Food of the Week: Creamy, Green Chocolate
Anyhow, let’s get on with our yummy food of the week. What creamy, green delight will I be talking about this week? The Avocado of course!!! I must admit; now that I have been on an Avocado kick for the last several weeks, I can definitely see why it’s often referred to as the “chocolate” of fruits.
Since swimsuit season is fast approaching I did find myself asking, “how can eating fat, not make me fat?” The answer: When it’s a healthy fat! Contrary to popular assumptions, the avocado can actually be a helpful part of a successful weight-management program. For instance, the avocados monounsaturated fat content is great for speeding up your metabolism as well as giving you that full feeling to prevent you from over eating.
Some More Fun Facts:
- Avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable, belonging to the genus Persea in the Lauraceae family.
- Avocados are sodium- and cholesterol-free and have only five grams of fat per serving, most of it the monounsaturated kind.
- Avocados were once a luxury food reserved for the tables of royalty, but now California avocados are enjoyed around the world by people from all walks of life.
- Brazilians add avocados to ice cream
- Filipinos puree avocados with sugar and milk for a dessert drink.
- The avocado is also called an Alligator Pear because of its pear-like shape and green skin.
- Avocado is a corruption of the Spanish word aguacate, which is in turn a corruption of the Aztec word ahuacatl.
- California produces about 90% of the nation’s avocado crop.
- San Diego County is the Avocado Capital of the U.S., producing 60% of all the avocados grown in California.
- There are about 7,000 avocado groves in California; the average size is around 10 acres.
- A single California avocado tree can produce about 500 avocados (or 200 pounds of fruit) a year although usually average about 60 pounds from 150 fruit.
- There are seven varieties of avocados grown commercially in California, but the Hass is the most popular, accounting for approximately 95% of the total crop volume.
- California avocados grow year-round.
Protein, vitamins A and E, potassium and fiber are just a few of the avocados 20 beneficial nutrients! Replace the fatty, processed crap with one of these gems and you too can achieve True Optimal Health! It make me salivate just thinking about this yummy “Green Chocolate”. Can’t wait to give you the Avocado and Tomato Salad Recipe I’ve been filling up on everyday!
Stay Tuned,
Brandi
Business, Health, Natural Remedies | Comments (1)Sorry Dell, I’m a Mac Girl Now!
Sorry for the delay in writing guys, my computer has been acting up this month and to my dismay I have had to put it rest after 6 inspiring years of partnership. I am sad to see it gone in the sense that my Dell spells comfort in my eyes. Oh well, I like to think of this experience as a new start!
On my search for a new laptop we decided to go for the Mac. Let me tell you it is phenomenal thus far and I am positive I haven’t even grasped 90% of it’s potential! What is even more cool the fact that our fancy computer is now a tax write off at the end of the year because I work from home.
Sorry Dell, I’m a Mac Girl Now!
Brandi
Marketing, Personal Growth, Raw recipes | Comments (3)Recipe of the Week: Bliss-full Blueberry Cheesecake
Courtesy of The Sunny Raw Kitchen, I found this rawesome Blueberry Cheesecake recipe. Elegant, Delicious, Healthy and best of all Simple. Who could ask for more?
No one said eating healthy has to be boring, so be sure to check out The Sunny Raw Kitchen for this tasty way to get your antioxidant punch for the day! In a rush, no worries there is another way of getting those powerful fruits in your diet!
Uri Life’s Beyond Berries is the perfect way to get those same wholesome Blueberries in less than 30 seconds. Just mix the nutrient dense powder in with some water, juice or yogurt and Voila! PLUS you will be getting an extra 15 Antioxidant Rich Fruits and Berries, 83+ Active Enzymes and Fulvic Minerals, and 22 Resilient Living Probiotics!
Click here to try some samples of Uri Life’s Beyond Berries.
Hope you have an antioxidant-filled holiday weekend!
Brandi
Health, Raw recipes | Comments (3)How Can I Work from Home with Kids Jumping on Me?
I was recently flipping through a copy of Success Magazine, when I found myself laughing hysterically at the site of one of the advertisements for a home based business. Come on, who really works from home dressed to the 9 with kids on their lap surrounded by a beautiful house?
