Organice Your Life®

The day before yesterday I burnt myself during cooking.

I spilled some carrots next to my wok and tried to grab them, when reaching over I accidentally burnt myself to the pan and in reflex I pulled my hand UP (which was more towards the pan!!! Aahhhhh AUW!)

While being busy trying not to waste my meal I kind of finished with the start of the vegetables etc. Cleaned something up and THEN I started to cool my hand!

Dumbdumbdumb!

I should have stopped whatever I was doing and started to cool right away! Now it ended up hurting all the rest of the evening! I had icecubes on my hand all evening until I put a bandage on it, so I wouldn’t hurt or damage it during my sleep. Which was great! When I put the bandage on it was better instantly!

So now I have a big red spot on my hand and it still kind of hurts a little.

So but what should I have done? I looked it up and I didn’t do everything totally wrong, thank goodness:

During the process of providing first aid burn treatment, the aim must be to cool the burn, provide relief from pain, and cover the burn. Cover the burn with abundant amount of cold liquid. Do not use ice or iced water as the burn may take a longer time to heal. Dress the burn with a sterile pad or bandage. Applying oils, creams and sprays on the burn may add to the risk of infection.

OK so the icecubes weren’t a good idea! Oops! I absolutely didn’t know that! And thank goodness my boyfriend stopped me from smearing cream on it! The bandage was OK and it helped really well!

So all in all I cooled too much, too late but the rest was fortunately OK

Doing a first aid course might be something we should all do! So we all know how to treat our clumsy accidents as well as the really serious ones!

ezinearticles.com/?First-Aid-Burn-Treatment&id=251646

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Two months ago I wrote about a great site that allows you to see whether certain ingredients in your favorite skin care products are carcinogenic. The site is called Skin Deep.

I was so impressed by their concept that I decided to become a member of the umbrella organization called Environmental Working Group.

Today, I received a number of tips to help protect yourself against environmental toxins.

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, over time, can lead to cancer. It is an under-unrecognized but very real threat. Below are a few tips from the EWG to help protect yourself against these various (daily) toxins:

1. Filter your tap water: common carcinogens include arsenic, chromium and chemical byproducts.

2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets: some are coated with an arsenic pesticide.

3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals: "Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon are dangerous to your health.

4. Stay safe in the sun: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is cancer-causing. Seek shade, wear protective clothing and use safe and effective sunscreen (visit EWG's sunscreen database)

5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products: Dioxins and PCBs accumulate in animal fat.

6. Eat EWG's Clean 15: Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Lonneke wrote a great piece about the least contaminated fruits and vegetables (See OYL post: "Dirty Dozen")

7. Cut your exposure to BPA: a synthetic estrogen found in hard plastic water bottles.

8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics: use EWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find out which products are harmful and which ones are safe!

9. Read the warnings: Some products actually list warnings of cancer risks - Read the label before you buy :)

10. Want to do more? Sign EWG's petition demanding congress reform the nations broken toxic chemicals policy.

28-06-2010 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Cold drinks for hot Summer!
Tags: great jones | spa | andew weil | tea | coconut | alo | aloe vera |

Today, when Eyal, Anne-Marie and me had a meeting to talk about all the fun events we are organizing coming months, we tried some really nice new drinks.

We met at Great Jones Spa, a spa that is trying to offer organic, and or healthy treatments, juices and foods. A perfect location to meet. Great Jones Spa is located-as the name shows already- On Great Jones in NYC.

The one drink I liked was Dr. Andrew Weil for Tea in Darjeeling. It was a fresh, light, refreshing little can, also called a "shot". Supposedly there are many antioxidants in one can, and no calories and 100% of daily value of Vitamin C. Dr Weil is a popular American physician, that focusses mostly on integrative medicine. He wrote many interesting books.

The other one was our all time favorite Coconut water, by Zico. Other really good brands are Vita Coco and O.N.E.. Also a very refreshing drink. low calories and sodium and high in potassium, making it an ideal sports drink.

