Hello! Thought I'd share some new purchases with my growing group of organic foodie friends and family!
(I'd just like to say that I get SO happy when I receive: a call, text, FB message, etc. from a friend to tell me that they are "interested in eating clean, want some advice how to start, want to set up a phone call date to pick my brain, or want some good resources, etc."
I LOVE IT and LOVE to help in any way that I can. Remember, I am still {learning} as well, but I can offer whatever help that I have learned...)
I got a very sweet text last Friday night from a close friend in NYC that made my whole night better. She made me so happy that I was a positive influence on her and her hubby's new healthy lifestyle. :)
Back to my post...some of our new buys included:
1. Organic Rainbow Chard: I'll use this for my green base in my green smoothies {this week} that I make daily. I read that it's good to mix it up and not always use the same: kale or spinach- for example. Let's be clear...ANY greens are better than none in your diet! But if you love to try new ones and get different kinds of health benefits from each, try something new! Chard is a very healthy for us (and it is pretty! ;)
Pretty, right?!
2. Red Lentils! I am determined to make these a main staple in our diet. I bought the red ones because... well, they are pretty too! Haha. Your food should be visually nice to look at... I'm not joking! Your mind is a {very powerful} part of your health. When you visually appreciate your nutritious food, it makes a positive difference in your health and well being.
Benefits of Lentils
1. Lower Cholesterol – Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.
2. Heart Health – Several studies have shown that eating high fiber foods like lentils reduces your risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which are big contributors to heart health. Folate lowers your homocysteine levels, a serious risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium improves blood flow, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Low levels of magnesium have been directly associated with heart disease, so eating lentils will keep your heart happy!
3. Digestive Health – Insoluble dietary fiber found in lentils helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.
4. Stabilized Blood Sugar – Adding to the many benefits of fiber, soluble fiber traps carbohydrates, slowing down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for those with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.
5. Good Protein – Of all legumes and nuts, lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein. 26 percent of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein, which makes them a wonderful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
6. Increases Energy – Lentils increase steady, slow-burning energy due its fiber and complex carbohydrates. Lentils are also a good source of iron, which transports oxygen throughout your body and is key to energy production and metabolism.
7. Weight Loss – Although lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
(Info above taken from MindBodyGreen.com)
3. Sprouted Grain Bread - I guess you can say that we do not follow what I thought was a super healthy lifestyle in the beginning of all this: the Paleo Diet. Don't get me wrong, it is a lot healthier than a lot of health styles out there... But I now understand that healthy grains and legumes (not ok in the Paleo way of eating) are wonderful sources of necessary nutrients for our bodies.
The one I bought before this one was a sprouted nonGMO white bread. I bought {white} to shock Mark and show him that he can have his childhood foods - as long as they're healthy! :)
Since this one is organic, you won't find any GMOs in here either.
Had it with my breakfast this morning: fruit with sprouted grain toast and avocado for some healthy fats.
More info:
[ Sprouted grain breads are a healthy alternative to white flour or whole grain flour breads and are starting to become popular among health conscious people and those with mild sensitivities to wheat or gluten. Although, someone with moderate to severe gluten intolerance, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and allergies should not consume any type of gluten containing product. Even sprouted grains still naturally contain gluten.
Sprouted grain breads are better not only because they use the whole grain. The process sprouted grains go through breaks down the proteins and carbohydrates in the grain and increases vitamin content.
The sprouted grain process involves soaking the grains in water until they begin to grow a sprout. Enzymes are released during the sprouting process, which break down proteins and carbohydrates. This process helps make sprouted grain food low glycemic and easier to digest.
Traditional grain breads are harder to digest, and the body loses a good portion of the nutrients because it is unable to digest them. Sprouted grain breads provide the body with grain that has already been broken down due to the enzymes that exist in the living sprouted grain. Nutrients are absorbed immediately into the body, and are not lost in the digestive process.
Sprouted grain breads truly unlock the vital benefits our bodies need from grains. Some of the known benefits include: increased digestibility, increased absorption of minerals, increased antioxidants, and increased vitamin C and vitamin B. ]
-info from FoodforLife.com
4. Veggies in powder form
I'll be trying these out for a super punch of raw veggies in my daily green smoothies. Ava will be getting this in her juices that I will make her. She will get loads of calcium, protein, fiber, vitamins... the list goes on. And all organic, of course! (no child - or adult- needs bug & weed poisons in their bodies!)
You simply pour this little $1.50 packet into your blender along with your other veggies, water, fruits, chia seeds, almond milk, probiotics - whatever you want! Have fun with it... There are some other brands besides this one. (Found across from the probiotics at Whole foods off of Glades Road in Boca Raton- or you can just buy online.)
5. Ok, so I "wised up" and bought a smaller, grinder form for my Himalayan salt. We use this salt now rather than the white salt. (see my 1st Healthy Happenings post for explanation) Basically, this salt actually is 100% natural, works WITH our bodies- not against it- and contains many compounds found in our bodies.
The rock I bought is still awesome but my grater didn't make it... It bent within a couple weeks. Purchased at Whole foods.
6. Some gluten free grains. The black rice is new. Haven't tried it yet but I thought it would look pretty when I mix it in with the red lentils to fill up the 2 huge mushrooms I am making for dinner.
We have tried this one already - very good :)
7. A friend recently asked me if there was such a thing as "organic meat." Yes, there is...
Remember, Publix sells "Greenwise" meats, but that doesn't mean that it is organic. Sure, it is a better option than the alternative with (whatever it says on the package? "No antibiotics, hormones, etc." something like that...
Certified Organic meats are going to ensure that you are eating animals that were not fed genetically modified corn maze. Most animals are fed this way now because it is cheaper than letting them graze naturally. So that means, the animals are eating nutrient deficient food that is harming them, and then your family would consume that. If you are going to consume meat, make sure you're eating meat that is packed with nutrients from the earth and not GMOs.
8. Some quick soups. I really need to start making my own soups... I'm sure it is simple, but I haven't crossed that bridge yet. These are some quick sides that I can warm on the stove top for dinners.
9. SPROUTED red, white, and black Quinoa! Sprouted gives actual life to your plants and the closer a plant is to when it was growing, the more nutrients it has for your body. That's some of the thought process behind people who shop at farmer's markets (besides supporting local farmers :)
The produce has been picked recently rather than being shipped around the world, held in warehouses, etc. - so you get more nutrients. The longer it has been off the tree, the more nutrients it is losing. "Sprouted" and "local" (and, of course, grown organically) is better :)
And here is a recipe that I want to try! For those that don't know, I am obsessed with pumpkin spice everything. I always look forward to the Fall for my pumpkin spice! ....okay, that and FSU football. :)
And last but not least...
My mom bought us this super natural (and amazing) body soap. It smells so good. It has an almond aroma that consumes your shower. We like it, thanks mom!
Dr. Bronner's products are great. Certified Fair Trade, never tested on animals, and 100% vegetarian, no synthetic oils, no detergents,
*Made in the USA*
Simple Ingredients: water, organic coconut oil, potassium hydroxide, organic olive oil, organic fair deal hemp oil, organic Jojoba oil, natural almond fragrance, citric acid, tocopherol
It is a little pricey, but I swear we have had it for like 2 weeks and had only used the tippy top of the bottle. A little goes A LONG WAY. (I swear, we bathe every day!) :-)
Well, that's it for now... Send me some ideas of what you're using, eating, and enjoying!
XO
Christina
