"Real America" Photos from "The Middle" + Super Foods: Greens, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, Beans & Seeds

America loves a carnival atmosphere. All Photos in this article are 

© Copyright Jack A. Atkinson, 2012

ART

"The Real America"

A photo essay which shows America at its core, The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. Those who attend The National Western enjoy an event which has changed very little in the past 106 years.

Bull Rider gets thrown

Flags & Banner Display

Carnival-like Food Midway

Clean hands after petting the farm animals

Colorful Candy Display

Neon Sign for Hat Sales

Toys in blister packs

Embroidery sample for hats & jackets

Next Cookware Presentation at 3 pm.

Cattle Buyers

Cowboy Monkeys riding border collies

Ready for Chow!

Doors to the National Western Complex

Glass Works

Western Belt Buckles

Ranchers doing the work

Napkins & Straws

Western Belts

Small John Deere Tractor

Big Bubbas Bad BBQ

Promoting Beef

Pleasant Workers

Fresh, smells great!

"How about a cold draft?"

Buddies from the ranch

Ranch Signage

Trash

Cowboy Haberdashery

Snow Cones at the Rodeo

Raised from birth for this moment.

Pretzels

"Porta Potties" await

Princess Hats

Sunset behind I-70 and the Rocky Mountains

At the rodeo: Singing of the National Anthem
and a display of the American "Colors" 

See more information about this photo essay in our "Postscript" section at the end of this issue. 

(Source: All photos taken at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo during January, 2012. All images in this article are Copyright 2012 by Jack A. Atkinson. All rights reserved.)

FOOD

GOMBBS: Greens, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, Beans, and Seeds 

Triple Treat Salad

Photo courtesy of www.drfuhrman.com

Dr. Fuhrman 

owns a company which focuses on nutrition as a way to prevent illness and disease by recommending foods which promote health and warning of foods that could have a negative effect on your health.

Below are his itemized lists of the best foods to eat that are healthy and nutritious and why you should make these antioxidant foods the major portion of your diet. Also below is his "worst list" of foods we should all avoid.

Disclaimer: All of the information, statements and conclusions below are stirictly the recommendation or opinion of Dr. Fuhrman and do not reflect the opinion or any direct knowledge by ARTSnFOOD. This information presented is based exclusively on Dr. Fuhrman's company and their research. For more information, or questions please contact his company at www.drfuhman.com. ARTSnFOOD recommends you ask your physician for any and all personal dietary concerns or personal medical advice.

Dr. Fuhrman's Super Foods with Great Taste which also Promote Good Health are called GOMBBS.

“GOMBBS” is an acronym (for Green Vegetables, Green Tea, Onions, Mushrooms, Beans, Berries & Seeds) you can use to remember the most nutrient-dense, health-promoting foods on our planet. These are the foods you should eat every day, and they should make up a significant proportion of your diet – these foods are extremely effective at preventing chronic disease and promoting health and longevity.

G – Greens
Raw leafy greens are also the most nutrient-dense of all foods and contain only about 100 calories per pound. Leafy greens contain substances that protect blood vessels, are associated with reduced risk of disease and are an excellent tool for weight loss, since they can be consumed in large quantities. The majority of calories in green vegetables come from plant protein, packed with beneficial phytochemicals. Greens are rich in folate - the natural form of folic acid - plus calcium and contain antioxidant pigments called carotenoids, which promote healthy vision. 

All vegetables contain protective micronutrients and phytochemicals but cruciferous vegetables (bok choy, broccoli, and kale) when broken down by blending, chopping, or chewing, become compounds with potent anti-cancer effects - working to remove carcinogens, reduce inflammation, neutralize oxidative stress, inhibit the blood supply to tumors, and kill cancer cells.

O – Onions
Onions, along with leeks, garlic, shallots, and scallions, make up the Allium family of vegetables, which have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Onions also contain high concentrations of health-promoting flavonoid antioxidants and red onions also contain Quercetin  which slows tumor development & Flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory effects.

M - Mushrooms
Consuming mushrooms regularly is associated with decreased risk of breast, stomach, and colorectal cancers. In one recent Chinese study, women who ate one fresh mushroom per day had a 64% decreased risk of breast cancer. Even more dramatic protection was gained by women who ate mushrooms and drank green tea daily. White, cremini, Portobello, oyster, shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms all have anti-cancer properties – some are anti-inflammatory, stimulate the immune system, prevent DNA damage, slow cancer cell growth.

B – Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are true super foods. Naturally sweet and juicy, berries are low in sugar and high in nutrients – they are among the best foods you can eat. Their vibrant colors mean that they are full of antioxidants, including flavonoids and antioxidant vitamins – berries are some of the highest antioxidant foods in existence to reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of diabetes and cognitive decline. Berries are an excellent food for the brain – berry consumption improves both motor coordination and memory.

