Why Does It Matter What We Eat?

Why does it matter, right? I mean we are all going to die someday, right? I hear this every time I visit my grandfather, but then again he always enlightens me on what he learned on that Food Network and what kind of salad he had this week... So, I feel like he knows better... Ha, I love you, Papaw!

I believe that all men are created equal, but all foods are not! Dr. Colbert says, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void in nourishment." I say, Amen Brotha! There are two types of foods: Living & Dead foods!

LIVING FOODS:

Living foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nute- exist in a raw or close to raw state and packaged in divinely created wrappers called skins and peels. Living food looks in fact alive. Living foods are plucked, harvested, and squeezed- not processed, packaged, and put on a shelf.

DEAD FOODS:

Dead foods are everything that living foods are not. They have been altered and deconstructed in every way imaginable way to make them last as long as possible and be addictive as possible! So, in order to do this manufacturers have to add sugar and salt and man-made fat.

Let's talk about the sugar real quick... Ever had a large party? Do you typically buy filet mignon for your cookouts or hot dogs... That is what I thought! When we are feeding the masses, we buy the cheaper alternative; manufacturers do the same to you and me. They have such a large quota to fill, so they cut corners. When adding to sugar to processed food, they add the cheapest sugar- bleached, refined sugar.

Now, I said, they use salt as well! Well, most of us know that is to preserve our food andenhance the flavor. What's a matter with salt? Well, nothing! In fact, even though it is zero calories it is an electrolyte and brings balance in our bodies. However, if we take in too much, pressure starts building in the body! We take in too much salt, and then required to take in too much water to filter out the increase in salt. Recommended Daily Allowance of sodium is 2400 mg to 3000 mg! Next time you are eating out, check the sodium count on your favorite dishes! Be aware, you cannot afford not to!

What's man-made fat? It is man made by taking natural oils such as vegetable oil for example (again cheapest oils) and heating them to dangerously high temperatures so that the nutrients die and become reborn as something completely different- a deadly, sluggish substance that is toxic to our bodies.

What do we do about these living and dead foods? Life breeds life. Death breeds death. When you eat living foods, the enzymes in their pristine state interact with your digestive enzymes. The other natural ingredients God put in them- vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and more- flow into your system in their natural state. These living foods were created to cause your digestive system, bloodstream, and organs to function at optimum capacity.

Dead foods hit your body like a foreign intruder. Chemicals, including preservatives, foodadditives, and bleaching agents, place a strain on the liver. Toxic man-made fats begin to form in your cell membranes; they become stored as fat in your body and form plaque in your arteries. Your body does its best to harvest the tiny traces of from these dead foods, but in the end you are undernourished, overfed, and overweight.

Time Magazine: Inflammation Part 2 of 8

"....At least that's the theory. For now, most of the evidence is circumstantial. (A few researchers think chronic inflammation can in some cases be good for you.) But that hasn't stopped doctors from testing the anti-inflammatory drugs that are already on pharmacy shelves to see if they have any broader benefits. What they've found is encouraging:

— In 2000 researchers concluded that patients who take Celebrex, a prescription drug from Pfizer that was originally designed to treat inflammation in arthritis, are less likely to develop intestinal polyps — abnormal growths that can become cancerous. Now there are dozens of clinical trials of Celebrex, testing, among other things, whether the medication can also prevent breast cancer, delay memory loss or slow the progression of the devastating neurodegenerative disorder known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

— As cardiologists gain more experience prescribing cholesterol-lowering statins, they are discovering that the drugs are more effective at preventing heart attacks than anyone expected. It turns out that statins don't just lower cholesterol levels; they also reduce inflammation. Now statins are being tested for their anti-inflammatory effects on Alzheimer's disease and sickle-cell anemia.

DeCode Genetics, an Icelandic biotech firm, announced last week that it is launching a pilot study to test whether an anti-inflammatory drug that was under development for use in treating asthma might work to prevent heart attacks.

