The Healthy Grocery List Essentials

Success in eating healthy starts at the grocery store. Here some healthy essentials to boost your immune system, increase your energy, regulate your BP, and raise your antioxidant levels. 

Veggies are a form of electric energy for your body, supplying enzymes, nutrients and fiber. Eating a good combination of the following can ensure heart health in longevity.

kale - spinach - parsley fresh - red onion - garlic - mixed salad - 

okra - red bell pepper - eggplant - celery - broccoli - ginger -

basil - green leaf lettuce - turmeric - cabbage - green onion

Fruits are very hydrating for the body and considering the body is 70% water, it would be extra healthy to make 70% of your nutritional intake liquids and hydrating foods.

tomato - avocado - mango - watermelon - cantaloupe - fresh coconut - cucumber - banana - oranges -

 papaya - noni - apples - soursop - cherries - grapes - honeydew melon - grapefruit - lemons - limes

Eating fresh fruit and raw or lightly steamed veggies everyday keeps the doctor's surgery knife away. Summer is here and all varieties of fruits and veggies are available take this season to show your body show extra love and care by shopping for healthy choices not for convenience.

And if you need any ideas for live foods recipes try Veggie Delights in full color at a great discount price.

Dr. Akua

July 6, 2021

Central Region, Ghana

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the Executive Director for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute, Inc. and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org/www.drakuagray.com 

 

Travel to Ghana During COVID-19

 

A bit of anxiety was expected when Dr. Chenu and I purchased our tickets to return home for the fall and winter seasons, and believe me it crept in for a few 3 second intervals until we made it through the gates of Divine Life Sanctuary. When Ghana opened the borders back up, they did so with a tight knit plan to keep new COVID-19 cases from getting into the country and they were quite serious about it. 

Ghana has chosen to rely on COVID-19 testing as the way to keep the virus at bay. We received notice from Delta Airlines of the requirements for being able to depart from the US to fly and be admitted to Ghana. The first thing we had to do was complete a health declaration form on Ghana’s Health Ministry website. There was no confirmation given after we filled the form, so we just assumed they received it. Next was to prepay for the COVID-19 test that is required once you arrive in the Ghana airport in Accra. With this online payment we did receive a receipt of payment and we printed this out, and it was good we did because we were asked for it in both the Houston and NY airports and at the Accra airport upon arrival. Next, Ghana required us to take a PCR COVID-19 test and prove negative results no more than 72 hours prior to departure from the USA. We chose to go to the Any Lab Testing site in Houston, TX. They offered both the saliva test or the nasal swab test as an option. We chose the saliva test, easy and noninvasive. 

The flight from Houston to Accra was smooth and easy, it was just like normal travel. Once we touched down in Accra, we were the first to get off the plane and Ghana Health Ministry had everything ready! They set up the processing of passengers in stations that moved like clockwork. The first station confirming the Health Declaration form that we filled out online, they health officer had his digital verification unit and it was received. The next station was verifying payment for the Ghana COVID-19 test and receiving your receipt to show at the next station which was testing. At the testing station the health worker was very considerate and reassuring of a comfortable of experience that helped to alleviated some of the stress of having someone stick a long instrument up your nose. 

After testing they moved us right along to the final health screening which was temperature monitoring to ensure your didn’t have fever and checking of the Yellow Fever Vaccination card or the Vaccination Exemption form, we don’t do vaccines. They didn’t delay us going on through immigration and getting your passport stamped to enter the country and then allowed us to collect our luggage while the COVID-19 test was being processed. The last stop was collecting your tests results before being allowed to leave the airport and go on your way. 

I have to say I was impressed and excited about the proficiency and professionalism in the system that Ghana put together. According to the President Nana Akufo-Addo, this system has prevented over 200 positive COVID-19 cases from entering the country since the borders opened back up in September of this year. Although the COVID-19 cases are slowly rising here in Ghana, the government has taken the spread of the virus seriously.

Those who are considering travelling to Ghana, the required testing on both sides will cost on average an additional $400 to your travel expenses. Your health is worth every penny. 

