Did you catch the 1st part of our exclusive interview with Bindu Grandhi? In today’s post, she reveals a few more healthy living & eating tips, answers several personal questions and shares some her perspectives on life, relationships and health!

Many people find it difficult to make time for healthy eating because of the many steps involved: buying, preparing, cooking & cleaning up. Do you have any tips so that they can find the time to enjoy meals?

I addressed some of the concerns about buying and preparation [in Part I of the interview]. The only thing I would add is that you should try to plan out meals for the week and purchase the ingredients accordingly. I visit the grocery store once a week and in my book, I’ve provided tips about storing foods, herbs, etc. to keep ingredients fresher longer. Being organized helps a lot – I devote an hour to getting dinner ready and I find it relaxing and therapeutic after a long day at work. Sometimes, I watch TV or listen to music during preparation which makes it more enjoyable. As for cleaning up, it’s a cinch because my family chips in – the whole thing is a family affair. Oh, and thank goodness for the amazing dishwasher! My family really appreciates the time, energy and TLC (tender loving care) I spend on making the meals which also brings us closer.

Do you have any recommendations for vegetarians in how they can get more protein in their diet?

Fortunately, there are a lot of plant based sources of protein. Lentils, beans, peas (black-eyed peas, chickpeas), nuts (esp. walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), eggs (depending on what type of vegetarian), soy, and dairy products are great examples. Additionally, legumes are fiber-rich and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Who are your top 3 favourite chefs?

Emeril Lagasse because he is the master of flavor, his passion for cooking and his wonderful personality. Sara Moulton makes cooking look so simple and delicious, her soft spoken persona is also appealing. Ellie Krieger is so knowledgeable about good health and she shows people how to eat healthy in a realistic and easy way.

What is your absolute favourite recipe in Spice Up Your Life?

What a tough question – I really do love everything in my book. I guess I’d have to say the Mint and Cilantro Flavored fish and Yellow Lentil Rice with Tamarind Sauce.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a broadcast journalist. I would put together my own news stories, interview friends and family and then pretend to do my own show. I’m an only child and I found lots of ways to entertain myself.

What was the most surprising thing you learned in writing Spice Up Your Life, your first cookbook?

To paraphrase my Dad [Dr. Balasa Prasad], author of “Stop Overeating for Good” (Avery), “just do your best with the best of intentions and let nature take its course.” This advice served me well throughout my life. It took me three years to write my book. My son was a year old and a handful when I started. Months would go by when I didn’t work on it and I often second-guessed myself if I really had it in me to complete this project. Once I completed my manuscript, I didn’t realize what an obstacle it would be to get published. I was not a chef, or a nutritionist or a celebrity – the platform most publishers wanted from their cookbook authors. I still believed in my book and myself and a year later I found a home for it – Cedar Fort. Patience and perseverance paid off!

You have many fabulous messages in Spice Up Your Life; tell us the one message you’d like readers to take with them.

Life is short, take care of your health so that you can enjoy the ride!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us and your readers?

Here are some thoughts I’d like to leave you with…..

• I believe a healthy family is the key to a prosperous nation.

• In our fast-paced culture, family togetherness is shortchanged. Eating together is one way to bring a family closer.

• Cooking at home is more economical than eating out. Don’t get me wrong, eating out is convenient and we do that on occasion, but a majority of our meals are eaten at home.

• Here is the big fat truth: the U.S. is one of the heaviest nations according to the World Health Organization. We are not doing a good job of eating healthy or watching our portion size. We spend $2 trillion dollars on healthcare of which 75% is due to self-inflicted chronic conditions such as obesity which leads to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. By eating right, we can significantly reduce our healthcare costs and increase our productivity as a nation.

Cheers to your health and happiness!

If you loved this Live Lighter interview, stay tuned for more interviews in the near future. And if you’ve fallen in love with Bindu, then definitely check back with Live Lighter as we might be lucky enough to have Bindu contribute a post or two!

