Good Morning!
I want to write about something I have written about before, maybe more than once. Its a topic that so many people talk about, work hard to achieve and unfortunately, so many of us don't achieve the results we wanted. You guessed it, losing weight.
There are so many factors that involve proper weight loss. For some people, working out and eating right will do the trick, while many others can practically starve themselves, work out like crazy and still not lose a pound. Some of the more common complaints that I hear is "I am on a diet, but I'm not losing any weight." Or, "I eat pretty well but I can't lose any weight." The key here is WHAT are you eating? What kind of diet are you on? Are you afraid of fats and staying away from them because you are diligently counting calories? Well this might come as a shock: we need healthy fats to help us lose weight! I used to listen politely when people would tell me they'd never touch an egg or an avocado because they are too fattening. Now I speak my mind and let people know that healthy fat is good! We need it! Its not the egg yolk making you fat, its very likely the "energy bar" or low fat yogurt or granola that is making you fat, or it just might be something else you aren't even thinking of...
If we look deeply into ourselves we can find many hidden secrets that might be inhibiting weight loss.
When any problem arises in life, its best to look inside ourselves and see where we might be stuck. A relationship issue? Loneliness? Lack of spirituality? Childhood trauma? Anything can make us feel stuck in a negative place, and when this happens, it can cause our bodies to be physically stuck as well, and in one way this can mean extra pounds that are just stuck and won't budge. This requires some deep introspection to free ourselves of unwanted emotions. Try to figure out why you are stuck, why your body is holding on to those extra pounds. Luckily we all have our ways of releasing. For some its art, others music and dance, and some like to write. Whatever your talent is, use it! You will be amazed at how you can free yourself of unwanted thoughts and feelings using a creative outlet.
The next common cause of weight gain and the inability to lose weight comes from eating improperly, and finding the proper foods can be really difficult. Without getting into too much detail in this post (we will save it for another one), remember, eat as cleanly as you can. Avoid processed foods (foods that come in a box, package, etc), flour products, sugars and too much caffeine. Eat loads of fruits and vegetables, clean meats, fish and eggs and drink lots and lots of water instead of sugary or diet drinks. Avoid any label that says "low fat, fat free, sugar free" because these products have other unhealthy ingredients added to them that can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Get adequate amounts of healthy fats and protein from avocados, eggs, healthy oils, etc. You can also help stimulate your liver which rids the body of toxins by adding lemon or lime to your water or making a juice with dandelion and any other fruit or vegetable you want. (Liver cleanse coming soon).
Next is sleep. I know many of us do not get adequate amounts of sleep every night. For whatever reason you might not be sleeping well, just keep in mind that when we don't sleep enough, our body needs to get extra energy from somewhere. So our adrenal glands send out a hormone called Cortisol which is a fat storage hormone that gives our body extra energy. Down the line, using up our stores of cortisol can lead to other problems such as adrenal fatigue syndrome. In short, lack of sleep can make you gain weight and not let you lose it!
There are two other important weight loss/gain factors. Those are the health of your thyroid and adrenal glands. When these are out of balance and not functioning as they should because of lack of sleep, improper nutrition, emotional trauma, etc, you will most likely have a hard time losing that weight. (Many forms of birth control also cause weight gain/loss issues.)
There are many more causes for weight gain and the inability to lose weight. The point here is, that it is not just about how often you exercise and what kind of low fat/diet foods you are eating. We need to think about our body as a whole, and how every aspect of our lives effects our body. Take one step at a time. Begin a slow, steady exercise program, find a time for self introspection and creativity, make one small healthy change in your diet, drink one cup of water instead of a diet coke. Eat a healthy fat, make a juice, get a good night's sleep!
Once you have built up to an all around healthier lifestyle, and if the weight still is not coming off, there are other places to look to see if something else is out of balance.
No, this is not a quick fix, "let me go on a crazy diet, lose tons of weight and then I'll look into becoming healthier" diet plan. This is a life style change, its a choice we all have to make on our own. It doesn't come easy, but with determination, confidence and self respect, it will come.
Happy choosing everyone!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Toothpaste
Good morning!
