Thursday, January 30, 2014

A Few of my Favorite Things- supporting food and supplements

Can you guess what I mean by "supporting" food?  I just now thought of that term to describe three of my favorite things I consume on a regular basis.  Perhaps you have differing opinions on how healthy these foods are and I understand...do whatever works best for you (I'd welcome any comments you have!).  For me right now, these are some foods that help me not eat when I am not physically hungry and/or curb my want to just eat out of boredom (not advisable!). : )

Any ideas on the main ingredient of my 1st pick?

Yep, the coconut strikes again! I think I am the only one in my family who likes this stuff and yeah, I admit it's different, but there has to be some people who like Coconut Water or they wouldn't be selling it Costco right?

 My 2nd pick is gum.  I love gum and always have, but I don't love the aspartame, colors, artificial flavors, sugar, and other processed things that goes into most gums.  Yes, it is gluten free, but if I am going to have gum, this would be my first choice.  Made with Xylitol, this gum claims to help clean teeth instead of coat them with damaging ingredients.  I do admit the flavor doesn't last as long as other brands, but I love the simpler ingredient list: xylitol, gum base, natural flavors (pepperment oil), gum arabic, soy lecithin, clacium carbonate, beeswax (glazing agent). I do love the taste of some bursting peppermint.  Not a fan of spearmint, but I'll take peppermint any day!



 
Number 3 on my list is this supplement: Swanson's Soil-Based Organisms.  As I continue to try and support my body as it works to heal of my multiple food allergies/intolerances, I've been advised to take this supplement by my wonderful nutritionist.  It contains 72 trace minerals to help rebuild my the very depleted mineral level in my body.  I love that it is made from whole foods!  
You may think, why in the world would you need to take a supplement made with food when you could just eat those things?  Well, my nutritionist explained, and confirmed my learning, that because our soil is so depleted of these things like trace minerals it is necessary for us to sometimes supplement the minerals to help build up our bodies supply, especially when we are detoxing! This is just my opinion and just what I am learning.  I would always check with your doctor or nutritionist before starting any new supplement!

What about you?  What are some of your supporting foods?  What is your favorite indulgence?




Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Simply Straws

I absolutely LOVE these straws!  Not only are these beautiful straws free of BPA, harmful metals, toxins, or plastics, they are reusable, and eco-friendly.  Simply Straws kindly sent me a lovely package of three colored straws, a purple bent straw, a green straw prefect for smoothies, and a burnt orange medium length straw.
"DENTIST AND HYGIENIST RECOMMENDED wine straws SMILE REUSABLE drinking straws minimize stains reduce sensitivity BPA FREE STRAWS durable 100% guarantee Coffee Straws SUSTAINABLE reduce plastics in our oceans landfills handmade in usa smoothies bent straws NON-TOXIC straws for Kids."-simplystraws.com
  Straws 4 Cause
 
Simply Straws kindly sent me a lovely package of three colored straws, a purple bent straw, a green straw prefect for smoothies, and a burnt orange medium length straw. 
I really wanted to upload my own photographs of these lovely straws, but sadly, my internet is not co-operating, so that will have to wait.
 
 My favorite go to drink when I want some flavor in my water is this recipe for Lemonade.  Sugar free, sweet, and perfect sipping with a Simply Straw.






STEVIA SWEETENED LEMONADE
1/2 of a fresh lemon
Water to fill a 20-30oz. glass
Ice Cubes (if desired)
Nunaturals Lemon Stevia (I'd say sweeten to taste.  Start with a few drops and increase if necessary)
Squeeze lemon directly into your glass or if desired, strain first.  I will say that I personally like having the pulp because it adds so much flavor, but I have had seeds get stuck in my straw. : )
Add water and ice cubes and stir well.  It is important to stir well because the stevia tends to sit at the bottom. 
Enjoy cold!    

