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The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body

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A new year provides the opportunity to consider changes we might want to make from the previous year. At the top of the list for many is the desire to eat healthier. Whether for weight management, improved wellness or to create better habits, making changes in diet is a great way to take responsibility for health.

Consider this change. The impact of processed foods on the body is profound. When it comes to creating healthier habits that improve health and longevity, reducing the amount of processed foods in the diet is a key one.

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body title meme

What is Processed Food?

Processed foods are typically packaged food products that contain unrecognizable ingredients, have a long shelf life and don’t fuel the body with high nutrition.

Processed foods are altered primarily for convenience or for more flavor. Some foods are more processed than others. A bag of cut up veggies, sold packaged in the store, is minimally processed. The basic nature of the food has not changed. Canned and frozen veggies and fruits are not heavily processed either. They are processed to lock in freshness and nutrients.

A bag of chips or a box of sugary treats or that package of mac and cheese represent ultra processed foods. These are chemically altered with artificial flavors, additives, preservatives and other unrecognizable ingredients.

The typical American diet is full of ultra processed foods. Dieticians estimate half of our calories come from processed foods.

These processed foods have a detrimental impact on the body.

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body donuts — The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body – donuts

List of Processed Foods

All foods purchased at the grocery store have some level of processing. This simple guide breaks processing into categories:

Unprocessed foods – fruits and veggies

Minimally processed – bagged lettuce and veggies, cut veggies, packaged nuts

Processed for freshness – canned fruits and veggies, frozen fruits and veggies

Heavily processed – ingredients added for flavor and texture – sweeteners, sugar, spices, oils, fats, salt, colors, chemicals and preservatives – jarred pasta sauces, salad dressings, yogurt, cake, cookies, crackers, granola bars, deli meat, boxed meals, chips, cookies, donuts, cheese, cured meats

Ultra processed foods – pre-made meals such as microwaveable dinners, frozen pizza and frozen dinners and those with added ingredients such as anti-caking products, fillers and emulsifiers

The longer the list of ingredients on the box or package, the more processed the food is. Look for unrecognizable ingredients as well.

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body

Studies show that eating highly processed foods impact the body in negative ways. Of great concern is more rapid aging and a shortened life span due to processed foods affecting cells in the body.

Other ways that highly and ultra processed foods affect the body:

create inflammation
cause hormonal irregularities
increase digestive disorders
cause allergic reactions, hives, rashes
alter brain function
increase the risk of cancer
contribute to poor circulation
increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes
contribute to depression
cause weight gain
create cravings for more processed foods

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body cook at home — The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body – prepare foods at home

Ways to Make Healthier Choices

Everyone eats processed foods. I occasionally eat processed foods. It’s a diet high in processed foods that leads to health problems.

Make these easy choices and swaps.

check labels…the more ingredients and unrecognizable ingredients on the list, the higher the processing. Look for organic alternatives. And look for natural ingredients.
buy fresh fruits and veggies
shop at farmer’s markets and co-ops
eat fruit for dessert rather than packaged sweets
shop at health conscious grocery stores such as Sprouts and Natural Grocers
save processed foods for occasional treats, rather than the usual snack or meal
grow your own veggies and fruits
swap out sugary cereals for oats with fresh fruits or chia pudding (more healthy breakfast ideas HERE)
don’t keep heavily and ultra processed foods in the house
be aware of eating for comfort rather than for hunger
prepare meals at home most of the time. You know what the ingredients are when you cook at home.
meal prep and batch cook to make cooking at home easier

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body veggie soup — The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body – homemade veggie soup

Convenience VS Health

The primary reason we turn to processed foods is for convenience. And I get that. After a long and busy day, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal from scratch. I know the consequence though of eating too much processed food. My body warns me with rashes, indigestion, aches and pains.

So, I pull up music to cook by, on my Echo Dot, create a fun experience, make a game out of it or shift my mood with positive self talk.

For the difference in the way I feel, it is worth cutting back on and eliminating processed foods.

How about you? Are you aware of how much processed food you eat? And more importantly, are you aware of the impact on your body and health?

The Impact of Processed Foods on the Body berries — A simple dessert…mixed fresh berries

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I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.

