Monday, September 30, 2013

9 healthy foods that may contain GMOs








For a quick read on the issues surrounding GMOs, click here.
If you would like to avoid GMO ingredients and foods, here’s a list of ten foods that probably contain GMOs, and are, therefore, maybe not as healthy as you thought they were.
1. Vitamins. Rounding out any diet sometimes means taking some supplements, or maybe your doctor has told you you’re low in a certain vitamin or mineral. Careful; many vitamins are sourced from GMOs, and even the fillers and additives may be as well. For more info, read up here.
2. Papayas. Few fruits are genetically modified, but generally the easiest way to avoid GM foods is to buy organic. The big offender is papaya from Hawaii, as 50% of papayas from Hawaii are GMOs.
3. Alfalfa. The use of alfalfa as animal feed is a hugely important current affair, as many believe that cross-contamination of alfalfa will mean that even organic crops will one day be contaminated by the GM plants. To read a more in-depth article on this issue, click here.
4. Vegetable oil. Unless your veggie oil says it’s organic, it’s probably a GMO. Vegetable oil is sourced from corn, soy bean, and canola oils, which have all been altered to be resistant to round-up pesticides, which definitely would not fall in the category of “healthy”. For info on pesticides, read up here93% of canola in the US is a GE crop, to avoid this, once again, buy organic.
5. Squash. Many varieties of squash, including zucchini, have been altered to fight off diseases, so being careful when purchasing these delicious fall foods might be a good idea. These new variety of squashes are the favorite food of cockroaches, and are considered to be a danger in regards to new pathogens and bacterial diseases.
6. Margarine. Margarine is, of course, made from vegetable oils. Margarine is chosen frequently as a health or vegan option, but be careful. It’s a highly processed food, so sneaking in a GMO is easy. To avoid this, look for products that are %100 percent organic, and read up. For info on cooking with fats, look at One Green Planet’s advice right here.
7. Veggie burgers. Veggie burgers are no-doubt a lovely vegetarian/vegan alternative to this commonly-found food, but many of them are probably containing GM soy. This is of course a problem with any processed food; it’s hard to know what’s really in that super long, hard to pronounce list of ingredients. If you would like to explore the world of vegan burgers and not worry about what might be hiding in the package, buy organic, or even better, try making your own! Click here for a list of great recipes.
8. Bread. Of course, to many, bread and baked-goods might not fall into a “healthy foods” category, but even store-bought whole wheat, multi-grain, high fibre “healthy” breads could contain GMOs. Flours tend to be GM free, so that’s not where the danger lies. Many breads bought in stores have additives, soy products, and maize as sneaky added ingredients. For information, check out what the GMO compass has to say, or, when in doubt, taking things into your own hands and making your own food is always a safe option. Whether you’re a vegan, eating gluten free, or prefer certain flours, this list certainly has something for you.
9. Breakfast cereals. Many breakfast cereals are hiding sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and soy products that are likely all GM crops. Buying a breakfast cereal can already be super daunting, what with the ridiculous amount of “healthy” labeling all over the boxes that generally fill an entire grocery store isle, and adding looking for GMOs to the to-look-for list will only add stress. It’s easiest to just know what to buy, so check out this list here.
The best way to avoid all of these? As repeated any times above, buy organic and look for product labels that state that ingredients are GM food-free. Labeling of GMOs is not required in the United States, but many companies that are opposed to their usage declare themselves as such to allow consumers to make informed choices. In order to check, or if you’d like to have a general idea of what to look for in stores, the Non-GMO project has lists of verified ingredients for every type of food imaginable.





