It’s been such a mild winter and nice spring, I’m hoping the local farmers have bumper crops this year!

We are so lucky to have several quality Farmer’s Markets all over the Kansas City metro.   There is a great market in Downtown Overland Park, right behind the clock tower and one at  137th and Antioch in Overland Park.  Brookside has a great one as does Lee’s Summit.  And from where I live, 162nd and State Line-ish, the one in the River Market area is worth the drive!  But I admit that I am not good at getting up early and don’t get to go as often as I should.  But I have participated in the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program provided by the local Hen House Markets.   For a small membership fee and then so many dollars per week, I get the freshest from the local farmers.  I remember the first year getting Swiss Chard and wondering not only what it was, but what I was going to do with it!  Quiche with my fresh eggs & milk was the answer.   Now I look forward to the challenge if there is something in my bag that I’m unfamiliar with or have not cooked or eaten in the past.

So a few years ago when I first made the decision to start eating more fresh, local produce, I invested in a couple of new cookbooks.  *Here is where I need to insert that my dear husband would say, “You know honey, that internet thing just may take off,” but I am one of “those” people who love cookbooks!  And no I haven’t converted to a Kindle or Nook yet either for my pleasure reading, but that’s a different discussion!  But the first cookbook I bought was “From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Cooking Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce” which was put out a few years ago by the Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition in Madison, Wisconsin.  I saw it in the kitchen of our favorite cousins who live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin one summer when we visited.   In addition to great recipes it talks about the benefits of participating in a CSA and eating from local farmers.

The other book I bought at the time was “Farmer John’s Cookbook:  The Real Dirt on Vegetables.”  By John Peterson and Angelic Organics.  It too has great recipes for farm fresh produce but talks about the life of an organic farmer.

One of my other favorites is “Simply in Season” by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert.  The recipes are divided by season and almost every recipe has a suggestion for alternative ingredients.  I like that because I tend to improvise A LOT when I cook.  I sometimes need inspiration, thoughts and ideas to get me started with a meal idea, but adjust to what my family will eat (or try) and what ingredients I have on hand.

I grew up a farm girl, but there are things offered now in Farmer’s Markets and part of the CSA I wasn’t familiar with.  I urge you to follow my example and be willing to experiment and sample the fresh produce we now have available.  And find a good recipe resource to help you get started!

Happy Eating!

If you’ve been drinking one or more sodas every day, that aluminum can in your hand is to blame for those extra digits on the scale. We’re not talking a couple pounds either. We’re talking long term weight gain. One can of cola adds more than 100 calories to your daily intake. That’s over 10 lbs of additional body fat every year.

Obesity, type-2 diabetes, and soda addiction have all risen together steadily and scarily over the past decades. Coincidence? Not a chance. Soda is sabotaging your body.

What’s so bad about a little bubbly liquid?
Lots and lots of calories and zero nutritional value. Sugary soft drinks account for almost 10% of the average American’s daily caloric intake. That’s a ton of empty calories that lack any of the nutrients, fiber, or minerals your body needs to function. Because soda’s missing what your body craves, no matter how much you drink you’ll still be left feeling hungry. So, on top of hundreds of empty calories, you pile on additional food that still counts against your ideal daily allotment. Remember, there is one absolute truth: if you take in more calories than you burn you will gain weight.

Your odds of becoming obese increase as much as 1.6 times for every 12 ounces of soda you drink over the course of the day. That’s because one small can of soda holds a whopping 140 calories of added sugar. Reality check: at most fast food restaurants, a 12 ounce serving of soda is considered the kiddie size.

All these added sugars are simple sugars, meaning they are readily and easily absorbed. When you take in such a high volume so quickly your insulin spikes. Your body can’t handle the rapid influx, which leads to extra glucose being stored as fat. You don’t get any lasting energy from the liquid carbs; you get that familiar and inevitable crash. Instead of being ready to hit the gym to burn off any extra fat, you’re so exhausted you just hit the couch.

I’ll just switch to diet soda!
Not so fast. Recent studies show that over time diet sodas still cause weight gain. If you drink 2 or more servings of diet soda a day you are 5 times more likely to increase dangerous visceral fat in your midsection. That extra fat puts you at greater risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

Let’s say you only drink a single serving of diet soda a day. Diet soda is still high in sodium. The more sodium in your body, the more water you’ll retain. Which means if you’re trying to lose weight, diet soda can actually make it that much harder move the scale in the right direction. And let’s not forget the artificial sweeteners in diet soda – a BIG no-no!

