In order to keep myself on my healthiest dietary track, I simply filled half my plate with fruits and vegetables. Imagine my surprise and delight when the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) got rid of the ol’ pyramid, and replaced it with an easy to understand food plate that followed my same tried and true guideline!

The point of the USDA plate diagram is to give us a better visualization of what meal portion sizes are to look like in healthy living. The plate is broken up into 4 sections, with a cup of dairy off to the side. Each half of the plate has a split of about 60/40. On one side, the 60/40 split is between your protein (40%) and your grains (60%). The other side is your fruit (40%) and your veggies (60%).

Why are fruits and veggies so important?

There are many brilliant aspects to fruits and vegetables. Our bodies require a daily supply of vitamins and minerals, and these plants are the perfect source. Plus, fruits and veggies contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, which is something that you typically can’t replace by simply popping a daily multi-vitamin pill.

Thanks to all these special ingredients, a diet of fruits and veggies can reduce your risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Keeping all this in mind though, I have to admit that my own personal favorite thing about vegetables and fruit is that they are low in calories, but high in fiber. So you can eat a ton without blowing your diet, and the fiber keeps you feeling fuller, longer (plus, fiber is necessary to clean your insides out).

What does my half a plate look like?

Don’t deprive yourself, and keep it simple. My family still indulges in pizza night! But we juice up our daughters favorite strawberry smoothie, and we start our meal with a salad. By the time we get to the pizza, we only want a slice or two, and my family of four can easily share a large pizza.

At breakfast time, you can mix all kinds of fabulous veggies, like tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, green onions, into egg whites for a fabulous omelet. You can also try stirring sliced fruit, like banana, berries or peaches into your yogurt.

Sliced fruit is also a favorite dessert of mine, topped with a dollop of lite or fat free whipped topping. Make lunch fun by mixing a fruit, veggie and protein all together, like ants on a log (celery, smeared with peanut butter, topped with raisins). Or for a fun and allergy free alternative, try Nutella!

How do you incorporate fruits and veggies into your everyday meals?

Tell us in the comments below!

A little more about avocados

My love of avocados is certainly not misplaced. Although avocados are high in fat, the fat within avocados actually helps to lower cholesterol within our bodies. Further, a toxin present within the avocado is said to help prevent and treat breast cancer and some forms of prostate cancer.

Avocado is also an excellent source of potassium, which is crucial in the regulation of blood pressure. By consuming enough potassium we protect ourselves from heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Another heart healthy benefit of avocado is its abundance of folate, which helps protect against heart disease. For those who resolved to have a child this year, folate is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and the development of a healthy baby.

That’s wonderful! But is avocado fit for a smoothie?

But enough about the stats – let’s get down to the deliciousness that is this avocado smoothie. I am a lover of all things coconut, so when I saw someone combining avocado and coconut milk to make a sweet smoothie, I immediately thought to myself how I must have it!

Initially when I gave this smoothie a try I did not freeze the avocado, so the smoothie was left with little bit of a slimy-mouth feel. For my second attempt, I included some unsweetened coconut flakes and I froze the avocado prior to blending and it took this sipper to the next level.

It was smooth, creamy and completely satisfying. And the best part thing about this smoothie: it’s 100% naturally sweetened! Thanks to the innate sweetness within the coconut milk and coconut flakes, I didn’t (and you probably won’t either!) need any other type of sweetener. So go ahead and give this smoothie a try - because avocados aren’t just for guacamole anymore!

Avocado Smoothie

• 1 large avocado, frozen
• ¾  cups coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon shredded coconut

In a blender combine all ingredients, and blend until smooth.

When I first started juicing, my endeavor got off to a puttering start, because every time I juiced, it seemed like a chore having to clean my juicer. At one point I was juicing twice a day, and thus cleaning my juicer twice a day. I have learned a great many lessons about juicing.

Get the right juicer, and you might spend less time cleaning!

The first step in picking the perfect juicer is to take inventory of your juicing needs. If you are juicing for a large family, then a heftier electric juicer is likely the right choice for you. If you are a solo juicer, something smaller and perhaps manual may be all you need – and that will make cleaning easier for you.

