Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Supplements and Nutrition

There are great supplements out there that can really help your nutritional balance, but NOT give you the answers all in one or two conatiners. Don't let a great sales pitch fool you into buying a product (or five) and let you think that you don't have to make an effort to change your diet for the better. With all that is offered in the world of supplements (and we can get great balancing benefits from some of them) we must be careful not to depend on them.
Whole foods vitamins and Amazon Thunder with the extras like flaxseed oil and spirulina are to be taken as extras and not depended on for the main sources of nutrients. Our diet should consist of mostly vegetables and fruits and be minimal (if at all) in consisting of animal proteins. Dairy and meats are acidic to the body and calcium is taken from the bones to buffer the acids in the body and keep the body alkaline. This is why the countries that consume the most dairy and animal proteins actually have the highest in Osteoporosis. Fruits and veggies are great for micro-nutrients (we can't get them naturally from animal proteins) and are responsible for the protection from free radicals on a cellular level. Colorful foods rich in antioxidants and other nutrients and enzymes help keep the body functioning in tip top shape, and best of all preventing disease!
The reason for the extras such as the Amazon Thunder, whole foods vitamins, and the others mentioned above, are to support the body better because our soils have been so depleted in minerals and vitamins. Organic foods and supplements are best for keeping the system supported in times of incomplete nutrients in our food supply. Less pesticides in the body is optimal, as some cancers can be initiated from these and other chemicals. Wash your produce, and buy organic when possible from the local Farmer's Market. Drink lots of clean water, and try to use a good filter. I use the Aquasana filter, and enjoy confidence when giving it to my family. Go to http://www.aquasana.com/ you can check it out for yourselves.
So although it seems so odd to lose dependency on meat and dairy, try it for a while. www.fatfreevegan.com is a great site with awesome recipes to help you into the new cuisine. The fresher the better, and try raw foods when you can. It retains the enzymes and nutrients and gives you such a boost of energy! Have a food processor? Then you could have a lot of fun with new recipes that are extremely good for you!
Plant based foods, whole foods vitamins, and fresh water with any extra help you choose to add to your diet for a boost in health and disease prevention, and you are on a great road to good health. As for the Acai Berry and it's weight loss benefits...it is not what it is mainly intended for. The nutrients is where the gold is in this fruit, but should it help drop extra pounds from the body, then so be it!! I won't mind at all! Be healthy, and get happy about it! Preserve and empower your life...only you can.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

May the Force Be With You

When food seems to want to take over your brain in the mid afternoon or even mid morning...be wary of your surroundings and the the machines that offer quick fixes. This is the time to work on your skills with food choices. Are you really that easy to give up or give in to your food addictions? This is where you could actually say it isn't such a bad idea to keep the belly a bit on the empty side if all you have is a craving. Are you really hungry, or do you just wish for a joyful comfort food fix? A dopamine release that will give you the euphoric feeling that you have just done the right thing for your nervous system...or a trap like Darth Vader and the Death Star! It is more the food trap than the hunger relief!
If you are going to be active, then have some complex carbs, and make them uber healthy...oatmeal and fruit or whole grain bread in that 1/2 sandwich with salad. If you are just looking for a time filler until the next meal...choose wisely young Jedi! Be healthy, you must...right choices must you make! These are the things that will serve you in your battle for healthy living. Not foods being processed and added chemicals from the ones that care not for you and your family.
Sorry, I like the way Yoda puts it, and it can be looked at that way if you have trouble putting it into perspective for yourself. Look at the complex carbs and the whole natural foods as the Alliance in your Galaxy, and the processed foods with all it's fats, processed sugars and chemicals as the Empire! When Yoda is trying to train you and get you ready for your battle from becoming Jabba the Hut - you have a whole bunch of adversaries throwing things at you left and right. Sand People with cream filled cakes, and Jawas with chocolate bars! Boba Fett will show up and tempt you with something from the coffee shop or some other fast food. Sure, it is subtle and everywhere. Storm Troopers loaded with sugary items every where you go.
It is hard to seek out those that would help you. Fear not, if you look hard enough you will come across a droid or two to help you find your way in this confusing Galaxy of wrong choices and easy distractions. Just read the labels and when you see the chemicals, fats, and high sugar content, you will know that these are not the foods you seek. These are other foods, that do not serve your purpose.
Somewhere there is a Wookie with an apple and a Han Solo to help you steer towards the salad bar or the whole grain cereals. Fill your tummy with water throughout the day to keep the force strong with you. This can help curb your appetite and sway misleading pangs that may be the body requesting water rather than food. Keep hydrated and stay focused. Do not strike at the object closest to you...feel your way to the foods that will make you stronger. Search them out, and find them you will! The produce section at a grocery store, or bring your own fruits from your home planet...I mean your house. Keep a small container of nuts on hand-but indulge only a small handful at a time. Moderation and tight control in high fatty foods is a must. Nuts are just that. Keep the focus on the goal, and do not let those around you sway you from your path. Yours is a path of health and wellness, and this you must stick to for strength and a good example to young ones. The dark side is subtle and tempting...but you CAN overcome it! Stay focused, and listen to the force that guides you in your quest for healthy choices. This you must do. Go. Be healthy, choose wisely, and may the force be with you.