Popcorn People!!!

Hey, I love popcorn just as much as the next person. Keep in mind that all corn unless stated on the package is from a GMO source. Check your packages for certified organic corn, yes it does exist!

http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=75_79&products_id=105400

http://truefoodnow.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/web_new-ge-booklet.pdf

Know your Food!

How to avoid brands made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM) is the laboratory process of artificially manipulating or inserting genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. The result is
called a genetically modified organism or GMO. GMOs can be
engineered with genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals
or even humans.



http://truefoodnow.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/web_new-ge-booklet.pdf

GMO foods...food for thought.

Genetically modified foods are linked to toxic and allergic reactions, sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ studied in lab animals. (See summary in Genetic Roulette.) They are banned by food manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere, yet GMOs are present in the vast majority of processed foods in the US.

The five main GM foods are soy, corn, cotton, canola, and sugar beets. Their derivatives are found in more than 70 percent of the foods in the supermarket.

http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/Home/index.cfm

Add some Anti-Inflamatory food-> GINGER!

Ginger

Overview:

Ginger, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. In addition to these medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods. Native to Asia where its use as a culinary spice spans at least 4,400 years, ginger grows in fertile, moist, tropical soil.

Ginger Tea: Try this recipe if you have a cold...

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger root (peeled)
  
• 3 cups water
• Agave syrup to taste

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the ginger root and water, bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes. Taste and if it tastes too weak, continue simmering; if it tastes too strong add more water. Strain and sweeten with Agave syrup to taste.

Splenda and Fiber? Serious?

Splenda is not natural; it is a chlorinated artificial sweetener. Made from the chemical sucralose, Splenda is manufactured by the selective chlorination of sucrose (table sugar), which converts three of the hydroxyl groups to chlorides.

Now the manufacturers of Splenda have come up with a new marketing strategy. A chemical with "health" benefits. Are you kidding me?

I urge you to know your food. Processed, chemicalized "food", such as Splenda should not be a mainstay of your everyday dietary needs. Fiber should come from natural food sources such as fruits, vegetables, stone ground whole wheat and grains that are grown from the ground and not manufactured in a factory...

Don't give in to the processed food ideology that consumers have come to believe is natural and good for you.


KNOW YOUR FOOD!!!!!

NO Doughnuts!

Call me the anti doughnut trainer, but these things wreak havoc on your health...just say NO to Doughnuts!

Ok people, I understand that making dietary changes is in fact difficult however, you just should not eat DOUGHNUTS! Filled with processed ingredients, trans fat, etc....you just don't need this.

Check the link below to see what you are eating, again know your food!

https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/nutrition/Product.aspx?Category=Donuts&id=DD-527

Are you breathing?

Many people simply don't breathe...as someone who has had breathing issues such as asthma, allergies, etc., it was vital that I learn how to breathe correctly.

As a dancer, I was never truly educated on the techniques of breathing and the actual patterns of breath. It was only after I was a dedicated student of yoga and running that I was finally able to grasp the concept of understanding breath.

Most people simply breathe from the upper chest area, causing fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness. The only way to truly breathe is from the lower belly or diaphragm which will help to increase oxygen uptake, decrease anxiety and helps to promote a more efficient lymphatic system.

Breathe slower, live longer!

Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis refers to a loss of bone mass causing the bones to become porous and fragile. Our skeletal frames are constantly being remodeled, with bone tissue being broken down and rebuilt on a regular basis. Bone density (the degree of mineralization of the bone matrix) usually increases until about the age of 30, but after that, trouble can begin. Osteoporosis sets in when more bone is lost than can be rebuilt. Eventually, bones become brittle and easily fractured. There are actually two different types of bone - both of which lose bone mass later in life, but at different times.

Osteoporosis prevention?

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit. Potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and beta carotene (found in fruits and vegetables) have been associated with higher total bone mass. A diet rich in vegetables and fruit and moderate in animal protein and grains may minimize the acid-ash residue of the diet.
• Get enough calcium. This mineral is one of the primary constituents of bone, and adequate intakes are necessary for lifelong bone health. Choose non-fat dairy products such as yogurt and non-fat milk. Eat more sardines (with bones), dark green vegetables like collard greens, bok choy and broccoli, whole soy based products like tofu, and calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice. Consider taking a calcium supplement if you are not eating at least three servings of dairy per day and/or calcium-fortified foods, if you are postmenopausal or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
• Eat magnesium-rich foods every day, including spinach, tofu, almonds, broccoli and lentils. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also good sources of magnesium.
• Eat vitamin K-rich foods every day. The best sources are green leafy vegetables (see the calcium-rich greens listed above), but most vegetables are good sources. Talk with your doctor about the effects of vitamin K if you are taking a blood-thinning medication.
• Make sure you get enough vitamin D. I recommend supplementing with 1,000 IU daily for adults.
• Decrease your sodium intake. Avoid salty processed foods and fast food. Don't salt your food before tasting it.
• Limit caffeine intake.
• Avoid alcohol or drink only in moderation.
• Increase weight-bearing activities, such as walking, weight training and calisthenics. Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02720/Osteoporosis.html

Artificial Sweeteners- a Hot Mess!

Try replacing these dangerous sweeteners below with non toxic ajave nectar or stevia. Use stevia if you are looking for a no calorie substitute.


Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)
Saccharin (Sweet'N Low, SugarTwin)
Acesulfame K (Sunett, Sweet One)
Sucralose (Splenda) - It is manufactured by the selective chlorination of sucrose (table sugar), in which three of the hydroxyl groups are replaced with chlorine atoms to produce sucralose.