Instead of sodas, why not reach for healthier and even more refreshing beverages?
If you won’t give up the carbonated bite of soda, mix two parts seltzer water with one part 100% fruit juice – like pomegranate or cranberry. You’ll get your pleasant pop and fizz along with rich antioxidants and vitamins. Embrace homemade smoothies made with fresh fruit and almond milk or Greek yogurt for added protein.

Maybe it’s time you jump on the green tea train. Even if you sweeten your tea, you’re more likely to check your sugar intake when you’re the one spooning in the sweetener. Or reach for that oldie but goodie, pure H2O.

One thing is for sure: cut out sodas and you’ll start to feel lighter than carbonated air.

Let us help you rid yourself of the nutrition which sabotages your health and help you make better choices you can trust and a workout that gets results!

I am doing this segment because so many women come in to see me with their shoulders up to their ears in stress, with constant headaches, they feel snappy, or just not quite themselves, because menopause has thrown them through the loop, or postpartum depression has hit them over the head.  The good news is, you can take care of most of these problems naturally with plants that have amazing effects on the body.  The following herbs are the 6 most recommended in my practice for the everyday lives of us amazing women.

1. St. John’s Wort-  This herb has been found to decrease the stress the on the body especially with emotions, and the nervous system.  This allows for the body to cope with everyday life changes including the day to day stress that women have trying to be a mom, wife, and your amazing overachieving self.  This amazing herb also promotes a healthy immune response to environmental stresses such as when the allergy season hits, or inclement weather. This is what I call the herbal happy pill!
2. Valarian Root-  Have you ever just laid in bed and you can’t get to sleep because your brain just will not shut off because you are planning, deciding, making lists, or replaying the day’s events with all the different outcomes that could have been possible?  This herb not only helps support the nervous system, but it promotes relaxation and encourages sleep.  No more need for those over the counter meds that toxify your liver!
3. Chaste Tree- promotes a natural, healthy balance within the female endocrine system (particularly in relation to supporting normal progesterone levels), while encouraging a healthy menstrual cycle.  This has been an amazing savior for many teenage girls, or women who have a very painful monthly cycle or uncontrollable mood swings associated with PMS.
4. Black Cohosh- this hefty herb is loaded in Estrogen!  So for those women who are menopausal, this will help ease the mood swings, and decrease hot flashes and night sweats while providing a healthy balance amongst all the female hormones.  This will also maintain and support healthy joints and lower the risks of osteoporosis.
5. Echinacea- We have all heard of this one over and over again, mostly because this herb is our immune system enhancing herb.  When our bodies get worn down, or the weather changes, it is the perfect time for those little bugs to hit us and make us sick.  If you take Echinacea during these seasons, it will not only enhance the immune system making it harder to get sick, but it will help promote healthy white blood cells that fight off illness, encourage healthy upper respiratory systems to avoid coughs and bronchitis types of illness, as well as promote a healthy lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system is the sanitation system of the body that picks up all the trash from the body and disposes of it.
6. Shatavari- This herb when translated means: “She who possesses a hundred husbands”.  That is right ladies, this is your libido tonic, which not only ramps up your sex drive, but increases fertility, and helps with lactation.  Shatavari has also been used in recent clinical research studies, with findings showing a potential decrease in post-partum depression.

As with any supplements, you need to make sure that the source or manufacturer is reliable, and the cheapest is usually not the greatest.  You should make sure that it is a whole food supplement, or the herb is pick from only the finest, or freshest environment that is not polluted with environmental toxins.  As far as dosage, be sure to consult a physician who specializes in herbs to ensure that you are taking the correct amount. In my practice I sell only pharmaceutical grade herbs and supplements.  For more information or to find other resources, please feel free to contact me at drkezia@myalign.com

Chia Pudding

Serves 6

Chia seeds soaked overnight turn into a simple pudding, similar in consistency to tapioca.

Ingredients

2/3 cup chia seeds
2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk such as soy, almond or rice milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons currants or chopped dried figs or dates
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes

Method

Put chia seeds, almond milk and vanilla in a 1-quart glass jar with a lid. Tighten the lid and shake well to thoroughly combine. Or, stir together seeds, almond milk and vanilla in a bowl. Refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, stir well. Spoon into bowls and top with fruit and coconut.

