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So much of health is all about habits and actions, but where do these all stem from? What if we don’t have to make as many changes as we think we do? What if there was one powerful thing that makes a lot of difference? That thing is mindset. Mindset is sometimes called “the story we tell ourselves.” It’s our attitude toward things in our life. And we have control over our mindset. And research is showing that it may be far more powerful than we thought. Very interesting health mindset study Here’s a quick story about a fascinating study. Researchers at Stanford University looked at a bunch of people's health and wellness lifestyle habits, as well as health markers. What they found was that the people who thought they were a lot less active had a higher risk of death than the general public. And, they also had up to 71% higher risk of death than people who thought they were more active. Even if they actually weren't less active! How is this even possible that people who simply thought they were less active had higher risks, even if it wasn’t true? There are a couple of ideas why. One is that maybe if we feel like we're less active, it may make us feel more stressed. And stress isn't good for our mental or physical health. Second, there may be a bit of a mind-body connection where the body embodies what the mind visualizes. Researchers don't know why, but what matters is that there is a good mindset. So, let me give you a couple of strategies to boost your mindset for health. Health mindset strategy 1 - Aim for good enough. Almost no one eats perfectly seven days a week. It's inevitable that obsessing over the quality and quantity of everything we eat or drink isn't necessarily a great mindset to have. It can bring on binging, shame, and guilt - none of these are great ways to get healthy. We want to get healthier by making better choices and building better habits. And these are usually best done incrementally - one step at a time. So, instead of having a black and white approach where everything is good or bad, why not try aiming for good enough to empower ourselves to make better choices, instead of perfect choices. Health mindset strategy 2 - Stop making tradeoffs When you try to earn a gluttonous weekend by eating clean during the week, you're making a tradeoff. You're telling yourself that, as long as you're good most of the week, you can go wild on the weekend. And that's not awesome because the mindset is jumping from one extreme to the other. You're controlling what you do all week, and possibly thinking about how to indulge over the weekend. Just live as though you're trying to do well every single day. Like you care about your health and wellness. You're doing your best, and that's good enough. Conclusion Mindset for health can be a powerful tool for better physical health. There’s a proven mind-body connection that research can measure. Thinking positively, and dropping the black/white and good/bad labels, can help you reach your health goals. How is your mindset for health? Which of these tips resonate with you the most? How are you going to implement them in your life? Let me know in the comments. Have you joined my free online Women's Wellness Community where women can feel connected, inspired, and guided through turning midlife into a metamorphosis, not a crisis? No?! Just click here for free weekly "mini challenges," wellness tips and tricks and other resources! Recipe (Morning mindset refresher): Chia Lemon Water
Serves 1 1 tbsp chia seeds ½ lemon, sliced water Instructions Add the chia seeds & lemon to your favourite water bottle. Fill to top with water. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Shake before drinking. References: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/mind-over-matter-how-fit-you-think-you-are-versus-actual-fitness-2017081412282 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/making-health-decisions-mindsets-numbers-and-stories-201112123946 https://www.precisionnutrition.com/weekend-overeating
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A food preservative is a substance added to foods to make them last longer; to "preserve" them. Preservatives are added to foods that go bad quickly and have found themselves in all kinds of products in our grocery stores.