EarthLust products

In my endeavor to find a safe water canteen- http://www.earthlust.com/index.html

EarthLust bottles are made from high quality #304 food grade stainless steel, which is naturally safe unlined. Our bottles are a custom design - not stock bottles. Most of our line is limited edition - new art will arrive soon! We use non-toxic paints and BPA-free safe polypropelene #5 caps.

Stay away from Bisphenol A-found in CDs, fax paper, adhesives, hard plastics, like #7 water/baby bottles,epoxy,can liners...

First synthesized in 1891, bisphenol A is an artificial estrogen that is particularly useful in creating plastic polymers. For many years now, exposure to BPA has been associated with cancer, insulin resistance, and birth defects.

3 Suspect Plastics to Avoid in Baby Bottles, Water Bottles, More

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/plastic-bottles-toxins-water-bottles-460410

Trans Fatty Acids...

I know this is nothing new, but I just wanted to remind everyone to stay away from dangerous trans-fatty acids. This is the result of hydrogenation, or the process of adding hydrogen to unsaturated fatty-acids to make them harder at room temperature for the sake of storage. These fatty-acids have a proven link in the increase of (LDL) or bad cholesterol and the decrease in (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Read all labels carefully, this fatty-acid can be found in everything processed, (not great either) from canned beans to peanuts.

Look for partially hydrogenated oils in all of your labels and amke it a point to- DO NOT CONSUME!!!

New Classes this March! Try each of these classes once for only $10! (you must print this page in order to get special):
Tuesdays, 10:30am Vinyasa Yoga w/Laura
GO TO THE LINK TO PRINT THIS PAGE FOR THE SPECIAL OFFER:
www.monqifitness.com

Is Absinthe Dangerous?

Absinthe is a high-proof herbal liquor that was illegal in the United States and in much of Europe for decades but is now making a comeback. The drink, which originated in Switzerland, is made from the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, better known as wormwood.

Read more- http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400532/Is-Absinthe-Dangerous.html

Tea and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet

http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/tea

Green Your Water Bottle

Things to keep in mind when looking for a green water bottle:

1. Make sure your bottle is BPA free. This pesky chemical is in no way green, and is potentially harmful to your health. It's too bad, really—it's even in the hiker's favorite canteen: the Nalgene bottle. To be extra careful, buy a stainless steel bottle to avoid BPA. If you can find a BPA-free bottle lying around from a sporting event or something, use that, but it might be hard to find an older BPA-free bottle (it's a realatively new concern).


2. Absolutely no bottled water. I may have already made this clear, but just in case...


3. Buy a durable bottle that will withstand multiple uses. This is especially true if you're an athlete, and you're going to be using your bottle during rigorous activities. Canteens like the Kor One Water Bottle are good options for such purposes—this one even boasts an easy-action flip top for quick access.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/green-water-bottle-tips.html

Beer/Alcohol and maintaing weight loss...

Hey we all love a Beer Day/ alcohol day....I am no exception to this rule....
However, if you want to lose weight and stay in ideal form you cannot drink BEER or alcohol everyday!
Hello?! You must find a happy medium when it comes to alcohol consumption....please look at my previous posts concerning alcohol consumption and the ways to reduce caloric intake.

You can still have fun while maintaining your dietary habits, trust me!

Backwoods Vegan

Hey everyone,

Please check out Backwoods Vegan. Amazing recipes for those who are conscious about ethics and health....it's on my list of links.

Blueberries -- Antioxidant Superfood!

EAT YOUR BLUEBERRIES!

Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C, making them the top choice of doctors and nutritionists. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory.

When selecting berries, note that the darker they are, the more anti-oxidants they have. Everyone should have a serving about 1/2 cup or more every day.

Remember that, in general, the more color the fruit has, the more antioxidants.

Freeze bluberries for a great snack when you have a sugar craving...

Recipe of the Week....by FatFree Vegan Kitchen

Fat Free Smoky Refried Bean Soup

This soup is so thick it's almost a chili. Use the minimum amounts of chipotle chili powder and hot sauce to make this a mild dish or add more to make it as hot as you dare.

1 large onion, chopped
3 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (I used fire-roasted)
15 ounces fatfree refried beans
15 ounces black beans, cooked
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 - 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (to taste)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Spray a large, non-stick pot with cooking spray, and sauté the onion until it begins to brown. Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook for one more minute. Add all the remaining ingredients and cook until the flavors blend, 20-30 minutes.

Cocktails and your calorie consumption....

It's not surprising that many people have questions regarding their alcohol consumption and caloric intake...

Here Are 5 Ways To Cut Alcohol Calories!!!

So how do you keep calories in alcoholic drinks from adding up way too much? Here are five tips...

1. Alternate alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks to save calories.

2. Choose wine, light beer, or simple cocktails made with low-calorie mixers.

3. Skip the mixer altogether. Try ordering your favorite drink or one of the new flavored liquors on the rocks.

4. Dilute your drink. Another option is diluting your drink with club soda or sparkling water.

5. Have a plan! Common! Before going out to the cocktail party or happy hour, make sure you have a game plan. You have to make an informed choice as to how much you are going to drink for the evening. You might need to cut back on your overall calories for that day to compensate. But, never skip meals altogether, this is a bad thing, especially if you plan on having a cocktail or two, or five...

Alcohol does not COUNT as clean eating...keep this in mind!

Clean Eating...it's a lifestyle people!

Clean Eating Principles:

• Eating a mini-meal every two to three hours (5 to 6 small meals per day total) to keep blood sugar level and prevent hunger
• Combining lean proteins and complex carbs at every meal
• Avoiding all over-processed and refined foods (especially sugar, white rice, and white flour)
• Avoiding saturated and trans fat, instead consuming healthy fats
• Avoiding soda and other sugary juices and drinks
• Avoiding high-calorie, zero nutrient foods (i.e., junk food)
• Eating proper portion sizes
• Drinking at least 8 cups of water every day