Health Notes #12

Clogging the Human Machinery

Is it possible to eat immoderately, even of wholesome food? Overeating, no matter what the quality of the food, clogs your living machine, and thus hinders it in its work.

Eating more than the stomach can hold adequately is very common. When too much food is eaten at one time the entire system is burdened. The stomach is so stuffed that it can not mix the digestive juices properly with the food. The surplus food that is put into the stomach makes it hard for your system to do its work.

Surplus food calls too much blood to the stomach, causing the arms and legs to chill quickly. Unpleasant symptoms are felt and your "living machinery" becomes thoroughly exhausted. The stomach is saying: "Give me rest." Some call this "all-gone" feeling "hunger", but it is caused by the overworked condition of your digestive organs.

What does your system do with the excess? It makes desperate efforts to dispose of it, and this extra work causes a tired, weary feeling. Also the brain is clouded, thoughts are sluggish, and you fail to accomplish as much as you might have. Life and energy are called from the brain to work the mill which grinds the material you have placed in your stomach. In this we do our bodies no favors. Do you know the feeling of just wanting to lay down and sleep after a meal?

I have heard it said that the hardest exercise is pushing away from the table. Well, after you have accomplished this push-away task then the next best thing to do after a meal is to go for a good brisk walk or do some light exercise outdoors.

A point to remember is: We live not on what we eat, but on what we digest. Lets not be caught digging our graves with our teeth.

More whole grain recipes to help clean up the clogged machinery.

Blueberry Muffins

1/2 c. warm water

1 T. honey

2-1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1-1/2 c. water

1/2 c. oil

3 c. blueberries

2 T. dry yeast

2-1/2 c. oat flour*

1-1/4 t. salt

1/2 c. honey

1 T. vanilla

Stir together water, honey and yeast in a small bowl. Set aside to bubble for 5-7 min. In another bowl stir together the dry ingredients. Blend next four ingredients with a fork and pour into dry. Add yeast mixture when it is ready. Stir together well. Gently fold in blueberries. Batter should not be runny. Put into muffin tins and let rise 5-7 min. Bake at 350^o F. for about 35 minutes.

*Blend 2 c. oats in blender.

Crumb Crisp Topping

2 c. regular oats

1 c. coconut

1 c. quick oats

1/2 c. chopped nuts

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. oil

2 Tbs. water

1 tsp. vanilla

2-3 Tbs. honey

1 tsp. coriander

Grind together first two ingredients in blender 15-20 seconds. Empty blender into mixing bowl and add next three ingredients. Mix together well. In another bowl, beat together last five ingredients. Add to dry ingredients and mix together well. Crumble topping over fruit-filling of your choice in 8" X 8" baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes at 350^o F. or until golden.

Breakfast Banana Crisp

3 c. crumble topping (above)

3 c. sliced bananas

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1/2 c. pitted dates, packed into cup

1-1/4 c. ripe, mashed bananas

1/4 c. water

1/8 tsp. salt

Put 1-1/2 c. of topping on bottom of 8" X 8" baking dish. Cover with sliced bananas. Blend remaining ingredients for about 45 seconds. Pour over sliced bananas. Sprinkle with remainder of topping. Bake at 350^o F. for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot or cold with milk.

Those who bring

sunshine to the life of others

cannot keep it from themselves.