Monday, November 16, 2009

Food - Mood Connection

The holidays can be a time of immense joy,
yet it also adds additional stress to our already hectic lives .
Our schedules will be bombarded with additional responsibilities.
This added stress can push the limit on our bodies thus affecting our mood.

During this season our body could use some additional help to counter balance the excess load.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Keep blood sugar in check

Many people have some form of blood sugar mood swings. You don't have to consume excess sugar to have a problem. Often it stems from yes, our food choices, but also by not eating regularly. Take the time to eat at least 3 times a day with small snacks.
A handful of nuts or a cup of yogurt is perfect.
Just be sure each meal and snack contain protein.
Protein is the KEY component in regulating blood sugar.
Try to always consume sufficient protein, fiber from whole grains, and healthy fats.
This combo will keep that blood sugar in check which by the way helps your MOOD!
How many of us walk around grouchy when all we needed was a bit of food.

Let's eat regularly and loose the grouch for the Holidays!

Support your Adrenals

Our adrenals are the manufacturers and the gatekeepers of stress hormones. Chronic Stress overworks them. Be sure to get your 8 hours sleep. Preferably starting at 10:00 pm. This is the best reset time for your adrenals. Try this! You will notice the difference in the way you feel at 6-7 am after you have fallen asleep at 10pm as opposed to any time later. This may not always be possible, but take those moments when you can. Your body will be grateful for the benefits from recharging your adrenals. Trust me....it works wonders!
Eating regularly, cutting out or limiting caffeine,
and cutting down on sugar also supports your adrenals.
Never underestimate the power of your Adrenals to either keep you steady or bring you down.
Compromised Adrenals tend to not only bring down your energy...
they bring down your mood or fill you with excess anxiety.
Let's keep those Adrenals happy.

Happy Holidays!


Friday, November 13, 2009

PUMPKIN PIE... with a healthy twist!

Thanksgiving is coming and I have been searching out recipes and ideas that will allow me to make an amazing meal that has some healthy elements. I just came across this Tofu Pumpkin Pie recipe on thekindlife.com. The site includes a lot of information on macrobiotic eating. Incorporating macrobiotic eating concepts into your already balanced and healthy diet routine can help you add additional veggies into your repertoire. I am exploring the macrobiotic philosophies intently and will update my blog with anything that is worth sharing....


This recipe looks like it will be delicious. I have not tried it yet. I plan on giving it a test run before Thanksgiving. It has to taste amazing in order for my brother and Nephew to be tricked into eating it....

Give it a go and post your findings!


Tofu Pumpkin Pie

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6174.0

SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS
1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch to firm up the pie filling
1 package (10-12 ounces) silken/soft tofu
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell

STEPS
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Blend the pumpkin and sugar.
Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly.
Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes.
Chill and serve.
NOTE: Don't use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Flu Prevention

Flu season has arrived.
H1n1 plus the normal flu has become a concern for most of us. Our best prevention is to boost our bodies natural immunity.

Some people may take the flu shot.
Whether you do or don't, it is important to boost your
bodies natural defense system during this season.

Here are a few tips for keeping your bodies natural defenses up.

1. Take N-acetylcysteine This is a natural substance found in our bodies. It helps our encourage our body to produce glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that detoxifies the liver. It is well known an immune booster. The best way to get additional glutathione is to increase the N-acetycysteine in our body since the body assimilates N-acetylcysteine more efficiently than synthetic forms of glutathione. Take 600 mg. twice a day. For children 150 mg twice a day. **N-acetylcysteine is also fantastic for asthma symptoms. It bring down the mucus in the lungs. I have tried it. It works!


2. Use natural hand sanitizer Ok, this should be a no brainer. If you aren't near a sink to wash your hands, keep some sanitizer handy.

3.
Boost immunity with vitamin C We should all be taking at least 1,000 mg of C daily for general well being and immunity. During flu season or if you are stressed, traveling, or sick, take 1,500 - 2,500 depending on your tolerance. Take 500mg doses every 3 hours.

4.
Teach kids not to rub their eyes, put fingers in their nose, and to keep their hands away from their face....great advice for adults as well...don't touch your face.

5.
Eat 5 servings of fresh veggies and fruit, good proteins, other vegetables, and a real meal 3 times a day Let's do this anyway people! Your body will be oh so pleased.

6.
Take Chinese herbs like Zhong Gan Ling and Yin Chiao or try the homeopathic remedy, Oscillococcinum. Flu viruses have difficulty growing in the presence of these herbs. If you think you have been exposed or are exceptionally vulnerable try these herbs. Follow the directions on the package and take them for about 10 days. Be certain that you are buying herbs produced in the U.S., not in china. The herbs coming from china are loaded with contaminants. Read the labels.

7. Vitamin D Vitamin D is extremely important for the strength of our immunity. Vitamin D is not found naturally in food. We get it from sunlight. Problem is most of us do not spend enough time in the sun, especially sans sunscreen, to get enough D. Our body produces vitamin D in reaction to the sun. Fascinating! Pick up a vitamin D supplement. I take 1,000 mg a day. Check with your doctor to determine your individual dosage.

This is how Vitamin D works:

The body's immune system naturally produces antimicrobial, (destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms), peptides or (AMPs). These AMPs won't work with every virus it comes in contact with, but for the ones they do, the body's immune system automatically springs into action.

When microbes like the influenza virus reach upper respiratory airways, they stimulate the production of an enzyme that converts 25(OH)D, the circulating inactive form of vitamin D, into the hormonally active 1,25(OH)2D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). 1,25(OH)2D is needed to activate the genes that produce antimicrobial peptides.

Bottom line, without vitamin D there is no innate immunity in the body.

All of these immune boosters are important to know with our without the threat of the flu.
Why not give your body a boost?

We expect a lot from our bodies and often give it little help in return. Think about all of the stress and bad food we often expose our body to...and then expect it to run at %100.
Try tuning in to your body and it's needs.
If you are hungry...EAT! If you are tired...SLEEP!

You will reap huge rewards by simply paying attention to your bodies basic needs.