You Can't Beat Eggs!

   You can't beat eggs... it's a fact. You would be hard boiled to find a more delicious, simple to prepare, inexpensive to buy superfood than the simple egg. My brother-in-law & sister-in-law have their own chicken brood (see photo at left) & no they do not live on a farm! They built a coop with their neighbors & share duties & the fresh-layed eggs. The egg is as popular as ever & having a brood of chickens is gaining popularity! Below are some reasons why eggs are incredible.

    According to IncredibleEgg.org here are half a dozen reasons you can't beat eggs:

~ Protein ~ 6 grams of high-quality protein in just one egg. A protein rich breakfast will help sustain your mental & physical energy throughout the day.

~ Choline ~ promotes normal cell activity, liver function & transports nutrients throughout the body.

~ Zero Carbs/Zero Sugar ~  Enough said!

~ Amino Acids ~ contain 9 (very necessary) essential amino acids

~ Gluten-Free Naturally ~ healthy gluten-free foods for breakfast are tough to find!

~ Simple ~ eggs contain one ingredient - eggs & at only 15 cents a serving they are the least expensive source of high quality protein!!

   We may not see a chicken coop in our own futures so for me, the EB or Egg-Land's Best are a great choice. They cost about 20 cents a serving & contain 25% less saturated fat, 10 times more vitamin E, 3 times more Vitamin B12, 4 times more vitamin D, 2 times more Omega 3, 38% more lutein & 175mg cholesterol. They taste delicious and come in cage-free & organic varieties too. (see the variety definitions in the photo at left.) In an eggshell, eggs are simple to prepare & delicious to eat!

   Here is one of my favorite egg recipes:

Crustless Zucchini Quiche. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To 4 beaten eggs add ½ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 medium chopped sweet onion, 1 cup pancake mix, salt & pepper to taste. Mix well by hand. Add 2 cups unpeeled zucchini chopped into small bite-size pieces & toss to coat. Pour mixture into 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.

(You may also add some additional cheese if you like. I often add cheddar that I have around.)

Serve while hot. The leftovers will microwave beautifully on another day. You can't beat eggs; Enjoy!

Essential Oils for Healing

    Yes, we are drawn to burning scented candles & scented hair and body products. With so many choices, I thought I would narrow down the field to the 'healthiest' choices. Here, according to a recent issue of Women’s Health, is a short list of essential oils and the health benefits they can have for us. When inhaled, the oils activate your brain’s hypothalamus which controls hormones, energy and drive. They have even been shown in lab studies to kill flu, e. coli and cancer cells!
     When buying, look for 100% pure and organic, free of fillers, pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Look for labels that say therapeutic grade or steamed distilled. Try a Whole Foods type store or a specialty store or apothecary in your area. They will have knowledgeable staff to help with whatever ails you. Try dripping oil into a steaming hot water and stand a few feet away and breath. A drop onto a cotton ball to sniff for a minute or two is another way to diffuse the scent. Less is more and the helpful staff at the store you are purchasing can give you tips. Here are just a few:
    Essential oils

~ Peppermint ~ best for stress relief and reduces both fatigue and chocolate cravings. Breathing peppermint reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

~ Orange ~ Reduces anxiety & elevates mood. Helps you stay calm in stressful situations.

~ Lavender ~ Excellent for relaxing, migraine pain, reduces insomnia, controls anxiety, relieves PMS symptoms.

~ Cinnamon ~ Improves focus & concentration while reducing frustration.

~ Rosemary ~ Enhances brainpower, boosts energy, lowers fatigue.

~ Sage ~ Reduces blood pressure, helps with memory and attention.

     I recently visited a lavender farm with my garden club. I came home with a bottle of essential oil & have been using it ever since. My favorite uses are a drop or two in my rinse cycle when washing bedding & a drop in the steamiest shower. Start with one scent then continue to add to your 'collection'. Breath & be healed!