About Bindu
Author of Spice Up Your Life, Bindu Grandhi is passionate about healthy and flavourful cooking, especially when it’s flexitarian. She shares her health knowledge with the world by providing practical, healthy and tasty recipes as The Flex Cook.

Don’t you love healthy meals that taste good? That’s what you’ll find in Bindu Grandhi’s cookbook, which we reviewed in Spice Up Your Health Nut’s Life. I was fortunate to catch up with the author and ask her some burning questions about her book, influences, health philosophy and life!

In your introduction, you mention how your summers in India with your grandmother influenced you and the writing of Spice Up Your Life. Do you visit India much now that you’re an adult?

Yes, every two years my family and I spend 3 weeks in Bangalore, India. My in-laws live in the same town as my grandmother so I am fortunate to be able to spend time with both sides of the family, especially my grandmother. Bangalore, a thriving technologically advanced city, has a strange duality to it – traditional mixed with modern. For example, Chinese restaurants, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s are across the street from Dosa & Idli restaurants. Yet, even non-traditional restaurants have incorporated Indian flavors so the dishes carry a touch of fusion. During my visits, I always love to find the latest food trends and have incorporated a few ideas into my book such as Chili Cheese Toast.

Do you ever cook or have you ever cooked for your grandmother? If so, what is (was) her general reaction to your cuisine?

When I was a teenager, my grandparents visited New York a few times. My grandmother had never tried broccoli as it was not available in India at that time. The first time I made her Spicy Baked broccoli which she loved.  During my last visit two years ago, I made broccoli soup, Mint Rice and Tomato and Cucumber Raita. She was so proud of me. I told her that I developed a passion for cooking because of her guidance and teaching.

Do you have any religious affiliations? If yes, how have they influenced your culinary creations?

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Do you believe in the healing powers of nature? Do you believe we have the right to choose what we put into our bodies?

Last week, raw food advocates celebrated a major victory here in Canada with the acquittal of Michael Schmidt, Ontario dairy farmer and milk co-op owner, who was charged with selling and distributing unpasteurized (raw) milk.

In Canada, it’s legal to consume raw milk. Basically, anyone who owns a cow has the  choice whether or not to kill harmful bacteria (along with the beneficial micro-organisms and enzymes) through the pasteurization process before they drink it. You become an outlaw when you sell it to others for consumption.

The raw milk vs. pasteurized controversy rages but when you sift through the research, you’ll find there are benefits and risks to consuming both raw and pasteurized milk.

(Randolph Jonsson has created a well-written and thoroughly researched website dedicated to enlightening folks about raw milk. He proudly announces his passion for raw milk and yet manages to present the information in an objective and respectful manner.)

For the pro-choicers out there, Mr. Schmidt’s case is a legal loop hole gone right.

From healthzone.ca:

Art Hill, professor and chair of the University of Guelph’s Department of Food Science, said the ruling, which provides a legal way for Ontarians to consume raw milk and for farmers to sell their farm-fresh product, will likely prompt changes in the dairy industry.

“This ruling signals that it is time to create a system where the sale of raw milk is legalized, but controlled,” said Hill. “We have to work now at finding ways to make raw milk available as safely as we can.”

Hill noted the sale of raw milk is not uncommon in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. About half of U.S. states have legislation that allows consumers access to raw milk, either directly from farms or at grocery stores.

Mr. Schmidt fought the law and won because he runs a cow-share program which essentially entitles consumers part-ownership in the cows he raises and milks. The article says that current legislation fails to account for this instance; however, health ministries in Canada have said they may appeal the decision down the road.

Agencies like Health Canada are against legalizing the sale of raw milk because of the potential risks of food poisoning from pathogens like salmonella. Proponents say that not all raw milk is created equal; that in hygienic, knowledgeable farms, the risks are minimized and the health benefits (as well as the taste) are incomparable to processed milk.

Mr. Schmidt and his supporters were pleased with the court’s ruling. Not only did it save his farm and business, but according to the Ontario farmer, this win was for the freedom to choose what we consume. (Source: YouTube)

What do you think: Is this a step in the right direction? And, just for curiosity’s sake, do you drink raw milk?

