Essential Healing

I am a big advocate of natural healing. 
Natural remedies are always my first course of action with any ailment.
I do refer to Western medicine but only in extreme cases when I am unable to self diagnose or find the right combination of herbs to be effective.
In 44 years on this earth, this process has served me well.
Mind you, I am from the Islands and grew up witnessing and experiencing the effects of natural healing.

Through the years I have come to depend on essential oils and have found them to be immensely effective as natural healing agents.

What are essential oils?
Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic oils obtained by steam or hydro-distillation of botanics.
Essential oils are the regenerating, oxygenating, and immune defense properties of plants.
In layman's terms, essential oils are the blood or vital life force of the plant.
Parts of the plants such as flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, stems, bark, wood, etc. can be used to distill essential oils. 
Essential oils (Technically they are aromatic essences but due to their ability to bind with fats they have been dubbed essential oils) or Aromatic Essence Solutions have been used as medicines and cosmetics and were considered more valuable than gold since before Christ.
Oils like frankincense, myrrh, rosemary, and hyssop were used for anointing and healing.
Preserved oils were found in alabaster jars in King Tut’s tomb in Egypt. 
Recipes for  making and blending of the oils were recorded in hieroglyphics on the walls of Egyptian temples.

The energetic components of essential oils make them 70 times more potent than herbs.
It takes 21 minutes for essential oils to penetrate the cells of the body verses 5 to 10 hours for herbal formulas.
This makes essential oils more effective as nutrient transporters.

Essential oils stimulate the senses of smell, taste, and emotions.
Their chemical composition is similar to human hormones making them natural aphrodisiacs.

By diffusing the oils into the air you increase the oxygen, ozone, and negative ions, creating a positive effect on the body and environment
Because the oils contain antimicrobial inhibitors microbes can not survive in the oils.
Evidence has shown that no bacteria or virus have developed any resistance to essential oils.
They have the highest energy frequency, antioxidants, antiseptic, and oxygenation properties.
The use of essential oils help to bring balance to one's physical, emotional, and mental well being.
It is important when using essential oils that they are unadulturated or food grade quality.
In other words, if you can't put it in your mouth you probably don't want to put it on your skin.

I have personally used essential oils for everything from breaking fevers, opening up my bronchi, headache relief, softening scars, healing burns, relieving muscular pain, skin lightening, anxiety/stress relief, seasoning foods and many, many other applications. 

Essential oils are amazing for imparting flavor to foods, especially in the preparation of pastries.
To learn more about cooking with essential oils, visit:  "Äromatic Infusion to Vegetarian International and Ehnic Cuisine"  https://www.facebook.com/groups/392891114111783/?fref=ts

To purchase high quality essential oils, email dragonflyscentuals@gmail.com for a list of oils and prices.

Below is my favorite guacamole recipe using essential oil of cilantro.

Infused Guacamole

2 Avocados
1 Roma Tomato De-seeded and Diced

1/2 Small Red Onion Minced

1 Small Serrano Chile (Finely Minced)
1 Large Clove of Garlic (Paste)
1 Lime Juiced
3 Drops of Cilantro Essential Oil
Sea Salt to Taste 

In a glass bowl roughly mash the peeled avocado with the back of a wooden spoon.

Add all other ingredients and mix well to blend.

Tastes great with Trader Joe's Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips

To learn more about essential oils and their uses follow :
http://pinterest.com/drgnflyscents/

Make essential oils an everyday part of your lives.

You will  find they improve your quality of living immensely.

You don't know how much of a benefit something can be to your life until you try it.
Thank you once again for joining me on my journey.
Until next time.

Blessings, Love and Light,

Carla "Veggie Chef" Figaro

Healthy Weightloss

For me, the idea of depriving myself of food to lose weight seems like self torture.
Especially knowing that by making some
simple changes, I can achieve the results I want and remain healthy,
Think about this question.
If it took you 4 years to gain 50 lbs, why are you so determined to lose it in 3 months?
You gave your body time to stretch to fit the extra weight.
Why doesn't it make sense that your form would also need adequate tome to acclimate to taking it off?
Think of your skin as you would the elastic band ind a pair of pants..
If you repeatedly stretch and retract the band, over time it loses it's ability to contract and will eventually become lose.
The same is true of your skin.
Constant dieting will cause it to eventually lose it's elasticity until it becomes difficult for your skin to contact around the muscle.
The look of sagging skin can have as much of a detrimental effect on your self-esteem as too much weight.
If you lose 1 lb a week it is perfectly healthy.
If you lose more great bravo!
If not, don't be so hard on yourself.
Relax and just enjoy being healthy.
Focus on making conscious choices and controlling your portions.
When you feel full,stop eating.
If you are hungry after 7:00 pm, eat negative caloric food.
Start every morning with an 8 oz glass of room temperature water.
Drink hot lemon water, or Clean Sweep tea with your meals.
Eat on a smaller plate.
STOP drinking traditional soda and minimize natural sodas.
Drink at least 1 of your meals in a smoothie or protein shake.
Have 5 to 6 small meals a day.
Drink 16 glasses of water with lemon for every 100 lbs you have to lose.
Do NOT LET SOCIETY determine your optimal size.
Get rid of your scale.
Let your health and the way you feel be your guide.
I wish you the best on your journey to good healthy weight loss.
Thanks once again coming along on the ride to Whole Living.