Preservatives work to preserve food in a few different ways. Some prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Others prevent delicate fats from going rancid. There are so many preservatives out there. While preservatives added to foods should be “approved,” this doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to be safe for everyone always. And it doesn’t mean that the food is healthy. Foods with preservatives are more-processed, less-nutritious foods to begin with - not exactly health foods. So, even if you don’t mind preservatives, you probably should cut down on these kinds of foods, anyway. So, let’s learn more about a few common food preservatives. Salt That’s right - salt. FUN FACT: The term “salary” is from the Latin word for salt. It’s thought that it came from the ancient Romans who would pay employees, allowing them to buy salt. Either that, or it was for their work conquering and/or guarding salt mines/roads. Either way, salt was sought because of its ability to preserve food before the advent of refrigeration. In today’s day and age, with fridges and freezers in every home and grocery store, and refrigerated trucks, salt is not needed for food preservation as much. But our taste buds still seem to crave it on an epic scale. The average American eats over 3,400 mg of sodium per day, well over the recommended 2,300 mg/day. Much of that is because it’s found in processed foods. According to Harvard Health: "... reducing dietary salt (table salt that is only sodium, chloride and iodine) will lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and save lives." So, salt is one of those all-too-common food preservatives that most of us will do better with less of. Nitrites (nitrates and nitrosamines) Nitrites are preservatives added to processed meats. They're not bad in and of themselves, but they do turn into harmful chemicals called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Nitrites form nitrosamines when they're cooked at high heat, and sometimes even when exposed to the high acid environment of the stomach. Nitrites are added to meats to keep the pink-red colour and prevent “browning.” Mostly in bacon, ham, sausages and lunch meats. Since nitrites can change into nitrosamines, nitrites are one-step away from being the “bad guys.” Another interesting thing is that processed meats have been linked with colon cancer. Because of the nitrites? Perhaps, but either way, nitrosamines are a confirmed health-buster. Since nitrosamines (from nitrites) are the bad guys and are formed by cooking nitrites at high heat, what are nitrates? Nitrates are naturally found in many healthy foods like vegetables. They’re especially high in beets. Sometimes our enzymes or gut bacteria change these healthy nitrates into nitrites. However, they rarely form nitrosamines because they’re two-steps away from becoming these “bad guys.” BHA & BHT Have you seen on packages “BHA/BHT has been added to the package to help maintain freshness?” Perhaps on cereal packages or in gum? Guess how these compounds maintain freshness? Because they’re preservatives. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are antioxidants added to many processed foods. The main way BHA and BHT work is by preventing fats from going rancid.Are they safe? Well, they're approved for use as a preservative at small doses. However, some studies show they can cause cancer in animals at high doses. Again, they're added to processed pre-packaged foods, so it's wise to avoid them nonetheless. Conclusion There are a lot of preservatives in our food supply. These compounds work by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, or by preventing fats from going rancid. And they're mostly found in processed foods. If you want to avoid them. Eat fresh foods. Does this information make you want to read all your food ingredient labels now? Let me know in the comments below. Want to learn more about how preservatives in our food effect us? Join my FREE 7 day Ditch the Junk Challenge that starts on Monday! Click here for all of the details! Recipe (preservative-free): Kale Chips Serves 4 1 bunch of kale, washed and dried 1 tbsp olive oil 2 dashes salt 2 dashes garlic powder Instructions Preheat oven to 300F and place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Take the washed and dried kale and rip them into "chip" size pieces and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Mix until the kale pieces are evenly covered. Place kale onto prepared sheet in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip over the kale to cook the other sides of the pieces. Bake for another 10 minutes until the edges just start turning brown. Monitor them well, or you'll have burnt kale chips. Serve & enjoy! Tip: You can use any spice, so try onion powder, paprika, or even turmeric. Don't forget to join me for my FREE 7 day Ditch the Junk Challenge to learn more about how preservatives impact our health! We start on Monday! Click here for all of the details! References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salary https://authoritynutrition.com/are-nitrates-and-nitrites-harmful/ https://authoritynutrition.com/9-ways-that-processed-foods-are-killing-people/ http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-endocrine-disruptors http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/salt-and-your-health https://examine.com/nutrition/scientists-just-found-that-red-meat-causes-cancer--or-did-they/ https://authoritynutrition.com/chewing-gum-good-or-bad/ http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/labelling/food-labelling-for-industry/list-of-ingredients-and-allergens/table/eng/1369857665232/1369857767799  The Nutrition Facts table is on the side of most packaged foods. It’s often found close to the ingredient listing.