The reality is, yes there are about 6 million Americans currently working from home, half of which probably do so in a house filled with noisy children, barking dogs and heaps of laundry piled on the coach. It’s advertisements like these that give us false pretenses and have us feeling like failures when we come to the realization that we’re not Clevers!
If this is you, know that you are not alone in your balancing act. Here are a few ideas to help you succeed when you have a household all competing for your undivided attention:
1. Let go of the perfectionism. No one is perfect. You are going to have interruptions, delemias and complete chaos at times. That’s okay! I can’t tell you how many times my 18 month old has been the ice breaker as he snatched the phone out of my hand to say “Hi”. Hey, it’s a great conversation starter!
If by chance someone gets offending, I thank them for their time and tell them that this is not the team for them. Simple as that! Learn to let go and just be YOU!
2. Make your family your top priority. Instead of multi-tasking your way to success, or should I say depression, take care of your family and then set aside a time to work on your business. You and I both know how hard free time is to come by so make sure you use this time productively.
And if you don’t get everything done, write them on your to do list for the next day. Just make sure you put your focus on all the things you did. Even if it was taking the kids out for ice cream and going to the park for the day! Some thing to think about: Muli-tasking lowers your IQ more than smoking marijuana.
3. Put together a special work box only to be taken out while you are working. For my 6 year old daughter’s box we have a variety of arts and crafts and for my 18 month old son’s we have his Finding Nemo DVD and a ton of cars and trucks.
Be sure that you value your time with your children and much as you value you the time spent building your business. That means keeping to your scheduled hours of work. The more your family sees you respect them the more they will not only respect you and your business but will also be more apt to help out as needed.
Working from home with children in the house can be daunty but instead of making them your excuse not to run a home based business make them your reason why you are running a successful home based business.
I make a great income working just 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. My Uri Life business continues to grow strong with each passing month all while my kids are on my lap trying to delete my files, smearing bananas across my face and using my leg as a jungle gym.
If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO! Just don’t expect me to answer my phone when you call. It’s not because I am avoiding you, it’s because my 18 month old has decide to play hide and seek with the darn thing and I am still trying to find it!
To Your Success!
Brandi
Business, Personal Growth, Self Improvement | Comments (1)Quote of the Day: Could it Really Be that Simple?
“The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they’ll ease
Your will they’ll mend
And charge you not a shilling.”
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields
Health | Comments (0)
Food of the Week: Give Your Body the Antioxidant Punch it NEEDS!
Are you looking for a way to look and feel radiant? Well look no further, studies show that Blueberries deliver a potent antioxidant punch — in fact they have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits!
Why are Antioxidants so important?
Antioxidants help our bodies protect against disease and age-related health risks. Every day, our cells wage a battle against free radicals – unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Dietary antioxidants come to the rescue.
These phytonutrients, natural substances found in fruits and vegetables, neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging. Scientists from around the world are studying the ways in which these tiny little berries may help combat disease and promote healthy aging.
The many potential health benefits of Blueberries include:
- Brain Health: Ongoing brain research shows that blueberries may improve motor skills and actually reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging.
- Cancer Prevention: Research shows that blueberry compounds may inhibit all stages of cancer.
- Heart Health: Research indicates that blueberries may protect against heart disease and damage from stroke.
- Urinary Tract Health: Like cranberries, blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections.
- Vision Health: Research around the world has indicated that blueberries may improve night vision and prevent tired eyes.
Have you gotten your Blueberries today? Stay tuned for different ways to incorporate these power packed berries into your meal plan!
Until Then,
Brandi
Health, Natural Remedies | Comments (1)Sweet Ecstasy
All to often you find more and more weight loss enthusiasts grabbing themselves a diet soda to replenish that naughty indulgence without the fear of repercussion or, more importantly, weight gain. But are these popular diet sodas truly the nectar of the gods?
Unlike trans fat, there isn’t any hard core evidence showing that diet soda rots your insides. Luckily we have videos such as the one above to educate us to make wiser decisions when having the urge for sweet ecstasy.
No one is perfect, are you a diet soda drinker or do indulge in another way?
