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What do you rely upon to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize your body. If after a long weekend, a short vacation, a business trip, or merely a full work week; what's are some of your reliable "go to" remedies? My top ten: 1. Greens, greens, and more greens 2. Grapefruit 3. Cacao 4. Sea salt 5. Water with lemon 6. Probiotics 7. Lean,clean protein 8. Watermelon 9. Olive oil 10. Carrots Simple, simple, simple. In this case it's more what you are NOT putting into your body. List yours below! Lets share ideas :)
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 What satisfies your soul? What fuels your spirit? What deepens your connections to the rhythms of life. What creates balance for your mind, body, and spirit?
What feeds our bodies also feeds out minds, and what feeds our minds also feeds our bodies. Superfoods are more than just the food we ingest. Superfoods are potent catalysts that have the ability to cause a shift. My superfood today is kindness. This superfood has the ability to ease depression, anxiety, and stress as both the giver and the receiver. If you're looking for a quick fix, this just may be your answer. Be aware, be kind, and be healthy. As I've fought a sore throat and now cough, I've included a few doses of raw, local honey in my diet. Not only can honey coat the throat, but raw honey provides immune boosting antioxidants and enzymes. Raw honey is also a natural antimicrobial and antiviral. Local raw honey has also helped many people with allergies.
These natural nutrients are stripped when raw honey is processed(not raw). You may also think that honey is just sugar, but raw honey does not even compare to refined sugar. Empty calories deplete the body whereas vitamins and minerals restore the body. Additionally, honey digests itself with all it's live enzymes and spares key nutrients needed for the body's fat metabolism. Therefore honey has been known as a helpful diet aid. So, explore the benefits of raw honey! The benefits I've listed above are just a few! Prevent and treat....another option for optimal wellness.  Health is Wealth! Chia Seeds!
Known to have been cultivated by the Aztec as an important food source, often used to sustain Aztec warriors in battle. After the Spanish conquest, chia seeds were banned because of their close association to the Aztec religion. Latin America has now resumed the production of this wonderful food source. Chia seeds contain up to 30% oil and are known for their Omega-3 Fatty Acid content; touted as superior to flax seeds. Chia seeds offer fiber, protein, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, niacin, and zinc to name a few. Chia seeds form a gel when added to water. You can literally add chia seeds to any food, just as you would flax seed. Chia seeds have a nut-like flavor but I often don't even notice the taste. Just as chia seeds form a gel in water, they also become gelatinous in your stomach; slowing down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar, an added benefit. I do recommend buying from an organic source. A 16 ounce bag of chia seeds costs approximately $14.99 and will last me about four months. I add chia seeds to my smoothies and oatmeal. I often make chia seed pudding by simply adding my favorite liquid (almond milk, hemp milk, etc) to a tablespoon of chia seeds (with honey, cinnamon, etc). Let the chia seeds soak in the liquid for about 15 minutes to obtain a thick gel like pudding. There are many recipes out there for chia seed pudding and other chia based superfoods! Explore chia seeds and incorporate them into your diet. Omega-3's are vital for superior health and wellness. Nutrition is attainable from the foods we eat. Know your options! To your health...
Eating with a purpose. Food with a purpose. Functional foods are super foods. How are your choices? We put gas in a car to make it run. How are you treating your body? Name your superfood.
Consuming foods with intact enzymes is medicinal. Flooding your body with enzymes from "live" (raw) food has numerous health benefits. These intact enzymes help digest the food itself and also help heal and repair our bodies. Just as enzymes exist in food, enzymes exist in vast amounts all over our bodies. Our bodies utilize enzymes for almost every function. Enzymes are life, vitality, and wellness; and longevity is based on enzymatic processes, chemical reactions that spawn protection and repair.
