by Kim T.
(Houston, TX)
Get ready to love the color green! Awesomely Yummy!! Enjoy!
3 cups of spinach
1 mango
1 peach
1 - 2 bananas
Green grapes
3 kiwi
Ice or water
Saturday, May 25, 2013
3 Ways Wheat Is Giving You A Belly
Many of us are constantly struggling with the battle of the bulge and can’t just seem to get the weight off. We are not alone, as over 1/3 of the US population is obese. What many of us don’t realize is that a common “staple” of our diet may be a huge culprit in the obesity epidemic. The old food pyramid features bread, pasta, and other grains as the predominant food in our diets. But, many experts believe that an increase in wheat consumption and hybridization of wheat may be a big contributing factor to the obesity epidemic.
Modern wheat, which is different from the wheat found 50 years ago, no longer resembles the wheat of our ancestors. Wheat has been hybridized which means it has been cross-bred with other grains and species so it has a higher yield and contains less nutrients and more carbohydrates. The history of the genetic changes in wheat can actually be connected to the increase in chronic diseases and obesity across the globe. The hybridization of wheat has caused changes in the starch and gluten which has also made wheat highly addictive.
The Starch thats worse than Table Sugar
The carbohydrate found in wheat is about 75% amylopectin A which has been called a “super carbohydrate” as it has the ability to increase blood sugar faster than other carbohydrates. The molecular structure of amylopectin causes it to be more easily digested than other more complex starches. Ends up, due to this digestibility it can raise blood sugar even faster than a candy bar!
In this study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants were given a diet of 70% amylose or 70% amylopectin. Those on the amylopectin diet had higher glucose and insulin responses after a meal. Chronically elevated insulin levels leads to fat storage, specifically in the abdominal area. The only way to get rid of fat is to allow insulin levels to decrease enough in the body so that your body will start burning fat again. So, due to its high amylopectin content, wheat causes not only excess weight, but a whole myriad of other health problems.
Gluten, the protein found in wheat, has also been modified into “super gluten” from its original form that has been linked to a whole host of health problems. The amount of gluten has actually been doubled in hybridized wheat. Gluten triggers inflammation system-wide which causes weight gain, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and multiple chronic diseases. In the digestive system, gluten can actually damage the gut lining triggering full-body inflammation and susceptibility to other bacteria or viruses crossing gut barrier. This syndrome is called “leaky gut” and can be a trigger for a variety of illnesses, especially autoimmune diseases.
Exorphin Addiction
Lastly, wheat is digested into short proteins called exorphins which act similarly to endorphins, the neurotransmitters released during a “runners high”. Exorphins bind to and stimulate morphine receptors in the brain, making them just as addictive as any other drug. When we eat gluten, it soothes us and makes us feel calmer. This causes us to look for more of this food during stressful times to help calm us down, leading to overeating and weight gain. The FDA is actually looking into opiate blocking medication to help people lose weight.
If you are having difficulty losing weight, have an autoimmune condition, thyroid condition or diabetes, consider following a gluten-free diet for at least 6 weeks to see if you lose weight or if your symptoms resolve. But, don’t just remove gluten in your diet then add gluten-free junk food. Adopt a whole food, gluten free diet and avoid highly processed foods, even if they are gluten-free. Your body and your weight will thank you.
Dr. Axe’s Key Points:
Modern wheat has been hybridized and is different from the wheat commonly consumed 50 years ago.Amylopectin A is the main starch in wheat and has been linked to weight gain and significant elevations in blood sugar.Gluten, the protein in wheat, causes systemic inflammation and can also lead to weight gain and diabetes.Wheat contains morphine-like substances that create an addiction.Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Why I DON’T Eat a Paleo Diet…But Close
The Paleo (Paleolithic) diet is one of the most popular diet’s in America today. The Paleo Diet, also known as the cave-man diet or hunter gatherer diet is based on the idea that before modern agriculture (Paleolithic era 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 B.C.) the human body evolved and adapted to eating a diet consisting of wild plants and animals.
Many Crossfit athletes are now following the paleo diet to get stronger, leaner, faster, and improve recovery time.
I recently did a radio interview with my friend Mark Sisson who is one of the leading experts on the Paleo Diet and runs a company called Primal Nutrition. While I don’t believe in many of the evolutionary theories of paleo, I do think that our bodies adhere better to a diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and wild meats which fall into the hunter gatherer lifestyle.
Here I want to discuss the Good and Bad about the paleo diet…
First, What Are Paleo Foods?
The paleo diet consists of foods that can be hunted or fished like meat, organ meat and seafood and foods that can be gathered like eggs, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices.
Foods that are not on the paleo diet are anything processed, grains, legumes (beans and peanuts), raw dairy, salt, and oils.
Raw Dairy is considered by some experts to be paleo while others believe it doesn’t make the list. A paleo diet with dairy added in is called a Neo-Paleo diet.
The Good and Bad of the Paleo Diet
I believe there are 3 major positive aspects of the paleo diet.
1. Nothing Processed – One of the major upsides of the paleo diet is that it rescripts ALL processed foods and recommends mostly raw foods. In America today 80+% of the foods we eat are highly processed genetically modified foods. So any diet that recommends you eat foods in their natural state is a positive.
2. Wild Caught Meat – A paleo diet is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and lower in Omega-6 fatty acids. According to paleo experts 60% of food energy should come from animal foods like wild caught fish, bison, deer, turkey, and eggs. All of these foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids in which the Standard American Diet is greatly deficient. Omega-3 fats can reduce inflammation, improve neurological function, aid in digestion, improve focus, and restore healthy skin just to name a few.
3. Raw Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds – A paleo diet recommends 40% of food energy come from Raw nutrient dense foods. As the saying goes in American, we are overfed, but undernourished. So consuming larger amounts of nutrient dense foods like vegetables is far superior to a diet primarily consisting of low nutrient grains.
