Choose This, Not That: Oils

Let’s talk oils!! This is one area where a few easy swaps can make a HUGE difference in your health.

There is so much misinformation on this topic. “Butter or margarine?” “Is coconut oil good or bad?”

Well I am here to set it straight! To start off, did you know that most cooking oils go through an insane amount of processing with chemical solvents, beach, de-waxers, and more, before they end up on store shelves. If you watch this video on how canola oil is made, you will see exactly what I mean.

You may have noticed in that video they use a “solvent” to extract the oil. What they don’t tell you, is that the solvent used is frequently hexane, a neurotoxin. According to Vani Hari (well known as the Food Babe),

“Hexane is a cheap byproduct from gasoline production, that’s a serious occupational hazard and toxic air pollutant. It’s been shown that some hexane residue can remain in the oil, and the FDA doesn’t require food manufacturers to test for residues. Residue tests done by the Cornucopia Institute in 2009 found hexane residues in soybean oil.”

Here is a more in-depth list on oils I recommend avoiding.

Prebiotics 101

Most have heard of probiotics, but have you heard of PREbiotics?

PREbiotic foods contain a specific type of fiber that actually serves as FOOD for PRObiotics — cool right? These two groups work in synergy with each other. Eating both types daily helps keep your gut microbiome healthy!

This means:
 stronger gut barrier to keep out viruses, bacteria, etc
 top notch immunity 
 decreased inflammation
 reduced risk of disease 

Prebiotic foods include:
 onions
 garlic
 leeks
 artichoke
 asparagus
 banana
 chicory

Prebiotics can also be consumed in supplement form, especially if you’re dealing with picky eaters or think you need some extra support 

My favorite prebiotic-containing supplement is called Arise Am Booster! It also provides clean energy + hunger control. You can save $10 off your first order + an additional 20% here!

Choose This, Not That: Salad Dressing

how to choose a healthy salad dressing

Salad dressings can liven up a meal and make veggies/salads more tolerable BUT most are loaded with:

• inflammatory omega-6 fats (i.e. canola oil, soybean oil)
• added sugar
• high fructose corn syrup
• artificial sweeteners
• artificial preservatives
• artificial colors and flavors
  
  

To learn more about how these additives can impact your health, check out this A to Z Food Additive Glossary.

Instead of typical dressings like Hidden Valley Ranch or Kraft Thousand Island, try the homemade recipe below or either of the healthier brands pictured above. Primal Kitchen is my go-to — their Green Goddess dressing is delicious!

Creamy Avocado Hemp Dressing

Delicious and healthy salad dressing recipe

• 1 ripe avocado
• ⅓ cup hemp seeds
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ lemon (squeezed)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup fresh basil

1. Combine all ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend completely. Enjoy!

Salad

American

homemade dressing, salad dressing

What is your favorite homemade dressing recipe?! Share below!

The What and Why on Probiotics

As increasingly more studies have been published demonstrating the importance of gastrointestinal (GI) or “gut” health on our overall well being, naturally the popularity of methods to improve gut health has also become more mainstream. Enter probiotics.  The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization defines probiotics as “living microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host”.  

We have 10x as many microbes in our body than we do human cells, and around 1,000 different species! Some species have been associated with different health benefits, and the benefits of these little organisms have been known since 1907, when Elie Metchnikoff published a report linking the longevity of Bulgarians with consumption of fermented milk products containing Lactobacilli. Ever since, foods and supplements containing probiotics have been widely marketed and consumed. 

Cacao is Medicine – Eat Your Medicine

Our first week in Costa Rica my husband and I had the opportunity to do a chocolate tour! It was at a lovely place called Reina’s Chocolate and was run by Reina and her husband, Ron. Throughout the tour we tasted 16+ types and flavors of chocolate (including sipping chocolate, chocolate tea, and my favorite, lime/sea salt/tequila flavored chocolate)!

Cacao has long been boasted as a superfood, a food with significantly higher nutritional value compared to other foods. In fact, polyphenols in cacao contribute to about 12-18% of the dry weight of the whole bean! Cacao (pronounced cu-COW) is not to be confused with “cocoa”, which many of us grew up drinking in our Hershey’s hot chocolate. Cacao, on the other hand, refers to the mature fruit of the cacao tree, which can be consumed raw and is a serious superfood! It grows best in tropical regions near the equator. About 70% is grown in West Africa, while the rest is cultivated in other humid climates such as Brazil and Ecuador.

Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is a tropical fruit long promoted for it’s health benefits. It has a sweet flavor with musky undertones, and a butter-like consistency. Although the papaya tree can produce fruit year round, it peaks in early summer and fall.

health benefits

• Digestion: Good source of fiber (~2.5 grams per cup) to help enhance digestion and bind to toxins and “bad” cholesterol in your body. Fiber also helps you stay full longer! In addition, papaya contains a digestive enzyme, called papain, which helps to digest protein.
• Immunity: It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is also helpful in reducing inflammation. It’s beautiful orange color provides beta-carotene, which converts into antioxidant vitamin A. 
• Skin: Incredibly hydrating and packed with Vitamins A, C and E, all essential for healthy and radiant skin. As a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids, it helps rejuvenate the skin and brighten complexion.

6 Reasons Why You’re Experiencing Food Cravings

We all can experience food cravings. This is one of the many methods our body uses to communicate with us. Learning how to listen to our body in order understand what it needs will enable us to adjust our habits to help prevent cravings and provide our body with what it needs to thrive.

Feel A Cold Coming On? Do These 6 Things To Prevent It!

