Tag Archives: healthy

LETS THINK OLD SCHOOL

“Superfood” is a popular buzzword you’ve probably seen on health blogs, in grocery stores, and from well-meaning friends. It sort of scares us away because it seems that something is new and involved every time we turn around.   Whether the latest fad is a rare fruit from the Amazon or a seed that cures every disease known to man, most superfoods build on hype, not evidence of real health benefits.  HOWEVER ... your grandma had it right! Here are some foods that are MOST EXCELLENT FOR YOUR HEALTH.  And they are easy.  And cheap!

1. Garlic

Garlic has strong evidence to suggest it can improve circulatory health by facilitating blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. Garlic also provides antioxidant benefits because it supports the activity of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. There is also evidence to suggest garlic consumption may ward off upper respiratory infections. It even has an anti-cancer effect. Including cloves of garlic in your diet is one of the healthiest habits you can have. What you really want to know, garlic can positively impact ...

• Acne, especially the big ugly ones under the chin
• Special issues in bikini area, like those ingrown things from biking!
• Bacterial infections, in the groin area, on the butt, etc.

2. Dark berries

Dark berries, including blueberries, are a rich source of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have antioxidant properties and can reduce DNA damage related to oxidation and stress. Older people can eat dark berries to improve memory. Though the mechanism behind this effect — increasing a growth factor called BDNF — could potentially work for young people as well, this has yet to be confirmed by dedicated studies. What you really want to know, dark berries can positively impact ...

• Eye twitching brought about by stress, deficiency in a B vitamin
• Cracks in the sides of your mouth, another deficiency in a different B vitamin
• Immunity, happiness and cardiovascular health

3. Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae with a 55–70% protein content. It is safe to supplement and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Studies suggest that supplementing spirulina can increase bile acid blood levels, a characteristic of Gilbert’s Syndrome. People with Gilbert’s Syndrome are at lower risk for diabetes and obesity, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Animal research suggests spirulina may also be neuroprotective, but human studies are needed to confirm this effect. Unfortunately, spirulina is the worst-tasting supplement on this list.  

4. Leafy greens

Leafy green vegetables contain high levels of nitrate, as do beetroot. In fact, beetroot has so much nitrate that it can serve as a legitimate ergogenic aid and pre-workout supplement. Nitrates improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels. Eating nitrate-rich vegetables daily can help lower blood pressure over time. What you really want to know, dark greens can positively impact ...

• Macular (eye) health
• Clean up and nurture the liver and cardiovascular system
• Provide iron and other plant nutrients that helps the body to deliver oxygen more efficiently, meaning better athletic performance.

YO!  Did you know that Juice Plus, the Orchard, Garden, Vineyard Blend along with the Complete Protein Powder  covers all of these!

 

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Your attention span is non-existent, your mind is wandering relentlessly, and you can’t quite feel the earth beneath your feet. The summer is nearly over and for many it’s time to buckle down, get focused and start fresh for fall. Yet, that “spacey” summer feeling might be lingering, making it impossible to concentrate. Ready to come back to reality and regain focus? Now is a great time to add some grounding fall foods to your shopping list. The idea of grounding foods stems from the Chinese medicine theories of the energetics of food. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that each food has a unique energy that affects your body a certain way. This goes beyond the calories, macronutrients and micronutrients of food. We’re talking about the energetic influence of food on the quality of your life—your mood, your awareness, your energy levels, your health and beyond.  For example, a cow that was treated brutally throughout it’s life, slaughtered, butchered and served to you as a hamburger in a fast-food joint might give your body a predominantly negative kind of energy that could leave you feeling imbalanced and even depressed. Alternatively, that green smoothie that you lovingly prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from the local farmers market offers a pure and beautiful energy to your body that leaves you feeling great, both physically and emotionally. Makes sense, right? Luckily, those of us who have a tendency to be kind of spacey can use the energetics of food to our advantage. The lazy days of summer are passing and fall means back to business. It’s time to look to some fall foods for their wonderful grounding qualities. As the seasons shift, it’s important to shift your diet as well. These grounding foods will help restore balance to your life and land your feet firmly on the ground. Roots veggies: beets, carrots, turnips, radishes, ginger, and garlic. All of these veggies have roots that reach down into the ground. The roots of a plant are its anchor; the foundation of life. Adding these foods into your diet can help you become more rooted and grounded in your life as well. Try out some roasted root veggies— they’re tasty and great for shaking off that spacey feeling. Sweet potatoes and yams: These tasty root veggies get a special mention because they’re not only grounding, they can also curb your sweet tooth, which will really help you shake that spacey feeling. Avoiding processed sugary treats is a great way to support your body with balanced and focus. As the season change, these dense sweet veggies will also help your body adjust to cooler temps. Quality proteins: Eggs, nuts, and meats offer a grounding energy to the body. They can also help stabilize blood sugar.  Look for organic, hormone free, free-range, etc. Eating nuts that are loaded with pesticides isn’t going to do you much good. Remember that quality foods offer quality energy to your body.

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I've always struggled with weight. I've weighed 210 pounds. That's size 16. I'm around a lot of skinny people.

I just might have an "I'm enough" issue deep down. Expressing itself as a body self esteem issue. Seriously? Two years ago I couldn't run 1 mile without stopping 3 times and taking 17 minutes. I'm in the best shape of my life. I'm the healthiest I've ever been. I'm gonna be an Ironman soon. That little belief is a BIG FAT LIAR. I'M ENOUGH. All 156 pounds of me. (maybe more than enough.  maybe super forkin' fabulous!)

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