— Of course the granddaddy of all anti-inflammatories is aspirin, and millions of Americans already take it to prevent heart attacks. But evidence is growing that it may also fight colon cancer and even Alzheimer's by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and the brain.

This new view of inflammation is changing the way some scientists do medical research. "Virtually our entire R.-and-D. effort is [now] focused on inflammation and cancer," says Dr. Robert Tepper, president of research and development at Millennium Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Mass. In medical schools across the U.S., cardiologists, rheumatologists, oncologists, allergists and neurologists are all suddenly talking to one another — and they're discovering that they're looking at the same thing. The speed with which researchers are jumping on the inflammation bandwagon is breathtaking. Just a few years ago, "nobody was interested in this stuff," says Dr. Paul Ridker, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital who has done some of the groundbreaking work in the area. "Now the whole field of inflammation research is about to explode."

To understand better what all the excitement is about, it helps to know a little about the basic immunological response, a cascade of events triggered whenever the body is subjected to trauma or injury. As soon as that splinter slices into your finger, for example, specialized sentinel cells prestationed throughout the body alert the immune system to the presence of any bacteria that might have come along for the ride. Some of those cells, called mast cells, release a chemical called histamine that makes nearby capillaries leaky. This allows small amounts of plasma to pour out, slowing down invading bacteria, and prepares the way for other faraway immune defenders to easily enter the fray. Meanwhile, another group of sentinels, called macrophages, begin an immediate counterattack and release more chemicals, called cytokines, which signal for reinforcements. Soon, wave after wave of immune cells flood the site, destroying pathogens and damaged tissue alike — there's no carrying the wounded off the battlefield in this war. (No wonder the ancient Romans likened inflammation to being on fire.)

Doctors call this generalized response to practically any kind of attack innate immunity. Even the bodies of animals as primitive as starfish defend themselves this way. But higher organisms have also developed a more precision-guided defense system that helps direct and intensify the innate response and creates specialized antibodies, custom-made to target specific kinds of bacteria or viruses. This so-called learned immunity is what enables drug companies to develop vaccines against diseases like smallpox and the flu. Working in tandem, the innate and learned immunological defenses fight pitched battles until all the invading germs are annihilated. In a final flurry of activity, a last wave of cytokines is released, the inflammatory process recedes, and healing begins.

Problems begin when, for one reason or another, the inflammatory process persists and becomes chronic; the final effects are varied and depend a lot on where in the body the runaway reaction takes hold. Among the first to recognize the broader implications were heart doctors who noticed that inflammation seems to play a key role in cardiovascular disease."

Time Magazine: Inflammation Part 1 of 8

     A friend of mine who is a strong advocate for Trivita as well as the world's health and wellness sent me this article from Time magazine! It is pretty long, so I broke it up for an easy read because it is such pertinent information in the world today! With the leading killers in America having such relation to inflammation, you can't afford not to know!

"What does a stubbed toe or a splinter in a finger have to do with your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, suffering a heart attack or succumbing to colon cancer? More than you might think. As scientists delve deeper into the fundamental causes of those and other illnesses, they are starting to see links to an age-old immunological defense mechanism called inflammation — the same biological process that turns the tissue around a splinter red and causes swelling in an injured toe. If they are right — and the evidence is starting to look pretty good — it could radically change doctors' concept of what makes us sick. It could also prove a bonanza to pharmaceutical companies looking for new ways to keep us well.

Most of the time, inflammation is a lifesaver that enables our bodies to fend off various disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites. (Yes, even in the industrialized world, we are constantly bombarded by pathogens.) The instant any of these potentially deadly microbes slips into the body, inflammation marshals a defensive attack that lays waste to both invader and any tissue it may have infected. Then just as quickly, the process subsides and healing begins.