Dr. Akua

November 16, 2020

Central Region, Ghana

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the Executive Director for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute, Inc. and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org/www.drakuagray.com 

True Nation Building is Also a Spiritual Endeavor

The truth of nation building starts in the hearts of the conscious minded. There are moments like these past few weeks when the winds of social change awaken the sleeping giants and their rumbles can be heard around the world. I have often to spoken to young people about the power they pocess as potential leaders in culture, economic change and political power. It has always been the African Amercan experience that sets the tone for those who are feed up to speak up. There is however also evidient in these moments that the lack of spiritual discipline and endurance is one of the main reasons the fire is often fizzled out so quickly.

Visualize a spiritually connected people who protest then work, learn, build, educate their children, grow wholesome food and live according to the divine laws of nature and the universe, sounds a lot like what ancient Kemet once was. With the knowledge that creation works in divine cycles, it is destiny that the likes and greatness of Kemet is to take form again. When the universe is ready to create and bring forth change, there is nothing on this physical plain to stop it. This plain is in direct subjection to the divine. So the question is as parents, teachers, mentors and leaders, How do we lay out the platform for permanent change so that every person young and mature can go from protest to actualizing the system of change that is necessary for the next generation to live a different kind of life.

We have learned from our ancestors that it takes various outlets of change to reach the masses. Physical change organizations build communitites, teach life sustaining skills such as farming, construction and technology. Mental change organizations educate, and construct institutions to arouse the mental faculties for permanent organizing for growth and prosperity. Emotional change institutions provide safe havens of healing space that afford individuals time to process life's experiences and encourage movement in life that fosters peace. Spiritual change organizations such as A Life Of  Peace Wellness Education Institute, develops networks of healers in all modalities of health, wellness, spiritual disciplines, emotional rejuvenation, physical development, divine mental change and security to become a critical mass that will aid in the global change to bring this world back into balance with divine law.

I am excited to tell you that all of these oranizations are present and available to the people right now. This short list will get you started in connecting with an organization that best vibes with your purpose. I give you encouragement to continue on your journey to manifest who the creator intended for you to be.  Continue to seek divine consciousness and wisdom to carry out the works that will move “the whirlwind” along to its rightful place among man. You have been chosen. You have been given talents and motivation to fulfill your divine purpose. I send positive vibrations to your good works. They will manifest, grow, and provide healing, peace and progress to those it is meant for. Listen to the voice inside and the wisdom of the ancestors to give you guidance in the way you should go and we will all get there together.    

Dr. Akua

July 17, 2020

Houston, TX

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the primary curriculum developer for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org

The COVID-19 Spiritual Balance Cure

Living in the light of world change is an humbling experience. It reiterates the universal knowledge that all things and all people great and small are connected. This connection however often sparks emotional triggers that can leave the emotionally immature in a state of confusion and despondency. That's where the wellness community steps in with various levels of support to lovingly continue to facilitate healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Are you one of those helpers to the world? If you are reading this, I know you are. The message for many of our localities right is to stay at home. I agree 100% with this directive, however staying at home doesn't mean you stop reaching those that you have been called to help as a community wellness service provider. I want to give you a few ways to continue your purposeful mission of "living and giving."

1. Take a week to totally focus on family. One of my favorite quotes of all time is, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." Now I know we all have a Junebug or an Uncle Bobo, you can include them if you want to, but I'm specifically talking about those that are in your home. Take some time to get to know them all over again; learning those thing you can appreciate about them and those things that help you to accept how they really are and find peace with that. Our children need all of your patience, understanding, creative ideas and expressions of joy to balance the amount of spiritual and emotional turmoil that is being released globally.

2. Assess and journal what your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs are during this time of change. Who were you before this lock down, who are you now and what will you look like as we enter into the "new normal." Your relationship with yourself will help you drop expectations of others and clearly open the path to your next level of ascension. Having a vision of love and care for yourself also helps you freely share what you have mastered in your own healing.

3. Continue to support businesses in your community, yes it's easy to have Amazon and other mail order companies to drop everything at your door, but what I have found as I have ventured out is that many people are still trying to work and hold on to their sources of income right there in your city or town. Let's give them support first. African-American businesses and organizations especially need your support. If you have never donated to your local community center, like SHAPE in Houston, most of your favorite community organizations have a donate button and will take $5, if that is what you have to give.

Living and giving is a lifestyle that creates balance in what you do for yourself and others. Living and giving is a direct reflection of how the universe has thrived. You are now that reflection of universal energy, moving, transforming, nurturing and living life to the fullest! Be well beautiful ones. Do you know how powerful you are?

