vegetarian – Cyd Notter

Concerns with Coronary Calcium Scans

May 16, 2019 By Cyd Notter Leave a Comment

Considering a Coronary Calcium Scan? A Coronary Calcium Scan is a CT scan of the heart that detects the amount of calcium in the artieries, but many respected groups, researchers, and professional cardiology societies are now recommending against the test.

In her informative article today, Dr. Pam Popper explains the current concerns about the test, which partly include:

The test does not detect plaques, and therefore cannot inform a patient of their true risk of experiencing an event or death
Someone with a perfect score of zero can still have significant blockages
Cancer concern from the large dose of radiation (100 – 400x a traditional xray)
False positives which lead to unnecessary, invasive procedures and drugs

Because the potentential harms outweigh any benefits, many groups are now recommending against the test (including the USPSTF – The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, which finds no evidence that screening for coronary heart disease is beneficial).

Just one more reason why we need to do our homework before agreeing to any type of tests or procedures, preventative or otherwise…..

…..and another great reason to protect our arteries with a whole food, plant-based, no-added-oil eating plan, as spelled out in The “Plan A” Diet.

Interview on Karl’s Coaching Podcast

May 1, 2019 By Cyd Notter Leave a Comment

I had the privilege and blessing to be interviewed recently by Karl Forehand. Karl has 20 years experience as a pastor and a counselor, plus he’s certified in Plant Based Nutrition through Dr. Campbell’s eCornell course. He hosts two Facebook pages (WFBP Christians, and Four-Eyed Plant Eater) and offers coaching through his website.

Because we’re on the same page in many areas, I contacted Karl several weeks ago to ask if I could send him a copy of The “Plan A” Diet. He agreed (and explains in the interview why he was somewhat reluctant about it initially).

However, after reading the book, he invited me as a guest on his podcast! Here’s the interview. Hopefully you’ll have time to give it a listen – and feel free to share it! I’m convinced that God has purposes for this book, and it’s exciting to see the doors He conintues to open.

I know that you can do everything and that your plans are unstoppable.

(Job 42:2, GW)

Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 25, 2019 By Cyd Notter Leave a Comment

Want to zest up your cookies with a delicious hint of orange? These cookies will do the trick!

I’m a big fan of the orange/chocolate combination, so this recipe for Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies from Brandi Doming at thevegan8.com caught my attention.

I used a mandarin orange because it’s what I had on hand, and the cookies were still quite delicious! (Per Brandi’s note, do NOT used bottled orange juice, as tempting as that might be. Use freshly squeezed orange juice, plus the fresh zest, for the best flavor.)

Instead of coconut sugar, I used “sucanat” – an organic cane sugar which I also had on hand.

This one is definitely going into the “keeper” file!

Is a Plant-Based Diet Safe for Children?

March 21, 2019 By Cyd Notter Leave a Comment

(The following is an excerpt from my new book The “Plan A” Diet: Combining Whole Food, Plant-based Nutrition with the Timeless Wisdom of Scripture)

Is this diet safe for children?

Of course it is, but I sense your concern. You may be willing to change your own diet, but are leery of any perceived risks to your child. That’s understandable. But a diet plan proven to be the healthiest one on the planet certainly applies to the children, too.

Because your child’s health is a priority, may I encourage you to change their diets now. The Standard American Diet, filled with too much protein, fat, cholesterol, and environmental chemicals, leads to many common health issues for kids. (Read the rest of the article here.)

Santa Fe Penne

February 28, 2019 By Cyd Notter Leave a Comment

When you’re in the mood for a pasta/bean dish, here’s a healthy, easy recipe you might enjoy. I say it’s easy because minimal chopping is required (but you do have to boil pasta).

Santa Fe Penne is a free recipe from the Forks Meal Planner website (recipe by Darshana Thacker). Here’s the link plus a video. I’ve made it a couple times, and we do enjoy it. But…..

….it does need something extra, either a bit of heat or additional spice.

I used this Low-Sodium Seasoned Sea Salt product with good results, but I’m sure you could use whatever spices (or hot sauce?) you prefer. Let us know what you think if you give this one a try.

News and Recipes from My Blog