• 1 pkg of Gluten-Free penne pasta (or whatever type of pasta you prefer)
• 1 jar of your favorite Organic pasta sauce
• ½ chopped onion
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 chopped zucchini
• 1 cup of chopped broccoli
• 1 cup chopped asparagus
• ½ large red or orange chopped bell pepper
• 3 thinly-sliced medium carrots
• 1 can of sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 15 cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• Oregano
• Basil
• ½ cup of vegetarian broth

Pour ½ cup of vegetarian broth in skillet. Saute onions and garlic for 3 minutes over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, bell pepper, carrots and jar of pasta sauce. Sprinkle about ½ to 1 tsp. each of oregano and basil in sauce. Stir and simmer on low for about 30 minutes or until vegetables are done to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook pasta. Before pasta is done, add frozen peas and cherry tomatoes to sauce and cover for 5 minutes. Drain pasta and serve sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 small to medium diced yellow onion
• 3-4 medium to large sliced carrots
• 1 large diced zucchini
• 2 cups of chopped cauliflower
• 2 cups of chopped broccoli
• 1 small red or orange diced bell pepper
• 2 stalks of diced celery with tops
• 2 cups of chopped green cabbage
• 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard
• 1 can of Ro-Tel
• 6-8 cups of vegetarian vegetable broth
• ½ tsp. of sea salt
• ½ tsp. of fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tsp. of ground thyme
• 1 cup of frozen green beans
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1 cup of frozen lima beans (if preferred or can of cooked beans like pintos or black-eyed peas)
• 2 tbs. of fresh parsley

Note: This recipe, purposely, does not have any potatoes or corn added. You can add either if you like.

Stir-fry garlic and onions in a little broth for about 3 minutes. Then, add all remaining ingredients except peas and beans. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Stir and check for doneness frequently. Generally vegetables should not be mushy and not crunchy, just firm. Simmer, usually, for about 10-15 minutes.

Add frozen peas, frozen green beans, frozen lima beans (or canned beans) and parsley. Cook for additional 2 minutes.

You can add other vegetables and more or less broth depending on your liking!

I enjoy a cup of Power Veggie Soup before each meal.

• 2 cups of pre-soaked Fresh black-eyed peas
• ½ diced, small yellow onion
• 4 large, diced garlic cloves
• 1 stick celery with leaf tops
• approx 1/2 to 1 tbs. of Better Than Bouillon, Chicken
• 3-4 cups of water
• 10-15 cherry or grape tomatoes cut small (or a drained can of Ro-Tel if you like it spicy!)
• 1 small can of sliced mushrooms
• 1–1½ tsp. of chili powder
• 1–1½ tsp. of cumin powder
• Red pepper powder
• Pepper

Put Better Than Bouillon into approximately a ½ cup hot water. Stir to blend. Put liquid into pan and heat to boiling. Add garlic, onions and celery. Stir until cooked through about 3 minutes.

Add chili powder and cumin according to your taste, but probably about 1–½ tsp of each. Add black-eyed peas and water. Cook over rolling boil for at least 2 hours.

Stir and check periodically to ensure the peas are done. Over the last 15 minutes, add approximately ½ tsp of red pepper, mushrooms and chopped tomatoes. Continue to cook until done. Top with fresh ground black pepper. Salt is not necessary as bouillon has some in it.

Eat alone or serve with rice. Enjoy!

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Are you ready for cold and flu season? If you want to avoid being sick and feeling like you have to go to the doctor to get antibiotics and other drugs, now is the time to be thinking about prevention!

To that end, here’s some great tips to strengthen your body’s immune system during the winter season.

1. Drink the optimal amount of water. With the winter season here, it’s more important than ever to consume the right amount of water for your health.
2. Keep stress to a minimum. Studies have linked high stress levels to making a person more susceptible to catching colds and flu. Minimize your stress by working reasonable hours at your job. Aim for at least one night per week to spend with friends and family. If your stress is out of hand and you feel like you need some help, let me know. Frequently, I work with people who have stress or emotional challenges and utilize Bach Flower Remedies to bring their emotional health back into balance.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining a good healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables and minimal amounts of organic meats is another way to keep your body clean and in good working order. Try eating an extra piece of fruit or veggie every day too!
4. Do your homework to find the best supplement for your health. Even if you eat “perfectly” all the time with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, you still need to boost your nutrition with a supplement. What supplements you will need will depend significantly on your lifestyle. If you’re not sure whether you need them at all, read this post on why we need supplements. Let me help you choose the best supplement program for your lifestyle. Some supplements I recommend taking during the winter season include:
   • Young Living Thieves & Purification: These two powerful therapeutic essential oils are a must-have to protect yourself against bacteria. Thieves has been university-tested and found to be highly effective against airborne bacteria. Thieves and Purification Essential Oil are very powerful when mixed together.
   • After filling an empty spray bottle with water, add 10 drops of each of these oils. Finally, shake the bottle vigorously and spray it around your house! This will kill airborne bacteria and other pollutants to keep your air fresh and pure and your lungs free from toxins. Be sure, however, not to spray directly on top of fine furnishings as the oils and water could have a detrimental effect. Usually, I spray a few feet above the carpeting around fine furniture and directly above my head when there is nowhere underneath for the oils or water to land and harm.
   • Young Living NingXia Red: NingXia Red provides the best protection against the dangerous superoxide free radical as tested by Brunswick Laboratories’ S-ORAC test. It contains the power of the whole Ningxia wolfberry, formulated to maintain and support normal immune function along with five of the richest sources of free-radical-fighting antioxidants (wolfberry puree, blueberry, pomegranate, apricot and raspberry juices), including lemon and orange, essential oils that contain the phytochemical d-limonene to promote normal cell life cycles. Typically, I recommend about 1 ounce per day. During cold and flu season, however, I increase my intake at times to 3 ounces.
   • Standard Process Products: There are several products in the Standard Process / Medi-Herb line that I recommend during this time of year. Your unique health situation determines which one would be appropriate for you. Contact me to learn more about these whole food supplements!
5. Exercise regularly. It is important to exercise regularly, even if only for 15 minutes a day! Get out and take a short walk and enjoy the cooler weather.
6. Get the right amount of sleep every night. The average person needs 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body is extremely vulnerable to illness. Sleep is very much like fuel that recharges your batteries! You’ve got to do it to keep the machine running.
7. Wash your hands regularly. Keep the bacteria and viruses off your hands and out of your mouth and eyes. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close-by for those instances where you can’t get to soap and water.
8. Don’t smoke. Most of you already know this, but it bears repeating because smoking significantly weakens your immune system. If you want to quit and have tried everything else, let me know. I have some nutritional recommendations that can help you quit!
9. Eliminate all forms of sugar. This includes not only the obvious kinds (cake, cookies and sweets, in general), but bread, pasta, rice, yogurt and commercial, store-bought fruit juices. Although all of these things are made with different types of sugars, your body still converts them to sugar, which will compromise your immune system.
10. Despite your best efforts, you still can feel like you’re “coming down with something.” Some things you can do to help your body recover more quickly:
    • Eliminate all dairy products.
    • Eliminate all alcohol.
    • Eliminate all grains (bread, rice, pasta, etc.).
    • Boost your Vitamin C (with bioflavanoids) intake when you initially feel something coming on.
    • Boost your intake of Zinc.
    • Increase water consumption (even more than normal!).
    • Eat less food as this will give your body a much needed rest from digestion and give it a chance to concentrate on fighting off potential invaders.
    • If you’re taking Young Living NingXia Red, increase your dosage.
    • Add herbs like Echinacea, Goldenseal and Grapefruit Seed Extract to your supplemental regime.
    • Get more rest than normal. If you normally get 6 hours of sleep a night, try increasing it to 7 or 8.
    • Increase the recommended supplementation above.