Alkaline Foods Vs Acidic Foods

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After embracing a plant based lifestyle, I heard a lot about alkaline foods vs acidic foods. I understood enough to know that one is better for health than the other. But why? My curiosity led me to investigate.

Do you wonder which foods contribute to creating an alkaline body…and which create acidity? Or perhaps you wonder…what difference does it make anyway?

Check out alkaline foods vs acidic foods and discover why they DO matter to health.

Alkaline Foods Vs Acidic Foods title meme

Alkaline Foods

Alkaline and acidic refer to the pH level in the body. All systems, tissues and fluids range from 0 to 14 on the scale. A lower pH level is more acidic and a higher one is more alkaline. A slightly alkaline pH of 7.35 – 7.45 for the body is considered ideal for health.

Our kidneys help to regulate pH by maintaining electrolyte levels and either excreting or absorbing acidic and alkaline ions through urine. However, a diet high in acidic foods can have a negative impact on health while one higher in alkaline foods provides benefits.

And by benefits, I mean that eating enough alkaline foods helps to promote an optimal environment within the body for health. The kidneys work well. Weight is easier to maintain. An alkaline body lowers the risks for heart disease, strengthens bones, balances hormones and improves brain functions such as memory and cognitive abilities. There is also evidence that consuming more alkaline foods eases pain and inflammation in muscles and joints.

Foods that are Alkaline

Choose foods from this list of foods, adding them to the diet weekly. They help to neutralize the effects of acidic foods.

green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale, lettuce, celery, parsley, arugula and mustard greens
cauliflower and broccoli
sea vegetables, such as Atlantic dulse, nori and kelp, and sea salt
root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets
fruits such as kiwi, watermelon, berries, nectarines, apricots and apples
nuts such as almonds, cashews and chestnuts
onion, garlic and ginger
beans and legumes
citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and oranges

Citrus fruits may come as a surprise, however they are actually one of the best alkaline foods. Citric acid has an alkalizing effect on the body, providing relief from acidity and heartburn.

Acidic Foods

A diet that is high in acidic foods creates an environment in the body that contributes to disease and feeds pathogens. Acid forming foods typically include animal proteins, wheat products and alcohol.

Too many acidic foods throw the body out of balance. The results are lower bone density, acid reflux and heartburn, kidney stones and disease, chronic pain in muscles and joints, headaches, back pain, muscle spasms and hormonal imbalance. An acidic body is at higher risk of heart disease and brain impairment.

Foods that are Acidic

The typical American diet is highly acidic. Limit these foods, to reduce acidity and improve health.

milk and dairy products such as cheese
meat
eggs
alcohol
caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda
artificial sweeteners
wheat products including breads and pastas
lunch meat
highly processed foods such as cereals, frozen dinners and store bought snacks

Alkaline Foods Vs Acidic Foods Greens — One of the best ways to get your greens…in a smoothie.

Tips to Help

One way to support a healthy alkaline body is to switch to a plant based diet. However, if you are not ready to do that, these tips can help.

substitute beans or legumes for meat two or more times a week
try eating only fruits and veggies for breakfast and lunch
combine fruits and greens into a nutrient packed…and alkaline…smoothie
eat fruit instead of highly processed store bought snacks
cook more at home, to avoid processed foods
reduce coffee and soda intake by switching to water or unsweetened herbal teas
try chicory tea in the morning instead of coffee
sweeten herbal teas with organic honey or maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners
focus on whole foods rather than processed foods

I can’t personally recommend bottled alkaline water. For one thing, I’m eliminating plastic use from my life. And I prefer eating foods that naturally balance the body, over drinking alkaline water. Will it hurt? No, not if you occasionally drink alkaline water. Again, grab a piece of fruit instead or enjoy a fresh chopped salad. Gain the health benefits that those foods provide, beyond contributing to an alkaline body.

In the battle of alkaline foods vs acidic foods, I’d love to see you on the side that promotes health, wellness and vitality.

Alkaline Foods Vs Acidic Foods Veggies — Fresh veggies

Pick up dried chicory below, by clicking on the photo.

