I started fundraising for Camp Ooch (a special camp for children undergoing cancer treatment) by running in The Sporting Life 10K run on May 12^th with my sister Lynn. I am a big believer in the anti-inflammatory diet and laughter therapy for supporting cancer patients so when it came time to support a charity, Camp Ooch just made sense. All the sunshine (vitamin D), healthy balanced meals (including donations from my farmer friend Mike Bradley) and friendships developed at camp could really make a difference in the quality of life that a young cancer patient will experience.

I was thrilled when Manitoba Harvest decided to sponsor me with a donation to Camp Ooch and all the Hemp Hearts I could eat. I had not run since high school so this task was very daunting and I wondered if I would possibly run a full 10 km with only 8 weeks to train. I added Hemp Hearts and HEMP PRO 70 to my shakes before a run and then had a glycogen replenishing hemp bar right after my run as a special treat.

I was excited to see how fast hemp helped with my energy and muscle recovery. Hemp Hearts contain an especially beneficial type of omega-6 fat called GLA that works as a strong anti-inflammatory agent in the body. GLA decreases the inflammation caused by intense workouts or injury and help athletes who suffer from muscle pain.

During training, I never suffered from muscle cramps because Hemp Hearts are a rich source of magnesium, which plays a key role in proper muscle function and relaxation. Athletes are prone to magnesium loss from sweating, so adding Hemp Hearts to shakes can prevent post workout cramps.

Instead of relying on junky sports drinks full of sugar, dye and brominated vegetable oil, I reached for a hemp berry shake that was packed with 10 times the nutrition. Athletes generally have a higher than normal requirement for minerals and a deficiency of minerals can have a negative effect on athletic performance.  Hemp provides substantial amounts of zinc, calcium, manganese and iron all of which are important for repair of tissues and maintenance of the immune system.

As a woman, I was concerned about the wear and tear on my muscles would increase my needs for iron. Maintaining a sufficient level of iron is crucial to athletic performance as iron is essential for the transport of oxygen to each and every cell in the body. Female athletes are prone to anemia so I am happy to report that my iron stayed healthy through the entire eight weeks.

Here is the shake I made before my training run and on race day:

The Runner’s High Hemp Shake

The blueberries, kale and maca powder in this nourishing shake will provide you with an antioxidant boost while the Hemp Hearts offer not only a dose of complete protein but also a rich source of plant-based omega 3s.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups            frozen organic blueberries
• 1 cup              kale leaf (core removed and chopped) or chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp            cinnamon
• 1 tbsp             coconut oil
• 4 tbsp             Hemp Hearts
• 1/2 tsp            maca powder
• 1 tbsp             honey
• 2 cup              water

 Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Makes 2 shakes.

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts The Healthy Gourmet on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a reality cooking show that looks at the ongoing battle between taste and nutrition. Her first book, Meals that Heal Inflammation, advises on allergy-free foods that both taste great and assist the body in the healing process. Check out more amazing recipes, nutrition tips and her Anti-Inflammatory Quick Start Program at www.juliedaniluk.com.

Check out Julie on Facebook at Julie Daniluk Nutrition and on Twitter @juliedaniluk.

References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2550629

http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/catalog/44024

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2146789/

Makes four small pizzas

In researching and sharing my book, Mom Energy, I’ve had the privilege to interact with numerous moms all over the country – all of whom inspired and delighted me with their Mom Energy secrets. Today, I share an interview with a favorite mama, fellow health enthusiast, and friend, Autumn Bree Fata. I wanted to find out and share how Autumn harnesses her energy and protects it.

Ashley (AK): Who are you?


Autumn (ABF): * Life Teacher * Health Coach * Magic Maker * Woman * Mother of Two *


AK: How do you define a day of better energy?

ABF: A day that I have started already balanced, not fatigued, wake up feeling refreshed, and not “behind” in energy when I wake. So my greatest success when it comes to energy is to have it and not have to think about it…

AK: How has or has being a mom – from becoming to being – changed your perception of “energy” that you want / need?

ABF: Absolutely. I am re-teaching/learning that I actually don’t enjoy the go, go, go, super lifted, spiked energy anymore because that for me doesn’t translate into a calm nurturing attitude for my children.

AK: What role does hemp play in your life as a mom / woman (caveat that your partner owns a hemp foods company but this doesn’t have to be just about hemp as a food).

