Think You Eat Healthy? Think Again!

As I think back to when I was in my early 20's I thought I was SOOOO healthy! I would make sure to stock up on Lean Cuisines when they were on sale at the various grocery stores, I tried to limit my butter and salt intake and would only consume low or non-fat milk. My grandmother used to tell me not to eat the chicken skin (my favorite part) because it would give me high cholesterol. With obesity, diabetes and heart disease on the rise how is it possible that so many people are unhealthy despite all of this nutritional health knowledge? Could it be that many dietary recommendations are untrue and responsible for misleading the general public? Read further if you would like to know the truth about eating healthy and which foods should actually be avoided.

Before I begin my post, please note that I am not a doctor and this post should not be construed as medical advice. With that being said, I have learned some things over the past few years that I wanted to share and hope that it will be beneficial to my readers.

Salt is good for you!

 

For years salt has been demonized by so-called experts recommending that people limit their salt intake to increase health, claiming it can lead to high blood pressure. Recent studies actually show that a low salt diet is associated with many overall negative impacts on our health such as insulin resistance and a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. Adequate salt intake supports hydration, especially during exercise. A few teaspoons of good salt (This is my favorite!) replenishes the necessary minerals and electrolytes within the body. It has also shown to help cope with stress by speeding up cortisol clearance from the blood. Now again, this doesn't mean it's healthy to consume those super salty McDonald's French Fries (GROSS!) You need to ditch the conventional iodized table salt and pickup some good sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. Health benefits of Himalayan sea salt include promoting bone strength, healthy PH in cells (particularly brain cells), regulating sleep and supporting your libido just to name a few. Over the years this new found knowledge has led me to add a little dash of salt (pink salt) to almost everything! It's the perfect way to include nutrients while also flavoring foods- including sweet foods. A pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavor whether sweet or savory.

So is Butter!

 

Ugh! Remember Margarine? Hopefully it is not still a regular staple in your diet. It's just plain gross. It is made out of hydrogenated oils which are high in trans fat and has horrible effects on the body. It increases bad cholesterol, while decreasing good cholesterol and has been linked to diabetes and heart disease.  Butter on the other hand; and I mean good, organic, grass-fed butter, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains Vitamins A, D, E and K while also being high in iron, zinc, selenium and many more. Grass-fed can contain high levels of CLA, a compound that can offer protection against cancer and helps to store muscle in the body rather than fat. Butter, also contains a hormone like substance that can prevent stiffness in the joints. Consuming good butter into your diet can help to boost fertility, protect against tooth decay and protect against GI infections just to name a few. Organic Grass fed butter is very easy to make yourself with my homemade butter method. 

Choose Full Fat! Always!

 

Low fat or nonfat is the healthier alternative, right? WRONG! For years dietary advice recommended low fat or nonfat but experts are now arguing that full fat dairy products are much healthier. Many researchers agree that organic, raw dairy is superior, but even in pasteurized dairy full fat offers the most benefits. Consuming full fat dairy may help to reduce your risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Full fat dairy products also help to regulate healthy body weight with women consuming one cup a day gaining 30% less weight than those who consumed only low, or nonfat dairy. Raw milk is high in vitamins and enzymes that are virtually destroyed during pasteurization; which makes milk harder to digest. Many people who are lactose intolerant may notice their symptoms going away when consuming raw milk products.

Healthy Foods in Disguise     

 

Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, Kashi-Many commercial brands use healthy marketing while their ingredients are anything but. High in sodium, MSG, hydrogenated oils and nitrates, these meals are highly processed. Not to mention the fact that they are usually packaged in BPA containers and cooked up in the microwave (which zaps any nutrients-if there are any!) Simple homemade lunches are a much healthier alternative. Diet, low fat, non-fat, low sugar, sugar free, fat free- when you see those labels, think to substitute with the phrase "Chemical Shit Storm!" Because that is exactly what it is! Over processed and nutrient void foods masquerading as a healthy lunch or dinner option.
When choosing foods, read the ingredients. The less ingredients, the less processed the food is. Avoid high fructose, fructose, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), aspartame, natural flavorings and hard to pronounce ingredients.

