I love things that are quick to make, don't require a fancy presentation and are loaded with vitamins and minerals, that is why I absolutely am a slave to my blender! I love smoothies, and thought I'd share one of my commonly used "pick-me-ups" with you!
1/2 cup plain Kefir
1/2 cup wild blueberries
1 large, fresh pitted date
1 tbsp raw wheatgerm
3-5 ice cubes, and blend!
Viola, there you have it, a quick snack or even breakfast idea with 5 ingredients you can make in 3 minutes!
Stay healthy
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Harmful, and Surprising Effects of the MICROWAVE
Microwaving does several undesirable things: first and foremost it negates from the idea of raw, wholesome foods; as well it has MANY adverse health effects.
Blance and Hertel (1991), confirmed that microwave cooking significantly changed food nutrients. They studied the effect that microwaved food had on 8 individuals, by taking samples immediately after eating. They found that after eating microwaved food, hemoglobin levels decreased- the results showing anaemic tendencies in these individuals- the results became more pronounced during the second month of study: consider the effects of a lifetime worth of microwaving.
The violent changes to the food molecules also form new life forms called “Radiolytic Compounds”. These are mutations that are unknown to the natural world- this causes a deterioration in your blood and immune system. In addition, they found that the number of leucocytes increases after eating microwaved food, something which is often a sign of highly harmful effects, such as poisoning.
Eating microwaved food also causes cholesterol levels to increase. In Hertel’s study, cholesterol markers increased rapidly after the consumption of microwaved vegetables- a cholesterol-free source.
The risks associated with eating microwaved food doesn’t stop with the food itself. Standing in front of a microwave is also highly damaging to health. Consider this- a single celled organism, like an egg, will explode within 30 seconds when microwaved- we ourselves are made up of trillions of cells. Consider the number of cells are getting damaged by standing around your microwave as your food warms for 5-10 minutes.
The body cannot find its way back into balance when its electrical pathways are being altered or blocked. The first step is to remove the microwave from the home entirely in order to start healing.
My alternatives to microwaving:
o replace the microwave with a wok to re-heat food
o keep food warm on a plate by putting a saucepan lid over top
o put a plate of food on a simmering saucepan of water
o incorporate more meals which do not require heat- RAW food!
Blance and Hertel (1991), confirmed that microwave cooking significantly changed food nutrients. They studied the effect that microwaved food had on 8 individuals, by taking samples immediately after eating. They found that after eating microwaved food, hemoglobin levels decreased- the results showing anaemic tendencies in these individuals- the results became more pronounced during the second month of study: consider the effects of a lifetime worth of microwaving.
The violent changes to the food molecules also form new life forms called “Radiolytic Compounds”. These are mutations that are unknown to the natural world- this causes a deterioration in your blood and immune system. In addition, they found that the number of leucocytes increases after eating microwaved food, something which is often a sign of highly harmful effects, such as poisoning.
Eating microwaved food also causes cholesterol levels to increase. In Hertel’s study, cholesterol markers increased rapidly after the consumption of microwaved vegetables- a cholesterol-free source.
The risks associated with eating microwaved food doesn’t stop with the food itself. Standing in front of a microwave is also highly damaging to health. Consider this- a single celled organism, like an egg, will explode within 30 seconds when microwaved- we ourselves are made up of trillions of cells. Consider the number of cells are getting damaged by standing around your microwave as your food warms for 5-10 minutes.
The body cannot find its way back into balance when its electrical pathways are being altered or blocked. The first step is to remove the microwave from the home entirely in order to start healing.
My alternatives to microwaving:
o replace the microwave with a wok to re-heat food
o keep food warm on a plate by putting a saucepan lid over top
o put a plate of food on a simmering saucepan of water
o incorporate more meals which do not require heat- RAW food!
Sleep Health
Below is a link to a website with a great article written by David Wolfe. The article really gets into great detail about how and why we aren't getting proper sleep and how this relates to what we eat and drink throughout the day, plus ways to get proper rest, deep sleep and feel great upon awakening.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-wolfe/sleep-deeper-with-better_b_414911.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-wolfe/sleep-deeper-with-better_b_414911.html
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Is anyone else shocked?!?