Hope you have yourself an Optimal Weekend!
Brandi
Health | Comments (1)Recipe of the week: Chia Fresca 2.0
As promised, thanks to Yardsnacker, I found a rawsome Chia Seed recipe! I made this yesterday for my daughter and I before her baseball game…can you say YUM!
Because “healthy eating” is apparently a new thing here in RI, I had to order my Chia on the internet from Matt Monarch’s website, http://therawfoodworld.com. I believe it was under $10 for a pound, will have to double check on that!
Obviously making Chia Fresca 2.0 everyday is a bit on the expensive side so I will continue to drink Uri Life’s The Feast while I find different ways to incorporate this amazing seed into my diet.
Enjoy!
Brandi
Health, Natural Remedies, Raw recipes | Comments (1)Food of the Week: Cha, Cha, Cha Chia!
No, I’m not talking about the famous Chia Pet that seemed to grace the home of millions back in the early 90’s! I’m talking…Chia seeds! What was once considered to be a sacred food to the Native Americans, is now taking the world by storm again thanks to Oprah’s recent plug!
The name, chia, is Maya for strength or strengthening and rightfully so. Chia is a excellent source for the essential omega 3 & 6 oils. They also have approximately two times the protein concentration and up to ten times the oil concentration of other grains, and are digestible without grinding, unlike the Flax seed.
Chia seeds are small and have the unique feature of a shell that turns gelatinous (mucilaginous) when it gets wet. This gel is thought to create a barrier in the stomach between the carbohydrates and digestive enzymes - slowing the breakdown of carbos into sugar and prolonging endurance. The seed can absorb more than 10 times its weight in water which can prolong hydration and retain electrolytes in body fluids.
Chia Seeds Also Offer Powerful Health-Building Benefits:
• Super-Energizing For Increased Endurance and Sustained Energy. A Balanced Blend of Protein, Essential Fats, Fiber, Complex Carbohydrates, and Antioxidants. Chia is unrivalled among all seeds and grains for providing energy to your mind and body. Native peoples knew about chia and made it their power food of choice. The energy and endurance of native athletes, runners, and warriors is legendary. Now you can benefit from their knowledge about chia!
• Improves Cardiovascular Health. Provides Extremely High Levels of Heart-Healthy Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Chia’s oil contains the highest-known percentage of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, an incredible 62%–64%! Foods really can be the ‘best medicine.’ And chia’s benefits just get better!
• Stabilizes Blood Sugar. Reduces Blood Glucose Swings and Supports Conditions of Hypoglycemia and Diabetes. Chia’s soluble giber exerts a stabilizing influence on blood glucose levels by regulating the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and assimilated in the body. This creates steady, stable blood glucose levels…which also means steady, high energy levels. That’s the ‘magic’ of chia, based on the best nutritional science and traditional tribal knowledge!
• Reduces Cravings for Sweets and Junk Foods. Chia’s Soluble Fiber Allows the Measured Release of its Natural, Unrefined Carbohydrate Energy into the Bloodstream. This is exactly the opposite of a blood sugar rise followed by a crash, which happens when consuming foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates (e.g., white-bread products), and concentrated sweeteners (such as high-fructose corn syrup).
Some people may not even know what normal blood sugar regulation feels like (due to poor diets or long-term blood sugar problems). Chia can help restore normalcy to blood glucose levels, especially for individuals suffering from lifelong consumption of ‘standard American diets’ (SAD) in our sugar-and-carbs-gone-wild civilization.
• Improved Mental Focus and Concentration. Chia’s Balanced Essential Fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6) Can Signficantly Boost Brain Power…and Brighten Mood (EFAs are known for their antidepressive effects). Essential fats make cell membranes more flexible, and enable more efficient membrane function, including better nerve transmission and nutrient transport into cells. A healthy nervous system supports more efficient brain function. In fact, the essential fats in chia are well-known for helping improve brain function!
• High-Quality Protein. Chia Contains 20% or More Protein…a higher percentage than found in other grains, such as wheat, corn, rice, or oats. Plus, chia is high in Natural Antioxidants (unlike flax), which means it stays fresh far longer and supplies powerful dietary antioxidants. In addition, chia’s high-quality, vegetable-source protein works synergistically with its other benefits (like reducing cravings and cardioprotective properties). The cumulative effect of consuming chia is super nutrition giving you exceptional staying power and supporting your active, healthy lifestyle!