The purpose of it is to help consumers make better nutrition decisions. When people can see the number of calories, carbs, sodium, etc. in food, they should be able to eat better, right? Whether you like the Nutrition Facts table or not, let’s make sure you get the most out of it, since it’s here to stay! Here’s my four-step crash course on reading the Nutrition Facts table. Step 1: Serving Size The absolute most important part of the Nutrition Facts table is to note the serving size. Manufacturers often strategically choose the serving size to make the rest of the table look good. Small serving = small calories/fat/carbs. So, it's tricky. All the information in the table rests on the amount chosen as the serving size. And, since every manufacturer chooses their own, it’s often difficult to compare two products. In Canada in the next few years (between 2017-2022), serving sizes will be more consistent between similar foods. This will make it easier to compare foods. The new labels will also have more realistic serving sizes to reflect the amount that people eat in one sitting, and not be artificially small. Let's hope the US will follow suit! Let’s use an example - plain, unsalted walnuts from Costco. As you can see, right under the Nutrition Facts header is the serving size. That is a ¼ cup or 30 g. This means that all the numbers underneath it are based on this amount. FUN EXPERIMENT: Try using a measuring cup to see exactly how much of a certain food equals one serving. You may be surprised at how small it is (imagine a ¼ cup of walnuts). Step 2: % Daily Value The % Daily Value (%DV) is based on the recommended daily amount of each nutrient the average adult needs. Ideally, you will get 100% DV for each nutrient every day. This is added up based on all of the foods and drinks you have throughout the day. NOTE: Since children are smaller and have different nutritional needs if a type of food is intended solely for children under the age of 4, then those foods use a child’s average nutrition needs for the %DV. The %DV is a guideline, not a rigid rule. You don’t need to add all of your %DV up for everything you eat all day. Instead, think of anything 5% or less to be a little; and, anything 15% or more to be a lot. NOTE: Not every nutrient has a %DV. You can see it's missing for things like cholesterol, sugar, and protein. This is because there isn't an agreed "official" %DV for that nutrient. The good news is that the new Nutrition Facts tables will include a %DV for sugar. Keep your eyes out for that. Step 3: Middle of the table (e.g. Calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, and protein) Calories are pretty straight forward. Here, a ¼ cup (30 g) of walnuts has 200 calories. Fat is bolded for a reason. That 19 g of fat (29% DV) is total fat. That includes the non-bolded items underneath it. Here, 19 g of total fat includes 1.5 g saturated fat, (19 g - 1.5 g = 17.5 g) unsaturated fat, and 0 g trans fat. (Yes, unsaturated fats including mono- and poly-unsaturated are not on the label, so you need to do a quick subtraction). Cholesterol, sodium, and potassium are all measured in mg. Ideally, aim for around 100% of potassium and sodium each day. It's easy to overdo sodium, especially if you grab pre-made, restaurant foods, or snacks. Keep an eye on this number if sodium can be a problem for you (e.g. if your doctor mentioned it, if you have high blood pressure or kidney problems, etc.). Carbohydrate, like fat, is bolded because it is total carbohydrates. It includes the non-bolded items underneath it like fiber, sugar, and starch (not shown). Here, 30 g of walnuts contain 3 g of carbohydrates; that 3 g are all fiber. There is no sugar or starch. And as you can see, 3 g of fiber is 12% of your daily value for fiber. Proteins, like calories, are pretty straight forward as well. Here, a ¼ cup (30 g) of walnuts contains 5 g of protein. Step 4: Bottom of the table (e.g. vitamins & minerals) The vitamins and minerals listed at the bottom of the table are also straightforward. The new labels will list potassium, calcium, and iron. Yes, potassium will drop from the middle of the table to the bottom, and both vitamins A & C will become optional. Manufacturers can add other vitamins and minerals to the bottom of their Nutrition Facts table (this is optional). And you'll notice that some foods contain a lot more vitamins and minerals than others do. Conclusion I hope this crash course in the Nutrition Facts table was helpful. While you can take it or leave it when it comes to making food decisions, it’s here to stay. And it will change slightly over the next few years. Do you have questions about it? Have you seen the new labels with a %DV for sugar? If so, leave me a comment below. Recipe (walnuts): Delicious and Super-Easy Walnut Snack Serves 1 8 walnut halves 4 dates, pitted Instructions Make a "date sandwich" by squeezing each date between two walnut halves. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Try with pecans instead. When we think of "vitamins," we know they're super-important for health.