So, would you like to see more about these great straws?  Head on over to simplystraws.com and order some today

Monday, January 27, 2014

Sun Warrior Protein



Sunwarrior Protein
 
This is a lovely plant based protein that is a perfect addition to smoothies.  Whether you are a vanilla lover, chocolate dreamer, or prefer a more natural taste, there is a flavor for you.
Whether you follow a paleo*, vegan, vegetarian, “clean”, gluten free*, or standard lifestyle, this protein could be a great addition to your meals.
*Please note: “All our products are gluten free except for Activated Barley and Ormus Super Greens, which naturally has some gluten.”-sunwarrior.com

Want to know what makes this protein special? Well check this out…
 

“What makes WARRIOR BLEND so spectacular? Synergy! Each ingredient is exceptional alone, but when selectively combined in a revolutionary new proprietary formula, WARRIOR BLEND is overwhelmingly superior to any of its single components. This dynamic fusion creates a unique, raw, plant-based protein with a complete amino acid profile, exceptionally high in Glutamine, Arginine, Lysine, Luecine, and branch chain amino acids.
WARRIOR BLEND is the next generation raw, plant-based protein. An easily-digestible, nutrient- dense superfood, perfect for those who want to be ultra-healthy and fit. Best of all – It tastes phenomenal!
  • Complete protein contains all essential amino acids*
  • Creates a feeling of satiety (fullness)*
  • Promotes muscle function*
  • Idea for healthy weight loss*
  • Easy to Digest*
  • Increases energy*
WARRIOR BLEND is a green product and is suitable for any diet or lifestyle (NOT JUST FOR VEGANS)! Our patented, natural cold extrusion process is free of solvents, GMOs, radiation, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Ingredients: Proprietary Protein Blend (Raw Organic Pea Protein, Raw Cranberry Protein, Raw Organic Hemp Seed Protein), Organic Dutch Cacoa, Organic Chocolate Extract, Organic Vanilla Extract, Stevia, Natural Cherry Extract, Medium Chain Triglycerides from Coconut, Ancient Sea Salt, Herbal (Tea Leaf) Extract, Natural Fibers (Fenugreek, Konjac), Natural Citrus Extract
Suggested Use: Mix 1 scoop with 8-10 oz of water, almond milk, coconut milk, or your favorite beverage. Mixes well in shakes, smoothies and other beverages. Refrigerate prepared products and use the same day. Store package out of direct light and away from heat.
 As with any nutrional supplement, you should consult your physician before beginning a dietary regimen containing this product. Keep out of the reach of children. If you are nursing, pregnant or considering pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to using this product.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Full Description and Detailed Information
Raw Pea Protein:
A high fiber, low calorie, nutrient dense vegetarian SUPERFOOD, Peas are also a remarkable source of plant-based proteins and amino acids. Protein from peas satisfies all FAO essential amino acid requirements. The amino acids found in peas include Lysine, Arginine, Glutamine, Leucine, Isoleucine & Valine (Branched Chain Amino Acids – BCAAs)
  • Aid in muscle tissue maintenance*
  • Comparable to egg and milk proteins*
  • BCAAs are higher in pea protein than any other vegetable protein*
  • Helps restore nitrogen balance after intense physiological stress*
  • Increases muscle mass while reducing body fat during intense exercise*
  • Improves vasodilation and promotes a healthy heart*
  • Assists in maintaining lean body mass*
  • Facilitates calcium absorption (promoting healthy bone development in children)*
  • Low in sulfur proteins (sulfur proteins speed up the aging process)*
  • Increases metabolism and satiety (helping you to feel “full”)*
  • Natural tonic for preventing and treating high blood pressure*
  • Promotes healthy kidney function*
*The proteins naturally present in peas exist in an inactive state and must be activated by special enzymes to become bio-available. Simply consuming peas will not provide the same health benefits as using this purified pea protein extract.
Raw Cranberry Protein:
Cranberry protein is unique in that it is the only 100% plant protein that contains 25% protein, including all essential amino acids. Cranberry protein is extracted using a cold-pressed technology that preserves natural balances and naturally occurring fatty acids, which increases the absorption of the other nutrients.
  • Powerful detoxifier and diuretic (flushes out the kidneys)*
  • Treats bladder, kidney and urinary problems*
  • Boosts immune system, protecting against influenza and the common cold*
  • Increases “good” cholesterol (HDL) and reduces “bad” cholesterol (LDL)*
  • Improves circulation and reduces risk of heart disease*
  • Helps to relieve stress & depression*
  • Treats skin conditions such as: acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, burns & wounds*
