the pharmacy.  I wouldn’t be surprised if I am/were lacking in magnesium, which is how these epsom baths benefit you, but all I know is IT WAS A GREAT BATH.  Read more about the benefits and uses of epsom salts here – I’m way too lazy and relaxed to reiterate right now!

A few notes of caution:

• Drink LOTS of water before and after a hot bath, particularly one with salts.
• Get up slowly from your bath – the heat and detox can make you dizzy.
• Rinse off with cool to cold water afterward
• Epsom salt baths detoxify you – but that also means they can remove good substances from your bloodstream.  Like prescribed medications.  Use your brain and ask your doctor if you are on medications that could be complicated by this.  Or at least take your meds after your bath, not before.

(FTW = For the win!)

"papaya" by mars! via flickr.com

We’ve all been there – something was too delicious and you took one (or two, or three) too many bites, and regretted it in one digestive way or another afterward.  If you’ve never been there… I don’t believe you!

I used to have a big problem with indigestion and acid reflux.  I also, admittedly, often run into problems from eating too fast – partly due to being busy, partly due to years of bad habit.  I used to carry Tums with me everywhere, and Zantac for the really bad days.

These days, I keep two things in my bag at all times.  The first is Gas-X strips (these things are marvelous for the occasional gas pain/gas bubble) and chewable Papaya Enzyme, or Papain, pills.  Of course, fresh papaya not only contains these enzymes but also tastes great, but doesn’t fit in my purse quite as neatly.

Used for thousand of years in its native South America, papaya contains enzymes that aid digestion, particularly the breakdown of tough foods like meats.  It is even sold as a powder for use as a meat tenderizer.  Meat tenderizer, or powdered papaya enzyme, can be used topically for reactions to skin toxins like bee stings or jellyfish bites!  (Note:  Rinse off within 10 minutes.  Also,  I am not a doctor.  Please consult your doctor for further advice.  Green Penny Pincher will not be held liable, blah blah blah…)

Some Uses

• Acid Reflux
• Constipation
• Too-Full Feeling
• Gas Relief
• Heartburn

Side Effects

• Lowers blood sugar
• May raise heart rate
• DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO PAPAYA!
• Patients with a LATEX ALLERGY may also have a reaction to papaya

Dosage depends on potency of tablet, personal experience, and severity of condition.  Most versions are chewable and pretty tasty, though some have more of a chalky taste than others.  I have purchased these tablets at health food stores, pharmacies, and big-box stores.  Keep an eye on the label for other additives – the most recent ones I bought were artificially flavored – unnecessary, as papaya tastes great!   If you have any worries about this product, speak with your doctor.  Avoid prolonged contact with skin.

So I’ve had this book on my bookshelf for ages, and I just pulled it down on a whim the other night and started reading it.  I was honestly pretty horrified before I even got past the first chapter.  We do try to eat whole, healthy foods, but we are guilty of eating plenty of convenience and junk foods as well, maybe just not as regularly as a good portion of the U.S. population.

A lot of it is common sense/knowledge to those who are informed about nutrition, but there were still some real zingers.  Here are a few I’ve hit upon so far…

• Keebler’s “Reduced Fat Club Crackers” claim to have “33% less fat than original Club Crackers.”  What they don’t tell you is they replaced 1 gram of fat with 3 grams of carbs and sugars.
• Bottled green teas vary GREATLY in the amount of catechins (the good stuff) they contain.  Republic of Tea brand Pomegranate Green Tea contains 8mg, while Honest Tea brand Green Tea With Honey has 215mg!
• The corn component of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, which advertise themselves as being “Diabetes Friendly,” can raise blood glucose faster than regular white sugar!
• Those boxes with the “American Heart Association” symbol on them?  The companies paid money to be AHA-certified.
• Some of the leanest cuts of meat you buy at the store have been “enhanced” with a sodium solution to make them “juicier.”  A 4-oz. serving of Shady Brook Farms Fresh Boneless Turkey Breast Tenderloin is enhanced with a 6% sodium solution and contains 55mg sodium, while a 4-oz. serving of Jennie-O brand Turkey Breast Tenderloin Roast Turkey contains about 840 mg of sodium!
• No wonder Haagen-Dazs ice cream is so delicious.  A serving of their mint chip contains 300 calories and 19g fat, while the same serving of Breyers All Natural Mint Chocolate chip contains 8g fat and half the calories… and is still delicious!
• A cup of Quaker 100% Natural Granola, Oats, Honey & Raisins contains 420 calories (before you add milk or anything else), the equivalent of 8 chicken wings.
• A package of Oscar Mayer Maxed Out Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Combo Lunchables contains 680 calories – the same amount as FIFTEEN CHICKEN NUGGETS!
• There are 7 different types of sugar in Pop-Tarts.
• ONE serving of Marie Callender’s Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pot Pie (and please keep in mind that one pie = TWO SERVINGS) contains 1,060 calories, and has the same amount of sodium as EIGHT small bags of potato chips, and the fat equivalent of 23 STRIPS OF BACON.

No wonder this country is so unhealthy, especially in a time of economical struggle.  Processed foods are not only more convenient and easier to make than their counterparts, but also so much cheaper!