These are just some of the simple things you can do to strengthen your body’s immune system, so that you can stay healthy and well during the winter season! If you want to discuss this topic further or consult with me about additional supplements, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Watch the Movie Food, Inc. for Your Health!

Here’s my verdict: Food Inc. is a must-see for your health. It provides a critical look at where our foods are grown and processed. Below are some of the topics the movie covers — as you’ll see, it is a real eye-opener.

Do you really think the foods you eat are truly safe? Do they come from animals frolicking in pastures? Guess again…

The Oscar-nominated documentary Food, Inc. does its part to expose the ugly truths about how our foods are grown and processed, often with health-harming consequences.

So, what is happening to small, independent farmers who are trying to make a living? They are getting bought up and put out of business by huge food conglomerates that are too concerned about profits at the expense of our collective health. Not to mention, some of the organic food companies are owned by huge corporations too. And, of course, governmental agencies like the FDA and USDA are in cahoots with Big Food to perpetuate this ongoing problem.

Not only are animals being horribly abused, but so are the people who work for these companies.

I believe Food, Inc. should be seen by every person on this planet. It is absolutely imperative to educate yourself about what you are putting into your body everyday, where it comes from and how it is made, grown and processed.

Only then can you make informed decisions about what foods you choose to eat, if those food choices are beneficial to you and your family, your health and, of course, the health of this planet.

Lately, Amazon.com has been running specials on this film. If you can’t wait for the DVD, watch it instantly via your Netflix account.

I strongly urge you to watch with Food, Inc. with your family as soon as you can. Even young children are capable of understanding healthy choices and helping you to make changes within your household a little easier.

Always remember, your health should be your most valued and prized possession. As a society, it is up to each one of us to take care of ourselves, and be responsible about our minds and bodies so that we are each high functioning and healthy.

Please take some time to watch Food, Inc. so that you can become a more informed consumer.

Now that spring is fast approaching, I want to encourage everyone to support your local farmer’s market. Supporting local farmers, (particularly if they are trying to grow organic produce), is healthy not only for you and your family, but also helps to support your community.

In some cases, our food can typically travel more than 1,000 miles before it makes it to our dinner table. Can you imagine? Usually, produce is picked weeks before, then transported and packaged and shipped to the store where, again, it sits until we come along and buy it. During this transportation process, the food has lost A LOT of nutritional value.

When you buy your produce from LOCAL farmers, you’re certainly not guaranteed that it was picked that morning, but it sure is more likely that the produce is fresher than purchasing from a supermarket. Be sure to have a conversation with your farmer and ask him about his planting, growing, picking and storing procedures.

Whenever possible, try to support your local farmers and eat locally grown foods. This way you’ll enjoy the health benefits of consuming produce that is actually ripe and nutritionally-dense. What’s more, you’ll help support your local community as well.

If you live in or near San Antonio, here are some websites that can get you started on your search. There are quite a few farmer’s markets throughout San Antonio. If you’re not in the San Antonio metro area, a simple search on Google with the name of your town/state and “Farmers Market” should yield plenty of results.

• PickTexas
• San Antonio Food Shed
• Fruit Stands
• Farmer’s Market Online

This is a very common question that I get asked a lot in my natural health practice. Almost daily, in fact, someone will ask me if I have “anything” that can help them with… (insert ailment, condition or symptoms here). Some of more common questions:

• Can you help with my headaches?
• I’m depressed and I have anxiety… Can natural remedies help?
• Can you help with my stomach problems? I’m constipated/have IBS.
• Can you help with my pain? My joints hurt/my back hurts.
• I’m always tired and have lots of fatigue… Is there a natural substance that can help restore my energy?
• I have allergies and don’t want to take allergy shots anymore.
• My child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD… Is there something nutritional that I can do to help him or her?
• I don’t sleep very well at all and taking sleeping pills makes me groggy the next day… Is there some natural and safe substance that can help me?

These are just a few of the more common questions I’m asked. And the answer to all of them is always YES. There are natural substances, herbs, essential oils and gentle therapies that can help your body get back into balance and feel better.

The beautiful thing about working with natural health remedies, therapeutic essential oils and whole food nutritional products, is that those items are all very supportive of the human body. They help to restore balance INSIDE the body. While you do your part to work on changing your lifestyle, daily habits and dietary intake, the supplements that I recommend not only support you in that endeavor, but actually FEED your body the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals and antioxidants you need. All of the “good stuff” that helps your body repair damage, grow new cells and get back in balance.

The human body is designed to be “in balance.” People are not meant to have all of these symptoms and ailments that, unfortunately, plague so many of us today. Typically, natural substances do not cause side effects like most prescription medications. Instead, they support gentle healing, so you can get back to feeling your best.

So, again, the answer is YES. There are a wide variety of natural and herbal products that probably can help you with your (insert symptom or ailment here). Regardless of your health condition, nutritional, natural and herbal therapies, combined with other safe therapies and treatments, support lasting healing to help you be the best you can be.

As a Naturopath, Health Coach and Aromatherapy Consultant, I am passionate about helping you become the best you can be utilizing natural therapies. Read on to learn more About Me, the various Natural Health Services that I offer, read Testimonials from those I’ve helped and contact me to get started today!

or, What’s In Your Corn?

A 2009 episode of the CBS series CSI: Miami (Bad Seed, 10/19/09) centered around two people who had been poisoned. Turns out, both had been exposed to bacteria. One person had eaten bacteria that was exposed to E-Coli and the other had eaten genetically modified organisms (GMO) corn that had been produced with bacteria to prevent insects from eating the crop.

The bacteria contained in the GMO food caused many problems and, in the end, the person died from Botulism.

