Are your nails healthy?

Ok, Ladies I know you will love this one, and men pass it along to the lady you love.

Extra care keeps nails in shape!

We are going to be looking our best for the holidays and New Year, right! So, let’s keep these little protectors looking healthy and strong. I think that is a concern for a lot of us. We can tell a lot about your diet by looking at your nails. If they are too brittle, if they have calcium white spots on them, it they are paper thin, the list goes on and on.

To keep them strong, eat plenty of protein. Eggs, fish, lean poultry, and soy. Eggs contain a beautifying amino acid CYESTEINE. Sulfur rich cysteine binds the protein to keratin hardening the nails.

Also, essential fatty acids (flax seed, evening primrose, borage, and black current seed) and green foods (spirulina, kelp) strengthen the nails. Other nail friendly products include calcium, magnesium, and silica. Drinking herbal teas rich in silica such as horsetail, nettle, and oat straw helps the cuticles along with the nails.

If you are one who is having a little problem with splitting nails, try adding two TBSP a day of brewers yeast or wheat germ oil to your diet. You could also soak them in warm Olive oil or cider vinegar for 10 to 20 minutes a day.

In our nails are clues of a variety of medical issues. They can be indicators of something happening to alert us. Healthy nails are pink indicating there is a rich blood supply. These may be alerts to health problems.

• Chipping, peeling, splitting...indicates nutritional deficiency, a thyroid problem, and /or not enough hydrochloric acid in the body. What to do? Get plenty of good protein, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

• Horizontal ridges... Severe stress mentally and/or physically. What to do? Take B complex daily, with plenty of biotin.

• Spooning (upward curving of nails)... Anemia or problems with iron being able to be absorbed. What to do? Get Vitamin B12 as well as iron.

• Thick nails... Poor circulation, which may signal thyroid disease, Diabetes, and/or a fungal infection.

• Vertical ridges...indicate poor health, not enough fruit and vegetables are in the daily balance. What to do? Get plenty of protein, take a B complex, and increase raw fruits and vegetables.

• White spots... it not caused by an injury, may be a zinc deficiency. What to do? Consider adding 50 mg of zinc daily, but do not exceed 100 mg a day from food choices and supplements. For food choices contact me for more information.

Moisturizing is important for healthy and attractive nails. Pick a vitamin rich lotion to apply to unpolished nails and cuticles. Keep cuticles moisturized nightly by massaging jojoba or vitamin E oils into the nail of the bed.

Your nails are porous and able to absorb 20 to 25% their own weight in water. You can waterproof your nails before doing the dishes or other watery chores by rubbing a waxy lip balm over them.

When you file your nails be sure to follow the same design shape as your cuticle, round out if the cuticle is rounded, and box out a square shaped cuticle.

You can also do a little LIGHT buffing to add a little shine to the nail. If you chose to polish your nails try to pick a natural one that is without toxins.

Have a Healthy Holiday!!

Do you have Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain counts for a majority of Dr. appointments across America. Ranging from headaches, back pain, knee pain, neck pain, and many more. We use the term chronic when the pain does not just go away, and we usually have to turn to a pain reliever. There are many pain relievers to choose from Tylenol, ibuprofen, and harder prescriptions. While some of these help to cover the pain, was the problem fixed? What about the effects these chemicals have on the liver and stomach? These can cause liver dysfunction and have long been said to be the second most cause of ulcers.
So, let’s talk about WHY we have these pains. One of the most common reasons is from inflammation in the body. One way we create and can stop this inflammation is in our food choices.

Here are some items that cause inflammation leading to pain in the body.
• Sugars- refined, processed, white
• Grains- enriched, processed, white flours. Examples are bagels, breads, pasta, desserts
• Oils- refined and processed
• Fatty Meats

Americans eat these on a daily bases and they consist of 80% of the food eaten. Wow, think about that! 80% of the food choices and it causes the pain that you get and we chuck it up to a bad day at the office, studying too hard, or not getting a good nights rest. The inflammation caused by these foods hit joints and muscles, causing pain and we are lead to medications to put a band-aid on it instead of STOPING it. The meds will wear off and the pain will still be there. What can you do?
Make a life style change of your eating habits. Pick cleaner foods from those mentioned above or try limit the use them.
• Natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar. Look to cut back big time on the sugars. If you need more ideas and how to do this please contact me. There is too much information to put that all here.
• Whole grains, whole wheat, brown rice.
• Better Oils would be olive oil, coconut, pure butter, but used in moderation.
• Lean meats, skinless chicken, fresh fish, and omega 3 eggs. Rich omega 3 foods help to reduce and clean up areas that have been affected by inflammation. Contact me for more ways to incorporate these in daily choices.

