Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet provides many positive effects on our health and it greatly affects our outlook on daily life. It boasts many vitamins and minerals from the fruits and vegetables and shuns the regular diet of red meats and junk foods that can bring health problems. People of all ages can eat the Mediterranean diet.


Building your body from a healthy diet provides you the nutrition to combat stress and help control stress attacks. With your brain fully functional and with a fit body, you are better prepared to take whatever challenges come your way.

The Mediterranean diet is easy on the budget because it is made up of the basic foods found in most supermarkets. They are easy to prepare and the food is delicious.

Start your day with a small protein like eggs or yogurt, breads and fruits.

Have an expresso, a glass of 100% juice, herbal tea and lots of water during your day.

Have a lunch of grilled fish with salad on the side sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil.

Eat small portions of lean meat in your dinner but with large serving of sautéed legumes and vegetables.

In everything give thanks,

Eat your veggies

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts are all edible flowers that cleanse the liver and reduce cancer of the colon, prostate, ovaries, lung and bladder.

Combining broccoli with tomatoes is especially potent for protecting against prostate cancer.

In everything give thanks!

Fruit salad

Strawberries
1 can pineapple
3 kiwi fruit
blueberries

Mix all together including pineapple juice and set in the refrigerator for 30 min.

Add a dab of whip cream, ice cream or yogurt.

In everything give thanks,

Apple cider vinegar...

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy that’s been in use in folk medicine for hundreds of years. It has been prescribed by both Western and in Chinese doctors. Hippocrates treated patients with apple cider vinegar over 400 years ago, and the Bible mentions vinegar to treat infections and wounds. Easy to come by, and inexpensive to use, apple cider vinegar treats many ailments, from the digestive system to skin and hair. It has also been utilized to treat allergies, acne, flu, and dermatitis. Apple cider elevates pH levels, causing increased alkalinity in the body. It is anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.

Apple cider vinegar contains over ninety different nutrients. It is high in potassium, and many other minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, copper, iron, fluorine and sodium. Apple cider vinegar also includes two ketones, thirteen types of carbolic acids, trace minerals, and amino acids. It also has fiber in small amounts as apple pectin. Apple cider vinegar contains large amounts of Vitamin C and smaller amounts of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and E. Acetic acid is one of the main ingredients and is responsible for releasing energy from fat and carbohydrates, which is why some have touted vinegar as an aid to weight loss.
 
Start with 1 T in a 8 oz water w/ a splash of lemon juice.

February is heart health month

5 heart healthy foods...

1.Garlic: This herb is ideal for heart health. Numerous studies have shown the potential benefits of regular garlic consumption on blood pressure, platelet aggregation, serum triglyceride level, and cholesterol levels – all of which keep your heart performing. Garlic also makes a great seasoning for food so you can greatly reduce salt.

2. Salmon: High in Omega-3s, a good fat

3. Berries and Cherries: . These sweet treats are high in polyphenols, which prevent cell damage that creates unhealthy blood vessels and heart. During the winter, opt for frozen berries. Try thawing a bag of frozen strawberries in the refrigerator. Then, add unsweetened, steel-cut oatmeal with the berries their juice and your heart will say thanks with each beat.

4. Quinoa: Often mistaken as a grain, this tiny sprouted seed is an excellent source of magnesium, the mineral that relaxes blood vessels. Low dietary levels of magnesium lead to some scary health issues like increased rates of hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart arrhythmias. Quinoa cooks quickly and can easily be found already prepared as a side meal in the deli section..

5. Hot Cocoa: Hot cocoa is brimming with antioxidants – two-times more than red wine and three times more than green tea. The cool February temperatures are no match for a mug of hot cocoa. Tip: since hot chocolate mixes are full of sugar, use 100% cocoa and combine with a teaspoon of sugar. Plus you'll sweeten with the natural sugars in the milk.
 
In everything you do, give thanks,
 

Berries...