8 Toxic Ways Sugar Impacts the Body

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I think we all agree that sugar isn’t good for us. And yet, it is so difficult for most of us to eliminate it from our diets. We are raised consuming sugar and we die, consuming sugar. It is very much a part of the average American diet. In fact, sugar lurks in surprising places. The stuff is found in everything from cereal and drinks to spaghetti sauce and peanut butter.

I’m not going to say that you can’t have sugar. Me telling you that sugar is bad for you won’t shift you one bit. No, it’s a choice each person has to make. My desire is to share with you what sugar does to the body, and let you decide for yourself whether it’s something you want to continue to consume.

This is by no means a complete list, however, here are 8 toxic ways sugar impacts the body.

8 Toxic Ways Sugar Impacts the Body

How does sugar affect the body?

Sugar increases the risk of diabetes

Consuming too much sugar, especially in sugary drinks such as soda and sweet tea, causes obesity. And obesity is the strongest risk factor for developing diabetes. Prolonged consumption of high levels of sugar leads to insulin resistance as well, causing blood sugar levels to rise. This condition is another major contributor to diabetes.

Sugar is linked to depression

A diet high in sugar can increase the chances of developing depression. Fluctuating blood sugar levels, inflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation all have a negative impact on mental health.

Sugar causes weight gain

It’s a given that regularly consuming too much sugar puts on the pounds. But did you know that sugar actually increases your hunger? The hormone leptin regulates hunger and tells the body when to stop eating. Sugar can cause a resistance to this important hormone so that the body no longer responds to the signal that hunger is satisfied.

Additionally, those who drink a lot of sweetened drinks develop belly fat, a condition associated with diabetes and heart disease.

Sugar increases the risk of heart, liver and certain brain diseases

Heart disease is the leading cause of death. High sugar intake leads to obesity and causes inflammation, high triglycerides, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. All of these factors contribute to heart disease and atherosclerosis, which is characterized by fatty deposits in arteries.

Sugar overloads the liver, leading to potential liver damage and/or a condition known as fatty liver. Alzheimer’s and dementia are diseases that studies are connecting to high sugar consumption as well.

8 Toxic Ways Sugar Impacts the Body Skip the sugar and just eat the strawberries.

Sugar elevates the risk for cancer

Consuming high amounts of sugar may increase risks for certain types of cancer, primarily because of the inflammation that it produces. Sugar consumption has been associated with esophageal cancer, pleural cancer (the fluid filled space that surrounds the lungs), small intestinal cancer and endometrial cancer.

One study found that sugar is used by cancer cells to speed growth, enabling cancer to spread more quickly.

Sugar accelerates the skin aging process

Compounds called Advanced Glycation End Products are formed when sugar reacts with protein in the body. These compounds damage collagen and elastin, which help skin to remain elastic and youthful. As damaged skin loses its firmness it begins to sag, causing wrinkles.

Additionally, sugar increases cellular aging as well. And trust me, that’s worse than sagging skin.

Sugar causes inflammation throughout the body

Many doctors claim that inflammation is the root cause of disease in the body. A sugar laden diet causes inflammation throughout the body, and continues to feed inflammation once it develops. That inflammation affects blood vessels, organs and joints.

Sugar is addictive

In recent years some have called sugar more addictive than cocaine. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on how sugar impacts the body, found that it is indeed, addictive.

A high sugar drink or food causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin and an increase in hunger and cravings for about four hours after consumption. What the study showed is that a region in the brain, the pleasure center, lights up as well. The conclusion is that foods and drinks that spike blood sugar are biologically addictive.

I can believe that.

There are more than 600,000 processed foods available on the market and 80% of those have added, and often hidden, sugars. The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar a day. The body can safely process about 8 teaspoons. The food industry uses sugar and high fructose corn syrup to addict us to foods. We crave them. Sweetener is used as well to make bad ingredients, like processed flours and chemicals, taste good.