So it made me start thinking about our food supply. Of course, I’ve known about genetically modified foods. But so many people I talk to have never even heard of it, nor do they know what it means in terms of poisoning our food supply and robbing us of our health.

So what does genetically engineered or genetically modified food really mean? In the simplest terms, a food’s DNA has been altered by a scientist in a laboratory. It’s a process done for several reasons, but the primary one is MONEY. GMO advocates believe if a plant’s DNA can be altered to resist insects, crops can be protected from damage.

The foods involved in this are many, according to the Seeds of Deception website, that has extensive information about GMOs. Here’s a short list of crops affected by the GMO blight:

• Soy: 91 percent
• Cotton: 88 percent
• Canola: 80-85 percent
• Corn: 85 percent
• Hawaiian Papaya: More than 50 percent

That doesn’t take into account a very LARGE percentage of chickens, pigs and cattle that are being fed corn to fatten them up, likely from GMO crops. Consequently, those same animals are being slaughtered and served to us as food, meaning we are ingesting those GMOs indirectly too.

So what are the health risks to humans? Of course, food manufacturers and the FDA would like you to believe that consuming these foods is perfectly safe for humans. But I strongly disagree.

There is much research online about the dangers of “tweaking” our food supply (see resources and links below this post). The bottom line for me is that nature didn’t intend our crops to be tweaked.

It’s bad enough commercially grown produce is doused with herbicides and pesticides. But now we have to worry about some scientist in a lab purposefully manipulating the genes in the crop and, worse, inserting bacterias to make them resistant to insects…

Does this sound crazy to you too?

As a Naturopath, this is abhorrent to me. The human body is designed — and functions optimally — when consuming foods that are as close to natural as possible. Eating GMO foods are about as far away from healthy as you can get! Exposure to these chemicals is not good for us. Moreover, I believe our tainted food supply is directly contributing to the rise in allergies, digestive complaints, cancers, muscle and nerve diseases (and the list goes on and on) every day.

I urge you to review some of the websites listed below. But, first, I urge you to watch this wonderful 10-minute video lecture conducted by Jeffrey Smith, one of this country’s leading researchers on GMO issues.

If you’re alarmed after watching this video, it’s understandable. You probably realize how much more you have to do to get educated too. In the meantime, here;s some simple tips that will help you make better, healthier decisions today.

1. Always buy organically grown produce.
2. I don’t believe we are genetically designed to eat grains, but if you must, be sure you buy corn and grains that are labeled NON-GMO.
3. When buying meat or chicken, look for grass-fed and free-range options.
4. Buy meat and eggs that contain no hormones or antibiotics too.

Lastly, please feel free to share this information with your friends and family. Our health is directly related to the food we eat. Protect your health by eating as many natural and whole foods as you can.

Skip the poisons and the manipulated foods. Your body and your health will be better for it!

Seeds of Deception

Health Risks of GMO Foods

Safe Food.org

Organic Consumers

I remember watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show where Dr. Mehmet Oz was talking about America’s addiction to prescription medications. The show was primarily about pain-relieving, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, the primary drugs people get addicted to.

It was an intense show and, although I know that Americans take too many prescriptions, I wasn’t prepared for the statistics. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that more Americans are addicted to prescription drugs than to heroin, cocaine and ecstasy COMBINED! They report more than 6 million people are addicted to prescriptions. YIKES! Those are staggering numbers.

Are you one of them? Chances are that either you, or someone you know, is taking a prescription. Unfortunately, Americans are being brainwashed into assuming, because the drugs are being prescribed by your physician, they are safe. That is simply untrue.

Have you ever read the multiple pages of “Side Effects, Contraindications, Warnings and Interactions” included when you pick up your prescriptions? You should… It will be a wake-up call. We have to do a better job about managing our pain or depression, rather than mindlessly reaching for a drug.

I agree with Dr. Oz when he states, “…..many people taking prescription drugs — legally or illegally — are hiding from their real problems. Instead of addressing painful emotions or aches, addicts swallow a quick fix.” Also, “We use these pills to numb ourselves to what’s really happening in our life, which is often a wake-up call to make a change.”

Of course, one of the main problems with taking all of these drugs: People don’t realize they have options.

While flipping through a magazine, watching TV or even listening to the radio, I’m absolutely certain you have heard an ad about a fantastic new drug that can “cure what ails you.” The media and Big Pharma are constantly bombarding us about drugs… You can’t escape them.

But most people don’t realize there are other ways to deal with what ails them that can be just as effective and far safer for them. Instead of addressing the real cause of the problem, unfortunately, we’d rather mask that symptom with a drug.

That’s not surprising. We do live in a world where we want instant gratification.  We want it fixed now and don’t want to be uncomfortable while we’re fixing it either.

I have met with countless clients over the years who have been addicted to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs. In my opinion, this is the worst kind of addiction. In the beginning, they thought it was harmless enough. Just a little “help” to get them over the divorce/loss of job/boyfriend troubles, etc.

Then it turned into numbing. I always know when I’m talking to someone who is addicted. When I ask them a question — How do you feel? — they can’t answer it.

The drug has numbed them so much they are unable to get in touch with their emotions and express themselves. Whether it’s mad, sad, happy, or even depressed, they can’t feel anything at all. Of course, when they are ready to get off the drug, the predominant emotion people feel is FEAR. They are scared to FEEL. They don’t know it at the time, but that’s what it boils down to.

I strongly believe it’s those very emotions that can actually HELP people get better. The anger they feel is there for a reason: To tell them something about their life. If they are depressed, they need to look at WHY and work on fixing that problem. Drugging yourself so you don’t have to FEEL anything is not the way to handle it.

If you’re on prescription meds, you can get off them, but you will need help. Doing it on your own is not advised. You will need nutritional help, as your diet plays a huge role in the way your brain chemistry works. Naturopaths and holistic healers can help you slowly and safely wean off of dangerous prescription drugs.

As you start to feel withdrawals from a drug, your brain chemistry will be affected and eating certain foods (and not others) can make this process significantly easier. You will also need nutritional supplementation to help your body physically deal with the damage from the drugs and help to boost your immune system.

And, of course, talking to a qualified therapist or priest can help you with the emotional side of this problem and help you work through whatever it was making you anxious or depressed in the first place.

The important thing is to remember this: You do have options to help yourself heal from addiction to prescription medications.  There are MANY different natural healing modalities that work as well (if not better!) than prescriptions.

Before taking a single step, however, you must be able to answer all of the following questions with a simple Yes.

• Are you willing to work on yourself?
• Are you ready to address the real problem?
• Can you face what’s uncomfortable about your life and make changes?
• Can you put yourself, your body and health first in your life and do what’s in YOUR best interest?

If you are, it’s time to have a talk with your regular physician and discuss their approach for very slowly weaning yourself off of the meds. The next conversation should be with a qualified natural health practitioner who can give you the nutritional support so you can make this transition as easy for yourself as possible.

