Raw food recipe: something a little different!

I was given a book called ‘Blissful’, which reminded me of my interest in learning new ideas for eating raw foods and combining flavours in delicious ways.
Café Bliss offers this almond hummus recipe, which is a neat re-invention of the more traditional way of making hummus:

1 cup almonds (soak them for 12 hours)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup raw sesame tahini
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cumin powder

Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender, blend until smooth. Store in the fridge.

I hope this tasty snack gives you an energy boost!
Please comment on your experiences with eating raw foods-we’d love to hear about it.

Caring sisters

Happy Valentines Day

It’s a day when we celebrate love – and that’s at the centre of so much of what caregivers do. It’s a perfect opportunity to share this story about how three sisters came together to care for their fourth sister during her illness. It’s written by my friend, Barb Smith for the Cancer Knowledge Network website:

Siblings as Caregivers: The Challenges and Cherished Gifts

Thanks, Barb!

Josie

What I learned from Combating Stress workshop

Last Monday I attended the Combating Stress workshop presented by Jeff Ross. I found the workshop useful, particularly the sharing of stories and reaffirming the value of journaling, meditation, and gratitude. Also the point about staying in the present moment, not being stuck in the past or worrying about the future.

I am going to give you a link so that you can access the 3-Minute Breathing Space recording. I find it very helpful and do-able since it is so short. There are longer meditations on the website too.

Free Meditation Recordings

CAB

Resistance to care

While many of us are willing to help a family member or friend, sometimes that help is resisted or declined all together. Everyone one has the right to refuse help, but it can be worrisome when there could be a risk of harm.

Resistance to help can have a number or causes. The family member who has lived a lifetime of self sufficiency may find accepting help a blow to self esteem. They may worry about their ability to afford extra care or special equipment.

The following suggestions may help:

Have an open discussion. Ask if there are specific tasks the person needs help with.

Share your observations and thoughts about what kind of help they could use. For example, “ I notice you become short of breath when you work in the garden. How about if we found someone to do the heavy lifting for you?”

Share your concerns. You may say, “I would feel so much better if you had some help with the house work. I know it really tires you out.” Or, “I worry that you might fall. Would you be willing to use a walker when you do your errands?”

Supply information. Gather reading material that your family member can review on their own time and at their own pace.

Don’t rush. In so many instances accepting help is like issuing a visible public statement that you have become less able. It may take a while to get used to the idea of using aids like wheelchairs or a hearing aids.

Seek reinforcements. If you are the only one making a suggestion, it may carry less weight than if others voice the same concern. Family meetings can be a good way to open discussion. Go along to doctors’ appointments and raise your concerns while you’re there; your worries may be eased or validated.

When someone we care about rejects what we think is best, we may have to take a second look at what we are asking and why. Is the person in danger? Have we explored all the alternatives? If the person is a competent adult, don’t they have a right to accept risk?

Our role as caregivers is to care and it can be distressing to stand by while a family member rejects the help we think they need. With a little creativity and patience we can hopefully arrive at a solution that’s acceptable to everyone.