For the bulk of daily choices you have a great variety of foods. Vegetables, fruits, and raw nuts are all great choices. These provide what you need for the body to be clean and functioning correctly. The top highlighted areas should count for less than 25% of the daily calorie in take.

Also, using herbs and spices can put a variety of flavors and healthy benefits in your body.
Ginger, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, garlic, coriander, are just a few. Almost all spices have anti-inflammatory qualities.
So lets cut back on these problematic foods and increase the beneficial items and put Pain and Suffering behind us.
Turkey day is almost here, what helpful foods are you featuring to give the best for your family and friends. Please share with us any of your ideas!

Here is another favorite of mine.
Warm and toasty Carrots
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 1/2 cups peeled and sliced carrots
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• chopped fresh parsley as garnish

Drizzle the pan with the olive oil and warm slightly. Add the cumin seeds, you are not browning, just warming, this will be about 3 minutes over med. heat. Add the ginger and continue to sauté for 1 minute. Stir in carrots and salt, and turn heat to medium low. Add water, cover, and cook for about 2 minutes, until just barely tender. Stir in lemon juice and maple syrup. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Get creative and Sneaky about adding more Veggies

Thanksgiving is time that we spend with family, friends, and FOOD. I say that because we do not typically have any social occasion without some form of food or drink. You may be traveling or have family coming to you, so turkey day is just one day of many that you are preparing and consuming food. I had a friend say. "I am going home and I am so worried because I know the rich and delicious foods that will be there, and most will be bad for me." Most Americans do not know the damage that is done by eating foods today. We do not eat the correct amounts of fruits and veggies, and we cut corners making things from a BOX or CANS. What you can do is educate your loved ones on the importance of a Balanced diet.


Under 10 % of American children and teens are getting a sufficient amount of fruits and veggies.

These beneficial items in our diet are important for child growth and maintaining a healthy weight. Even preventing diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, ADHD, and more. The key is to sneak it in and make it fun.

Here are some creative ideas to try
1. Bugs on a log...Celery, peanut butter, and raisins.
2. Fruit Kabobs...assorted fruit on a stick to go.
3. Vegetable flowers and dip

You can get really creative and just add as many good things for them to enjoy. It just takes having some fun.

Check out the recipes and Ideas fromFamilyFun.com

They have great creative foods, just remember to be light on the sweets. I often get tempted to over indulge in those.

Have a healthy day.

Spice up your Holiday.. part 3..Give select sides with specific nutrient benefit.

While the Turkey usually gets all the attention for Thanksgiving, lets highlight some great sides for the day. Some sides are not only delicious, but also can be packed with incredible nutritional benefits. Seasonal squash, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, hold impressive amounts of beta carotene, Vitamin C and A, rich antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Folate acid.

You also get some veggie dishes that are high in fiber, low in saturated fats, and low in sodium. That is because they are not smothered in butter and cream sauces. So this year try a few different sides that have more nutrients and less FATS. When we get together with family and friends, we think about giving them the best because of our love for them. Let's load our tables with healthy and tasty foods, not the foods with unnecessary extras. That is a show of your love for them and their HEALTH!
Today your getting two for one!!!!

Spiced Quinoa
it can be used as something other than stuffing or an extra side.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 cup rinsed and drained quinoa
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup finely minced fresh cilantro or mint

Brown all spices in oil in large saucepan. Add quinoa and stir well. Add 2 cups boiling water, cover, simmer, until water is absorbed while stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let stand for a few more minutes. Add parsley and cilantro or mint. Fluff with fork and serve.

Spiced Toasted Almonds
Makes a great item to have out before the big meal.
• 2 cups raw almonds
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 tsp maple syrup, pure

• 1/4 tsp sea sal

• 1 tsp cinnamon                                                                            

• 1/4 cup ground ginger

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Toss the almonds with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and ginger until they are coated evenly. Spread over a baking sheet evenly. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until lightly browned and smelling delicious. Almonds will become crispy as they cool. you can even add some dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or apricots), they are great for added texture and taste.

Have a healthy Holiday!