I have wonderful Natural Health Services that can help you manage this transition. Be sure to read my Testimonials to discover what others have said about working with me regarding their emotional and physical health.

And, lastly, get in touch with a good therapist or priest. It must be someone you trust and with whom you can discuss your innermost thoughts.

You don’t have to be addicted nor take the medications forever. There is help and hope out there for you.

Natural Health Consultations (only by phone)

The benefits of phone consultations include:

• Comfort and privacy – you can sit in the comfort of your own home, an office or whatever location works best for you.
• Convenience – you don’t have to fight traffic, drive across town to a doctor’s office and sit in a waiting room.
• Affordability – My prices are significantly lower than other doctors in the field because my overhead is lower. I don’t maintain a separate office, receptionist, expensive inventory, etc.
• Listening – My intense, personalized hour-long consultations provide you with a great opportunity to be heard. With a regular doctor, you probably only chat for a few minutes; with me, you’ll have much longer to explain exactly what’s troubling you and receive in-depth recommendations.
• Coaching – Naturopaths don’t give exams or diagnoses. Instead, we listen to your symptoms and provide recommendations on ways you can naturally improve your health. (Another benefit is you’ll never have to take a “prescription” from me – just natural remedies.)
• Scheduling – Since my appointments are all by phone, I can often accommodate your schedule. I’ve had early, late and even weekend phone appointments – sometimes appointments over lunch – whatever is convenient for you.

How I can help

Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

Do you have health challenges that you want to overcome? Are you done taking medication and dealing with the side effects? Are you ready to be well?

My natural health services can help you get back on the path to wellness by offering:

• Nutritional counseling & supplementation
• Herbal recommendations
• Lifestyle changes
• Integrative therapies geared toward your unique health challenges

You can’t help but reach your health goals when you have the attention, personal support and guidance you need.

As a young adult, I suffered from anxiety and depression and other health challenges.  I understand the challenges these conditions pose, and I know that conventional treatments can be frustrating and ineffective.  Don’t despair…people with the following health conditions have found relief with nutritional therapies (see Testimonials):

• Sleeping Problems
• Headaches
• Hormonal Imbalances
• Digestion Issues
• Fatigue/Low Energy
• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue
• Allergies
• Pain Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management

If you suffer from any of these health challenges, please know there is often a nutritional imbalance involved.  Working to correct that imbalance can make all the difference.  The suggestions and recommendations I make can absolutely make a difference in how you feel and will help you manage stress levels and emotions.

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” -Thomas Edison

Nutritional Health Consultations

I offer natural health consultations exclusively via telephone so you can start enjoying better health in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Even if you are not in the San Antonio area, I can assist you and help you feel better.

To alleviate any concerns, I offer a complimentary 10-minute telephone appointment so you can address any questions or concerns you have.

To reach me by email, simply fill out this form and let me know the best times to phone you.

Are you ready to live a better life? If you are ready to put yourself first and make your health the top priority in your life, let’s get started! Contact me today for a phone consultation and for better health!

TX Natural Health Services

Have you ever seen the words Enriched or Fortified on a cereal box, a loaf of bread or flour? Have you stopped to think about what they mean? This article is going to define these words and the detrimental impact they have on our food supply.

Enriched foods

You’ll see this label most commonly on flour, breads, tortillas and pasta. What this means is that during the refining process, valuable nutrients are stripped away. Most commonly, this refining process is done with wheat and results in white flour.

The wheat grain, when processed, contains the hull from the kernel and is brown. Food manufacturers strip that hull (bran) away in the refining process, resulting in white flour and the loss of valuable nutrients. Then, B Vitamins are “enriched” into the flour because they were stripped away in the first place when the flour was made.

Fortified foods

Foods like dairy products, orange juice, cereals and juices have additional vitamins and minerals added to increase their nutritional value. Often, food manufacturers will plaster on a “fortified with essential vitamins and minerals” label.

In the natural health world, however, that is just code for covering up that there is a significant amount of high fructose corn syrup and/or sugar in that box. This happens a lot with cereals. Recently, some food manufacturers have switched to “whole grain” cereals, but don’t be fooled! Just because they are using whole grains, doesn’t make it a healthier option. The sugar content alone is unacceptable in most of these products.

Obviously, if your diet consists of a lot of packaged and processed foods, if you’re shopping down the isles of the grocery store instead of on the outside of the store — where the fruits, vegetables and lean meats are located — you’re missing out on valuable nutrition from your diet and are likely on toxic overload.

Along those same lines, processed and packaged foods are detrimental to your health too. They just don’t contain the necessary nutrients to keep our body in good working order.

Most of the patients I see exist on a mostly processed and packaged food diet, which is why they are looking for some natural health care! When these types of foods are routinely eaten, nutritional deficiencies and imbalances within the body will occur.

A processed food diet can result in quite a laundry list of health symptoms:

• Allergies
• Headaches
• Blood sugar imbalances,
• ADD/ADHD type of symptoms
• Digestion problems
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Sleep problems
• Stress

When in doubt about the choosing the healthiest foods for you, remember the golden rule: If it comes in a bag or a box and you got it from the isles of the grocery store, chances are that it’s processed and has little value to sustain a superb level of health. Remember to shop on the perimeter of the grocery store and if you do need to get a few things within the aisles of the grocery store, be sure you’re reading your food labels!

Nature doesn’t produce enriched or fortified foods. If you’re eating the diet nature intended — predominantly vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts and seeds — you’ll have no need to purchase anything that has been artificially “enriched” or “fortified.”

Nature has provided everything we need to obtain a superb level of health.

If we have to “enrich” and “fortify” the vitamins and minerals in our foods, then we shouldn’t be eating those foods at all! Stick with natural and whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats and nuts/seeds for a stronger and healthier body!

No matter how old or young you are — even in your 70s, 80s or even 90s — it’s never too late to make changes in your lifestyle that can have a direct positive impact on your health!

Every day, I talk to clients who are struggling to regain their health. Some have long lists of prescription meds they want to stop taking. Others are just starting to have some health challenges and they’re not on prescription meds yet, but their physician may be threatening them with the prospect of having to start to do so. And, some have a severe, debilitating, or even life-threatening, illness.

It’s NEVER too late to start to make changes and it doesn’t matter which one of the three categories you belong to either… You can improve the quality of your life. Chances are good — even excellent — that you can make have visible and positive changes in your health and get your life back.

Be aware, however, there is a single rule you must follow when it comes to your health, particularly when working with a natural health practitioner:

80 percent of what needs to be done is YOUR responsibility!

20 percent is the practitioner’s!