8 Toxic Ways Sugar Impacts the Body

Reducing Sugar Intake

If you’d like to reduce sugar consumption, try these suggestions:

Eat more whole natural foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fruit is good for us. Don’t worry about the natural fructose found in fruits.
Drink water and herbal teas rather than soda and sweet tea or sweetened artificially flavored drinks.
Read labels, on everything. Sugar is hidden is so many foods. Look for it near the top of the list of ingredients. Choose sugar free foods as much as possible.
Avoid artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Sugar impacts the body adversely and artificial sweeteners do too.
Make choices. Swap out sweetened cereal for gluten free oats with berries. Instead of a candy bar, have a small square of dark chocolate. Grab an apple instead of a cookie. Bake with organic maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. Eliminate sugary snacks from the house.
Cravings are different from true hunger. Go for a walk or get outside instead of eating a sugary treat. Chat with a friend. Play with the kids. Meditate. Treat sugar cravings for what they are…a sign of addiction.

It is a Choice

Sugar impacts the body negatively. I knew that fact for years. And yet, I’ve dealt with sugar addiction. Sugar gave me horrible indigestion. I kept antacids on hand, rather than change my eating habits. Sugar made my joints hurt and created inflammation in my body. I accepted those ailments as part of life.

Only when I experienced radically improved health, after a 28 day cleanse, did I realize how addicted to sugar I once was. Eating fruits and veggies reset my body and cleared up so many ailments…including the indigestion. I no longer crave sugar, at all. And if I do ingest a small amount, I don’t like the way it makes me feel. That’s enough for me to leave it alone. The saying is true for me. Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.

It takes time and it doesn’t feel easy, however you can take back control of your health and well being. You can live with vitality. Take the healing journey one step, once day, once choice at a time. If you want change strongly enough, you can create it.

I’m cheering for you.

8 Toxic Ways Sugar Impacts the Body

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8 Plant Based Milks

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As promised, after sharing about how milk can make us feel bad, tonight I offer healthy alternatives to cow’s milk. For baking, for pouring over gluten free oatmeal, for drinking, these plant based milks deliver flavor and nutrients without the hormones, antibiotics and lactose.

And, as a bonus, I’ve included a simple to make DIY almond milk recipe.

8 Plant Based Milks

Almond Milk

This is the most popular plant based milk on the market and the easiest to find. Almond milk is made from almonds and water. It has a light, sweet, subtly nutty flavor and among plant based milks, has the lowest calorie count. Almonds contain healthy fats, important minerals and vitamins, including E. Purchase unsweetened almond milk and check labels for carrageenan. This additive causes an inflammatory response in some people.

Drink almond milk or use in coffee and tea, over cereal or oatmeal, in smoothies and for baking.

Almond milk is incredibly easy to make at home. See the DIY recipe at the end of the post.

Cashew Milk

Similar to almond milk, cashew milk is made from cashews and water. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty taste. Cashews contain healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, including zinc. Purchase unsweetened cashew milk, or make your own at home. Unlike almond milk, it doesn’t even need to be strained after blending,

Use in smoothies, for baking or in coffee and tea.

Coconut Milk

In contrast to full fat coconut milk purchased in a can, and used in many Thai and curry recipes, this coconut milk is a diluted version. It’s made from the flesh of coconuts and water. The milk is very creamy with a sweet, subtle coconut flavor. Coconut milk contains healthy fats, minerals such as calcium and iron, and it’s rich with B vitamins. Look for unsweetened coconut milk.

This milk is great for drinking, using in coffee, tea and smoothies, and for baking.

Hemp Milk

Made from hemp seeds and water, hemp milk contains more protein than the nut milks and contains healthy omega-3s. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a very thin watery texture. Many compare the texture to skim milk, and some don’t care for the unique flavor.

Like almond milk, packaged hemp milk can contain carrageenan, so check labels. This product is not as readily available as other milks.

Use in place of skim milk in coffee and tea.

8 Plant Based Milks

Oat Milk

Relatively new to the market, oat milk is higher in calories and carbohydrates than the other plant based milks. It’s made from oats and water and has a mild, sweet flavor. Oat milk contains more protein than nut milks, and fiber along with important minerals and the B vitamins.

Look for unsweetened varieties, to cut down on calories.

Use oat milk in coffee, tea and smoothies, for baking and to top cereal and oatmeal. This newcomer is currently a very popular option in coffee shops.

Rice Milk

This milk, made from milled brown or white rice and water, has been around for a long time. Compared to plant based milks available now, rice milk doesn’t have the nutritional value that they do. However, rice milk is the least allergenic of all the milks. It is also very mild, taste wise, with a thin, watery texture.

