garcinia cambogia and weight loss

You might have seen these little ads coming up on your Facebook page or you may even have heard that Dr Oz, TV personality made famous by Oprah,  has been talking about this exotic fruits.
Garcinia Cambogia. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/garcinia-cambogia-newest-fastest-fat-buster-pt-1
It is a fruit grown across India and Southeast Asia and it is used there as a food and its rinds are used in some traditional recipes of south India.
Apparently it has a compound called hydroxycitric acid, which is said to promote weight loss and works as appetite suppressant.

Probably the main discussion here is not whether this works or not. We do sell them at the shop along with other things like gymnema and cha de burger, which are known to help with the weight loss.
What I want to write here is the obsession  and negative attitude to the whole weight issues in the society.
Myself, like many others I know, have experienced it and still have some voices in my head sometimes. I was too thin once and I was embarrassed  how I lost all the curves. I managed to put on weight and felt self conscious about my stomach. After all if I am not embracing myself as a soul I could always find many faults in my outer self.
I started to understand that I am not my body and yet how amazing my body is. Whatever we give attention to it only gets more prominent. There are always reasons why you have put on weight or lost weight ,  in an unconscious phycological way. when i finally realise the truth about who I really am and my full potential everything became much easier. I could listen to the "voice" and still let it not control me. ( I am still leaning though!)

I have been taking this powder for a month or so now and I did lose weight, though only 2 kg or so. It could just be a placebo effect anyway but I can confidently say it came from better place this time. I see this as a supplement like any other herbs or super foods that I take regularly to help my body to work in an ultimate way. astragalus and medicinal mushrooms for my immunity, marine phytoplankton for my nervous system, zeolite to detox, MSM and schisandra berry for my skin and hair, gynostemma for its adaptogenic effects etc etc. My diet is full of these amazing super, powerful "foods". It does not mean that i am only relying on them and eat and live the way that does not serve me well. I want to live so that I can accomplish works that I am here to do, and I want to do this with passion and energy. the holistic approach makes sense to me.

Maybe I was going too deep on this issue but i would like to hear what  your thoughts are.



Garcinia cambogia
Our Garcinia cambogia fruit powder is at least 50% extract, meaning each serving contains a 50% concentration of the HCA (Hydroxycitric acid).
HCA is effective at blocking the conversion of sugars and starches into fats by inhibiting the effects of the liver enzymes ATP Cytrate Lyase which is responsible for turning carbohydrates into stored fat. as well as it works to suppress appetite by raising the level of brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin regulates mood and it is one of the chemicals produced when a person eats carbohydrate. It can sometimes lead to the craving for carbohydrate and sugary foods. Garcinia Cambogia naturally enhances serotonin without the need of eating carbohydrate.
It also is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral agent
Possible Benefits
- Appetite control
Weight reduction
- Reducing the body's ability to store fat 
- Helping with urinary & uterus conditions 
- Combating ulcers 
- Relieving conditions of the throat, chest colds, & cough
- Supporting healthy joints & connective tissue
- Creates a process in the body called thermogenesis
- Alleviating constipation 
- Supporting healthy liver function 
- Helping with colic 
- Fighting intestinal worms, parasites, & Ebola virus
- Combating some strains of the flu virus 
- Lowering cholesterol & triglycerides
- Helping with catarrhal conditions of the throat, urinary system, & uterus
Suggested Use: Mix 1 teaspoon with juice or water 30 minutes prior to meals

Bee pollen vegan , non- vegan, or ethically harvested?

it is one of a controversial  subject in a vegan industry. It is wildly known that honey is NOT vegan, as it is produced when bees digest nectar they have collected and then regurgitate it.
But how about Bee pollen?
Bee pollen is male seeds of flowers, that means it comes from a plat based source. It is an essential food for young bees and it takes a lot of effort to collect a small amount. Imagine this … a working bee has to work 8 hours a day for one month to collect just one teaspoon of bee pollen.  One teaspoon dose contains over 2.5 billion grains of flowers. I thought I was working long hours but obviously not as hard as these amazing creatures! so from that point of view I understand most vegans do avoid any bee products. however if it can be harvested consciously in my opinion (fallen pollen in a tray collected with care and gratitude)
Bee pollen is a true superfood, containing almost all the nutrients us humans need and about 40 percent protein, mostly in a highly absorbable form. Chinese medicine regards bee pollen as an energy and nutritive tonic as well as many other cultures throughout the world