So here I have written up about some of the (toxic) ingredients in our most commonly used toothpastes. I used to be very skeptical about "toxic toothpaste" because I didn't think anyone was swallowing enough of the stuff to cause any harm. I have learned over the years that toxins can easily absorb into our blood stream from things that come in contact with our skin and gums. So chemicals that are put into our mouth, from toothpaste lets say, even if they aren't swallowed, can be absorbed into our blood stream from our gums, and over time can cause toxins to build up in our bodies. The good news is that there are chemical free toothpastes, just beware, some of them claim to be "healthy" while still full of chemicals.
Before I get into the list, I want to briefly mention that saliva is really our natural toothpaste. It washes away bacteria and helps re-mineralize our teeth and protects our enamel by using calcium and phosphorous.(That is why its so vital for our teeth to eat a balanced diet, so that we have appropriate amounts of minerals to help keep teeth strong and healthy.) Just some more food for thought. Its great to know that saliva actually does some really great things for us!
I took a regular tube of Colgate whitening toothpaste to look at what's inside, I'll explain a few of them.
Here we go...
Hydrated silica
glycerin
sorbitol
PVM/MA copolymer
SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate
cellulose gum
flavor
sodium hydroxide
porpelyn glycol
carageenan
sodium saccharin
titanium dioxide
Hydrate silica is formed from a chemical compound found in sand. It is used as a whitener and an abrasive, to clean the plaque off teeth. This is very harmful for the tooth because it scratches it's surface and prevents daily re-mineralization, and can eventually wear away the enamel. It is particularly harmful for those with tooth decay or receding gums. It is also used in paint as an anti-caking agent. Yum.
Glycerin is a sweetener which is generally extracted from vegetable oil by using toxic chemicals. It's job in toothpaste is to keep it from drying out. It also coats the teeth with a seal which blocks the tooth from saliva, which in turn keeps the teeth from re-mineralizing. Its similar to a heavy, sugary syrups which is not good for the teeth either.
Sorbitol and Saccharin are both artificial sweeteners which are very harmful to the human body. (There is a long list of reasons why they are so harmful, I will post an article for more info.)
PVM/MA is a synthetic plastic which helps keeps ingredients bound together. It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Fun, ha?
SLS is a good one. It has been making headlines lately, and you have probably seen labels that say "sls free" on more and more cosmetic products. There is good reason for that. SLS is a foaming agent, its what makes our soaps all bubbly. Its also used as a de-greaser in cleaning agents. It is said to be toxic and when absorbed it can damage cells in the body. It is corrosive to the skin, it has been linked to cancer and organ toxicity. It is also an endocrine (hormone) disruptor and it actually helps other toxins absorb more easily into the body. It's used as a pesticide too! I'd say if you want to take it one step at a time, begin with buying products that are sls free. There are many options out there.
Propelyn glycol helps the toothpaste retain it's moisture so it doesn't dry out. like the glycerin. It is also used as antifreeze in break fluid and paints. It can be quickly absorbed into the body and can lead to organ abnormalities.
Although there are more ingredients on this list that I didn't explain in detail, I think we all get the point. Most of them are highly processed with harsh chemicals, or they are artificial to begin with. So they might leave your teeth and mouth smelling fresh and looking great, and in the long run, these commonly used toothpaste ingredients can cause more harm than that clean feeling mouth might be worth. If our toothpastes worked so well, as they claim, to keep our mouth's healthy and white, why is it that over 90% of American adults have tooth decay?!
Remember, knowledge is power if used in the right way. The journey to a healthier life style is just that, a journey! So don't feel overwhelmed by this list, there are many options for better, cleaner toothpastes. I'll keep you posted =). For now, happy clean teeth to all!
So here I have written up about some of the (toxic) ingredients in our most commonly used toothpastes. I used to be very skeptical about "toxic toothpaste" because I didn't think anyone was swallowing enough of the stuff to cause any harm. I have learned over the years that toxins can easily absorb into our blood stream from things that come in contact with our skin and gums. So chemicals that are put into our mouth, from toothpaste lets say, even if they aren't swallowed, can be absorbed into our blood stream from our gums, and over time can cause toxins to build up in our bodies. The good news is that there are chemical free toothpastes, just beware, some of them claim to be "healthy" while still full of chemicals.
Before I get into the list, I want to briefly mention that saliva is really our natural toothpaste. It washes away bacteria and helps re-mineralize our teeth and protects our enamel by using calcium and phosphorous.(That is why its so vital for our teeth to eat a balanced diet, so that we have appropriate amounts of minerals to help keep teeth strong and healthy.) Just some more food for thought. Its great to know that saliva actually does some really great things for us!