Purchase rice milk unsweetened.

Use this milk in smoothies and for baking.

Quinoa Milk

Another newcomer, quinoa milk is made from this small, gluten free grain and water. Quinoa milk is high in protein and contains all nine of the essential amino acids. The milk has a slightly sweet taste with a distinctive quinoa flavor. However, it mixes well with coffee and tea.

This product can be difficult to find in grocery stores and it is more expensive than the other plant based milks.

Soy Milk

I hesitated in adding this milk. It has long been available, being one of the first plant based milk products on the market. Soy milk is made from soy beans (or soy protein isolate) and water and has a creamy texture and a mild flavor. It is high in proteins and can be substituted for cow’s milk in coffee and tea, for baking or for drinking.

The problem with soy milk is that most of the soy grown in the US is genetically modified so that it can be sprayed with the pesticide Round Up. Genetically modified foods, also called GMO foods, can cause inflammation and health issues. And the pesticide used on soy is passed on to those who drink the milk, creating many more health problems.

If using soy milk, look for an unsweetened, non GMO product.

8 Plant Based Milks

DIY Almond Milk

Almond milk can be made easily at home. I say that, and yet I have never made it before, until tonight. I found the process to be super simple.

Making almond milk actually starts a day or two before blending the ingredients, so keep that in mind. Find a strainer and cheesecloth by clicking these links.

Almond Milk

journeywithhealthyme

Make your own almond milk easily, at home.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Chill 1

Total Time 15

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1 cup raw almonds
3 cups water bottled or filtered
2 dates pitted
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Cover raw almonds with cool water and soak for 24 - 48 hours. Drain and rinse.
Combine almonds, 3 cups of water, dates and vanilla in blender. Pulse 5 or 6 times, to break up almonds.
Blend on high speed for two minutes, until mixture becomes white and creamy.
Line strainer with cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Pour blended almond mixture into strainer and allow milk to drain through cheesecloth, into bowl. Gently squeeze cheesecloth, to extract all the liquid. Store for up to 2 days in refrigerator.

Notes

Vary amount of water, for thicker or thinner milk. Omit dates and vanilla if desired.

Other than remembering to start the soaking process one to two days beforehand, this recipe was so simple. I found it fascinating, actually, to see almonds transformed into a creamy, frothy drink.

I am not a milk drinker, although I occasionally use it for baking. However, I like trying new things. I sampled my freshly made almond milk, and I liked it. I did include the dates and vanilla, for a slightly sweeter taste. Tomorrow, after my almond milk as chilled overnight, I’ll try a small glassful.

Because it contains no preservatives, make small batches of almond milk and use up within two days. Cost wise, making plant based milks at home is not a savings over purchasing ready made milks at the store. For quality assurance, it can’t be beat. I know exactly what’s in this milk…and what’s not in it. I’m looking forward to baking with my homemade milk or adding a splash to a cup of hot herbal tea.

If you have a favorite plant based milk, or DIY milk recipe, I’d love to see it!

DIY Almond Milk

3 Ingredient Chocolate Cookies

I’m always on the lookout for healthy treats. It’s not easy because I have tough criteria. The snack can’t contain gluten, refined sugar, eggs or dairy products. Thankfully, such recipes do exist. For Try This Tuesday, I tried out a quick and recipe for 3 ingredient chocolate cookies.

This recipe comes from Listotic. Check out her website HERE

3 Ingredient Chocolate Cookies

2 large very ripe bananas

1 cup quick rolled oats, gluten free

2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mash bananas in a bowl. Add oats and cacao powder and stir until cookie dough like consistency is reached. Depending on size of the bananas, you may need less oats. Start with 3/4 of a cup and add more to make a dough that holds its shape. Optional: add in a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips sweetened with stevia, dried fruit or nuts.

Drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use fingers or a fork to mash down dough, forming a cookie shape. Bake 10 – 12 minutes. Enjoy warm from the oven. Makes 12 – 15 cookies.

These were so easy to make and turned out well! The cookies hold their shape during baking and have a wonderful texture and chocolate flavor without being too sweet. I like how versatile the recipe is. I added a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes to this batch. I’ll try adding nuts or dark chocolate chips sweetened with stevia next time.