So there you have it! No more avoiding all the rich flavors of these healthy foods in the name of health. Forget dieting, counting points and restricting foods that are actually good for you! You can relish in the fact that these whole foods are the real deal and offer tons of health benefits. For me this true understanding of health foods was liberating. I got the satisfaction of eating all those things I loved with the peace of mind that they were actually nutritious and providing myself and my family with the vitamins and minerals our bodies need.

How do you eat? Is this information eye opening for you? I would love for you to share your thoughts and experiences!


Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Homemade Pumpkin Apple Butter

Fall Fall Fall! I love Fall! Crunchy leaves, all things pumpkin flavor and cool crisp weather (except in sunny San Diego where we are having a Santa Ana heatwave this weekend!)

With pumpkin on the brain (and an abundance of apples) I set out to try a new Fall recipe. Okay, so it's not exactly a NEW recipe, but I've never made it before so that counts, right?!

This Pumpkin Apple Butter was delicious and so easy to make in a crock pot! We love it in our homemade yogurt, on toast, waffles or pancakes. I am even guilty of eating it right out of the jar- it's that good!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) 
• 2 apples (chopped) 
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Dash of salt
• 1 tbs Maple Syrup
• 1 cup filtered water

 Add all ingredients to crockpot and turn on low heat for 6 hours. You might need to add some more liquid as the apples break down. Stir occasionally and when its a consistency you like it's ready! I made mine a little chunky, and of course you can also remove the apple peels if you want a smoother texture. I chose to keep the nutrients of the peel in mine and think it is just perfect! The kids and I think it is too die for! The hubby isn't much into pumpkin but even he admitted that it was "pretty good."

Have you tried making your own version of a pumpkin or apple (or both) butter? I would love to hear all about it!



Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Medicine Cabinet Must Have Part 1: Healing Properties of Bentonite Clay

There are a few natural medicine cabinet staples that are a must have in our house.  This series will discuss what multi-purpose health essentials I keep on hand at all times and why. These natural methods are tried and true and with very little, if any, side effects.

Bentonite clay is an ancient healing clay used by cultures throughout history for their ability to rid the body of toxins. It has been used for years for both internal and external detoxification and for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and general disinfectant properties. Bentonite clay has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron. When the clay comes into contact with a toxin, chemical or heavy metal it will absorb the poison and release its minerals for the body to utilize. A study from ASU has shown that bentonite is highly effective at killing E.Coli, Salmonella and even MRSA.

Bentonite clay helps to get oxygen to cells by removing excess hydrogen and allowing it to be replaced by oxygen. It is also a common in detox and cleansing products and when taken correctly it has an alkalizing effect on the body and helps to balance gut bacteria. The clay itself has a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge of many toxins. When it is mixed with water it swells open like a highly porous sponge drawing out toxins though electrical attraction.

Bentonite has been used for hundreds of years for detoxification, recovery from vomiting and diarrhea, digestive disturbances, skin issues, allergies and even oral health. Because of its universal health properties bentonite healing clay should be a staple in every medicine cabinet. You can purchase the clay at most health food stores or you can purchase HERE on Amazon.

How to use Bentonite Clay:

*Do not allow bentonite to come into contact with anything metal, as it will reduce its effectiveness. If taking internally do not take within one hour of food or two hours of medication or supplements. Always consult with a doctor before using if you have a medical condition.

• Internal Cleansing- Mix a tablespoon of clay and ½ tablespoon of psyllium husks with 8 ounces of water. Take on an empty stomach preferably early morning or late evening. Make sure to drink lots of water during the day to help facilitate the clay to remove toxins from the intestines.

• Detox Bath- Adding ¼ cup bentonite clay to your bath creates a relaxing, detoxifying mud bath that is great to remove toxins and condition the skin.

