HOW TO GET GLOWING RADIANT SKIN

It’s a hot and dry time of the year in many places in the northern hemisphere ––the sun has been strong, the air has been dry and our skin surely needs a little extra TLC.

The sun is something that can accentuate our overall health or with over- exposure, the effects are dangerous and damaging. It’s no myth that what we put in and on our bodies, is directly reflected in the quality of our skin health.

Here are some easy ways we can enjoy the late summer lifestyle, while still taking care to maintain healthy, and glowing skin.

Step One: Hydrate

Our skin is our largest detoxifying organ and it is most radiant when all its cells are properly nourished and hydrated.

There’s a simple equation to gauge how much water you need to drink every day: Take your body weight, divide by two, and convert that number to ounces. This will give you the minimal amount of water your body needs to stay sufficiently hydrated. 

With increased physical activity or time being out in the hot and dry sun day you will require more hydration.

Water is also a crucial detoxifying agent, keeping the liver and the related organs (i.e. skin) flushed and fresh.

For a more versatile hydration boost, try adding some electrolytes to your water.

 

Step Two: Moderate

As most of you may know, our bodies absorb vital nutrient energy from the sun in the form of Vitamin D. What you may not know is that too much exposure will prevent this from effectively happening.

Just as your muscles need a warm-up before performing an intense athletic activity, your skin needs to ease into sun exposure before it can efficiently reap the benefits.

Minimize damage while still getting healthy Vitamin D exposure by choosing the safest times of day to be in the sun –– before 10 am and after 4 pm.

Step Three: Protect

When searching for the right sunscreen, it is important to use an eco-friendly, biodegradable product, so be sure to read the ingredients before you buy!

Additionally, topical antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and green tea extract help to increase absorption directly into skin cells, concentrating the skin’s continual repairing process.

These nutrients fight free radical damage from the sun and environmental pollution and stress. The gradual buildup of these antioxidants on the skin can provide protection for up to a few days at a time.

Here are some important ingredients to avoid when buying a sunscreen:

• paba: a chemical used in sunscreens since the 1950s that is now showing an increase in free radical damage;

• parabens: a pertrolium-based preservative that never leaves the blood stream and has been shown in studies to have a direct link to breast tumors and sperm count reduction;

•  triethanolamine (TEA): which may cause the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines when combined with nitrite (another preservative); and

• benzophenome: one of the most powerful known free radical generators.

Also, minerals such as zinc and titanium dioxide are extremely beneficial in protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays when applied topically.

Using skin-friendly oils as full-body moisturizers, such as coconut, almond, and olive oil, will enhance the skin’s overall appearance. Red Palm Fruit oil, which can be found in your grocery store, is one of the highest sources of antioxidants in the form of carotenoids, tocopherols and tocotrienols, all of which replenish the skin with essential nutrients. Red palm fruit oil can be applied topically during sun exposure or shortly after.

 

Step Four: Nourish

As I mentioned earlier, diet is a major factor in maintaining a radiant glow and preventing free radical damage. Because skin is the body’s largest organ, it requires a lot of resources and energy to stay healthy. Some general rules of thumb for eating a skin-friendly diet include:

• Balance your blood sugar. When you sugar is off you are both negatively impacting the inflammatory response in your body (hello acne) and throwing your hormones into a tailspin. Sabilizing your blood sugar will do wonders for your radiance –– inside and out!

• Eat a diet based in whole foods loaded up with phytochemicals (superfoods), Eat fresh, local produce in a rainbow of colors, ensuring that you get all the essential nutrients and enzymes.

• Eat foods that are rich in Omega 3’s will aid in the skin’s ability to fight free radical damage. In maintaining healthy, youthful skin it is crucial to avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats, and processed carbohydrates.

• Cleanse with the seasons. Allowing your body a chance to cleanse at least twice per year will not only cleanse various organ systems in the body –– such as the liver, kidneys, colon, and gall bladder –– but will also be visible in your clear bright skin, free from age spots, blemishes, and unwanted toxins.

Step Five: Rest

Sleep helps you regenerate the skin. Sleep can also help to release tension in your nervous system as well as give you more emotional resiliency to manage stressful situations.

The earlier you can get to bed, the better. In many eastern traditions, it is said that each hour before midnight is worth 2 hours of sleep after midnight.

In addition to sleep, try a relaxation practice such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. These types of practices bring us to a centered, grounded place and support us in moving through daily stress with a lot more ease.

Your skin health will benefit from a peaceful, rested, and relaxed day-to-day existence that revolves around balance, nourishment, mindfulness.

Step Six:  Delight

Pleasure is one of the principle ingredients in our daily health.  Pleasure heals.

Each time we experience pleasure, we release a powerful molecule in the body called nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide does wonders for our inflammation, and is the most powerful fighter of free radical damage. 

Laughter, exercise, nature, joy, touch and connection with others are some of the most common ways to increase nitric oxide in our bodies. 

Your smile is always your radiance.  Remember, your radiance shines from within. 

Glowing skin is always in!

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Want More? Here are some other relevant and inspiring articles to peruse.

PALISADE PEACH CAPRESE

"PATIENCE IS BITTER, BUT ITS FRUIT IS SWEET"

JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU

Here in Colorado we love our Palisade peaches. To me there is nothin' better than a late summer peach. This recipe is a fun spin on a Caprese salad and a delightful addition to your harvesty table.
 

This low glycemic fruit is a great late summer fruit to boost up your antioxidant intake without throwing your blood sugar off track.  If you can find local organic peaches in your area, you will notice the flavors are even more full and tasty. 

If you are not a dairy eater, feel free to substitute the fresh mozzarella in this recipe with a nut cheese (such as ricotta) and enjoy!!

GOLDEN MILK GREEN SMOOTHIE

GOLDEN MILK GREEN SMOOTHIE

I wanted to share this delicious age old tonic (that is making a trendy comeback) because it is tasty, nourishing and full of very potent ingredients. 

The color is divine and the ingredients come straight from the ayurvedic dietary principles. 

Golden milk is a very medicinal blend that your body and mind will thank you for.

Health Fact: Turmeric is both a super food and a super spice. 

Turmeric is ranked number 6 of the top 100 high ORAC value antioxidant foods which really means it is one potent substance. Turmeric is also known for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. 

Turmeric: Turmeric is the powerful ingredient that gives curry its bright yellow color and contains the healing compound curcumin. It also boasts an excellent ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 127,068—a measure of the antioxidant content of foods. The antioxidants in turmeric, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, are a wonderful boost for your immune system.

You can add turmeric to your food, take it as a supplement or make it into a delicious tea with just a teaspoon of turmeric in some hot water for a great morning tonic.

Enjoy this tasty and healing green smoothie!

Want a few more recipe ideas? Keep perusing below:

BLUPHORIA GREEN SMOOTHIE

BLUPHORIA GREEN SMOOTHIE

Do you need extra energy? Focus? Vitality? Try this delicious and bluephoric (blood sugar safe) blue — green smoothie.

The antioxidant responsible for these beautiful blues are anthocyanin and phtyocyanin which work well to support your body detoxifying, supporting heart health, boosting your metabolism and combatting oxidative stress.

Plus, as a little bonus, check out the recipe for one of my favorite superfoods that is not only super nutrient dense but also one of those rare colors found in nature.

Want to see a recipe demo? You can watch one HERE.

Craving some other healthy recipe ideas? Keep browsing below…

MOCHA MAVEN GREEN SMOOTHIE

MOCHA MAVEN GREEN SMOOTHIE

Ahhh, some mornings I love the bitter flavors of coffee and raw cacao, creating a delicious mocha smoothie that now only boosts your energy, but keeps you satiated all day long.

Cacao is one of my most favorite superfoods on the planet. Full of more antioxidants that almost any other food to date, not only do you get that chocolaty flavor, but you are fueling your cells with nutrients that leave you feeling great.