Nutrition

Per serving: 280 calories (70 from fat), 7g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 49g total carbohydrate (7g dietary fiber, 7g sugar), 3g protein

Carrot Cashew Spread

Serves 8

This spread is also delicious for breakfast or a snack on toasted slices of Health Starts Here whole grain bread, instead of on crackers.

Ingredients

3 carrots, chopped
1 cup raw cashew pieces, divided
15 dried apricots, quartered (about 1/2 cup)
32 365 Everyday Value Woven Wheats Whole Wheat Crackers (from 1 box)

Method

Put carrots into a small pot and cover by 2 inches with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Add 3/4 cup cashews and apricots, cover and continue to simmer until carrots are very soft, 5 to 7 minutes more; reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and then drain well. Transfer carrot mixture and reserved water to a food processor and purée until smooth. Chill for at least one hour, and then spread onto crackers, garnish with remaining cashews and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving: 200 calories (70 from fat), 8g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 28g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 6g protein

What if instead of taking Claritin®, Singulair® or Advair® – or instead of using an inhaler, you could fix the cause of why your child is having the allergy or Asthmatic response in the first place?

Unless your son or daughter has had allergies or asthma from birth, their immune system was normal until it went haywire and started over-reacting.  The immune system dealt perfectly at one time with what it now considers a foreign invader.

Think about that – IT WAS WORKING FINE.

Why the immune system is being overly sensitive to allergens in the environment is a question that not very many people in the medical community are asking.  Instead they just write a prescription for medication that suppresses the immune system.  If you’re ok with this then don’t rock the boat by reading further.  What you’re about to learn may shock you.

Here’s the deal – if your child’s body has been weakened by things like toxins, sugar or stress, the immune system becomes a runaway train because it’s not modulated by a healthy neuroendocrine cascade of hormones that isn’t working right because of the toxins, sugar or stress!  Simply put, the brakes have gone out on the immune system!

So it’s not the immune system that’s the problem.

If your child’s immune system was healthy at one point, and isn’t functioning like it should now – it’s a matter of restoring and rebuilding what CONTROLS the immune system.  Sure you can suppress the immune system directly with powerful pharmaceutical medications, but there’s an even better way.

I recommend 6 steps (part of which can be done with a sublingual spray):
1.  Re-set the pituitary gland – the master control gland that controls all the body’s hormones.
2.  Detoxify – not just through the colon, but also on a cellular level.
3.  Re-establish proper digestion through the use of digestive enzymes and systemic enzymes
4.  Re-inoculate the bowel with spore-forming probiotics
5.  Modulate the immune system
6.  Ensure adequate intake of critical vitamins and minerals.

The above steps can be powerful if used alone, but when done together, most kids find incredible relief from allergies.  If your child is struggling, then this may be your solution – and a way to prevent a lifetime of dependence on medication.

If you’re interested in more information about the products referred to above just let me know.  I can be reached at drladd@mindinmotionkc.com!

We search the web for local neighborhood and community garage sales to make it faster and easier for you to save money.

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our list.

Here’s the Gail’s Scoop roundup for JoCo garage sales this weekend: 5/10-5/13

Check listings for date and time info.

Leawood:

Bel-Air Heights: north of 95th between Lamar & Nall, 5/10-5/12, 9am-4pm

Cherry Creek: 127th & Mission, 5/10-5/12, 8am-4pm

Lenexa:

Brighton Lake Estates: 79th & Oakview, 2 blocks east of Lackmann, 5/12

Hickory Ridge: 76th & Lackmann, 5/11-5/12, 8am

Mission:

City wide garage sale: 5/10-5/12

Olathe:

Autumn Ridge: South Ridge Lane and W. Santa Fe St., 1 mile west of K-7, 5/12, 7am-5pm

Bridlewood Downs: Santa Fe, 5/11-5/12

Forest Hills: 172nd & Mur-Len, 5/11-5/12

Forest View: Just west of 119th & K-7, 5/11-5/12

Nottington Creek: 175th Street

Persimmon Hill: west of K-7 & Santa Fe, 5/12

Shadow Ridge: just north of West Dennis & South Hedge Lane, 5/11-5/12

South Hampton: 159th & Ridgeview, 5/11-5/12

Symphony Hills: 149th & Pflumm, 5/11-5/12, 8am-3pm

Overland Park:

Amesbury Lake: 141st & Pflumm, 5/11-5/12, 8am-3pm

Oakshire: Across from Oak Park Mall, 5/10-5/12, 8am-4pm

St. Andrews Highlands: 132nd & Nieman, 5/10-5/12, 8am-5pm

Timber’s Edge: 5/11-5/12, 7am-3pm

Wilderness: 159th & Nall, 5/11-5/12, 8am-4pm

Wynnewood: 131st Terr & Nall, 5/11-5/12, 8am-3pm

Prairie Village:

Corinth Hills: Between 79th-83rd, Nall and Mission, 5/11-5/12

Prairie Fields: 75th to 83rd between Lamar & Nall, 5/11-5/13

Shawnee:

Monticello Meadows & City View Farms: 2 blocks west of 55th & 7Hwy, 5/11-5/12, 8am-4pm

Westwood:

City wide garage sale: 5/12

You are invited to attend the FREE soirée on May 19, 2012. Drop by anytime from 6-9pm at the New Birth Company 9209 West 110th Street, Building 36 Corporate Woods, Overland Park, KS.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the mission behind some of the best products and services Kansas City has to offer while enjoying the company of other moms like you and The Soft Landing Team.

A Fun Gathering with a Purpose

• Enjoy a laid back evening with local wine tasting by Rowe Ridge Vineyard (featuring Kansas grapes – who knew?) and hor d’oeurves provided by The Freedom Chef and The Local Pig (we’ll have organic Earth Mama tea for pregnant mama too!)
• Schmooze with other amazing moms while you soak in the relaxing atmosphere of the New Birth Company
• Connect with high quality, mission-driven companies offering products and services for your family
• Live music by a local violinist

And you won’t want to miss the amazing Grand Prize Giveaway worth over $1,000!

• A hand-painted portrait by Pamela Williams, Fine Artist (a $650 value)
• Carpet cleaning for 6 areas and a hallway from Voorhies Cleaning Systems (a $250 value)
• A tutu basket featuring fairy wands, crowns and bows – all handmade by local moms from the Mommy Shop (a $100 value)
• A baby proofing consultation from Itsabelly (a $99 value)

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our list.

Here’s the Gail’s Scoop roundup for JoCo garage sales this weekend: 4/26-4/28.

Check listings for date and time info.

FEATURED SALE:

Amazing multi-family designer kids clothing sale you won’t want to miss! Justice, Abercrombie, Miss Me, Lily Pulitzer, Gymboree, Gap Kids, Aeropostale and MUCH More! We will also have shoes, designer Men’s clothing, Vera Bradley, toys, home decor, baby items and MUCH more! DATES: Thursday, April 26th – 6:00 pm – 7:30 PM Preview Sale Friday, April 27th – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday, April, 28th 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM LOCATION: Windsor Hills Subdivision 14530 Grant Lane, Overland Park, KS. 66221

FEATURED SALE:

Stop by and check out the Arlington Estates (located 2 blocks west of Antioch at 127th and Grandview St.) annual neighborhood garage sale from 8am – 4pm.  The sale will be held on Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th only. This is a multiple household sale and some homes may only participate one day.  There will be lots to choose from including household decor, kitchen items, clothing, toys, tools, furniture and more!

Bonner Springs:

City Wide Garage Sale: 4/28,  8am-5pm

Edgerton:

City Wide Garage Sale: 4/28

Leawood:

Cherry Creek: 129th & Mission Rd, 4/26-4/28

The Hills of Ironhorse: 154th St. & Mission Rd, 4/27-4/28

Lenexa:

Colony Woods: 79th & Rosehill, between College & Pflumm, 4/26-4/28

Whispering Hills: 83rd St & Woodland Rd, 4/27-4/28, 9am-4pm

Olathe:

Amber Hills: 155th & Blackbob, 4/27-4/28,

Ashton Estates: 143rd & Blackbob, 4/27-4/28, 8 am-2pm

Briarwood: Santa Fe & Brougham, 4/27-4/28, 8am-3pm

Highlands of Kensington: 143rd & Quivira, 4/27-4/28, 8am-2pm

Wexford: 139th & Blackbob

Overland Park:

Brookwood Estates, BrookHighland & BrookHollow: 145th & Switzer, 4/26-4/28

Broxton Square: Corner of College & Pflumm, 4/27-4/28

Cambridge Square: 108th & Lamar, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