• Facial Mask- Make a paste with water or apple cider vinegar. I prefer ACV. Mix it together to make a paste and apply to your face similar to a salon spa. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and wash off. Your face will be bright red and might be pulsating a little. That is a good thing. All of your pores are opened and breathing. This can be done weekly. It is a great way to revitalize your skin and help make a healthy, youthful complexion.

• Skin Disorders/Problems- Make a paste similar to the description above, using either water or Apple Cider Vinegar. Apply it to any skin irritations such as blemishes, burns, cuts, or bites. It is extremely helpful for skin disorders such as chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis, etc. Let it dry for 20-30 minutes and then wash off. For major issues you can apply a thick layer to the affected area, cover with a wet cloth or gauze and replace every couple of hours.

• Pet Health- If your pet is sick, vomiting or showing other signs of illness you can mix a little clay with their water and or give it orally with a dropper.

• Muscle and Joint pain- Make a paste using water or Apple Cider Vinegar and apply a layer to affected area. Allow clay to dry 20-30 minutes and then wash off. It can be very beneficial to relieve arthritis, carpal tunnel, bruises and sprains.

• Oral Health- Bentonite is great for remineralizing teeth and can be used as a toothpaste or mouth wash. For toothpaste mix with baking soda, coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide and peppermint oil. As a mouthwash mix ½ a teaspoon of clay with ¼ cup of water. Swish in mouth for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with water and then repeat until solution is finished.

When taken internally bentonite removes toxins from the digestive system, cleanses the colon, stimulates liver function, reduces food allergies and improves the immune system. Externally it removes toxins by drawing them through the skin. Because of its versatility and healing properties bentonite is a MUST HAVE for household natural medicine kits.

Do you use Bentonite? If so we would love for you to share any uses not mentioned in this post and why you love it!


Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Homemade Electrolyte Solution Recipe

Popular electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are full of refined sugars, artificial flavorings, food dyes and chemicals- including a flame retardant. Yep! You read that correctly, Brominated Vegetable Oil has been patented in Europe as a flame retardant and is used by Gatorade as an ingredient. The company says it has been considering removing the ingredient and is working to find an alternative. BVO is banned in food and beverages in Europe and Japan but has been widely used for decades in the U.S.

With all those unhealthy additives it is a wonder why commercial brand sports drinks are commonly used as a way to replenish the body. Especially when it is so easy to make your own homemade electrolyte drink. And I mean-E-A-S-Y! It’s the perfect way to hydrate and heal the body with real foods and minerals not just after a workout, but also for anyone who is having trouble staying hydrated by water alone. It is especially helpful for women who are pregnant and nursing or to ensure that your little one is getting enough fluids when sick (Pedialyte alternative!). With common household ingredients you can whip up a batch in no time for just pennies!

Homemade Electrolyte Ingredients:        


• 2 cups of filtered water (can substitute: Green Tea, Coconut Water, Herbal Teas, etc. )
• Juice from 1 lemon, lime or orange
• 2 Tbs of raw honey or pure maple syrup (B Grade)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp of Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan salt.
• 100% organic juice (optional)

Add the liquid to a large glass jar (brew tea of using), squeeze citrus juice in, and add the remaining ingredients and stir. If you used honey it may seem that the honey will never fully dissolve. I promise you, it will! Just keep stirring! Another option is to throw everything into a blender and mix everything up that way too. The solution tastes well on its own without juice, but additional juice may be added for flavor, especially for children. The solutions can be served either warm or over ice. You can store the solution in the fridge but it should be consumed in its entirely within 48 hours.

Other ingredients can be included to make other yummy, healthy versions with lots of benefits. Steeping some fresh ginger in water and using as a base is a great way to help kill a stomach bug while offering replenishment to the body. Include a tablespoon of chia for added protein after an intense workout. The different solutions can be served either warm or over ice depending on your taste and the ingredients used.