Blessings, Love and Light,
Carla "Veggie Chef" Figaro

Clean Sweep Tea
Zest and Juice of 3 Lemons      
1/4 lb Ginger peeled
1/8 tsp Turmeric
1tsp Cayenne
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 cup water

Blend in a high powered blender (like NutriBullet) until liquefied.
Store in a container in the refrigerator.
Add a tsp or more to 8 oz of hot or cold water or coconut water.
Use sweetener if you choose.

Healthy Restaurant Food with Great Taste

How great would it be to go to a restaurant where you can eat healthy and enjoy every bite?
Well, have no fear.
The concept that healthy food does not taste good is a complete and utter fallacy.
There are many fabulous restaurants that prepare food in a more health conscious manner and are vegetarian/vegan friendly however, there are vegetarian, vegan and raw restaurants popping up all over.
Moreover, you can explore these preparations in various ethnic preparations.
The following are restaurants I personally recommend.
The highlighted link will take you directly to the restaurant homepage.
These establishments feature food that are full of flavor and visually pleasing. 


For the every day all American fare like burgers, sandwiches, salads and tacos, check out

veggiegrill  
They serve up fast food, made fresh in a casual atmosphere.
My personal menu favorite is the Pappa's Portabello with the Spring Mix Salad.
Item prices range between $1.95 and $9.95.
This restaurant has several locations throughout Los Angeles and California State as well as Oregon and Washington.

If you really want to spice up your palate, Indian and Thai food will serve it up.

Barwachi
is Indian fast food at it's best.  
Located at 10408 Venice Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 at the corner of Motor in a tiny strip.
For a mere $8.00 price tag, select 1 rice, 1 bread, and 3 vegetable dishes, also included are a salad, pappadum and raita.
I love the Channa Masala, Bombay Aloo and Broccoli Bhuna.
The restaurant is small, the food and service are wonderful and every time I go there it is packed with excited hungry customers.

Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen.
Located off the beaten path at 
4114 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90029 in the Silver Lake area and 71680 Melrose Los Angeles, Ca 90036. 
My menu must haves are the Sate, Pad Ka Prow and Busaba Pumpkin.
This catchy little structure is small on space but big on atmosphere with a nice view.
Menu items range from $1.50 - $12.00

samosa house
located at 10700 Washington Blvd Culver City, Ca 90232 and 11510 W Washington Blvd Culver City, Ca 90066
The Samosas are a must have.  I also love the Saag Paneer.
 For $8.50 choose 1 rice and 3 entrees.
also included are fresh baked Naan and Raita or Soup.
The atmosphere is very family friendly and they stay busy. 

Cafe Gratitude 
Serving up fresh, vegan organic and raw cuisine.
The menu is abound with casual gourmet selections from fresh juices to raw desserts all with catch phrase names like "I Am Beautiful".
The Los Angeles location is at 639 N Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90004 with a second local at 512 Rose Ave Venice, Ca 90291 as well as locations in Santa Cruz and Berkeley.
Menu items range in price from $2.00 -  $14.00. 

Try "I am Satisfied and I Am Grateful"

The atmosphere is rustic, urban and there is always a wait to be seated.

Fatty's & Co
This restaurant, located at 1627 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock, Ca 90041 serves gourmet vegetarian and vegan cuisine in a casual chic atmosphere.
My favorites are the Pear Gorgonzola appetizer, The Paella and the Macaroni and Cheese.
I suggest calling before you go.  They are open for dinner only and usually take reservations.  This is not a family friendly atmosphere.


