Top FIVE reasons you should cook more at home:
Top FIVE reasons you should cook more at home:
- Controoolll (in my Janet Jacksons voice):
Cooking at home allows you to have full control over the ingredients in your meals. You can choose fresh, high-quality ingredients and tailor your recipes to meet your nutritional needs. This helps in creating balanced and healthier meals, reducing reliance on processed or fast foods.
- Tha Savings:
Cooking at the crib is generally more cost-effective than eating out or getting takeout. Buying ingredients in bulk (like Spelt and Chickpea flour, Garbanzo Beans, etc.) or using leftovers, and making meals in advance can help you save money in the long run…which also helps you manage your budget more efficiently.
- Customization and Preferences:
When you cook at home, you have the freedom to customize your meals according to your own taste buds. Since I’ve changed my LIVEit, I can’t handle even the slightest bit of spice. On the rare occasion that I do go out, I always have to over express, NO SPICE AT ALL PLEASE. 8x of 10x, they always say, “It’s not that hot.” ARGH! Dude, I said NONE at all PLEASE! Smh. Anyway, you can make your dish the way you want…even when you’re using my cookbooks! I encourage to you to create your own cookbook whether just for you, your fam, or for a biz! Cooking is about experimenting! It’s why I call my kitchen “The Lab.” Experiment with flavors so you can tailor each dish to suit your personal liking. 😊
- Family and Social Bonding (my personal fav):
Cooking at home provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together. Collaborative cooking or sharing meals can foster stronger bonds and create a sense of community. It's a chance to spend quality time with loved ones, sharing stories and experiences while enjoying a homemade meal, while creating great memories!
- Skill Development and Empowerment:
Cooking is a valuable life skill, and preparing meals at home allows you to enhance your culinary skills. As you gain confidence in the kitchen, you'll be more empowered to experiment with diverse cuisines and techniques. Learning to cook also contributes to a sense of accomplishment and independence.
Cooking at home offers a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing health, financial savings, personalization, social connections, and skill development.
Is the Fast over yet?
Have you begun “Fasting” yet? If cooking is not something you regularly do, then I would suggest that you get in the habit of cooking at home for the next 30 days first. Why? Because it’s a continued cycle that starts with frequent eating out, which can contribute to unhealthy food choices due to limited control over ingredients and portion sizes. This can lead to unwanted weight gain. Additionally, if there's a lack of physical activity or exercise, it further contributes to weight gain and negatively impacts overall health. It’s really genius on how they do this to you ON PURPOSE! Let me break it down to you even further.
Alright, check it out! So, you start off the #NewYear with a fast and/or going to the gym! IF you successfully complete the fast (and that’s a BIG IF…unfortunately), you want to “reward” yourself by eating again. Maybe you eat the same bull or maybe you try to do better and eat more salads and smoothies, right. Cool. But after a while, life gets in the way and you’re back to the same old habits. If you’re still on track of your resolutions…fantastic! Congrats! The possibility does exist to where THIS IS GONNA BE YOUR YEAR where you don’t fall off and are perfect from here on out. If not, it’s just time to be honest with yourself. Think for just one moment and ask yaself, “Have I been here before?” If the answer is yes, then maybe, just maybe we need to rethink some things.
The numbers don’t lie. Research says, “Only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail#:~:text=Researchers%20suggest%20that%20only%209,fail%20at%20New%20Year's%20resolutions.
Because you chose to wait until “the new year” when you knew you should’ve started back a month or two ago or maybe even last Summer…you’ll realize that new role around date is really just another day…and chances are you’re back to eatin' out all the time because you haven’t created good habits that will keep you from eating fast food, takeout, or whatever else is easy. Before you know it, you're piling on them unwanted pounds, and your body's like, "Hold up, what you doin' to me?"
Now, add to the mix, the fact you're chillin' on the couch more than you're movin'. Ain't no workout happening – just a marathon of Netflix and chill. So, you're packin' on more weight, feeling sluggish, and your body's in protest mode.