Every once in a while, however, the whole feverish production doesn't shut down on cue. Sometimes the problem is a genetic predisposition; other times something like smoking or high blood pressure keeps the process going. In any event, inflammation becomes chronic rather than transitory. When that occurs, the body turns on itself — like an ornery child who can't resist picking a scab — with aftereffects that seem to underlie a wide variety of diseases.

Suddenly, inflammation has become one of the hottest areas of medical research. Hardly a week goes by without the publication of yet another study uncovering a new way that chronic inflammation does harm to the body. It destabilizes cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks and potentially even strokes. It chews up nerve cells in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. It may even foster the proliferation of abnormal cells and facilitate their transformation into cancer. In other words, chronic inflammation may be the engine that drives many of the most feared illnesses of middle and old age.

This concept is so intriguing because it suggests a new and possibly much simpler way of warding off disease. Instead of different treatments for, say, heart disease, Alzheimer's and colon cancer, there might be a single, inflammation-reducing remedy that would prevent all three.

Chronic inflammation also fascinates scientists because it indicates that our bodies may have, from an evolutionary perspective, become victims of their own success. "We evolved as a species because of our ability to fight off microbial invaders," says Dr. Peter Libby, chief of cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "The strategies our bodies used for survival were important in a time when we didn't have processing plants to purify our water, when we didn't have sewers to protect us."

But now that we are living longer, those same inflammatory strategies are more likely to slip beyond our control. Making matters worse, it appears that many of the attributes of a Western lifestyle — such as a diet high in sugars and saturated fats, accompanied by little or no exercise — also make it easier for the body to become inflamed."

... to be continued.

Love Me Some EVOO!

    Hey my friends! It's been too long! I wanted to share what is on my mind this Friday which is a few recipes that Extra Virgin Olive Oil takes all the credit for making so perfecto! So, you probably here about olive oil and its benefits on the food network or other cooking shows. Truth is olive oil is so great for you! In fact, I rarely ever buy butter anymore unless I am baking. I have come to substitute olive oil for everything, and I want to share a few recipes with you on how I do that!

Cooking With EVOO

It's not very helpful to us if we are using EVOO in cooking, but not using it properly to receive all the nutrients! To make sure we are getting all those great polyphenols everyone speaks of we must heat it to only about 400 degrees that is a pretty low smoke point for sauteing... Once we go over our smoke point, we no longer have all the benefits of EVOO in our food!  So, keep the sauteing and cooking on medium.

Too Much Of Anything Isn't Good For You

Just like drinking red wine, there is a limit. Olive oil is a really healthy fat that helps with your skin, heart, and just easy on the gi tract; however, a little goes along way. If you typically have a hard time with portion control, note this: Fat should consist of 30% of your daily intake. Also, if you tend to pour oil heavy in the pan then try a aerosol can especially designed for oils to be spritzed on your food! I know Harris Teeter and most specialty grocery stores carry them for about $20. Great kitchen investment!

~Recipes Using EVOO~

Herb Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is a great way to get creative for those especially weary of trying the greenish yellow liquid that is not butter. So, if you swear up and down you don't like EVOO, I promise you, you just haven't found how you like it! This is a great way to bring extra to flavor to traditional EVOO.

Basic Vinaigrette

This takes 10 minutes! I absolutely rather eat a bare salad then put some of the junk that people call salad dressing! There is sooo many calories and chemicals in salad dressings, even the ones that have less this and more good stuff. Nothing beats a homemade vinaigrette! So, once you get this basic vin down, you will be adding shallots and red wine vin or lemon juice and poppyseeds.... make it your own! There are so many wonderful combos for a great homemade salad dressing!

Garlic-Herb Marinated Olives

This a quick recipe that will have your party guests thinking you are so sophisticated... well, you may be but this recipe is so simple! Add some pita chips and its an appetizer! Or what I love to do is hit up the Harris Teeter Olive Bar if you have no time and add some fresh mozzarella with it and its a great snack!!