Some people have a serious aversion to cleaning ANYTHING, so if this is you, consider buying a juicer that is 100% dishwasher safe. The LEXEN Healthy Juicer is a manual juicer that can be disassembled and placed in the dishwasher – I know, because I have one!

Handwashing may be unavoidable…

If an electric juicer is more your speed, hand washing is in your future. Step one, as is step one with anything that has the power to chop all your fingers off, is to unplug the juicer.

Then remove and rinse all the pieces that are dishwasher safe. Rinsing is essential because with all the gunk associated with juicing, it is a tall order for a dishwasher to eliminate it all. Wash the remaining parts and wipe down the juicer – spills and splashes are inevitable.

One last tip about handwashing

And lastly, always wash your juicer blades by hand, even if the manufacturer says it’s okay to place them in the dishwasher. In my experience, whenever I have placed a blade of anything – my food processor, blender or juicer – in the dishwasher, the blade has become dull.

When juicing, a dull blade can quickly cause frustrations, and we all know that juicing and cleaning is already a relatively involved task. Doing whatever it takes to make the process easier is a plus.

Getting bored while washing your juicer by hand?

Here’s some handy tips for keeping busy while you work.

• Play some music on your iPod (Oprah puts out a great podcast called “Health and Wellness Channel – it’s worth checking out!)
• Juice for a friend. They’ll likely hang around the kitchen while you clean.
• Assemble an intelligent, personal robot capable of human emotions to clean your juicer for you.
• Do squats between part rinsing.
• Turn on the radio and jam
• Pretend your not cleaning. Imagine yourself on a secluded Jamaican beach with an unlimited supple of freshly-blended Pina Coladas.
• Have the kids clean the juicer in exchange for fresh juice!
• Stage a mental breakdown related to juicer cleaning in front of your significant other, and then storm off into another room in a panicked and sudden madness. He/she will likely feel terrible and clean your juicer for you.
• Use your Jedi-Mind Tricks.

Pomegranate Lore

Native to Persia, pomegranates are thought to be one of the oldest known fruits.

In Rome, the pomegranate was called the Punic apple. The botanical name is punicum granatu, which has its root in punic. That was the name of the city of Carthage, the namesake of this tasty treat. The other half of the work comes from granatum which means “many seeds”.

The pomegranate has traveled far and wide. The fruit was brought to China in 100 BC. Then, it was the Moors who imported the pomegranate to Spain in 800 AD. Granada, a city in Spain, was named for the pomegranate. The fruit is so popular there it eventually became the cities emblem.

In Britain, the inaugural planting of the pomegranate was performed by King Henry VIII. In the 18^th century, the French named a weapon, a hand-tossed explosive, after the pomegranate, calling it a grenade. It came to America by way of the Spanish conquistadors.

The pomegranate has been revered through time. It is considered a royal fruit, used throughout history in coats of arms, fabric patterns, and praised in literature and art.

The skin has a high tannin content and was, in ancient Rome, used to tan leather.

Nutritional Benefits of Pomegranate

Pomegranates are revered with good reason. Our forbears knew of the power of the pomegranate and its positive effect on the body.

The beauty of the pomegranate is in both its unlikely external appearance and the surprising inner nest of deep red seeds, known as arils, resting within a white membrane. The membrane is bitter to the taste and typically not eaten. The arils contain the juice of the pomegranate and one seed. The arils can be eaten seed and all.

With a tart flavor and an underlying sweetness, the pomegranate offers the best of both tastes, with the promise of possibility held within its seeds. Nutritionally, pomegranates are as full of promise as its legendary status in history.

There are only 72 calories in a ½ cup of arils, while 1 cup of juice contains only 139 calories.

That same cup of juice contains 40% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. Combined with the presence of Vitamin A and potassium, the pomegranate is a fantastic source of all kinds of nutritional good.

• Antioxidants: They are, of course, necessary to keep our entire system healthy. In comparison, pomegranate juice has 3x more antioxidant fighting power ounce for ounce than red wine. That makes pomegranate juice an excellent alcohol substitute.

• Blood Thinning: Pomegrantes have been shown to work at thinning the blood and reducing plaque in arteries. In addition, it promotes the HDL cholesterol cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol, a positive correlation with cardiovascular health.