And here's where it gets real. You start lookin' in the mirror, feeling some kinda way. The scale ain't your friend, and the joy you used to get from food turns into a cycle of guilt and sadness. It's like Katt Williams said, "You gotta fight the air sometimes!" …meaning facing challenges that may seem intangible or invisible.
That sadness can snowball into a deeper funk, like, full-on depression mode. Your motivation's on vacation, and self-care takes a back seat. Now, you're stuck in this loop – bad food choices, no exercise, feeling down, rinse and repeat.
Breaking out of this loop ain't easy, but it starts with small changes. Move that body a bit, swap some McDoo’s Doo’s fries for some homemade Burro Banana Fries, and maybe talk to someone about what's going on in your head. Yes, I give tough love but at the end of the day it’s love. People that witness watching you get bigger and bigger, sadder and sadder, putting poison in your mouth, not helping you make real change…do they really love you? Do you really love yourself? Hmm. If you can’t say Amen, say OUCH! But guess what, this isn’t the end of your story. We will get to a better you! So, let's flip the script, make some tweaks, and break out of that cycle, one laugh and one healthy choice at a time, cause I gotta live in this world with you Micky Fickys!
Smoothie King
Reason #1099 to Cook at Home - Getting a smoothie at, let’s say, Smoothie King…you would think it’s all natural with just blended fruits with maybe some milk, right? Not so much. I went there for the first time ever with my sister. She ordered a simple strawberry and blueberry smoothie with plant-milk. Guess what happened!
As the young lady from behind the counter was making it, I saw her reach into this LARGE tub of powdery crap and added it to the blender of what was supposed to just be strawberries, blueberries, plant-milk and ice! Yea, so this chick added some bullcrap powdery stuff and white sugar and ain’t not tellin’ what else. Bottomline, in order to gain optimal health, you’re gonna just have to get in the kitchen and make at least 80% of your foods!
Skinny This, Skinny That...
Kings and Queens! What's good yo? Since the New Year, it’s been very eye opening to see all of these groups and companies talk about Skinny this and Skinny that. I’m not new to the game, however, my company is a bit new. So, I look at these companies (that are somewhat in my lane) with a different lens.
Before, the BS marketing tactics didn’t faze me. However, now that I’ve started taking the time to write to you, help educate you on facts not fiction or fads, I’m more cognizant of their tactics.
Complete transparency: I’ve added myself on a few others email lists on purpose to see how they do things. I mean, hey, they have a LOT of followers, so they must know what they’re talking about, right? Right? Welp, I was hoping so…for the people’s sake…but it’s just more and more bull jiving out there than I care to continue to think about right now. ….ok, nah, I’m still a bit heated right now so let me vent to you a bit more before I hang it up and let this sh*t go…
I've been peeping the scene, checking out all these folks hyping up Skinny this and that. Got me thinking, do these marketing tactics still work on y'all? I had to put myself on a few email lists just to see what's the deal, you know? These big names got the followers, but it's more bull jive than a Katt Williams comedy show out there!
I'm coming at you with some truths – how long are we gonna let these companies feed us bull before we wise up? Quick fixes while promoting chicken or fish and still saying you’re going to lose weight is ridiculous? Can it happen? Of course. Anything is possible. However, at our age, I doubt we’re working OUT more than what we’re putting IN. Right? You with me? Be honest with yourself. Eating animal meat and saying you can be healthy doing so is not real facts for so many reasons. If you want me to get into more details, have a one-on-one with me.
Do you know who makes popular statements like, “Eat bananas to get potassium! #Chiquita! On their website right at this moment says “Bananas are one of the healthiest fruits out there because they are fat and cholesterol free!” HA! There’s so much sugar in those genetically modified fruits, it’s ridiculous. Yes, sugars from REAL fruit is great no matter what, but again, these are genetically modified so the sugar content in them is essentially processed. It’s not natural whatsoever. So, guess who told you to eat baked chicken and salmon, etc. because they’re health. ou know who told you this? #Tyson #Perdue and all the other chicken and fish companies out there. Man, that's like putting chocolate sauce on sh*t and calling it dessert. No thanks!