I hope you enjoyed these tip and recipes on what to do with your bottle of olive oil! If create some yum vinaigrette we can feature it on the blog!

All About Artichokes

To be totally honest, I had never cooked artichokes until I got to culinary school! I had seen them in the grocery store, but I thought their main purpose was to be hidden in yummy spinach dip you often see on the appetizer menus! Turns out I have learned a lot more about artichokes since then and you can too!

Health Benefits

• Excellent source of fiber and antioxidants

• naturally fat free and low in calories

• 1 cooked artichoke contains 10.3 grams of fiber

Random Fact: Cooked artichokes were the top ranked fresh vegetable tested for total antioxidant capacity per serving by the USDA.

How To Buy

• Sound; When squeezed, it should make a squeak signifying it is fresh & hydrated. If the misters are spraying the vegetables at this time, hole the artichoke close to the ear! =) Its not a loud squeak.

• Stem: A proportionate stem  width compared to the globe is a sign of a big heart inside.

Cooking Tips

• Many ways to cook: steam, stuff, boil, bake, grill, crock pot, and microwave.

• Prevent browning with lemon juice directly after trimming.

• Don't be afraid to spread the petals after prepping to allow any seasonings to fall between the petals.

• Cooked artichokes can be sealed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before eating or using in a recipe.

• Char cooked halves of artichokes directly on grill to add smoked flavor

• For "how to" cooking videos, visit oceanmist.com!

Serving Tips

• Fill the center of the artichoke with dips for an edible bowl.

• Use artichoke petals for a low cal alternative to chips for dipping.

• No matter the size, make several servings from one whole artichoke by cutting it in half or quarters.

This is simple and to the point to taking down those artichokes! Don't be scared of unique fruits and vegetables! Remember, you just have to be 10% smarter than what you're working with! Get your artichoke on!

Smoothies With A Twist!

I can't begin to tell you how many inquiries I get a week asking how to get more creative with healthy food! I absolutely love, love helping find healthy and natural solutions to others issues with food or even exercising. One issue I have had to overcome is getting enough calories in a day! First, I am busy, so as most can relate, it is very difficult to take a break when you are go-go-go! Second, I just don't flat enough. So, fellow co-worker suggested I try smoothies- adjustable calorie snacks/meals that can increase calories if needed. So, here is a handful of recipes that kicks the rut and offers a spin on typical fruit smoothies!

Breakfast Banana Shake

• 1 cup of ice

• 1/2 cup of nonfat low-fat almond milk*

• 1 banana, peeled and sliced

• 1 medjool date, pitted and chopped

• 1 tbsp. of almond butter

* If you just use almond milk for this, that works. It won't spoil quickly.

Nutrition: 307 calories, 11g fat, 5g fiber

Refresher Island Mango Chiller

• 1 cup of ice

• 3/4 cup of chopped mango

• 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks

• 2 tbsp. pineapple can juice

• 1/2 tsp. lime zest

• dash of cayenne pepper

Nutrition: 155 calories, less than 1 g fat, 4g fiber

Green Tea Melon Cooler

• 1 cup of ice

• 1 cup cubed honeydew*

• 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped

• 2 tsp. agave nectar/honey

• 2 tsp. fresh mint, chopped

• 1/2 tsp. matcha (no more or you will bounce off the walls)

* Check the grocery stores in the deli for fresh cut fruit, usually discounted cut fruit there.

Nutrition: 150 calories, less than 1g fat, 4g fiber

Tangy Cherry Berry Sipper

•1 cup of ice

• 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced

• 1/2 cup cherries, pitted and halved

• 1/2 cup low-far greek yogurt

• 2 tsp. ground flaxseed

• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Nutrition: 165 calories, 4g fat, 5g fiber

Triple-Berry Antioxidant Punch

• 1 cup of ice

• 1/2 cup blueberries

• 1/2 cup blackberries

• 1/4 cup drained silken tofu (trust me... what i steer you wrong?)