But vitamin D is special. It's difficult to get enough vitamin D; vitamin D is, therefore, a very common deficiency. So, let's talk about how much of this critical fat-soluble vitamin we need, and how you can get enough. The three ways to vitamin D are exposure to the sun, consuming vitamin D containing food, and through supplements. Why is vitamin D important, and how much do we need? Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium from our food and acts like a hormone to help us build strong bones. Vitamin D can also help with immune function, cellular growth, and help to prevent mood imbalances such as depression and seasonal affective disorder. Not getting enough vitamin D can lead to bone diseases like osteomalacia. Inadequate vitamin D can also increase your risk of heart disease, autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and even death. The "official" minimum amount of vitamin D to strive for each day is merely 400-600 IU. Many experts think that this is not nearly enough for optimal health. To ensure you get adequate amounts of vitamin D, you can implement any combination of the three vitamin D sources mentioned above on a weekly basis. How can I get enough vitamin D from the sun? Your skin makes vitamin D when it's exposed to the sun; that's why it's referred to as the "sunshine vitamin."How much vitamin D your skin makes depends on many things. Location, season, clouds, clothing, all affect the amount of vitamin D your skin can produce from the sun. One standard recommendation is to get about 5–30 minutes of sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to the face, arms, legs, or back. This should be done without sunscreen, at least twice a week.Of course, we should always avoid sunburns and of course in some locations (and seasons of the year) it's not easy to get sun exposure. So, how can we get enough vitamin D in other ways? How can I get enough vitamin D from food? Vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. Some mushrooms make vitamin D when they're exposed to the sun. Some foods are "fortified" (which means vitamin D has been added) with vitamin D. These include milk, some orange juices, breakfast cereals, and yogurt. It will say on the label how much vitamin D has been added per serving. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, you can increase absorption of it from your food if you eat it with some fat (healthy fat, of course).Between sun exposure and food, it still may be difficult to get even the minimum of 400 IU of vitamin D each day; this is why vitamin D supplements are quite popular. How can I get enough vitamin D from supplements? It's easy enough to just "pop a pill" or take some cod liver oil (which also contains vitamin A). Either of these can ensure that you get the minimum amount of vitamin D, plus a bit extra. But before you take vitamin D containing supplements, make sure you check that it won't interact with other supplements or medications you may be taking. Always read your labels, and ask a healthcare professional for advice. Do not take more than the suggested dosage on the label of any vitamin D supplement, except under medical care. The maximum amount recommended (for the general population) is 4,000 IU/day. Too much vitamin D can raise your blood levels of calcium (to an unsafe level), and this can affect your heart and kidneys. The best thing, if you're concerned, is to ask your healthcare professional to do a blood test and make a recommendation about how much vitamin in supplement form is right for you. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend higher amounts of vitamin D supplementation for a short time while under their care. Conclusion: Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin which; many people have a hard time maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D. There are three ways to get enough vitamin D: sun exposure, through certain foods, and in supplements. I've given you some ideas how you can get the minimum 400-600 IU or vitamin D daily. If you're concerned, it's best to request a blood test that tests your vitamin D levels to be sure what's right for you. Always take supplements as directed. Recipe (vitamin D): Super-Simple Grilled Salmon Serves 4 4 wild salmon fillets 1 bunch asparagus 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 black pepper 1/4 tsp dried parsley 1/4 tsp. dried dill 4 tbsp olive oil Preheat the oven broiler and raise the oven rack. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and place fish on top, skin-side down. Surround with a single layer of asparagus. Sprinkle the fish and asparagus with sea salt, pepper, parsley, and dill. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil for 8-10 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Serve with a side of rice or quinoa. References: http://thewellnessbusinesshub.com/yes-nutrient-deficiencies-heres-proof-can/ http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/table/ref_vitam_tbl-eng.php https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-vitamin-d https://authoritynutrition.com/vitamin-d-101/ http://neurotrition.ca/blog/brain-food-essentials-sardines  Exercise. It can improve your health on all levels. We’re not just talking about being fitter and stronger. We’re talking about overall health and longevity.