I ain't here to turn anyone vegan; I'm just dropping free knowledge. I work hard on my PhD, and this is my playground. I compared myself to others when I started, but it's disgusting what I see – big companies making a quick buck off you. SMH. I can't, and you shouldn't either.
This ain't just about growing my brand; it's about y'all being informed and taking your health seriously. I'm not shouting about alkaline-electric just for the hype. Losing weight is a bonus; focus on your heart health, your organs running smoothly, and those signals your body throws at you.
It's like your car giving you signals – you wouldn't ignore a gas or oil light, right? Why do it to your body? That's why I'm all about alkaline-eating. Research shows it's a top-notch shield against all the man-made BS thrown our way.
And hey, I'm not sweating those follower numbers. I got 1500, and I'm chillin'. I'm here on my calling, grateful for the ride. So, peace out for now, peeps!
#dontmindme #imjusbeingme #alkalinejungle #realtalk
How's Your Relationship w/ Food? Fun Monogamy and Polygamy analogies
Wrapping up the end of the year? Congrats for making it through!
My question to you is, are you tired of “just making it through”? Then do something different! To do the same over and over again, expecting different results is just insane. #legaldefinition
I’ve been on this plant-based journey for over 8 years now. Truth moment: I fell back to the SAD DIEt 3x in the first FIVE years. However, the more I paid attention to my body during the longer periods of staying plant-based, the easier it was for me to be aware of how my body responded when I ate meat, dairy, eggs, etc. It did not respond well at all. As a matter of fact, my body had been doing the same thing it had been since I could remember:
-Long, HEAVY menstrual cycles
-Unwanted Weight Gain
-Acne
-Foggy Brain
-Non-clear Vision
-Lots of Sadness
…and soooo much more!
In the last three years, I said no more! I wanted change. I demanded change. I succeeded. Want tips to succeed…for LIFE? #onward
As I try my best to help others, it’s been a lot of ups and downs. The ones that listened had great success. The ones that didn’t, guess what…they are not doing too well. #cancer #arthritis #autoimmuneissues #constipation #weightgain #fatigue #depression …the list goes on!
So, I’m thinking I want to challenge my peeps with a #cookmoreathome Challenge. The bottom line is…you can only remain healthy cooking your own foods…alkaline-electric of course! But you don’t have to do it alone! It is my mission to help you create your own #cookingcommunity Let’s take it back to the old school when we got together at least once per week…usually at Big Mama’s house…and everyone brought over a dish. Welp, my remake to this is everyone take a turn hosting a Sunday and make food together #everysunday
For those willing to take this challenge, I’m willing to GIVE you a FREE RECIPE! Hit me up if you’re interested! info@allthingsalkaline.org Please put in the subject line: #CookingCommunity
Gratitude and see you on the other side!
-Dr. Truth
Join me and my partner, Chef Doctor Pat every Sundays on IG and FB live where we chat about “The Relationship with Food”. We have some fun analogies around Monogamy and Polyamorous Relationships with People that will definitely get you thinking!
The Corn Conundrum
Have you ever heard corn is not great for you? Wait, a veggie…not great for you? I get it but keep reading. What about high-fructose corn syrup? Probably more familiar, right. I always like to go back to the root cause of dis-eases and food…which causes the dis-ease.
The Corn Conundrum…
Welp, getting right to it. Corn contains phytic acid.
What’s phytic acid, you ask?
Phytic acid (or phytate) is a natural antioxidant that is found in animal foods as well as plants. And although antioxidants are good for us (reverse age, reduce risks of dis-ease, etc.), phytates are an acid. Acidic foods cause much damage to the body; i.e. bone and muscle deterioration, kidney stones, etc. They also bring your pH levels down which makes you more susceptible to all types of dis-eases including cancer and STD’s.
Why is phytic acid so bad?
I’m glad you asked! Phytic acid is considered anti-nutrient. The bad thing about being antinutrient is that it robs you of your minerals. As it travels through your body, it literally binds itself with iron, zinc, calcium and more, making you depleted of so many benefits. So that kale salad you had with many other alkaline-electric elements in it, but you added corn to it, you may as well had a cookie. That corn just robbed you of the goodness you just put inside. I know, I know. It’s so sad. And with more holidays coming up, what are you going to do about your Cornbread Dressing?
