If I love myself
I love you.
If I love you
I love myself.
~ Rumi

CELEBRATING LOVE~

• I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to   bear. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is       the beginning of love. ~ Mother Teresa

• A spirit of harmony, respect, and love is the essence of individual health, family unity, and the development of humanity as a whole. ~ Michio Kushi

• Life is short. Kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly. ~ Paulo Coelho     

• Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
~ Lao Tzu

CHOCOLATE AS A "HEALTH FOOD "? 

Really? There are a few great concerns we want to share with you about chocolate, the popular pleasure food. After erroneous "studies" were published, some even began to eat chocolate as a vitamin supplement. While it does boost brain neuro-transmitters to reduce pain and give a degree of euphoria, on the negative side, chocolate usually has one or all of these ingredients: refined sugar, hard-saturated fats (palm oil or coco butter) or dairy.

Chocolate contains caffeine and can cause jittery moods and insomnia, harmful states that can lead to chronic health problems. Some persons eating chocolate bars in excess or taking it daily as a “pill” may develop liver and gall bladder issues, as well as skin spots and itchiness.

We, personally, have stopped eating commercial naturally sweetened chocolate products, such as vegan bars and chips, and have switched to organic, unsweetened cocoa/cacoa powder for very special occasions in small amounts. We stir in nut milk, natural sweeteners, and vanilla. This sauce can be drizzled into puddings or on top of cookies or cakes. It can be made into a thicker icing when blended with silken tofu or even sweet potatoes. We prefer using carob, a delicious, non-caffeine, high calcium, and more nutritious bean powder. 

We know you are concerned about your long term health. These following three vegan recipes, free of refined sugar, are here to delight, especially on occasions such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and family celebrations. Let us know how you like them!
               Life is to be enjoyed and lived healthfully and happily.
Love and Hugs,
Jane and Lino

TOM'S SWEET CAROB BROWNIES

Debi and Tom Athos founded Organicfest and the company Natural Lifestyles Supplies with the highest quality food and cookware. Dedicated, generous, and caring, this couple has devoted their lives to children, family, and the planet. They also create fun times and great healthy meals for their large family in Asheville, NC. Chef Tom, as he is known, developed these delicious carob brownies. Carob has no caffeine and more nutrients than chocolate. You will fall in love with these brownies on Valentine’s or any special occasion! RECIPE (ADOBE PDF)

REALLY RICH NON-GLUTEN CAKE and ICING 

© Sandy Pukel and Mark Hanna

For fifteen fabulous years, we sailed and taught on the Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise, named by National Geographic as one of the best and healthiest vacations on the planet. Our long time friend, Sandy Pukel, along with top vegan chef, Mark Hanna, created a cookbook of the cruise’s beloved recipes: Greens and Grains on the Deep Blue Sea.For a special Valentine’s gift, Sandy is sharing their REALLY RICH CHOCOLATE CAKE and ICING. This memorable vegan chocolate cake is dark, rich, and delicious. Created by incomparable chef, Mark Hanna, it is made without dairy, eggs, or refined sugar!  You can also substitute carob powder. We make it with non-gluten flour.  Enjoy a taste of decadence and sail off into bliss. RECIPE (ADOBE PDF)

CACOA or CAROB SWEET POTATO PUDDING for VALENTINE'S
© Jane Quincannon Stanchich

Enjoy this Valentine’s chocolate-flavored treat in the healthiest way, with no hard fats, sugar, or dairy! So many vegan puddings have refined sugar, coconut oil, coconut butter, or lots of nuts. Here is one with a lovely surprise….you would never guess…highly nutritious sweet potatoes or yams. Our friends Michael and Wendy first introduced us to this amazing pairing. Our version is heightened with pure maple syrup, almond butter, and lovely hints of spices. You may choose cocoa/cacoa or carob powder - or mix them! Look for Garnet Yams or Japanese Yams for the most naturally sweet taste of all. Nutritious organic sweet potatoes/yams baked until tender are the creamy base for this easy and delicious pudding! 

I include some scrumptious options for toppings too! You will fall in love! RECIPE (ADOBE PDF)

MORE INSPIRATION...

• Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.                ~ Albert Einstein 

• Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never         tires, and a touch that never hurts. ~ Charles Dickens

• Fortune and love favor the brave. ~ Ovid

• I love thee, I love but thee with a love that shall not die
   Till the sun grows cold and the stars grow old.                                ~ William Shakespeare

• That love is all there is, Is all we know of love.
   ~ Emily Dickinson

• All you need is love. Ya Da Da Da Da! ~ The Beatles,                 McCartney/Lennon

LOOK FOR OUR SECOND
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER AND GIFT! 

LINO's 90th Birthday is on February 26! Join us on Lino's Facebook page for a retrospective of Lino's life so far! If inspired, send Lino a message. Watch for Lino's gift for you!

MARCH NEWSLETTER
• KIDNEY and BLADDER WELLNESS-Learn how these vital organs eliminate waste, revitalize our energy, control emotions of fear or courage, and how they respond to healthy diet and lifestyle to create greater strength and vitality.

• PLANT YOUR OWN VEGETABLE GARDEN 
  Plan your garden and order your seeds now! Vegetables seeds will be much in demand.

• COOK DELICIOUS RECIPES for greater vitality and wellness.
                                              
Jane and Lino Stanchich are Licensed Nutritionists and Certified Macrobiotic Counselors, Educators, and Authors. For program and consultation details and information, email Jane and Lino: ljstanchich@mindspring.com

READ OUR FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER for dynamic natural health education, delicious and healing recipes, effective cooking techniques, spiritual support practices, inspiring arts, and music. Our past newsletters, along with educational articles and inspiring testimonials, are free on our website: www.greatlifeglobal.com

Deepest thanks to Leslie Simon and Debi Athos for their expertise and friendship always~