Trying to go Gluten Free but love bread and pastries?
There is only one place that I love, love, love!
Rising Hearts Bakery
formerly known as The Sensitive Baker.
This quaint little spot is located at 10836 1/2 Washington Blvd Culver City, Ca 90232.
They make the best Gluten Free Cupcakes I have tried thus far.  Satisfy your sweet tooth and your bread lust with out the negative extras.
They make both vegetarian and vegan breads and pastries and have an allergen notice that gives you a break down of which has what.
Menu items range in price from $4.00 - $36.00

As I said, these are my personal choices but there are many, many more to choose from. 
The Happy Cow website has many vegetarian/vegan listings with opinions and ratings.
That being said, "Get out there and get to tasting."
Thanks again for coming along for the ride to Whole Living.
Until next time.  Happy Eating!

Blessings, Love and Light,
Carla "Veggie Chef Figaro"

Whole Living, Whole Lifestyle

In my blog, I repeatedly mention Whole Living or moreover Whole Lifestyle.  

Some have an idea of what this is but many do not understand the concept.

My goal today, is to open the window so that all who are following and those yet to come, have a good idea of what my understanding of a Whole Lifestyle is.

The definition of whole is:

1. Containing all components; complete

2. Not divided or disjoined; in one unit

3. Constituting the full amount, extent, or duration

4. a. Not wounded, injured, or impaired; sound or unhurt b. Having been restored; healed:

The definition of Lifestyle is:

1.the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level, etc., that together constitute the mode of living of an individual or group.

2.  A way of living of individuals, families (households), and societies, which they manifest in coping with their physical, psychological, social, and economic environments on a day-to-day basis.

What I mean when I talk about Whole Living or a Whole Lifestyle is living in a manner that comprises the human condition as a compound unit.

To live a whole Lifestyle it is important to approach every aspect of our life condition as though it were a physical, mechanical being.

The best way to visualize Whole Living so that we can put the concept to work is to visualize independent issues (physical, mental, emotional, and psychological, etc.) as you would a car

The different parts of the car serve different purposes and may even be able to work separate one from another.  However, they need to function with each other to comprise a car.

If one mechanism in the car is not working properly and steps are not taken to fix the malfunction, different components in the vehicle begin to slowly break down until it doesn’t properly operate or completely breaks down.

We are exactly the same.  If any one component of our make-up is faulty, the rest of the components begin to slowly fail.

A Whole Lifestyle entails caring for our entire being instead of just parts of what make us a complete unit.

We need to be aware of every aspect of who we are so that if any one aspect is at risk of being unwell, we do all we can to repair it so that we continue to function in a fluid, happy and healthy motion.

We have to be aware that our physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, environmental, familial, societal, environmental and worldly selves all need to be fed in a manner that will ensure our optimal health.

This does not mean we will never be unwell.

This means that we do everything we can to remain in a state of well-being.

We cannot give completely and wholly of ourselves if we ourselves are not whole.

I am writing this blog in the hopes that I can help my readers to live a Whole Life.

I will share myself and my life as an example of being. 

The smile you see on my face is a genuine manifestation of my whole being.
I hope that my light will touch everyone I come in contact with whether it be through my cooking, my words, my touch, my smile or any manifestation of myself.

I encourage you from this day forward to make a commitment to:

Put Yourself First, Breathe Deeply, Smile Often, Detox, Talk It Out, Eat Healthy, Smile, Be Positive, Make Love, Walk Daily

Tell Yourself You’re Beautiful, Sleep Well, Pray, Stretch

And any other positive thing that moves you into a state of well-being.

As always, thank you for coming along for the ride.

Until next time.

Blessings, Love and Light,

Carla Veggie Chef Figaro

Salad Fix

In my previous blog "Keep it Simple", I talked about using fresh ingredients and keeping them simple to let the natural flavors of the food shine through.
I am also conscious of the fact that because of today's busy schedules, meals have to be quick and satisfying.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to achieve this is by making salad.
Salads can pack quite a punch when it comes to satisfying ones hunger as well as being full of flavor and nutrient rich.
I am the Queen when it comes to salads.

Give me a bunch of fresh ingredients and I can find a way to make a salad with it.
Add different textures by adding nuts and dried fruits.
Try using fresh herbs to give your salads extra punch.
Pack in extra protein to your salads by including cooked beans or protein rich grains. 

