Nothing is more important than that you feel good, for when you feel good, you are in harmony with your greater intent.
- Esther & Jerry Hicks from Money, and the Law of Attraction
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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Breaking News
Long version of chocolate jalapeno recipe on Natural News TV
View the "uncut" video of Sheree Clark making the dish that won her the "Hot Raw Chef" title for 2010. (While you're there, please rate the video and make a comment!)
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Superfoods: Miracle or Hype?
There are some interesting (OK, compelling) claims being made by the purveyors of so-called superfoods.
The truth is there is no scientific definition of a superfood, and even the concept itself is potentially harmful. Declaring certain provisions as nutritional lucky charms gives the impression that ordinary groceries are somehow deficient. Wouldn't we be better off to eat a consistently well-balanced diet of local, organic fruits and vegetables than to spend a disproportionate amount of our resources on the superfood du jour?
But what if there is indeed a health equivalent of a silver bullet and a veritable Fountain of Youth? And what if it is wild-harvested in Peru and sold exclusively on-line by a company in West Virginia? Ah heck, let's hedge our bets...here are five supplements that might at least be worth a look.
Acai - Considered to halt formation of free radicals and to have anti-cancer attributes. High in fiber, low in sugar, acai has been said to aid weight-loss efforts by increasing metabolism and enhancing energy. The popularity of acai was spurred by a mention on Ophra. Available in juice, pill and pulp form. Juice can be drunk plain or mixed with other ingredients.
Bee products (Including pollen, honey, propolis and royal jelly) - Considered a top resource for concentrated natural nutrition. Pollen contains all the essential amino acids and is a source of easily assimilated protein; considered invaluable in enhancing athletic performance. Many people take bee pollen supplements for a range of health problems, including allergies. Raw honey contains enzymes, is rich in minerals and has great healing qualities. Propolis supports the immune system and is antibacterial. Royal jelly is reputed to aid the mental process, treat hormonal imbalances and serve as an energy supplement. Bee products can be eaten plain; they also blend well with smoothies and can be added to recipes. Note that a small percentage of people may be allergic to bee products.
Algaes and marine phytoplankton - Microscopic plants that live in the ocean. Included in this broad category is spirulina, blue-green algae and others. In general, these plants constitute the beginning of the food chain. A complete source of protein, single-cell sea life is a source of chlorophyll and can be helpful in building blood, boosting immunity and decreasing inflammation. Also believed to increase speed of detoxification and recovery from illness and injury. Easily digested and generally available as powders or granule, fresh or frozen liquids, extracts, and also as ingredients in some commercially prepared raw foods. These products can be added to juices, smoothies, salad dressings and other creations.
Coconut (including fresh meat, water, oil) - Fresh young coconut meat is quite digestible and contains a saturated fat that is reputed to help reverse aging and improve the nervous system. Coconut water is one of the highest sources of electrolytes found in nature; its composition is nearly identical to human blood and has been used for emergency transfusions. Coconut oil (and cream) are considered antioxidant and generally antiviral. Both help stabilize blood sugar swings. Coconut products are available as a fresh nut, or as packaged components such as coconut water (typically pasteurized), jars of oil or butter, etc. Coconut oil is an effective skin lotion.
Maca - A root vegetable from South America, maca comes in different colors, with different attributes. An adaptogen, maca offers an energy and endurance boost to those who need it, and is considered nutritionally dense with high amounts of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Said to help balance hormones, thus affecting mood, growth, sexual development and libido, and may help with menopause symptoms. High in protein and fiber, maca is sold in powdered form and has a nutty flavor. It can easily be added to soup, tea or smoothies as well as raw desserts.
But that ain't all - Other foods and products receiving notice these days include hemp, noni, lucuma, mesquite, suma, purple corn extract, maqui berry, aronia berry and mushroom products (reishi, cordyceps, etc). And then there are the old standbys, wheatgrass, barley grass, sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, etc.), flaxseed...so, which are superfoods and which are simply supplements? In the end the call is yours to make. The best way to know is to give them a try  one at a time in order to test their efficacy using your own criteria.
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May I Be Frank
Fork In The Road is excited to sponsor a powerful movie of transformation coming to Des Moines on Sept 29 & 30 at Fleur Cinema called May I Be Frank.
The star of this documentary film (Frank!) will be present to answer questions both evenings. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. This is one you will not want to miss...just watch the trailer and you'll be sold!
Watch the Trailer | Tickets
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September Calendar
Juices + Smoothies = Liquid EnergyThursday, September 9, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Campbell's Nutrition, 4040 University Avenue, Des Moines To register: Des Moines Raw Food MeetUp"What the Fork?" a frank food talk by Sheree ClarkSponsored by Women of Worth Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.1701 Campus Drive, Clive For reservations: http://wowseptember2010.eventbrite.com"What the Fork?" a frank food talk by Sheree ClarkSponsored by Women of Worth Monday, September 27, 2010, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Noodle Zoo 2785 North Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny For reservations: http://wowankenyseptember2010.eventbrite.com
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Recipe: Superfood Banana Split
Yield: one serving Equipment Blender INGREDIENTS| 1 medium | | banana (fresh or frozen) | | 1/2 cup | | organic frozen cherries | | 2 tablespoons | | Coconut oil | | 1 tablespoon | | Chia seeds | | 1 tablespoon | | raw honey | | 1 1/2 teaspoon | | vanilla powder (or use 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract) | | 1 tablespoon | | dried coconut flakes | | 1 tablespoon | | macadamia nuts, chopped | | 1 tablespoon | | bee pollen |
Slice banana in half the long way and place open on a plate. In a blender, combine the cherries, coconut oil, chia seeds, honey and vanilla powder. Pour over banana. Top with dried coconut, chopped macadamia nuts and bee pollen. - Adapted from a recipe by Vivapura Superfoods
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Please forward this newsletter (use the link in the footer of this email) to anyone who may be coming up to his or her own Fork in the Road! You may also reprint any tip on your website, newsletter or message board, just please include the following: © Sheree Clark, Fork in the Road 2010, www.fork-road.com.
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 Sheree Clark is a holistic health and nutrition counselor. Through her private practice called Fork in the Road, Sheree helps empower individuals, families and corporate groups to get the most out of life by improving their health. She offers lectures, classes, hands-on workshops, coaching and consultations in Iowa and nationwide. She is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. An inspiring author, presenter, teacher, motivator and raw vegan chef, Sheree has written and presented on topics ranging from raw food 101 to overcoming career burnout.
Find Sheree online
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