continue reading hover preload topbar hover preload widget hover preload

BODY DETOXIFYING TECHNIQUES

Categories: Disease prevention, Nutrition, Wellness  |   Comments(31)

Body Detoxifying Techniques

Simona Stepancic, BSc, RHN, ROHP, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Orthomolecular practitioner, Raw Food Coach

There are a few detoxifying techniques that you can incorporate into your life.

1.   Eat organic nutrient-rich food

3.   Exercise

4.   Dry skin brushing

5.   Infra-red sauna

 

ORGANIC NUTRIENT-RICH FOOD  – FRUITS

Foods are your first line of defense against the negative effects of lifestyle, stress, pollution, chemicals and disease.

Eating natural, live, raw food will provide a slow and gentle detoxification of the body. It is an ongoing process and it can be easily integrated into your lifestyle.

Below are the foods that are essential when detoxifying. They provide higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and possess energies that are important for healing, maintaining, building and cleansing the body.

 

FRUITS

 

Lemons:

Lemons are excellent liver detoxifiers and are antibacterial, astringent and antiseptic.

They are high in vitamin C and Potassium. Lemons cleanse the digestive system, purify the blood, lower cholesterol and stimulate bile production, which help cleanse the liver.

Have a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon first thing in the morning to start your detox day.

 

Apples:

Apples contain malic and tartaric acid which promote good digestion and cleanse the liver.

Apples are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and pectin, a soluble fibre that can help remove toxins from the body. Have at least an apple a day, preferably before noon on empty stomach.

 

Cherries:

Cherries remove toxins from the kidneys and liver. They also help to eliminate uric acid from the body’s tissues and joints.

Cherries are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins and pectin, which help to clean up heavy metals and cholesterol.

 

Grapefruit:

Grapefruit contains anticancer compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes and coumarins.

Research shows that grapefruit can prevent cancer, especially cancers of the pancreas and stomach.

Grapefruit contains vitamin C, beta carotene, phosphorous and potassium. It has also antiviral, antiseptic, intestinal and liver-cleansing properties.

 

Raspberries:

Raspberries have antiviral and anticancer properties. They are cleansing and anti-inflammatory. Raspberries are rich in pectin, vitamin C and potassium.

 

Cranberries:

Cranberries have antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral properties. They contain Hippuric acid, an anti-bacterial agent that reduces harmful bacteria that adheres to the walls of the urinary tract.

Simona Stepancic BSc, RHN, ROHP, Holistic Nutritionist, Raw Food Coach, Orthomolecular practitioner

 

 

Foods that Heal

Categories: Disease prevention, Nutrition  |   No Comments

Foods that Heal

Simona Stepancic, BSc, RHN, ROHP, Holistic Nutritionist, Orthomolecular Practitioner and Raw Food Coach

Foods that we eat daily shape our body, emotions, mind and spirit.

What we eat and how we eat also reflects a state of harmony within ourselves, the environment and the planet.

Food heals, prevents, and in some cases fights disease. Certain food can make us beautiful, while some causes inflammation in the body. Knowing this, it is easier to become conscious about our food choices.

Eating organic, fresh living plant food such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, sea vegetables, sprouts, and high quality oils is essential to get the glow, and experience vibrancy and aliveness.

These foods contain minerals, vitamins and plant pigments which are disease preventive phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants.

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring substances that plants create for their own protection. They give plants their colour, taste and flavour, strengthen digestion, detoxify your body, preserve your beauty, but most of all they are anti-inflammatory and have the greatest preventive effects against free radicals and inflammation.

The goal is to eat as many anti-aging antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods as possible to boost the immunity and obtain lustrous hair, vibrant glowing skin, and strong healthy nails.

 Simona Stepancic, Registered holistic nutritionsit, Orthomolecular practitioner, Raw food coach

 

 

Find out what’s REALLY going on in your body!