This is how I summarised in our superfood book at the cafe
Sometimes referred to as “nature’s most perfect food” bee pollen is a combination of flower pollen, nectar and the digestive juices of worker honey bees.
Bee pollen provides 96 nutrients including all known vitamins, from A to K, 28 minerals, 14 fatty acids, all 8 essential amino acids, several hormone-like compounds and all 22 known essential nutritional elements (plus other unknown yet to be identified). It contains 25-40 % protein in a highly bioavailable form and all the nutrients can be assimilated directly by the body.
Many studies have proven the natural antibiotic effects in bee pollen, including salmonella and other strains of colibacillus.
Scientists recently found that bee pollen showed a strong anti-estrogenic effect (it inhibited the natural estrogen 17 beta estradiol). Furthermore it caused no estrogenic activity or chromosome damage int he cells whatsoever.
They also found the ability to protect cells from the genotoxic effects of three common anti-cancer drugs _mytomicin C, bleomycin, and vincristine, which are used to kill cancer cells but also damage healthy DNA as well. (european journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2010 Jun 9)
Bee pollen is believed to help rejuvenate the body, stimulate organs and glands and enhance vitality. Many world class athletes have used Bee pollen to help to relieve brain fatigue and improve alertness and concentration,increase energy levels and enhance recovery. 
Bee pollen is an excellent immune system builder and eliminate toxins from the body.
Possible Benefits
-May be effective in building, restoring, and maintaining the body's cells
-May be useful in maintaining healthy blood pressure
-May assist in aiding in indigestion 
-Containing thousands of enzymes and co-enzymes
-May be helpful in improving mental clarity and memory
-May help to relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms
-May be beneficial for lowering high blood pressure
-May be helpful for improving concentration
-May be useful in treating arthritis
-Contains 15% lecithin, which may support the nervous system and brain
-May be effective in building resistance against allergies
-May help to increase energy and endurance
-May assist in promoting a strong immune system
-May help to eliminate toxins from the body
-May be effective in increasing alertness and well-being
-Traditionally used to treat constipation
-May helps to regulate sleep and promote normal sleeping patters
-May be effective in maintaining good heart health
-May be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety
-May help to balance hormones
-May be effective in enhancing the libido
-May be beneficial in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels
-May help improve skin tone and overall skin health

Our Organic Bee Pollen Powder is responsibly and sustainably harvested from honeybees that come from wilderness areas located far away from human pollution in Canada. Worker bees are not “smoked” out, as some methods of pollen collection entail, and the pollen is not over-harvested or sprayed with chemicals.
I really wanted to get organic bee pollen as bee pollen is an air cleanness indicator and absorbs chemicals rapidly. i would love to get an organic bee pollen from Australia if possible. if you have any recommendation please let me know. And also i would love to know your view on bee products. No judgements here!


Warning: Bee Pollen is not recommended for those with pollen or bee allergies. Bee pollen should not be taken if you have had prior reactions to bee stings or bee pollen. In some cases, anaphylactic shock has been reported. If you have a history of any kind of anaphylactic shock from any allergic reaction, you should not use bee pollen. If you suffer from asthma, please consult your doctor before using bee pollen. Bee pollen contains allergens that may interact adversely with asthma.

shokuiku revamped!

what a month!
If you have come in recently you may have noticed a new addition to the cafe.
Beautiful art work from a great friend of mine, Naoko.
I fell in love with this at the first time I saw it. then she came in one day to explain what it is meant to her.  She said she feels like she was floating like a piece of cloud when she arrived here from her native country , Japan. This art work symbolises australia from her point of view as a little pieces (us) come together to form this country. The beautiful colour was inspired by the sunrise/sunset she encountered on the plane when she was coming back to australia from a break away.  Now I see it in a different light. so powerful and beautiful. I am so grateful to have this part of her here at the cafe.




And another exciting things  are these beautiful boxes, made with all recycled timber by highly skilled carpenter, Loren, who helped me set up this place also. his attention to the details are incredible. We are using this space to display more packaged products now. full of amazing super foods, herbs, teas and raw snacks for you to try.

I am working on another detailed book that you can browse on super foods and herbs we carry.

I will be releasing a new menu for next month soon.
thank you for visiting and talk soon

cupuacu

cupuacu our next top superfood

have you already heard of this fruit?

You are not alone if you have never heard this

incredible superfood. when I discovered this a

while back I was so excited. many superfoods

we have can be quite challenging to our

tastebuds. Many bitter or sour taste that can be

hard to get used to. Cupuacu is NOT one of

them. I would describe it as a mix of pineapple

and banana. this unique fruit can be used in

smoothies and other desserts. I have used this

many times in our cakes, tarts and makes a

beautiful sweet coconut cream and ice cream

It is a tree that grows in south america and

belongs to the cacao family. It has been used by

indigenous peoples for centuries.