Another new drink we tried was from the brand Alo, a drink made with aloe vera. There are different ones like "Awaken" that has wheatgrass and aloe vera, Enliven with 12 different vegetables and fruits, or Allure with mangosteen to name a few. This drink has chunks of aloe vera in it, and it comes closest (I think) to the bubble tea we all love! It is sweetened with honey and/or cane sugar. So they are not the lowest in calorie drinks, but don't have thickeners or emulsifiers in them, or other chemical ingredients. I liked the taste, but one whole bottle was too much for me!

Really nice also is to brew your own tea, and then chill it. You can sweeten it with a hint of agave syrup or honey. Or not.I think that is the best!

Cold drinks rule in the hot summer!

www.alodrink.com
www.zico.com
www.drweil.com

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OK summer is still on my mind! (Although the sun is gone again)

I hope this weekend the weather will be better again, and I really feel like having a BBQ then! I’m no vegetarian but using only (biological) meat on the BBQ I think is absolute nonsense! There are so many delicious recipes for a vegetarian BBQ you can try! No need to have a complete meatfest!

Here are some tips for you to try:

Create nice kebabs from colored vegetables; add some potatoes and or tofu.
Grill some eggplant or Zucchini.
Use a smaller mazed roster for the BBQ or use a fishbasket to clamp the vegetables in between.
Put some fresh herbs and vegetables in some wrapped up tinfoil, add some stock, white wine, oil or orange juice before you close them.
Regularly sprinkle some herbs in the coals for a nice aroma.
Freeze and defrost tofu, squeeze them out and then they will absorb marinades easier.
Pre-boil the harder types of vegetables (like (potatoes, carrots, broccoli or cauliflower) and marinade them.

Some examples for marinades:

Soy-sauce · nutmeg · lemonjuice · cayenne-pepper · fresh Basil · olive-oil
Apple juice · salt · black pepper · basil-vinegar · olive-oil · ginger
Worcestersauce · tarragon-vinegar · salt · pear juice
Pine-apple juice · sweet paprika · salt · basil-vinegar · sunflower-oil · ginger
Orange juice · maple-syrup · orange zest · tarragon-vinegar · olive-oil · salt · coriander · cayenne-pepper
Mustard · ginger · maple-syrup · soy-sauce · olive-oil · basil-vinegar · salt · black pepper

As a dessert you can grill fruit!

Create kebabs from different fruits
Grill pine-apple or apples directly on the grill
Or cut open a banana and fill it up with chocolate
Add some ice-cream

Enjoy! Hhhmmmm!

Do you have any more tips? Please share them on the forum!

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Last week I went to Ouarzazate, Morocco. You get there by flying to Casablanca, and then onwards to Ouarzazate. This is a different world than I am used to that is for sure!

Ouarzazate, is a place in Morocco known for the big blockbuster movies that are made there. A few of them: Gladiator, Alexander, Kundun and the new Prince of Persia featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sex and the City 2 have all been filmed here! I saw the whole set of the Prince of Persia movie when I was there, and even sat on a horse that was used in many movies!

I was shooting for a luxury Italian designer who is mostly famous for his cashmere, with a hug crew of about 25 people... I was far away from home with people I did not know at all!

For 4 days we were there, and spent the whole day together. You suddenly are very intimate with people you have never met. I sometimes find that weird, as you act like best friends for the days you work, and most of the time, don't see the people for years after that job, and sometimes you don't even see them ever again...

But nice friendships can evolve, and you definitely experience things together, that you will not forget the rest of your live. That is why I love my work, you go to amazing places, experience things you never imagined and build interesting relationships with the people you work with.

Back to Morocco: I ate vegetarian Tajines with local and seasonal vegetables everyday.(very healthy) I saw the most beautiful sand dunes I have only seen in movies ( and the sand dunes in the movies where exactly the ones I saw now). It was simply amazing. ( even though we had to wake up every day very early to catch the first sunlight, as the early sun and late sun are the best light for pictures).

We drove to Merzouga to shoot a bit more, a drive about 6,5 hours with stops included. It was far, but so worth it. That is where I saw the sand dunes, and camels for that matter. We stayed in an amazing "sand castle" a hotel named : Kashbah Timbouktou.