• 2 tbsp. acai juice

• 2 tsp. agave nectar/honey

• 1/8 tsp cardamon, ground

Nutrition: 149 calories, 2g fat, 6g fiber

If your thoughts are, oh, sounds great, but its just me eating these so the fruit would go bad... Problem solved! Try frozen fruit! I hope you venture out and try these smoothies with a twist! I personally don't crave a big breakfast, but smoothies are an awesome way for me to get my day kicked off right and getting the correct amount of calories for me!

Gardening: My New Hobby!

     I am all about some fresh off the vine tomatoes and fresh produce, but I have decided to tackle my fears of gardening and try this out! I paid a visit to one of my favorite local stores, The Bradford Farm store in Davidson! I love that homey place! I was provided with the information I need to get started and supplies to keep my produce organically grown!

So, I purchased...

• 1 Head of Red Sails

• 6 Hot House Cucumber Plants

• 3 Better Boy Tomato Plants

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Mushroom Compost

• 2 Bags of Organically Raised Cow Poo (ha)

• 2 Bags of Organic Potting Soil

• 1 Bag of Organic Tomato Fertilizer

• 1 Bottle of Seaweed and Fish Puree (smells like caviar)

Total: $53.70

What I hope to gain from this experience is to learn to garden successfully and be able to grow the garden larger hopefully in the fall!

Red Sails

Ok, I bought this to practice for the fallLettuce in general is a great way to get nutrients! According to the American Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, foods rich in vitamin A and C (antioxidants) offer protection against some forms of cancer. Along with other phytochemical, antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer of the respiratory system and intestinal tract. Lettuce, except iceberg, is also a moderately good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron and copper. The spine and ribs provide dietary fiber, while vitamins and minerals are concentrated in the delicate leaf portion.

Better Boy Tomatoes

Tomatoes are amazing! Very low in calories and fats; but rich source of dietary fiber, minerals,

vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. The antioxidants present in tomatoes are found to be protective against many cancers including colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers! Phytochemicals present in tomatoes like Lycopene and carotenoids have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen free radicals. Red varieties of tomatoes are especially rich in the most powerful flavonoid antioxidant lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene protects skin damage from UV rays and from prostate cancer.

This veggie contains very good levels of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision! Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers. They are good source of antioxidant vitamin-C; consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals. Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. They are also good source of folate, iron, calcium, manganese and other minerals. In short, eat your veggies!

Hot House Cucumbers

Technically I think cukes are a fruit due to their seeds, but are typically paired with vegetables. Cucumbers have a cooling effect that can soothe and bring relief for itchy or puffy eyes! Cucumbers reduce inflammation! Also, cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, acid stomach, gastritis and even ulcer! Consuming cukes also aid in cases of eczema, arthritis, and gout. The combination of lettuce, spinach, and carrots with cucumbers can make your hair grow faster! For rheumatic conditions, the combo of carrot juice and cucumber juice can aid in better health! Being rich in minerals, cukes help with strengthening nails and prevent splitting. 

Happy Gardening My Friends! So far & so good! It is easier than you may think!

Allergies: How To Fight Back

     Spring is my favorite season, and I want to make it more enjoyable for you by addressing allergies and remedies that do not include a doctor visit! 25% of the world suffers from allergies! 

     

     You may be tempted to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or other drug to get rid of allergy symptoms, but there are other more healthy options that will address not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause.

Did you know?

Strengthening your immune system is the first step in fighting off allergens. So how do you build up your immune system? Reducing sugars and grains in your diet, important physical principles to strengthen your immune system. Additionally, you want to exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.

Sonoran Bloom Nopalea

First, allergies irritate the sinuses... sinus symptoms are due to inflammation... inflammation can be addressed by drinking Sonoran Bloom Nopalea. For more information check out my post on it! Addressing the inflammation is going to fight the allergies at the source!