Peace and blessings,

Dr. Akua

April 21, 2020

Houston, TX

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the primary curriculum developer for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org

Living in Ghana in Winter Part 2

There are pros and cons in most things in life especially when you uproot yourself from your birth home (Houston, TX) and relocate more than 5k miles away to your ancestral home (Ghana, West Africa) where no one in your living family has ever been. Repatriation opens your heart and mind to a new world different, exciting and incomprehensible!

Yes, Ghana is beautiful, peaceful and very affordable however, once you are on the ground here you do realize there are some serious issues that affect the quality of life.

1. The overwhelming amount of trash that is not disposed of properly. (We keep Divine Life Sanctuary compound, roadside and beach area clean.)


2. The poor conditions of the schools for children and the literacy rate. (We volunteer in our local schools, sponsor students, and donate school supplies.)

3. The high level of pollution on the roads due to little or no emissions standards. (We don't own a car.)

4. There is still a considerable amount of open defecation in the both the urban and village areas which points to overall poor sanitation conditions throughout the country. (Working with the Khepra Team to bring proper sanitation to rural areas of Africa.) 

I can't talk about country wide solutions to any of these because after living here for ten years it has become apparent that these things have become a part of the cultural norm. I do know that the results of these 4 nuisances in the fabric of the people contribute to poor health, lower life expectancy and it takes away from the beauty that the majority of Ghana is. If you have some solutions for these, let's vibe and work with the government and ministries to help out.


For those who are considering the move, know that just like in the US all things are not perfect no matter where you go. However, if I ran down to you my reasons for loving Ghana the list and what I can say about it would take up an entire book. Which I may write some day. 

Peace and blessings,

Dr. Akua

January 23, 2020

Central Region, Ghana

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the primary curriculum developer for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org

Living in Ghana in the Winter

 Every year sometime in October I pack up a couple of suitcases and store my summer clothes in the closet and jump on a plane to the Motherland, Ghana to be exact. This has been an annual for me for the past 10 years. I am often asked Dr. Akua how is it living in Ghana and my answer is always, "It is sooo peaceful."

When Dr. Chenu and I started this repatriation journey we knew we wanted to be by the sea and we wanted a quiet area with fresh air and enough land to grow an organic garden and fruit tree orchard. When we found the perfect spot we called it Divine Life Sanctuary. We also knew that we wanted to share this little piece of paradise with those who wanted to experience nature in all her peaceful ways.Quite a few wonderful guests have come through over the years and we have been enriched by each one. Our doors are always open.

The first thing about Ghana in the winter is the warm weather, about 85 degrees everyday and 70's at night with a cool ocean breeze. The second thing I love about Ghana in the winter is being able to eat fresh from the garden and orchard about 90% of the food that we eat. Third is the peacefulness of the river as it rises and falls with the tide of the ocean that is just on the other side of the sand dune. Last but not least is the beauty of a mono-culture. Being in the midst of nature also leaves ample time for meditation, exercise, yard work, and volunteering in our local village schools and clinics. It's another side of life completely different from the way we live in the US. 

If you have ever wanted to just go and live somewhere else in the world to really feel at peace in life even if for a moment in the winter, my encouragement to you is do it. I have found the same peace on extended stays in Belize, The Bahamas, Israel and Egypt. Nature is waiting for you to open yourself to experience her as a part of you. See her myriad of creations as an extension of yourself and find peace in being surrounded by your natural self. Reconnecting with nature will open a world of love and acceptance that links directly to your compassion for life. She gives so freely and only ask to be cultivated for nurturing and preservation. 

Live everyday like you know who you are. Divine!

Peace and blessings,

Dr. Akua

December 12, 2019

Central Region, Ghana

About the Author: Dr. Akua Gray, ND is the author of numerous books on wellness, naturopathy and vegan nutrition. Her latest series of education manuals include Naturopathic Reiki Volumes 1, 2 and 3 and Detox Therapy: Detoxing Should Feel Good Too are available  through www.alop-store.com or Amazon. She is currently the primary curriculum developer for A Life Of Peace Wellness Education Institute and teaches an annual series of Naturopathic courses online and in person. Visit www.alifeofpeace.org

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