The purpose of a berry is to help us!  They are filled with many nutrients & antioxidants which help protect the body.
Incorporate in your diet as the harvest season allows.  Eat fresh, blend in smoothies, add a dollop of whip cream for a yummy dessert.

Blueberries - phytochemicals for anti aging
Strawberries - phenols for heart health
Blackberries - supports healthy cholestrol levels
Bilberries - best in supplement form, good for circulation in our eyes
Goji berries - BIG source of nutrients, available as a drink
Acai berries - RICH source of antioxidants, available as a drink

In everything you do, give thanks!

12 Days of Christmas...

Relax 1 hour before going to bed – without TV or computer screens. You'll sleep better if your brain hasn’t been racing full-tilt right up until you fall into bed.

Enjoy 2 pieces of regionally grown fruit each day.

Eat 3 small meals and 3 protein-based snacks each day.

Take 4 short breaks throughout my work day – get up from my desk, walk around, move my body.

Get 5 good physical workouts each week – at least 30 minutes, anything you enjoy and will continue to do.

List 6 things you are grateful for, without repeating any in one week.

Eat 7 servings of veggies every day.

Sleep 8 hours regardless of how busy you are. You'll accomplish more if you are well-rested.

Drink 9 glasses of good, pure water every day.

Give 10 positive, kind, uplifting, words to someone else.

Take the time for 11 gentle stretches.

Make appointments for 12 massages throughout the year.

In everything you do, give thanks!

Autumn months...

Now is the time to drink more herbal teas...

Peppermint...good for your digestive tract
Ginger...warming for your circulation
Detox...gentle cleansing & you'll never know it!

Two favorite brands are:
http://traditionalmedicinals.com/
http://yogitea.com/

They are even available at Walmart! Spend less, buy more!

Eat foods in season...

Apples & pears
Grapefruit has just come into the stores & they are juicylicious!
Pumpkin...I like pies & pumpkin spice lattes...ha, you'll be OK!
Squash & sweet potatoes....even a sweet potato pie w/ brown sugar

Look up some crock pot recipes for stews & soups to carry you into the winter. Not as much salad but instead some warmed veggies.

In everything you do, give thanks!

Teens...

Eating habits

The first and most important way to help adolescents is through nutrition. One of the challenges is that kids have their own money these days and will often grab a snack at the fast food place. We can't control what they do when they are away from home, so when they are home for breakfast & dinner, make sure they eat healthy choices. Lots of fresh vegetables w/ranch dressing (it will be OK), pizza with vegetables as toppings, some fruit, lots of healthy proteins like nuts & eggs...easy on the cheese.

Mood Swings

One moment they're sweet and the next they are bugging you! They need an emotional and nutritional anchor. Liquid ionic minerals and protein can provide such an anchor. Minerals and proteins are the basic building blocks of neurotransmitters and hormones. When the neurotransmitters and hormones are balanced the moods swings will settle down. Another way of evening teens out is the combination of Blessed Thistle and Red Raspberry. These herbs can be given to girls and boys.

Sleep Patterns

Recent studies have shown that teens have both an increased need for sleep (almost as much as an infant) and a very abnormal sleep rhythm. They do much better if allowed to sleep until at least 9:00 AM, and if allowed to stay up till 11:00 PM or midnight. Their whole circadian rhythm is different from the rest of the world, it seems. This is grossly inconvenient. A protein-rich breakfast like eggs and whole grain toast, bagel, cereal bar or cereal will keep their energy during the morning. Protein snacks, like a trail-mix, will help to keep their energy up and running smoothly and avoid the pitfalls of blood-sugar dips.

Skin Problems

When acne is a problem, the solution is liver support and improved nutrition. If the junk food is reduced to a minimum, and blood purifiers like the herbal blends of Liv C or Oregon Grape are used internally, much can be cleared up. Elevated testosterone in both boys and girls can also be responsible for acne. Blessed thistle or black cohosh can counteract this. Excess dairy products especially cheese, refined sugar, white flour, junk food fats, and soft drinks all contribute to bad skin. Tea tree oil, pau d'arco lotion, or silver shield gel can be applied to blemishes with a cotton swab to both kill the bacteria and dry up the excess oils.