Driving past all the small villages, made me realize how lucky I am. People sometimes don't even seem to have the basic necessities. they live locally, and some will probably never leave the area they live in. Like the boys who take care of the camels there , camels used to have tourists ride them. They have a very special relationship with the camels, who follow them with every step they make. Some of these young boys also sell items to tourists, like bracelets and stones and fossils, which this area is known for. They learn english, italian and even dutch from tourists... That is their life, everyday, work in the desert. But it will be very unlikely that they will travel anywhere the rest of their lives....This is their life, and that is it.

I was amazed by the contact the locals have with nature. They don't complain, they just live with the heat, the sun, the sand. They don't seem to need much. They live on the streets. Animals like dogs, cats, horses and donkeys, seem to have a much rougher life too, than our pets that get organic food and go to the groomer every few weeks...

One more thing: I did notice in the afternoon you only saw men together on terraces enjoying tea( where were the women?). I do know where this comes from... but hey, I like to drink tea too!

We did have an "Arabian Night" one night with the whole team, and danced in the middle of the desert with music by locals. It was full moon, saw many stars and we ate great food, and had an amazing time!

Morocco was definitely a great experience for me, and it opened me up to a total different world, different nature, different people I am used to, and I am very grateful to be able to do that, and share it with you :)

I will add pictures later on the community!

in the meantime: Are you just as excited as me to see Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia? And Sex and the City 2, who both coincidentally come out on the same date: May 28th 2010?

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05-04-2010 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Lunch Break!
Tags: lunch | break | volunteer | organization | soup kitchen |

Volunteering.

So I had my first experience volunteering at a soup kitchen this weekend!

I went to Lunch Break, a non-profit organization in Red Bank, New Jersey. I was introduced to this great organization by Petra van der Ven, a fellow Dutchie, who lives in Redbank with her husband Henk. A few years ago Petra and Henk arrived in the United States as the company Henk works for transferred him there. Petra wanted to spend her extra time on doing something good, and helps out on every level at Lunch Break, a few days a week. Henk is also giving time: he manages the technical aspects of managing a non-profit organization. Great right?!

So when I went to visit them, I was eager to see what this Lunch Break was all about. Here I found excited people, who really spend all their time feeding people who are hungry, giving clothes to people who don’t have it, and just giving a place of comfort for people who have nobody to rely on. Gwen is the supervisor of the place, with warmth she makes sure all the goodwill gets to the right people.

I helped in the food pantry in the basement. It had a lot of shelves with different products. Mrs. Peggy was very happy, and showed me and other volunteers around, and also told us what to do. Another volunteers were law student Youngtae Yoon and Tom. We had to get 4 paper bags out, put them in shopping carts and “shop”. Follow a list that tells you what exactly has to go in the bags. One bag is a supply given to one family a month. Included is toiletpaper, different canned vegetables, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, tea, coffee( we ran out of it) , dressings and other good stuff. Everything is received by donation, whether they give food to the soup kitchen, or money so Lunch Break can buy the needed items themselves.

So there I went, with my shopping cart and list, looking for the right items to put in the bags. It was actually fun! Especially when I took the last toilet paper, and Youngtae Yoon was “mad” about that haha! If the pantry ran out of a product, we had to use our imagination and pick an item that would fit with the other things we put in the bag. Then we put the bags on a shelve, and wait till someone from upstairs came to get it. One of my group of bags went first, I was excited about that! Someone was going to enjoy the lentil soup ( organic of course) and the whole wheat pasta I put in the bags! I was always trying to choose the healthiest things, and sometimes there were even organic options. But Lunch Break is relying on what people sent so sometimes there is a lot of chicken noodle soup, and no coffee, and sometimes there is a lot of beef stew, and no toilet paper.

After we filled all the bags we were done for the day. Petra and Henk had to have a meeting with the other supervising volunteers. I went to the train station and went back to the city to celebrate Easter, happy because I know I helped some people who got my bags, have a nice Easter too .

