by L Young | Oct 31, 2014 | Blog
Pumpkins are a favorite when it comes to Halloween decorating, but did you know they may possess healthy healing powers too? They are full of nutrients from the pumpkin meat to the seeds, so before you throw your pumpkins away, learn delicious ways you can put that pumpkin to your benefit.
We all love pumpkin pie for the Thanksgiving holiday, but pumpkins are so much more than pie. The pumpkin meat itself is low in calories and high in fiber, and if that weren’t enough, it can boost vision with its Vitamin A, protect your heart with antioxidants and phytosterols, and the beta-carotene may also help in the prevention of some cancers. Then we move on to those delicious seeds that are filled with minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium, in just one quarter cup of pumpkin, plus omega 3 and protein, aiding in everything from improved sleep, heart, liver, and immune system.
So how can we add this to our diet besides making a pumpkin pie?
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by L Young | Oct 15, 2014 | Blog
On a recent shopping trip to the market, I was reminded of the need to step out of our daily routines and be adventurous, even with something seemingly as simple as our food. While loading produce in my cart, I was taken by a little boy (about 2-3 years old) who reached out from his cart to grab a spiny, red fruit and held it out for his Dad who was picking other produce. The Dad told him he wasn’t sure what it was, but “let’s get it and try something new”! How wonderful to encourage children to be adventurous with food and not give the typical, rushed reaction to put it back in the bin.
This pinkish red fruit caught my attention and reminded me of how we can change the pink ribbon meaning, just a little, to not only mean research and treatment of breast cancer, but the need for prevention! It all starts with our mindset and taking a little time to be open and adventurous. I’m sure you’re wondering how “pink” can relate to our food. Check out these delicious options that pack lot’s of cancer fighting properties.
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by L Young | Oct 1, 2014 | Blog, Recipes
Apple season is my favorite time of year, bringing back memories of apple picking, homemade applesauce that never had the chance to cool, and warm apple crisp. If you’re heading out for apples this weekend, try this easy recipe everyone will enjoy snacking on. Tasting like a little slice of apple pie without the calories, it’s an easy snack that can even be enjoyed on the run.
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by L Young | Sep 24, 2014 | Blog
The crisp Fall weather is a great reminder to slip out of our more casual summer routines and get in gear for the school year that’s under way. There is one routine that can provide us with the clarity and focus to start each day as our best selves; breakfast. In fact, studies show that children who eat a healthy breakfast score higher on tests and overall, do much better academically!
Developing brains need meals and nutrition on a regular basis to function. Skipped meals can affect a child’s ability to learn, behavior, and physical health. Yes, food does so much more than keep our bodies healthy, it also feeds our mind! Many food ingredients can have the opposite effect, leaving one with “brain fog”, feeling irritable, and the inability to focus. When we nourish our bodies with healthy, balanced meals, our brains can function at its best. But how can we fit breakfast in when its often the busiest time of day while trying to get everyone out the door on time?
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by L Young | Sep 11, 2014 | Blog
Having dairy issues can easily send you running for the calcium supplements, or worse, doing without. So how important is dairy to our health? Milk may be the first thing we remember drinking as a child, most likely with each meal. Today, the reality is that more and more people have trouble digesting dairy. In many cases it goes hand in hand with gluten intolerance, where people have an issue with both. Dairy is thought of as our main source of calcium which is critical to building healthy bones and teeth starting with childhood throughout our adult lives. But is it the best choice for everyone?
First let’s look at some of the pros and cons of dairy. It can help build strong bones and teeth while lowering risks of bone diseases like Osteoporosis as we age. However, if we take in too much high fat dairy, our risks for heart disease and some cancers may increase. It can also leave you feeling very uncomfortable if your body doesn’t tolerate dairy products. So where else can we get our calcium intake without resorting to supplements?
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by L Young | Aug 26, 2014 | Blog
Discovering an easy, no fail recipe for fresh peaches is a treasure during peach season. This recipe brings out the flavor of the peaches by lightly roasting or grilling them. Add in the wonderful hint of lemon, thyme, and cinnamon, it turns into pure delight! Enjoy it as a dessert topped with frozen yogurt, or store it in the refrigerator for a breakfast fruit side or an after school snack.
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