Categories: Cleansing, Disease prevention, Health notes, Nutrition, Wellness  |   No Comments

LIVE BLOOD CELL ANALYSIS – NOW AVAILABLE in Toronto area

Nutrition House: Humbertown, Burlington


 

A small drop of blood taken painlessly from your fingertip is viewed with a high magnification microscope that transfers the image to a monitor. We analyze the immediate test result together, revealing subtleties which cannot be seen by standard laboratory tests!

 

Find out what’s REALLY going on in your body.  Recognize imbalances, detect early signs of serious health conditions, and maintain optimal health!

 

Life blood cell analysis can reveal:

­ Nutritional deficiencies

­ Digestive issues – incomplete digestion of fats and proteins

­ Liver stress

­ Bacterial and fungal levels

­ Circulatory problems

­ Blood PH – Acid/Alkaline balance

­ The condition of red blood cells

­ Folic acid, B12 and iron deficiencies

­ Hormonal imbalances

­ Environmental sensitivities

­ Chronic fatigue syndrome

­ Compromised immunity

Seeing your blood live on a TV screen is one of the most exciting and beneficial experiences you will ever go through.

Simona Stepancic, Restired Holistic Nutritionist, Orthomolecular practitioner and Raw food coach

www.wholeimagenutrition.com

 

 

 

Eating Healthy: Back to Work Lunches

Categories: Cleansing, Disease prevention, Fresh Raw Vegan Recipes, Health notes, Nutrition, Wellness  |   Comments(12)

After a long hot summer we are back to work and ready for a new journey of conscious eating.

Our busy schedule might prevent us from thinking about the healthy food that’s best for us each day. But with planning ahead, our lunches gives us confidence and security. When shopping for particular food, ask yourself:  “Do I want this food to become part of my healthy body cells?”

Think about your total nourishment of the day. We need to eat (I would like to encourage you to eat) every three to four hours to balance blood sugar in order to maintain energy and focus.

I always recommend green drinks first thing in the morning. Drink them on a bus or train if you don’t have time at home. Mix greens with water or your favorite juice to embellish the flavour. If we don’t fuel our body properly in the morning, we will feel grumpy and moody, and will not be able to think straight.

Be creative when preparing a meal or a snack for work. Use different colours, shapes and textures of organic fruits and vegetables.

Serve celery sticks, radishes, cucumbers, carrot sticks, and chopped fennel with home-made spreads. You can also prepare your own cream cheese by mixing pine nuts, lemon, celery and a little water in a blender or food processor. Dips and spreads can stay for a week in the refrigerator.

You can use wraps such as rice paper, kamut pitas, and raw Nori sheets. Fill them with hummus or choose from a variety of home-made raw spreads, and add fresh vegetables such as radishes, cucumbers, sunflower sprouts, etc.

Make your own salad of radicchio, green leafy lettuce, arugula, and dandelion. You can add beans, radishes and sprinkle some ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, dulse or whatever you prefer. Bring your own salad dressing made of extra virgin olive oil, lemon and Celtic sea salt.

Munch on Goji berries, which are packed with nutrients and fibre.  Have at least two apples a day. You can also make yourself a smoothie made of parsley and mango, which can be prepared ahead of time.

Take a protein shake with you if your work hours are long and you are heading to the gym after work.  You can choose from hemp, rice or whey protein; just mix them with water and add some fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. Protein shakes will keep you energized and alert and you will be able to work out longer.

 

And remember to drink water! Recommended is at least ten glasses of Reverse osmosis water every day. The amount depends on climate, stress and exercise. Have a bottle with you every day.

Many of us eat lunches away from home. Here are a few suggestions to choose proper food when eating out.

  • Choose a restaurant with healthful dishes on a menu.
  • Eat a salad or other vegetables with your chicken or fish if you have to have a meat
  • When having a salad, order dressing on the side, such as olive oil and lemon.
  • Skip the bread and butter.
  • Avoid deep fried vegetables; ask the server to steam your vegetables.
  • If you have allergies and intolerances to food always ask your server for the ingredients and method of preparation of your particular dish.

The transition to a healthy diet and lifestyle can be easy. Once you make the change, you won’t want to go back.  The rewards include improved memory, clarity, and focus.