For more information on Lunch Break, go to the link below.
Why don’t you volunteer too? There are many places where you can do so. And on top of that: It is fun!

www.lunchbreak.org

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31-03-2010 | Posted by: Mallory June
THE PH MIRACLE DIET
Tags: ph miracle | diet | breast | cancer | story |

I want to share my story with you:

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last June. after 8 months of chemo, radiation a breast mastectomy and the removal of some lymph nodes she is finally done with treatments!

The day I found out about her illness (I was in New York) I went to a health food store in the Lower East Side and started talking to the guy who worked there.

I told him about my moms situation and he recommended this book called the PH MIRACLE DIET.

It is a diet designed by Dr. Robert Young. He claims that it can cure cancer. His theory is that cancer is caused by metabolic acids that build up in the blood and then get released in to the tissues. Cancer is an acidic liquid that spill into your cells, tissues and organs and not a mutation of cells.
Food is either acidic or alkaline, and the point of this diet is to get your blood as alkaline as possible by eating the right kinds of foods. (Vegetables, nuts and seeds, tofu, fish, sprouted beans, grains) most of the food you eat should be raw.

Well we wanted to give Dr Young a try and see if it can help my mom feel better through all the treatments she had to go through to battle this awful disease.

I went to all kinds of health food stores in Holland to find the supplements my mom would need while on this diet. I convinced my parents to buy a juicer to juice vegetables.

Once my mom started with her chemos she became so ill she couldn't stick only to the strict diet of mostly raw vegetables.

Im so happy that now she is finished with all of her treatments she decided to go for the diet 100 percent.

She's helping her body become really strong again by eating these super healthy foods.
She has been on the diet for about a month now and people say she looks much better!

When I go to Holland in a few weeks I promised her I'm going to cook her some good alkalizing meals, I've already found some great recipes..

I will post them on here if they are a succes!!!

-Disclaimer: This is an individual story. Always consult a qualified doctor before you take on any diet or treatment, especially if you are suffering from a disease-
www.ph-miracle-diet.org/index.php

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28-03-2010 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
www.OrganicSeeds.nl
Tags: organic | seeds | website |

This website brings more information on the Dutch production and background of the organic plants and vegetables that is sold all over the world.

from the site:
"Organicseeds.nl is the site for the Production and sale of organic propagating material pilot project. 22 Dutch nurseries and traders participate in this project. These companies have plant varieties in their programme that are successful in the organic market. They are also continuously working on new varieties which, as regards taste and quality, comply with consumer requirements and which do well under organic cultivation circumstances. With this, Dutch growers are anticipating market developments both within and outside of Europe."

Interesting!
www.organicseeds.nl

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Ok this makes it official.
I’m going on a DIET!!

Not some fancy programs or hyped superplans.
This time I’m going to eat HEALTHY!

Promises I made to myself:
I will…
…eat low-fat,
…eat no sugar,
…spread my food more across the day (instead of stuffing my face two or three times a day),
…never ever skip breakfast,
…drink lots of water (one big glass before I eat) and try to reach 3 liters a day,
…eat lots of proteins, vegetables and fibers,
…chew my food more thoroughly,
…only take a bite if my mouth is empty (haha that means I have to pay attention to what I eat),
…eat all the stuff I allow myself when I feel hungry (mental check if I’m really hungry or just bored),

So this should get me a little bit healthier!
(ok,ok, a LOT!! ---- > not in denial!!!)

This blog should keep me focused and committed!
I will write some more in the future about stuff I find about different foods or mental tips etc. that help me in my quest.

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07-03-2010 | Posted by: Maruja Retana
Freeze!
Tags: maruja | frozen | vegetables | healthy |

Even though it's really fun to go to a farmer's market and look for the nicest looking fruit and vegetables, what seems to be even healthier? Frozen vegetables! Since they are usually frozen right after harvesting, the vitamins are preserved a little better. 'Fresh' vegetables (unless you grow them yourself in the backyard) lay around for a while because of the distribution process of about 2 weeks, causing them to los nutritional value. So let's ditch the bad rap, let's go frozen!

