Food Focus: Beets

Overall, beets are a good source of folate, manganese, potassium, dietary fiber and vitamin C.

Benefits:

• Research also shows that beet juice can help inhibit the development of colon and stomach cancer.
• Beets can help in normalizing blood pressure.
• Beets protects against heart disease.
• Beet juice helps stimulate the function of liver cells and protect the liver and bile ducts.
• Drinking beets regularly can help relieve constipation.
• Beets are particularly rich in the B vitamin folate, which is essential for normal tissue growth.

Sources:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Red_Beets
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49

Importance of Chiropractic Work

“Chiropractic focuses on the health of the spine, mainly on the joints, or moveable segments of the spine.  Throughout life, those joints, or moveable segments go through a tremendous amount of stress and turmoil.  For example, auto accidents, too much sitting, heavy lifting, wallets in pockets, heavy purses on one shoulder, workstations not supporting neutral postures, driving stick shift, sitting cross legged, falls, slips, and other accidents cause excessive strain to our underlining structure.  Moreover, our spine is always fighting against the pull of gravity every time we stand or sit!

Chiropractic focuses on returning the natural function and range of motion to all of those joints, or movable segments so that all of the structures that are connected to those joints, (muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, etc…) will work in harmony.  When those joints and surrounding tissues are functioning well, our body will continue to work and be there for us when we want it to, adding longevity and endurance to the function of our spine, nervous system and our lives.” Words from the wonderful Chirporactor, Dr. Matt Green.

To see the coupon for his special offer for $150 for the whole family click here.

Affirmation of the Week: I know I will always have what I need and trust that I will always have more than I want.

Article where the above affirmation came from… power of giving.

Tip of the Week: Staying Warm through Foods

There are foods that can warm you up internally and those that can keep you cold. Try adding these foods into your diet to warm you up.

• Asparagus
• Basil
• Chives
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginseng

To read the full article click here.

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When Christmas roles around the most common complaints are weight gain and stress. The holidays can be tough on some

people so the goal for this article is to give people seven tips of how one can stay healthy and thin during the holiday season. Just remember to respect the body and be kind to one self.

1. Be kind with yourself – If one cheats one or two days, then put that in the past and focus on the present. The next day is a new day to start over. It’s okay!

2. Listen to your body – It is important to listen to one’s body after eating a meal. Don’t eat to just eat. Eat when hungry and stop when full. If one is eating because of boredom then go entertain oneself by doing something one enjoys.

3. Take it slow -  Usually people are always on the go and in a rush. Slow down. Be present. When eating chew slowly, digesting the food properly so it gets processed properly. When the day seems fast, then take a break and bundle up and get some fresh air. Breath!

4. Incorporate cardio exercise - Don’t just think of cardio in the gym, but think outside of the box. Maybe it’s running around with the kids or it’s having fun in the bedroom with the husband. There are other ways to get cardio than the typical workouts.

5. Don’t stay near the food during the holidays -  Wherever the food is located sit away from it. When people are close to the food they tend to go near it and nibble. When people nibble on the appetizers those calories add up. And that messes with people’s appetite because when it comes time for the real meal people are full, but they go ahead and eat it because the food looks so good. Familiar?

6. Eat your greens – Regardless eat greens like kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and swiss chard. These provide a lot of nourishment for the body that can help with filling people’s appetite and fighting sickness. Continue to nourish the body, even though one may cheat a little during this season.

7. Surround yourself with LOVE -  Hang out with family and friends that are enjoyable to be around. Pass on those people that cause stress. It makes life less stressful and more pleasant.

Food Focus: Foods Providing Vitamin B12

• calf’s liver, braised
• snapper, baked/broiled
• salmon, chinook
• beef tenderloin, lean
• lamb loin, roasted
• scallops, baked/broiled
• shrimp, steamed/boiled
• halibut, baked/broiled
• yogurt, low-fat

Although an article by Dr. Gina Shaw says otherwise on animal foods giving you B12. Read more…

Food Review: Kinni Kritters Animal Cookies

• These cookies are gluten free, wheat free, dairy/casein free, egg free, trans fat free.
• Eight cookies have 2 grams of sugar. In one oreo cookie it is 14 grams of sugar.
• Its very light and taste like animal cookies.

Affirmation of the Week: I design my life through thoughts and beliefs.

Tip of the Week: Reduce Stress

• Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you enjoy. (i.e.spending time with friends, walking, listening to music)
• Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated and BREATH.
• Avoid difficult people when possible and surround self with positive people.
• Surround your desk with things that make you happy (i.e. family photos, jokes, affirmations, quotes)

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Food Focus: Sweet Potatoes

This root vegetable qualified as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron.

