I grew up during the low-fat craze. Margarine was great for you, practically a health food. Low-fat yogurt, cheese, and even fat-free cookies dominated the shelves of supermarkets. It took me serious study of nutrition and health to change my mind - and my eating habits - and incorporate healthy fats into my diet. Amazing things happened. My hair, nails, and skin got healthier and stronger, and I felt fully satisfied after meals. I didn't gain any weight and rarely craved dessert after meals.
During this fall's Real Food Challenge, many of the participants were surprised at the amount of fat included in the meals - nuts AND olive oil on my salad? A whole tablespoon of coconut oil to cook onions? But when cravings for sweets disappeared and they felt fully satisfied for hours after meals, healthy fats won over fat-free Italian dressing and dry, tasteless "healthy" cookies. When there are excess fats and oils in the diet, especially heavily processed fats, symptoms can include weight gain, skin breakouts, high blood pressure, liver strain and an overall feeling of mental, physical and emotional heaviness. Signs of insufficient high-quality fats are brittle hair and nails, dry skin, hunger after meals and feeling cold.
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It's that time of year. As we wrap up work, do our holiday shopping, and enjoy the endless treats of the season, we can't help but think about what the New Year will bring. For some, it's about making resolutions - more of this, less of that. Setting targets, goals, and even adding things to our (seemingly never ending) to-do lists.
What if we slowed down for just a moment? To savor mugs of hot apple cider and enjoy evenings filled with laughter, family, and friends. This week, I set aside little time to plan for my Winter Wellness Week and Spring into Wellness Program as well as set some powerful intentions for the New Year. After all, its the last week before many of us head out of town and things need to get done! But with the plans set and laptops closed, I invite you to join me in fully focusing on friends and family, celebration and relaxation. Take the final hours of this week to plan, design, report, and set some goals for your New Year. And after that, choose to live in the moment. Enjoy the Christmas lights around your neighborhood, find a cozy spot to curl up and celebrate these final darkest days of the year, and spread joy with your friends and family. I wish you the best and most beautiful holiday season yet! Sweet potatoes are on everyone’s mind and plate this season. They seem to go hand in hand with the holidays, and are a great winter vegetable to include in your diet well into the New Year. Sweet potatoes elevate blood sugar gently rather than with the jolt delivered by simple refined carbohydrates, so there’s no energy crash after you eat them. Much higher in nutrients than white potatoes and especially rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes offer a creamy consistency that is satisfying and soothing. Cravings for sweets can be greatly reduced by adding sweet vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, yams, parsnips, beets, squash, turnips and rutabagas to your daily diet.
Sweet Potatoes are healing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and help to remove toxins from the body. They can increase the quantity of milk in lactating women and can lessen cramps and premenstrual symptoms. There should still be sweet potatoes available at your local farmer's market and they will last a few weeks stored in a cool, dark place. Don't refrigerate, or the centers may become tough - here's why. Read on for a sweet & tangy sweet potato recipe... |
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