What this really means: YOU ARE the one who will have to stop eating garbage. YOU ARE the one who will have to make time to exercise. YOU ARE the one who will have to work on nurturing, growing or ending a toxic relationship that is making you emotionally and physically sick. YOU ARE the one who will have to take all the supplements and follow the plan that your health practitioner has created for you.

There are no quick fixes, no magic pills and no bullets. Make no mistake, taking supplements, making dietary and lifestyle changes and mastering exercise and stress control can help you obtain a level of health you never thought possible. But in the end, it is up to YOU to make that choice to do it.

Are you ready? If so, I can help you! Contact me today and let’s start improving your health together with simple, natural changes.

It seems like you can’t read a magazine or newspaper or listen to the news or a talk show without being told by someone to eat your fruits and vegetables.

Of course, I’ve said more than my fair share about that as well on this website. As a Naturopath and Health Coach, Eating More Vegetables and Fruits is my Number 1 recommendation. In fact, you really can’t eat enough of them. Nature was kind enough to leave us with an abundance of colors, tastes and textures, all with their own unique and delicious healing power.

Unfortunately, as I’ve mentioned before, the produce you buy at the store often has been shipped from considerable distances and exposed to various toxins and poisons along the way to you – thus, most have lost much of their nutritional value.

But what if you can pick your own food at a local farm? I’m not talking about growing your own fruits and vegetables, although that would be ideal, but few us have the space nor the time!

Turns out, numerous farms throughout the United States offer this service. Visit Pick Your Own.org to find a farm near you and start picking your own fruits and vegetables.

Not only does this support a local farmer in your community, best of all, your fruits and vegetables will be fresh which will help them be better absorbed and utilized by your body.

Are you eating mercury unknowingly?

I’m sure most of you have heard about mercury poisoning and how it is definitely damaging our health. The most common ways to get mercury toxicity is from amalgam (silver) fillings in our teeth; consuming too much seafood or fish; and from vaccinations. However, now new research is coming forward with a much more insidious way that we are being exposed to mercury: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).

I’m sure many of you are unaware exactly how much of HFCS you are actually consuming. But let me warn you: it’s in virtually everything. It is a VERY cheap form of sugar and food manufacturer’s use it much more often to sweeten items like: sodas, barbecue sauce, weight loss bars/drinks,  jellies and jams, ketchup, peanut butter, etc. The list goes on and on and quite frankly, I could write several articles about the dangers of HFCS and all the various forms you can find it in, but that is not the subject of this post.

Since our consumption of HFCS is on the rise that means that we are also becoming more exposed to mercury toxicity. But how does corn syrup get mercury in it? Well, four of the big plants that make corn syrup, use mercury-cell technology in the production of caustic soda, an ingredient used in the corn conversion process. It’s a very technical process, but the bottom line is: mercury is being found in food products. Fortunately, we have consumer watchdog groups like the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy that did the testing and research and discovered this fact.

But why is mercury bad, you ask? First of all, it damages your nervous system. This is one of the primary risks for pregnant women and their fetuses and why pregnant moms and also babies and children are encouraged to avoid seafood. Also, vision problems, impairment of speech, walking and muscle weakness are another issue. Some people have insomnia, headaches, emotional issues and skin problems due to mercury poisoning. And it’s been linked to autism, ADD and ADHD because mercury can cause severe brain imbalances. 

So quite simply, this is yet another reason to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup. Not only does it contribute to obesity, diabetes and a whole host of other health problems, now mercury toxicity has been linked to it. Please do yourself a favor and learn how to read food labels - and avoid products that contain High Fructose Corn Syrup.

You can read the whole article here:

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4662

In my experience, many Americans don’t understand the positive aspects of choosing natural treatments and alternative medicine over conventional therapies. With that in mind, consider these key points when you’re looking for the best and safest solutions for your health:

Alternative medicine…

Is Safe, Natural and Gentle. Most forms of alternative therapies are safe and non-invasive. Most herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplementation and options like massage, Reiki and acupuncture are all wonderful therapies that Naturopaths would considered safe and gentle. By the way, one might argue that acupuncture is an “invasive” procedure with the use of needles. As an advocate of acupuncture (and having benefited by the many sessions I’ve had), needles are used, but they are very tiny and you can hardly feel them at all. Certainly, they’re not as invasive as a surgeon’s knife! Of course, please be sure the supplements you’re taking are safe for you too.

Offers more choices. Since most health insurance companies do not cover natural therapies, you’ll have many more choices available to you when searching for help. Often, insurance companies regulate who you can and can’t see, but because they’re out of the picture, you are free to choose what type of natural therapy you would like and which practitioner to see. Because each state has different licensing and laws, however, always check a therapist’s credentials before using him or her.

Ensures you are heard. Most alternative medicine practitioners will take the time to really “listen” to you and evaluate your symptoms. In the typical conventional medicine scenario, sometimes, all you’ll get is a quick appointment. I’ve had patients tell me, in some cases, their visits with their doctor were timed and lasted only 3 minutes! Yikes! Most Naturopaths and Chiropractors will take significant time with you (especially the first visit) to really assess you and your health. We take into account the health of your whole body, not only your physical symptoms, but the emotional ones too.

You’re In Charge. Whether you decide to take some herbs or homeopathy for yourself or make that Reiki appointment, you’re in charge of what goes into your body and what happens to it. Of course, for serious illnesses, I always recommend you partner with a natural health care practitioner who can assist you directly. But if you just have the sniffles or some allergies, there are LOTS of alternative remedies you can learn about, then try them for yourself.

There are some wonderful natural healing books that I recommend to help you in your quest to better your health. Although I don’t have this book on my list, for those of you who want to try homeopathy, this book and homeopathic kit are my favorites to have in your home.

Also, essential oils are some of my favorite things to try to use for allergies, insomnia and other minor ailments.

Don’t be afraid to try some natural therapies. The benefits far outweigh any risks that you may have heard about.

Of course, you’re always welcome to Contact Me with questions.

I’ve already discussed the importance of taking natural supplements to support your body and immune system. But which supplements do you take, and how do you know which supplements are the best ones? Americans spend billions of dollars every year on supplements, and it’s very important to understand that not all supplements are created equal. Sometimes, there are vast differences between products.

So let’s talk about the difference between whole food supplements and synthetic supplements – a.k.a. isolated or fractionated supplements.

A great example would be just to simply look at almost any multivitamin. When you scan the nutritional content fact and ingredient label, you’ll see quite an assortment of vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, etc.). Here is a portion of a label for a common multivitamin:

There are a lot more vitamins listed on this label than I had room for, but I think you get the idea. Look at the items listed under “Ingredients.” Those are what we call “Isolated” vitamins and other chemicals. There are no foods or herbal ingredients listed, only partial vitamins and other chemicals.

Nature intended for us to consume food in its WHOLE form because all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes are bound together in one package and work synergistically to deliver the nutrition your body needs.