• Promotes Lean Muscle Mass. Chia’s High-Quality Vegetable Protein Helps Build Increased Lean Muscle Mass. Therefore it is useful for weight loss and weight maintenance. Chia is suitable for all lifestyles and dietary regimens, including low-carb diets and vegetarian diets. In addition, chia’s essential fatty acids (see above) actually boost metabolism and contribute to optimal metabolic function, thereby serving to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
• Gluten-Free. Unlike Typical Grain-Source Proteins, Chia Protein Contains No Gluten. Chia thereby is an ideal food for individuals having gluten sensitivity, carbohydrate intolerance, hypoglycemia, Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, or for anyone wishing to avoid common gluten-containing grains like corn, barley, and wheat. (Moreover, simple carbohydrates—including high-gluten foods—are implicated in obesity and blood glucose instability, and generally provide poor nutrient-density.) Chia is a gluten-free, nutrient-dense alternative to grain-source proteins!
• An Ideal Superfood. Chia is an Excellent Functional Food for Most People, including individuals exhibiting food allergies, food sensitivities, or food and chemical hypersensitivity. One study found no evidence of allergic response to chia, even among individuals having peanut and tree nut allergies.
Plus, chia is an ideal superfood because it is portable, won’t easily spoil (i.e., protected by natural antioxidants), and safely can be stored for extended periods; chia can be eaten raw, but also remains fresh after grinding; and even after being ground and mixed with water, chia (as a gel) can keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Chia absolutely puts the “super” in “superfood”!
• Super-Hydration and Electrolyte Balance. Chia’s Soluble Fiber (i.e., Hydrophilic Colloids) Massively Retains Water…keeping you well-hydrated and maintaining your electrolyte balance. Chia seeds hold 12 (or more!) times their weight in water. When consuming chia seeds that have been hydrated, you thereby obtain that hydration for yourself for hours!
Because when chia is placed in water, juice, or mixed (whole or ground) into moist foods, it greatly swells and thereby provides effective super-hydration for your body. This uniquely powerful swelling capacity also provides special properties (i.e., thickening) you may find useful in the kitchen…or anywhere you happen to be when you need hydration.
Given that water is the major component of our bodies, chia’s value for hydration is very significant indeed, especially for active persons, and can make a huge difference in your levels of hydration, and thereby in your quality of life!
• Supports Healthy Elimination and Detoxification. Healthy Oils and Soluble Fiber work together supporting greater regularity and comfort…beneficial effects not to be underestimated! Considering that most Americans are deficient both in essential fats and soluble fiber, chia is an obvious choice for supporting better elimination and natural detoxification, naturally.
• Uniquely Balanced. Chia Offers Amazingly Balanced Ratios of Macronutrients. In fact, chia’s ratios are better balanced than most grains, seeds, and many other foods. That’s why chia is considered by many to be Nature’s perfect food! Add chia to your diet, and witness your own transformation for yourself!
Have you gotten your Chia today? I have been drinking Uri Life’s The Feast every morning for the last 8 months and have noticed amazing results. While I knew The Feast contained Chia Seeds, I had no idea just how beneficial the Chia seeds truly were. After doing a little digging I have considered adding even more Chia to my diet.
Stay Tuned for some Cha, Cha, Cha, Chia recipes later this week!
To True Optimal Health!
Brandi
Healthy, What’s that???
Yes, the proof is in the research; we all need to pay more attention to what we think, eat and do. What motivates me to take on such a challenge? It’s because I am broken, I have been betrayed, damaged, and I am out to take revenge, just kidding!
On a more serious note, the reasoning behind my madness is truly my daughter and my desire for not wanting her to have to suffer from all of the horrid images that center around a woman’s pant size!
I want her to know and understand the value of good nutrition so she can escape from the eating disorders that plague young women today. I want her to love and appreciate herself just as she is, just as I see her!
So what does healthy mean to you?
Have a great weekend!
Brandi
Health | Comments (6)
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