The most important electrolytes to the body are calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, hydrogen carbonate and hydrogen phosphate. Losing too many electrolytes results in negative effects on the body. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance differ from person to person but can include muscle spasms, fatigue, weakness, blood pressure changes and irregular heartbeat. This homemade electrolyte solution is so simple and cost effective, with so many different variations! It is definitely ideal in comparison to store bought alternatives. Next time you are in need of a nourishing and energizing drink try this recipe.

Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

Are Vaccines Making Your Kids Sick?

The choice of whether or not to vaccinate is a very important and complex decision in which parents must take the responsibility to try to find enough information to make an educated decision that can affect their children for the rest of their lives. As a parent, this decision can be overwhelming and many people trust their doctors to act in the parent’s best interest to provide guidance in such instances. Unfortunately, there is a major distortion of information out there and many people have the misconception that vaccines result in healthier children. However, research is showing that vaccinated children are more chronically ill than their non-vaccinated counterparts. According to the CDC, the number of vaccines that are given to children has increased more than three times in the last 29 years. In 1983, children were given 10 shots from birth to 6 years of age, compared to 36-38 for the same age group in 2012. 

Vaccine Dangers

Vaccines can carry with them very serious side effects, ranging from mild complications such as fever or rash, to major issues such as seizure and death. Children who are lucky enough to avoid any major difficulties, can carry with them a lifetime of health problems. According to a survey on VaccineInjury.info, vaccinated children have a much higher rate of autism, ear infections, ADHD, asthma and allergies – in some cases even 30 percent higher than children who are not vaccinated. The assessment continues to show that un-vaccinated children are less likely to suffer from hyperactivity, skin disorders, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety and many other diseases. In addition to the fact that vaccines are being shown to cause health problems, immunizations being given today have not been tested for long-term safety. Most of the studies only evaluate side effects that occur within 48-72 hours, while the truth is that many serious side effects show up long after that time span.

Vaccines are a combination of many different toxic additives, preservatives and cell types that are initiated during the manufacturing process. The problem is that the shots create a temporary vaccine-induced antibody production rather than letting the body build up its natural immune system, and have little evidence as to their effectiveness.

In fact, Whooping Cough outbreaks are higher in areas that have a higher percentage of children who have been vaccinated against it according to Reuters. In 2010 in San Rafael CA they saw the largest spike of cases the state has seen in 50 years after the CDC recommended that children get the vaccine booster.

Over-vaccinating weakens the immune system, making children more susceptible to infections with less ability to fight them off. The injections also promote viral adaption, which is responsible for creating vaccine resistant super bugs. In 2010, 77 percent of the over 1,000 people who were infected with Mumps had received the MMR vaccine- a statistic which was conveniently left unreported by the mainstream media. So while the number of outbreaks occurs the medical establishment can recommend more vaccines to try to reduce the numbers, causing a vicious cycle fueled by misinformation and deception.

Natural Alternatives to Boost the Immune System
 
Healthier options to inoculations include eating organic food, increasing vitamin D intake and avoiding GMO foods, additives and preservatives. Diet is a very important factor in making sure that our bodies are able to work effectively. Foods high in refined sugars and other additives require our body to use stored vitamins and minerals in order to metabolize, increasing the production of hormones, which suppresses our immune system. Eating fresh whole foods and making sure to get an ample amount of vitamin D is vital in helping to strengthen the body’s defense system. In addition, allowing the body to fight off infection and only using antibiotics when absolutely necessary, will develop natural resistance.

Photo Credit: Header-Moketni

Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. 

Collard Green Wraps

This is a family favorite and a healthier spin on a beloved Asian dish. Collard Green wraps are yummy, filling and can be topped with lots of delicious veggies! Typically lettuce wraps are served with butter or bibb lettuce. I prefer to substitute the wrap for something a little more dense to help increase the nutritional value while still providing a great, fresh taste.