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02-03-2010 | Posted by: Maruja Retana
How to live to be a 100!
Tags: maruja | 100 | healthy | lifestyle | blue zones |

Referring to my last blog, I want to get a little more into one specific subject. Dan Buettner did a very interesting research on how to live a healthy and long life. He found out there are a few areas that he calls 'blue zones', where people live to be over a hundred years old in a measurably better way! Wow, who doesn't want that?? Since my sweet grandmother lived to be 98 and I myself am half Costarican (one of the blue zones) I had hoped I was blessed with great genes that made me set for an awesome 100+ life. But...genes are only about 10% responsibe! So....what's the secret of the 'blue zoners'?

1. They move naturally:
None of the people he interviewed went to the gym. None! Instead, their lives were naturally filled with movement. They gardened, worked on a farm, or walked to the vineyard down the mountain every day. Also, when they did 'exercise', it was only for fun. Whether it was dancing, playing with the kids, sailing or playing soccer, they purely did it out of enjoyment.

2. They have the 'right' outlook:
Work to live, instead of living to work. Also, one of the most important things he found was a strong sense of purpose, having a reason to get out of bed each day and that makes you truly enthousiastic. And...no matter how busy the day is, always have at least one moment of peace and relaxation every day!

3. They eat wisely:
Their diets were mainly plant-based, so a lot of vegetables and fruit were consumed. Meat and processed food were an exception! Moderation seemed to be a key word, many of them ate about 80% of what they initially wanted to eat. We have a saying that goes: the eyes are bigger than the stomach, which is so true! Instead of piling up the food on their plate, they took a little less. It takes a little while for the brain to realize the stomach is full, so I personally thought this was a very good idea. But don't think these ladies and gents were depriving themselves of some fun! A couple of glasses of red wine per day turned out be very common.

4. They belong to the 'right' tribe
A strong circle of family and friends, and a sense of belonging proved to be very critical. Often, the 100+ people lived with their children and grandchildren. It kept them young and gave them a sense of importance. Giving life advice to a grandchild is a win-win situation, good for everybody. For some guidance of their own, they turned to a higher power. They all had strong religious or spiritual belief system that made them resilient and grateful.

Interesting stuff, right? Check out the links for some more information.
http://www.bluezones.com
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_buettner_how_to_live_
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Buettner

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00-00-0000 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Books to Read: The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone
Tags: books | alicia silverstone | kind | diet | vegan |

Actress and animal activist Alicia Silverstone , a personal friend, wrote an amazing book, a guide to a better and healthier you, and the planet too!

Alicia, who has been vegan for almost 13 years, gives her favorite recipes, and explains in a clear way, what you can do to live a wonderful life. And she shows why animal products are not good for us,or the planet for that matter, in her opinion. She says we should rely on vegetables. Lots of vegetables! So be ready for some great dishes in The Kind Diet.

She just made me the mochi( a product made of brown rice) breakfast dish, and it was delish!

Also, check out her great website: TheKindLife.com, where you find even more information on living the good life,get in contact with others and discuss, and you can ask Alicia questions about it as well!

www.thekindlife.com
www.amazon.com/Kind-Diet-Simple-Feeling-Losing/dp/1605296449

27-12-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Survived Christmas?
Tags: food | christmas | new year | 2010 |

Did you enjoy this year's Christmas?

Spending time with family and friends, singing Christmas carols by a nice Christmas tree, giving and receiving (hopefully) good gifs. But most of all.... how much did you eat?!?

I always enjoy christmas time, but I could go without the stress of organizing Christmas, decorating, buying all the foods, and preparing them. Most of the time you throw half of it away after Christmas. Or, maybe even worse, you have eaten it all!

Almost everyone feels like a stuffed turkey after Christmas. And everyone is already thinking: let's eat better, or go on a diet!
Most people do overeat during these holidays, but why?
Because it is nice to do it with people you love. Eating together forms a bond, and people eating together, usually eat too much.

