Companion Planting is a concept that involves planting certain species of plants within close proximity to achieve reciprocally beneficial results and dates back to Roman times. Various forms of Companion Planting include Chemical Interaction, which produces odors that deter or confuse pests, and Spacial Interaction, which involves planting shorter and/or shade-requiring plants at the base of taller, more sun-thirsty plants.
While Spacial Interaction is mostly self-explanatory, Chemical Interaction involves planting two or more plants near each other to create an aroma that bugs hate. For instance, bugs love the smell of tomato plants, and they love the smell of basil plants. The inviting aroma of juicy fruit and fresh leaves proves to be a temptation the bugs cannot resist, leaving your fruit and leaves riddled with holes and unusable for human consumption.
With companion planting, this problem is solved! While the bugs love the aromas individually, the odor produced by mingling the scents of the tomato and basil plants sends bugs running -- well, flying -- in the opposite direction. The chemicals in the mixed aroma are intolerable to the bugs. So plant your basils at the foot of the tomato plants, and most of your bug problems will be solved.
Take advantage of the bug-proof tomato-basil combo by planting other culinary herbs with them or nearby. A basic culinary herb garden would include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley, among others.
Marigolds (calendulas) are another plant whose scent sends the bugs scurrying away. Calendulas are natural citronella, with the darker colors (orange and red) being more intense. Rue is also a wonderful plant to deter pests (but touching it can cause skin irritations in some people). Planting marigolds and rue around the border of your garden will be another line of defense against the flying foe.
A word of caution, however; do not plant fennel and dill too close together. To look at a baby fennel and a baby dill plant, they are practically indistinguishable. But if you smell them, the fennel will smell like licorice, and the dill will smell like pickles. Planting them too close together will cause cross-pollination, and a strange plant will result.
Planting legumes, such as peas, beans, lentils, or peanuts, by your larger plants infuses the soil with healthy nitrogen. Vine-type vegetables planted around corn or other sweet vegetable or fruit plants will keep out foragers like raccoons. The roots of some plants emit scents underground deterring or even killing grubworms and milkworms.
Most butterflies and bees are not affected by the scent combinations the way the smaller, more annoying bugs are. In fact, planting butterfly bushes or other flowering plants near your garden will encourage the butterflies and bees to stop by your garden and help out with pollination.
With the sun, shade, water, and flowers in your garden, you will also be creating an environment suitable for other beneficial creatures, such as birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, and GOOD insects! Birds and snakes will catch rodents. Lizards and frogs eat bad insects like gnats and mosquitoes. The good insects, like butterflies and bees, help out with pollination.
Interesting fact: Bees never fly further out than 4 miles from their hive. So if you have a local bee farmer, you are actually helping him or her out by planting flowering plants that will attract the bees. Why is this good to know? Because if you ingest honey from your local bee farmer, you will build up a resistance to the local allergens (i.e., pollen!) in your area. Can you imagine NOT taking allergy meds just to breathe??? Honey is also a natural antibiotic and is great for soothing sore throats and killing bad bacteria that can lead to inflammation of infection.
If you find that even with all the planning and planting, you still have a bug problem, you can create a natural pesticide by diluting garlic juice with water to spray in your garden. The garlic spray will deter pests from your plants the way garlic soup deters a close conversation.
For more information about which plants to put together, go to http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/complant.html, where they have a chart right on the webpage. Also check out this gorgeous page: http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_55/companion_planting.asp
I hope you are inspired to plant your own herb garden as soon as the last frost has passed. You do not need synthetic pesticides or other harmful chemicals to be a successful gardener. Work WITH Nature, don't fight her.
You will be amazed at the amount of healthy, low-calorie foods you can grow for your family! And don't forget to get the kids involved!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Pita Pizza Pie
Found a new pita bread called Joseph's Pita Bread that is made with flax, oat bran, & whole grain. This is not the usual pita bread/pocket we're used to seeing. It is really thin like a tortilla.
The pita is about 6-7 inches across, and you can see some of the grillmarks from when it was baked. It comes in a zipper re-sealable bag, which is great if you're like me and you lose those darn little plastic ties.
Each pita is only 60 calories and has 4 grams of dietary fiber. So you can get your caloric intake from the yummy toppings instead of the "bread".
I'm using it to make pizzas, sandwiches, even dessert! This pita will crisp up during baking, giving you the feeling and "snap" sound of a thin crust. This will be very helpful if your weakness is potato chips and you miss that crunch.
Quickie Pizza: 1 pita, 2 Tablespoons no-salt-added tomato sauce, 2-3 slices shaved Black Forest Ham, pineapple chunks (juice squeezed out), & top with 1 ounce low-fat pepperjack cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. OMG! GOOD!!
Apple Pie Pita: 1 pita, 1 sliced apple, 2 teaspoons low-calorie apple jam (warmed in microwave). Sprinkle cinnamon & Stevia on top. Roll up, seam side down, and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min.