  • Also considered one of the best remedies for REDUCING CELLULITE*
Raw Hemp Protein:
Hempseed is a complete protein source and the only food capable of sustaining life in the absence of other foods.
  • Whole food source*
  • Considered a “complete” protein, contains all eight essential amino acids*
  • Contains Edestin – a plant protein only found in hemp, similar to proteins found in the human body, Promotes DNA & cellular growth*
  • High concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in ideal 1:3 ratio*
  • Helps stabilize blood sugar*
  • Rich in fiber*
  • Absorbed faster than any other protein*
  • Easy to digest due to its lack of oligosaccharides and trypsin inhibitors*
  • Promotes healthy liver function*
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease*
  • Bolsters the immune system and protects against chronic disease*
  • Aids in digestion*
  • Contains gamma-linolenic acid – good fat, needed for skin, hair, eyes, nails, and cells in general*
  • Good source of iron, calcium, and a variety of other nutrients, some of which include B vitamins, magnesium and vitamin E*
Coconut MCTs:
Coconuts contain essential fatty acids in a unique structure that allows the fat to be burned as energy rather than stored as body fat. The fat in coconuts is composed of MCTs or medium chain triglycerides.
  • MCTs require less energy and fewer enzymes to break down for digestion*
  • Digested and absorbed quickly*
  • Used to treat digestive or metabolic conditions*
  • Improve the absorption of vitamins and minerals*
  • Improves general well-being*
  • Athletes use MCTs to improve performance and control weight*
  • Improves mental clarity*
  • Increases lean body mass/ decreases body fat*
  • Helps alleviate candida*
  • Abundant source of lauric acid (fortifies the immune system to fight disease)*
  • Speeds healing and recovery from illness and injury*
Fenugreek:
Plant in the family Fabaceae, Fenugreek is used both as an herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). The leaves and sprouts are also eaten as vegetables. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of the polysaccharide galactomannan. They are also a source of saponins. Other bioactive constituents of fenugreek include mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids.
  • Lowering Blood Sugar: supplements containing fenugreek are thought to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels. How fenugreek is able to lower blood glucose levels is not yet understood*
  • Lowering Cholesterol: This effect is thought to be due to the presence of chemicals called steroidal saponins, which prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream*
  • Relieving Constipation – rich in fiber*
  • In Traditional Chinese Medicine under the name Hu Lu Ba, considered to warm and tonify kidneys, dispersing cold and alleviating pain*
Konjac:
Soluble fibers such as Konjac root fibers offer many health-promoting benefits through their ability to form a soft gel with water.
  • Help lower blood cholesterol*
  • Slow glucose absorption*
  • Lowers the Glycemic index*
  • Promotes regular bowel movements*
  • Most viscous of all known dietary fibers*
  • May promote weight loss in obese adults even in the absence of a calorie-restricted diet*
  • Creates a feeling of satiety or fullness through its water-binding effects*
  • By creating a thick gel, glucomannan delays gastric emptying and slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps to lower levels of insulin and blood glucose*
  • Improves blood-lipid profiles and can lower systolic blood pressure*
  • Helps move waste products out of the body, discouraging the growth of cancer or other illnesses*
Leucine:
Having appropriate Muscularity is important to the health and longevity of humans and animals. Protein is essential to maintain tissue, organ, and muscle fitness. One particular protein or amino acid seems to be the star player in preserving muscle tissue. That amino acid is Leucine.
  • Luecine helps preserve existing muscle mass and stimulate the growth of new muscle cells
  • Muscles rich in leucine are less susceptible to damage and require less time to recover from injury
  • Prevents muscle wasting
  • Prevents the loss of bone density, energy, strength, and fitness
  • Contributes to increased weight loss
  • Lowers appetite, controlling how the brain regulates metabolism and the feeling of hunger
  • Combines with isoleucine and valine to protect and provide fuel to the muscles, increase endurance levels, and boost energy
  • Aids in maintaining blood sugar levels
  • Increases growth hormone production
Based on nitrogen-balance measurements, the requirement for leucine to maintain body protein is 1-3 grams daily. To optimize the anabolic pathway, it has been estimated that the leucine requirement should be about 8g – 16g daily.
3 Ounces of Warrior Blend has the Leucine content of 12 eggs!”-sunwarrior.com