I took a regular tube of Colgate whitening toothpaste to look at what's inside, I'll explain a few of them.
Here we go...
Hydrated silica
glycerin
sorbitol
PVM/MA copolymer
SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate
cellulose gum
flavor
sodium hydroxide
porpelyn glycol
carageenan
sodium saccharin
titanium dioxide
Hydrate silica is formed from a chemical compound found in sand. It is used as a whitener and an abrasive, to clean the plaque off teeth. This is very harmful for the tooth because it scratches it's surface and prevents daily re-mineralization, and can eventually wear away the enamel. It is particularly harmful for those with tooth decay or receding gums. It is also used in paint as an anti-caking agent. Yum.
Glycerin is a sweetener which is generally extracted from vegetable oil by using toxic chemicals. It's job in toothpaste is to keep it from drying out. It also coats the teeth with a seal which blocks the tooth from saliva, which in turn keeps the teeth from re-mineralizing. Its similar to a heavy, sugary syrups which is not good for the teeth either.
Sorbitol and Saccharin are both artificial sweeteners which are very harmful to the human body. (There is a long list of reasons why they are so harmful, I will post an article for more info.)
PVM/MA is a synthetic plastic which helps keeps ingredients bound together. It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Fun, ha?
SLS is a good one. It has been making headlines lately, and you have probably seen labels that say "sls free" on more and more cosmetic products. There is good reason for that. SLS is a foaming agent, its what makes our soaps all bubbly. Its also used as a de-greaser in cleaning agents. It is said to be toxic and when absorbed it can damage cells in the body. It is corrosive to the skin, it has been linked to cancer and organ toxicity. It is also an endocrine (hormone) disruptor and it actually helps other toxins absorb more easily into the body. It's used as a pesticide too! I'd say if you want to take it one step at a time, begin with buying products that are sls free. There are many options out there.
Propelyn glycol helps the toothpaste retain it's moisture so it doesn't dry out. like the glycerin. It is also used as antifreeze in break fluid and paints. It can be quickly absorbed into the body and can lead to organ abnormalities.
Although there are more ingredients on this list that I didn't explain in detail, I think we all get the point. Most of them are highly processed with harsh chemicals, or they are artificial to begin with. So they might leave your teeth and mouth smelling fresh and looking great, and in the long run, these commonly used toothpaste ingredients can cause more harm than that clean feeling mouth might be worth. If our toothpastes worked so well, as they claim, to keep our mouth's healthy and white, why is it that over 90% of American adults have tooth decay?!
Remember, knowledge is power if used in the right way. The journey to a healthier life style is just that, a journey! So don't feel overwhelmed by this list, there are many options for better, cleaner toothpastes. I'll keep you posted =). For now, happy clean teeth to all!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Empowering our children
People often ask me how I get my kids to eat kale, fresh herbs, to brush their teeth with home made coconut based toothpaste, etc...
The truth is, I don't get them to do any of it. They do it on their own. Let me explain.
My husband has a beautiful little garden in the front of our house. He grows many things like tomatoes, limes. moringa, different herbs, beets, radishes, carrots and much more. If you ask him about "his" garden he'll tell you that its really the kid's. They are very active participants in the whole process of growing our food, from the time the little seedlings are planted until the produce is ready to be cut and eaten. They water the plants, and check on them daily. They save their peels from fruits and vegetables to put into the compost so our soil is more potent. They make sure to cultivate the herbs gently and properly so the plants won't get damaged. And then, after seeing the fruits of their labor, literally, they are more than happy and willing to eat any and all of what is growing outside.
They munch on basil on their way to school and pick some moringa on their way to play. I don't think they'd be as excited if I told them "kids, go get your moringa and eat it!" They want to eat the beautiful foods in front of them because they took part in helping the food get there. This is so empowering for children.
The same goes for using the toothpaste and taking their supplements and anything else I try to incorporate. I teach them about what these things do for their bodies, and what each ingredient contributes to their health, how it helps them grow, keep their teeth strong and healthy and then I let them decide for themselves. Most of the time they choose the toothpaste that doesn't taste great, they remind ME to give them their supplements and occasionally someone will ask if they could "do oil pulling" because their tooth hurts.