I was watching TV tonight with my mom, and a Kellogg's commercial comes on advertising Froot Loops cereal. Cute kids, playing house, one is a Doctor, prescribing fibre as part of a healthy diet. No biggie right? Well it was, and should be seen as a big deal, because now they are advertising the cereal as an excellent source of fibre! For children! EIIIIKKKK! I cannot believe this is being allowed, it's almost, or just as bad as the McDonald's commercial advertising their food as part of a complete meal for children.... how does this happen....why do we let it happen???
I went online to the Kellogg's website just to see a Froot Loops label- ey yi yi yi yi! What a maze it is to get to their "nutrition" information- brilliantly conducted marketing behind that one I'm sure! Yet, they have blurbs about Fibre, about Vitamins, Diabetes, Nutrition facts etc, all over their pages. Needless to say I left the site and Googled, Froot Loops nutrition info, and got a label- Hurray! Here's what it stated:
ONE GRAM OF FIBRE (!) per 1 cup serving (they did however manage to squeeze in 12 grams of sugar)- if you know anything about fibre you'll know that one gram a day simply isn't cutting it, and the proper source is also what matters. We, as North Americans consume about 5-7 grams of fibre per day. What we need for optimal living and health is 35 grams of fibre per day- I don't know about you but it seems 35 cups per day of Froot Loops doesn't sound too appetizing. Not to mention the refined, processed, deadness of this so called source of fibre- what about the artificial vitamins and minerals which have been added, and the artificial colours- if that is a complete meal suited for your children, please please please email me, I'd love to hear from you!
Stay healthy with real, whole foods! And don't be suckered into commercials like these, they are the root cause of many health conditions and the conditions which will be learned and brought into the next generation.
I went online to the Kellogg's website just to see a Froot Loops label- ey yi yi yi yi! What a maze it is to get to their "nutrition" information- brilliantly conducted marketing behind that one I'm sure! Yet, they have blurbs about Fibre, about Vitamins, Diabetes, Nutrition facts etc, all over their pages. Needless to say I left the site and Googled, Froot Loops nutrition info, and got a label- Hurray! Here's what it stated:
ONE GRAM OF FIBRE (!) per 1 cup serving (they did however manage to squeeze in 12 grams of sugar)- if you know anything about fibre you'll know that one gram a day simply isn't cutting it, and the proper source is also what matters. We, as North Americans consume about 5-7 grams of fibre per day. What we need for optimal living and health is 35 grams of fibre per day- I don't know about you but it seems 35 cups per day of Froot Loops doesn't sound too appetizing. Not to mention the refined, processed, deadness of this so called source of fibre- what about the artificial vitamins and minerals which have been added, and the artificial colours- if that is a complete meal suited for your children, please please please email me, I'd love to hear from you!
Stay healthy with real, whole foods! And don't be suckered into commercials like these, they are the root cause of many health conditions and the conditions which will be learned and brought into the next generation.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Beating the Winter Blues
So it's mid January, and if you're anything like most Canadians and don't get the joy of living in sun 365 days per year; you're probably getting pretty sick of the gloomy days and cold weather.
Although it is pretty normal to experience some kind of winter depression, it shouldn't prevent you from feeling good all year round! It may not seem like it but there are plenty of things to do during the winter that can help you cope with the chilly days!
Embrace the snow! Yes, it's not going anywhere, not for a few months anyways so quite wishing it away! Bundling up, grabbing the dog or the kids and even going for a brisk 5 minute walk each day can help keep your depression at bay and your mood elevated. Fresh air, regardless of the frigidness of it does rejuvenate the soul. Play fetch with your pooch, make snow angels with the kids, or engage in a friendly snowball fight. The best part about getting rosy cheeks and cold toes is when you get to come back inside and warm up with a nice warm fire or a soak in the tub. Learn to look forward to this, the sensation of going from the cold air into the warm house makes it worth it!