After these days I never go on a diet. I do eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables in the days after. I also try to hide all the leftover chocolates and other bad foods.... Or I give it away.
I now go for smaller, healthy meals... and try to do a work out one way or another: even a walk in the brisk air outside will do good!

We have one more "tough" day ahead of us: New Year's Eve.
With lots of Champagne and even more food, it is a challenge. But I believe we can resist, or at least if you eat :enjoy!
And remember: every day is a new day, a new start. If you ate bad foods yesterday, you can do better today.

I am looking forward to the New Year! you too?

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14-12-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Angelica Kitchen, NYC
Tags: angelica kitchen | new york city | food | restaurant |

New York City has many good restaurants, and also a few really good and healthy ones!

One of them is Angelika Kitchen, as they serve healthy, unrefined dishes, without any animal products, so lots of vegetables and brown rice!

Most of the ingredients,about 95% are at least organically grown. And also most ingredients are on your plate within 48 hours of harvesting them.

Angelika Kitchen respects the environment and responsible businesses, and also the people who make the food have their ( and my) admiration.

My favorites are the casserole, and the dragon bowl. Also the rice pudding for dessert with plums are amazing! Healthy food can be good and tasty at same time. Taste what nature has to offer!

Angelika Kitchen is located at:

300 East 12th street, tussen 1st avenue en 2nd avenue.
NYC, NY 10003
11.30am-10.30pm
tel +12122282909
www.angelicakitchen.com

14-11-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
" 400 calories more a day"
Tags: calories |

The Daily Mail came out with an interesting article:

Researchers say they found that people can eat up to 16% more a day in calories, than previously thought.

We are being told that the maximum intake a day is 2000 calories for a woman, and 2500 calories for a man.

Not anymore, if we can believe these researchers. They say the new numbers come from better understanding activity levels in humans.

I don't understand... It seems more and more people are getting obese every year. That really means we should really eat less and move more... right?

Read the article below, it is quite interesting!

I think it is important to look at the quality of the calories, as calories from a cheese burger still seem to be not as good for you as calories from a salad with fresh vegetables and avocado.....

To be continued!

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1227743/Its-official--eat-s

07-11-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
la Pause, Marrakech, Morocco
Tags: la pause | marrakech | morocco | brooke |

My job takes me to amazing places, and lately they have been more than amazing!

I spent last week in an oasis, in the desert about an half hour outside Marrakech.

I shot again for Scapa, this time in between horses, hills, desert and camels. Yes, I rode my first camel!

Although I did not get to see the beauty that Marrakech offers, I got my share at La Pause.

La Pause - the name says it all- makes the time stop, makes you chill out. This resort is as I mentioned before, located in a fertile piece of oasis, hidden in hills ,in the middle of nowhere.

You can either sleep in bedouin tents, or in the cubical houses, made of clay and hay. Inside you light candles to actually see a thing. there are working toilets ( I am still figuring out where the pipes go to...)and a shower gives a bit of hot water. It is so romantic!

For a few days I was basically out of touch with everyone. Sorry if I did not get back to you! I just had an amazing time.

The food is great, a lot of fresh vegetables ( I mean A LOT) so for vegetarians it's heaven! Talking about fresh rucola that was still in the ground about half an hour before lunch... so nice!
But I think the meat and chicken are organic, so meat eaters, there is something for you too. Only problem?: You eat too much. Good thing: It is all pretty low calories,as cheese and fatty sauces are not used. I mean, where are they supposed to keep those things cooled? There is no electricity!

Yes, that is right, no electricity. And phone service, if you are lucky , is only working on top of the mountain. And there is a generator, that once a day, will be turned on to clean the pool ( yes there is a tiny cute pool!) Plug in your phone charger if there is an outlet left!

And my favorite thing: you can go on a horse riding trip, by sunset for instance. What was great is that the foals of the horses you ride, actually go with you on the trip. This way it feels like you are in a wild group of horses, as they are running around while you are enjoying the view!

Besides that you can rent quads, ride the camels or use the homemade sauna.

Owner Frederic, came here years ago, and made la Pause a wonderful place to find tranquility, good food and wonderful nature.