Was that enough information for you?  Really, I had no idea that you could get protein from plants the way Sunwarrior has done it…I mean, I knew they had protein, but wow…what a great alternative to whey and egg protein!  For someone like me, who is battling embracing food intolerances or allergies, this is a great way to add some flavor and protein to smoothies, puddings, etc.

I like the Warrior Blends of protein the best because it contains no grains, but now that I have found I can eat grains (thanks to the help of a wonderful nutritional therapy practitioner),  I may just have to try some of their other blends.  They have Classic Protein, Super Greens, and other great supplements provided over at www.sunwarrior.com

Sunwarrior also sent me a few other samples to try of products I had never heard of, Liquid Light and Immune Shield.  I am familiar with Silver and its suggested benefits, but I had never seen a product that contained so many minerals as the Liquid Light.  It was my sister, H, who pointed out that we get those minerals everyday through our food, but we don’t examine/pick apart/concentrate each mineral in the way that the Liquid Light does. I imagine all these minerals can go a long way in helping fill the gaps in our daily nutrition.  Also, the fact that it is a clear liquid (it looks like water) makes it easy to blend into everyday food.
Because I am still learning about this product, I thought it be best to provide some more information from the website, www.sunwarrior.com:



“What is the difference between Liquid Light & Immune Shield?
Liquid Light is a plant-based fulvic acid mineral complex created by nature and cold process extracted into a liquid solution. Immune Shield is a natural fulvic acid mineral complex fortified with silver ions. The silver ions are complexed inside the fulvic acid molecule for maximum protection and performance.

Liquid Light
Liquid Light is what we like to call "Mineralized Solar Energy". The minerals are sunlight captured by healthy plant life with a microbial production of Fulvic Complex, extracted from ancient undisturbed plant deposit using pure cold water.
Liquid Light Provides:
  • Powerful polyelectrolytes produced by nature*
  • Over 72 trace minerals and elements complexed with Fulvic Acid*
  • Improved absorption and assimilation of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients*
  • Enhanced energy and endurance*
Suggested Use: Take one capful once a day or as needed. May


be taken by itself, with water or juice. 
Store unopened package out of direct light and away from heat.
 As with any nutrional supplement, you should consult your physician before beginning a dietary regimen containing this product. Keep out of the reach of children. If you are nursing, pregnant or considering pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to using this product.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”-www. sunwarrior.com


My favorite way to use Sunwarrior protein, is by first, blend blueberries, banana, and pineapple, and your choice of protein flavor, blend it up in the Ninja blender, and freeze the batter.  The next day I can pull it out in the morning and by lunch, it is a lovely, fruit based ice cream with healthy protein inside.  It was the perfect filler for a recent long road tripThere was no refrigeration necessary and it tasted great!
Check out Sunwarrior’s website to order some protein today!
www.sunwarrior.com

Friday, January 10, 2014

And it continues...

So I am still loving smoothies and fruit ice creams.  I like how fresh, quick, and light they feel.  Here is my newest favorite recipe for a ton of fruity, creamy, dairy-free ice cream:

Fruit Ice Cream 
by Relizabeth Runner

Filled with healthy fats from Avocado, potassium, vitamin C and more, this ice cream is such a great swap for the usual dairy filled, refined sugar ice cream.
  • 1.5 Bananas (frozen and preferably quite ripe)
  • 2C Pineapple (frozen)
  • 1C Pears (frozen)
  • 4-6 Strawberries (frozen)
  • 1/2 Avocado (chilled in fridge)
  • 1-2C water depending on how thick you would like it.
  • Nunaturals Stevia (if it isn't sweet enough for you)
Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor, scraping with spatula if necessary. Enjoy!

 source

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Canyon Bakehouse

                    WHOA!  It is sooooo good! How do they do this?  Is it the flour?
                           They really know what they are doing.  Yum!
  

Triple Oak Bakery




Looking for some tasty, bakery made treats?  Search no more!  Triple Oak Bakery has many delicious items to offer.  Check out these lovely bagels.  They were a hit in our house.  We covered them with butter then toasted them in a pan. Perfect for breakfast.

Triple Oak Bakery also let us try some Cheese Scones, Gluten Free Pastry Flour, and Oatcakes.  I was excited to try the Pastry Flour so I made some pumpkin biscuits on Christmas morning.  I need to work on perfecting the recipe, but with some tweaks, lots of butter, and cinnamon sugar... they were pretty good.  It sure was great to have the Gluten Free Pastry Flour already mixed and ready to go.
  
Check out the website to order some treats today!  Perfect for a party, holiday, or busy morning http://www.tripleoakbakery.com/mail-order-etsy-store/
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