Spice up your holiday.. part 2..Less sugar

On average Americans consume about 180 POUNDS of sugar a year! Over the past 30 years alone our calorie intake has increased by 70%. With the majority of our food coming out of a can or box, the manufacturers add a number of chemicals and toxins to preserve the food which requires increased amounts of sugars to make the food more palatable. Does anybody wonder why we are in the midst of a growing obesity and diabetes epidemic? Sugar is in almost all things we buy, and then we still add it to our drinks, desserts, and dishes. Try this for a turkey day treat. It will be better tasting and better for your waistline.

Oatmeal Harvest Cookies
15 prep time makes about 2 dozen cookies

• 1 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda ( non aluminum)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts and/or raisins
• 1 cup mashed acorn squash or sweet potato
• 3/8 cup oil... (which is also 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. In separate bowl, mix cooked mashed squash or potato and oil. Add to the dry ingredients. Drop by heaping tsp onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 - 15 minutes.
Did you notice NO sugar??

Spice up Your Holiday with healthy flavors!

Common everyday kitchen spices can help your health. They can do things from increasing vitamins and mineral, protecting you against E- Coli and other bacteria, and even help to aid digestion. After all the rich and heavy meals of the holidays we can probably all use some good digestive aids.
Herbs not only add flavor but healing properties.   Learn the phrase "let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food".  I love this phrase and repeat it often to my kids.  This way you can enjoy food that not only tastes great, but helps you feel great.
Here are some helpful spices:

• Almonds:  help acne, asthma, cancer, cough, dermatitis, and more.
• Capers: helps with arthritis, cancer, cataracts, fractures, and sciatica.
• Cinnamon:  relieves Bronchitis, diabetes, fever, heartburn, herpes, pain, PMS, and rheumatism.
• Ginger: helps with indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, sore throats, and stomach aches.
• Peppermint: helps digestion, PMS, nausea, and stimulates circulations.
• Oregano, marjoram, basil are all used in foods and help in many ways, I'll post this soon. 

Here is a great dish for Thanksgiving.

Sweet Potatoes Casserole    

15 minute prep and 1 hour bake time serves 10-12

• 6 large Sweet potatoes
• 1 pineapple chopped in small pieces (reserve the juice) If you do not have time, you could use a 20 oz can (but remember the metal content in cans)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 to 3 tsp coconut oil

Bake sweet potatoes on cookie sheet at 375 degrees for about 1 hour or until done. When cool enough to handle cut potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh and discard the skin. Mash the potatoes in electric mixture or hand mashing, until smooth. Add pineapple, with juices, and cinnamon and oil. Mix well. Spoon mixture in casserole dish or 9 by 13 baking dish. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake covered for 40 minutes.

This is a delicious dish with much less fat as traditional casseroles, and same great taste.

You can even add raisins to the dish for even more added flavor.

New dangers in Can foods.

We have all read that can foods are bad for their high levels of metals. They are also stripped of their digestive enzymes needed for nutrient absorption. Not to mention the preservative chemicals found in these foods. I should also remind you of the high sodium, BAD sodium, content.

Well, canned foods are also being linked to the bad estrogen chemical that is causing cancers. There is a chemical BPA that is a plastic lining in the cans of most of our everyday foods. You may say, "studies are showing everything is causing cancer!" You may be right, but in a different sense. The foods we eat today has been drastically changed then the way it was DESIGNED to eat. We have added and changed the make up of the food, and that is why it is causing disease within us. Everything processed is being linked to cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, and other diseases, because of the chemicals and processing of the food type. The reason fruits and vegetables are showing signs of preventing disease is because it always has prevented it, we just have been uneducated and lazy. Please read this article and share with your loved ones. If we just take the time to use fresh CLEAN foods we live a longer and healthier life. By limiting the uses of processed foods and increasing your intact of fruits and veggies, you will be lowing your chances of these diseases.


New Dangers of Canned Foods
Have a Blessed and Healthy day.

. 

Update on Joey, its day four

I wish I had taken pictures of Joey now. He is doing great. He is showing the same signs of improvement that the shots had always given him. I am hoping that this is going to CURE the mange, not just easy the symptoms. The true signs will be when the hair starts to come back around the eyes, but I am happy knowing that I am giving him something that is natural and non toxic, to help him get rid of this parasite. I just wish it was warmer, because I will be giving him his oatmeal bath today to keep his coat clean.

Update on Joey

I am very happy to say that so far major improvments.  He is not rubbing and opening his sores around the eyes, and it looks like he is doing better.  I am giving the herbal extract and worm wood in his milk.  He gets a extra treat for one... the extra smells like a medicine almost, and it must not taste great because I have to keep the bowl saying " drink it boy".  He does, but slowly.  I will keep you up dated.