You know when you feel that little tingle in the back of your throat? The kind when you think to yourself “crap that’s not good”. Well that was me last week. My little niece had the sniffles but that really means nothing in regards to social distancing when you’re an obsessed aunt.

A few days later I felt that itchy post-nasal drip tingle and I immediately shifted into prevent mode (my wedding is in less than 3 weeks – I don’t have time for that nonsense!). In the past, starting my prevention regimen immediately after recognizing the first sign has enabled me, at minimum, to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms or completely prevent the cold altogether. This particular time I had a bit of a runny nose for 2 days then it was dunzo! Pretty awesome right?

Here’s what I did

1. Cut out absolutely ALL forms of processed and added sugar. Sugar can suppress the immune system and cause inflammation in the body. Just a small amount of sugar can suppress your immunity for up to 6 hours! Sugar is also void of any nutritional value, leaving our body with the extra work of metabolizing it without any benefit in return.
2. Take a mega-dose of vitamin D. Multiple studies have shown that people with lower vitamin D levels are more susceptible to colds and flu so ensuring adequate levels year-round is an overall great prevention measure. Vitamin D helps regulate our immune response and stimulates it, when needed, to protect against viral and bacterial infections. Refer to this article where Dr. Thorburg explains appropriate dosing to start within 24-36 hours of onset of first symptoms.
3. Use 4-5 sprays of Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray. Bee propolis has natural germ fighting properties, is loaded in antioxidants, and 300+ beneficial compounds. I used this twice per day (morning and night) to soothe my scratchy throat and provide natural immune support.
4. Eat all the immune-boosting foods. Berries, mushrooms, ginger, turmeric, garlic and onions, bone broth, greens and coconut oil are all excellent anti-inflammatory foods. Onions, garlic and coconut oil even provide anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties! Aim to eat at least 1-2 of these foods at each meal.
5. Optimize your beverages. I love to start the day off with a cup of water with lemon, local raw honey and – since I’m growing it this year – sage. Sage is valued for its immune-boosting properties. It has antiseptic and antiviral properties, and can help break down mucus associated with colds or the flu.
6. Take a spoonful (or 2) of elderberry syrup. This has been gaining popularity over the years as a natural way to prevent or shorten the duration of colds and the flu. According to Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel, elderberry disarms the enzyme viruses use to penetrate healthy cells in the lining of the nose and throat. When purchasing from the store, check the ingredients to ensure there are no additives or fillers. I prefer to make it on my own — not only do I save A LOT of money, but I am able to fully customize the ingredients. I like to use this recipe.

Do you catch colds often? What do you do to prevent/recover from them quicker? Share below!

How to Supercharge Your Detoxification Systems

On a daily basis we are exposed to hundreds of different toxins. They are found in the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, and even the different products we expose our skin to. Our body has natural fighting systems to clear out these toxins such as our lymphatic system and liver. However, our lifestyle choices can determine how efficient these systems work. Although detoxification is a naturally occurring process, there are many steps you can take to raise the level of efficiency. Supporting your daily detoxification processes is essential to prevent disease and feel your best!

How to Acheive Beautiful Skin From Within

Throughout high school and college, nearly all of us deal with some form of acne. We brush it off and attribute it to hormones and just part of growing up. Dermatologists recommend harsh and often toxic facial cleansers that can dry out the skin. When those don’t work, females are often prescribed birth control pills to control it. However, neither of these options do anything to resolve the underlying issue. Because there is almost always an underlying issue.

Throughout my studies I have been told over and over that our skin is a reflection of what is going on inside our body. If we are detoxifying optimally and have minimal internal inflammation, our skin will reflect it and be clear and glowing. If toxins start to build up or your body is inflamed, whether it be from poor diet, environmental contaminants or constipation, to name a few, our skin will reflect that as well through acne, rashes, etc.

If you have struggled with any type of skin issue, here are some tips on ways to help get to the bottom of it.

1. Do an elimination diet. Food sensitivities are infamous for causing skin irritation. Dairy commonly causes acne while gluten has been attributed to different rashes such as eczema. Try eliminating these two foods for 3-6 weeks to determine if a food sensitivity could be the cause.
2. Avoid white sugar and processed foods. Fried food, pop and other forms of processed sugar, and highly processed packaged food can cause inflammation in the body and alter the gut microbiome. Focus on eating a whole food diet with loads of vegetables. Avoid frying foods at high temperatures with low quality oils such as canola, soy and corn oil. Use avocado or coconut oil instead.
3. Drink more water. Many Americans, are chronically dehydrated. This could cause many issues such as weakened hair and dry skin. It can also lead to inefficient removal of metabolic waste, contributing to accelerated aging. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you sweat a lot in your workouts, live in a hot climate, or drink excessive amounts of caffeine, you may need to increase this further.
4. Start your day with hot water with lemon. This is a great habit for digestion and detoxification of the liver.
5. Take probiotics and eat probiotic-rich foods. Check out this post to learn all about probiotics.
6. “Detox” your skin care routine. Most soaps, shampoos, and lotions contain fragrances, formaldehyde (yes, formaldehyde!), preservatives, and foaming agents that can be carcinogenic, hormone disrupting, and irritating to the skin. Download the ThinkDirty app, which allows you to actually scan your products to see what harmful ingredients are in it. You can also look up products on the EWG’s Skin Deep Database. Curious about my favorite products? Shoot me an email!

Have you struggled with some type of skin issue? Look up your skin care products in one of the programs recommended above — comment below what you learned!