Friday, May 21, 2010

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,

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

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.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

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,
 

Saturday, January 9, 2010

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!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

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!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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!

Monday, October 5, 2009

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!