Research shows that cacao may also reduce insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance, and in turn reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Notably, the high-flavanol—a natural compound found in many plants—content of cacao is shown to lower insulin resistance when used regularly over a few consecutive weeks. The flavanols have been shown to both reduce oxidative stress and alter glucose metabolism.

Coffee, when it is organic and fair trade, is another wonderful source of polyphenols and antioxidants. Phenolic acids are a type of polyphenol (micronutrients with antioxidant activity). These plant-sourced antioxidants are found in high doses in just one cup of coffee.

Coffee is a highly (pesticide) sprayed crop. Not only that, while there is little research on pesticide residue in coffee, potential toxicity comes from the conventional growing and processing of coffee and could lead to a negative impact on your health.

Try this delicious smoothie variation which also uses one of my favorite fats…MCT oil.

Then…Let me know how it tastes in the comments below!

Looking For Some Other Yummy Recipes?

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CURBING YOUR CRAVINGS

The intelligence of your body is wise, reliable and authentic –– most of the time.


That said, when you are off balance metabolically, you will naturally start overcompensating with adaptive responses that can throw you into a tailspin.


For example, when your blood sugar is off you will crave more sugary foods. When your sleep if disrupted, you will crave more comfort food.


These are called dispersive cravings, and learning to read them can take a little practice.


Our responses are biochemical –– those chemical processes that prompt how we move through life.


Our biochemistry drives our behavior.


Consequently, as you find your equilibrium in your body's chemistry, you will find equilibrium in your life. 



If you want to learn how to feel more stable throughout the day, as well as discern between your wise cravings, and the dispersive ones (cravings that are a result of your imbalances), I have got you covered.

Like you, I’m no stranger to cravings. I know how they can feel overwhelming and out of control when it comes down to it.

I’ve been there. I spent my college years living on coffee and banana nut muffins. 

My cravings were running the show –– all day every day.  Not only did I not feel satiated, energized or content, but I also had intense bouts of hypoglycemia, migraine headaches and brain fog.

This is how I learned these important antidotes and now I can wholeheartedly say “It doesn’t have to be this way.”  

Q: Do you get stuck in sweet seductions and bread-y binges?

If you are thinking your personal will should be strong enough to battle the craziness of these common cravings, I have good news for you:

Most of our cravings have nothing to do with your personal weaknesses or emotional mishaps.

What’s really going on has much more to do with your biochemistry.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF CURBING YOUR CRAVINGS
 

While you may think that your blood sugar imbalances are inevitable, consider these tips for taking charge of your cravings once and for all!

1.     How LOW can you go?

If you can start off the day with a low glycemic breakfast (a breakfast that turns to sugar slowly) you will conquer your cravings much quicker. Research confirms that when you eat a low glycemic breakfast, you crave less food (especially in the form of carbohydrates and sugar) throughout the day. It is not really magic at all, but it does feel like a miracle.

2.     Snack Smart 

When snacking, try eating foods high in protein and fat instead of carb-heavy versions. Foods like nuts, seeds, avocado, unsweetened yogurt (nut milk or whole milk), organic proteins or protein shakes, paired with low sugar fruits like berries and apples, will keep your insulin happy in between meals.

3.     Healthy, Happy, WHOLE

Carbohydrate quality is a big culprit in how your cravings manifest. The more processed the food, usually the worse of a blood sugar bomb. If you can eat carbohydrates in their whole form (such as brown rice, sweet potato, steel cut oats, quinoa, or a tart apple) you will find these whole carbohydrates are much more gentle on your blood sugar. Cleaning up your carbs makes all the difference. Go for the good stuff.

4.     Consistency is KEY

When we wait too long between meals, we are taking an insulin risk that often ends in you being hangry, and making a choice that is more impulsive. Planning on little dense snack bites often will keep you satisfied while also curbing those dispersive cravings. Eating regularly throughout the day creates a healthier metabolism and happier hormones (aka Insulin).

5.     Balanced intelligence

The body is intelligent when it is in balance. We inherently know what we need. As you start fine tune your blood sugar, you will notice you can trust your food intelligence more and more. Try to take a few moments to slow down and listen. Make your plate part your practice.

6.     The Flavors Create the Fervor

In Traditional medicine, there is a distinctive art to balancing the 5 flavors (this recent podcast with special guest Lauren Lewis speaks to it well). Each flavor is known to bring a different quality and energy to your body and mind. We so commonly find our plates are full of sweet flavors, swinging the balance way off-center. Try inquiring with each plate of food: Can you find a representation of the majority of the five flavors (sweet, bitter, salty, sour and pungent)?

Within the intricacy of flavors, your palate will be pleased and your body will be more satiated.

As I said, your biochemistry drives your behavior. Trying to improve your behavior without addressing these deeper issues is an uphill battle that you will most likely lose.

Eating to feel how you want to feel is at your fingertips. Drop me a comment below and let me know how it goes!

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Sue Van Raes is a functional nutritionist, food psychology specialist, yoga practitioner and author in Boulder, Colorado. Sue helps people to navigate making sustainable changes in their health while elevating their well-being and making peace with their plates.

Sue works with clients locally, remotely, online, and through her virtual, local and international women’s wellness retreats. 

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WANT TO KEEP READING? HERE ARE SOME OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES TO BROWSE:

HOW TO CHOOSE PROTEIN POWDER

HOW TO CHOOSE PROTEIN POWDER

3 Nutritionist-Approved Tips

Increased trends (and pics) of morning smoothies (made with protein powder) have become like a trendy love affair for individuals seeking to build lean body muscle mass, increase the feel good health vibes and and get those extra greens into your day.

Not only is this convenient breakfast (or meal) trend working well for people on the go, but when given the best versions of protein powder, morning smoothies can also deliver a ton of nutrient density, energy and blood sugar balance to our bodies.

If you want to build muscle and burn fat to transform your body, there’s no getting around it, you need to eat enough protein and good fat. Not only is protein required to repair and rebuild your muscles, but when combined with good fats, it’ll also keep you feeling fuller for longer so you can curb your cravings and find your flow.

As with anything, there is a gigantic range of quality that not only presents confusion and overwhelm, but can also take something good, and turn it awry.

Check out these 3 Nutritionist-Approved Tips to choosing your protein powder wisely.

1. The Secret is in the Source

The most common question is about where the protein comes from. Before you get drawn into the whole whey, collagen, hemp, bone broth, rice, pea, soy debate – STOP.

There are many great protein sources.

When it comes to protein powder, whey and collagen are the most complete protein source and have the highest protein density.

Whey and collagen, when organic and un-denatured, are highly absorbable and are optimal for muscle protein synthesis.

But, many people have dairy allergies or dairy intolerances, and some of you are likely plant based. If this is the case for you, or you want a little variety, try some other great options such as hemp, pea or rice protein powder.

When exploring vegan protein powders, favor those that have been designed with a full amino acid profile – complete proteins – in mind. This helps to build muscle and strengthen your metabolism.

Beware of soy: Research suggests that soy can increase levels of the female hormone estrogen (which encourages fat storage), and the plant is often genetically modified to boost crop yields.

 2. Quality Matters

As I mentioned above, not only is the type of protein important, but the quality of that protein as well. When buying any kind of protein powder, be sure to get grass fed, organic, non-GMO, whole food based protein powders that have full amino acid profiles (found in the ingredient list) and are low in carbohydrates and sugars making them low glycemic.

Read the ingredient lists. Many of the available protein powders are chock full of additives, preservatives, sugars, and even artificial sweeteners –– such as sucralose.

Ensuring the sugars are low will ensure that you are satiated, and you remain in the fat burning zone free from the repercussions of extra toxins, additives and artificial ingredients.