I had a great time!

P.s.: Everything was great but I was a bit upset about the many dogs , donkeys and horses I saw on my way to La Pause, that are trying to survive by themselves. A lot of people in Morocco see these animals sometimes just as means for survival themselves. If you want to do something, visit the websites of a few great charities below, that do their best to help animals around the world not suffer.

www.lapause-marrakech.com
www.thebrooke.org
www.wspa-international.org

11-10-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Local Food: Paella
Tags: spain | paella |

I am in Spain, and what is a real tasty dish from this area?
Yes: Paella!
This dish comes originally from Valencia, an area where the rice is grown. After that it travelled the world as a typically spanish dish.

I like it very much, but how do I make it myself?
You have it sometimes ready to eat, or in a package where you have to add fresh ingredients yourself.
That is very easy!

But you can also make it from scratch, and make it the way you like it. You can add or leave out the ingredients you like and dislike. You can make it with chicken, or with fish, or just with vegetables ( Like I would do). And so you can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you wish!

Below I found tasty recipes to make paella yourself, and when I get back home I am definitely going to try to do so!
www.spain-recipes.com/paellarecipes.html
find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRe
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paella

06-10-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Bio Bircher Muesli in Zurich!
Tags: zurich | bircher | muesli |

I arrived today in Zurich, Switzerland. This is for me the first time that I visit this lovely country. After first changing my hotel- I could not sleep with the terrible noise next door from construction- I went for a walk. It is the best way to see the city. I strolled next to the Limmat river, that cuts right through Zurich. Young people were chilling next to the water. The city seems pretty relaxed. But it is also not cheap! I walked by Prada and Gucci, And maybe because of the Swiss Franc, it all looked pretty expensive. Maybe it is because of all the rich people in Switzerland. After all, it is a tax paradise here.... I walked further to the old part, the part that goes uphill. ( Very good work out for your behind!) I made some nice pictures there. But I got really excited when I found a small, organic shop, located in a small street: Muller Vital Shop on the Fraumunster Strasse. I bought some nice organic creams there to try out, and bought some nice snacks, like a fig-nut bread roll, and the best: swiss bio Bircher Muesli! As I am in the place where this dish comes from, a little info:

Muesli was introduced around 1900 by the Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital,[2] where a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables was an essential part of therapy. It was inspired by a similar "strange dish" that he and his wife had been served on a hike in the Swiss Alps. Bircher-Benner himself referred to the dish simply as "d'Spys" (Swiss German for "the dish", in German "die Speise"). Muesli in its modern form became popular in western countries starting in the 1960s as part of increased interest in health food and vegetarian diets.

So I had that for dinner after my workout, as it is light and very healthy. The swiss people eat it also as a light evening dish, together with "butterbrot" and coffee. It is delicious!

Now I am going to sleep because tomorrow I have to do a photoshoot!

info:Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zürich
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muesli
editor.nourishedmagazine.com.au/articles/bircher-muesli

27-08-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
The Good Life!
Tags: organic | vegetable garden |

After I shot for the new Esprit Home Collection in Brussels this week, I visited my dear friend Jessica van der Steen (also a very successful belgian model), as she lives very close. I was welcomed in her lovely house, by her 2 puppies. I saw her walking from the back of the garden, holding a big box with vegetables. "Grown in her own back yard" she said.There were a lot of vegetables, and I have never seen a bigger zucchini in my life! And the herbs... they smelled so good! Together with her neighbor she keeps a vegetable garden in the back of her garden. And today it was time to harvest. Jessica was giving away all these fresh produce, and I was very lucky: I got the big zucchini! I am already thinking what I am going to make with it... A healthy vegetable lasagna? Or maybe a zucchini soup? I was very happy when I left, as I feel this is how it should be: Just a small garden and just growing your own vegetables. She said it is not difficult at all... When I get my own garden, I will definitely ask her for advice!