Change your screensaver to a favourite vacation destination. The regular viewing of the image will almost transport you there and leave you feeling like you were just enjoying the sun and sand.
Cuddling up with a loved one by the fire and enjoying a nice glass of wine can be extremely warming to the soul, and the body. Take this time to avoid the phone, the computer and be grateful for the time you share together.
Stay warm, stay happy, stay healthy!
Although it is pretty normal to experience some kind of winter depression, it shouldn't prevent you from feeling good all year round! It may not seem like it but there are plenty of things to do during the winter that can help you cope with the chilly days!
Embrace the snow! Yes, it's not going anywhere, not for a few months anyways so quite wishing it away! Bundling up, grabbing the dog or the kids and even going for a brisk 5 minute walk each day can help keep your depression at bay and your mood elevated. Fresh air, regardless of the frigidness of it does rejuvenate the soul. Play fetch with your pooch, make snow angels with the kids, or engage in a friendly snowball fight. The best part about getting rosy cheeks and cold toes is when you get to come back inside and warm up with a nice warm fire or a soak in the tub. Learn to look forward to this, the sensation of going from the cold air into the warm house makes it worth it!
Change your screensaver to a favourite vacation destination. The regular viewing of the image will almost transport you there and leave you feeling like you were just enjoying the sun and sand.
Cuddling up with a loved one by the fire and enjoying a nice glass of wine can be extremely warming to the soul, and the body. Take this time to avoid the phone, the computer and be grateful for the time you share together.
Stay warm, stay happy, stay healthy!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Ten Foods Your Kitchen Should ALWAYS Consist Of
Essentially, we all have many foods which we forever stock our pantries with or jam into the freezer on a weekly basis, but the problem with this is that many of us are stocking up on foods which are not good for us- I like to call these "Dead Foods".
Dead Foods are foods that we use to fill us up, but are essentially void of nutrients, they are empty calories that do nothing to further our health, and only add weight. An exmaple of Dead Foods would be donuts, chips, candy, cookies, pop, fries, certain breads and baked goods, chocolate bars, condiments such as mayo and ketchup. Sure we are all human and consuming these foods once in a while (meaning one small serving per week), won't hurt us; but the majority of people consume these foods and don't leave room for the good stuff.
So, I've decided to simplify things and make you a ready-to-go grocery list, one that can be used for the rest of your life.
Here are the Top 10 Foods I beleive you should always be stocked up on....
10. Kiwi
9. Almonds
8. Broccoli
7. Quinoa
6. Avocado
5. Salmon
4. Blueberries
3. Kefir
2. Spinach
1. Garlic
KIWI
Kiwi is a great tasting, refreshing fruit. It has stress managing properties and believe it or not, contains more Vitamin C than an orange of equal size.
Kiwi's also contain health promoting carotenoids and flavanoids which provide powerful antioxidant properties which help us combat free radicals.
ALMONDS
Eat for your heart! Almonds rock when it comes to providing nutrients to the heart, they are high in Vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, monounsaturated fats- and all you need is a small handful a day to keep the heart surgeon away!
BROCCOLI
Oh the dreaded green trees! Well I hear all the time- "I won't eat broccoli, it's gross, I haven't liked it since I was a kid". Here's the deal, we've all been exposed to foods we don't like, but the methods of preparation vary, try new recipes and try it every opportunity you can. It may not be that you don't like the food, it may be that you don't like the way it was prepared. Be open, be adventurous and try it at least 5 different ways before you vanish it from your diet.
Brocooli truly is a superfood, it is loaded in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Folate, Fibre, Potassium, B6, Protein, and on and on we go.
Brocooli is considered a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it contains a high concentration of health promoting sulfur compounds. These compounds promote the liver's ability to produce enzymes which neutralize toxic substances, which could otherwise cause damage to the system.
All you need is one cup a day!
QUINOA
One of the easiest to digest, quinoa is a whole grain which originated from South America thousands of years ago.