3. Look at the Macro Nutrients

Macronutrients — carbs-protein-fat — are calorie-containing nutrients that fuel the many functions of the body. A good meal replacement protein powder will have a healthy balance of these.

Look for macro-nutrients somewhere in the range of protein 20 grams, fat 5-10 grams (and you can add extra such as coconut oil, MCT oil or nut butter on your own), and carbs less than 20 grams (low glycemic sweeteners such as monk fruit and stevia help with this a ton).

While there is no magic ratio that fits everyone, you will likely find that making these changes in your ratios will help you with long term body composition, cravings, energy, mental clarity, sleep and a more balanced mood.

A low-glycemic meal-replacement smoothie that allows for steady blood sugar control and staying fuller between meals is your ticket to both satiation and your super powers.

What I have found is that health seekers all over the planet love to drink morning smoothies because they can easily add a variety superfoods, proteins, good fats, greens, and adaptogens to create a powerful start to the day.

Above all, the key to a great breakfast smoothie really lies in a good balance of protein, along with other healthy and nutritious ingredients to create something yummy that you'll look forward to drinking.

Photo Credit:  Chef Bailey Jean Ruskus

CULTIVATING PEACE

"TO BE FREE IS NOT MERELY TO CAST OFF ONE'S CHAINS, BUT TO LIVE IN A WAY THAT RESPECTS AND ENHANCES THE FREEDOM OF OTHERS"

NELSON MANDELA

There is a gap.


There is the substantial gap between where we are now in the world and where we need to be.


The global pandemic as well as the #BLM movement, effectively happening at the same time, are pointing to the fact that there is a lot of work to be done.  


We are all needed, yet we surely cannot do this alone. 


We need your strength, we need your gifts, we need your superpowers and most of all we need your compassion.


We must become rocks in our crumbling world. 


For effective change we must cultivate momentum, we must rewrite our collective story, we must tend to our overly charged nervous systems and we must  transcend what we may think is possible.


Tragedy and trauma give us the opportunity to rebuild something that is much better than before.


While many of us are still digesting all that has happened over the past few months, how we nourish ourselves (body, mind and heart) translates to how able we are to gather our energy and power and stand up for change.


This is big work, quite possibly the most important work of our time.

As always, feel free drop your comments in the comment box below.


I hope you enjoy this 4th of July weekend -- along with the full moon and lunar eclipse bonus!.  
 

PEACEFUL WARRIOR GREEN SMOOTHIE

PEACEFUL WARRIOR GREEN SMOOTHIE

You may know that stress effects your eating, but did you know that your eating can impact your stress?

Yes. It is true.

Many foods help us to quell the stress hormones, relax our bodies and minds and ease the tension we are carrying around each and every day.

What I want to tell you about today are known as adaptogens and this delicious triple berry green smoothie (packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants) is the perfect medium to get a hefty dose when most of us need it most.

Adaptogens, such as ginseng, tulsi, turmeric, ginger, chaga, ashwaganda, cordycepts and Schisandra berry, have been shown to reduce the impact of stress, hold off exhaustion or burn out, and decrease those sneaky cravings for comfort food.

Want them all?

You can use one of my favorite blends to perfectly boost your smoothie HERE

Eat well friends!

Let me know how it tastes in the comments below!

THE ANATOMY OF STRESS (AND HOW TO MANAGE IT)

THE ANATOMY OF STRESS {AND HOW TO MANAGE IT!}

You know that stress is an epidemic of our time (especially lately) and that more folks are coping with high-stress levels than ever before.

You may have noticed that a lot happens with your energy, cravings, mood, food, and sleep when you are stressed.

Did you realize that your level of stress combined with how you cope with your stress has a biochemical effect on various aspects of your heath?

Meet Your Stress Hormones

Stress can be defined as a situation that disturbs “the equilibrium between a living organism and its environment.” When you come across a stressful situation (perceived or real) in your life, your body undergoes an array of reactions on a biochemical level.

This biochemistry effects your sleep, your eating habits and your overall well-being.

CORTISOL

Cortisol takes center stage as far as stress hormones go. Cortisol is designed to be released during times of short-term stress where it then provides energy to cope with the stress-provoking stimuli. Where things go wrong for many folks (in the world of optimal health) is the epidemic of chronic stress, which then translates into chronically high cortisol levels, which can wreak havoc on your body. For example, cortisol in healthy amounts is an anti-inflammatory for the body, but when levels are chronically elevated, cortisol becomes inflammatory.

Consequently, those under chronic stress tend to eat more while also craving hyper-palatable energy-dense foods such as sugar and fat.

ADRENALINE

Adrenaline (also known as noradrenaline) is released for acute stress. Part of the sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight side of the autonomic nervous system) adrenaline stimulates an acute physical response such as dilatation of pupils and bronchioles, increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels, and a slowed digestion so the individual is hyper-focused and able to deal with the stress at hand.

While cortisol and adrenaline both protect the body stimulating a fight-or-flight response, adrenaline is faster acting than cortisol. Studies show that adrenaline may suppress appetite during stress, whereas cortisol may stimulate appetite during recovery from stress.

OXYTOCIN

You may know oxytocin, the anti-stress hormone, promotes connection, bonding, and closeness to keep you calm (unlike cortisol that keeps you stressed). You would most likely prefer your oxytocin to be higher than your cortisol to avoid those chronic states of stress with higher levels of depression and/or anxiety.

The good news is that you can create more oxytocin in your life.

Laugher, nature, orgasm, dark chocolate, creativity, dance, music, cuddling, puppies, socializing, friendship, sharing your feelings, and gratitude are all simple and user-friendly ways to boost your oxytocin. Therefore, higher levels of oxytocin can balance out your stress hormones and leave you feeling better, craving less, and enjoying life more.

Stress and Sleep

Busy mind, restlessness, anxiety, tense muscles, nightmares, and a racing heart are symptoms most people have experienced when trying to get a good night’s sleep during a stressful time. Most would agree, it is not fun.

The nights can drag on, and the first ray of sunlight can feel like you survived a dark night of the soul.

While stress is not conducive to a relaxing and peaceful night of sleep, there is more to the story that you should know when it comes to sleep and your hunger.  Lack of sleep alters your hunger hormones (leptin and ghrelin). Leptin is the hormone that suppresses your appetite. Leptin decreases with sleep deprivation leaving you more likely to be craving comfort food the next day. Ghrelin is your hunger hormone. Ghrelin increases with lack of sleep. You can see here how it is easy to crave comfort food after a tough night of sleep.

Lack of sleep (and the cascade of hunger hormone shifts) could contribute to increased appetite and for some individuals with higher stress and lower duration of sleep.

DE-STRESS BEFORE BEDTIME

While stress can feel like an impossible problem to fix, especially when it comes to your sleep, try some of these user-friendly tips and see if they may just take the edge off of your stress level so you can peacefully sink in between the sheets.

• Meditate before bed: Meditation has been shown to relax the nervous system and quell symptoms of stress.

• Drink warm chamomile tea to ease your nervous system: Herbs such as chamomile have a calming effect and may also help with a more restful night of sleep.

• Take a warm bath: Warming up the body temperature in a hot bath relaxes you more easily, leading to a more relaxed bedtime.

• Use herbal supplements and natural remedies such as melatonin, tart cherry, L-tryptophan, CBD or valerian: Research shows natural medicine can help with deeper and longer sleep.

• Diffuse essential oil of lavender in your room: Aromatherapy can set the tone for more relaxation and rest.

• Avoid electronics and screen time 30 minutes before bed: More time off of your screen has been shown to lend to a better night of sleep.

How Do Your Eating Habits Change When You’re Stressed?

One of the biggest questions I have been getting lately is “How do I manage my cravings for comfort food during this stressful time in the world?”