In my opinion, salads should NEVER be boring because you have so many options.
I am also of the opinion that salads taste best when the dressing is made from scratch.
Besides, You can whip up a fresh batch of salad dressing in any blender in about 3 minutes.
So why settle for store bought?   
There is just something to be said about that perfect combination of herbs, oil and acid that can make a salad sing.
Freshly made dressings also have no preservatives (which changes the flavor of the ingredients) and you control the salt and sugar content.
An added benefit to salad is that many of the ingredients are negative calories.
All foods have calories or energy however they also require energy (calories) by the body to burn them.
If a food requires more body energy to burn than it produces, then it creates a negative caloric count.
Guess what?  Negative caloric counts lead to weight loss.  Bonus!!!!
This means you can eat it in abundance (mindful of other ingredients of course) without being overly worried about your waistline.
The following list contains some foods that create negative calories.
Apples, Apricots, Asparagus,  Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Cranberries, Cauliflower, Celery, Chicory, Chili Peppers, Watercress, Cucumbers, Dandelion, Eggplant, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Grapefruit, Green Beans, Guava, Lemons, Lettuce (all kinds), Mangoes, Onions, Oranges, Papayas, Peaches, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Radishes, Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerines, Tomatoes, Turnip, Watermelon, Zucchini
Eat these to your hearts content and watch the pounds melt away.
Following is a simple and delicious recipe for my Kale and Chickpea Salad.
This salad is nutrient rich with proteins, iron and antioxidants.

Try it and let me know how you liked it.  
Once again, Thanks for taking the ride to Whole Living with me.  Until next time.

Blessings, Love and Light,

Carla Veggie Chef Figáro

Kale and Chickpea Salad

1 lb cooked garbanzo beans

2 cups finely chopped kale

1 medium carrot grated

2 cloves garlic paste (adjust for your taste)

1 small red pepper diced

1 small yellow pepper diced

2 spring onions (green only) chopped

2 lemons (juiced)

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

2 tsp agave (adjust for your taste)

sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Once prepped, place all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss until well blended.  Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before serving.

Be sure to re-toss before serving.

Keep it Simple

LOL....I have to laugh at myself for this.
Though it was my intent to publish this post when it was penned on May 23rd, I somehow managed to forget to do so.
I do apologize to those of you following.
The bonus however, is that this week you will have 2 postings for your viewing pleasure.
Please enjoy!

The question I get asked most frequently is, 

“How do I get my food to taste so good?”

This question is most puzzling to me.  I am confused that it is not understood that if you can season meat and potatoes, you can season anything.

The key to great food is keeping things fresh and letting the natural flavors shine through and of course making everything you cook with LOVE.

Food that comes from the HEART feeds the SOUL.

Many times the most simple seasoning brings out the most amazing flavor.  For example, you can make the most perfectly flavored rice by simply toasting it prior to cooking.

This will give you a rich, nutty, buttery flavor without all the added fats.

Instructions for Perfect Rice to follow with instructions to turn it into the tastiest Spinach Rice ever.

It is a must that you always keep certain products on hand for cooking.  Keeping these items on hand will insure that you have a taste satisfying dish every time.

Following are My must have, pantry/fridge ingredients specifically for seasoning:

Sea Salt (various colors and grinds), Peppercorns (various kinds), Ground Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Granulated  Garlic, Fresh Garlic, Onions, Italian Seasoning, Fresh Thyme, Paprika, Fresh Italian Parsley, Lemon, Ginger, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar.

By keeping these simple ingredients on hand, you can impart flavor to anything.

Nourishment is a necessity but we should enjoy what we eat and it shouldn't be complicated.

Try this simple and tasty recipe and don't forget to let me know how you liked it.  Thanks for taking the ride to Whole Living with me.  Hope you'll continue the journey.

Until next time.

Blessings, Love and Light,

Carla Veggie Chef Figáro

Perfect Rice Ingredients

1 cup rice

2 cup water – 2 tblsp

¼ - ½ tsp salt (depending on your taste)

1 tblsp extra virgin olive oil

Place a deep skillet or sauté pan on stove on high heat.  Add olive oil and salt.

When oil is hot turn heat to medium and add rice.

Sauté rice until brown.

Add water ½ cup at a time.

Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover.

Simmer until all water is gone (17 – 20 min)

DO NOT REMOVE LID DURING THIS TIME.

Once all water is evaporated remove lid and place rice in a dish for serving.

Spinach Rice ingredients

1 tblsp extra virgin olive oil

1 recipe Perfect Rice (above)

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper

1/8 - ¼ cup vegetable broth

1 cup freshly chopped Spinach

1 half medium onion diced

¼ cup parmesan cheese (more for garnish)

1 – 2 garlic cloves (mashed into paste with blade edge of knife)

Place a deep skillet or sauté pan on stove on med/high  heat.

Add onion and sauté until slightly browned.

Add crushed red pepper and garlic and sauté 1 min.

Add spinach and sauté til wilted.

Stir in rice and vegetable broth until combined.

Stir in parmesan until just melted.

Remove from heat.

Garnish with parmesan for serving.