Government health officials and mainstream media are telling us that we need to get vaccinated against H1N1. Should we trust them on blind faith?

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola and Barbara Loe Fisher of the National Vaccination Information Center, there’s very good reason for us to question their insistence.

Please note: both Dr. Mercola and Ms. Fisher are not anti-vaccine, they are pro-public education.

“Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. You need to empower yourself with information, believe that you can understand it, talk to one or more trusted health care professionals before you make your decision about vaccination; but most of all, have the confidence and believe you have the right, the responsibility and the ability to look at this issue, become informed and make wise health care choices for yourself and your children.” Barbara Loe Fisher, Co-Founder of the National Vaccination Information Center.

The following information (brought to my attention by loyal and concerned reader, Dee)  is a summary of important points brought up in a series of interviews between Mercola and Fisher.

They present facts about swine flu, seasonal flu and vaccinations that mainstream media and government health officials have chosen not to share with the public:

The Truth About the Swine Flu Virus

1. H1N1 is NOT causing excessive mortality. The CDC estimates 36,000 flu-related American deaths each year. So far, H1N1 has caused 1000 deaths in the United States.
2. Compare this number also to the 200,000 preventable hospital deaths every year (in the U.S.) due to hospital infections and medical errors.
3. Swine Flu virus appears to be less virulent than some of the influenza strains in the past and, comparing the above numbers, no more lethal than the usual strains every year.
4. The CDC stopped confirming cases on August 30th and are assuming the 400 deaths with flu-like symptoms since then were caused by the H1N1 virus. Unsubstantiated claims! Read the rest of this entry

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Earlier this week we discussed, Should We Get Vaccinated, or What? While we discovered health risks associated with vaccinations, it’s always up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. It comes down to what you trust more: an untested, manufactured chemical cocktail or your immune system.

For those who lead fairly health lifestyles and have faith in the robustness of their immune systems, you’ll most likely opt to stay away from the flu vaccinations. But you may want to boost your natural combative power this flu season to take extra precaution. Here are a few ways to boost your immune system through food and nutritional supplementation:

From Dr. Rona in his Vitality article, Vaccination Controversy:

• Vitamin D (this is a POWERFUL nutrient with microbial properties. Studies suggest it’s as effective as a vaccination!)
• Vitamin A
• Beta carotene (provitamin A)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc

From Dr. Martin in his Healthy Directions article, Get Ready for H1N1 (flip to page 38 in the online mag):

• A broad spectrum probiotic treatment for 30 days
• Maintain an alkaline PH (mainly through a clean diet, stay tuned for an upcoming post, “How to Get More Alkaline”)
• Oil of oregano (several drops a day)
• Vitamin D3 (through sunbathing 1/2 hour, 3 times a week)

And here’s one for Halloween: garlic will not only keep the vampires away, it’ll also keep flu at bay! Please read this informative, lively Vitality article, “Garlic Medicine: Folklore Traditions from the Far East“.

Alright Live Lighter readers, time to cough up your own nutritional secrets for boosting your immune system! Come on… I got one in my head that I didn’t include (on purpose) in this post, so I know there are more! Please share them in the comments below.

There’s a new virus on the block and it’s raising hell. Pharmaceutical companies mass produce vaccinations. Doctors and government agencies recommend them. (Some government bodies insist!) We’re in the middle of a pandemic and it’s flu season!

No wonder people are getting vaccinated.

In this month’s issue of Vitality magazine, Dr. Zoltan Rona, M.D., M.Sc., Complementary Medicine practitioner in Toronto, writes an enlightening article that dispels the media hype about the seriousness of H1N1, provides natural solutions to vaccinations and tells us why he doesn’t recommend them.

If you have time, please read, “Vaccination Controversy“.

Why do some docs say, “Stay away from vaccines”?

