Eating seasonally means consuming foods that are local to your area, at a given time of year. When you eat in season, you eat with what nature has intended you to consume to nourish your body at that time of year. For example, we all know we tend to gain a little weight during the colder months, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing (depending on the source of the weight gain). Our body's are designed to store fat in the winter, we need the extra insulation, the protection of vital organs and ability to sustain ourselves. We need foods that support this. Foods that are higher in carbohydrates, warming and more substantial (think root vegetables, apples, pears, squash, chestnuts, mushrooms, nuts and seeds, brussel sprouts).
In the summer we need the opposite. We need cooling foods that are hydrating, light and are less likely to cause us weight gain (think berries, melons, leaf lettuce, cherries).
By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply tastes better!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Preventing H1N1, Naturally
The growing concern with contracting the H1N1 virus is an issue many of us cannot ignore. Whether we are in the so-called "priority" group or whether we feel we are healthy individuals who cannot be bothered with stressing over the flu, in some way it is still on everyone's mind.
The questionable vaccine that is currently offered on the market right now is a controversial topic in and of itself. Since I won't endorse vaccinations, nor is it my place to say you should not get the shot. I will say this: the best medicine is PREVENTION.
As with any seasonal flu, or virus in general, the key to preventing contraction is through a strong, healthy immune system.
Here's the Nutritionist's protocol for general immune boosting, safe for any individuals at any age, for any duration of time.
Diet
Eat a predominately plant based diet, plant foods are nutrient dense, meaning there is a high nutrient content per serving. Plants contain Phytonutrients, which serve a preventative role in degenerative diseases, sickness, and contain antioxidants- our natural immune enhancers
Plant based foods have a high fibre content. Plant based foods are the only available dietary source of fibre. Fibre will increase satiety stretching the stomach, making you feel fuller, longer. As well, fibrous foods help relieve constipation, by increasing bowel elimination (an exit portal for toxins).
Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day. Dehydration is one of the most underlooked reasons for illness and disease. Our bodies are predominately made of water, so we must make sure we give it enough to function optimally, and work for us- not against us.
Want an easy way to add a natural detoxer and flavour into your water? Squeeze 1 half of an organic lemon into 500mL of water. Lemon is full of nutrients and health supportive functions. Get in the habit of purchasing lots of lemons during flu season!
Herbs
Create a herbal infusion! On top of having many immune boosting properties, herbs also aid in optimizing all other functions of our system. Try herbs like echinacea, astragalus, elderflower, and garlic. Never underestimate the power of nature's natural healers!
Lifestyle
Control your Stress by Controlling your Thoughts
Did you know that stress doesn't actually exist? There's no such thing as stress, believe it or not. All that exists is your own reaction to stressors. A stressor is anything that has the ability to make you feel uneasy. A traffic jam, making you late to work is not stressful- the way you CHOOSE to react is the stress you will experience. Learn not to sweat the small stuff- ask yourself: "Can I control this situation?" If not, move away from it! Revert your attention and focus onto something that makes you happy- like playing your favourite song, calling a friend or self-talk.
Yours in Life, Love & Happiness,
Leigh
BSc., (Hons), RNCP, CNP
Holistic Nutritionist & Lifestyle Consultant.
The questionable vaccine that is currently offered on the market right now is a controversial topic in and of itself. Since I won't endorse vaccinations, nor is it my place to say you should not get the shot. I will say this: the best medicine is PREVENTION.
As with any seasonal flu, or virus in general, the key to preventing contraction is through a strong, healthy immune system.
Here's the Nutritionist's protocol for general immune boosting, safe for any individuals at any age, for any duration of time.
Diet
Eat a predominately plant based diet, plant foods are nutrient dense, meaning there is a high nutrient content per serving. Plants contain Phytonutrients, which serve a preventative role in degenerative diseases, sickness, and contain antioxidants- our natural immune enhancers
Plant based foods have a high fibre content. Plant based foods are the only available dietary source of fibre. Fibre will increase satiety stretching the stomach, making you feel fuller, longer. As well, fibrous foods help relieve constipation, by increasing bowel elimination (an exit portal for toxins).
Drink at least 8 glasses of pure water a day. Dehydration is one of the most underlooked reasons for illness and disease. Our bodies are predominately made of water, so we must make sure we give it enough to function optimally, and work for us- not against us.
Want an easy way to add a natural detoxer and flavour into your water? Squeeze 1 half of an organic lemon into 500mL of water. Lemon is full of nutrients and health supportive functions. Get in the habit of purchasing lots of lemons during flu season!
Herbs
Create a herbal infusion! On top of having many immune boosting properties, herbs also aid in optimizing all other functions of our system. Try herbs like echinacea, astragalus, elderflower, and garlic. Never underestimate the power of nature's natural healers!
Lifestyle
Control your Stress by Controlling your Thoughts
Did you know that stress doesn't actually exist? There's no such thing as stress, believe it or not. All that exists is your own reaction to stressors. A stressor is anything that has the ability to make you feel uneasy. A traffic jam, making you late to work is not stressful- the way you CHOOSE to react is the stress you will experience. Learn not to sweat the small stuff- ask yourself: "Can I control this situation?" If not, move away from it! Revert your attention and focus onto something that makes you happy- like playing your favourite song, calling a friend or self-talk.
Yours in Life, Love & Happiness,
Leigh
BSc., (Hons), RNCP, CNP
Holistic Nutritionist & Lifestyle Consultant.
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