Herbs not just for people but pets as well.

I wanted to let you guys know what's been going with my dog lately. Healing my pets are not something I do often, but a light bulb came on this weekend. Since July I have been battling a problem with Mange on my dog. He picked it up at a kennel, and we have been doing shots to help cure it. Each time he gets better, but never cured, and its back again. He had some sores that developed around his eyes that were causing him to rub and bleed. He started that up again just a few days ago.


Now we have been using herbs in many ways for ourselves for a long time now, but I have never used any on my dog. My sister sent me to a site that is all about pets and treating them Naturally. I was so excited because it gave mention to the herb Wormwood. Now, I was not that familiar with the herb because its not often that we have to deal with parasites. Today is day two and Joey is showing more progress of healing than ever before. He is not rubbing the eyes, making them bleed, and he is allowing it to heal. The wormwood I am putting one cap full in a bowl of milk and he id drinking it down once a day.

I will be keeping you posted as to his progress, but I am having high hopes that this will be safer, and fast than the shots that he has been taking and not curing him.

The reason I wanted to share this story with you all is that nutrition and holistic health is not just for you and your family, but the extended family, our pets, as well.

Here is the site that I was sooo happy to have found.Pets natural remedies  Check it out.  And forward to pets lovers as well. 
Be Healthy and Blessed!!!!

Holistic Health Thursday...Homeopathic remedies.

I wanted to let you know about a little secret of mine. You already know that I try to do all the preventive care that I can at home. I love that when I need a Dr. I can see one right away, but the time lost when you have to take a child to a Dr. appointment is so frustrating. The time taken off from work, the time sitting in the waiting room, and then you usually wait some more in the room. Signs that it is cold and flu season so they are going to be very busy right. So, to go along will our natural food choice diet we also use Homeopathic Medicine.


When you take a medication it stems from a medicinal plant source, but they have changed and patented it for their our meds. These have changed and altered the natural state of the plant source of the medicinal plant. That's why meds are usually harsher for the liver than Homeopathic medicine. With all herbs, and items used for medicinal purposes you should use caution and be educated on the benefits and side effects. The great thing about Homeopathic is that you have to learn what works best for what situation. To learn about what to use for the right times, look at "Homeopathic Medicine at Home" By Maesimund B. Panos, M.D., a wonderful book that really breaks it down for you.

Homeopathic remedies to do at home are most effective when you use the right measurements and the right occasions. It is very easy to understand and do, and SAFE!!!!! That would have to be the most important thing to me.

Since it is the cold season and H1N1 is of everyone's concern. We are all taking Aconite 30. The kids take 2 small little balls under the tongue just once a week. You could take it more often, but since they have strong immune systems, we only need to maintain their resistance to the colds. It is great! They were battling runny noses and dry coughs from things they were bringing home from school. It has been one month and not a runny nose or cough since we started this small step in prevention. If you are interested in learning more for your self, pick up the book mentioned above, very helpful and informative. Its not just colds, but also, stomach problems, fevers, earaches, burns, acne, and many more.

Remember this is what our ancestors have been doing since the dawn of time. Prevention and healing.

You could be doing it too, and it just takes education and understanding.



Have a Blessed and Healthy Day!!

Our Environment

You may wonder why I would be concerned with the environment when my passion is nutrition, but I think it goes hand in hand. We have to be more concerned with our environment because our food, water, and air are our resources that are being effected by our life styles.






Today's cause is to drop the bag. If we all took steps to make a better environment we could make big changes. Our oceans are becoming very toxic with the garbage that is Blow, dumped, and washed into it. There is a area larger than the state of Texas, where it goes for miles down with garbage debris. If we learn to make small steps to clean up our garbage, and use the recycling centers near you, we can make big changes. It starts with you and me, and it starts with educating ourselves. Please visit the web site and make a commitment to DROP the bag. The seafood we eat are becoming toxic for this reason. If we want to have fresh seafood, and not Mercury high farm raised seafood as our only choices, than please read more and not continue to look the other way.



I have 6-7 canvas bags that I use for my shopping needs, for the weekly groceries, and I try two keep 1 or two bags in my car for those quick stops. If you start today....you will be making a difference.