Local Honey

Also, incorporating local honey in your meals via coffee, sweet potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, etc. will be beneficial. Local honey needs to be from your county! The local part is so important because the bees who make it are buzzing all in the very things that cause your inflammation. It works like a natural allergy shot.

Natural Anti-Histamine Foods

Anti-histamine foods are onions, garlic, and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Something I like to do is carry around a lemon/lime cut in wedges in a ziploc bag, and squeeze a little in every time I feel up my water bottle. You can also do this with oranges! Get crazy add cucumbers and oranges. Makes for a refreshing water!

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The essential fatty acids found in fish oil and cod liver oil can reduce both allergic and inflammatory

response. Cod liver oil may be particularly beneficial because it also contains vitamin A, which enhances the immune system and soothes irritated mucous membranes. Take note that it is important that you do not consume too much vitamin A. Call your physician to speak with his nurse about how much vitamin A they recommend for you! Also, if you choose cod liver oil, get your vitamin D levels tested; it is possible to over-dose on vitamin D. If you so choose to try this technique, it is crucial you choose a quality fish oil. I recommend checking out Carlson's Cod Liver Oil.

Spring Cleaning

It is important to keep the pollen count in your house low. Tips in doing this is using a hepa certified vaccum cleaner; this will eliminate the pollen being blown back into the air. Shower at night to avoid transferring pollen to your pillow and sheets. Leave shoes in the garage or by the door. Wash hands regularly. Try using an air purifier for a peaceful rest. Also, keep the pets bathed regularly and don't allow up on the sitting areas!

Hot Liquids

This is going to relieve congestion. Try green tea with a tablespoon of local honey! A great way to get antioxidants as well! Any hot tea is going to be very soothing.

Light Exercise

The last thing you want to do after going through a box of tissues in a day is exercising I am sure of it. However, it is important that you know light exercising can increase your respiratory system during this time of congestion and runny nose. Your immune system is weak, so do not over-work yourself. Try brisk walking in the morning while the grass is still covered in dew.

     Here are my suggestions in aiding those suffering from the spring allergens in the air! Happy Spring and let me know if you find more remedies in relieving your allergy symptoms!

Sources: Trivita, Dr. Mercola

Nopalea Challenge: Day 10

Hey, my family and friends! This superfruit has really made my life easier! Who all can stand life being a little easier? Man, it is SOOO exciting! So, this challenge lasted 10 days for me; it is up to you since you take 3-6 ounces a day. I took basically 3oz. for 10 days!

Sonoran Bloom Nopalea has made such a difference when I workout! My knees no longer hurt; I feel like I can go all day! It is soo refreshing to be able to run at the gym and not feel like I need to prop my knees up afterwards... finally, my mind won't beat up my body for not being able to keep up!

Also, Sonoran Bloom has improved my skin! I feel so great! Clear skin is always exciting! I used to get headaches on a weekly basis... after a month on Nopalea... no headaches for me! I will stay on Sonoran Bloom for life!

If you have any kind of inflammation in your body, Sonoran Bloom can really make a difference! If you are interested in experiencing wellness, you can visit www.sonoranbloom.com/13380527 or e-mail me @ kelkins@elkinsgroup.com! Look forward to hearing your success story!

Nopalea Challenge: Day 3

I have been calculating my feelings/symptoms while taking the Nopalea Challenge! 

I have really been working out much harder than usual lately, taking it more serious perhaps. An obstacle that was slowing me down was how long my knees would need to recover after a moderate workout. Now, I do work to build my muscles around the knee cap due to a lack of cartilage. This is something that always been an issue for years! After 3 days on the Nopalea, I am able to kick my workout regime a notch! No soreness at all in my knees! They bring me absolutely no discomfort! It is so amazing!

I am even able to run outside on the pavement! This is something in the past would literally make me cringe at the thought of running outside! Just because, the pain is really intensified rather than running on a tread mill.

So far, I am loving the effects Nopalea is having in my life!