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!

Homemade Gummies

I posted this in my Instagram stories the other day and tons of people asked for the recipe so, here it is! Who else loves gummies? I feel like they are so nostalgic of the 90s. Unfortunately, gummies typically contain:

• artificial flavors
• artificial colors  (yellow 5, blue 1, red 40, yellow 6 and titanium dioxide)
• high fructose corn syrup
• other ingredients

When there are questionable ingredients where I’m unsure of the safety (or even just what the heck it is) I love utilizing this Food Additive Glossary. I am all about making healthy swaps when possible, and I’ve found that this simple recipe is a great way to do that!

These make great snacks for little ones, and will be perfect for a Valentine’s Day treat! Additional benefits of making gummies on your own include:

• utilizing a healthier sugar source
• includes real fruit
• gelatin sourced from healthier animals (you are what you eat)
• ZERO artificial ingredients that your body can’t recognize
• can customize the shapes!

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!

Pre-Workout Fuel for a Happy Gut

What you eat before a workout is just as important as what you eat to recover after. Eating the wrong food could cause gas, cramping, and bloating, and impact your performance. Optimizing your pre-workout meal will help avoid these issues and set you up for success.

What the Heck Should I Eat?!

The contradicting information spread throughout society and the media has only further confused an already muddled understanding on what is or is not “healthy”. Do I eat eggs or avoid them? Should I use butter or margarine? Are sweeteners better than sugar? These are but a few questions I am approached with on a near daily basis. The low fat and fat free craze of the late 1900s that continues on today demonizes fat, and therefore, promotes a greater intake of carbohydrates as not only fruit and vegetables, but in the forms of highly processed breads, pastas, and cereals, to name a few.