In everything you do, give thanks!

Brain food...

Our brains need & thrive on variety, challenge and change. Mental exercises like learning something new, doing things different, study a new language, puzzles & games, reading new books. Remember to turn OFF the TV.

Get enough sleep.

Nutrients that support are gotu kola, gingko, reishi, alpha lipoic acid. Look for specific brain/mind products to enhance during times of stress.

Omega 3 and B vitamins

Two super foods for brain nutrition are blueberries & raw walnuts.

In everything you do, give thanks!

Zeolite...

Check out the Zeolite, Natures Mineral, by clicking on the side button.

See what it can do for!

In everything you do, give thanks!

Chew your food...

In my opinion, other than increasing the amount of water you drink, the next best thing that you can do for your health is to chew each bite of your food 15-20 times so that it is definitely mixed with saliva.

Enzymes are produced and required for digestion. Enzymes are full of life.

It's amazing what health benefits you'll notice right away!

In everything you do, give thanks!

Splenda...

What exactly is Splenda?

It is sucralose which is made through a process that selectively replaces three hydrogen-oxygen atoms for three atoms of chlorine on the sucrose molecule.

In a simple sentence, you would just as soon have a pesticide in your food as sucralose because sucralose (Splenda) is a chlorocarbon. The chlorocarbons have long been known for causing organ, genetic, and reproductive damage. The testing of sucralose reveals that it can cause up to 40 percent shrinkage of the thymus: a gland that is the very foundation of our immune system. Sucralose also causes swelling of the liver and kidneys, and calcification of the kidney.

No artificial sweetener will be safe to the body. It simply causes the body to work harder longer.

Take the time to read a label and make your own drinks.

Use 100% juice.
Add sparkling water.
Add lemon.

Whatever you do, give thanks.

Vitamin Water

What’s Really Lurking in a Bottle of Vitamin Water?

The average person picking up a bottle of Vitamin Water thinks this is simply flavored water with added vitamins and minerals. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, in reality a bottle of Vitamin Water contains 33 grams of sugar, including crystalline fructose. So the average consumer will believe they are doing something healthy by choosing Vitamin Water over soda when the reality is that there is not much difference.

Vitamin Water has over SIX teaspoons of sugar in it. That's just in one drink which is a small part of your intake for the day. At the end of a month, how much will that add up to?

What is crystalline fructose? According to The Sugar Association, “Crystalline fructose is produced by allowing the fructose to crystallize from a fructose-enriched corn syrup.” While many people mistakenly believe that fructose is an acceptable form of sweetener, it is far from healthy. Refined man-made fructose raises your triglyceride levels which are the chemical form of fat found in your foods & your body. Continue to add this to your daily diet then you will live with those levels high all the time.

Moderation is key when it comes to sugar. try to limit to once a week or a couple of times a month. Remember, it's NOT the only form of sugar that you will put in your body.

Drink pure water and get your vitamins from the food you eat.

Whatever you do, give thanks!

Pimples...

Pimples are a sign of imbalance and the answer lies in finding that balance.

1. A good cleanse for the colon will strengthen the liver & kidneys so that toxins flush through their proper channels & not only their face & back. It can be very gentle & you'll never know it!

2. Increase water & decrease/eliminate soda & juice.

3. The body is saying that there is an important need to process fats properly & it's having a hard time with what's coming into the body. The best way to do that is to decrease bad fats...chips, crackers (a few won't hurt) BUT to increase olive oil & cod liver oil in their diet.

4. Wash the face with a gentle cleanser.

With teenagers, there are a couple of good NSP products that will help to balance hormonal changes as well.

Almond dessert

Yummy healthy dessert... it's not even cooked!

1 cup smooth almond butter
½ cup oatmeal
1/3 cup chopped almond slivers
½ cup raisins1/3 cup unsweetened medium coconut
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Extra coconut to roll logs in

Mix first six ingredients together. Form into logs. On waxed paper, roll logs in extra coconut. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into bite sized pieces. Store in a tin in the freezer.