You may find yourself not sleeping well –– thinking about the pandemic, worrying about those your love or your business. You may be stressed with how the oppression of the BIPOC community leaves a pit in your stomach, or how our world is going to rebound from all of these traumas and tragedies.

Maybe you reach for a tub of ice cream after a hard day, or you swing by the gas station for some gummy bears after listening to the news. You may be the mom who eats cupcakes in her car after a stressful morning with your kids, or the daughter who hides chips under her bed until no one is home. 

Most people can attest to the impact that stress can have on your life, diet, ability to rest well, along with the general challenge stress brings to everything when you are in the thick of it. Stress can be all-consuming, sneaky, persistent, and habitual.

While it is impossible, as humans, to live a completely stress-free life, there are some tips and tricks you can incorporate into your days, so that you are not the example of the oh-so-common impact stress has on your body and your life!

WHAT’S YOUR COMFORT FOOD?

There is a whole spectrum of craving (including not craving) but you may notice, depending on what is stressing you out and how extreme the situation, your relationship with food and cravings can change.

There are three primary ways stress and eating:

• Emotional eating: Chronic stress is often associated with anxiety, depression, and even anger. While food is generally not the answer to combatting stress, often, if stress persists, a common and easy way to find short-term comfort is found with emotional eating and/or excessive snacking. 

• Food cravings: When you get stressed, do you crave certain foods? If your answer is yes, then this data might shed some light on why you crave what you crave when you crave it. When cortisol is secreted, due to more of a long-term stress pattern, a phenomenon called the orexigenic response can arise. This is the response to the cortisol that leads to more food cravings (from a biochemical level). Often, the orexigenic response may manifest as craving highly palatable foods in your diet, especially sweets.

• Loss of appetite: Stress, particularly the short-term fight-or-flight type of stress that involves more adrenaline, most often shuts down your appetite. When you are in a temporary fight-or-flight state, eating gets put on hold in the body, so you can effectively deal with the emergency at hand.

This explains while some folks refrain from food when under stress and others turn toward food when under stress. Where do you most often fall in the spectrum?

The most effective remedy (other than avoiding stress all together) is to amend your cravings with guilt free comfort foods. Upgrade your ingredients — especially sweeteners and carbs — to healthy substitutions that satiate your comfort food craving. Check out my wide variety of guilt free comfort food recipes HERE.

Ways to Quell Your Stress Cycle

If you are suffering chronic stress, the best thing you can do is try to handle those stressful times with as much knowledge, awareness, gentleness, and patience as you can. There are some effective stress management strategies to explore here to break the vicious cycle of stress and uplift your quality of life.

• Breathe: Slow, deep breaths relieve high-stress levels and activate the parasympathetic (calming) side of your nervous system. Breathing during snack or mealtime allows you to feel calmer, to listen to your body, feel your hunger and satiation cues more clearly, and stay the observer in your eating experience to best avoid stress eating gone wild.

• Sense :Your senses occur only in the present. Therefore, tracking your senses while you eat can help you stay present in each moment during mealtime. Attuning to your senses also elevates the pleasure you experience. Pleasure activates your oxytocin and helps to balance your cravings and your appetite.

• Release: Find a healthy outlet for your stress such as regular exercise, time in nature, community, and spirituality can help you through hard times.

• Mindful eating: When you are stressed, pay attention to what you eat; eat it slowly and mindfully.

• Amplify the good in your life: Increase your pleasure and oxytocin with regular physical activity that uplifts your spirits.

• Get support: Talk to a friend, a family member, or a professional.

• Journal: Sort out some of your feelings through personal reflection and journaling. Dealing with your stressors head-on by journaling can help you unload them off your shoulders.

Regardless, handling any stressful situation the best you can (with the above knowledge and stress management tips in your back pocket) may help you navigate some of the most common automatic behaviors.

Ultimately, you don’t have control of what stress life throws at you, but you do have the power within understanding your stress response that can be honed and sculpted over time to create a healthier body and life.

I hope this helps! Feel free to drop any comments or questions in the comments below.

ASIAN PURPLE SLAW WITH BLACK SESAME SEEDS

ASIAN PURPLE SLAW WITH BLACK SESAME SEEDS

As you know, there are endless versions of summer salads to explore. In celebration of the summer solstice, I have a favorite of mine for you today!

Part of the Brassica family, purple cabbage is a nutrient-dense food for your foodie repertoire. Research has found that this potent family of plants (including cabbage, kale, radish, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower) helps to prevent oxidative stress in your cellular system, initiates detoxification, decreases the risk of some cancers, and stimulates your immune system.

Preparing summer meals can be healthy and quick. Nourishing yourself with nutrient-dense summer foods will keep your energy and vitality high so that you can enjoy all of your fun in the sun.

Bon Appetit!

DO YOU NEED A METABOLIC MAKEOVER

Do You Need a Metabolic Makeover?

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON CHOPRA.COM

Your metabolism keeps you energized and moving. If it slows, you are likely to feel its effects on your sleep, in your mood, and on your diet. Five metabolic factors can be maximized for your well-being.

Your metabolism keeps you energized and moving. If it slows, you are likely to feel its effects on your sleep, in your mood, and on your diet. Five metabolic factors can be maximized for your well-being.

Why Commercial Diets Aren’t the Answer

Are you in a constant conversation with your bathroom scale that can either uplift or depress how you feel each day?

There is ample scientific evidence that commercial weight loss programs don’t work. Studies show that restricting what you eat can often lead to binge eating. Notably, most diets require high levels of willpower and internal change to keep up rather than creating long-term sustainable habits and behaviors there is a lower chance of success. Furthermore, while more research is needed, weight loss does not always equal more health—people can be healthy or unhealthy at varying weights.

Maybe it’s time to stop trolling for the newest diet, put the bathroom scale away, and try something a little different—something sustainable, healthful, and results-based.

What Is Metabolism?

Introducing your metabolism: the source of your energy, vitality, body composition, and health. Studies show the underlying cause of many of the current health issues in the world today is an imbalance in the metabolism. Your metabolism is deeply embedded in your blood sugar, your biochemistry, your cellular system, your autonomic nervous system, and how you nourish yourself each day—body, mind, and soul.

Explore these metabolic principles for an improved body composition, deeper sleep, curbed cravings, an elevated mood, clear focus, and optimal energy—and create long-term sustainable changes in your health.

Bio-Individuality 

Studies on metabolic individuality show that over many thousands of years, with the evolution of people in various parts of the world, individuals have developed specific nutritional needs based on many important factors and variables, including climate, genetic lineage, environmental stressors, and daily life rhythms. Examples of metabolic individuality include differences in ideal macronutrient ratios (protein, fat, and carbohydrates).

While one person may thrive eating a diet that is high in tropical fruits and fish, another person may feel more nourished with a diet higher in heavier proteins, berries, and nuts. These telltale pieces of your individuality are needed to understand the differences for customized ingredients to feed your energy, vitality, and metabolic requirements. 

Essentially, what works for you may not work for others. Instead of looking for a one-way approach to health, consider looking for your way. While this may sound more complicated than signing up for the latest diet trend, with a little time and practice you can learn to be the detective in your own body and the governor of your health.

Try this:

• Employ a mindfulness practice, such as meditation, in your life and practice being the witness in your body and in your life.

• Track how different kinds of foods in different ratios affect your mood, energy, sleep, and cravings after meals.

• Avoid the one-way approaches to weight loss that ignores your unique bio-individuality, history, and genetic lineage. In some cases, genetic and/or ancestral testing could be informative and useful.

Balance

Creating balance in your body, and specifically in your blood sugar, is a relief to your metabolism. This cannot happen if your blood sugar is on a roller coaster. Science shows that when insulin spikes too high or dips too low, it tells your body to hold onto body fat. Conversely, one study found that suppressing insulin secretion in non-diabetic obese adults was associated with weight loss and decreased body mass.

