Can one food really be a “super power”? If I had to choose just one, I would start with greens. As we enter into the spring season, green is all around us and especially in the garden and markets with the delicious lettuces, basil, kale, chard, and other leafy greens. So what gives them their super powers?
Eating in season, the natural choice… Our bodies react best to foods that commonly grow in our region each season, so it makes
Today is a great day to convert those “non-green veggie lovers” in the family to “going green”! St. Patrick’s Day has always been my favorite day to get the kids and other non-green lovers to indulge in a tasty green drink! You won’t have to present it as a “healthy” drink, but rather a holiday celebration and even the little Leprechaun’s in your home may find it exciting.
This is a favorite in my household for its burst of spring freshness the fresh mint leaves give, along with the wonderful sweetness of fresh pineapple.
With the Spring season just weeks away, the subject of cleansing and detoxing are hot topics for both our bodies and our homes. When it comes to your body, how do you know if engaging in a detox or reboot program is something you need? There are several signs, but knowing the facts can help you determine this for yourself.
We all build up toxins in our bodies from the time we are infants. They come from many sources, with the more obvious being pesticides, pollution, and chemicals. What many people may not be aware of are the toxins in the foods we eat everyday! And no, I don’t just mean pesticides! The real hidden toxins are in fast foods (yes, even the salads!), packaged and processed foods which contain artificial food colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Yes, even sweeteners!
What does sugar have to do with it? There are many forms of highly processed sugar found in our cereals, drinks, and snacks that our body cannot utilize so they often are stored as a toxin. When eating these foods, they can have negative affects on such things as metabolism, mental focus, mood, and energy, not to mention our immune system. More and more health issues and auto immune disorders are being linked to toxins, and the worst part is that many of them remain in our system.
So how can we take back control to create a healthier balance?
A special chocolate treat always has a way of making Valentine’s Day extra special. These chocolate dipped strawberries won’t disappoint and just may be the perfect ending to a delicious lunch or dinner.
As if the wonderful flavor wasn’t enough, both organic strawberries and dark chocolate are full of antioxidants, plus the calcium and magnesium in chocolate can help ensure a relaxed, restful sleep. Adding a touch of cream to the recipe acts as a stabilizer, helping the chocolate set quickly without the need to heat to a certain temperature. The best part; you can prepare, cook, and be ready to serve within 30 minutes! Here is the recipe, enjoy!
You don’t have to give up chocolate to be healthy! This may sound like music to your ears, but before running out for the Valentine’s candy keep in mind that choosing the right type makes all the difference. With February being “heart health” month and Valentine’s Day less than a week away, chocolate is on the mind and shopping list of many. So with a little education you can set out to the chocolate aisle making a delicious choice that may actually benefit your heart in more ways than one. What do we look for?