Whatever you do, give thanks!

Swine flu..

A. Take steps to boost your own immune system!
Drink half your body weight in ounces of pure water every day to keep your immune system strong.
Make sure you are eliminating after every meal so that germs do not have a place to "hibernate" in your body.
Get plenty of sleep at night, and be in bed before 11 PM.
Eat healthy foods, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat cultured dairy products such as organic yogurt and kefir to boost your immune system, as they are loaded with natural probiotics.
Avoid the foods that deplete your immune system, ­ particularly coffee and soda, and anything containing white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Drinking just one can of soda depletes your immune system by 90% for the next 5 hours...a great reason to give up drinking soda!

B. You can also boost your immune system with several simple supplements taken daily.
1. Probiotics which stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and boost your body's first line of immune defense.
2. Vitamin D3, which our bodies manufacture from SUNSHINE! Try to get out in the sun for at least 15 minutes a day, and be sure your arms and legs, as well as your face, are exposed for maximum Vitamin D3 production. D3 gives your immune system a tremendous boost, and greatly reduces your risks of illness. If you can't get out into the sun, take D3 as a supplement.
3. Silver. What do the hospitals use to kill germs and prevent infections? Silver! I am so thankful we have silver at our disposal to both boost our own immune system and kill germs on contact. Here are three tips for using silver to kill any and all germs! NSP product. Will write post about this in June '09.
Take Silver Shield every day by mouth. 1-2 teaspoons daily will help protect your body from unwanted guests: germs! It is completely safe to take silver shield every day.
Apply silver gel to your hands throughout the day, particularly if you are out in public. The silver gel applied to hands (or anywhere!) kills every type of pathogen known to science for four hours, or until you wash your hands again.
Apply a small amount of gel at the entrance to your nostrils with a q-tip swab. This is the spot where flu germs enter the body—so be proactive and protect yourself!
Use a 2 oz nasal spritzer bottle filled with Silver Shield, which will put liquid silver into your nasal passages and kill any germs that have entered there. This will also do wonders to help with seasonal allergies and sinus problems!
4. Apple cider vinegar...organic w/the mother stuff in it. I like Bragg's brand. Good for keeping our intestines clean. Will wirte more about this in another post in June '09.

C. FEAR NOT!
Fear has been proven to lower your body's immune responses. Wash your hands, take your silver and supplements, eat healthy foods, and trust in God, praying for His protection! God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) A sound mind is key to remaining calm and focused in any time of emergency or crisis.

Food for thought...

It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what type of disease a person has.

Hippocrates (463- 377 BC)

Organs & emotions...

Emotions come from the Latin word 'to move out'. It is emotions, not events, that cause stress related illness. The body treats everything as though it were real. It will not differentiate between reality or the thought. When we live in negative emotions, it can weaken the body and there is a general correlation between organs and emotions.

irritated bladder

resentment/bitterness gallbladder

shock heart

fear kidney

being stuck large intestine

anger liver

grief lung

being vulnerable small intestine

disgust stomach

confusion thyroid

stress adrenal

apathy & unresponsive reproductive



Positive emotions such as love, forgiveness, friendship and faith will strengthen the body.

Ask God to help you get free from living in destructive emotions so that you can get past your trauma and live life in the present with an expectation of hope for your future. Ask Him to show you where you need to change and let Him help you. He is the one who knows you inside out & has access to every moment of your life as though it were the present.

He can help you access that time and be your very present help. Our faith can cause situations in time to shift.

Recommended reading:
Toxic Emotions Dr Colbert

Keeping it simple...

Here are the basics of good daily health...

8 glasses of water

7 hours of sleep

6 servings fruit and veggies (1-2 fruit and 4-5 veggies)

5 kind words

4 forgive yourself & others

3 meals a day

2 small snacks a day w/protein

1 hour to relax before getting into bed without tv or computer... read a book, listen to music, write your thoughts