• Lowering Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that imbibing a mere 1 ounce  of pomegranate juice daily can lower systolic blood pressure up to 20%.

• Cancer Fighter: Due to its high level of antioxidants, pomegranate juice is a great addition to your diet to fight against breast and skin cancer. New research also shows pomegranate helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the prostate, too.

• Arthritis Attacker: A study indicates that pomegranate juice inhibits an enzyme that damages cartilage. For those suffering arthritis and join pain, the addition of pomegranate juice in your diet might just ease some of your woes.

• Flu Fighter: Drink pomegranate juice when you think you’re coming down with the flu (or when you know you’ve already got it!) Pomegranates are rich in punicalagin, a polyphenol that inhibits the flue virus. (from Phytomedicine, July 2009 issue)

Preparation and Storage of Pomegranate

Peel the pomegranate if you have the enduring and Godly patience. Otherwise, slice off the top and cut it into wedges. Fill a bowl with cold water and remove the seeds. The seeds will sink to the bottom and any membrane will float. Compost the membrane and juice or eat the seeds!

Pomegranate seeds will store in the fridge for 3-5 days in a air-tight container.

Pomegranate Passion Smoothie

• 2 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice
• 6 oz. non-fat yogurt or nut milk (depending on the consistency you wish your smoothie to be)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• Handful of ice

Put everything in the blender, give it a whirl, and enjoy!

Sources:

• http://habee.hubpages.com/hub/Super-Food-How-and-Why-to-Consume-Pomegranate
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/66461-nutritional-information-pomegranates/
• http://homecooking.about.com/od/fruit/a/pomejuice.htm
• http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/11-health-benefits-of-pomegranate-juice.html

Symptoms and illnesses that arise from a vitamin deficiency can only be cured by that particular vitamin, which makes deep green vegetables a one stop shop for catching up on your healthy living. Vitamins ensure that we fulfill our body’s need and negate any possible illnesses and symptoms that may arise from being deficient.

Also, the eight essential amino acids that we need for bodily functions such as muscle repair, manufacturing hormones, mental functions, sleep, memory and energy, are not produced naturally by our bodies, so we need to acquire them from the foods we consume.

Meeting dietary and vitamin needs

For those lacking in vitamins, minerals or amino acids, green smoothies and juices are a great way to meet and exceed our dietary needs. Of all the vitamins and minerals required by the body, most green juices or smoothies pack a powerful amount in order to keep our bodies and minds working at optimal speed!

The many vitamins that can be found in green vegetables are:

• Biotin: Found in deep green leafy vegetables, biotin is responsible for cell growth, maintenance of blood sugar and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It also serves to strengthen hair and nails.

• Carotenes: Vibrant orange and yellow vegetables and leafy greens get their color from carotenes, making it an amazingly powerful antioxidant. Carotenes help to protect from free radicals and aids in cancer prevention. Important phytochemicals are released with the tearing of these vegetables and provide the body incredible protection from disease.

• Vitamin A: Carrots, dark green and yellow vegetables hold this vitamin, whose role is to provide vision protection and proper health growth.

• Vitamin B1: Also known as thiamin B1, this vitamin aids in many processes including nervous system functions, muscle function, metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of healthy digestive enzymes as well as electrolyte flow. This vitamin is found in abundance in oranges and certain fruits.

• Vitamin B12: This vitamin aids in blood formation, energy production and is crucial for the metabolism of every cell within the body. Also known as riboflavin, B12 is found mainly in broccoli and asparagus.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is produced in our bodies as a result of exposure to the sun; heaping supplies are also found in plant sources and help protect the body from auto immune diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and hypertension. During the winter months, it is essential to boost our intake, as our exposure to the sun is sure to be less.

Green juices and smoothies are fantastic ways to supplement our diets, and it’s not difficult to acquire our daily values of vitamins in one juice or smoothie per day. Instead of popping a supplement in pill form that may contain useless fillers, get creative with your favorite green vegetables and fruit and boost your diet the way nature intended!