Here are some of the highlights from Dr. Rona’s article:

• Limited clinical testing before releasing it to the public in order to get on top of the situation.
• No more effective than a placebo. Some reliable studies have called into question the necessity of vaccinations.
• Toxic ingredients. Many vaccinations carry `fillers’ that have been linked to cancer, autoimmune, brain damage and several neuro-degenerative diseases. Among the chemical cocktail: formaldehyde, thimerosal (a preservative and derivative of mercury), aluminum and mercury.

Who should get vaccinated?

Most doctors seem to agree that certain people are at risk for complications steaming from the flu and H1N1: pregnant women; caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months; children 6 months to 5 years of age; health care providers; people over the age of 65; and people ages 25 to 64 with existing health problems.

Odd contradictions

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) does not recommend that pregnant women, very young children and people with compromised immune systems receive the nasal vaccine (which contains the live virus).

Isn’t it interesting that the people who are most at risk for the flu are recommended to stay away from the vaccinations (at least the live version)? And why should we get vaccinated again?

Natural solutions to vaccinations

Many consider the flu as an inevitable fact of winter, but this is not necessarily the case. Although our lifestyles may not always allow it, the best way to prevent this viral illness is to keep our health at its optimum. This can be done by getting enough rest, limiting stress and by eating a nutritious diet.

Dr. Zoltan Rona, Vaccination Controversy, Vitality magazine, October 2009.

Dr. Rona also stresses the importance of nutritional supplementation and outlines some hard evidence for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system. Here are the highlights:

• vitamin A
• beta carotene (provitamin A)
• vitamin C
• vitamin D (antibiotic properties may be more effective than vaccinations!)
• vitamin B6
• zinc

Flu extras you might be interested in

Again, the article is well-worth the read but if for those who want just the nuts and bolts, Dr. Rona also shares with us:

1. Vaccine exemption in Canada. If anyone tries a fast one and says you HAVE to get vaccinated, just print, fill out and get this form notarized. It’s your choice and this affidavit will protect you.
2. More flu information: credible resources like the National Vaccine Information Center and vaccination is not immunization.

What do you consider acceptable risks?

What are your thoughts on vaccination for the flu and H1N1?

In this fantastic Healthygirl.ca article, “A Nation of Addicts,” Natalia suggests that the cause and cure for addiction is consciousness. And she’s not the only one. Many people today believe that we use our addictions to silence our bodies and emotions.

Spiritual leaders like Eckhart Tolle teach us the benefits of mastering the art of creating peace and how to activate the power of Now. For quick reference, straight from the Live Lighter vaults, here are 27 tips to bring you into the present moment so you can break the cycle of addiction:

1. Drink water.
2. Breathe! Most of us breathe from the tops of our lungs. Try filling up your lower lungs with longer inhales/exhales.
3. Run up and down a few stairs.
4. Get on the floor and do some core exercises.
5. Ask yourself: “Right now, do I really want this insert addiction here?”
6. Call a buddy who’s overcome the same addiction or who’s also trying to raise their consciousness level.
7. Yoga.
8. Stretch.
9. Make some tea.
10. Ask yourself: “Why am I better off without insert addiction here?”
11. Do some dishes.
12. Organize papers.
13. Brush your teeth. Read the rest of this entry

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Eatertainment: “a combination of eating and entertainment, for example, a medieval banquet livened up by troubadours, dancers and acrobats.”

Sounds fun, doesn’t it? But what happens to our health when eatertainment takes on a Western spin so that fast food (high calories, low nutrient-density) becomes the source of the party and we just don’t want the party to end?

From the evolutionary advantage of storing fat to “conditioned hypereating” and corporate greed, Elizabeth Colbert’s article published in The New Yorker, “XXXL: Why are we so fat?“, is an amazingly brilliant article that examines the undeniable fact most of the world is becoming overfed and malnourished.