Six Steps to Heal Coronary Heart Disease Naturally


  1. Transition to a Plant-based, Anti-inflammatory Diet - Most sources of inflammation stem from an acidic and inflammatory diet. Reversing this is key to healing inflammation. The first consideration in an anti-inflammatory diet is eliminating the inflammatory foods mentioned here. The second step is incorporating as many alkaline foods as possible into your daily diet. This includes all vegetables (the less cooked, the better), low sugar fruits (berries and green apples), most nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, flax seeds and Chia seeds), and healthy fats.
  2. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidant and Polyphenols - Green tea, berries, melons, kiwis, brightly colored vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables are rich sources. Antioxidants and polyphenols fight free radicals that cause inflammation and damage your cells.
  3. Consume Foods High in Soluble Fiber - Soluble fiber is digestible. As a result, it cleans out your arteries and removes the plaque similar to the that way non-soluble fiber cleans out your colon. The richest source of soluble fiber is avocados. An avocado has a whopping 3 grams of soluble fiber (as opposed to 1 gram in a bowl of Cheerios). Eat one avocado every day. You can slice it over your salad, make guacamole, or add it to your green smoothie. Other good sources of soluble fiber include: Black beans, kidney beans and navy beans (2 grams/serving), unprocessed oatmeal (1.4 grams/serving), oat bran (2.2 grams/serving), Brussels sprouts (2 grams/serving), turnips, sweet potatoes and asparagus (1.7+ grams/serving), and flax seeds (1.1 grams/serving).
  4. Consume Healthy Fats - Unhealthy fats easily oxidize and cause inflammation. Unhealthy fats include trans fats, canola oil, vegetable oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil and safflower oil. If you have any of these in your home – throw them away now! Conversely, consuming healthy fats every day heals the damaged cell membranes and balances inflammation. Healthy fats include coconut oil, olive oil, whole avocados, flax seeds, chia seeds, and fish oil or krill oil. Nuts (walnuts and almonds especially) contain healthy fat, as well as, fiber and vitamin E – all necessary for healing.
  5. Supplement with Fish oil or Krill oil. Fish oil and krill oil are concentrated sources of healthy, healing fat. They are very helpful when you are actively dealing with inflammation, arterial plaque and heart disease.
  6. Metabolic Conditioning Exercise. This type of exercise has many wonderful benefits. It is characterized by high intensity, short duration exercises. It results in increases in growth hormone and testosterone and decreases in the stress hormone cortisol. This supercharges your body’s fat burning and muscle building/toning, stops inflammation and reverses metabolic syndromes (diabetes, obesity, syndrome X, heart disease). Best of all, it can be accomplished in as little as 12-15 minutes per day! Read Busting the Top 4 Exercise Myths for more details on metabolic conditioning exercise.

'Tis the season for pumpkins and their seeds...









  1. One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphospate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.
  2. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral), which is important for immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.
  3. Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)). We all need ALA, however, ALA has to be converted by your body into the far more essential omega-3 fats EPA and DHA -- by an enzyme in which the vast majority of us have impaired by high insulin levels. So, while pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of ALA, I believe it is essential to get some of your omega-3 fats from animal sources, such as krill oil, as well.
  4. Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as an important natural food for men's health. This is in part because of their high zinc content, which is important for prostate health (where it is found in the highest concentrations in the body), and also because pumpkin seed extracts and oils may play a role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate). Research suggests that both pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin seed oil used in combination with saw palmetto may be particularly beneficial in supporting prostate health.
  5. People who eat diets high in pumpkin seeds have been found to have a lower risk of gastric, breast, lung and colorectal cancers, while anti-carcinogenic effects have been found in pumpkin seed oil.
  6. Animal studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may help improve insulin regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative stress.
  7. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good "HDL" cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
  8. Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.
  9. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the "sleep hormone." Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night's sleep.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

What is a healthy breakfast?

What is a healthy, convenient, nutritious Breakfast?
 
Take a look at what people eat in different countries. It's fascinating to see what different cultures  eat for breakfast. 
 
In France, breakfast is almost an afterthought: a coffee with *maybe* a croissant and some fruit. It's almost like the French fast for breakfast, to prepare for their big lunch. 
 
In Northern and Eastern European countries, cold cuts, smoked fish and vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.) are served for breakfast, along with a whole-grain bread, and more. It's a hearty breakfast that's usually not very sweet. 
 
In much of Asia, there's no clear distinction between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is just another meal, so rice, vegetables and some meat are served at that time. In Thailand, a salty soup is often consumed for breakfast. 
 
In Costa Rica, the typical breakfast consists of a dish called "gallo pinto" which is a stir fry made with rice cooked the day before, black beans, onion, garlic and sometimes cilantro. It's served with eggs, or a sort of sour cream, and sometimes corn tortillas. It's a high-carb breakfast with plenty of protein. 
 
And as you know, in North America people have two options for breakfast. The first one is a super-sweet "continental" breakfast (cereal, toasts with jam, pancakes, muffins, etc.) or a super-fatty, "American" breakfast (sausage, ham, eggs, bacon, toasts, etc.). 
 
What should you eat for breakfast?
 