Synthetic supplements give you isolated or fractionated pieces of the whole. It is simply not the same – you’re not getting the full benefit nature intended. The other problem is, by taking isolated vitamins, sometimes we are getting massive doses of some vitamins, but not enough of others. This imbalance this can cause health problems too. Aren’t we trying to get healthier – rather than cause more problems?

Whole-Food based supplements are different, as those will, typically, list the foods the supplement was made from. What follows is a partial example of what to look for when searching for a Whole-Food based product. Notice that under the supplemental facts, you still see all the vitamins listed, but there’s a huge difference in the ingredients.

What a difference this second product will make in your body vs. the first product! You’ll actually be gaining benefits from the WHOLE food and all of the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that occur naturally in the food or plant.

Another way that might make sense is to look at the source. When “Vitamin C” is listed on a multivitamin label, look for any natural sources, like citrus fruits, papaya or bell peppers. If you see a listing for “Ascorbic Acid,” that means it is an “Isolated” product, so you must keep searching for ones that list whole foods.

In summary, be sure you read your labels! It is important to educate yourself about what you’ll be putting into your body and supplements are no different than anything else.

It’s important to read food labels so you know what you’re eating. But it’s just as important, if not moreso, to be sure you’re reading all of your supplement labels too! You want to be consuming supplements that have actual whole foods, plants or herbs listed on the label. That way you know it is as close to natural as possible!

And lastly, understand that no supplement alone will help you achieve the level of health you desire. You will have to make lifestyle and behavior changes as well as taking supplements to achieve ultimate health.

It happened again recently when I met a new client coming in with lots of health problems…

One of the biggest misconceptions people have when visiting a Natural Health Practitioner is that they will only get one or two “medicines.” Their other mistaken belief: They might only need these “medicines” for a month or two to get over whatever serious symptoms that brought them to me.

Those are the misconceptions. Here are the facts.

By the time a new patient sits in front of me for the first time, he or she has allowed their bodies to get to such a state they are now experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. Generally, it’s taken years for their bodies to reach this breaking point. It’s also important to understand that it’s going to take many months, if not years, to help them out of it.

Natural and herbal supplements can help to restore the body to a place of balance. But, it’s probably going to take more than one thing, or even two. In fact, it might take between 5-10 supplements to restore your health. If there is a “serious” health issue on the table, it will take much more time and effort than that.

But for this article, I want to discuss why we need to take supplements at all. Most people who aren’t in a health crisis wonder why they need to take a supplement. “I feel fine…why would I need to take anything?”

Here are the top reasons why it is important for everyone to take natural, whole food supplements:

1. Depleted Soils. Even if you eat a healthy, predominantly plant-based diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, chances are good (unless you’re consuming everything organic) the food comes from soils that have insufficient mineral content. When foods are grown over and over again in the same soils, the mineral content of that soil becomes depleted over time. This is ANOTHER reason why it is so vitally important to consume organic foods as much as possible. Organic farming practices include “crop rotating” so that soil depletion does not occur. Unfortunately, even buying organic doesn’t always mean you’re going to get superior foods. Although organic soil can get depleted, buying organic remains the better, healthier choice for you and the planet!

2. Long Transit Time for Delivery. Have you noticed an increasing amount of produce finding its way to your grocery store comes from other countries? If you think your favorite mango or pineapple (from Hawaii or the Philippines) was just cut at its peak ripeness, then immediately boxed, rushed to the airport and shipped overnight to your favorite grocery store, you’re sadly mistaken.  Sometimes, foods are picked weeks and even MONTHS before we see it on our shelves. So much for obtaining the maximum amount of nutrition! I always suggest that my clients buy as much of their food as possible from local growers to reduce transit time and improve the nutritional value of the food they’re eating.

3. Overcooking Our Foods. Americans have a bad habit of cooking our food “to death,” resulting in a massive loss of nutritional value, meaning far fewer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes to go around. What’s more, eating these depleted foods over time creates its own set of health problems. Cooking does “kill” the food, resulting in lost nutrition. As far as fruits and vegetables, consuming them in as close to a raw (uncooked) state as possible is always the best way.

4. Not Eating Regular Meals. So many people skip meals. Grabbing a bagel or doughnut while slamming down some coffee and rushing to work does NOT constitute a meal. Making up for it later in the day at an “all-you-can-eat” buffet is not in the best interest of our bodies either, as it puts much undue stress on the digestive system and will eventually cause a lot of uncomfortable symptoms.

5.  Normal Aging = Digestion Issues. As we age, our bodies produce fewer enzymes, including all the important ones needed to properly digest and assimilate the foods we eat. Eventually, this results in “common” stomach complaints, like reflux, heartburn, upset stomach and chronic constipation.

6. Stress + Stress, + Stress = Compromised Immune System. No question, we all lead busy lives and some of us are busier than others! Between commitments to your family, school, work, community, faith and other obligations, our lives are stressed to the max! All of this stress takes a toll on your body and weakens your immune system. Taking supplements can help to bridge that gap and give your body some of the nutrition it needs to function optimally.

Of course, nothing will take the place of eating a good and healthy diet. But taking quality, whole food-based natural supplements can go along way towards helping you maintain a better level of health. Besides, if you’re still working through some bad habits (skipping meals and not eating organic foods), you need them even more! For more information, read my other articles on whole food supplements vs. synthetic supplements and Can natural remedies help me with…?

One of my favorite additions to my smoothie recipes is fresh ground Golden Flax Seed, jam-packed with tons of nutrition and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

It’s the healthy lignans and the high quantity of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA, the Omega-3 fatty acid) contained in flax seed that make it so special and can help with a wide range of health conditions, including:

• Cholesterol problems
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Joint inflammation
• Constipation
• Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss
• Blood pressure problems

There also is plenty of research out there that suggests consuming fresh ground Golden Flax Seed daily may prevent heart disease and certain cancers (prostate, breast, ovarian and colon).

Which one: Golden or Brown?

I prefer the Golden Flax Seed over the brown because it has a nutty flavor and really adds that flavor to my smoothie. Some people like to sprinkle it on cereal or oatmeal, add it to yogurt or a salad and even bake with it.

What about Flax Seed Oil?

My preference is to always consume the food in its most natural form. So, for your good health, I recommend eating Organic Whole Golden Flax Seeds. Also, it is not advisable healthwise to consume these seeds in the whole form, so you’ll need to purchase an inexpensive coffee grinder (you can easily find one at Wal-Mart or Target).

Grinding golden flax seeds fresh for each use is a far superior way to consume them and get the maximum health benefits.

I don’t recommend flax seed oil for several reasons:

1. Potentially, the oil will become rancid.
2. You’ll miss out on the important fiber you get by eating ground whole seeds.
3. Sometimes the lignans and the essential fatty acids are damaged when converted to oil.