I have to say that it gives me great pleasure when they make the healthier choice. I love it. It even makes me laugh at times.
And I am grateful that my husband tells the kids that this beautiful garden is their's, and that Hashem guides them to use their knowledge and inner strength to make those better choices.
I feel like if we want our kids to be healthier in today's day and age, with all the horrendous "foods" they are constantly bombarded with, we need to teach them about healthy alternatives, and then gently guide and encourage them, and ask Hashem to help them choose wisely, even if it means standing out in a crowd of candy eaters. Eventually their friends might follow and that will instill even more confidence in a child. Yes, its hard to stand out in crowd, and kids don't want to be different. There is a fine line here which we as parents need to learn to balance. The point is knowledge is power. Lets give our kids the knowledge so they have the power to make better, healthier choices.
Shabbat shalom to all!
Mishi =)
The truth is, I don't get them to do any of it. They do it on their own. Let me explain.
My husband has a beautiful little garden in the front of our house. He grows many things like tomatoes, limes. moringa, different herbs, beets, radishes, carrots and much more. If you ask him about "his" garden he'll tell you that its really the kid's. They are very active participants in the whole process of growing our food, from the time the little seedlings are planted until the produce is ready to be cut and eaten. They water the plants, and check on them daily. They save their peels from fruits and vegetables to put into the compost so our soil is more potent. They make sure to cultivate the herbs gently and properly so the plants won't get damaged. And then, after seeing the fruits of their labor, literally, they are more than happy and willing to eat any and all of what is growing outside.
They munch on basil on their way to school and pick some moringa on their way to play. I don't think they'd be as excited if I told them "kids, go get your moringa and eat it!" They want to eat the beautiful foods in front of them because they took part in helping the food get there. This is so empowering for children.
The same goes for using the toothpaste and taking their supplements and anything else I try to incorporate. I teach them about what these things do for their bodies, and what each ingredient contributes to their health, how it helps them grow, keep their teeth strong and healthy and then I let them decide for themselves. Most of the time they choose the toothpaste that doesn't taste great, they remind ME to give them their supplements and occasionally someone will ask if they could "do oil pulling" because their tooth hurts.
I have to say that it gives me great pleasure when they make the healthier choice. I love it. It even makes me laugh at times.
And I am grateful that my husband tells the kids that this beautiful garden is their's, and that Hashem guides them to use their knowledge and inner strength to make those better choices.
I feel like if we want our kids to be healthier in today's day and age, with all the horrendous "foods" they are constantly bombarded with, we need to teach them about healthy alternatives, and then gently guide and encourage them, and ask Hashem to help them choose wisely, even if it means standing out in a crowd of candy eaters. Eventually their friends might follow and that will instill even more confidence in a child. Yes, its hard to stand out in crowd, and kids don't want to be different. There is a fine line here which we as parents need to learn to balance. The point is knowledge is power. Lets give our kids the knowledge so they have the power to make better, healthier choices.
Shabbat shalom to all!
Mishi =)
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Simple, quick school snack ideas
Hey Everyone!
I wanted to share some snack ideas with you. Some friends have been asking me what I send my kids to school with everyday. I don't buy any processed snacks from the store, so I have to get creative and change it up every so often, but here are a few that my kids really enjoy. It might seem time consuming to make these, but I make enough to last the whole week so I don't even have to think about what to give them once all my batches are made.
Fruit leathers:
There are many ways to make these, and I have found a simple way that really works. Take some bags of frozen fruits of your choice. Let them get a little mushy at room temp before blending. You can throw in a banana or coconut flakes, or anything you like. Blend and spread a very thin, almost transparent layer (if you want them super thin) over parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Bake at 170 degrees for about 8 hours or as long as it takes for the mixture to be firm and not liquid anymore.
Just peel off the parchment paper and roll them into fruit rolls! You can also bake them at 250 for a few hours if you want to get a crunchy fruit snack. Just break into pieces and enjoy!
kale chips:
For this recipe I get some bags of pre washed organic kale. Spread them on a cookie sheet, toss with some coconut or grapeseed oil and sea salt. Bake at 350 for about ten minutes or until they reach your desired texture. Some of my kids like them crunchy and some like them soggy, so I leave them in until the top layer is really crunchy, while the bottom leaves stay soggy.
Kale chips get really soggy after a day so I try to make these fresh. It takes just a few minutes!