What are we to do?  Well, I guess we do what we can and try to make good choices when they are available, and “splurge” on the junk food mindfully when we do splurge.  Check the ingredients on your food and see if it’s worth it to you.  Remember that ingredients are listed in order – the first ingredient on the list is the main ingredient, and the last is the smallest ingredient.  The more ingredients, the less likely it is a healthy choice.  Try to eat a “rainbow” every day, and go for fresh (fruit, veg, etc.) choices when they’re offered.  The more you know of what you are eating, the better you are eating.

Anyone have tips or recipes to share for healthier, more wholesome meals and snacks?

I’ve been hearing about nutritional yeast for a while, and the glowing reviews of it always left me curious.  What IS it?  WHY would you want to eat it?  WHAT is so great about it?  Well, I finally broke down and bought some.

What IS it?

Nutritional yeast, or “nooch,” is a yeast fungus which is grown on a molasses base, harvested, and then deactivated.  It is most commonly sold in flake or powder form.

Is it the same as Brewer’s Yeast?  Baker’s Yeast?  

No.  They’re all yeasts, but beyond that their tastes and uses are very different.  Vegemite and Marmite are made from Brewer’s Yeast.

Is it vegan?  Is it lactose free?  Is it ALIVE?

Yes, yes, and no.  :)  Nutritional yeast is actually extremely popular among vegetarians, vegans, and those with lactose issues, because it provides nutrients that can be missing from their diets, and because its flavor is a good substitute for butter and cheese.   It is also free of Candida albicans and can be eaten even by those sensitive to yeast.   Although it was once considered “alive,” its preparation process deactivates, or kills, it.

What does it taste like?

Its flavor has been described as cheesy, buttery, and nutty.  It belongs to the flavor group “umami,” or savoriness.  The texture of the flakes (the version I have tried) is (sorry, I can’t think of a better one!) like fish-food flakes.

How do I use it?

The most popular “first step” into the world of nutritional yeast seems to be as a popcorn topping, and that was my first attempt.  And it was… SO GOOD!  If you like parmesan cheese on your popcorn, you’ll love it.  I’ve already converted a few skeptics.

Nutritional yeast is also a popular ingredient in casseroles, creamy soups and sauces, salad dressings,  breads & dips.  I’ve heard it’s great combined with soy sauce and olive oil on pasta or rice, or mixed with bread crumbs for baked/oven-fried foods.  Here’s a recipe I’d like to try for something called “The Glory Bowl.”  And check out this post from One Sweet Vegan for LOTS of great recipe ideas, including Twice-Baked Potatoes, Artichoke Dip, and Vegan Mac & Cheese – YUM!

WHY should I eat it?

Nutritional yeast is high in (complete) protein, folic acid, and  B-complex vitamins (some varieties are also fortified with vitamin B12).  Even if you are not averse to dairy, it’s a nice change from the norm.  It’s low-fat and low-sodium!

How do I STORE it?

Store for up to a year in a jar or other airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard or in the fridge.

Where do I BUY it?

There are quite a few brands out there – I was recommended Bragg by the owner of my local health food store as she believes it has more of the buttery, nutty, cheesy flavor, which is what I was looking for.   Pick it up (and have a looksy around) at the Green Penny Pincher Shoppe!

Bragg Nutritional Yeast Seasoning – 4.5 oz – Flake

Nutritional yeast can also be purchased at your local health food store or Whole Foods, or can be ordered online, including at the Green Penny Pincher Shoppe!

Mountain Rose Herbs recently debuted new sustainable packaging for their line of organic teas.  These beautiful new tea boxes are made from recycled newspapers!  All of their 4oz teas will now arrive boxed in this recycled loveliness.

What’s so special about this tea?

The Box:

- 100% post-consumer waste recycled newspaper
- Reusable
- Recyclable
- Biodegradable / Compostable
- Printed with soy ink and water-based varnish
- Recyclable labels

The Tea:

- 100% Certified Organic Ingredients
- Earth Kosher Certified
- IMO Fair For Life ~ Fair Trade Certified varieties
- Time-tested formulas handcrafted by us for over 20 years
- 65 green, black, red, white and herbal blends to experience

Sip sustainably and help  support organic agriculture one cup at a time!  Read on about the many varieties available, then enter to win Mountain Rose Herbs’ Peace Tea and 21st Century Tea!  

(more…)

It’s been longer than I like since I posted here.  It seems like I either have no time or lots of time… ok.  I never actually have “lots” of time, but you know what I mean.  It’s been a busy 2012 here in Penny Pincher Land so far.  My family is STILL passing around this cold, back and forth.  At this point it’s just an annoyance-type of cold, but I am really over it.

In bigger news, this week I am an auntie!  My brother and sister-in-law gave birth to their first child, a beautiful baby girl.  Our own Mr. Adventure is as excited as a < 2-year old can be at being a cousin.  She is gorgeous and pure and fresh and full of so much promise.  I wish her and her parents so much happiness.

Although we have yet to see any true “winter weather” here beyond a flurry or two a few weeks ago, Mr. Penny Pincher and I spent part of this afternoon not watching the Superbowl (thank you but no), but rather putting some nice R-19 insulation beneath our chilly kitchen floor.  Aside from wearing out my arms from keeping them raised so long, it was simple and painless!

Some of you may not realize that Green Penny Pincher is also on Facebook and Twitter - even when I don’t have time or enough info to do a real post over here, I often post links over there, such as one I just posted to this article:  ’Green’ Solar Cell is Made From Plants.  How cool is that?!

While I get back on the blog wagon, do tell:  what are your secret home remedies for the common winter cold?