 

Simona Stepancic, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Orthomolecular practitioner, Raw food coach

Summerlicious Picnic – Perfect Ideas

Categories: Disease prevention, Nutrition, Wellness  |   No Comments

In the summer I like to invite friends to join me on a picnic, at the beach, on a farm or in my own garden.

A summer picnic is all about playing outdoors, laughing, relaxing and eating delicious food. As a host and nutritionist I feel a responsibility to provide the most nutritious food that will also satisfy every taste bud.

I create special recipes so that when my friends come they can’t wait to try my picnic-perfect ideas.

 

HEALTHY PICNIC – PERFECT IDEAS

 

1. Use colorful summer harvest

 

Take advantage of the fruits and vegetables that come into season gradually from June to August such as apricots, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries and plums. They are delicious in fruit salads or sliced and topped with seed sauces.

Asparagus, celery, carrots, red and yellow peppers, cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes are excellent summer vegetables to give color and texture to your dish.

 

2. Quick and Easy vegan appetizers

 

Create an easy healthy food by using fresh, crisp vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery sticks, peppers, chopped fennel, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli florets.

Arrange sliced vegetables on a platter, and add home-made spreads or dips in the center such as parsley dip, hummus, white bean dip or spinach dip.

Raw almond butter is yummy and delicious with celery sticks. Baked tortilla chips are healthier version of high fat corn chips and excellent with my home-made salsa. Try brown rice crackers – they go with everything.

I always serve nori vegetable rolls stuffed with sunflower or almond pate and veggies. They are filling and a perfect bite size appetizer.

 

3. Perfect Salads

 

Cool and crisp salads are always fabulous to eat during the hot summer days. Make your own salad with English cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, black olives, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper. This salad is a perfect summer meal and one of my favourites.

For building your own salad use vegetables that you can prepare the day before, such as broccoli, celery, carrots, green cabbage, red cabbage, green onions, radishes, zucchini, cucumbers and olives. You can sprinkle them with walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds or almonds.

 

4. Delicious Fruit Salads

 

I use fruits as a sweet dessert. I like to mix strawberries, apples, bananas, peaches, grapefruits and oranges in the bowl. Watermelon is also very cooling on a hot summer day.

Prepare the fruit salad the evening before your picnic. Sprinkle fruit with lemon to prevent browning and cover the bowl with a clear plastic wrap. Store it over night in the refrigerator.

Serve the fruit salad as is or sprinkle it with cinnamon or coconut flakes. So good and refreshing!

 

5. Perfect Beverages

 

Pure water is of course the best for our body in the hot summer days. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day, especially if you are playing outdoors in a hot sun. You can add some freshly squeezed lemon to your water for flavour or you can make your own smoothie recipe with strawberries, banana and blueberries. Pour the smoothies into icy cold bottles and take to the picnic in a cooler with lots of ice-cubes.

 

 

Enjoying summer picnics does not have to be a challenge for healthy eating. Try these suggestions and appreciate the gifts that nature provides for us.

 

 

FOODS THAT ROMANCE

Categories: Cleansing, Disease prevention, Fresh Raw Vegan Recipes, Health notes, Nutrition, Wellness  |   No Comments

Foods that Romance

 

Have you ever thought about planning a romantic candlelight dinner for two in your home?

I encourage you to plan one as an expression of love, gratitude and connectivity to your loved one.

Let your spouse know that he or she is important to you and write your own invitation with a date and time of your romantic night. Be creative and place the invitation on mate’s pillow or in the pocket or send it by mail.

Bring romance into your life and feel the passion; buy yourself a sexy dress and buy flowers, candles and essential oils ahead of time.

 

ROMANTIC TABLE

 

Setting the mood on your table is as important as the food on the plate. Set the table in front of the fireplace with a pretty tablecloth. Light the candles on your table preferably from beeswax. They are natural, clean burning and healthy for you. Pure beeswax candles smell pleasant and the smell will not interfere with the smell of your wonderful delicious nutritious meal.

I like white tablecloth; it goes very beautifully with gold. You can use gold chargers and white plates and sprinkle some white or yellow rose petals on the table.

