I just returned last Friday from Standing Rock, ND where I spent time cooking food for the protectors of the water. My experience was beyond magical, and it felt so good to be serving the people. I arrived during a crazy rain and wind storm, tarps were collapsing in the kitchen and ruining the food. Honestly, I was quiet overwhelmed at first, there was so much to do, and the storm made it very difficult. I met so many amazing humans in that space, and everyone was so appreciate of our efforts. It was a pleasure and honor to serve the community that gathered at Standing Rock. This is a life experience that will stay dear to my heart. Please continue to pray for Standing Rock, this a spiritual movement that has spread across the planet. This is the time for change, to rely less on fossil fuels, and protect our Mother.
ON A BREAK FROM THE KITCHEN, LISTENING TO SOME OF THE SPEAKERS SHARING THEIR KNOWLEDGE.
MADE A LOT OF NEW FRIENDS IN THE KITCHEN, SO MUCH LOVE WENT INTO THE FOOD.
One of my biggest passions in life is to work with the Native youth about their nutrition. Many do not realize, that Native Americans have the highest diabetes and heart disease rates than any other ethnicity In the U.S. The rates for pre-diabetes among our youth continues to rise, and with little to no access to quality foods it's no surprise. My plan is to get them in the kitchen, and change their relationship with food. By understanding more of the plant medicine, and eating like our ancestors we can begin to develop healthier eating habits that will last a lifetime.
2016 Native youth summer camp at Havermale, the students made their own healthy raw cookies
Cool shot from my cooking Demo at Vegfest 2016
For my cooking Demo at vegfest this weekend, I made avocado pesto zucchini noodles, cauliflower fried rice, and a walnut broccoli salad
This past weekend I was blessed to speak at Farmgirlfit, about how to use spices and herbs to not only flavor their food but to increase health benefits. Some top anti- inflammatory spices are turmeric, clove, oregano, rosemary, and cinnamon. Using food as medicine and plant medicine changes the way we look at food, and our diet is our first line of defense for overall health. Our bodies know how to absorb nutrients better through our diet, then taking a vast amount of supplements. By making your own spice blends you can customize what doesn't suit you. A lot of pre made spices have added sugar, salt and preservatives. And if you are sensitive to night shades avoid paprika and cayenne pepper when purchasing spice blends. A dehydrator is a great tool to dry your herbs, and make lemon or lime zests while making your home smell amazing.
I love speaking at conferences and events about how to implement food as medicine. I recently had the pleasure to speak and attend The Northwest Indian Youth Conference 2016. When I was a teenager I attended this conference, and to be back sharing my knowledge of nutrition and personal experiences meant a lot.
Many people are unaware of the hardships students on the reservation face everyday. Limited access to quality education, lack of fresh and organic produce, and positive outlets with opportunities being very limited. The suicide rate is extremely high, drug and alcohol abuse runs rampant, and the highest rates of diabetes are in the Native American culture and the Alaskan Natives.
My Food is Medicine seminar gets back to the basics, how our ancestors lived and thrived. To look into the future we honor our past, eating healing ancestral foods will give us our health back. The knowledge of using plant medicine in our meals was our way of life. I give you simple ways to modernize some of those practices, while also finding what works for your own unique system. I can't stress enough we are uniquely different, and have different dietary needs. One person's medicine is another person poison. Through intuitive eating we can find that essential balance and overall well being.
Loved speaking at the wellness CONFERENCE this past weekend for the Social workers of spokane public schools. We also took some time to do yoga and breathe work. Nutrition can DEFINITELY influence the behavior and ability to learn with our youth, I was honored to be asked to share my knowledge.
Kiana and her brother attended both seminars, even asked if they could try my turmeric milk.
I loved this babe, she was so interested in making a difference in her families health and passionate to implement new ideas
This is a video from a pod cast I did with Farm girl fit on how to incorporate spices in to your food. Not only do they add flavor but, you can use the plant medicine to help heal the body.