Since there are so many great nutrients it is also known to help the following:

• Immune system
• Inflammation
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Digestion
• Cancer
• Stomach Ulcers
• Diabetes
• Weight Gain

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Sweet_Potato

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes.html

Bodywork Review: Structural Integration

What is structural integration? It’s an educational process of understanding the relationship between gravity and the human body. It is a systemic approach to relaxing the patterns of stress and impaired functioning in the body’s structure through the fascial layer. When your body is misaligned with gravity, posture worsens and flexibility is slowly lost.

How does Structural Integration work? The body’s connective tissue is lengthened and opened through a 10 session hands-on series. The tissue toughness becomes softer, more pliable, thus allowing movement and flexibility. Structural Integration involves the fascial layer, the gelatinous, pliable connective tissue that surrounds all muscles. Imagine your body encased in fascia, like a sweater wrapped around you. With the pull of gravity, injuries, & the effects of stress, the body is pulled out of alignment. The fascia shortens & tightens to accommodate the misalignment.

Structural Integration is the only natural remedy for scoliosis.

To learn more and to meet Susan Solari visit:

http://www.east-bay-massage-therapy.com/structural-integration/

Affirmation of the Week: I constantly have new insights and new ways of looking at my world.

Remember to repeat with interest and desire.

Tip of the week: By adding sweet potatoes you help with that sweet craving we all have and it’s simple as making sweet potato fries as your side instead of regular potatoe French fries. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel the sweet potato, cut like French fries. Toss with olive oil, and seasonings you like…like sea salt, black pepper, tumeric, basil, rosemary, etc. Bake on a cookie sheet for crisp. Bake for 15 minutes and flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

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It’s the season when people start to change the way they eat and start going towards warming foods like soups and stews.

The one thing that most people are not aware of is the importance of understanding of how foods affect our bodies internally. For example, people may be eating foods that are very warming or hot to the body during the summer time, adding additional heat to their body and becoming overheated. Imagine a man in a room packed with people and he is the first person to take his light jacket off while everyone else still has their jacket on. This shows that he has a very warm body, which could be caused by the warming or hot energy caused by certain foods.

Each person is different and one will need to figure out how their body works with these foods, but if one is always cold then one may want to consider adding more of the foods from the list below, which is a portion of the list from the book Glow by Christine Pirello’s.

Warming Energy

• Asparagus
• Basil
• Chives
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Ginger (fresh)
• Ginseng
• Leeks
• Millet
• Mustard greens
• Quinoa
• Rosemary
• Scallions
• Vinegar (all)

Hot Energy

• Black pepper
• Cinnamon bark
• Chile peppers
• Dried ginger powder
• Green bell peppers
• Red bell peppers
• White pepper

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can upset the body’s mineral balance.
3. Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
5. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
6. Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
7. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
8. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
9. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
10. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
11. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
12. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
13. Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
14. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
15. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
16. Sugar can promote tooth decay.
17. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
18. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
19. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
20. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
21. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
22. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
23. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
24. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
25. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
26. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
27. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
28. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
29. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
30. Sugar causes food allergies.
31. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
32. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
33. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
34. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
35. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
36. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
37. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
38. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
39. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
40. Sugar can cause depression.
41. Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.
42. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
43. Sugar can cause hypertension.
44. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
45. Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind’s ability to think clearly.
46. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots and strokes.
47. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
48. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.

Thank you Dr. Nancy Appleton for sharing this list. To read the remainder of reasons why sugar ruins your health click here.

Food Focus: Carrots

Benefits:

• excellent source of vitamin A.
• great source of vitamin K, biotin, and fiber
• good source vitamins C and B6, potassium, and thiamin

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. Carrots’ antioxidant compounds help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good vision, especially night vision.

Carrots are delicious eaten raw or cooked. Beta-carotene is not destroyed by cooking; in fact, cooking breaks down the fiber, making this nutrient and carrots’ sugars more available, thus also making them taste sweeter.

Source:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21

Food Review: Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta

As you know I am alwasy searching for new gluten free products I came across this pasta that is made out of brown rice, rice bran and water.

And it’s even wheat free, gluten free. It’s not mushy and when you cook it, it comes out just right. It taste great and now you can still have pasta.

Source:

http://www.tinkyada.com/index.asp

Affirmation of the Week: I allow a life of happiness

Remember to repeat with interest and desire.

Tip of the week: Cravings at night

I suggest to incorporate some baked carrots into your diet. Maybe as a light snack or during lunch. Adding this vegetable will not only give you the nutrients we discussed today, but the satisfaction of having something sweet. They are delicious and get sweeter when baked. Another vegetable you can incorporate to help with these sweet cravings is sweet potatoes.

Sponsors

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Food Focus: Persimmons

• Season: October thru December, and most abundant during the month of November.
• The persimmon contains almost twice as much dietary fiber and useful trace elements as the apple does.
• Persimmons are also rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese.
• Warning: diabetics should avoid consuming persimmons as they are known to be high in natural sugars.