The simplicity of green smoothies lies in the tools needed to create them – a blender, a knife and the greens and fruits of your choosing. All should be very likely to be found in the basic home kitchen. Whether or not we opt for a high-octane emulsifying machine or a tried and true kitchen blender, the choice is to each their own; truthfully, the smoothies come out tasting the same!

Kitchen essentials for the perfect smoothie

One of my kitchen essentials for effortless green smoothie making is a salad spinner. I wash and freeze the bulk of my greens ahead of time and a salad spinner makes like all that much easier.

Aside from fruits, vegetables and the liquid needed for blending, so my pantry is always stocked with ingredients to supercharge my smoothie efforts. Coconut milk, almond milk and kefir are my favorite liquids to use, as they all offer an inherently creamy sweetness and every one of them delivers incredible health benefits.

You get pro-biotics from the kefir, protein from the almond milk and antiviral properties from the coconut milk. I also keep oat bran, chia seeds and bee pollen close at hand for an extra boost in fiber!

Proper smoothie ingredient storage

As most smoothies start with fresh ingredients, proper storage is always something to keep in mind to avoid waste. Although greens will remain green for days and sometimes weeks, their antioxidants, vitamins and minerals begin to dissipate from the time they are harvested. Eating or freezing them as soon as possible ensures that we are getting the most nutrition out of every ounce.

Lettuces and greens should be washed, dried and stored in an airtight container. Certain vegetables such as carrots, turnips and beets should have their stems removed in order to prevent the vegetable from drying out and both fruits and vegetables with hard outer skins or rinds should be peeled prior to blending. Pits should of course always be removed.

I know it would seem that the preparation and storage of a smoothie may be time consuming and a touch finicky, but heeding these tips will help make your smoothie an enjoyable and nutrient rich experience.

More Foods for a Healthy Sex Life

Chiles: due to their potent capsaicin content, chiles, have a knack for heating things up in the bedroom, too. Capsaicin is what gives the heat and spice to peppers. Eating spicy foods triggers the release of endorphins in our brain.

Chiles, therefore, is a Dr. Feelgood for your brain and your body.  Through the stimulation of our nerve endings and heart rate, chiles move our blood to important sexy areas.

By the way, if you’re preparing chiles as an aphrodisiac, wear gloves! The spice of chiles and tender flesh does not go hand-in-hand.

Fennel: This bulb’s libido-enhancing effects are mostly experienced by women. Fennel is rich in phytoestrogens, which is a naturally occurring estrogen-like substance found in plants. For more information on fennel and how it contributes to sexual health and longevity, click here.

Figs: They have uber amounts of amino acids which are known to increase sexual stamina through the quick delivery of nitric oxide through the body. Figs are also considered an aphrodisiac because they heighten our sexual interest through simply their appearance, smell, and flavor.

Garlic: While it may seem like an odd inclusion, garlic is a sexual powerhouse. Garlic has a lot of zinc, which is considered to be a libido boost. Garlic also has and action ingredient called allicin. Allicin can improve blood flow to the sexual organs of both men and women. The allicin is only activated once the garlic is chopped or crushed. Click here to learn more about the clove, its proper preparation, and its many benefits.

Ginger: This eclectic little root stimulates circulation and increases blood flow to vital sexual organs. It has been used for centuries to help both genders get back into the sexual groove. It improves libido all around, and it also can halt premature ejaculation. Ginger root is mentioned in both the Kama Sutra and the Koran as a stimulant for sexual health.

Papaya: This fruit is an estrogenic; in other words, it contains compounds that act like estrogen. Papaya is thought to increase libido and drive in women.

Pomegranate: It’s known by many around the world as the “love apple” for it’s aphrodisiac properties that arouse sexual desire. Pomegranates help the body to produce nitric oxide, which opens ups blood vessels.

Ultimately, this increases the flow of blood into and around sexual organs and enhances the libido. It seems as if drinking pomegranate juice is more effective than eating the seeds of the fruit, but sharing a pomegranate with your partner is pretty sexy!

Pumpkin Seeds: And what great timing, too! Pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of zinc which assists in the production of testosterone and sustains sexual interest in women. Pumpkin seeds also carry essential omega 3’s which helps to produce prostaglandus – an enzyme that feeds sexual health. Pumpkin seeds can enhance potency, drive, and fertility.