I also follow a diet of minimal grains and when I do consume grains on occasion those grains have been sprouted. By not eating grains you are also eliminating gluten in which many american’s have developed sensitivities to.
Why I DON’T Eat Paleo
The foundational reason I don’t follow the paleo diet is because it stems from a belief system based on macroevolution, while I personally am a creationist. Also, the Paleo diet eliminates Raw cultured dairy like Yogurt, Kefir, and Amasai which I believe to be one of the healthiest foods in the world if done right.
In addition, here are some foods that I don’t consume but are recommended on the Paleo Diet:
AlligatorCatfishOstrichPorkShellfishSnakesIf you’ve read my article on Pork you will known that some of these animals are common carriers of parasites and are bottom feeders like shellfish and catfish.
The Healing Foods Diet
So what eating plan or diet should you follow? I recommend eating “healing foods”. Foods that both follow a hunter-gatherer like lifestyle but also follow science and kosher/biblical eating principles. These foods are nutrient dense and free of toxins.
Healing Foods include:
VegetablesHerbsFruitsNuts (sprouted)Seeds (sprouted)Organic Grass-fed Meat and Wild GameFree-range Poultry and EggsWild Caught FishPastured Raw DairyThis isn’t the full list but you can find whole list here: Healing Foods Shopping List
Please keeps your comments friendly and uplifting. I welcome debate, but please do so with respect to others. I know that there are some philosophical and religious views that have been addressed in this article.
What are your thoughts on the Paleo Diet?
Leave your Comments and Questions below:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
6 Natural Cures For Cellulite
I’ve written before about getting rid of cellulite, but I wanted to share some more ways women everywhere can fight it naturally, without surgery or invasive treatment. Now, it’s important to not compare yourself to the photoshopped models on the magazine covers, or to go to unhealthy lengths to lose weight. Like the old saying goes: Comparison is the thief of joy.
There is so much wrong and misleading information out there, that I wanted to shed some more light on the subject. The good news is that there are several all-natural things that can be done to fight the cellulite monster.
You should have an understanding of what exactly is cellulite. Basically, when you have globules of fat under the skin pushing up against the connective tissue, you have this uneven, “mottled” skin appearance. Some of the things that contribute to this condition are a lack of exercise, Hormones, and diet.
1. Cut Down On Salt & Sugar: Please don’t think that your diet has no affect on your cellulite, because it will. And here’s why: Sugar is stored in fat cells, and causes them to expand, so read labels and make certain to reduce and remove sugar intake. Limit your sodium intake, because salt causes water retention, making things even worse. Stick to my healing foods diet for best results.
2. Flaxseed Anyone?: Flaxseed is great, as it modulates estrogen levels, and can increase collagen production. Connective tissue is comprised of collagen, and when the skin is strong, cellulite appearance is diminished. You can sprinkle Flaxseed on your breakfast, in your smoothies, or simply eat the seeds by themselves.
3. Is Water Really Important: Yes! It is. Water helps flush out toxic compounds from your body. These fatty globules under the skin harbor toxins, and make the cellulite more visible. Clean them out by drinking eight to ten glasses of fresh water daily. Well hydrated skin will look more even, with less of a lumpy look.
4. What’s With Kelp? Kelp is one of those things that most people are not aware of. Kelp has many benefits, and is a very low cost nutrient. It contains a compound called “fucoxanthin”, which is found in chlorophyll bearing green plants. It has the ability to help the body burn fat, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite. Add Kelp to your diet protocol. Sprinkle it on your meals, or add it to your soups. If you prefer a supplement version, check out FucoThin by Garden of Life.
5. Ever Hear Of Gotu Kola? This extract has been the subject of many cellulite studies, and has shown some good results. This is a caffeine-free herb that has relaxing properties, and can be taken before bedtime. What it can do is improve the elasticity of the skin, while making it thicker at the same time. It will help minimize the appearance of the cellulite bumps.
6. Bromelain & Proteolytic Enzymes: Systemic Enzymes have been used with great success in fighting not only inflammation but in dissolving gatherings of cellular tissue. Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Gall Stones and cellulite can all be broken down and eliminated by the body. Enzymes such as Bromelain, Serrapeptase and Nattokinase have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen, which is the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together.
Interval or burst type of exercises can also help fight cellulite. I just finished the BurstFIT DVD’s series, and it will be available in just a few weeks! One of the sessions features a good friend of mine, Suzanne Bowen, and is called The Bowen Butt Lift. It’s a super targeted workout, designed to do just what the title says! If you’d like more info, and a special offer when Burstfit is available, you can sign up here.
As you can see, there are several things you can do to win the battle against the dreaded cellulite. The best approach is a combination of methods. Treat from within the body, while also adding in burst type exercises, and you might just be surprised at the great results!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What's the best detox juice?
by swanlawn potts
(Detroit Michigan)
Q I am currently on blood thinners and have had to have blood transfusions. What is the best detox juice to do that can help me better my situation?
A Any juice that contains greens and or vegetables would be good for a general detox. The idea is to replace a meal or meals with juice and make the solid foods you do consume of a healthy variety. Many times it’s not so much what we have to add to our diets to become healthy, but rather what we need to leave out.
Take a look at the detox diet recipes to see what appeals to you and give one a try. You may want to start with one that is at least slightly sweet and go from there.
One of my very favorites not listed on that page is watermelon and celery. You juice the watermelon rind as well.
I would be sure to check with your doctor before you start juicing to make sure nothing will interfere with your medications.
Grapefruit Celery Pineapple
Simple yet tasty.
1 grapefruit
1 slice of pineapple
2 celery stalks
Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.
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