• Ground Turkey Meat
• Chopped Garlic
• Chopped yellow onion
•  Julienne carrots
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped radishes
• Collard Green
• Soy Sauce
• Ground Cumin
• Ground Paprika
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper

Add some olive oil into a pan on medium heat. Sautee up garlic and onions until the onions are soft and translucent. Add turkey meat and brown. Add salt and pepper, cumin and paprika and mix. Cook meat until finished.

Cut off the stem to the collard green leaf, but make sure not to remove the rib. Before meat is done boil some water and boil each leaf for about 30 seconds to soften and remove and dry off.

Add meat to the collard green leaf. Add desired toppings and add a dash of soy or tamari sauce to taste. Wrap up your leaf and you are good to go! These are very large and filling and extremely healthy. You can experiment with different types of meat including chicken, ground beef, bison or shrimp. You can also substitute the collard greens for chard as another healthy alternative.  The leaves are a lot more hearty than the more delicate lettuces which makes them less likely to fall apart while being packed with more nutrients.

Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

What is a Yogi Mami?

Wow! It has been forever since my last post. It's been a crazy past couple of weeks with birthdays, our 5 year anniversary, a vacation and lots of fun activities before my husband heads back to work from Summer break. I didn't completely ditch out on work. I have been cooking and found so many easy, healthy DELICIOUS recipes that I have been taking pictures of, so stay tuned! I have also been working on a lot of behind the scenes stuff for the site, blog (Including my NEW ONE through Natural News!) and some other projects I had put on the back burner. I'm hoping to blog more consistently during Fall when it cools down and the kids go to bed earlier. Their energy level has been through the roof which is a great thing, but exhausting at the same time. As I took these last few weeks to enjoy myself with family and friends I began to reflect on my lifestyle, habits, actions and surroundings and look on how I can improve myself to make sure I am on the right path to meeting my 2013 New Year Intentions. This post is to give a little insight to myself and my goals and what being a Yogi Mami means to me!

 

Yogic tradition is based on the five pillars of yogic balance. Yoga encourages us to acknowledge and understand how these elements are essential for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. When I began my yoga journey I began to learn how important each of these principals are, and began to slowly integrate them into my life. As I have grown up and had children of my own I now make it a top priority to apply these five precepts into my family's lifestyle to help us stay healthy, balanced and happy.

Five pillars of yoga:

- Right Exercise- Regularly practice yoga, as well as other forms of exercise, with good intentions and appropriate to age, health status and the needs of the body.

- Right Breathing- This involves working towards awareness of the breath at all times and re-establishing deep, natural breathing- Similar to young children, which energizes the entire being.

- Right Thinking- The requires clearing the mind of its many scattered thoughts to increase the sense of clarity, calmness and to cultivate a positive attitude.

- Right Nutrition- Being aware of the fuel you put into your body. Eating food slowly and mindfully at the appropriate times and favoring a healthy range of fresh, seasonal, nutritious food in moderation.

- Right Relaxation- This means taking time out to balance the activity in your life with adequate rest to maintain a sense of physical, mental, emotional and energetic relaxation as a way to restore and revitalize your entire being.

Now while I try to keep these 5 pillars a priority in my life, I am in no way perfect! And it's not about perfection, but about balance. I don't beat up on myself if I am not always eating the most nutritious meal. I feel that going out to eat with my family and having a nice time once in awhile is more important than stressing out and trying to make everything homemade and allows me to take a break from cooking to unwind once in awhile. I eat meat, I drink wine, I'm not gluten-free or raw, but I do try to eat as healthy as I can, when I can and listen to my body and what it is telling me. I try not to obsess on my imperfections and choose to focus on the positive things I am doing to make my life better everyday.

As we close in on the last few months of the year I am working towards doing what I can to meet the New Year intentions I set after the first of the year. I plan on focusing on my blog more and sharing even more healthy recipes, tips and advice.

Please let me know if there are any topics of interest that you would like me to discuss in future
posts!


Disclaimer:  Please note: I am not a medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.