NUTIRENTS

Cupuacu is extremely nutrient-dense. It is

often compared to the popular acai berry,

cupuacu has more nutrients per grams than the

berries do.

the primary beneficial ingredient is

“phytonutrient polyphenols”, theograndins

In addition, cupuacu is packed with vitamin B1,

B2, B3, both fatty and amino acids and at least

nine antioxidants. other nutrients including

calcium, selenium is found along with a high

flavanoid content.

one of the health benefit is stimulating the

immune system while simultaneously

supporting the body’s ability to fight disease. It

has an energy boosting effect like coffee but

without any side effect (aka tired feeling

afterward). it does not contain any caffein.

Other effects reported are healthier skin ahd

hair, lowered cholesterol levels and better

libido.

I am sure we don’t have to go on about how

anti oxidants are much needed. Cupuacu

contains rich array and concentration of

unique antioxidants. it is associated with

- neutralisation of free radicals

- improvement of circulateion

- lowered blood pressure

- balance cholesterol levels

- improve brain function

- anti ageing

- mental alertness

there was no way to get this amazing

product anywhere in australia. that is why I

had to import it myself. Now You can

include this too in your diet.

our cupacu is raw and wild crafted in

powdered form, which can be easily used in

many recipes

it is available for a purchase at our shop

120 high street, Northcote, VIC 3070.

or email me shokuiku.life@gmail.com for your purchase.

my shop opening

finally happening now.
My shop/cafe is going to open this Friday (1st feb 2013)
it has been such a journey and I am sure it will go on.
there are lots of bits and pieces I still have to organise but I just couldn't wait any longer.
limited hours and menu this week but I should be able to be more organised from next week.

I am getting the shop ready and cooking at the same time! just not much time but love the every minutes of it.  yes I am tired and often things can get stressful but I am so excited and happy now. How fortunate to be able to follow my dreams and do this. How I became and still becoming to be stronger and more centred person that I always wanted to be. I am so grateful for all the experiences that lead me  to where I am, and also all these people who supported me and guided me along the way.

Menu example
superior smoothies with super foods, super herbs such as E3 live, macs, marine phytoplankton, mesquite, cacao,noni, fo-ti, astragalus etc.
elixiers
super food gelato
tonic tea
raw desserts (of course)
freshly made salad
daily specials




I would love to see you soon.

january newsletter

January newsletter is out now!



importance of vitamin D, irish moss - is it really inflammatory to your body?recipe for basic almond milk and carob cookies.


If you haven't registered for the newsletter please click the bottom above to register.
I have been so busy lately to update my blog I know! I feel that I am going to get busier with my shop opening! (in case you didn't know, I am so close to opening my own place in a couple of weeks! It is in northcote, melbourne.)
lots of smoothies, tonic beverages made with super food, super herbs, decadent and healthy raw desserts, snacks and greatest salads.

Our space was created with sustainability in mind using stunning timbers which are recycled, reclaimed or from FSC (Forest stewardship council), and other sustainable materials, such as energy efficient lights, bio degradable packagings, as much as possible.

I can't wait to meet you in person xxx

food and fitness event at RealFoods

Last night I went to an event at the the RealFoods (the RMIT University Student Union's organic, vegetarian cafe). An evening of food demos from raw food chef Ace Rosengarten and cutting edge sports nutrition advice, and fighting fit fitness tips with special guests: ‘Mr Natural Universe’ bodybuilding champ Billy Simmonds. there were also storeholders such as Pura Veda and Aclara Health with their coconut. The place was packed with people who are eager to learn from the event.
I love going to an event like this, where I get to talk to people and listen to people who are very passionate about what they do and what they believe in. The knowledge that they have is incredible, even though I or my body may not agree 100 percent with what they follow I can always learn somethings from their knowledge and apply to and also question my currant lifestyle and diet.

Also I was fortunate enough to be asked to supply some meals for them

Raw Bento boxes :



-semi-dried tomato steak with marinated spinach and butternut bits with mixed nut cream
cumin spiced fruit and nut carrot and sweet potato rice served with corn tortilla bread

-vegetable and kelp noodles with creamy satay sauce, served with a marinated vegetables skewer and chewy eggplant "bacon"

Raw salad :
wilted kale and grated beetroot and carrot salad with mildly spiced activated seed mix

Cooked salad :
slowly baked pumpkin and sprouted chickpea salad

Brown rice sushi :
- marinated tofu and tempeh with grated vegetables and sweet miso paste

- pumpkin and hummus loaf with tahini and salad


The RMIT University Student Union's student-volunteer run café full of delicious, REAL, ethical, animal-free, locally sourced, fairtrade, organic & biodynamic meals, snacks & drinks on campus

The cafe is managed by Lucy stegley (aka smoothie girl) who are so warm and generous all time with a lot of energy. there was a lot of preparation to be done to organise and run an event such as this. Well done and thank you, Lucy.