Regular exercise improves your heart health, brain health, muscle and bone health, diabetes, and arthritis. Beyond those, it also reduces stress, boosts moods, increases your energy, and can improve your sleep. And exercise prevents death from any cause (“all cause mortality”). Convinced yet? The benefits of exercise come from improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation and blood sugar levels. They come from moving your muscles (including your heart muscle) and pulling on your bones. You don’t need to go overboard on exercise to get these amazing health results. As little as 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days/week is enough. And you don’t have to do a particular kind of exercise. All four types of exercise have health benefits. They are:
Don't forget, all exercise counts, even if it's not doing a sport or in a gym. Weekend hikes, walking to the store and doing household chores also count towards your weekly exercise goal. Let me take a minute to prove to you how healthy exercise really is. Here are a few key points. Exercise for heart health Exercise reduced cardiac mortality by 31% in middle aged men who previously had a heart attack. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure). Exercise for brain health Exercise can improve physical function and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease. It also reduces changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise improved mental functions by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is involved in learning and memory. It also increases the size of the part of the brain for memory and learning (the "hippocampus"); this was shown mostly with aerobic exercise. Exercise for muscle and bone health Regular physical activity can help maintain strong muscles and bones; this is particularly true for strength exercises. As we age, we naturally start to lose muscle mass and bone density. So, to prevent osteoporosis, exercise regularly. PRO TIP: And don’t forget that balance exercises and Tai Chi can help prevent falls. Exercise for diabetes People with diabetes who exercise have better insulin sensitivity and HbA1C values (the marker of glycemic control). Exercise does this because by contracting your muscles, you’re fueling them with sugar in your blood. This helps to manage blood sugar levels better than without exercise. Conclusion These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health benefits of exercise. By doing just 30 minutes 5 days/week, you can vastly improve your health. Since there are different benefits for different types, try mixing up what you do throughout the week. You don’t even need an “official” workout. Walking to the grocery store or doing household chores can count too. If you’re just starting, then pick something you enjoy, get some accountability (exercise tracker or a buddy), and start. What’s your favorite exercise and how often do you do it? Recipe (exercise recovery): Coconut Water Refresher Serves 2 1 cup coconut water 2 cups watermelon ½ tsp lime juice 1 dash salt 1 cup ice 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional) Instructions Blend the first four ingredients until well mixed. Add ice and pulse until ice is crushed. Pour into glasses or water bottle and add chia seeds. Shake/stir before drinking. Serve & enjoy! Tip: The chia seeds add extra fiber, protein, and omega-3s. References: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFBBjynBpSw&t=3s http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110 https://authoritynutrition.com/10-benefits-of-exercise/ https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Fracture/prevent_falls_ff.asp http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/exercise-is-good-for-diabetes https://authoritynutrition.com/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar/ http://www.precisionnutrition.com/healthy-movement https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity Have you said “bye bye” to sleeping through the night?
Are you feeling exhausted or “running on stress hormones” all day? Do not fear, I have some great tips (and an amazing recipe) for you! The science of sleep is fascinating, complicated and growing Sleep is this daily thing that we all do and yet we're just beginning to understand all of the ways it helps us and all of the factors that can affect it. Lack of sleep affects just about everything in your body and mind. People who get less sleep tend to be at higher risk for so many health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer; not to mention effects like slower metabolism, weight gain, hormone imbalance, and inflammation. And don't forget the impact lack of sleep can have on moods, memory and decision-making skills. Do you know that lack of sleep may even negate the health benefits of your exercise program? (Gasp!) OMG – What aspect of health does sleep not affect??? Knowing this it's easy to see the three main purposes of sleep:
Do you know how much sleep adults need? It's less than your growing kids need but you may be surprised that it's recommended that all adults get 7 - 9 hours a night. For real! Try not to skimp! (Don't worry, I have you covered with a bunch of actionable tips below.) Tips for better sleep
So how many of these tips can you start implementing today? Recipe (Caffeine-free latte for your afternoon “coffee break”): Caffeine-Free Chai Latte Serves 1-2 1 bag of rooibos chai tea (rooibos is naturally caffeine-free) 2 cups of boiling water 1 tablespoon tahini 1 tablespoon almond butter (creamy is preferred) 2 dates (optional) Cover the teabag and dates (if using) with 2 cups of boiling water and steep for a few minutes. Discard the tea bag & place tea, soaked dates, tahini & almond butter into a blender. Blend until creamy. Serve and Enjoy! Tip: You can try this with other nut or seed butters to see which flavour combination you like the best. Cashew butter anyone? References: http://www.thepaleomom.com/gotobed/ http://www.precisionnutrition.com/hacking-sleep If there was ever a call for "digestive health," this is it!