I sampled two warm, fresh from the oven cookies with my afternoon tea. This is what I love, hot tea made from herbs plucked from my garden, and light, wholesome snacks that contribute to health, rather than complicate it. I’ll be experimenting with different versions of this basic recipe!

Meditate for Health

Today’s Try This Tuesday post is a bit different in that it focus on an action, rather than a new recipe. I’ve been practicing and teaching meditation for years. As meditation calms and relaxes the body and stills the mind, it provides powerful healing benefits as well.

Meditation is easy, costs nothing, does not require any specialized equipment, can be practiced by anyone, anywhere and only takes a few minutes to do.

The health benefits of meditation have been documented through countless studies around the world. The amazing results include: lowers blood pressure, decreases risks of heart attacks and strokes, stimulates stem cell growth, relieves anxiety and depression, reduces stress and tension, improves memory and increases academic performance, aids weight loss, eases chronic pain, reduces hyperactivity in children, increases longevity, helps with insomnia and decreases addictions and substance abuse.

Meditation does not shut down the mind, it quiets it so that we are not so distracted by our thoughts. Our thoughts are like the words that continually scroll across the bottom of the television screen during a newscast. We can learn to let the thoughts scroll on by, without focusing on them. When we notice a thought we can simply acknowledge it and let it go without attaching to it.

I’m offering a simple healing meditation below. However, before practicing it, spend a few moments creating a Safe Place in your mind. At the beginning of every meditation, you will enter this Safe Place so create something, in your mind, that brings you joy and makes you feel peaceful. This place should be in nature, not in a building or structure. It is a soothing, solitary place. Include rich details in your Safe Place.

Mine is a garden, filled with flowers and trees. It has a water feature and a gazebo where I can sit. The sunlight filters through the leaves and there is always a cool gentle breeze. Create in your mind a space that supports you and makes you sigh with happiness when you arrive.

Read through this meditation several times, turn off the tv and quiet your phone, then lie down or sit comfortably in a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Or sit in a lotus position with soles of feet together if that is not a strain on your back. Be at ease so that pain or stiffness in the legs and back is not a distraction. Rest hands naturally on the thighs, palms up. It’s fine to allow the fingers to relax and curl inward without touching thumbs and fingers together.

Healing Meditation

• Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through the nose and release it slowly through the mouth. Take two more slow deep breaths.

• Relax the body as you continue to breathe slowly and deeply. You can relax by focusing on your breath. Or you can begin at your feet and consciously relax the muscles. Move up the legs, up the torso, and down the arms to the hands, relaxing each part of the body. Continue upward. Pay special attention to the neck, shoulders, jaws, face and scalp, as we tend to hold a lot of tension in these areas.

• Visualize entering your Safe Place. Feel the warmth and love and joy here. Stay relaxed and centered.

• Take another deep, cleansing breath. Imagine that roots are growing out of the soles of your feet and into the earth. This grounds the body and helps to prevent dizziness after the meditation ends. Imagine positive, living energy from the earth rising to support you.

• Imagine a large white sphere of light above your head. This is Divine healing energy. See in your mind the white light surrounding you, encasing you in a bubble of protective energy. With every inhale of breath, imagine Divine healing energy entering your body. It spreads throughout your body…up into your head, down your arms to your hands and fingers, down the torso to the legs, and down the legs to the feet and toes. Your entire body is filled with Divine energy, bright healing white light. Every system, every organ, every cell in your body is infused with healing energy. Imagine any low energy or negative energy being transformed by the light.

• Breathe slowly and bask in this healing energy, for as long as you want. Open your heart wide and express love and gratitude for this time of healing.

• Imagine leaving your Safe Place, carrying the Divine white light with you. Count down from seven to one. As you get to one slowly open your eyes and move your fingers and toes. Stretch arms and legs. Stand slowly and stretch upwards, taking a deep breath.

This meditation can last for a few minutes or an hour…it’s up to you. If a thought pops into your head, say yes and let it go on by. Gradually your body will enter into a relaxed state quickly and easily without being distracted by thoughts.