Quinoa is an excellent source of a complete protein (meaning it has a full amino acid profile) and is therefore ideal for regular consumption for vegetarians.
Quinoa is high in the amino acid lysine which is noted as having tissue growth and repairing properties. Additionally, quinoa is dense in many minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and iron.
AVOCADO
Contrary to popular belief, avocado's are actually a fruit, although we often consume them as a vegetable, in the form of a dip, sandwhich spread, salad topping or form of salsa.
Avocado's are extremely heart healthy as they contain monounsaturated fats, and are often considered the reason for health within the Mediterranean diet, along with nuts, olives and olive oil.
Avocado's are complete with Vitamin K, Fibre, Potassium, Folate, B6, Vitamin C, Copper and various carotenoids and flavonoids.
SALMON
High in protein, high in essential fatty acids- Omega 3, EPA and DHA- which North Americans are deficient in, these essentail fatty acids or EFA's are the good guys in fat. They play a role in reducing inflammation, promoting memory, healthy skin and hair, and can even aid in weight loss. All you need is 4 ounces a day, 2-3 times per week.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries have aways been ranked as one of the best sources of antioxidants. They are high in Vitamin C, E, Fibre and Manganese. These nutrients deliver powerful protection from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Another benefit of blueberries? One cup is only 81 calories, making this fruit ideal for regular snacking.
KEFIR
Kefir is a living culture made from fermented milk. It is used the same way yogurt is, but with much higher health benefits, and is not nearly as processed as packaged yogurt like Source or Activia, plus it doesn't have artificial colouring, sweeteners or jam-like fruit.
Kefir is known for maintaining health gut ecology. It increases the good bacteria in the gut and reduces the bad stuff like yeast.
Kefir also contains many vitamins including B12- important for vegetarian diets.
Use kefir in a smoothie with fruit, or on its own.
SPINACH
A true super food, spinach is an excellent source of more than 22 vitamins and minerals. Among those nutrients is iron, and spinach has one of the highest vegetable sources, with less calories then red meat, making it an ideal source. Spinach also contains at least 13 different flavanoid phytonutrients that function as powerful antioxidants.
The best way to eat this powerhouse of a vegetable is raw, canning and cooking lose many vital nutrients and also compromise the pleasant taste of spinach.
Eat spinach in a salad or plain with a dash of salt and lemon juice.
GARLIC
Garlic contains unique sulfur compounds which promotes antioxidant activity and functions as a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that joins forces with Vitamin C to help kill harmful microbes. Try replacing your hand sanitizer, which kills both harmful and helpful bacteria from our skin, depleting our natural defence system with some garlic in your meals.
Garlic can also help lower high blood pressure, clean up artery build up and promote good, natural immunity.
When sick, pump up your garlic intake to help combat your cold instead of pharmaceuticals.
And remember, always choose natural, organic foods, you will reduce your risk of cancer and illness, and experience much better taste!
Dead Foods are foods that we use to fill us up, but are essentially void of nutrients, they are empty calories that do nothing to further our health, and only add weight. An exmaple of Dead Foods would be donuts, chips, candy, cookies, pop, fries, certain breads and baked goods, chocolate bars, condiments such as mayo and ketchup. Sure we are all human and consuming these foods once in a while (meaning one small serving per week), won't hurt us; but the majority of people consume these foods and don't leave room for the good stuff.
So, I've decided to simplify things and make you a ready-to-go grocery list, one that can be used for the rest of your life.
Here are the Top 10 Foods I beleive you should always be stocked up on....
10. Kiwi
9. Almonds
8. Broccoli
7. Quinoa
6. Avocado
5. Salmon
4. Blueberries
3. Kefir
2. Spinach
1. Garlic
KIWI
Kiwi is a great tasting, refreshing fruit. It has stress managing properties and believe it or not, contains more Vitamin C than an orange of equal size.
Kiwi's also contain health promoting carotenoids and flavanoids which provide powerful antioxidant properties which help us combat free radicals.