Try this:

• Eat protein, fat, and whole carbohydrates at each meal.

• Avoid high-glycemic foods, especially eaten by themselves. High-glycemic foods are foods that turn to sugar quickly in your blood, such as sugar or white flour. 

• Don’t be afraid of adding good fats to each meal—such as coconut oil, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, and/or pasture-fed butter—which will keep your blood sugar balanced, your body satiated longer, and your energy more even and consistent.

Satiety

You will know you are on track when you are satiated—to feel satisfied without excess—after a balanced meal. Your cravings will no longer get the best of you, and your energy will be even and sustained. Even if you are known to emotionally eat, stress eat, or boredom eat, you will notice an improvement with these habits when you are aware of how to eat for your satiation at each meal.

Studies show that the quality of your carbohydrates affects your cravings (especially for sugar). When you eat more processed and refined carbohydrates, they will create more blood-sugar imbalance. One study showed that when men eat low-glycemic carbohydrates in their whole forms, such as brown rice, sweet potato, steel-cut oats, quinoa, or a tart apple, those carbs were more stabilizing to their blood sugar. This suggests that eating low-glycemic whole carbs will leave you feeling more satiated and cravings begin to melt away.

 Try this:

• Choose whole carbohydrates—whole grains, low-glycemic fruit, and starchy vegetables.

• Eat regular meals and don’t let yourself get too hungry. When you wait too long between meals, you usually end up becoming “hangry” (a mix of anger and hunger) and making impulsive choices. Eating regular, balanced meals keeps your blood sugar stable and keeps your metabolism working for you.

• Track your cravings as they change. An improvement in your cravings indicates an improvement in your metabolism.

Healing

When you continue to focus on the number on the scale, rather than healing your metabolism, you most often perpetuate feeling deprived, restricted, hungry, and uninspired. Even if you have the willpower to keep up with a rigorous diet, your body needs a strong metabolism to feel energized, and be healthy and strong. 

Here are the four primary stages that your metabolic healing will go through:

1. Your starting point—your current metabolism.

2. The healing phase—replenishing your body through food, restoration, insulin balancing, and rebuilding your energy and vitality.

3. Fat-burning and the metabolic makeover phase––you begin to notice changes in your mood, energy, cravings, body composition, and sleep.

4. A healed state—you achieve balance in your hormones (starting with insulin). This may translate into weight loss, more sustained energy throughout the day, improved brain chemistry, more satiation, improved sex drive, better night's sleep, and more focus and clarity.

Try this:

• Cultivate patience as you move through the various metabolic healing phases at a slow-and-steady pace.

• Acknowledge your progress as you go. Tracking changes and celebrating your successes (big and small) will continue to inspire your health and healing –– track your cravings, sleep, energy, focus and mood.

• Share your results with others in your life. Sharing the progress you are making may lead to greater success on your journey.

Sustainability

It is common to start on a health and healing journey relying on your willpower to keep you on track. What you may not realize is that your willpower is inconsistent. This variable of how you move through your day changes based on a few key ingredients: stress, sleep quality, and blood sugar.

In its report, “What You Need to Know About Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control,” the American Psychological Association states, “A growing body of research shows that resisting repeated temptations takes a mental toll. Some experts liken willpower to a muscle that can get fatigued from overuse.”

To create a sustainable path to health and healing, you must turn toward something more reliable. Research shows a more reliable approach is a shift toward habit forming and automatic behaviors. While you likely don’t have trouble finding time to take a shower or brush your teeth each day, it is because these acts of self-care have become automatic.

When behavior becomes automatic, you are not relying on the irregularity of your willpower. This is true with eating, exercising, meditation, sleep routines, and even your internal dialogue.

Try this:

• Consider picking one small new health behavior to add in through habit-forming and automatic behavior.

• Start slow and build your momentum strong and steady.

• Set a reasonable timeframe to work within (such as 30 days) and anchor your new behavior with time and practice.

Try these tried-and-true steps that heal your metabolism—from the inside out—for a long-lasting and sustainable transformation in your health and beyond.

Need a little support? Feel free to check out all of the ways I work with folks HERE.

SOUTHWEST SALAD BOWL

SOUTHWEST SALAD BOWL WITH CILANTRO LIME DRESSING

It is the time of year where our gardens are ripe for pickin' –– especially those delicious spring greens. I love me a tasty salad, but when I get busy, I can easily get stuck in a #roughagerut. 

For the coming few weeks, I will be sending you some fun salad ideas (with tasty dressings too!) to keep your summer salads creative and fun.

10 ENERGIZING FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR DIET

10 Energizing Foods to Add to Your Diet This Spring

Originally posted on Chopra.com

Even if your day starts with coming off a good night’s sleep, engaging in a strong workout, and savoring your morning coffee, you still might be faltering come afternoon. These energy boosting remedies might help perk you up!

Are you barely coming out of your quarantine haze? Do you find yourself in an afternoon slump most days? Do you feel rundown, overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out? Have you noticed your to-do list keeps getting longer, your inbox is filling up quicker than ever, and even the traffic seems busier? 

Many folks are falling onto the couch at the end of the day without a drop of energy to spare. Some foods, however, are natural energy boosters and one tried-and-true way to boost your energy (and keep it up) is through your diet. 

The Biochemistry of Energy

One factor to consider for your energy to be at its optimum level is your blood sugar or blood glucose—literally the sugar in your blood that you get from food that gives your body energy and nutrients. According to the American Diabetes Association, when your blood sugar levels are low (or imbalanced) you may feel week or experience low energy.

Fueling your body and, specifically, your blood sugar, supports a consistent level of energy throughout the day. To do this, eat high-quality protein, fat, and whole carbohydrates (carbohydrates in their whole form) at each meal.

To keep your energy strong, avoid eating high-glycemic foods, which are foods that give you a false energy boost as they make your blood sugar levels quickly rise (often followed by a drop off in energy) such as white bread and candy. And don’t be afraid of adding an extra boost of “good” (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) fats to each meal—such as coconut oil, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocado—to keep your blood sugar balanced, your body satiated longer, and your energy more consistent.

Explore the following 10 foods to eat that increase energy and watch yourself cultivate more energy to live your best life.

1. Water

First things first—have you had enough water to drink? Yes, one of your energy foods is a beverage! Did you know that dehydration is a primary cause of low energy and fatigue? Dehydration in individuals who are exercising has been shown to decrease motivation and stamina as well as worsen fatigue and make exercise more challenging. Dehydration can also lead to trouble focusing for men.    

One study looked at 25 young women with varying dehydration states over three days. Just 1.36 percent of fluid loss triggered adverse effects with vigor-activity, fatigue-inertia, and total mood disturbance.

Ensuring you are well hydrated is a great place to start with keeping your energy on track.

How to enjoy: Drinking water throughout the day is easy to forget. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces. Try to drink purified water whenever possible. Set an alarm on your phone every couple of hours as a reminder to drink water and consider adding a low-sugar (naturally sweetened) electrolyte to enhance your hydration.

2. Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a popular herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, native to South America. The Paraguayan and Guarani people have the longest-standing tradition of using yerba mate. Traditionally, the Yerba mate leaves are dried over a fire, then steeped in hot water to make the tea. Yerba mate is traditionally sipped and shared from a vessel called a gourd and through a straw-like utensil, called a bombilla, that has a convenient strainer on the bottom to strain the tea leaves as you sip.

The natural levels of caffeine and theobromine found in yerba mate are high in antioxidants as well as supportive for healthy insulin levels.

Additionally, studies show those who regularly consume yerba mate often experience a higher exercise output and better exercise effectiveness for weight loss and sports performance.