How much golden flax seed do I need?

I recommend consuming at least 3 heaping tablespoons each day. These can be added to different foods. For example, mix a few with a smoothie and add some to your salad for dinner. But the important thing to remember is to get in those 3 tablespoons daily.

To make it easier, grind up about a cup’s worth and store it in an air-tight container in your freezer for easy access.

Last week, I had another client experiencing chronic headaches. From a Naturopathic point of view, we have a completely different perspective as to why they happen, and we always want to look at the cause! We will not band-aid them by giving pain-relieving medication, but instead look at what is causing them and help you eliminate that from your life.

In my professional opinion, food allergies and chemical sensitivities are one of the main causes of headaches, whether they are chronic headaches, tension headaches, migraines or even “cluster” headaches. The foods and chemicals we ingest every day are 100% responsible for how we feel in our body.

If you’re suffering from a headache right now, skip to the remedies – if not, read on to learn more about the causes of your headaches and ways you can actually prevent them.

There are several main food allergies that I want to talk about:

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate or otherwise labeled as Glutamic Acid or Glutamate) — This chemical is commonly found in Chinese food; salad bars; fast food restaurants; sausages; luncheon and deli meats and cheeses; frozen meals, canned foods such as soups and vegetables; canned parmesan cheese; soy sauce; salad dressings; packaged gravies, etc.). Nearly any kind of processed or pre-packaged food has a pretty good chance of having MSG in it, so be sure to read the label and avoid it! The other problem with this chemical is that the government allows food manufacturers to use other names for it.  So when you’re checking labels, be sure to check for these ingredients also: caseinate, autolyzed yeast enzymes, beef or chicken broth, natural flavoring, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy protein concentrates, soy isolates and autolyzed yeast extracts. These names are all disguised names for glutamates, but the FDA allows these names to be used as long as the actual glutamate is less than 99 percent pure! So watch out and read your labels!

Aspartame (50% of which is Phenylalanine) – This toxic chemical is common in so many things: Diet Sodas, flavored drinks, chewing gum, juice, frozen foods, yogurt, diet or no-sugar foods. Aspartame is absolutely insidious and should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, as a nation, we are consuming WAY too much of it because it is in everything. Anything diet related or sugar free, is going to have this chemical in it. Even if you’re just chewing gum, that’s enough – there is enough of that chemical in a stick of gum to completely disrupt your brain chemistry! If you’re chewing gum because you’re worried about your breath, you can use Peppermint Essential Oil instead to freshen your breath. Peppermint essential oil is completely 100% pure and toxin-free.

Artificial Sweeteners (Splenda/Sucralose, Saccharin, etc.) - These are the pink, blue and yellow packets you see on restaurant tables. They are commonly added to Iced Tea or Coffee to sweeten. But beware! These chemicals significantly affect brain chemistry and absolutely can be causing your headaches. So opt for using REAL sugar, or carry packets of “Stevia” (an herbal sweetener) with you.

Food Colorings – Beware of the food dye colorings in some foods like juice, ready-made meals, frozen foods, cereals, cakes, cookies, chips, frostings, etc. Red Dye #40 and Yellow Dye #5 in particular are very common additives in many items such as yogurt, flavored powdered drinks; Energy drinks, etc. so please check your label and avoid food dyes as these are known to trigger headaches.

Other Known Food Triggers – Here is a list of some common foods that have been shown to cause headaches: yellow cheeses (cheddar), aged cheeses (blue cheese, gorgonzola, etc.), caffeine, chocolate, beer, wine, mushrooms, pickled meats like herring, wheat products (bread and pasta), nitrates in hot dogs, lunch meat, dairy foods.

Also, there are the other triggers like lack of sleep, lack of exercise, too much stress, and hormonal fluctuations. And one of the other common culprits is not drinking enough water! Please see this post about the importance of water and how it helps your body!

The best Natural Headache Remedies

In case you’re suffering from a headache right now:

• Soak your feet in a tub of hot water and apply an ice pack to the back of the head
• Have a friend rub your neck and scalp
• Rub Peppermint or Lavender Essential Oil on your temples (be very careful to avoid your eye area!) or at the base of your neck
• Do some EFT – a gentle tapping technique
• Drink fresh Ginger Tea
• Use other Homeopathic Remedies: There are many different homeopathic remedies for headaches and they are all based on the exact symptoms you have. To find the best remedy, you should consult a natural health practitioner. But, these 4 seem to be the most common remedies used, so you might try them: Lachesis 30c, Ignatia 30c, Nat Mur 30c, and Nux Vomica 30c. You can find them in a health food store.

My best advice on avoiding headaches altogether: Read all of the ingredient labels on the foods you buy. Avoid the “fake” foods. No “Diet,” “low/no fat” or “no-sugar” type of foods. They are laced with chemicals and absolutely can be causing your headaches.

Instead, use real sugar or Stevia (all natural herbal sweetener available in health food stores). It is best to always eat the food in as natural form as possible; that will always be fresh. Steer clear of the internal aisles in the grocery store where all the packaged and processed foods are located. Instead, shop on the outer aisles, spending most of your time in the produce section!

Buy a new cookbook that focuses on preparing natural, fresh, food and start cooking! Check out my Recipes for healthy, simple recipes that you can make easily in your own kitchen! There are soups, salads and casseroles, and I will constantly be adding new healthy recipes. Check back often, and don’t be afraid to try something new!

If you are struggling with headaches, you really need to dissect everything you’re eating to determine if any of your “regular” foods are contributing to this problem. One of the easiest ways to do this is to keep a daily journal. Get a spiral bound notebook that you can carry with you. Every day, write down everything you eat or drink and log the times of your headaches. This way, you can find out your trigger foods and then make the necessary nutritional changes in your life.

You can get relief from headaches! As you can see from the chemical list above, there are a lot of possible ways that you might be ingesting these chemicals. They are known to contribute to many different varieties of headaches. So before you reach for a pharmaceutical drug, please explore your diet and what you’re consuming everyday that might be causing your headaches. There are alternatives to chemical-laden food: buying fresh, organic food and preparing your own meals (rather than eating out all the time) so you have control over what goes in body. Your body will thank you for that extra care and you will find yoursel feeling better than ever!

Additional Resources to help you determine the cause of your headaches:

http://www.msgtruth.org/
http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html
http://www.red40.com/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/393504/food_dye_yellow5_.html?cat=5/

A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives: Descriptions in Plain English of More Than 12,000 Ingredients Both Harmful and Desirable Found in Foods by Ruth Winter

A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives is back again, in an updated sixth edition. This valuable reference gives you all the facts about the relative safety and side effects of more than 12,000 ingredients that end up in your food as a result of processing and curing, such as preservatives, food-tainting pesticides, and animal drugs. For example, drugs used to tranquilize pigs may sedate diners!