Lionsgate: 143rd, between Nall &Metcalf, 4/28, 8am-4pm

Nottingham Estates at St. Andrews: 141st & Quivira, 4/27 8am-4pm, 4/28 8am-noon

Quincy Court: 144th & Lamar, 4/27-4/28, 8am

Regency by the Lake: Edgewater (147th) between Metcalf & Lamar, 4/27-4/28, 8am-5pm

Regency Place: 131st between Pflumm & Greenwood, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

St. Andrews Court: 133rd & King, 4/26-4/28, 8am-2pm

St. Andrews of Kensington: 141st & Quivira, 4/27 8am-4pm, 4/28 8am-noon

Summercrest & Quail Valley: Antioch to Marty, 115th to College, 4/26-4/28

Villas of St. Andrews: 143rd & Quivira, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

Wishire Farms: 156th & Antioch, 4/26-4/28, 8am-5pm

Windham Hill: 129th & Switzer, 4/26-4/28, 8am-5pm

Windsor Hills: 147th & Switzer, 151st & Carter, 4/26-4/28, 8am-4pm

Wycliff: 103rd & Grant to 106th & Antioch, 4/27-4/28

Wyngate: 159th & Grant (between Switzer & Antioch), 4/26-4/28, 8am-5pm

Roeland Park:

Breakfast and Bargain Bonanza: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, 4/28, 8am-1pm

Shawnee:

Crimson Ridge: 47th St. & Anderson, 8am-2pm

Hillcrest Estates: 49th St. & Monticello, 4/27-4/28, 8am-6pm

Lakepointe: 1 mile east of K-7, south of Johnson Drive, 4/27-4/28

Lake View Estates: Johnson Drive & Maurer Rd, 4/26-4/29

Saddlebrook: 51st & Quivira, 4/26-4/28

Symphony at Monticello: 56th & Monticello, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

Villas of Parkside: 62nd & Maurer, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

Wedgewood: 70th to 74th St, Pflumm to Lackman, 4/27-4/28, 8am-5pm

Woodsonia: Woodsonia Drive & Johnson Drive, west of 435, 4/27-4/28, 8am-4pm

Stilwell:

Community Garage Sale: 4/27-4/28, 7am-3pm

Looking for kids’ consignment sales? Check our Macaroni Kid Guide.

The best part is when you purchase these gifts, you support local small business owners! If you like our guide we would love for you to give a  thumbs-up “like” on Facebook by clicking the button on the top of this page.

Celebrate Mom with one of these great ideas:

We search the web for local neighborhood and community garage sales to make it faster and easier for you to save money.

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our list.

Here’s the Gail’s Scoop roundup for JoCo garage sales this weekend: 4/19-4/21.

Check listings for date and time info.

Leawood:

Worthington: 140th-143rd between Roe & Mission, 4/19-4/21, 8am-4pm

Lenexa:

Olathe:

Arbor Creek: 159th-163rd, Mur-Len to Brougham, 4/19-4/21,

Eagle Crest: One block South of K-10 on Woodland, 4/19-4/21, 8 am

Mill Creek Farms: 105th & Woodland Road, 4/19-4/21, 8:30am-3:30pm

Nottingham at Heritage Park: 159th between Pflumm & Blackbob, 4/20-4/21, 8am-5pm

Parkwood Hills: 143rd & Pflumm, 4/20-4/21

Reserve at Heritage: 159th & Pflumm, 4/20-4/21, 8am-5pm

Symphony at the Reserve: 151st & Greenwood, 4/20-4/22

Overland Park:

Birchwood & Village of Kensington: Antioch & 144th-147th, 4/19-4/21, 8am

Deerbrook: 145th & Switzer, 4/19-4/21

Kensington Manor: 121st-126th between Switzer & Antioch, 4/20-4/21

Kingston: 151st & Lowell (west of 69 hwy)

Nottingham Downs: 123rd St. between Glenwood & Lamar, 4/14-4/21, 8am-2pm

Wilshire South: 143rd & King (between Switzer & Quivira), 4/19-4/21, 8am

Shawnee:

75th & Mission Road: 4/21, 8am-3pm

Pflumm Woods: Johnson Drive east of Pflumm, 4/20-4/21, 8am-4pm

Looking for kids’ consignment sales? Check our Macaroni Kid Guide.