Raw dessert tasting event

yes! all raw. mostly organic, the healthy and decadent raw dessert tasting event in Melbourne. have you never tasted raw desserts before but always wanted to? or you have and love them? or you just want beautiful and satisfying desserts that are nutritious. this event is for you. register your interested ASAP. because the number is limited.
desserts such as chocolate truffles, cheesecakes, cookies, bars, shortcakes, tarts..... price range from $1.50-$8.00 plus a small entry fee applies.

When
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Time1:00pm until 4:00pm
Where
northen melbourne

feed your mind!

thanks to Real Foods at RMIT I went to a great event on Tuesday.
there were food demonstrations and great crowds. well done for organising this Event!
I was fortunate enough to supply their bento boxes, salads and brown rice sushi rolls that night.

RAW BENTO BOXES
-veggie loaf layered with marinated brown mushrooms, creamy spinach and cashew filling with a miso almond crust.
served with almond mayo and salad
-walnut, cranberry, orange "rice" with spiral vegetables in a spicy tahini sauce

RAW SALADS
-Beetroot and apple with creamy ranch style dressing
-Cabbage and seaweed coleslaw with Asian style garlic dressing

Brown rice sushi
-sweet and salty tempeh/tofu cubes, grated beetroot and natto miso paste
-sunflower pate, curry oven baked zucchini strips and coconut flakes

Hope they will be organising more of these fantastic events next year!

realfoods

thanks to Real foods at RMIT. Real fit food demo was on last Tuesday and great to see so many people turned up for it. Great work, lucy.
I have been supplying some lunch there and for the tuesday event they were kind enough to let me supply some bento boxes which were all raw.
-Almond and flaxseed burger with cashew and sunflower seed cheeze paste on mizuna and sprouted quinoa salad
-Almond and vegetable curry served on herb salted cauliflower rice with sweet and cayenne spiced chutney
-fluffy coconut rice with vegetables served with marinated brown mushrooms and creamy avocado and beetroot salad. topped with tangy almond and coriander pesto.

I also had brown rice sushi.
Fillings change everytime but examples...

curry spiced baked tofu, cabbage and mushroom drizzled with creamy mustard sauce
Avocado slices with sweet carrot chutney, asparagus shoots and coconut
slow baked tempeh with tamarillo and apple chutney and caramelised onion

etc...

another new store for the truffles

Here is another store that you can get the decadent raw chocolate truffles from!

BEZELA DELI
105 Elgin street,
Carlton
(03)93479393

new shop

another shop that stocks my truffles!
Busy organic deli on degraves street has decided to take my truffles as well. Be sure to check the shop out when you are in the city!

28 Degraves street,
Melbourne 3000
(03) 96545157

more shops

two more exciting shops that will be carrying the truffles!!!
they are just trying them out to see. So Please support them! buy them today. (though chocolate is still very ying. do not indulge yourself too much.)

another retail shop for my raw chocolate truffles

hooray!
another shop which sells my raw chocolate truffles.
The vegetable connection on brunswick street is a beautiful speciality shop that sells fresh veges, fruits, bread, deli products and other grocery products.
They have been operating since 1941!




The vegetable coinnection
255 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065
Phone: +61 3 9417 2788 Facsimile: +61 3 9486 0443 Email: shop@fruitnveg.com.au

friends of the earth

I don't know why I haven't written about FOE before. I have been working there for a couple of years now. I cook there once a week. (mainly tuesdays)

The shop has food co-op, book shop and people work for campaigns etc upstairs.

The food co-op is an ethical trader that has been going in Melbourne for more than 30 years. It provides affordable, low packaged (bulk) food, fruit and vegetables, health and eco-cleaning products. The particular emphasis is to provide natural, organic produce that is grown and prepared locally - preferably by small companies and producers.
It has a cafe and serves lunch from 12pm till it runs out. We mainly use fresh organic produce to create mixed lunch plates from monday to saturday. The menu changes everyday, using the freshest seasonal ingredients. On sunday we have vegan pies and salad. Tempting cakes, muffins etc and fair trade coffee and teas are served all day.

The Bookshop provides a diverse range of information on environmental and social justice issues, as well as wide range of eco-friendly and fairly made products, including stationery, clothing, footwear and bags.

FOE is open
10am - 6pm Monday to Friday

10am - 4pm Saturday

11am - 4pm Sunday

By shopping there you will be helping not only FOE but the environment too. It is a great community shop.