Come on now, you know I got your back! Check out my “No Cornbread Dressin’” recipe in my Alkaline-Electric Holiday Comfort Classics, vol. 1. There are soooooooo many reasons why you should be eating Electric foods as much as possible!
Do you realize just how much corn you’re eating, which means you’re deficient. Here are are some foods you probably didn’t realize has corn:
Several popular foods contain corn and phytic acid, potentially influencing mineral absorption in the body. Corn-based products and derivatives are prevalent in many diets. Here are some examples:
Cornbread, Cornmeal, and Corn Flour: Commonly used in baking and cooking, these are primary ingredients in cornbread, tortillas, and various snacks.
Corn Tortillas: A staple in many Latin American and Mexican cuisines, corn tortillas are made from corn masa and are a significant source of phytic acid.
Corn Chips and Snacks: Many popular snacks, such as corn chips and corn-based cereals, can contribute to dietary phytic acid intake.
Corn-Based Breakfast Cereals: Some breakfast cereals are made with corn and may contain phytic acid.
Popcorn: A popular snack, popcorn is a whole grain derived from corn and contains phytic acid.
Cornstarch: Widely used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, cornstarch is another source of phytic acid.
Corn Oil: While the oil itself doesn't contain phytic acid, the refining process may remove some nutrients, and diets high in refined oils might be associated with imbalances in nutrient absorption.
Corn Syrup and High-Fructose Corn Syrup: These are common sweeteners derived from corn and are used in a wide range of processed foods and beverages.
Top 20 Common foods
where these sweeteners are often found:
Soda/Soft Drinks: Many carbonated beverages, including colas and other sodas, contain HFCS as a primary sweetener.
Candy and Confectionery: Various candies, chocolates, and sweet treats often use corn syrup or HFCS to enhance sweetness and texture.
Breakfast Cereals: Some breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, may contain corn syrup or HFCS.
Baked Goods: Many commercially produced baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries, use corn syrup or HFCS as sweeteners.
Fruit Juices and Drinks: Some fruit juices and fruit-flavored beverages contain added sweeteners, including corn syrup and HFCS.
Condiments: Sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can contain corn syrup or HFCS.
Yogurt: Flavored yogurts, especially those with fruit or sweetened toppings, may contain corn syrup or HFCS.
Canned Fruits: Certain canned fruits and fruit cocktail mixes may have added corn syrup for sweetness.
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts: Some ice creams and frozen treats use corn syrup or HFCS to enhance sweetness and texture.
Energy Drinks: Many energy drinks and sports beverages contain sweeteners like HFCS for added taste.
Canned Soups: Some canned soups, especially those with a sweet or savory flavor profile, may contain corn syrup.
Granola Bars: Certain granola bars and cereal bars may use corn syrup or HFCS as a binding and sweetening agent.
Flavored Yogurt and Dairy Desserts: Desserts and yogurt products with added flavors and sweeteners may contain corn syrup.
Bread and Bakery Products: Some commercially produced bread and baked goods may contain corn syrup or HFCS.
Pancake Syrup and Maple Syrup Alternatives: Some pancake syrups and syrup alternatives may use corn syrup or HFCS as a sweetening agent.
Canned Vegetables: Certain canned vegetable products, especially those with sweet glazes or sauces, may contain corn syrup.
Instant Oatmeal: Flavored instant oatmeal packets may contain added sweeteners, including corn syrup.
Processed Meats: Some processed meats, such as sausages and glazed hams, may contain corn syrup for flavor.
Prepared Sauces: Various cooking sauces, including sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki sauce, and certain pasta sauces, may contain corn syrup or HFCS.
Salad Dressings: Some salad dressings, especially those with sweet flavor profiles, may contain corn syrup or HFCS.
It's essential for you to read food labels to identify the presence of corn syrup and HFCS in products and make informed choices about your LIVEtary intake.