There are hundreds of new entries to this edition, and topics covered include information about recently discovered resistant strains of bacteria credited to the antibiotics added to animal feed, as well as startling statistics on the amount of money spent on certain additives each year – $1.4 billion – on just flavorings and flavor enhancers.

For those of you trying to lose weight, one of the more important things you must learn is how to listen to your body. That means identifying how hungry and full you are.

Before each meal, you should take a moment, take a very deep breath and try to identify how hungry you are. With that thought in your mind, look at the scale below. Are you at a Level 1, thus completely famished and ready to eat the entire contents of the fridge?

One of the things I recommend to clients is to eat every 2 hours to maintain blood sugar, even if it’s only a handful of almonds, a hard-boiled egg or a stick of cheese… Any kind of protein source that will help you feel more stable. When it comes time to eat a meal later on, you’re not starving and thinking about wolfing down the refrigerator!

Also while eating, it is good to check in with your body. Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly until it is liquified. Be very conscious and concentrate on eating and enjoying your food. Put down the fork and take some deep breaths between each bite as this significantly aids in the digestion process. Notice how you feel and stop way before you get to Level 10 and you’re so stuffed that you can’t move.

The rule of thumb is to start eating at about Level 3 or 4 and stop eating at Level 6 or 7.

The Hunger Level Scale

Level 1 — Famished

Your stomach is completely empty; you’re weak and light-headed.

Level 2 — Starving

You’re uncomfortable and irritable and unable to concentrate.

Level 3 — Uncomfortably hungry

Your stomach is rumbling.

Level 4 — You’re slightly uncomfortable

You’re beginning to feel the signs of hunger and can’t wait to eat.

Level 5 — Neutral and comfortable

You’re more or less satisfied.

Level 6 — Completely satisfied.

You’ve eaten just the right amount of food and are completely comfortable. The key is to stop here.

Level 7 — Satisfied

At this point, you may be feeling a bit too full. If you don’t stop at this level on the hunger scale, you’ll soon feel ill.

Level 8 — Uncomfortably full

You feel bloated and are starting to feel uneasy.

Level 9 — Very uncomfortable and full.

You feel like loosening your clothes.

Level 10 — Completely stuffed and miserable.

You feel nauseated and need to take something for stomach relief. You can’t function, and you want to lie down.

Keeping this scale in mind before and during eating will help you to control your food intake and ultimately result in weight loss.

In my opinion, Food Matters is another MUST-SEE documentary for everyone on this planet, right after you finish watching Food, Inc.

Not only does this film discuss the importance of nutrition in our lives, but how we are being over-medicated by the medical community and BIG PHARMA at the expense of our good health.

Many of us already know these things intuitively, but this film really does a great job of bringing the facts out into the open!

The moral of Food Matters is one with which I very much agree: We must begin to actively accept and take responsibility for our own health, rather than relying on our doctors — who have very little if ANY nutritional training — to make the best decisions for us. Moreover, we must educate ourselves about the habits and foods that truly help our bodies heal.

If you are suffering with an illness, please know that your body can heal itself! But you must use the right tools and surround yourself with the right conditions — and people — in order to transform your health.

You can get better. You can get rid of your disease. You can get off your medication! This movie will answer a lot of your questions and help you understand why nutrition — not drugs — is the way to go! We need to have education and valuable nutrition in our lives, not more medication and poisonous toxins.

Please, watch Food Matters with your family and friends. (Buy the DVD directly from the online store or watch it instantly via Netflix streaming.)

Changing your lifestyle one step at a time adds up over the long term to support a new and improved optimum level of health for you. It’s not as hard as you think!

Clients and friends are always asking me what is the number one thing I recommend for them so they can start on their quest for better health.

Becoming healthier is a journey, not a destination. Achieving and sustaining good health will be something that is ongoing throughout your life. Working toward and achieving a better level of health takes patience, perseverance and work. It’s never too late to start and it doesn’t matter if you’ve gotten a recent diagnosis or if you’ve had an illness for 20 years…there are definite things you can do to help yourself attain a better level of health NOW.

The first thing — ALWAYS — will be to change your diet and to increase the amount and the type of nutrition you are feeding yourself. This rule is not flexible….our body sustains itself by the type and amount of food (fuel) we feed it. You must feed it well, in order to get good results.

One of the best and easiest ways to do this is with fresh, raw fruit and vegetables.  Most people do not consume anywhere near what they should in this category and unfortunately, our state of health shows this!  I think there is a misconception that people think it will take too much time to eat healthy and swinging into our favorite fast food drive-thru is quicker, but severely damaging our health.

The good news is, good health doesn’t have to take a lot of time to achieve.  You won’t have to be standing in your kitchen for hours on end, chopping and dicing fruits and vegetables and eating boring salads all the time.

The Vitamix to the rescue! This machine makes incorporating raw fruits and vegetables into your diet, simple to do. This machine is more than just a blender… It’s a work horse!  From smoothies and soups to making healthy ice creams and grinding grains, this machine can do it all.

It is an investment in your health. See my Recipe page for some of my favorites I use. I will be continually adding recipes, so check back on my page often! I use my Vitamix machine several times a week. My health wouldn’t be the same without it!

Here are some of my reasons for owning one:

• The benefits of consuming all your fruits and vegetables fresh and raw which means you get all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients and antioxidants that come from eating whole foods naturally.
• Studies show that eating live, whole food can enhance your health and help to turn illness, into health!
• You can make a terrific smoothie for breakfast, grind some grain to bake a wholesome bread and then make a healthy, nutritional and tasty soup to go with it for lunch! All with one incredible machine!

Currently, the Vitamix company is offering a special promotion so you can get Free Shipping, a savings of $25 off the cost of the machine! Click here to learn more about this fantastic machine…be sure to watch the online videos! And, as always, be sure to comment with questions!

This fabulous recipe came from the Jan 2009 issue of “Oprah” Magazine.

• 1-1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 3 tbs. Sherry vinegar
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed well and drained
• 2 cups julienned carrot
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 3/4 cup pitted black olives, halved
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 tbs. finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves

1. To make vinaigrette: In a small pan, toast cumin seeds over medium heat for about 1 minute, shaking pan so seeds do not burn. Transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop seeds, then place in a small bowl. Add vinegar and then oil in a slow stream, whisking until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. To make salad: Combine chickpeas, carrot, celery, olives, raisins, chives and cilantro in a large bowl. Add ¼ cup vinaigrette and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

I personally made a couple of tweaks: I use 2 tsp Cumin Seeds and 2 cans of Organic Garbanzo Beans. It tastes great – and the longer it marinates in the vinaigrette, the more fabulous it is! Enjoy it!