A Note From Dr. Dee Hi ,   One of my favorite things about fall is winter squash -- which includes pumpkins.  Whether it's butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, pumpkin seeds or oil -- it's all deliciously good for you so indulge yourself!  There are so many meals you can prepare and cook using pumpkin, from butternut pumpkin soup, to good old mashed pumpkin, or pumpkin pie -- the list is endless.    To kick off the season, below are a couple of my favorite fall recipes -- Thai Pumpkin Curry, which is gluten-free, and melt-in-your-mouth Pumpkin Cookies.  Try out both of these recipes for yourself and enjoy the many health benefits of pumpkins. You'll also enjoy this week's featured article which talks about all of the many nutritional benefits from eating pumpkins.   There's also a link to register for our upcoming Health Retreats starting in Spring 2011.  These retreats are especially designed to help you release, repair, restore, and revitalize your health on every level including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.  Follow the link to learn more and be sure to register so you can be first to receive our latest Spring Retreat information.   Last night on our monthly FREE Tele-seminar I spoke with Dr. Rodger Murphree, DC, CNS, about the amazing health benefits of drinking water -- not just any water, but Kangen water and its incredible alkalinizing, anti-oxidant, and super hydrating properties.  Be sure to listen in by following the link below.   Happy Halloween and remember to keep the candy to a minimum or choose naturally sweet and nutritious foods such as pumpkin to gain all those powerful nutrients that keep your immune system strong! Health, love, and support,   Dr. Deirdre

Tele-classes & Events with Deirdre How Drinking Water can Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms! Interview with Dr. Rodger Murphree, DC, CNS.   Wow! The feedback has been amazing. The call, How Drinking Water can Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms!, was valuable and inspiring, according to our listeners. I'm delighted to be here to inspire and empower you.   If you didn't have a chance to listen to the call you can listen to it here.   Every day Kangen Water® is radically changing the lives of so many around the world. With its incredible alkalizing, anti-oxidant, and super-hydrating properties, this water is cleansing the bodies of those who seek a healthier lifestyle.   To view the  Kangen Water Demo go here and you can receive a Free E-book about Acid/ Alkaline Balancing here.   Thanks to all of you who registered for the call and for being such an amazing group of people who are dedicated to taking charge of your health.   Nutri-Living Retreats -- Commencing Spring 2011   Our new Nutri-Living Retreats will provide you with an environment where positive change is imminent. These intensive programs will improve your life without a doubt!   First, we remove you from your customary environment and its influences and provide the most harmonic and tranquil of environments for healing to occur.   Our Cleansing and detoxification programs are designed to rapidly remove the sources of toxins, which will allow your body to renew and rejuvenate and put you well on the road to recovery. The healing begins with cleaning out the accumulated toxins of the past and preparing it to accept new and efficient nutrients. When the body is cleared of poisons and supplied with vital nutrients, nature will take over and provide us the gift of health.   During these programs, you will emerge with a new mental attitude and an empowered feeling of control over your health. Loosing a few pounds in the process and de-stressing doesn't hurt either!   To find out more information about Nutri-Living's Retreats click here.

Feature Article: Pumpkin Health Benefits   Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.   Nutritional Composition of Pumpkins   High Carotenoids Content - Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues. Protein - Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.   Continue reading here.

--Vegan/Gluten-Free

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
 
Ingredients:

• 1/2 small pumpkin (or substitute 1 acorn squash, butternut, or any other orange squash except spaghetti)
• 1 small or 1/2 large yam or sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1-2 medium carrots, cut into thick slices
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 can chick peas, drained
• 2 Tbsp. grated orange rind

Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups  butter, softened
• 1/2  cup  granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons  baking powder
• 2 teaspoons  baking soda
• 1 teaspoon  salt
• 1 teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon  ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons  vanilla
• 1 15-ounce can  pumpkin
• 4 cups  all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup  butter
• 1/2 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup  milk
• 1 teaspoon  vanilla
• 3/4 cup  powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Continue Reading Here

If you are craving something sweet, don't feel guilty.  We are often made to feel that avoiding sugar is only a matter of willpower, but it's more complicated than that.  Most of the time, uncontrollable or patterned cravings stem from a malfunctioning metabolism or low serotonin.  Work on healthy nutrition, particularly by keeping your blood sugar levels balanced by eating proteins and healthy fats throughout the day or at each meal, and you'll find your cravings will disappear.

Indulge yourself sometimes.  Remember, we have sweet taste buds for a reason.  Try a piece of fruit first -- you may find your cravings diminishes.  If you still want a piece of chocolate or pie, go ahead!  But savor it slowly like a rare treat you may not have again for a while.  Once your brain is allowed to fully register the experience, you may find you're satiated after a few bites.  And, to help balance out the accompanying insulin surge, eat a piece of protein with it.  Just make it a treat, not a habit!

Deirdre shares cutting edge information about using the healing powers of food and nutrition and specializes in conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, and weight loss.   She is the author of Foods that Help Win the Battle against Fibromyalgia, which shares cutting edge nutrition information and 100 recipes to help with fibromyalgia.

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