Yes, it's true. Your gut is considered your "second brain." There is no denying it anymore. And because of the new scientific discoveries about the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, and the amazing influence your gut microbes can have, it's no wonder what you eat feeds not only your body but can directly affect your brain. I find it amazing (but not too surprising). What exactly is the "gut-brain connection." Well, it’s very complex, and to be honest, we’re still learning lots about it! There seem to be multiple things working together. Things like: ●The vagus nerve that links the gut directly to the brain;● ●The “enteric nervous system” (A.K.A. “second brain) that helps the complex intricacies of digestion flow with little to no involvement from the actual brain;● ●The massive amount of neurotransmitters produced by the gut;● ●The huge part of the immune system that is in the gut, but can travel throughout the body; and, ●The interactions and messages sent by the gut microbes. This is complex. And amazing, if you ask me. I’ll briefly touch on these areas, and end off with a delicious recipe (of course!) Vagus nerve There is a nerve that runs directly from the gut to the brain. And after reading this so far, you’ll probably get a sense of which direction 90% of the transmission is… Not from your brain to your gut (which is what we used to think), but from your gut up to your brain! The enteric nervous system and neurotransmitters Would you believe me if I told you that the gut has more nerves than your spinal cord? I knew you would! And that's why it's referred to as the "second brain." And, if you think about it, controlling the complex process of digestion (i.e. digestive enzymes, absorption of nutrients, the flow of food, etc.) should probably be done pretty "smartly"...don't you think? And guess how these nerves speak to each other, and to other cells? By chemical messengers called "neurotransmitters." In fact, many of the neurotransmitters that have a strong effect on our mood are made in the gut! e.g. a whopping 95% of serotonin is made in your gut, not in your brain! The immune system of the gut Because eating and drinking is a huge portal where disease-causing critters can get into your body, it makes total sense that much of our defense system would be located there too, right? Seventy-five percent of our immune system is in our gut! And you know that the immune cells can move throughout the entire body and cause inflammation just about anywhere, right? Well, if they’re “activated” by something in the gut, they can potentially wreak havoc anywhere in the body. Including the potential to cause inflammation in the brain. Gut microbes Your friendly neighborhood gut residents. You have billions of those little guys happily living in your gut. And they do amazing things like help you digest certain foods, make certain vitamins, and even help regulate inflammation! But more and more evidence is showing that changes in your gut microbiota can impact your mood, and even other, more serious, mental health issues. How do these all work together for brain health? The honest answer to how these things all work together is that we really don't know just yet. More and more studies are being done to learn more. But one thing is becoming clear. A healthy gut goes hand-in-hand with a healthy brain! So, how do you feed your brain? Of course, a variety of minimally-processed, nutrient-dense foods is required, because no nutrients work alone. But two things that you many consider eating more of are fiber and omega-3 fats. Fiber (in fruits, veggies, nuts & seeds) help to feed your awesome gut microbes. And omega-3 fats (in fatty fish, walnuts, algae, and seeds like flax, chia, and hemp) are well-know inflammation-lowering brain boosters. Recipe (Gut food fibre, Brain food omega-3): Blueberry Hemp Overnight Oats Serves 2 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup oats (gluten-free) 1 cup almond milk 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 tablespoons hemp seeds ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 banana, sliced ¼ cup chopped walnuts 1.Blend blueberries in the food processor until smooth. 2.Mix blueberries, oats, almond milk, chia seeds, hemp seeds in a bowl with a lid. Let set in fridge overnight. 3.Split into two bowls and top with cinnamon, banana, and walnuts. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Your gut microbes love to eat the fiber in the blueberries, oats, seeds, and nuts. Meanwhile, your brain loves the omega-3 fats in the seeds and nuts. References: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626 http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-probiotics http://www.precisionnutrition.com/fix-gut-fix-health http://neurotrition.ca/blog/your-gut-bugs-what-they-eat-and-7-ways-feed-them Glycemic this and glycemic that. Does it matter? You'll notice that they both begin with "glycemic." That's one tip that they have to do with sugars and carbs. Not only how much sugar is in foods, but more importantly, how it affects your blood sugar levels. In general, diets that are high on the glycemic index (GI) and high in glycemic load (GL), tend to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. FUN FACT: Starches like those in potatoes and grains are digested into sugar; this is because starch is just a bunch of sugars linked together. Digestive enzymes break those bonds so that the sugars become free. Then those sugars affect your body the same way that eating sugary foods do. Glycemic Index (“how fast”) The most common of the two terms is “glycemic index” (GI). As the name suggests, it "indexes" (or compares) the effect that different foods have on your blood sugar level. Then each food is given a score from 0 (no effect on blood sugar) to 100 (big effect on blood sugar). Foods that cause a fast increase in blood sugar have a high GI. That is because the sugar in them is quickly processed by your digestive system and absorbed into your blood. They cause a “spike” in your blood sugar. So, you can probably guess that pure glucose is given a GI rating of 100. On the other hand, chickpeas are right down there at a GI of 10. Regarding GI: low is anything under 55; moderate is 56-69, and 70+ is considered a high GI food. Remember, this is a measure of how fast a carbohydrate containing food is digested and raised your blood sugar. It's not a measure of the sugar content of the food. How the carbohydrates in food affect your blood sugar level depend on other components of the food. Things like fiber and protein can slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, and this can make even a high-sugar food, low on the GI scale. So, lower GI foods are better at keeping your blood sugar levels stable because they don't increase your blood sugar level as fast. FUN FACT: Can you guess which food has a GI of higher than 100? (Think of something super-starchy) White potatoes! They have a GI of 111. Glycemic Load (“how much”) The glycemic load is different. Glycemic load (GL) doesn’t take into account how quickly your blood sugar “spikes”, but it looks at how high that spike is. Basically, how much the food increases your blood sugar. GL depends on two things. First, how much sugar is actually in the food. Second, how much of the food is typically eaten. Low GL would be 0-10, moderate GL would be 10-20, and high GL would 20+. Example of GL and GI So, let’s compare average (120 g) servings of bananas and oranges:
Excerpt from: Harvard Health Publications, Glycemic index and glycemic load for 100+ foods
As you can see, the banana and orange have almost the same glycemic index.; this means they both raise your blood sugar in about the same amount of time. But, the average banana raises the blood sugar twice as high (11) as the orange does (5). So, it contains more overall sugar than the same amount (120 g) of orange. Of course, this is all relative. A GL of 11 is not high at all. Please keep eating whole fruits. :) What does this all mean for your health? Certain people should be aware of the effects that foods have on their blood sugar. People who have diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions like insulin resistance need to be aware of the glycemic index and glycemic load of foods they are eating regularly. The GI and GL are just two factors to consider when it comes to blood sugar. Some high GI foods are pretty good for you but if you want to reduce the impact on your blood sugar, have them with a high-fiber or high-protein food. Conclusion If you have blood sugar imbalances or diabetes, you should probably be aware of the GI and GL of your food. If you are at risk of diabetes or heart disease, you might try swapping out some higher GI/GL foods and replacing with lower GI/GL foods. Oh, and try this low GI recipe I have for you. Recipe (low GI): Mediterranean Salad Serves 2 1 cucumber, chopped ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed ½ cup black olives ¼ red onion, diced ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp garlic 1 tsp basil ½ tsp oregano 1 dash sea salt 1 dash black pepper Place first five ingredients together in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients to a jar (to make the dressing) with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Add dressing to salad and gently toss. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Add chopped avocado for even more fiber and healthy fat. References: http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/food-beverages/glycemic-index-glycemic-load No question that what you eat can affect how you feel, right?
Mental health and brain health are complex. So are the foods we eat, and the ways our bodies interact with those foods. While, we don't know the exact mechanisms how food and nutrition help, we know a few ways food impacts our moods. First, what we eat becomes the raw materials for our neurotransmitters. “Neurotransmitters” are biochemical messengers that allow our nerve cells to communicate (ever heard of serotonin?). They are important not just for thinking and memory, but also for mental health. Second, what we eat affects our blood sugar. And having unstable blood sugar levels can contribute to mood swings. Let’s talk about mood-boosting and mood-busting foods. Mood-boosting foods Some nutrient deficiencies look like mental health problems; this includes deficiencies in B-vitamins, vitamin D, and the mineral selenium. So, getting enough vitamins, minerals, (and other things like antioxidants) are key. These nutrients not only reduce inflammation but also fuel the biochemical reactions in our bodies. Including those that create neurotransmitters. So make sure you're eating a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, studies show that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables are the happiest. Also pay special attention to vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin), as it’s not naturally occurring in too many foods. Selenium is an essential mineral found in Brazil nuts, walnuts, cod, and poultry. Try to add some of those to your weekly diet. Second, make sure you get enough protein. Protein is your body's main supply of amino acids. Amino acids are very important for mood issues because they are the building blocks of neurotransmitters. Protein also helps to regulate blood sugar. I recommend eating protein with every meal; this includes dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, poultry, and meat. Third, complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and quinoa are great too. They allow better absorption of key amino acids like tryptophan. Tryptophan is used by your body to make serotonin (your “happy hormone”) and melatonin (your “sleepy” hormone). So, if you want to relax, try these in the evening. Fourth, fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids (nuts, seeds, and algae) are also mood-boosting. Omega-3s are definitely “brain food” and may help to ease some symptoms. FUN FACT: One study showed that giving one multi-vitamin and one omega-3 fish oil tablet per day to prison inmates reduced the incidence of violent behavior by 50%! Last but not least, make sure you’re hydrated. Mild dehydration can cause mood issues as well. Mood-busting foods You won’t be surprised to hear me say processed foods are mood-busters, right? One study suggests that eating a lot of processed foods devoid of nutrients can increase your chances of becoming depressed by as much as 60 percent! This is on top of the research that shows nutrient deficiencies can look like mental health problems. “But it makes me feel good!” Yes, some of these mood busters can make you feel better temporarily. Some big food companies study how to maximize the "pleasure" centers with the perfect amount of sugar, salt, and fat. Not to mention the color, texture, and taste; they can light up our taste buds and make us feel good… for now. A few other things to avoid are:
Conclusion Bad moods can lead to bad eating habits; and, bad eating habits can lead to bad moods. If you need a mood boost, stick to minimally processed nutrient-dense whole foods. Things like fresh fruit and vegetables (including leafy greens), nuts and seeds, eggs, fish, poultry, and meat. Avoid common mood-busting foods like alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. And remember, sometimes “feel good” junk foods, only make you feel good temporarily. So, try my newest recipe for fruit salad, below. Recipe (mood boosting): Fruit Salad Serves 6-8 1-2 cups watermelon, cubed 1-2 cups cantaloupe, cubed 1-2 cups blueberries, fresh 1-2 cups blackberries, fresh 1-2 cups green grapes Instructions Place all fruit in a large bowl and gently toss. Serve & enjoy! Tip: Substitute or add any ready-to-eat fruit, like chopped peaches, or raspberries. References: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/food-and-mood http://www.precisionnutrition.com/how-to-fight-depression-naturally-with-nutrition https://nutritionfacts.org/video/foods-increase-happiness/ Do you ever feel a bit “overextended” in the belly after a meal? Perhaps “gassy?” Have you ever carried a “food baby?”