Meditation is a wonderful practice to incorporate into your daily health routines, along with nutrient dense foods, exercise and supplements. Blessings on your healing journey!

Waldorf Salad with Vegenaise

I have been craving Waldorf salad, full of crisp apples, crunchy celery and walnuts, and sweet, juicy red grapes. The only problem with this yummy salad is that it typically has mayonnaise in it. I don’t use this product any more. However, was there a plant based option? I headed to Natural Grocers to find out.

I selected organic Braeburn apples, celery and seedless red grapes. I picked up organic walnut halves as well. And thanks to the produce manager at the Natural Grocers, I found a selection of healthier mayonnaises, in the refrigerated section. I am not only plant based, I also avoid soy and canola oil. I passed on a couple of brands that contained eggs or canola oil. And I found the right product with Vegenaise!

This wonderful spread is gluten, egg, soy, refined sugar and dairy free. It is a non GMO product as well. This isn’t something I will use often, but it’s nice to have an alternative to classic mayo.

Here is the simple recipe for Waldorf Salad:

• 3 red apples, unpeeled & cut into chunks

• 1 cup of celery, thinly sliced

• 1 cup of seedless red grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup of walnut halves

• 1/2 cup of Vegenaise

• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

In a large bowl, combine apples, celery, red grapes and walnuts. In a small bowl whisk together Vegenaise, lemon juice and sea salt. Fold dressing into apple mixture. Chill for at least half an hour. Makes 4-6 servings.

Oh, this was a good salad! I’ve always loved this particular combo of fruits, celery and nuts. The Vegenaise is very light and does not overpower the salad at all. I enjoyed this Waldorf salad as a meal, rather than a side dish.

And this salad was perfect for me. I got in servings of fruits that are considered power foods and celery, which has so many amazing health benefits. Good food, that was good for me. It was a win/win meal!

Cilantro

I had always considered today’s featured food as a garnish or a flavorful addition to salsa and Mexican food. When I switched to a plant based lifestyle, I discovered this herb has amazing health benefits.

Cilantro is a powerfully cleansing food, removing toxic heavy metals from the brain, organs and other body systems. With its mineral salts comprised of sodium, potassium and chloride, cilantro can pass through the blood-brain barrier, pulling toxins from the brain and freeing neurons from toxic metal oxidized residue.

Cilantro is a valuable liver detoxifier and supports the adrenal glands. This herb also balances blood glucose levels, warding off weight gain, brain fog and memory problems. It’s antiviral, making it an effective weapon against Epstein-Barr, shingles and herpetic viruses. Cilantro’s antibacterial properties kill off every form of bacteria and flushes their waste from the body. For any type of chronic or mystery illness, cilantro is an important addition to the diet.

Some people dislike cilantro, experiencing a bad taste when they eat it. Anthony William, author of Life Changing Foods, writes that people who perceive a bitter or harsh flavor when eating cilantro have a higher rate of heavy metal oxidation going on. The heavy metals in their bodies are corroding at a more rapid rate, creating toxic runoff. This runoff makes its way into the lymphatic system and saliva, which results in the bad taste when cilantro is eaten, as it binds onto the oxidative debris. If someone dislikes the taste of cilantro, that could be an indicator that he or she really needs its healing benefits.

To best remove toxic heavy metals from the body, consume fresh cilantro. It is so much more than a garnish for guacamole. Try adding it to smoothies, juices, chopped in salads and salsas, and sprinkling it on vegetables, curries, and soups.

I had suffered from restless leg syndrome for years. There are several causes for this condition, including a build up of heavy metals in the body. My restless legs made extended trips by car or airplane very uncomfortable. Last year, facing long flights across the Atlantic, I decided to try detox smoothies as a way of easing my legs. Every morning, for 30 days before flying, I drank a detox smoothie, made from 1 banana, 1 cup of wild blueberries, 1 cup of frozen mango chunks, 1 orange, 1 bunch of cilantro, and a teaspoon each of hemp seeds, Atlantic dulse and Hawaiian spirulina. I did not experience restless legs at all on the flight to and from Italy, nor did I later on my UK trip. I drink a detox smoothie at least twice a week, and I have not had restless legs since.