ALMONDS
Eat for your heart! Almonds rock when it comes to providing nutrients to the heart, they are high in Vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, monounsaturated fats- and all you need is a small handful a day to keep the heart surgeon away!
BROCCOLI
Oh the dreaded green trees! Well I hear all the time- "I won't eat broccoli, it's gross, I haven't liked it since I was a kid". Here's the deal, we've all been exposed to foods we don't like, but the methods of preparation vary, try new recipes and try it every opportunity you can. It may not be that you don't like the food, it may be that you don't like the way it was prepared. Be open, be adventurous and try it at least 5 different ways before you vanish it from your diet.
Brocooli truly is a superfood, it is loaded in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Folate, Fibre, Potassium, B6, Protein, and on and on we go.
Brocooli is considered a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it contains a high concentration of health promoting sulfur compounds. These compounds promote the liver's ability to produce enzymes which neutralize toxic substances, which could otherwise cause damage to the system.
All you need is one cup a day!
QUINOA
One of the easiest to digest, quinoa is a whole grain which originated from South America thousands of years ago.
Quinoa is an excellent source of a complete protein (meaning it has a full amino acid profile) and is therefore ideal for regular consumption for vegetarians.
Quinoa is high in the amino acid lysine which is noted as having tissue growth and repairing properties. Additionally, quinoa is dense in many minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and iron.
AVOCADO
Contrary to popular belief, avocado's are actually a fruit, although we often consume them as a vegetable, in the form of a dip, sandwhich spread, salad topping or form of salsa.
Avocado's are extremely heart healthy as they contain monounsaturated fats, and are often considered the reason for health within the Mediterranean diet, along with nuts, olives and olive oil.
Avocado's are complete with Vitamin K, Fibre, Potassium, Folate, B6, Vitamin C, Copper and various carotenoids and flavonoids.
SALMON
High in protein, high in essential fatty acids- Omega 3, EPA and DHA- which North Americans are deficient in, these essentail fatty acids or EFA's are the good guys in fat. They play a role in reducing inflammation, promoting memory, healthy skin and hair, and can even aid in weight loss. All you need is 4 ounces a day, 2-3 times per week.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries have aways been ranked as one of the best sources of antioxidants. They are high in Vitamin C, E, Fibre and Manganese. These nutrients deliver powerful protection from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Another benefit of blueberries? One cup is only 81 calories, making this fruit ideal for regular snacking.
KEFIR
Kefir is a living culture made from fermented milk. It is used the same way yogurt is, but with much higher health benefits, and is not nearly as processed as packaged yogurt like Source or Activia, plus it doesn't have artificial colouring, sweeteners or jam-like fruit.
Kefir is known for maintaining health gut ecology. It increases the good bacteria in the gut and reduces the bad stuff like yeast.
Kefir also contains many vitamins including B12- important for vegetarian diets.
Use kefir in a smoothie with fruit, or on its own.
SPINACH
A true super food, spinach is an excellent source of more than 22 vitamins and minerals. Among those nutrients is iron, and spinach has one of the highest vegetable sources, with less calories then red meat, making it an ideal source. Spinach also contains at least 13 different flavanoid phytonutrients that function as powerful antioxidants.
The best way to eat this powerhouse of a vegetable is raw, canning and cooking lose many vital nutrients and also compromise the pleasant taste of spinach.
Eat spinach in a salad or plain with a dash of salt and lemon juice.
GARLIC
Garlic contains unique sulfur compounds which promotes antioxidant activity and functions as a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that joins forces with Vitamin C to help kill harmful microbes. Try replacing your hand sanitizer, which kills both harmful and helpful bacteria from our skin, depleting our natural defence system with some garlic in your meals.
Garlic can also help lower high blood pressure, clean up artery build up and promote good, natural immunity.
When sick, pump up your garlic intake to help combat your cold instead of pharmaceuticals.
And remember, always choose natural, organic foods, you will reduce your risk of cancer and illness, and experience much better taste!
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