Ocean conservancy

and

drop the plastic bag

Workout Wednesday.. P90X update

You all know I love the P90X workouts. I have started the 90 day challenge again. I went from a 10/12 to a size 6 the first time around. So I am hoping to make some big improvements with tone and definition. Another dress size down will be a big benefit. Its only day 3 of the 90 days, but I'll keep you posted on the improvements.
 You have all heard at one time someone talk about P90X. Many, many people are do the workouts. I love the P90X routine, but you could also find a different program that fits you better. Go to. beachbody. for more information.

This is the workout you will buy as an investment that you NEVER get tired of. It makes you exhausted, haha, but you never get sick of doing it.


Have a Healthy and Blessed Day.

Its Detox Tuesday.....

OK, So since I did the Master Cleanse, I have loved how my body feels, physically and emotionally. I will be doing the whole cleanse every 3 months, but what I do for weekly up keep, is a once week cleanse. I will make a pitcher of lemons and water in the morning and drink Lemon water all day. Loaded with Vitamin C for one thing, and then for lunch and Dinner I will make a different veggie and fruit shakes. If you are a little hunger than just a shake at dinner than have a nice vegetable soup puree. The things about today is that I am eating no meat, grains, cheese, anything that is a little harder to digest. The veggies and fruit are packed with vitamins, mineral, and FIBER. So I am cleaning and detoxing throughout the whole day. On a liquid diet, your digestive system gets the nutrients and is allowed to rest and recoup for the rest of the week. Its amazing and when you make it a routine you love the way your body runs better.


Here is a shake idea.

1 whole cucumber
4 sticks of celery
2-4 handfuls of spinach
8 lettuce leaves
Any other greens!
Optional boosters: parsley and fresh alfalfa sprouts
Juice all ingredients and mix 50/50 with distilled water. Add optional lemon juice to taste and Prime pH to boost the alkalinity of the juice

Another

3-4 Carrots
125g Fresh Spinach
Handful of Flat Leaf Parsley
2-3 Sticks of Celery
Juice all ingredients (putting celery through last). Mix with juice to taste or drink.

New Nutrition Monday....top Vitamin C foods.

In no specific order....
Oranges
Cantaloupe
Strawberries
Green peppers
Red Peppers
Brussels Sprouts
Kiwi
Guava
Grapefruit Juice
Vegetable Juice blend

If you can incorporate these in a daily diet one or a couple a day, rotating, having a assortment of these it will keep you out of the cold and flu discomforts and out enjoying this beautiful fall/winter weather.  Just as a side note, oranges are NOT the frood with the most Vitamin C.  Its actually on the lower end of the poll.  THats why you want to mix it up and get a little of all these fruits and vegetables in.  Make your own Vegetable shakes with these and say GOOD BYE flu and cold season. 

Have a Healthy and Blessed Day

The herb of the week...is all about Vitamin C

OK, I think most of us our concerned with this years cold and flu season, I know I am.  So a great way to get some extra fluids, that taste great, is to have a nice cup of tea loaded with vitamin C.  There are a few herbs that can help with this, but the top most packed with Vitamin C is the Accerola Fruit.  It is loaded with Vitamin C from 1,500 mg to 14,800 mg of Vitamin C. 

Fruit: Fruits are round to oblate, cherry-like but with 3 lobes. They are bright red (rarely yellow-orange) with thin skin, easily bruised. The pulp is juicy, acid to sub-acid occasionally nearly sweet, with a delicate flavor and apple notes. The fruit is very high in Vitamin C, up to 4,000 mg per 100 g fresh weight, but typically around 1,500 mg C. Green fruits have twice the Vitamin C level of mature fruits. Fruits develop to maturity in less than 25 days. Seeds typically three with fluted wings, forming a triangle. Many aspects of seed viability have not been studied.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/acerola.html for more information.

Very beneifictial in areas of cold, flu, lung disorders, skin, and more.  You can find it in tea bags at you local Health food store or start to grow your own, beautiful Schrub.

Have a Healthy and Blessed Day.

My Detox shake for today

Ok, I am going to be blogging more later, but for those that wish to get a head start on detoxifying the sugar today. This is what we are having. Lots of greens and berries.


1/2 cup Orange Juice, fresh
1/2 cup baby spinach
1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts
2 celery sticks
4 strawberries
1 cup blue berries
ice for texture you wish

Its all in the blender and blend through stages 1 to the liquefy. And its a beautiful purple color. Enjoy and have like 3 of these today. Slowly decreasing the berries and increasing the greens. The color will become greener with less blueberries. I will be posting later today as well.