How to enjoy: Sip on yerba mate as a tea, hot or cold, especially when you need a little energy boost. When it’s hot outside, make yerba mate popsicles with a splash of lemon and a few drops of stevia. 

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Have you tried a lion’s mane mushroom? You can often find this shaggy medicinal and tasty mushroom at your local farmer’s market or health food store.

Research shows that the lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) provides the type of energy boost that enhances your mood and supports neurological function. 

How to enjoy: Lion’s mane is delicious cooked with a blend of other mushrooms in a tasty stir-fry or in a wild-mushroom soup.

Keep your eye out for other products with lion’s mane mushrooms included such as supplements, teas, or lion’s mane mushroom coffee.

4. Cacao

High-quality dark chocolate (low in sugar and high in its percentage of cacao) is a potent energy-boosting food with many wonderful health benefits. The cacao bean (the source of dark chocolate) is known as a superfood containing a diverse spectrum of antioxidants that boost energy. Look for chocolate that is high in cacao content (over 70 percent) and low in sugar. If you can, choose organic and fair-trade sources.

How to enjoy: Reach for a square of high-quality dark chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up. Sip on a cup of warm raw cacao from a source such as Cholaca or enjoy a scoop of raw cacao powder in your morning smoothie.

5. Almonds

One of the more popular nuts, almonds, are actually small stone fruits similar to other stone fruits such as cherries and plums. Almonds are high in fiber, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Many studies have been done on the health benefits of almonds and the results are clear—from improved blood sugar to increased energy—almonds are a great go-to to keep around for when you need a quick energy boost.

How to enjoy Spread some creamy almond butter on your favorite piece of toast. Add a scoop of almond butter to your smoothie for an extra dose of protein and fat. Try keeping a snack-pack of almonds in your car or at your desk to eat for an energy-boosting snack or try slivered almonds atop of a delicious salad.

6. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are dense, medicinal seeds that have been used for centuries for their beneficial properties. Chia was originally consumed by the Mayans and Aztecs who relied on chia as one of their primary sources of nutritious food for energy.

Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and proteins in addition to other important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. With this rich nutrient profile, chia is a wonderful addition to your snacks and meals to boost your energy and help you to stay satiated longer.  

How to enjoy: Add chia seeds to your favorite milk for a simple chia pudding. Try a scoop in oatmeal or yogurt. With either option, let sit for 15 minutes before eating to soften the chia seeds.

7. Maca

Maca, a Peruvian superfood grown high in the Andes mountains, has been used for thousands of years by the Incas. Since maca root is part of the Brassica family, it is related to the more commonly known root vegetables such as the radish and turnip.

Loaded with nutrients, maca has been shown to have a number of energy-boosting health benefits including increasing energy and stamina and enhancing sexual function.

How to enjoy: You can find both maca powder and capsules at your local health food store. Take the capsules as recommended or, if using the powder, add it to your smoothie, yogurt, or kefir.

8. Kale (and all leafy greens)

Kale is considered the super green of all greens. Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet with an outstanding ORAC value (oxygen reactive absorbance capacity) that measures the antioxidant capacity of a food. Kale is also high in many amino acids, including tyrosine, cognitive-enhancing properties.

Like other dark, leafy greens—high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—kale has been shown to slow cognitive decline. Although more research is needed, the study suggests one to two cups of dark leafy greens per day for optimal focus and energy over the long term.

Give this brain food a try to help you stay focused on your tasks at hand each day. Those tasks require brain power and energy to do so.

How to enjoy: Kale is low in calories and can be prepared and enjoyed in thousands of ways. Try adding baby kale to your next smoothie or massaging it with some olive oil, avocado, sea salt, and lemon.

9. Avocado

Native to South America, avocado is a popular fruit grown in tropical climates around the world. Avocado is a rich source of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), keeping your blood sugar balanced, which keeps your energy strong and sustained.

How to enjoy: Try slathering a perfectly ripe avocado onto whole-wheat toast topped with your favorite goodies such as a fried egg, a slice of smoked salmon, or a small handful of microgreens. Add avocado slices to your cooling summer salads or blend with raw cacao powder and raw honey for a delicious dairy-free chocolate mousse. 

10. Blueberries

Blueberries have been crowned the queen of fruits for their vast and dynamic health benefits. Historically, blueberries are one of the fruit species native to North America. Today, blueberries are one of America’s favorite berries.

After all, blueberries are known as a super-fruit. In fact, blueberries have the highest antioxidant content (ORAC value) of any other fruit.

With rich antioxidant properties that keep your cells in tip-top shape, blueberries are worth eating to ensure you get a healthy dose of energy and vitality.

How to enjoy: It is hard to go wrong with blueberries. Their sweet and tart flavor is delicious to munch on “as is.” Try them mixed with your morning oats or Greek yogurt, blend as a feature flavor into your morning smoothie, snack on them with a small handful of almonds, or try them frozen for a tasty mid-summer treat.

As you can see, there are many foods that increase energy levels from which to choose. Each of these foods has their own nutritional profile, and some important common denominators.

Many of the mentioned foods are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients to keep your cellular energy production high.

Many of these foods provide a good source of healthy fats and proteins that ensure you keep your blood sugar stable.

When you regularly infuse your diet with these energy-boosting ingredients, take note of how spry you begin to feel, and be sure to drop me a comment below.

Much Love,

Sue

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WOMEN’S WELL-BEING

A VIRTUAL RETREAT WITH SUE VAN RAES

JUNE 13TH-14TH

(with replay available)

This retreat is an opportunity to reflect with what you are learning, cherishing, craving and gathering to move forward into a new normal (or abnormal!) way of being in the world and with yourself.

This virtual retreat will offer you the ingredients you need to cultivate well-being for your body, mind and soul amid it all.

7 HOME REMEDIES TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Originally Posted On Chopra.com

7 Home Remedies to Boost Your Immune System

It is an important time of year to keep your immune system strong. As you likely have experienced, the current global pandemic requires extra focus on the immune system.

There are many ways to help keep your body strong and vital. Many of the practices and remedies listed below will remind you that taking care of your health (and immune system) can be simple and effective.

1. Immune-Boosting Vitamins and Minerals

While it is important to include a wide array of vitamins and minerals in your diet to ensure you get ample phytonutrients and antioxidants, there are a couple of superstars in the immunity world.

Vitamin C

You may have heard of Linus Pauling, the scientist who in the 1970s claimed that taking high doses of vitamins can prevent colds. While many in the medical community rejected his claim (which he based on a single placebo-controlled study of schoolchildren), in the past few decades, a growing body of research has shown that vitamin C is, in fact, important to the health of your immune function.

You can boost your intake of vitamin C by eating more vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C—such as peppers, spinach, kiwi, broccoli, grapefruit, strawberries, and oranges. You may also want to take a vitamin C supplement to boost your intake of this vitamin.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to be essential for immune function. In fact, some studies have found that patients with zinc deficiency (a prevalent condition in the developing world) developed severe immune dysfunctions over time. Adding more zinc to your immune-boosting repertoire is important in keeping your immune system at its best.

There are many ways to increase your zinc intake. Eating foods high in zinc is always a good option. Try including more zinc-rich foods such as chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews, oysters, oats, and yogurt. Want an extra boost of zinc? Talk to your healthcare practitioner about a dietary zinc supplement.

2. Garlic

Garlic has a variety of strong immune-boosting properties. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. One study found that a group of participants who took a garlic supplement had significantly fewer colds than the control group who didn’t take the supplement. Those taking the garlic supplement were also able to recover more quickly than the control group when they did catch a cold. Garlic is also known for its potent antioxidant levels.

One way to get the benefits of garlic is to take a garlic supplement that contains allicin, a primary bioactive component of this pungent member of the onion family. You can also enjoy garlic in a variety of recipes.