Play the soft music to set the right mood. Use pure organic essential oils such as vanilla, lavender or mandarin to fragrance the room.

This is a celebration of love; it is angelic.

 

 

LOVE FOOD

 

Express the love that is in your heart by choosing the most exquisite romantic food that will nourish your senses, body and soul and bring attraction to each other.

Food affects us how we feel and good nutrition is the foundation of our sexual vitality.

Excessive sugar, saturated fat, processed foods affects our sexual desire, our mood and energy level.

Foods that are fresh and live such as leafy green vegetables, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, nuts and deliciously rich chocolate made from pure cacao will boost your energy and stamina.

According to ancient wisdom tradition there are foods to be edible aphrodisiacs.

 

Fruits of the Gods:

 

Strawberries are heavenly fruit. Seduce your lover with red heart shape strawberries. They are perfect fruit for dipping in chocolate (raw cacao sauce)

 


Banana is favorite fruit of the sages. Banana is sweet and rich in potassium, vitamin C and pectin. It is essential to sex hormone production and provides energy and stamina. Dip banana in chocolate and feed your lover.

 

Mango is exotic tropical fruit. It strengthens the heart and provides energy and stamina. It contains vitamin C and E, potassium and magnesium. Mango has a sweet fragrance and is perfect fruit to share with your bellowed. Use your imagination…

 

Raspberry is sexy fruit. Raspberries with its shape and texture are perfect for finger feeding your lover.

Raspberries are sweet-and-sour fruit. They are a good source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

 

Figs are luscious soft plump fruits rich in folic acid, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and potassium. Figs are considered aphrodisiac because of the shape and fig’s pink flesh…

Use figs in salads, as a snack or for dessert.

 

Avocado is sensual fruit, powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and B complex. Avocado is a traditional remedy for erectile dysfunction. It is also a good source of beta carotene, potassium and folate, nutrients good for circulation and heart.

Avocado contains monounsaturated fat that helps maintain levels of good cholesterol.

 

Raw Cacao is considered by the Aztecs nourishment of the gods. Raw cacao is a super food high in sulfur, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, B, C, D, and E. It is super rich in antioxidants (the richest source of any food)

Raw Cacao is an aphrodisiac, high in feel good hormone serotonin and also dopamine and anandamide which increase feeling of well-being.

 

Asparagus has long been used as an aphrodisiac; because of its phallic shape and also because it increases circulation in the genito-urinary system.

Asparagus is packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, B, C, iodine, potassium and zinc. It also boosts vitality and is needed for healthy hormone production.

Feed asparagus to your lover by hand.

 

Celery is an aphrodisiac rich in folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica and fiber. It is a blood purifier, helps neutralize acids in the body, freshen your breath and cleans your teeth.

According to the research celery contains androsterone a potent male pheromone which is released through perspiration after eating. Androsterone is thought to attract females.

Eat a lot of raw celery and you could increase your natural production of pheromones.

 

Sunflower seeds contain zinc needed to produce testosterone in the body. They are excellent for strengthening the nervous system, lowering cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Sunflower seeds build energy and increase sexual vigor in both men and women.

 

 

Vanilla is best known as an aphrodisiac. Vanilla has a powerful scent which is believed to arouse sexual desire.

 

Below are my delicious recipes made to induce romance and spark love between you and your partner.

Invite your partner to prepare dishes with you. Imagine kissing and hugging your partner while they chop veggies or preparing other dishes and desserts. Pour some wine or even champagne in glasses or make something alcohol free such as refreshing piña colada made of fresh coconut meat, coconut water, agave nectar and fresh pineapple chunks. It can be sensual experience.

 

Indulge yourself with a scented bath or a massage using bath oils later or after a meal.

 

Love requires care and nurturing and to plan a romantic meal at home more often is a beautiful way to symbolize love.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

 

RECIPES

Black Mission Figs with Arugula and Macadamia Ricotta

 

6 – 8 Black Mission figs, halved

2 cups arugula

Extra virgin olive oil

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw

Celtic salt and pepper to taste

 

 

In a salad bowl toss the arugula with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon, salt and pepper.

