Most of us make them and most of us break them...the loved and despised RESOLUTION! Just like every year, I both dread and look forward to my promises. This year, however, I have decided to shake it up, Melissa-style. In year's past, I give up chocolate, carbs, sugar, and swearing (that one didn't last until Jan. 2nd.) I have promised to have more patience, give more time to different causes in the community, help my kids learn a new language, take soup to sick neighbors three times a week, visit elderly homes and read to them, do yoga, run a 10K, make everything homemade and without pesticides. This year, I said "the hell with it." I need to slow down and drop a few balls.
I was running around like a crazy person this holiday season, like every holiday season, trying to get all the presents done for my kids, planning meals for all the entertaining dinners we had planned, get the guest rooms ready for our out of town guests, making 14 types of cookies for anyone and everyone, planting and working our crops, going to school concerts, and on and on and on. We even rushed to open all our presents this year so that we could hurry and get ready for the next project. Where was the fun? Not at my house. Yesterday, I sat down and looked at our tree. I realized I didn't even have time to hang the ornaments this year. I think I told my kids to handle that because I was too busy. At that moment, I knew what I wanted to write about for this blog and I knew what I was going to work on in 2020. I picked up a book that I had been meaning to read and share with you for almost a month.
The book is called "Cancer-Free with Food" by Mark Hyman MD and Liana Werner-Gray and it is phenomenal. Some of you may know that I have lost my mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to cancer. I picked up this book because I was feeling crappy and lonely and wanted to see if there was anything I could do to protect my kids, my husband and myself from the big C. This book made me smile and take notes. That is big deal for a person who doesn't have time to hang ornaments on her own tree at Christmas. "Cancer-Free with Food" is all about the different foods you can cook with that contain cancer fighting compounds. In fact, this book lists which foods to eat for each type of cancer. Being a garlic farmer, I was drawn to...that's right, GARLIC. Here is a list of the cancer's listed in the book that garlic is most beneficial for. Esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, throat cancer, brain cancer, colon, breast, lymphatic, blood cancer (including leukemia) and bladder cancer. According to the research recently conducted, if you have cancer, consume 1 to 2 cloves (10 to 20 grams) daily and to prevent cancer consume 1 clove (10 grams) daily.
Garlic boosts the functions of the immune system. One study found that it elicits the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses that prime our bodies to eradicate emerging tumors. Epidemiologic studies indicate that garlic consumption is associated with decreased risk of cancer at every stage of its development, particularly for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. And an extract of garlic has also been investigated for its potential as nontoxic treatment for breast cancer tumors with significant preliminary results in a study in mice. (Cancer-Free With Food)
What I liked about this book was how the approach to health was multidisciplinary and incorporated several approaches to wellness. My mom used to say "what goes around, comes around," and while I am pretty sure she meant that in a karma-kind of way, I think it is applicable to almost everything in life. I need to take care of what I was given because time is coming around for me, and the rest of us as well. Tonight, as I write this, our guests from out of town are watching a movie with my kids and husband. I am curled up with a cup of tea and my computer, thinking, writing and enjoying my tree. I chose to slow down. No one is starving or uncomfortable. I have a load of laundry sitting, not getting done and I don't care right now. This time is for you and for me. Bring it on 2020. I am slowly unfurling my iron tight grip in the reins.
Whatever you are thinking of changing in 2020, try to remember to love yourself. Take the time to love yourself. 2019 showed just how many balls I am capable of juggling. In 2020, I am choosing to enjoy the show.
Love, Happiness and Peace,
Melissa Edwards
The Recipe for Immune-Boosting Turmeric Black Pepper Tea I am currently drinking :)
2 Cups filtered water
1-inch piece of ginger diced
1 clove garlic diced
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Dash of Black pepper
1 Lemon
1 Tablespoon raw honey.
1 Pinch of cayenne
Bring the water, ginger, garlic, cayenne, turmeric and black pepper to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 7 minutes. Strain the liquid as you pour it into a mug. Squeeze in the juice of the lemon and add honey if you choose to.
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