Garlic soup is a delicious way to boost your immune system. The recipe below calls for five to six whole heads of garlic—and that may sound like a lot of garlic—but the medley of ingredients in this soup creates a balanced blend of flavors. You may find yourself quickly developing a love for this potent immune enhancer.

Ingredients:

• 5–6 whole heads of garlic

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 tablespoons butter or ghee

• 2 onions sliced

• 32 ounces of broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 2 cups milk of choice

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• Sea salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 (F). Halve the heads of garlic across the cloves (do not peel). Pour the olive oil into a baking dish and place the garlic head halves cut side down on the dish. Cover to roast for approximately one hour or until garlic cloves are fragrant and starting to brown.

While garlic is roasting, melt butter in a large pot and add sliced onions. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly until onions are translucent. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes.

Let garlic cloves cool slightly, then carefully pick up the shell of the garlic heads. Add peeled garlic cloves to the onion mixture in the pot.

Add broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add milk of choice. Blend the soup until smooth. Serve warm.

Serves 4

3. Lemon Ginger Tea

Lemon ginger tea is a simple, soothing, and effective immune booster that you can make in just a few minutes. Ginger is known for its medicinal properties, including a high level of antioxidants and antimicrobial elements. Research shows that ginger is a highly antimicrobial food.

Lemons contain high levels of vitamin C and also have strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, all of which will enhance your immunity and ward off illness.

In short, a warm cup of lemon ginger tea is an effective (and tasty) way to boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 inch of fresh ginger (grated)

• 2 ounces organic lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon raw honey (optional)

• 4 cups of filtered water

Directions:

Grate the ginger and place into a pot with filtered water. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the fresh lemon juice and honey. Mix well and serve in your favorite mug.

Serves 2

4. Chicken Vegetable Soup with Bone Broth

Chicken soup is an age-old remedy for a good reason: the combination of rich and hearty bone broth, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healing herbs and spices help to nourish your body and boost your immunity.

Bone broth is a powerful tonic made from simmering bones to brew up a tasty and nourishing broth. Add a variety of colorful vegetables—such as garlic, leeks, carrots, celery—and leafy greens such as kale—to ensure you are boosting your vitamin C and antioxidant levels, both important factors in a strong immune system.

Here is a simple recipe for chicken soup for you to try. Or if you have a family recipe for chicken soup, perhaps one that has been passed down for generations, make a batch and prepare to nourish your body and your soul.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of organic chicken

• 32 ounces (4 cups) bone broth (premade or homemade)

• 1 yellow onion

• 4 carrots

• 4 stalks celery

• 2 leeks

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 cups leafy greens of choice

• Sea salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup avocado oil

• Optional herbs: oregano, ginger, basil, thyme

Directions:

Place the bones and chicken into a large pot. Cover with 32 ounces of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to a low simmer for about 4–24 hours, adding extra water if needed. Skim any top layer of fat off as necessary.

Remove bones and chicken with a slotted spoon and cool.

In a separate pan, sauté onion, garlic, leeks, carrots, and celery in avocado oil until the onion is translucent and aromatic. Add in salt, pepper, and optional herbs and stir. Pour into bone broth, add the deboned chicken back in, and simmer.

Once the soup has simmered for an hour or so, add in the leafy greens just before serving, so they wilt but you preserve their bright green color. Taste, and salt again if needed. Serve warm.

Serves 4

5. Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions can help prevent you from getting sick, or shorten the duration and intensity of your symptoms when you do come down with a cold or flu. Here are a few immune-boosting herbs to know about, as well as a few tips to brew up your herbal infusions at home.

• Elderberry is a dark violet berry containing immune-boosting benefits. Research shows that elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold.

• Echinacea is a pretty purple flower grown primarily in North America. When used medicinally, it can help decrease the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections when taken at the onset of symptoms.

• Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is an herb that has long been used by Native Americans for a variety of ailments. Recent research has found that osha root may boost immunity while also protecting cells from oxidative damage.

How to brew:

First, choose quality bulk herbs. If you do not have a local apothecary, you can order them online. Use primarily leaves, flowers, or finely chopped stems and roots. Start with approximately one tablespoon of herbs to one cup of water. Using purified water, place 4 tablespoons of herbs, covered fully in a pot with 4 cups of water. To ensure you steep a potent herbal infusion, keep the lid on while simmering, stirring the herbs occasionally. For optimal benefits, steep medicinal herbs for approximately 15–20 minutes. Strain well and drink. You can store any leftovers in a glass jar in the refrigerator. For optimal potency, keep the herbal infusion for no more than 24 hours.

Serves 2

6. Wild Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been enjoyed for their many health benefits and tasty flavors for centuries. Mushrooms are a fungus, known for their powerful nutrient density and immune-boosting properties.

Wild mushrooms are mushrooms that grow in the wild and are most often harvested by local mushroom experts in a process known as “mushroom hunting.” Similar to most wild food, wild mushrooms are said to be more nutrient-dense than regular mushrooms. However, since wild mushrooms can contain dangerous levels of poisons, only eat wild mushrooms if they have been harvested or certified by an expert.

Here are some potent wild mushroom varieties that can boost your immune system:

• Reishi

• Cordyceps

• Shiitake

How to prepare:

Eating wild mushrooms can be easy and delicious. Try adding medicinal mushrooms to your favorite stir-fry, blending them into a soup or stew, or roasting them in the oven with a gentle coating of olive oil and salt. For a potent source of mushrooms to boost your immunity, consider taking a dietary supplement of a wild mushroom blend.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live strains of healthy bacteria and yeast that are good for your digestive tract, microbiome, and immune system. Research shows that probiotics enhance your immune function through supporting a healthy and strong intestinal lining, keeping the bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream and, therefore, supporting the overall health of the immune system.

You can get plenty of probiotics from your diet by eating a wide array of fermented foods—such as yogurt, cultured vegetables, miso, and apple cider vinegar. Or explore a potent probiotic supplement to ensure your levels are abundant.

There are many ways to enhance your immune system and stay healthy all season long. In addition to the recipes and immune enhancers described above, here are two more keys to staying healthy and strong:

1. Manage your stress level.

2. Get enough sleep.

Both sleep and stress management are foundational for a healthy body and mind. Try these daily practices to ensure your stress is low and your rest is deep

:

• Meditate. Meditation has been shown to relax the nervous system and decrease symptoms of stress.

• Take a warm bath. By increasing the body temperature in a warm bath, your body relaxes more easily, helping you fall asleep at bedtime.

• Get some extra sleep. Studies show a good night’s sleep can increase the immune response in your system.

• Diffuse essential oil of lavender in your room. Aromatherapy can set the tone for relaxation and deeper rest.

Feeding your body immune-boosting ingredients, minimizing stress, and getting deep rest can help prevent those unwanted sick days—allowing you to feel healthy and ready to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

Here’s to strong health and vitality!

Sue

CACAO BITES

CACAO BITES

One of my personal favorite superfoods on the planet, cacao gives you a nice boost of energy while also fueling your cells with more antioxidants than any other food. 

These may be just the satiating superfood bites (full of healthy fats) that you will be delighted to include in your snacking life.

{SOAKED & ROASTED} CRISPY NUTS

{SOAKED & ROASTED} CRISPY NUTS

Why soaked and roasted you may ask? 

First they really do taste better. Second, soaking the nuts overnight releases the Phytic acid and lectins making them so much less inflammatory and easier on your digestion. 

It may sound like a big chore, but in reality, the time to do this is approximately 3 minutes. Trust me, a 3 minutes well spent!

P.S.  Try it with any nut. 

DIY ENERGY BARS

DIY ENERGY BARS

Quick and easy energy bars (minus the sugars and processed ingredients) will fuel your body with sustainable energy, while keeping your blood sugar balanced this spring. 

Filled with healthy protein and fat with just the right amount of sweet you will be so glad you have these to nosh on all week long!