When we continually eat foods lacking in enzymes (destroyed through heating to temperatures above 118•) our body has to supply the enzymes for digestion. These body enzymes are then lost and cannot perform original functions, such as liver detoxification, kidney function, lung performance, and brain operation. When raw foods are consumed the food's own enzymes power digestion and the body's own enzymes are spared to continue to support vital functions. Eating live foods helps gives us energy. In contrast eating predominantly cooked foods robs us of energy and may lead to feeling sluggish. This only makes sense as more energy is focused on digesting the food we eat, unlike the help raw food provides. Once we "steal" these essential enzymes from the body for digestion we cannot get them back. It is hypothesized that by the age of 70, someone who eats very little raw foods has only 30 % of the body's enzymes left. Additionally, a mucous lining builds in the gut preventing the absorption of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. The inability to absorb the minerals we actually consume is a real issue for much of society, hence why many feel they are never full or satisfied from even large amounts of food. Its not the food we need but the minerals in the food. Enzymes are life and life is enzymes, the catalysts of chemical reactions. Do you want to maintain optimal energy, ensure longevity, tap into the world of anti-aging, and simply lose weight? Then eat more foods rich in enzymes (live/raw)! Raw foods equate to foods as simple as a whole apple, carrot sticks, and romaine lettuce. Don't let the term "raw" scare you. It simply means just that, in its raw state. My posts on Sundays talk of superfoods. Most all of these fall in this category also! Of course, the next question is, does organic matter or not? Yes and no. We will get into that topic next Friday! In the meantime, try 48 hours (or keep going!) of raw food; or simply incorporate more into every meal, designate a meal as a "raw" meal, or dedicate certain days to live enzymes. As I've stated before the beginning is the obstacle but the rewards lie in the journey. You will find your balance. Wait until you experience this phenomenal "live" energy.....you will not settle for anything less! Wellness is an art, a balancing act that is fueled by healthy choices and powered by options! Contact me with specific questions and please comment below. Others would love to hear your thoughts also! To your health!  Excellent Non-Animal Source of :
*B-12 *B Complex Vitamins *Fiber *Complete Protein *18 Minerals Added Benefits: *No Sodium *No Gluten *No Cholesterol *Excellent Taste (nutty, cheesy, savory) My favorite: Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning Add to recipes and foods to enhance flavor...soups, salads, popcorn, dips, etc. (sodium-free!) It is not a "live" yeast. Yeast will not grow in your body. Do not overuse. Due to the content of Niacin (B3) I have experienced a "flush" due to this superfood. A little, 1-2 teaspoonfuls, goes a long way!
Green Tea! Aim for at least a cup a day. To unwind and to rejuvenate, antioxidants are anti-aging and anti-disease. White, red, and black are also favorites. Find what you enjoy. Brew your own and avoid the sugar traps of most pre-packaged iced teas! To your health :)
Protein is made up of twenty amino acids. Nine of these amino acids are not made by the body. These nine amino acids must come from food and are considered essential. Therefore those foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are called "complete protein foods". One example of a complete protein food is eggs.
-Extraordinary potassium content and various other trace minerals
-Beneficial malic acid Oxidizes the blood, promotes digestion, and neutralizes toxic substances; all which affect almost every body function. Look for apple cider vinegar that has froth on the bottom. This proves the fermentation is still alive. A glass of water with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in the morning is excellent for our health. The benefits of apple cider vinegar may help prevent and treat arthritis, asthma, athlete's foot, osteoporosis, inflammation, the common cold, cold sores, constipation, cramps, diabetes, eczema, depression, eyesight, fatigue, brittle hair and nails, aging, headaches, heartburn, hypertension, insomnia, hot flashes, metabolism, high cholesterol, obesity, muscle pain, and other numerous conditions. Another option you have to stay and be healthy. Explore apple cider vinegar to maintain wellness. Highest food source of what nutrient? Check back tonight for the answer!
MAGNESIUM!! One of the most complete food sources, cacao, is extremely nutrient dense. I LOVE Cacao! |
Dr. Jessica LewisA Balanced Life Archives
February 2018
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