Pomegranate Ginger Punch

• fresh pomegranate juice
• 1-2 one inch slices of fresh ginger root
• dash of cinnamon
• fresh-pressed apple cider or juice
• splash of fresh orange juice
• water to dilute as needed

This is a strong punch, so play around with the recipe until it suits your taste. Make a little or a lot!

Add a few or all of these foods to your diet. Claim or reclaim your sexual health, stamina, and drive. And remember to always play safe!

An aphrodisiac is a substance that is purported to increase the libido. Luckily, for us healthy juicers and raw food eaters, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that will naturally enhance sexual desire in both men and women.

Enjoy this list of libidinous foods, juice them up in interesting combinations and let us know how it goes! With both the recipe and the, ahem. . . well, you know. . .

Food and Sex: A Winning Combination

Almonds contain essential fatty acids which assist in the production and regulation of male hormones. Almond lore says that the smell of these delectable treats arouse a woman’s passion. Almonds have a long and distinguished history as a sexual stimulate and stimulating fertility. Click here for additional nutritional information on almonds.

Asparagus contains a massive amount of Vitamin E, which has a reputation as being the “sex vitamin”. A solid dose of Vitamin E will boost the libido in both men and women. It’s suggested that for the most advantageous effect, eat asparagus for three days prior to sexual engagement (or just eat a lot of asparagus regularly and go with the spontaneity!)

Avocado contains a large dose of folic acid and vitamin B6 which together increases the production and regulation of testosterone. Eating avocado can increase the sexual drive in both men and women. Add an avocado to a smoothie, a juice, or eat it raw out of the skin. In avocado lore, the Aztecs called the tree ahuacatl, or “testicle tree”! If you’re watching your weight, be wary of eating large amounts of avocado since they are high in calories. Excess weight can lower your libido.

Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain, which stimulates the male libido. Bananas also contain riboflavin and potassium which helps to convert carbs into raw energy and, like the avocado, increases sex hormone production.

Basil is a powerful herb that produces a general sense of well-being in both mind and body. Basil increases circulation when eaten. And when smelled, basil can also increase the sex drive. They say that the oil from this plant was used as a perfume by prostitutes to attract customers back in the day!

Blueberries and their antioxidant power can increase your sexual stamina. So while it may not increase your drive, they will certainly keep your drivetrain on course once you’re on the road!

Cardamom is an aromatic spice known to increase sexual stimulation rapidly. It is said to be especially helpful in treating male impotence. Caramom contains cineole, a nervous system stimulant (think of your brain as your biggest sex organ), and is also thought to increase blood flow to certain parts of the body.

Celery is an unassuming vegetable that’s two-fold in it’s usefulness for both sexes. Celery contains the male hormone called androsterone. This substance is released through male perspiration. Yes, I’m talking about pheromones!

Men, by eating celery, you’ll increase the potency of your pheromones and attract those who may be sniffing for your particular brand of chemicals. As a result, women who eat celery are more ‘in the mood’ than ever for sexual connection.

Meet For A Drink: Banana, Almond, and Cardamom Smoothie

• 1 medium banana, peeled
• 1 cup unsweetened, almond milk.  Choose an organic brand or make your own.
• 1 tbs raw, unsalted almond butter
• ½ to 1 tsp cardamom
• Honey or agave nectar to taste

Mix everything up in a blender and enjoy! Alternatively, blend your smoothie and heat it up a bit to serve it warm and cuddle up next to your partner. Don’t forget to make enough for two!

Fresh juice or blend your apples to get the most in nutritional benefits. Or alternatively, just eat an apple whole.

Nutritional benefits of apples

Antioxidant Power: the apples primary claim to fame is its excellent antioxidant function. This superpower provides solid support for our cardiovascular systems, blood sugar levels, and respiratory system.

Cardiovascular Power: apples provide pectin as water-soluble fiber and a mix of nutrients called polyphenols. By consuming an apple a day, you’ll help to reduce your total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Overall, that will help to reduce blood fats, a fantastic move your heart will appreciate!