ABF: I believe the “hunger” issues of the world can be easily released with the growing and feeding of hemp. The side effect(s) would be the opportunity to refurbish plant parts into life based necessities (clothing, shelter, medicine) and isn’t it convenient that hemp grows anywhere, requires no chemicals to grow, and doesn’t need watering? This is not a coincidence to me; it’s THE answer. To me, industrial hemp is our natural answer to GMOs, plain and simple. Also, I’ll share my most coveted hemp oil secret (besides my experiences with it lifting depression out of my life)… eye make-up remover – it works.

AK: Do you believe your digestion plays a role in your energy?

ABF: Absolutely. There is a balance in digestion that is key for me. Not too full, not too empty.

AK: Favorite hemp recipe?

ABF: This one! It’s the one that speaks to me the loudest right now, and is one of the original ways I started eating hemp oil. (Jumping Jack Flash)

AK: Anything you’ve learned about health from your mom or other moms?

ABF: I was conceived while my mom was on a month long juice cleanse preparing for her wedding and I was raised for at least the first 5 years of my life in a mindful macrobiotic way free from anything processed. This ingrained health into me, so as opposed to “learning” about health, I feel I was born with health.

Ah ‘born with health’ what a gift! Hey moms, hoped you enjoyed getting to know Autumn. What did you learn from Autumn or have you learned from other moms (even your own)? We’d love to hear from you! Tweet to us: @manitobaharvest or @ashleykoff

About Ashley Koff, RD
Author of Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged (September, 2011), Ashley Koff R.D. maintains a private practice, regularly lectures, and works to educate healthcare professionals and the media in an effort to improve the quality of food choices for consumers as well as on the sets of popular shows at networks like: ABC, CBS, HBO, FX and FOX. Koff regularly appears as a health and nutrition expert on national media outlets, including Dr. Oz, CBS’s The Early Show, Good Morning America Health, The Doctors, CNN and E! www.AshleyKoffRD.com.

Combine the following in a blender:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup Hemp Hearts
• tsp honey
• 3 cloves garlic
• tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• medium bunch of cilantro with stems

Add additional water to adjust consistency to your preference. The hemp seeds will cause the dressing to thicken slightly in the refrigerator. This recipe yields between 1 1/2-2 cups depending on the amount of water you choose to add. Try drizzled over a taco salad or toss with quinoa and veggies. The possibilities are endless…

We love the Earth and to celebrate we are offering a HUGE web store promotion. This limited time offer, expires tonight (Monday, April 22, 2013) at 11:59pm CST. Visit www.manitobaharvest.com to see our full product line.

It is a well known fact that a healthy, nutrient rich diet can play a key role in fighting off illness. In today’s society illnesses of some sort are becoming so prevalent that many people are starting to practice prevention by making a conscious effort to change their lifestyle and eating habits. They are doing this by incorporating super foods into their diet. These are foods that have been shown to possess special properties and contain unique phytonutrients that make them key players in not only the prevention of diseases but also in the fight against illness once they have occurred.

If you are interested in a superfood that is tasty, affordable, easy to digest and absorb and oh so versatile, have a look at Hemp Hearts! These tiny seeds pack a nutritional punch unmatched by any other food on the planet and should be on the top of the list of foods to add to your diet for preventing or fighting illnesses.

Studies suggest that a predominantly plant-based diet is the starting point for eating to stay healthy. Many people find it a challenge to get enough protein when following a vegetarian diet. Hemp Hearts are a terrific solution. Hemp Hearts contain sufficient amounts of all 9 essential amino acids. Our bodies take these amino acids from our diet and reassemble them into proteins that are used for all sorts of different functions in the body from building muscles to healing injuries and fighting infections.

Hemp Hearts contain two types of protein called edestin and albumin both of which are easily digestible and assimilated. Edestin is a plasma protein, which means its chemical makeup is very similar to human blood plasma. Edestin provides the raw material to build the cells of our immune system – the ones that are responsible for seeking out and destroying foreign invaders. It also helps to rebuild broken down tissue and transport nutrients..