6 HERBS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Originally Posted on Chopra.com

With winter comes a rise in common infectious illnesses such as colds and flu. Stay healthy this season by keeping your immune system strong. Keep reading to learn about six immune-boosting herbs and how to use them.

During the winter months, you may notice an increase in common illnesses such as the flu, and cold-like symptoms, including respiratory infections, strep throat, congestion, and fevers that may be related to a weakened immune system.

Nourishing your body with immune-boosting foods, getting plenty of sleep and rest, and adding in some immune-boosting herbs are essential ways to keep you and your body feeling healthy and strong while reducing your chances of getting sick.

There is a growing body of scientific research supporting the benefits of some of the most popular herbal remedies that have been used for thousands of years. Herbs aren’t only useful for cooking your winter savory stews. Many of these winter herbs can help you fight off common wintertime colds and flus, decrease your symptoms, and even shorten the duration of an illness altogether.

Keep reading to learn some of the most effective immune-boosting herbal remedies, as well as some of the best options for how to use them. Be sure to check with your health care practitioner to ensure that these options are appropriate for you.

1. Echinacea

Echinacea is not a single herb but is actually a genus, or category, of nine herbaceous flowering plants that are commonly called coneflowers and are native to North America. The different species of echinacea, as well as their different parts (flower, roots, and extracts), have different uses and varying benefits. Three species of Echinacea— E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida—have been used for centuries by indigenous people of North America to treat respiratory tract infections, the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, and other illnesses. Studies have found that when used swiftly after the onset of cold or upper respiratory symptoms, some kinds of echinacea extracts can help decrease the duration and severity of those symptoms.

Echinacea is well known for its immune-stimulating effects. Research shows the best results for boosting immune function come from the E. purpurea form of echinacea, prepared as a tincture.

Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antiviral and antimicrobial effects. One study showed that some forms of echinacea extracts can be beneficial in the treatment of viral respiratory infections (including a Tamiflu-resistant strain).

Echinacea also contains antioxidants, making it a powerful, protective, and strengthening remedy to include in your healing kit of cold and flu remedies.

2. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a popular natural remedy found in most holistic pharmacies, apothecaries, and health food stores. European settlers learned of goldenseal from Native American tribes, who used it for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, inflammation, urinary tract infections, and other infections.

Goldenseal has also traditionally been used as an expectorant for common respiratory infections such as pneumonia and whooping cough.

Try goldenseal as a tincture, tea, powder, or capsule. As always, be sure to check with your doctor or health care practitioner to ensure that goldenseal is a good option for you.

3. Osha Root

Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is a gnarled, dark-brown root that comes with a strong earthy, medicinal scent. It grows in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico and has been used by Native Americans for many different symptoms and ailments. Fresh osha root was traditionally used by the Apache in ceremonial tobacco blends, as well as to soothe the throat and lungs, and to loosen phlegm in the chest. Osha root is commonly used to treat sore throat, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, the common cold, and other conditions.

Once prepared, osha has a strong and spicy flavor that, when brewed into a tea, warms and soothes the throat as it goes down. One study has found evidence that osha root may strengthen immunity while also protecting against oxidative damage to cells.

Try boiling chopped and washed osha root into a soothing tea. You can also take osha root in a capsule, or use it cured in a tincture.

4. Elderberry

In 400 BCE, the Greek physician Hippocrates described the elderberry tree as his “medicine chest.” Many classical healers of this time considered the elderberry to be one of the most healing plants found in nature. Long before modern antibiotics were available, healers considered fresh elderberry an integral ingredient in any cold or flu remedy.

The dark purple berry known as elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is known for its immune-boosting benefits. Research has found that elderberry can significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Additionally, one study concluded that elderberry has antiviral properties, which can make it a beneficial addition to your cold and flu protocol. This study also found that those participants who took elderberry experienced a significant reduction in the duration of their flu symptoms.

Try elderberry in a capsule, in a tea, in a syrup, or in a tincture.

5. Oregano

You may think of oregano simply as one of the herbs you use to flavor your spaghetti and pizza sauce or marinade meat dishes, but did you know that oregano is also a powerhouse immune booster?

Oregano contains potent essential oils, which are known for their antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. One study found that oregano oil is effective in fighting clinical strains of E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacteria, supporting the use of oregano oil in treating bacterial infections.

The essential oil of oregano is most safely taken in a capsule, as the flavor is intense. When taken straight, one drop (even in water) may burn the back of your throat as the oil goes down. As with any essential oil, do not ingest directly. Try using one to two drops in a large pot of soup or stew for delicious flavor and an immunity strengthener. Alternatively, take oregano essential oil as a capsule or diffuse in an aromatherapy diffuser.

6. Astragalus

Astragalus, a member of the legume family, was originally grown in Asia and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are many astragalus species (approximately 2,000 to 3,000). This primary medicinal species most often used is called astragalus membranaceus.

Astragalus is rich in saponins, a class of chemical compounds found in many plants, which are known for their positive effect on the immune system. Research suggests that astragalus increases immune response in white blood cells.

Astragalus is most often administered as a tincture, capsule, or in whole, dried slices of root that can be added to soups or teas.

How to Take These Herbs

The three primary ways to take the aforementioned roots and herbs are in the form of a brew, tincture, or distillation.

1. Brew: Always choose high-quality, fresh herbs whenever possible. Use the leaves, flowers, or finely chopped stems and roots. Use a ratio of one tablespoon of herbs to approximately one cup of water. Place the herbs and water in a covered pot and bring to a simmer. To steep a strong herbal infusion, keep the lid on while simmering, stirring the herbs frequently. Steep medicinal herbs for approximately 15–20 minutes. Strain well and drink. Store herbal tea in a glass jar in the refrigerator. For optimal potency, keep the herbal infusion for no more than 24 hours.

2. Tincture: To make a tincture, the herbs are soaked in either alcohol or glycerin for a number of weeks to extract the active components of the fresh herbs. Tinctures can include various cuttings from the plants (roots, stems, flowers) and are usually taken orally under the tongue by using a dropper. Most health food stores, herbal apothecaries, and natural pharmacies carry wide varieties of tinctures for various medicinal needs. Many tinctures are also available online for purchase. Tinctures are not regulated by the FDA.

3. Distillation: An essential oil is the oil of a plant, distilled down into a concentrated oil that is extremely potent. Most essential oils are extracted by distilling a plant’s oils using steam. Essential oils are most often diffused or applied to the skin using a carrier oil, or ingested (though not oils are safe to ingest).

When using essential oils, always start with small amounts to ensure you do not ingest or apply too much at once, which can lead to skin irritation or allergies. Try adding essential oils to a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before applying directly to the skin.

Most of these herbs are easy to grow in your own backyard, which is why cultivating your own herb garden can be very beneficial. By growing herbs yourself, you can rely on having fresh herbs when cooking soups and stews, as well as herbal remedies for preventive health care and when you’re under the weather. The ones listed above are just a few options - there are so many other herbs you can also grow in your own backyard or windowsill

Many of today’s popular herbal remedies have been used for centuries to boost immunity, diminish symptoms and duration of colds and flus, and keep the body in an optimal state of health and well-being. Exploring what works best for you and your family while gathering what you will need to do so, can have a powerful impact on how you get through the most immune-challenging time of the year.

BIELER'S BROTH

BIELER’S BROTH

Invented Dr. Henry Bieler, author of the famous book, Food Is Your Best Medicine, this plant-based is medicinal soup.  

Dr. Bieler felt that this specific combination of vegetables was ideal for restoring acid-alkaline and sodium-potassium balance to organs and glands, especially the sodium-loving adrenal glands which suffer under stress.   Bieler’s broth is a wonderful remedy for those under stress or wanting to strengthen their immune system.