Enjoy!
trish
The pita is about 6-7 inches across, and you can see some of the grillmarks from when it was baked. It comes in a zipper re-sealable bag, which is great if you're like me and you lose those darn little plastic ties.
Each pita is only 60 calories and has 4 grams of dietary fiber. So you can get your caloric intake from the yummy toppings instead of the "bread".
I'm using it to make pizzas, sandwiches, even dessert! This pita will crisp up during baking, giving you the feeling and "snap" sound of a thin crust. This will be very helpful if your weakness is potato chips and you miss that crunch.
Quickie Pizza: 1 pita, 2 Tablespoons no-salt-added tomato sauce, 2-3 slices shaved Black Forest Ham, pineapple chunks (juice squeezed out), & top with 1 ounce low-fat pepperjack cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. OMG! GOOD!!
Apple Pie Pita: 1 pita, 1 sliced apple, 2 teaspoons low-calorie apple jam (warmed in microwave). Sprinkle cinnamon & Stevia on top. Roll up, seam side down, and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 min.
Enjoy!
trish
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fitness Trends for 2009
With obesity reaching all time highs, it is more important now than ever to do something -- anything! -- to get and maintain a healthy body. But don't worry, the days of aerobics and sissy training are over.
People want the biggest results for the least amount of time, so workout intensity and compound training have emerged as primary considerations when choosing an exercise plan.
As noted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), fitness trends for 2009 encompass functional strength training, or FST. FST is an exercise philosophy based on creating workouts that will enhance the sports you already play, such as golf, tennis, hiking, rock climbing, hockey, etc. It also focuses on doing exercises according to the way the human body actually moves or is aligned.
Boot-camp workouts reign in the top spot in 2009 fitness trends followed by specialty classes, such as dance-oriented workouts, and "getting back to basics" classes that are just old-fashion burn & sweat intense workouts.
An interesting statistic ACE also noted is that predictions for 2009 include a 48% drop in gym memberships and 52% fewer people hiring personal trainers. With the economy heading south, shelling out money each month for a gym membership is not an expense people want at this time.
"Gym-rats" are trading in their memberships for fitness DVD's which has lead to a surge in the home fitness program industry. In fact, the leader in home fitness programs, Beachbody, generates 15,000-30,000 new customers every week and has made programs such as P90X, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6, and Hip Hop Abs household names.
Another interesting shift in the fitness program sector is the creation of workouts that are health specific, such as Beachbody's new Project YOU: Type 2, that was created in a partnership with the American Diabetic Association.
The independent findings of the American Council on Exercise's own professional trainers do not lie. Home fitness DVD's are on the up-swing. And the best part? There is no year-long contract except a commitment to yourself.
For more information on Beachbody products, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/b6hfml
(c) 2009 by Trish Causey. All Rights Reserved.
Sources:
Beachbody
American Council on Exercise
People want the biggest results for the least amount of time, so workout intensity and compound training have emerged as primary considerations when choosing an exercise plan.
As noted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), fitness trends for 2009 encompass functional strength training, or FST. FST is an exercise philosophy based on creating workouts that will enhance the sports you already play, such as golf, tennis, hiking, rock climbing, hockey, etc. It also focuses on doing exercises according to the way the human body actually moves or is aligned.
Boot-camp workouts reign in the top spot in 2009 fitness trends followed by specialty classes, such as dance-oriented workouts, and "getting back to basics" classes that are just old-fashion burn & sweat intense workouts.
An interesting statistic ACE also noted is that predictions for 2009 include a 48% drop in gym memberships and 52% fewer people hiring personal trainers. With the economy heading south, shelling out money each month for a gym membership is not an expense people want at this time.
"Gym-rats" are trading in their memberships for fitness DVD's which has lead to a surge in the home fitness program industry. In fact, the leader in home fitness programs, Beachbody, generates 15,000-30,000 new customers every week and has made programs such as P90X, Turbo Jam, Slim in 6, and Hip Hop Abs household names.
Another interesting shift in the fitness program sector is the creation of workouts that are health specific, such as Beachbody's new Project YOU: Type 2, that was created in a partnership with the American Diabetic Association.
The independent findings of the American Council on Exercise's own professional trainers do not lie. Home fitness DVD's are on the up-swing. And the best part? There is no year-long contract except a commitment to yourself.
For more information on Beachbody products, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/b6hfml
(c) 2009 by Trish Causey. All Rights Reserved.
Sources:
Beachbody
American Council on Exercise
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Running with a Runny Nose
Have you ever wondered if you should exercise when you're sick? Will it weaken your immune system further? And make you feel worse?
Two decade-old studies published in the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal showed results so much in favor of exercise that it surprised even the researchers themselves.
The investigators found no difference in symptoms between those who exercised and those who rested. There was no difference in the time it took to recover from the colds. But when the exercisers assessed their symptoms, people said they felt okay, and, in some cases, they actually felt better.