Well, bloating is common. Up to 25-30% of people experience it regularly. It happens when you have trouble digesting. The symptoms come from excess gas, reactions to foods, or food not moving through you as well as it could. There are many reasons you might experience these symptoms. Maybe because of a serious condition (disease), or a food allergy or intolerance (what you eat). It can also result from how you eat. If you have a serious digestive issue like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), then make sure you eat accordingly. Same goes if you know certain foods give you gas. Simply avoid them. If you’re already doing those things, and still experience bloating, here are some great tips for dealing with it naturally. 1 - Don’t overeat If you overeat at a meal, then you’ll feel bigger around the mid-section. You’ll feel more pressure in your abdomen. Plus, you’re giving your digestive system a hard time. It’s better to eat until you feel almost full and not overindulge. Grab an extra snack or small meal throughout the day if you have to. Just don’t over-stuff yourself in one sitting. 2 - Avoid sugar alcohols Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners made from sugars. In an ingredients list, they end in "-ol,” and include things like sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. They’re found in some chewing gums and sugar-free foods. Some people experience bloating after eating foods with these. So, try avoiding them and see if that helps you. 3 - Avoid swallowing air Sometimes the gas that causes pressure in your digestive system is from swallowing air. Things like carbonated drinks are the biggest culprit here. You can also swallow air when you chew gum or drink through a straw, so try ditching these. You can also swallow air when eating too quickly or while talking. Which leads me to... 4 - Eat slower, more mindfully, and less stressed Eating too fast isn’t doing your digestive system any favors. You can help the food move along by chewing it thoroughly and slowing down your eating habits. Be mindful and enjoy the time you are spending eating your meals. Savour them. The feeling of stress can also cause increased bloating. Stress-reducing techniques can help improve your digestion. Try meditating or deep breathing (but not while you’re eating). :) 5 - Try peppermint Peppermint oil has been shown to improve bloating. It’s thought to increase transit time by relaxing the stomach muscles and increasing the flow of bile. Try steeping fresh peppermint leaves, or a peppermint tea bag, and drinking it slowly. See if that helps reduce your symptoms. Conclusion There are a bunch of natural ways to deal with bloating. First, avoid it by not eating things that give you gas or aggravate a digestive issue. Try not to overeat, consume sugar alcohols, or swallow air. Also, eating more mindfully and reducing stress can help too. Finally, if you are experiencing bloating, enjoy a cup of peppermint tea. If you do all of these, and still experience bloating, then you may have a food intolerance; this could be from an allergy or intolerance. If you have a major concern, then please see your doctor. Your doctor can help to rule out a serious and/or chronic condition. Recipe (peppermint): Peppermint Mocha Creamer 1 can coconut milk ½ cup almond milk, unsweetened 2 tbsp cacao powder, unsweetened ½ tsp peppermint extract or essential oil (food-grade and safe for internal use) 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional) Instructions Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until well combined. Store in a sealed container in your fridge. Serve & enjoy! Tip: While the non-peppermint ingredients in this creamer may or may not be “de-bloating” for you, try these ideas too:
References: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-ways-to-reduce-bloating/ https://www.dietvsdisease.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bloating/ http://www.precisionnutrition.com/fix-gut-fix-health |
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