B - Beans
Beans (and other legumes as well) are a powerhouse of superior nutrition, and the most nutrient-dense carbohydrate source. They are digested slowly and have a stabilizing effect on blood sugar, which promotes satiety and helps to prevent food cravings. Plus they contain soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol levels. Beans are unique foods because of their very high levels of fiber and resistant starch, carbohydrates that are not broken down by digestive enzymes which reduce the total the number of calories absorbed. Eating beans, peas, or lentils at least twice a week has been found to decrease colon cancer risk by 50%.

S - Seeds
Nuts and seeds contain healthy fats and are rich in a spectrum of micronutrients including phytosterols, minerals, and antioxidants. Countless studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of nuts, and including nuts in the diet aids in weight maintenance and diabetes prevention. The nutritional profiles of seeds are similar to nuts when it comes to healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants, but seeds are also abundant in trace minerals, higher in protein than nuts, and each kind of seed is nutritionally unique. Flax seeds are an extremely rich source of omega-3 fats. In addition to the omega-3s, flaxseeds are rich in fiber and lignans. Flaxseed consumption protects against heart disease by a number of different mechanisms, and lignans, which are present in both flaxseeds and sesame seeds, have anti-cancer effects. Sunflower seeds are especially rich in protein and minerals. Pumpkin seeds are rich in iron and calcium and are a good source of zinc. Sesame seeds have the greatest amount of calcium of any food in the world, and provide abundant amounts of vitamin E. Also, black sesame seeds are extremely rich in antioxidants. The healthy fats in seeds and nuts also aid in the absorption of nutrients when eaten with vegetables.

Dr. Fuhrman's Best and Worst Foods for Health and Longevity

Because food has power, he has made a list of healthy foods – the anti-oxidant foods, heart healthy foods, and nutritious foods. These high nutrient foods, when consumed regularly, can contribute to your health and longevity. The effect is cumulative, influence your amount of energy, your emotional state, your overall health, and ultimately your longevity.

Top Foods for Good Health and Longevity

• Black raspberries
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Flax Seeds
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli sprouts

The healthy and nutritious foods are high antioxidant foods, primarily fruits and vegetables. He selected these healthy foods because they contain the most powerful phytochemicals and  anthocyanins with strong inhibition of chemocarcinogens.

Other foods with high antioxidant and high anti-cancer potential include: 

• walnuts

• sunflower seeds

• pomegranates

• beets

• cabbage

• peppers

• parsley. 

Include these highly beneficial and nutritious foods in your diet.

A good way to think about nutritious food: Produce is the most important health care your money can buy.

Foods can also have the potential to harm your health.

Worst Foods - Creating the most Negative Effect on Health and Longevity

• Butter
• Cheese
• Potato Chips
• French Fries
• Doughnuts
• Salt
• All Reshaped Processed Meats like sausage, hot dogs, bologna.
• Pickled Meats
• Smoked Meats
• Barbequed Meat

Foods high in saturated and trans fats are consistently associated with high cancer rates. Cheese and butter contain over ten times as much saturated fat as fish and skinless white meat chicken or turkey.

Salt has been

 consistently linked to stomach cancer and stroke, even in groups who eat diets low in saturated fat.

Add the carcinogenic potential from heated and overcooked oils (usually trans fats) delivered in doughnuts and fries with the powerful cancer inducing properties of carbohydrates cooked at high heat (acrylamide formation) and you have a great cancer potion.

Learn more about the health benefits of GOMBBS and healthy foods in Dr Furman's book Super Immunity, which discusses how to naturally strengthen the immune system. 

Below are some of Dr. Fuhrman’s Sample Recipes:

* Triple Treat Cabbage Salad

* Greens and Berries Salad 

   with Casher Currant Dressing

* Tomato Bisque

* Black Forest Cream of Mushroom Soup

* Yummy Banana Oat Bars

* Cinnamon Fruit Oatmeal

* Eat Your Greens, Fruit Smoothie

------------------------------ Triple Treat Cabbage Salad Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 cups green cabbage, grated 1 cup red cabbage, grated 1 cup savoy cabbage, grated 1 carrot, peeled and grated 1 red pepper, thinly sliced 4 tablespoons currants 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds 1 tablespoon unhulled sesame seeds DRESSING 1/3 cup soy, almond or hemp milk 1 apple, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup raw cashews or 1/4 cup raw cashew butter 1 tablespoon Dr. Fuhrman's Spicy Pecan Vinegar 1 tablespoon currants 1 tablespoon unhulled sesame seeds, lightly toasted Instructions: Mix all salad ingredients together. In a high powered blender, blend soy milk, apple, cashews  and vinegar and toss with salad. Garnish with currants and lightly toasted sesame seeds. ------------------------------ Greens and Berries Salad with Cashew Currant Dressing CASHEW DRESSING 1/4 cup raw cashews or 2 tablespoons raw cashew butter 1/3 cup unsweetened soy, hemp or almond milk 1 apple, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons dried currants or raisins SALAD 1 head (about 6 cups) romaine lettuce 5 ounces (about 5 cups) organic baby spinach 1 12-ounce bag frozen strawberries, defrosted and sliced in half To make dressing, blend cashews or cashew butter with soy milk and apple in a high powered blender until smooth. Add the currants and blend well. Pile the lettuce and spinach leaves on a plate and lay the strawberries on top. Pour the juice from the strawberries over the greens.  Drizzle dressing over the greens and berries. ------------------------------ Tomato Bisque 3 cups carrot juice 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, chopped or 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, no-salt-added or low sodium (San Marzano variety is best, lower acid and sweeter) 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1 leek, chopped 1 large shallot, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons Dr. Fuhrman's MatoZest or other no salt seasoning 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled 1 small bay leaf 1/2 cup raw cashews or 1/4 cup raw cashew butter 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 5 ounces organic baby spinach In a large saucepan, add all ingredients except the cashews, basil and spinach. Simmer for 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.  Remove 2 cups of the vegetables with a slotted spoon and set aside. Puree the remaining soup with the cashews in a food processor or high powered blender until smooth. Return the pureed soup along with the reserved vegetables to the pot. Stir in the basil and spinach and heat until spinach is wilted. ------------------------------ Black Forest Cream of Mushroom Soup, original recipe 1/2 cup dried mixed mushrooms (optional) 2 pounds mixed fresh mushrooms (button, shiitake, cremini), sliced 1/4" thick 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 2 teaspoons herb de Provence 2 carrots, coarsely chopped 3 cups cauliflower florets, cut into small pieces 1 cup chopped organic celery 3 leeks, cut into 1/2 inch rounds 4 tablespoons Dr. Fuhrman's VegiZest, or other no salt seasoning 5 cups carrot juice 3 cups water 1/4 cup raw cashews 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 2 cans white beans, northern, navy, or cannellini (no salt) 1 5-oz bag organic baby spinach 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley If using dried mushrooms, soak them in hot water to cover for 30 minutes and cut in pieces.  Heat 1/8 cup water in large saute pan. Water sauté the fresh and dried mushrooms, garlic and dried herbs until tender and fragrant. Set aside.  In large soup pot, bring carrot juice, water, carrots, cauliflower, celery, leeks and VegiZest to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.  Puree 1/2 vegetable soup in high powered blender, adding cashews, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Blend until smooth and creamy.  Add pureed soup back to soup pot along with mushrooms, beans, and spinach. Heat until spinach is wilted. Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley. ------------------------------ Yummy Banana Oat Bars 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant) 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 2 large ripe bananas, mashed 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional; see note) 1 tablespoon date sugar (optional; see note) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Press into a 9-by-9-inch baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. When cool, cut into squares or bars. ------------------------------ Cinnamon Fruit Oatmeal 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup blueberries 2 apples, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1/4 cup raisins In a saucepan, combine water with the vanilla and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the oats.  When the mixture starts to simmer, add the blueberries. Remove from heat when berries are heated through. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes until thick and creamy.  Mix in apples, nuts, flax seeds, and raisins.  ------------------------------ Eat Your Greens Fruit Smoothie 5 ounces baby spinach 1 banana 1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries 1/2 cup unsweetened soy, hemp or almond milk 1/2 cup pomegranate juice or other unsweetened fruit juice 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds Blend all ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth and creamy. Until later, Jack  Postscript: RE: "The Real America" Cover Story Photo Essay Additional photos:

After the Rodeo

Watching the Judging

Healthy food options are available
at the National Western

If you would like to purchase any of the photographic images in the cover story photo essay: "The Real America" as seen at The 106th National Western Stock Show & Rodeo - Photographic prints are available for a short time - information below.

SIGNED PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS* 

ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

The photographs use professional archival inks and are printed on high quality paper. Additional unframed prints, ordered at the same time and of the same subject, are available at a 25% discount after the first full-priced print. *all are open editions

Due to the personalized and custom nature of creating these products, allow up to 4 weeks for delivery. Express shipping will not change production time.

Shipping is not available to P.O. Boxes. 

• Available through credit card purchase only (VISA, MC or American Express). Email the Description of the Photo requested and your contact information to:
• JackAtkinsonStudios@ME.com or CALL (in US): 201-653-5010. Before processing your order you will be contacted by phone or email to verify your order, confirm shipping address and to get credit card information.
• Size (NOTE - measurements refer to paper size only)
• 8" x 10" Unframed - $125
• 8" x 10" small width Black Frame with Plex - $150 
• 11" x 14" Unframed - $180 
• 11" x 14" small width Black Frame with Plex - $225
• For Images & Paper Sizes Larger than 11" x 14" Please inquire about price.
• Prices do not include Shipping & Handling which will be charged at actual cost.

This Offer Ends February 15, 2012 - After that date, inquire about availability via email (jackatkinsonstudios@me.com).

ARTSnFOOD, All rights reserved. Concept & Original Text © Copyright 2012 Jack A. Atkinson under all International intellectual property and copyright laws.