Hemp Hearts are packed with healthy fats. The oil from Hemp Hearts is made up of over 80% poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with very high levels of the two essential fatty acids linoleic acid (omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3). These healthy fats are called EFAs (essential fatty acids) because they are essential to every mechanism in the human body. Because we cannot make them ourselves, we must get them from our diet. Studies show that on a cellular level, omega 3 fatty acid DHA (found in Hemp Hearts) reduces the accumulation of white blood cells, decreasing inflammation at a systemic level and lowering the amount of oxidative stress on the cells.

Hemp Hearts also contain a special phytonutrient called a phytosterol or plant sterol. Phytosterols when added to the diet, proved to be effective in preventing the oxidation of lipoproteins in the blood of mice fed a high-fat diet. Since lipoprotein oxidation and inflammation are critical for tumor growth, this indicates that dietary phytosterols could help to prevent the tumor growth in certain cancers. Hemp Hearts are an excellent dietary source of natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are key players in the prevention of diseases. This is because of their ability to seek out and destroy free radicals.

I think the best attribute of Hemp Hearts is that they are so easy to eat. The nutty flavor is a treat and they are so versatile in any dish. Want to make a creamy sauce without dairy? Blend in Hemp Hearts. Looking to add extra punch to your salad at lunch? Hemp Hearts are a quick superfood topping. Want to crush the afternoon cravings? Pack a bag of Hemp Hearts in your purse or bag and you’re good to go.

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts The Healthy Gourmet on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a reality cooking show that looks at the ongoing battle between taste and nutrition. Her first book, Meals that Heal Inflammation, advises on allergy-free foods that both taste great and assist the body in the healing process. Check out more amazing recipes, nutrition tips and her Anti-Inflammatory Quick Start Program at www.juliedaniluk.com.

Check out Julie on Facebook at Julie Daniluk Nutrition and on Twitter @juliedaniluk.

Try this beautiful salad from my bestselling book, Meals that Heal Inflammation. The seaweed, hemp, sesame and olive oils, all have illness-fighting qualities.

Broccoli Seaweed Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hijiki or thinly cut wakame seaweed
• 1 cup large onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. organic olive oil
• ½ cup water
• 1 bunch broccoli
• ½ cup almonds, chopped
• 2 tbsp. hemp oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp. umeboshi plum paste or ¼ tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated

Directions:

1. Place seaweed in a bowl and cover with water; let stand.
2. Sauté onions in olive oil, in a covered saucepan over low-medium heat, until they are translucent.
3. Combine water with the onions and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add broccoli, stir, and cook covered on low heat for approximately 10 minutes, until the broccoli heated through, but still a vibrant green colour.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Drain the soaking water from the seaweed (you can save it for a soup stock).
6. Transfer the veggies and softened seaweed to a large bowl.
7. In a mason jar add the hemp oil, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, umeboshi plum paste, ginger.
8. Shake well until blended and pour over veggies. Makes 4 servings.

Nutritionist Julie Daniluk hosts The Healthy Gourmet on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a reality cooking show that looks at the ongoing battle between taste and nutrition. Her first book, Meals that Heal Inflammation, advises on allergy-free foods that both taste great and assist the body in the healing process. Check out more amazing recipes, nutrition tips and her Anti-Inflammatory Quick Start Program at www.juliedaniluk.com.

Check out Julie on Facebook at Julie Daniluk Nutrition and on Twitter @juliedaniluk

‘Waters of March’ is my favorite song – its a series of images from March, the rainiest month in the author’s (A.C. Jobim) native Brazil. This stormy Spring has been no exception, and as I’ve traveled around, fueled by Hemp, the song has been my soundtrack.

A sample lyric, in the English from the original Portuguese-
A float, a drift, a flight, a wing A hank, a quail, the promise of spring
And the river bank talks of the waters of March
It’s the promise of life, it’s the joy in your heart

If you haven’t heard it, or if it’s been a while, you deserve a listen while sipping on a Hemp Smoothie:

Ingredients

• Fresh Organic Spinach – 2 good handfuls
• Acai Juice (My favorite is Samabazon) – 1 cup
• Certified Organic Vanilla Hemp Protein Powder - 3 Tbs
• Fresh Organic Strawberries – 1 cup

Expo West was amazing. It had been a couple of years since I’d attended, but I don’t remember it being as energized. This was a record year. The Manitoba Harvest booth was as busy as any booth I have ever seen. And in celebration of our 15 year anniversary, Ozomatli kept us warm on the coldest night that part of California had seen in a while, to crazy latin jams that drove everyone to dance.And on top of all that, it was great to see the team and hang out with everyone, we all believe in spreading the message of Hemp and Happiness.