Place arugula on the plate and arrange figs over the top.

Sprinkle with macadamia ricotta

 

Macadamia Ricotta

 

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw, soaked 2 hours

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

Celtic salt to taste

Water to a smooth consistency

1 tbsp chives, finely chopped

1 tsp. oregano, fresh, minced

 

Mix all the ingredients in a blender.

 

 

Preparation:

 

Spoon 4 tablespoon of chocolate cream into a small bowl

Insert bananas into chocolate cream in a bowl.

Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with pecans or other preferred nuts.

 

 

 

Celery Boats with Orange Ricotta Cheese

 

 

Serve this as the perfect beginning to your meal

 

5 – 10 Celery ribs

½ cup raisins, soaked 1 hour

1 cup macadamia nuts, raw, soaked 2 hours

1 orange, freshly squeezed juice

1 orange, flesh

Chives, fresh, to taste

 

 

Soak raisins for an hour before they are needed

Mix together macadamia orange ricotta cheese, freshly squeezed orange juice, raisins, and orange pieces.

Wash celery stalks. Cut stalks into 1 to 2 inch lengths.

Spread orange ricotta cheese onto celery pieces.

Place celery boats on a plate and top with celery leaves to garnish.

 

 

Strawberries Dipped in Raw Cacao

 

1 cup raw cacao or carob powder

½ cup agave nectar

¼ tsp Celtic salt

¼ cup coconut oil

10 to 15 strawberries

 

Mix raw cacao or carob powder, agave nectar, coconut oil and Celtic salt in a bowl until silky smooth.

Place in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to chill.

Place parchment paper on a large tray.

Hold the stem and dip each strawberry in the raw cacao or carob mixture.

Place strawberries on the large tray and put the tray in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving

 

Asparagus Salad with Oranges

 

1 bunch (15 spears) asparagus, trimmed

 

 

Orange Mustard Sauce

 

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

1 orange, freshly squeezed

Extra virgin olive oil

Agave nectar to taste

1 tsp mustard powder

Celtic salt and pepper

 

 

Arrange asparagus spears on a plate, drizzle with orange mustard sauce and sprinkle with pepper.

 

Note: Try to get thin spears as thick stalks tend to be woody.

 

 

Raw Banana Split

 

Chocolate Cream

 

½ avocado

2 bananas

¼ to ½ coconut water or to desired consistency

2 tbsp carob powder

 

In a food processor blend all the ingredients until smooth.

 

 

Whipped Cream

 

2 cups cashews, raw, soaked for 3 hours

Agave nectar to taste

Coconut water

1 tbsp vanilla extract, liquid

1 tbsp almond extract, liquid

 

Mix all the ingredients in a food processor to a smooth and creamy consistency.

 

 

Preparation:

 

Spoon 4 tablespoon of chocolate cream into a small bowl

Insert bananas into chocolate cream in a bowl.

Top it with whipped cream and sprinkle with pecans or other preferred nuts.

 

 

Angel Hair Pasta with Pistachio Pesto

 

Pistachio Pesto:

 

1 cup pistachios, shelled

2 cup basil, fresh

½ lemon, freshly squeezed

2 garlic clove

Extra virgin olive oil according to taste

Celtic sea salt to taste

 

Using food processor, mix all ingredients together to a crunchy consistency.

 

Angel Hair Pasta:

 

5 small zucchini, peeled and cut on half

Bragg aminos to taste

 

Using “Spiralizer”, slice zucchini into angel-hair noodles.

Place angel-hair noodles in the mixing bowl, add some bragg aminos, and sprinkle with lemon and olive oil.

Toss the pistachio pesto with the zucchini and serve.

 

 

 

 

FOOD RESOLUTIONS: Healthy, Happy and Hot for 2012

Categories: Cleansing, Disease prevention, Nutrition, Wellness  |   Comments(14)

 

 

How many times have you said to yourself, “I have to lose weight”, “I have to go to the gym more often”, “I have to eat healthier”, etc.