Blood Sugar Power: Apples contain nutrients that help regular blood sugar. Not only does eating an apple prevent spikes in blood sugar, but it’s also shown to lessen the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract. Apple nutrients also stimulate the pancreas’s insulin secretion while increasing the uptake of glucose from the blood.  All of these mechanisms keeps blood sugar regulated.

Lung Power: In short, apples are good food for your lungs. Apples help prevent many types of cancers (such as colon and breast), but stands out in regards to lung cancer. Research shows that apples are specifically focused on preventing lung disease, but scientists are unsure why.

Associated with apples is a supreme antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. Turns out it has a direct impact on asthma sufferers, whereby reducing the risk of an attack and/or preventing one.

All about apples

Apples belong to the Rose family. Joining apples in this auspicious family are apricots, cherries, plums, pears, peaches, raspberries, and almonds. Apples are part of a distinguished line of nutritionally dense and beautiful plants and foods.

The apple tree, originated in Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia, has spread to temperate regions throughout the world.  There are over 7,000 varieties of apples today.

Apples have a strong mythology. They are often considered to be the fruit that Adam and Eve ate. The Norse believed that a magic apple could keep people young forever. The golden apples of Greek myth played a pivotal role in tales of love, sex, bribery, and temptation (isn’t the “forbidden fruit” depicted as an apple?)

In American folklore, John Appleseed was said to have walked 100,000 square miles planting apple trees, all in an effort to provide food and sustenance for future settlers.

Click here for an interesting timeline on the Apple from Purdue University.

Selection and storage of apples

Choose organic fruits that are firm with rich colors. Choose a yellow/green apple with a slight blush. Choose the variety based on whatever flavor you like: sweet or tart.

Red and Golden Delicious are the sweetest of apples, while Braeburn and Fuji are slightly tart. Pippin and Granny Smith are the most tart.

Apples store extremely well at cold temperatures (35-40F/2-4C) for up to 3-4 months. Cold storage can be assisted by placing a damp muslin or cheesecloth in the crisper bin of your fridge.

Apples retain most of their nutrient density even after long storage times.

Take stock of your apple storage over time as an apple that has been bruised or damaged will indeed place other apples at risk.  Any bad apples should be removed immediately.

Well, it’s September. I can feel the chill in the morning air and the sun is setting far earlier than it used to. It’s sad, but summer was fun wasn’t it?

Together we have discovered new ways to think about this blade of goodness called wheatgrass, once considered nothing more than an acrid shot. I have used it to help me get back on a healthy track by taking it in its traditional form, and I’ve found new ways to use it in my many cooking endeavors.

Wheatgrass has single-handedly re-ignited my love for smoothies, and it’s become my newest cooking ingredient obsession. Oh, yes, summer was fun indeed.

I thought that since summer is coming to a close (at least in my geographical location), that a roundup of some of the most valuable lessons I have learned this summer in regards to juicing, smoothies, and wheatgrass was in order. Let’s take a look back, shall we?

• Wheatgrass pulp is as amazing, if not MORE amazing than wheatgrass itself. It makes an excellent pesto when blended with basil, garlic and pine nuts, or a delightful bread with zucchini and flour.
• Freezing wheatgrass pulp and putting it into a smoothie takes it the next level.
• Growing your own wheatgrass at home is easy for both the lightweight wheatgrass consumer, and the highly addicted like me.
• And once you’ve sprouted your own grass, juicing it doesn’t have to be costly or create countertop clutter.

Gifted with a Lexen Happy Juicer and more lessons learned

Number four on the list is the newest lesson I’ve learned. Recently I was gifted with a Lexen Healthy Juicer, which retails for just $44.95 on 877myjuicer.com. I was initially inclined to believe that a proper juicer needed to be a heavy weight and most certainly electric, but I have since changed my tune.

What I like about this pint-sized juicer is its ability to juice not only wheatgrass but also most leafy greens, and pretty much anything small enough to fit through the feeder. I say this because I tried and successfully juiced oranges, berries, pears and apples, with a promise that it wouldn’t stop there. And if you are worried about the tiny bit of elbow grease required for a manual juicer, don’t be – it really isn’t that bad.

Well the summer of wheatgrass has been a blast; and I am confident that fall will bring even more exploration with the wonder that is wheatgrass!