As the new year rang in, many of us had a mental list of all the things on our do and don't list. Usually at the top of that list is to lose weight and exercise. Sadly; when you put it into such general, non-specific terms, it can suddenly become as daunting as "read War and Peace in a week" (I personally take a week just to read my favorite magazine). Well I thought I would make things a little easier with a few new foods and exercises to try in every blog. Most of the items on this list cost little or no money, can be done in the comfort of your our home, and you can share with your family. Let us start with some of the foods in this experiment. I chose the foods because it has been my experience, both as a person and a professional, that when you are eating better- you feel better- and when you feel better- you want to add more things into your life to feel EVEN better. (yes I know, that was a lot of better's; I promise I'm not auditioning for an infomercial). My point is; everything in life is a cycle of positive or negative influences. When you can consciously substitute the negative things in your diet and life with positive ones; you are creating a new cycle that only gains momentum.
I love this stuff. You can eat it, drink it, clean with it, and even take a bath in it. It is safe for people of any age and is a natural way to stay healthy. You need to buy the UNFILTERED, RAW, ORGANIC type. The reason it needs to be the afore mentioned is because apples are the #1 contaminated fruit with pesticides off the "dirty dozen list" (but that is for later). Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like chains of connected protein molecules. (If sediment occurs, shake before using.)
INTERNAL BENEFITS:
Rich in enzymes & potassium, Natural antibiotic germ fighter, Fights E Coli and other bacteria, Helps control and normalize weight, Helps improve digestion assimilation, Helps relieve arthritis stiffness, Helps relieve dry sore throats, Helps remove body, sludge toxins.
The best way to get the goodness is to drink it once or twice a day. I like mine as a hot "tea" in the morning and through out the day. Just take hot water, 1 to 2 Tablespoons of the vinegar, and honey to taste. I personally like mine more vinegar"y" , but if you add more honey it takes that taste away. This is safe for the entire family; just give the kids a smaller amount of vinegar.
Yerba Mate Click here for more information
It looks like tree bark and has a very earthy taste, but this drink is high in minerals, antioxidants, has a great caffeine boost equal to coffee; and Yerba mate is a smooth natural source of energy and nutrition. Like green tea it is rich in polyphenols.
You can drink Yerba mate in place of coffee and feel confident you are getting the kick you need, but in a much healthier dose. Here is how I make mine (which I am enjoying at this very moment)
1. Like I said it looks like green bark. I recommend that you start with only a tablespoon or so to start.
2. I use my french press, but a tea ball would work too. Just add non boiling water and let steep 5 minutes or so.
3. I personally like to use Silk Creamer in mine. It blends nicely with the earthy taste of the Yerba and makes it more like a tea latte.
Figs
I am completely addicted to figs and cheese. I mean I have to get my fix at LEAST once a day. The good thing is that figs are super high in fiber (5 grams per serving), antioxidants, and are sweet enough to calm any craving. Now when I get my groove on I eat the figs straight from Whole Foods Bulk Bin; they don't have any sulfates or preservatives, and I store then in the fridge ( I think they taste better cold). I also eat them bit for bit with Beecher's Flagship cheese. For me it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Plus I get may calcium to boot.
Well safe to say I know what I'm eating for luck... All this talk about food has made me hungry.
Please click the links to learn more... as the Saturday Morning Specials used to say " The more you know, the more you grow."