We tend to do the same resolutions every year, but nothing happens because we are simply not ready. We know that at some point we will have to decide what we really want.

What we think, believe and do is a reflection of our internal balance and harmony with ourselves. When we become conscious of that it becomes easier to make proper food choices.

The approach to healthy eating is a slow transition.

 

 

1.    LOVE YOURSELF

Find a quiet, peaceful moment in your busy schedule. Create a personal space using candles, incense, flowers and stones in your favourite room.
Think about all the good things that happened to you lately – especially when you feel down or caught in negative feelings. Be grateful for everything you have: health, people that you love and that love you, your parents, your spouse, friends etc. Write down your affirmations. Visualize what you would like to create in your life and sense it as if it is happening right now (health, slender body, happiness, harmony), and practice love, peace and compassion.

 

 

2.    LOVE YOUR FOOD

Listen to your Body. How do you feel emotionally, physically and spiritually after ingesting certain foods?  What are your cravings? Incorporate one food at a time and experiment with it. Prepare your food with love, as it will aid in digestion. Create your own recipes in order to develop a relationship with food.

 

 

3.    LET IT GO

Our body needs natural food, rich in nutrients and enzymes without pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and that has not been irradiated, packaged, processed and genetically modified. Eliminate them!  Remember what you put in your body is what you become. If you put junk in your body, your body becomes a junk yard, and if you put superfoods in your body you become healthy, happy, and beautiful in body, mind and spirit. A work of art!

 

 

4.    EAT SUPERFOODS

Superfoods will detoxify your body and nourish and rejuvenate the cells. These life-force foods include fruits, vegetables, and raw or sprouted seeds and nuts. Think about live, organic food taken from the garden and solar-powered with the sun’s energy. When we eat this food, this energy is transferred into our body and gives us energy, youthfulness, and well-being.

SEA VEGETABLES: Eat spirulina, dulse, wakame, arame, kombu, or chlorella on a daily basis. They are packed with trace minerals, and they remove toxic chemicals and metals from the body. Toss them on salads or use in soups.
VEGETABLES: Make your own salad with radicchio, green leafy lettuce, arugula, and dandelion. You can add beans or radishes and sprinkle on some ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, or dulse.
WHOLE GRAINS: Eat fibre such as basmati brown rice, amaranth hemp seeds, kamut breads and Quinoa. They are important for digestive health and efficient bowel movements.

GOJI BERRIES: Packed with nutrients and fiber, eat this fruit at least ½ hour before your meal. Have a bowl of fruit in the morning. Mix apples, papayas, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, pears and sprinkle with Goji berries.

SEEDS AND NUTS: Eat almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and brazil nuts. For better digestion soak seeds and nuts over night.

SMOOTHIES: Mix hemp or rice protein with almond or soy milk in a blender.  Add some maca and/or bee pollen, as well as frozen bananas. It is yummy and filling.

WATER: Drink water that has gone through reverse osmosis.  Make sure that you get at least two litres of water a day to help your body remove toxic waste, especially if you drink coffee and alcohol, which are diuretics and promote fluid loss.

GREEN TEA: Drink this instead of coffee. It is a potent antioxidant, contains flavonoids, helps regulate blood sugar, and is anti-inflammatory.

LEAN PROTEIN:  Fish, eggs, and chicken are very good for non-vegetarians.

 
5.    EXERCISE

There is no weight loss and fit body without exercise. Adding 30 to 45 minutes of gentle physical exercise such as walking, cycling, and dancing will promote cleansing of the blood by stimulating circulation and perspiration. It will increase strength and well-being, and reduce stress. Be around people that exercise regularly and eat healthy!

 

 

Treat your body, your temple, the house of your soul with care and respect. You want to make the best choices for your body; you want to eat the best food available on the planet.