Macaroons:
I don't use specific measurements for this recipe. I just toss in a bunch of yummy ingredients like coconut flour, almond flour, coconut oil, cocoa powder, cinnamon, raw honey, peanut butter, coconut flakes, etc.
Mix all the ingredients, refrigerate for a few hours and roll into balls! Walla! You can also add eggs to the recipe and bake at 350 for about ten minutes.
Popcorn:
I buy Eden Organics non GMO pop corn kernels. Heat some coconut oil and sea salt, add in the kernels and there you have some yummy pop corn. (If any of your kids are suffering from tooth decay I would stay away from the popcorn.)
Date balls:
Throw some dates, almonds or almond flour and some coconut oil into the food processor and roll the mixture into little balls and freeze. You can even sprinkle them with cinnamon or coconut flakes once they are made into balls.
Fruit cups:
Just dice up some watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, apples, limes, etc.
You can add a little lemon juice if your kids don't like when the apples turn brown.
I hope these recipes help. More to come.
To health!
Mishi
I wanted to share some snack ideas with you. Some friends have been asking me what I send my kids to school with everyday. I don't buy any processed snacks from the store, so I have to get creative and change it up every so often, but here are a few that my kids really enjoy. It might seem time consuming to make these, but I make enough to last the whole week so I don't even have to think about what to give them once all my batches are made.
Fruit leathers:
There are many ways to make these, and I have found a simple way that really works. Take some bags of frozen fruits of your choice. Let them get a little mushy at room temp before blending. You can throw in a banana or coconut flakes, or anything you like. Blend and spread a very thin, almost transparent layer (if you want them super thin) over parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Bake at 170 degrees for about 8 hours or as long as it takes for the mixture to be firm and not liquid anymore.
Just peel off the parchment paper and roll them into fruit rolls! You can also bake them at 250 for a few hours if you want to get a crunchy fruit snack. Just break into pieces and enjoy!
kale chips:
For this recipe I get some bags of pre washed organic kale. Spread them on a cookie sheet, toss with some coconut or grapeseed oil and sea salt. Bake at 350 for about ten minutes or until they reach your desired texture. Some of my kids like them crunchy and some like them soggy, so I leave them in until the top layer is really crunchy, while the bottom leaves stay soggy.
Kale chips get really soggy after a day so I try to make these fresh. It takes just a few minutes!
Macaroons:
I don't use specific measurements for this recipe. I just toss in a bunch of yummy ingredients like coconut flour, almond flour, coconut oil, cocoa powder, cinnamon, raw honey, peanut butter, coconut flakes, etc.
Mix all the ingredients, refrigerate for a few hours and roll into balls! Walla! You can also add eggs to the recipe and bake at 350 for about ten minutes.
Popcorn:
I buy Eden Organics non GMO pop corn kernels. Heat some coconut oil and sea salt, add in the kernels and there you have some yummy pop corn. (If any of your kids are suffering from tooth decay I would stay away from the popcorn.)
Date balls:
Throw some dates, almonds or almond flour and some coconut oil into the food processor and roll the mixture into little balls and freeze. You can even sprinkle them with cinnamon or coconut flakes once they are made into balls.
Fruit cups:
Just dice up some watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, apples, limes, etc.
You can add a little lemon juice if your kids don't like when the apples turn brown.
I hope these recipes help. More to come.
To health!
Mishi
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
The Journey of the journey
Hey everyone!
I have been asked so much lately "how did you start eating healthy, what made you change, how did you start, how do you do all that, how do you cook that way...its so overwhelming!!?"
So I started doing some thinking. Thinking back to the beginning of my journey of healthy eating, healing and living, I can't believe I have come so far. At the same time, there is always more to learn. Over the years I have always thought "that's it! I did it, I reached the highest level in the health world" And then, as I read and learn more, I discover there is so much more out there. This, I feel is the blessing of being health conscious. Its a journey, not a destination. No one will ever reach the end.
So I tell people my start was just that, a start. I think the first change I made was from white rice to brown, then I stopped buying anything with added sugars. That was years ago, and now I make more things from scratch than I actually buy at a store, and I seldom go into a conventional supermarket.
This is where I am now, this is my happy place. I love to make healthy alternatives for family from scratch, I love my garden, thanks to my husband and kids who are great farmers!