Source:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Persimmon

Food Review: Nature’s Path Organic Corn Flake Cereal

Gluten free and wheat free cereal. Since it’s so simple and there is no highly processed ingredients it’s a great cereal to make your own. Add in different fruits, nuts, seeds to satisfy your taste buds for a healthy alternative for cereal.

• Ingredients: Organic corn meal, organic grape and/or pear juice concentrate, sea salt
• Produced in a facility that uses peanuts, tree nuts, and soy.
• ¾ cup there are 3 grams of sugar.

Source:

http://www.naturespath.com/products

Affirmation of the Week: I am healing. Remember repeat with interest and desire.

Tip of the Week: Joint Pain and Food

If you feel you have a lot of joint pain there can be several reasons for it. It can be from different activities you are doing, it could be stress, but there is another thing to consider which is the intake of foods. There are foods that are designated as the nightshade vegetables which include tomatoes, potatoes (not including sweet potatoes), eggplant and peppers, which are known to cause or enhance joint pain. Try to keep it to a minimum.

Mind Focus: Meditation

Meditation has been around for so long, but not many people take advantage of its many benefits. A few are:

• Stress reduction, which can lower the chance of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack.
• Improved ability to focus and concentrate. Richer, deeper experience of quality of life.
• Bringing a person’s attention more to the present day so you can enjoy what’s happening now instead of being stuck worrying about past problems.
• Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
• Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches
• It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.

Sources:

http://www.healthandyoga.com/HTML/meditation/objectives.html

http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/100-benefits-of-meditation/

http://www.meditationoasis.com/

Food Review: Annie’s Naturals Salad Dressings

What I particular like about their dressings is that they use ingredients that you can understand. As I always preach it’s so important to understand all the ingredients of products you buy off the shelf because this is what you are actually putting in your body.

Ingredients: Water, *Expeller-pressed Canola and/or *Expeller-pressed Sunflower Oil, *Garlic, *Lemon Juice Concentrate, Salt, *Spinach, *Parsley, Xanthan Gum. (*Organic Ingredients)

Also, what I like about Annie’s dressings is a lot of them are gluten free as well as soy free.

My only flaw is when there needs to be a sweetener they use organic sugar where I would love to see agave in their ingredients as I’m starting to see this in other condiments. I know it’s more expensive but so much better for the body. I can tell you though majority are not so high in sugar as the grams per serving are very low

Source:

http://www.anniesnaturals.com/

Affirmation of the Week: I condition myself for success by tuning my mind to the positive.

Remember to repeat with interest and desire. A lot of people talk about how we must think positively, but thinking positively and actually believing it makes such a difference. You must understand that the way you think and believe in your thoughts creates your realty. We must remove the doubt and fear and instead operate on faith.

Tip of the week: Understanding Your Body

The best way to truly understand your body is to keep track of how your body reacts to certain foods. Start a journal or a document on your computer or iphone where you jot down what you eat for each meal and then how you feel afterwards. Once you start to practice being aware you will be amazed at how certain foods may give you a burst of continuous energy where some may give you a lethargic feeling.

Sponsor for this show:

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Chocolate mousse made with tofu. Tastes the same.

A holistic approach is not solely based on nutrition, but on finding the connection between what people eat and how they feel. How they feel is the key to unlocking the root problem? A holistic health coach will work with the client in examining all aspects of their life from spirituality, career, relationships, food and more. Now some may be asking how does this relate to a person’s health? Think for a moment does the stress at their job or relationship cause them to over eat? Or is their something lacking from their life that is causing a lack of motivation to exercise? It is all connected to one’s health and overall wellbeing. Happy relationships, accomplished career, consistent physical activity, and positive thinking are all fundamental forms of nourishment as well as the food people consume.

Holistic Health Coach, Marianne Bridgeman

In this form of coaching, it is mostly viewed that no one diet works for everyone. Each person has their own individual nutritional needs that work for their unique body. People get so caught up with all the media, books and articles available that it gets so confusing. There is such an array of information from having this much calories to how to lose weight fast to no fat and so much more. Yet with all of this information available people are still suffering from high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and chronic disease. It’s because it’s too general. A holistic health coach will be looking at what each person needs and figuring out what foods work best for them. Amazingly, they work on adding in foods rather than taking away. They don’t deprive or eliminate foods, but they work with the client to find a way to incorporate healthy choices gradually into a person’s current menu. Eventually, those less healthy eating habits naturally cease to exist.

Healthier version of fried rice made with brown rice.

Working with a holistic health coach is not about quick fixes, but about a lifestyle change that will help give each person the tools and strategies to living a healthy, sustainable and happy lifestyle without the deprivation. These coaches work with each person closely to help incorporate these healthy habits, which then become a natural part of their life like putting on a pair of jeans. There is an array of holistic health coaches out there that has their specific niche, but they all have one purpose and that is to help educate each client that is tired of the quick fixes and ready for a life change to a better and healthier person.