Jessica made my day and I went home with healthy food!
www.thegardenhelper.com/vegetables.html

02-08-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
The Dirty Dozen
Tags: dirty dozen | buy organic | vegetables | fruit |

People always complain that organic is so much more expensive than regular. Why would you choose the organic then? There is a reason to pick the organic ones, especially with vegetables and fruit. This because then hormones and toxic pesticides have not been used to grow the product. people who grow lettuce for instance, wear protective suits when they spray pesticides. ( and we eat that lettuce!)

There is a list of 15 cleanest, and 12 dirtiest ( Dirty Dozen) fruits and vegetables, when it comes to use of pesticides.
If you don't have too much money to spend, chose the 12 in the list of the dirtiest ones, organic. The 15 in the list of the cleanest ones, is o.k. to purchase not organic. Of course as much organic is the best.

Here are the lists:

-Peaches
-Apples
-Sweet Bell Peppers
-Celery
-Nectarines
-Strawberries
-Cherries
-Lettuce
-Grapes (imported)
-Pears
-Spinach
-Kale

Cleanest:
-Onions
-Avocados
-Sweet Corn ( frozen)
-Pineapples
-Mango
-Sweet Peas( frozen)
-Asparagus
-Kiwi
-tomato
-Cabbage
-Broccoli
-Eggplant
-Papaya
-Watermelon
-Sweet Potatoe
Source: Environmental Working Group
www.foodnews.org
www.foodnews.org

25-07-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Nutrition tips!
Tags: nutrition | junk food | tips | vegetables | calories |

Everybody wants to lose a pound sometime.
Just think about this:

It is not about how many calories you eat, it is about the quality of those calories!

Junk food ( even the "light" versions) are "empty" calories.
Your body doesn't know what to do with those calories, so those go straight to your butt, hips and thighs!!!
They pollute your body.
And it takes forever to try to take them off.

A banana, tomato or whole wheat bread or nutritious calories.
Your body knows what to do with them, and uses them for instance, to help your organs to function properly.

For those who want to know more about calories:

1 gram of fat is 9 calories.
1 gram of sugar is 4 calories
1 gram of protein is 4 calories
1 gram of carbohydrates is 4 calories

I never count calories. because counting calories is not going to help you lose weight permanently ( maybe for a short period)
Your body needs nutritious calories to function!

When you suddenly get a very low calorie intake (because you stop eating normally) your body shuts off internally and tries to survive.
When you start eating normally, your body suddenly wants to absorb every calorie possible!
This is called the "Jo-Jo effect".
You want to prevent this from happening.
When it has happened to you once, it is hard to stay away from jojo-ing.

So how do you lose weight healthily?

When I want to get in better shape, I eat more fresh food, like colored vegetables, brown rice, beans and brown bread( a little bit)

I stay away from canned or prepackaged food( with a long expiration date)

Frozen "fresh" food is ok!

Fruit has a lot of ( healthy sugar) so I don't eat them too much in this period. Sugar turns into fat in your body, even the healthy sugars! So just a bit of juice in morning, and an apple as a snack is good!

And of course I exercise one way or another at the same time!

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01-05-2009 | Posted by: Lonneke Engel
Water!
Tags: body | science |

The earth consists of 70 % water. Your body weight is between 45% and 75% water, which is needed for you to live. It hydrates cells, lungs, and thins blood. Because of this important role in the body, It is important to make sure you do not get dehydrated. In these times, everybody seems to be always running around, running on coffee. Coffee actually dehydrates your body, just like flying, breathing, sweating and alcohol. It is important to drink between 4-8 glasses of water a day and also food that consists of a lot of water, like fruits and vegetables. Soda and tea also do not count for water. Water can heal, even the worst hangovers can get better with a few glasses of water, since this replenishes the cells which alcohol has dried out. Keep a bottle of water around you at all times, and drink from it regularly. I usually start the day with a big glass of (hot) water with some lemon juice. This cleanses the toxins out of your insides and your skin. Skin looks much better when drinking a lot of water. And as a plus, drinking water makes you fill up and prevents overeating. So a lot of good stories about water, something we should care for. Clean drinking water is our most precious asset! The world doesn't care for it enough, as you can see in the linked video below.