Dr. Leonard Kaminsky, an exercise physiologist at Ball State University, and others encourage people to exercise when they have colds --- if they have the type producing symptoms like runny noses and sneezing. He is more cautious about other types of colds that produce fevers or symptoms below the neck such as chest congestion.
Sources:
mercola.com
The New York Times December 24, 2008
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise May 1997; 29(5):604-9
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise November 1998; 30(11):1578-83
To get the top fitness programs in the industry, go to: http://tinyurl.com/b6hfml
Two decade-old studies published in the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise journal showed results so much in favor of exercise that it surprised even the researchers themselves.
The investigators found no difference in symptoms between those who exercised and those who rested. There was no difference in the time it took to recover from the colds. But when the exercisers assessed their symptoms, people said they felt okay, and, in some cases, they actually felt better.
Dr. Leonard Kaminsky, an exercise physiologist at Ball State University, and others encourage people to exercise when they have colds --- if they have the type producing symptoms like runny noses and sneezing. He is more cautious about other types of colds that produce fevers or symptoms below the neck such as chest congestion.
Sources:
mercola.com
The New York Times December 24, 2008
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise May 1997; 29(5):604-9
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise November 1998; 30(11):1578-83
To get the top fitness programs in the industry, go to: http://tinyurl.com/b6hfml
Kids in the Kitchen - Learning Experiences
As an artist in the theatre, I've spent most of my life creating things to express myself and work with others. In the kitchen, children can do exactly the same thing and have a wonderful time in the process.
When children have the opportunity to prepare food in the kitchen, they learn many valuable lessons. They learn what is healthy, how foods are put together to make meals, and how to work together.
To get your kids going in the kitchen -- Have a food encyclopedia in the kitchen or have your internet going. Look up the ingredients you are using. Find out their Latin name, their origin, and common preparations. Also, look up why the food is the color it is, or the volatile chemicals that make it do what it does.
For example: What is the difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder? Why is one apple red, while another is green? Is an eggplant from an egg or a plant? Make it a learning experience!
Using their hands to knead dough or cut out shapes refines their motor skills. Observing an egg change from a slimy liquid to a gelatinous solid is a wonderful science lesson in chemistry and physics. Decorating a pizza with veggies (or fruit!) is an artistic and delicious way to learn about shapes, colors, and composition.
Most of all, having the kids in the kitchen teaches teamwork, that each person is important and can contribute to the whole project. Sharing tools, taking turns, and appreciating others' efforts are just a few of the social skills that will help them as they grow up and deal with unique or tough situations.
So have fun, and lay the foundation for your kids to express themselves and learn at the same time. They don't call it "Culinary Arts" for nothing. {:-)
When children have the opportunity to prepare food in the kitchen, they learn many valuable lessons. They learn what is healthy, how foods are put together to make meals, and how to work together.
To get your kids going in the kitchen -- Have a food encyclopedia in the kitchen or have your internet going. Look up the ingredients you are using. Find out their Latin name, their origin, and common preparations. Also, look up why the food is the color it is, or the volatile chemicals that make it do what it does.
For example: What is the difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder? Why is one apple red, while another is green? Is an eggplant from an egg or a plant? Make it a learning experience!
Using their hands to knead dough or cut out shapes refines their motor skills. Observing an egg change from a slimy liquid to a gelatinous solid is a wonderful science lesson in chemistry and physics. Decorating a pizza with veggies (or fruit!) is an artistic and delicious way to learn about shapes, colors, and composition.
Most of all, having the kids in the kitchen teaches teamwork, that each person is important and can contribute to the whole project. Sharing tools, taking turns, and appreciating others' efforts are just a few of the social skills that will help them as they grow up and deal with unique or tough situations.
So have fun, and lay the foundation for your kids to express themselves and learn at the same time. They don't call it "Culinary Arts" for nothing. {:-)
Kids in the Kitchen
Kids can help out with some of the cooking duties, as long as they're old enough.4 year-olds can stir at the counter ~ 6 year-olds can crack eggs and fill muffin tins ~ 9 year-olds can cut veggies (carefully!), and older kids can cook at the stove. Kids of all ages can help pick herbs or veggies in the garden, shell peas or beans, or husk corn.
As long as there is adult supervision, there is no reason not to have the kids help out. Plus, they learn important math skills like weights, measures, and fractions!
Cook Once -- Eat all week!
When it's time to cook for the family, and you'd rather eat out for convenience's sake, you're gonna wish you'd thought ahead.... or at least, I know I do! {:-) Pick one day out of the week to cook for a few hours so that you can just reheat through the week. If Saturday mornings are the kids' play time, you can use that time in the kitchen. Or if Sunday afternoons are your hangin' out at home time, do it then instead.
Cook a big pot of spaghetti sauce, or a vat of chili. Cook a double batch of a casserole or lasagna.
Cooking for a couple hours when you're already home will not only give you more time with the family each night, but you use less energy AND you don't have to wash pots and skillets every night! Woo-hoo!!!
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