From The New Yorker:

A food scientist for Frito-Lay relates how the company is seeking to create “a lot of fun in your mouth” with products like Nacho Cheese Doritos, which meld “three different cheese notes” with lots of salt and oil. Another product-development expert talks about how she is trying to “unlock the code of craveability,” and a third about the effort to “cram as much hedonics as you can in one dish.”

Yikes! If the goal of processed food corporations is to concoct irresistible food combinations in the labratory, coupled with research on rats that prove animals’ brains react to sweet, fatty foods the same way that addicts’ respond to cocaine, it’s no wonder global obesity is on the rise!

One of the most interesting aspects of this article is the revelation of why supersizing has caught on in our society and who discovered it. It comes down to mindless eating where we’ve conditioned ourselves to rely on external cues (like portion sizes) rather than internal cues of satiation. As for the genius behind it? I want you to read the article but I’ll give you a hint: think of the last time you went to the theatre and ordered a `small’ popcorn and pop.

But eatertainment is a wonderful concept! Do you think it’s making us fat? And if you do, how can we preserve our health while enjoying the positive qualities of eatertainment? Please share your thoughts with us.

Negative emotions are toxic. Although they are an important part in the human experience, if we neglect to fully process them, they fester within our bodies and create dis-ease. Eventually, they manifest as illness.

Ever wonder the secret of those who seem untouched by negative circumstances? You know who I’m talking about. They are usually healthy, exude an almost unwavering positive attitude and rarely allow others to affect them.

If they are not among the emotionally detached (those who display apathy rather than understanding and acceptance), then I would bet my bottom dollar that they view the world with a spiritual perspective.

Spiritually-inclined individuals have mastered the art of non-attachment, which is very different from detachment. From Transcending the Levels of Consciousness by Dr. David Hawkins:

`Detachment’ is an ongoing process that, unfortunately, can lead to apathy and emotional flatness, noninvolvement, and indifference.  It can also result in passivity and loss of interest in life. There are misunderstandings of spirituality that teach that even love is an attachment, which is a misconception, for love is an aspect of God; possessiveness is an aspect of ego.

Rather than cutting themselves totally off from emotion, the spiritually-minded simply do not get upset over anything for very long. They feel but do not wallow. They know negative emotions (pity, shame, guilt, hatred, grief, fear, desire, anger or pride) cause them harm in the form of stress.

And not the good stress that helps us grow.

Non-attachment means less personal suffering because emotions are simply emotions and earthly pleasures are fleeting. A spiritual individual does not attach their feelings to any internal or external aspects of life, whether it is personal identity, an object, relationship, social quality, or any other aspect of physical life.

The spiritual person allows themselves to feel but knows that true healing comes from working through their negative emotions in order to replace them with positive emotions (courage, trust, optimism, forgiveness, understanding, love, joy, reverence and peace). It’s like eradicating the dark with an infusion of light.

But how many of us, with good intentions, have been fueled into action by negative emotions? If the end result is positive, are the self-damaging effects worth it? What do you think? Please let us know in the comments below!

Sex is a natural instinct. Sure, we can live without it, just like we can also technically survive without much exercise or whole foods. But when you start fulfilling these basic needs for your body, you quickly discover why healthy living is worth the effort.

Whether you are flying solo or with a partner, here are a few of the health benefits of regular sex from The Hormone Diet by Dr. Natasha Turner:

Note: most of the following arise from increasing and/or balancing sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) or from the general benefits of exercise. To reduce repetition, benefits without further explanation are attributed to these factors.

1. Enhances libido. Our sex drive naturally lowers as we age. But if we keep using it, like lean muscle mass, we won’t lose it!
2. Adds fire to sexual desire.
   
3. Gives us more sex appeal.
4. Improves mood, motivation and memory.
5. Increases fat burning, bone density, muscle mass and strength.
6. Indirectly supports fat loss and can prevent abdominal fat.
7. Depending on your effort in the session, improves the fitness of the heart.
8. Curbs appetite and food cravings. “Apparently, the dopamine pathways in the brain involved in stimulating desire for both sex and food are shut down by the hormones released immediately after we have an orgasm.”
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