Tanya gives ‘What’s New’ updates each month! Be sure to bookmark our Blog to check back to see what they have in store next post!

I had recently spilled hot chicken soup on my hand and thigh. I tried to cool it with ice and cold water, but the pain was too severe, so I ended up at a Medical Center for the pain. It turned out I had 3rd degree burns. The nurse put some type of burn cream on the burns, applied gauze and requested I come the following day to have the dressing changed. When I returned, she removed the gauze, paused then asked me what I was taking to turn a 3rd degree burn into a 1st degree burn. I thought for a moment and responded, “2 tablespoons of hemp oil per day.” I then realized the power of hemp!

Last fall, I was recovering from Pneumonia and was craving hemp butter. I put a thick paste on my toast daily. It was so good. Below is the recipe that I made. I also eat Hemp Hearts throughout the day. They are such a nourishing food!

My Favorite Hemp Butter Recipe
Quick and easy blender-less Hemp PRO Butter – 5 minutes or less

Ingredients

• 1 cup Hemp Pro (any type – Certified Organic Vanilla and Dark Chocolate are my favorite)
• 1/2 cup Hemp Oil (add more or less depending on personal desired consistency)
• Optional – Sea salt to taste

I use a small wide mouth canning jar to mix, then place it in the refrigerator. No blender, no additional cleanup. Fantastic on toast by itself, or with your favorite preserves.

Every bite impacts the Earth – and as we celebrate another Earth Day this year, our planet needs us to Bite Better …big time. Nobody likes a pity party, so let’s take a moment to look at all of the great things we are doing to improve our planet and commit to doing them more often this year, not just on Earth Day but all year long.

Plant Bites… Whether it’s for your health or the health of the planet or just because there are so many darn good tasting plant options available to us today, so many more of us all are enjoying the health power of plant bites. When we choose plants over animals more often we help our planet big time (land, air, and sea). What’s more – we get a boost of plant nutrients that have shown to be great for our bodies. Plant nutrients – called phytonutrients – provide a regular “cleaning crew” for our insides. Plants – like hemp – also help remove waste and help us feel full (so we eat less) thanks to its’ fiber content.

Smaller Bites…One of the best things we can do for our bodies also helps us help our Earth. When we choose to consume less we help ensure that there is plenty for everyone, we are healthier because our bodies aren’t overwhelmed, and we both – our bodies and the planet – have time to recover and refresh regularly. When we focus on having less we can also expand our choices to include a little bit of everything we enjoy. So when thinking about reducing your portion sizes don’t think of it as a negative – what’s being taken away – turn that frown upside down and smile thinking of proper portion sizes as an opportunity to enjoy all your favorites.

Better Bites…What the Earth can and does produce is magic – indeed we live in a magic kingdom that is designed to all work together – we call this “symbiosis”. Think of it like always having a neighbor that has the missing ingredients for the recipe that you are trying to make so you never have to go to the store – and your extra portions deliver their family a meal that they prefer. What a win, win! In recent decades, sadly, we have forgotten this and in the name of science have allowed ourselves to become guinea pigs for a lot of chemistry lab projects. The “just because we can doesn’t mean we should” battlecry has sounded – Prop 37, a teen girl asking Gatorade to remove a chemistry lab ingredient from their drinks, and so on – and it’s about time. Thankfully, unlike many plants, hemp remains always non-GMO and can be grown without harmful pesticides. When we choose to consume better bites we and the Earth both win by being good neighbors who rely on each other for what we need.

Celebrating Earth Day this year? What can you do to keep the positive momentum moving to protect and renew the Earth? We’d love to hear from you! Tweet to us @manitobaharvest & @ashleykoff.

About Ashley Koff, RD
Author of Mom Energy: A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged (September, 2011), Ashley Koff R.D. maintains a private practice, regularly lectures, and works to educate healthcare professionals and the media in an effort to improve the quality of food choices for consumers as well as on the sets of popular shows at networks like: ABC, CBS, HBO, FX and FOX. Koff regularly appears as a health and nutrition expert on national media outlets, including Dr. Oz, CBS’s The Early Show, Good Morning America Health, The Doctors, CNN and E! www.AshleyKoffRD.com.