- Find a local farmer’s market and prioritize buying your produce there. Ask the farmers about their farming methods, whether their produce is grown organically or conventionally.
- Farmer’s markets offer a wide variety of foods including raw honey, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, herbs, and homemade breads. Supporting local farmers not only benefits the economy but also provides nutrient-rich foods with enhanced allergy-fighting properties. Consider the connection between the food we eat and the soil we rely on for our very breath. Remember that climate and soil conditions vary across regions like Florida and California.
- Instead of following the latest diet trends, focus on a nutrition-forward approach. Prioritize getting essential nutrients before indulging in other foods. Start your day with a green juice or have one before social events. Incorporating tea into your daily routine offers a range of valuable benefits, such as antioxidants, detoxification, weight loss support, improved heart health, enhanced skin appearance, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Don’t limit yourself to choosing between coffee and tea. Tea is made by steeping herbs, flowers, or roots in hot water, making it easy to absorb nutrients. Coffee is derived from the fruit of the Coffea plant and offers a range of potential benefits. Tea is gentle on the stomach and allows for quick absorption of nutrients. For example, a combination of oregano, parsley, and turmeric steeped together can provide powerful antibacterial properties, phytonutrients that combat infections like staph, abundant antioxidants to prevent cell damage, and a rich source of fiber, vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin E, tryptophan, and calcium.
- Some suggested teas to keep in your kitchen include green tea (which belongs to the black tea family along with white and oolong), ginger, turmeric, hawthorn, mint, and hibiscus. Purchase them in loose form and mix different herbs for unique flavor combinations. For the best anti-inflammatory benefits, grate fresh ginger and turmeric roots and steep them together. Prepare enough tea to last 4-5 days and store it in the fridge, enjoying multiple servings throughout the day.
Focus on eating to heal and strengthen your body. When at home, get all the nutrients you need in the day.
When you go out to eat, there is no need to torture yourself by forcing a salad. It’s important to consider that you may not know the origin, freshness, or nutritional value of the greens in a restaurant salad. Instead, consider opting for a shrimp cocktail or pot stickers and simply relish your evening without unnecessary stress.
Must haves in the kitchen to be used daily are: apple cider vinegar unfiltered, raw honey, fresh garlic, ginger, sea salt, coconut and olive oil.
INFLAMMATORIES Cause aches and pains from irritated blood vessels. They also cause digestion issues along with a slew of disharmony in the body. Our poor liver!
- White sugar and high fructose corn syrup: Common sweeteners that have negative health effects.
- Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners: Mostly chemicals made in a laboratory.
- Artificial colors and flavors: Synthetic additives found in many processed foods, which have health risks.
- Refined processed carbohydrates: These are present in various breads, pastas, pastries, and cereals, and can lead to blood sugar spikes and other health issues.
- Processed meats: Examples include sausage, bacon, ham, smoked meat, and beef jerky, which often contain added preservatives and high levels of sodium (not sea salt).
- White salt undergoes a refining process that removes essential macrominerals necessary for transporting sodium and other vital nutrients in your body. You can find iodine in foods such as eggs, sea salt, fish, seaweed, cranberries, and macadamia nuts.
Anti-inflammatories:Protect against heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, depression, and cancer.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables: Include strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
- Green tea: A beneficial beverage for reducing inflammation.
- Chicken, beef, or fish bone broth: Rich in nutrients that support a healthy immune system.
- Omega-3: Found in fatty fish, such as salmon, and helps reduce inflammation.
- Spices: Turmeric, garlic, ginger, and oregano are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Onion: Contains compounds that fight inflammation.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Olive oil: Use cold-pressed olive oil with an herb blend on sprouted bread, barley, or in salads.
- Green leafy vegetables: Consume them in soups and sauces for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Buy organic produce on sale and freeze: This prevents waste, and frozen leaves can be easily crumbled over any meal.
CARCINOGENS
Processed foods that come in boxes and bags often contain preservatives to extend their shelf life. These preservatives are typically chemical and artificial, not recognized by our bodies as actual food. When you come across a boxed food with a lengthy list of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, chances are your body may struggle to process them as well. It’s important to be aware of the potential harmful effects of certain ingredients. It is vital to know more about cancer-causing agents and you can refer to the National Toxicology Program’s website at ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/roc/index-1.html for a comprehensive list.
HEALTH PRODUCTS– Taking care of your skin goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s important to remember that your skin is an organ, and what you apply to it can potentially be absorbed transdermally into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful of the health products you use. Opting for natural alternatives can make a significant difference. Steer clear of lotions, body washes, and hand soaps that contain chemicals, dyes, and artificial fragrances, as these can have direct access to your bloodstream. Instead, seek out products that harness the power of natural ingredients. Additionally, nourishing your hair and skin starts from within. Consider incorporating teas into your daily routine, as many varieties offer skin benefits that can contribute to a healthy and radiant appearance. Remember, true beauty shines from the inside out.