Heal with Superfoods

Categories: Disease prevention  |   Comments(14)

1. PHYTONUTRIENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring substances that plants create for their own protection. They give plants their color, flavour, taste and resistance to disease. Phytonutrients are beneficial for us also as they boost immunity, fight disease and slow down the aging process.

a. Eat a variety of red and orange organic fruits and vegetables that are high in carotenoids such as carrots, pumpkins, red and yellow peppers, red potatoes, papaya, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, mangoes, and acerola berries.  Carotenoids destroy free radicals before they do any cell damage, decrease heart disease, prevent cataracts and support the immune system.

b. Colour your plate with green cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, arugula, brussels sprouts, cauliflower kale, bok choy, onion and garlic. They speed up the removal of excess body estrogen, which inhibits the growth of breast tumor cells, and boosts the immune system.

 

c. Incorporate dark bitter greens that contain the potent phytonutrient chlorophyll, such as endive, arugula, dandelion, radishes, mizuna, mustard greens, swiss chard, kale, watercress and parsley in your daily menu. They are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium and sulphur that contribute to the growth of lustrous hair, glowing skin and strong healthy nails. They are anti-inflammatory and detoxify your body.

 

d. Eat organic berries and grapes, a rich blend of phytonutrients that fight disease.  Ellagic acid is a plant pigment that has anti-mutagenic and anticancer properties. It is found in high concentration in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and green and purple grapes.

 

e.  Have Turmeric every day. According to Ayurveda, turmeric is the top anti-cancer herb. It is good for digestion, is antibacterial, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is more effective when used in cooking.

 

f. Eat sea vegetables such as spirulina, dulse, wakame, arame, kombu, and chlorella on a daily basis. They are alkaline-forming to buffer the acid ashes of proteins and grains. Sea vegetables are packed with trace minerals, and they remove toxic chemicals and metals from the body. Toss them on salads or use in soups.

 

g. Juice your organic fruits and vegetables. They are fresh, easy to absorb and the enzymes aid in digestion, assimilation, and detoxification. One glass of pure, raw, fresh juice per day will help improve the immune system and increase energy.

Buy a good quality juicer that can juice all vegetables and plant food, including stems, peels, seeds and grass.

 

h. Take protein drinks for repairing and building the body tissues including muscles, organs, skin and hair. Protein keeps us energized, alert, and is needed for healthy cells, maintenance of lean muscle tissue, and formation of happy hormones such as seratonin and dopamine, so that you can cope better with stressful situations.

 

Arugula, chlorella, spirulina, Goji berries, hemp seeds, bee pollen, Maca, Almonds and sprouted grains are all easy digestible sources of protein building blocks. You can also use rice or whey protein in shakes. Mix with the protein water and add some fresh or frozen berries. Wild Sockeye salmon is an excellent source of animal protein for non-vegetarians.

 

i. Eat fiber! It is essential for eliminating toxins from the bowel. A good bowel movement at least once a day is important for a healthy immune system. Fiber is the part of plant food that you cannot digest. It is suggested to eat at least 35 grams of fiber-rich food daily.

 

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber speeds up elimination and does not dissolve in water. It is found in whole grain breads, cauliflower, dried beans, flaxseeds, fruit skins, popcorn, and whole grain pasta.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and soaks up toxins; it is found in apples, oranges, lentils, beets and carrots.

 

j. Essetial Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are the key to health. They cannot be made by the body; they must be supplied in the diet. There are two primary forms of EFA’s. Omega-6 found in plant sources, and Omega-3 found in flaxseeds and cold water fish such as wild salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel etc.  EFA’s lowers blood pressure and triglycerides (bad cholesterol) and are essential for membranes that surrounds and protect our cells. Mix flaxseeds in protein shakes, salad dressings and dips. Hemp and black currant oil are plant sources of omega 3 and evening primrose and borage oil are plant sources of omega 6.

 

k. Remember to drink water! It is essential for healing. Water lubricates tissues, flushes wastes and toxins, hydrates the skin, and transports minerals, vitamins, proteins and sugars around the body for assimilation.

Recommended is approximately ten glasses of reverse osmosis water every day. The amount depends on climate, stress, exercise and the amount of cooked food that you are eating daily.  Coffee and colas dehydrate your body, and are aging. Water keeps your skin moist and supple, your brain sharp and elimination system regular.