October 10th, 2011
Kendra Lay
Moxa therapy, or moxibustion, is a popular modality in Chinese medicine. It is made of the herb mugwort (Artemisia Argyi) or in Chinese pin yin, ai ye. The mugwort is processed in different ways in order to make moxa. Some moxa can be “loose” and rolled into cones and burned directly on the skin. Another way to use moxa is to use moxa sticks, also known as indirect moxa. The moxa is processed with some other herbs into a stick, lit, and then burned several inches away from the skin in order to warm it. Moxa has a very penetrating heat that can be great for chronic pain (think putting a heating pad on a sore back—ahhh), as well as several other conditions. Mugwort is also used as an herb to take internally to treat mostly gynecological issues.
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September 27th, 2011
Kendra Lay
You’ve heard the studies and news reports: Meditation is good for anxiety, stress reduction, PTSD and a host of other ailments. Often I find that people are intimidated when you mention trying to learn meditation. “How am I ever going to empty my mind?,” they think. This is the most common misconception about meditation, I believe. Meditation is not about “thinking nothing, emptying the mind” or “being in a blissed out state.” The mind’s nature is to think, and flit around from idea to idea. Some people call it “monkey mind,” which paints a good and accurate picture, don’t you think? The object of meditation is to notice that your mind is doing that–swinging from vine to vine. It’s also about noting and checking in with what is going on with your body, your emotions, and your state of being in general.
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September 22nd, 2011
Kendra Lay
Are you looking for more ways to get veggies into your diet? Want to make them burst with flavor? Here are two easy ideas to help you out. You will need a blender or a food processor for both of these easy recipes.
Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade
This is a great dip or topping. Make a batch of it early in the week and then dip cut veggies in it. It is also delicious on chicken, fish or pork.
1 1/2 cups frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, dried and re-hydrated with water (If using tomatoes canned in oil, omit olive oil, below. You can also substitute jarred roasted red peppers)
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August 11th, 2011
Kendra Lay
You can whip up this dish in no time flat! It has lots of good protein, fat, and fiber.
Savory and Sweet Brussels Sprouts
2 tbl coconut oil, plus more if needed
2 medium yellow or sweet onions, diced
16 oz cooked turkey sausage, chopped (I used mild Italian but you can use anything you like)
1-1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, stems removed and cut into small pieces (halves or quarters)
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Posted in
Gluten Free, Dairy Free Recipes,
Paleo,
Primal Recipes 
Tags:
Brussels Sprouts,
Dairy Free,
Gluten Free,
Low-Carb,
Low-Carbohydrate,
Paleo,
Primal,
Recipe 
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August 8th, 2011
Kendra Lay
Paleo/Primal Lifestyle Basics
What is a paleo or primal diet?—It is a natural diet high in vegetables, good fats and proteins and limited grain-based and starchy carbohydrates. The strict form of a paleo or primal diet eliminates dairy, gluten, legumes and all grains. Some people limit other foods such as peanuts, salt and vinegar. I would recommend that people experiment and find what works for them personally. You are the expert on your own body!
If you desire to reduce your weight, you can experiment with limiting carbohydrates to 100 grams per day or lower. You can use internet based calorie counting software. I like www.fitday.com. Eventually, you will learn what your body likes best and you should not have to count carbohydrates at all anymore. Check out this post from Mark Sisson, an expert in the paleo/primal movement, on how many carbohydrates to eat in a day for weight loss. I’ll emphasize that paleo is not a “low-carb diet” a la Dr. Atkins. The paleo/primal lifestyle includes lots of vegetables and fruits which have nutrients you need to stay healthy and satisfied.
Advocates of primal and paleo lifestyles also recommend getting plenty of sunshine, reducing stress by engaging in activities you enjoy and participating in exercise that includes strength building exercises. Building strength and muscle can help to increase your overall metabolism of food.
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