 A  brief history of the Isagenix Shakes
The IsaLean Shake was launched in 2002 and is the original Isagenix meal replacement, containing just 240 calories and a healthy balance of 24 grams of high-quality protein, 24 grams of low-glycemic carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of healthy fat. The majority of protein in the IsaLean Shake comes from undenatured whey, the form of protein optimal for torching fat and building lean muscle (1;2).


http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/isaleanshake_new.dhtml

It's quick to make, little clean up and good nutritious way to start your day for people on the go.
www.fatbgone.org



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The truth about soy

The only soy that has health benefits is fermented soy not easily found in US; as most soy in the US is  all processed soy and 97 percent GMO.





Intermittent fasting and juicing

Juicing is a major comittment and although I do juice, there are days I just don't want to spend the time doing it. There is another way to cleanse and detoxify. Watch the videos at www.isamovie.com and then go to www.fatbgone.org. I still recommend juicing, as it is a great snack and fills you up for hours, but I do both for variety and because I am always on the go.



What can tea do for YOU?

Being a Brit, I love my tea. Here are some teas that benefit your health:

Saturday, September 28, 2013

The power of leafy greens

Leafy greens are some of the most important super foods we can put into our bodies. The nutritional content of leafy greens are like adding the power of Iron Man, Super Man and Wonder Woman all into one. When we fortify our bodies with the power-packed nutrition in greens, we can enjoy elevated energy levels (just like a super hero), a quicker mind, and most importantly, protection against disease. Greens do everything from mitigate cancer cells to keep us from dying of a heart attack. In fact, ‘the optimal Primal plate is overflowing with mineral-and-antioxidant-rich plant matter.’
Leafy greens can be eaten from so many different types of vegetables and plants. When you make sure they are organic and not GMO, they will sustain your body and mind in incredibly surprising ways.
Here are 5 green herbs or veggies that you must start consuming for better health:

1. Kale - This leafy green is full of vitamins A, C and K, carotenoids, and flavanoids – two important cancer fighting ingredients. It contains more iron than many red meats, too
  • 2. Parsley– An amazingly healthful herb, parsley is often thought of as just a garnish, but it has much more to offer than just a pretty, green face. It is full of vitamins K, C, A and folate. Parsley also contains important volatile oils including myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene as well as many flavonoids—including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin. Parsely is considered a ‘chemoprotective food’ that helps to minimize carcinogens in the body. Here are some parsley health benefits.
  • 3. Spinach – This leafy green is so powerful it can reduce skin cancers, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. Spinach is full of vitamins A, K, D, and E, and minerals manganese, potassium, and magnesium. The pop-eye veggie also contains a substance called apigenin, which has specifically been shown to be help with several cancers. Spinach is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, and also supports bone health.
  • 4. Arugula– This leafy green is full of magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K. The herb is also pact with phytonutrients to keep your body free of cancer. Ancient Romans also found that arugula was an aphrodisiac.
  • 5. Sunflower Greens - Sunflowers offer incredible health benefits, and you can eat many parts of the plant. Finding fresh sunflower sprouts is very difficult, but it is so simple to grow your own. Sunflower greens offer one of the most balanced forms of a complete plant protein around. They provide all the essential amino acids and help to repair muscle tissue while supporting the enzymes of the body to do their jobs as well. In addition, they are full of other health-boosting nutrients. Here are just 11 reasons to grow and eat sunflower greens.

For greens everyday: 
http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/greens.dhtml
To order: www.fatbgone.org

Friday, September 27, 2013

How long to take a daytime nap


Taking a nap, we've seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain. But napping may be as much of an art as it is a science. Scientists offer recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.P
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.
For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.
Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.P
In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Real butter, not that fake stuff, Pelleeese!

Check out our Cheese & Butter Making Collection: http://bit.ly/16M4GdR. How many of

you already have a dairy cow, goat, or sheep?



 
The 20 Health Benefits of REAL BUTTER:

1. Butter is rich in the most easily absorbable form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and 


adrenal health.

2. Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.


3. Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.


4. Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.

5. Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.


6. Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.


7. Is a very rich source of the vital mineral Selenium.


8. Saturated fats in butter have strong Anti-Tumor and Anti-Cancer properties.


9. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle


 builder, and immunity booster

10. Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.


11. Protects against tooth decay.


12. Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints.


13. Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts, and


 calcification of the pineal gland.

14. Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.


15. Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.


16. May promote fertility in women.


17. Is a source of quick energy, and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.


18. Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system


 development.

19. Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital


component of cell membranes.

20. Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.