The point is, not everyone has to reach this place, nor do they have to make the switch from white to brown rice. We just need to start small, to feel whats right each of us individually and for our families. Also, make sure you have an amazing support system and mentors to call on!
Its one step at a time, to make the change to a healthier lifestyle. One tiny step can and will make all the difference!
To happy and healthy eating and healing!
I have been asked so much lately "how did you start eating healthy, what made you change, how did you start, how do you do all that, how do you cook that way...its so overwhelming!!?"
So I started doing some thinking. Thinking back to the beginning of my journey of healthy eating, healing and living, I can't believe I have come so far. At the same time, there is always more to learn. Over the years I have always thought "that's it! I did it, I reached the highest level in the health world" And then, as I read and learn more, I discover there is so much more out there. This, I feel is the blessing of being health conscious. Its a journey, not a destination. No one will ever reach the end.
So I tell people my start was just that, a start. I think the first change I made was from white rice to brown, then I stopped buying anything with added sugars. That was years ago, and now I make more things from scratch than I actually buy at a store, and I seldom go into a conventional supermarket.
This is where I am now, this is my happy place. I love to make healthy alternatives for family from scratch, I love my garden, thanks to my husband and kids who are great farmers!
The point is, not everyone has to reach this place, nor do they have to make the switch from white to brown rice. We just need to start small, to feel whats right each of us individually and for our families. Also, make sure you have an amazing support system and mentors to call on!
Its one step at a time, to make the change to a healthier lifestyle. One tiny step can and will make all the difference!
To happy and healthy eating and healing!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Seasons and instincts
Hi everyone,
It has been a while. I wanted to share some inspiration, please comment if you shared the same experiences. I love watching how my children eat with the seasons. Over the summer they gobbled up peaches, nectarine, plums, cherries. They had all the summer fruits at the little fingertips. Here in NY the summer fruit season is ending and we are starting to get some big and small beautiful apples. I have still been buying the last few juicy peaches and nectarines and my kids haven't touched them. The fruits they could eat all day, just a few weeks ago, are not even on their radar anymore. They're back to gobbling up apples. Their bodies just know what's right for them at the right times of year. Our bodies are so sensitive and also so good at indicating what they need. Follow your body's natural cravings and see how you feel.
In Brooklyn we have an awesome food coop. It's got the most incredible, local, fresh produce for great prices. It's also always packed with people and long lines so they're isn't always the luxury of looking around at the beautiful fruits and veggies to think about you want. I got lucky yesterday. The produce section was practically empty! So I took my time and stood there staring at all the glorious greens. I got to use my senses to decide what I was in the mood of eating and cooking. I let my instincts and nose tell me what my body wanted. I was totally wrapped up in the smells and colors and I chose quite a few things that I have rarely used or never used at all. It was a very reviving experience. Let your senses guide you to make better, healthier food choices for yourself and your family.
Have a wonderful day!
It has been a while. I wanted to share some inspiration, please comment if you shared the same experiences. I love watching how my children eat with the seasons. Over the summer they gobbled up peaches, nectarine, plums, cherries. They had all the summer fruits at the little fingertips. Here in NY the summer fruit season is ending and we are starting to get some big and small beautiful apples. I have still been buying the last few juicy peaches and nectarines and my kids haven't touched them. The fruits they could eat all day, just a few weeks ago, are not even on their radar anymore. They're back to gobbling up apples. Their bodies just know what's right for them at the right times of year. Our bodies are so sensitive and also so good at indicating what they need. Follow your body's natural cravings and see how you feel.
In Brooklyn we have an awesome food coop. It's got the most incredible, local, fresh produce for great prices. It's also always packed with people and long lines so they're isn't always the luxury of looking around at the beautiful fruits and veggies to think about you want. I got lucky yesterday. The produce section was practically empty! So I took my time and stood there staring at all the glorious greens. I got to use my senses to decide what I was in the mood of eating and cooking. I let my instincts and nose tell me what my body wanted. I was totally wrapped up in the smells and colors and I chose quite a few things that I have rarely used or never used at all. It was a very reviving experience. Let your senses guide you to make better, healthier food choices for yourself and your family.
Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Bees, honey and all the good stuff...
