by L Young | Aug 20, 2014 | Blog
What is the one huge health habit that is missing in so many of our daily lives? Laughter!
Our daily eating habits and exercise aren’t the only factors that affect our risks of heart and other chronic diseases. Stress is moving up on the list of negative effects, and yes, even with children. We all experience stress in our lives from managing a full day of work, family, chores, finances, road rage, illness, and many others. Our bodies can usually return back to its “unstressed” natural state, but when the stress doesn’t leave and we find ourselves in this mode constantly, the danger begins. It begins to cause inflammation in our bodies, increasing our risks of heart and other diseases. So what can we do about it?
One surprising thing we can do is LAUGH more!
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by L Young | Jul 24, 2014 | Blog
Ah, the wonderful colors of summer! As I browse through the Farmer’s Market and our local health food coop, the colors are abundant with the fresh, local produce. One of my favorites is Rainbow chard, and not just for its beautiful color that lives up to its name. Working with people with food sensitivities, this has become a favorite. I’ll let you in on a little secret and my favorite recipe.
First, the secret…For people who suffer from dairy and casein sensitivities,
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by L Young | Jul 2, 2014 | Blog
The heat of summer can leave us questioning “what is the best way to hydrate in the hot summer sun”. Some food manufacturers would like us to think that sports drinks are the answer, but are they really the best option?
Sports drinks have become the drink of choice for many, from athletes, parents, and even children who may be taken in by the commercials and the bright array of colors. With a name like “sports drink” many people assume this is something that is good for them and will provide much needed electrolytes. After all, what could be the harm in drinking something related to sports? First let’s take a look at what many sports drinks are made of then scroll down to discover a great “spa” like alternative.
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by L Young | Jun 17, 2014 | Blog
During the summer month’s kids and adults alike, look for cool, refreshing snacks that are ready to eat on those hot afternoons of work or play. Ice pops are a popular choice when kids need to cool down and a drink just won’t do. Buying healthy versions in the store can be challenging when trying to avoid high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavorings, and other additives. So what other options are there? Create your own icy, slush drink, or frozen ice pops with fresh berries and fruit. Sound challenging; what if I told you it only takes a total of 10-15 minutes!
Here is a favorite combination of mine during strawberry season that I enjoyed for years in my juicer, but using the whole fruit in the blender gives the added benefits of the whole fruit with its fiber. If making a cooler (drink) try garnishing with a whole strawberry and spearmint leaves, and for ice pops, try adding slices of strawberries in the pops to make it more fun and tasty!
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by L Young | May 27, 2014 | Blog
Roasting vegetables is an easy way to enjoy fresh cooked vegetables with a very limited amount of work. Carrots are always a favorite with their sweetness, not to mention their amazing nutrients and health benefits. This recipe is a favorite of mine and is a good example of how adding fresh herbs can change the flavor and look to make vegetables more fun and delicious! Bon Apetit!
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by L Young | May 21, 2014 | Blog
Do you find it challenging to create delicious meals at home? The spring and summer seasons are the best for being creative as we can easily use spices from our own garden (yes, even if you live in an apartment) by planting herbs in pots, a garden, or flower boxes. I keep mine right outside the kitchen so I can easily take my scissors and grab what I need to spice up a meal, salad, or veggies. This is all part of losing the “diet” mentality and learning to create foods that not only taste vibrant, but give us that effect when including them in daily meals.
So where is one to start when you don’t know much about cooking or gardening? A few basic herbs I always have during the spring and summer months are basil, fennel, thyme, mint (spearmint), and my all year round’ herb, Rosemary. They are all easy to grow and do well in the hot summer sun of the South. Here are some tips on how to use them…
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