What do you think of when you hear the word bees? Do you think of creepy little bugs that sting if you get too close? I used to. And I'm sure many of you do too. But then we got bees. Yes, real live bees. And my husband promted and encouraged me to join him in doing lots of reading and learning about those creepy little bugs. And now, months and months later my opinion of the little bee has changed greatly. (Except when they wind up flying around inside the house and I have to call my kids to catch them.)
Bees are fascinating, brilliant little creatures that create one of the healthiest, most medicinal foods on earth. Everything in their comb is edible and full of powerful vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and enzymes that can act as medicine for humans under many different circumstances. I'm going to briefly list a few benefits for the main bee products. But there's far more to know than what will be listed here.
Lets start with the honey. Now when I say honey I don't mean the liquid stuff you buy in a squeezy bear, which is most cases is not even honey at all. I'm talking about the raw, unprocessed and unfiltered honey which is usually thicker, tastier and can come in a variety of different colors. Raw honey can have antibiotic and anti bacterial effects and can treat many internal disorders as well as healing external wounds. Remember, it's gotta be raw honey (not heated) to retain all of its health benefits!
A note about honey: it's best to know the source (apiary/farmer) of your honey. Many bottles can say raw and organic but that doesn't necessarily mean that the bees haven't been treated with pesticides or pollinated flowers with pesticides. Knowing where your honey comes from can assure you of the highest and purest quality.
Next there's bee pollen. The pollen is collected by the bees from thousands of flowers and flown back to the hive where it's mixed with nectar to make the honey. It's full of antioxidants, 18 vitamins including all the B vitamins except B 12. It's got all the amino acids, fatty acids and protein too! It's great for increasing your energy and alleviating allergies!
Propolis. Our kids call propolis "bees gum". It's a sticky, waxy resin that the bees use to seal up their hive and fill in any cracks. Propolis has antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti microbial and anti inflammatory effects which help keep the bees inside the hive free of unwanted bacteria and viruses.
It's full of vitamins and is a huge immune system booster. We like to just chew it straight from the hive but there are different ways you can consume propolis. Any health food store would have propolis in different forms, along with all the other fabulous bee products.
So go ahead and try someing new. If you're suffering from allergies, need a good immune boost or just want to add something super beneficial to your diet, bee products might just be the thing! And if you ever want to stop by for a visit, our bees love visitors!
If you ever want to sample some raw, unfiltered honey, come over and visit us for a taste!
Bees are fascinating, brilliant little creatures that create one of the healthiest, most medicinal foods on earth. Everything in their comb is edible and full of powerful vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and enzymes that can act as medicine for humans under many different circumstances. I'm going to briefly list a few benefits for the main bee products. But there's far more to know than what will be listed here.
Lets start with the honey. Now when I say honey I don't mean the liquid stuff you buy in a squeezy bear, which is most cases is not even honey at all. I'm talking about the raw, unprocessed and unfiltered honey which is usually thicker, tastier and can come in a variety of different colors. Raw honey can have antibiotic and anti bacterial effects and can treat many internal disorders as well as healing external wounds. Remember, it's gotta be raw honey (not heated) to retain all of its health benefits!
A note about honey: it's best to know the source (apiary/farmer) of your honey. Many bottles can say raw and organic but that doesn't necessarily mean that the bees haven't been treated with pesticides or pollinated flowers with pesticides. Knowing where your honey comes from can assure you of the highest and purest quality.
Next there's bee pollen. The pollen is collected by the bees from thousands of flowers and flown back to the hive where it's mixed with nectar to make the honey. It's full of antioxidants, 18 vitamins including all the B vitamins except B 12. It's got all the amino acids, fatty acids and protein too! It's great for increasing your energy and alleviating allergies!
Propolis. Our kids call propolis "bees gum". It's a sticky, waxy resin that the bees use to seal up their hive and fill in any cracks. Propolis has antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti microbial and anti inflammatory effects which help keep the bees inside the hive free of unwanted bacteria and viruses.
It's full of vitamins and is a huge immune system booster. We like to just chew it straight from the hive but there are different ways you can consume propolis. Any health food store would have propolis in different forms, along with all the other fabulous bee products.
So go ahead and try someing new. If you're suffering from allergies, need a good immune boost or just want to add something super beneficial to your diet, bee products might just be the thing! And if you ever want to stop by for a visit, our bees love visitors!
If you ever want to sample some raw, unfiltered honey, come over and visit us for a taste!
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