I include this wonder food in my diet as often as I can. For lunch today I sprinkled it on my orange/avocado salad. Tonight I’ll juice it with celery, apple, and ginger. I am grateful for the healing cilantro brings into my body.

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Avocados

Today’s featured food is one of my favorites! In his book Life Changing Foods, Anthony William calls the avocado the mother fruit. He writes, “It’s vital to appreciate avocado as the foundation of the pantry, the conductor of the symphony, the strongest link in the chain, the landmark, the soul of all other foods.”

The avocado is a tree that is thought to have originated in central Mexico. The fruit, which contains a single large seed, has a textured inedible skin and yellow-green flesh that is smooth and creamy.

Avocados are easy to digest, making them helpful for soothing and healing the digestive tract. They have anti-inflammatory properties that behave like aspirin, without thinning out the blood. This reduces narrowing and swelling in the linings of the stomach and intestines.

Because they are a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids, avocados help to heal the brain and central nervous system, alleviating dementia and Alzheimer’s. They also reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

Avocados are high in fiber, nutrients, vitamins and minerals, containing more potassium than bananas. Combined with other plants, this amazing fruit increases the nutrient value and absorption of those foods.

Eat more avocados to help combat heart disease, infertility, kidney disease, stroke, digestive disorders, sciatica, memory loss, muscle cramps, shingles, thyroid disease, food allergies and sensitivities, and cancers.

I love how versatile avocados are. I use them to create more than guacamole. They can be chopped and added to salads, soups and chilies, combined with other fruits in smoothies, and blended to create nutritious salad dressings. One of my favorite ways to enjoy avocados is to slice them and combine with other foods in a Buddha bowl, also known as a hippie bowl, creating a simple, healthy meal. Tonight I added them to black bean and corn salsa (using non GMO corn).

Avocados have so many powerful health benefits, it is vital to incorporate them into a plant based diet daily. I don’t find that difficult to do at all!

Eating Plant Based On Vacation

One of the reasons I switched to a plant based lifestyle last summer was because of a planned trip to Italy this year. Before I embraced eating healthier, I had trouble walking without pain and I was using a cane. My hope was to walk without a cane and without pain, during the trip.

If you’ve followed my healing journey, you know my health has been transformed by adopting a plant based lifestyle. No more cane and no more pain have been just two of the positive outcomes as a result. However, as the trip drew closer, I wondered if it would be possible to eat plant based in Italy.

Breakfasts were easy while in Italy. Every hotel we stayed in offered a large breakfast buffet. I could choose from a selection of fresh and baked fruits, juices and even veggies such as green beans, mushrooms and tomatoes.

But what about lunches and dinners, in a country famous for pasta? A Divine opportunity brought the answer. Because of severe weather in the US and being diverted to London rather than Rome, we missed the welcome dinner the first night of the tour. The next day, catching up with our tour director, Fabi, I asked if it was considered rude to request gluten free pasta at restaurants.

My daughter Elissa, grandson Dayan and I were about to head out into Rome for our first dinner. Fabi happened to be giving Dayan directions to nearby cafes. Otherwise, I would not have asked my question. I felt reluctant to ask at a restaurant. I didn’t want to be perceived as a picky eater. That was my issue though, I realized. It is always appropriate to ask!

Fabi assured me that most restaurants did indeed offer gluten free pasta and vegetarian or vegan meal options. My first dinner was in a delightful cafe with outdoor seating, located on a narrow street lined with restaurants. I enjoyed roasted potatoes and freshly grilled veggies. No one looked at me oddly or questioned my selection.

The ease of ordering that first meal encouraged me to stay within my plant based diet during the entire trip. However, I have to praise Fabi for taking charge of my meals. Our tour included some lunches and dinners, at various restaurants and two different vineyards. Without me asking her to, she called ahead to each venue and explained that I was following a restricted diet.

A five course totally plant based, gluten free meal!

Without exception, at each place I was served delicious, freshly prepared plant based meals. No gluten. No meat. No sugar, dairy or eggs. Instead of a sweet dessert, I was presented with a bowl of sumptuous fruit. The chefs or head waiters introduced themselves to me before the meals, delivered each course with a flourish and a smile, and checked with me after to make sure I was happy with the food.

Happy? I was thrilled! And those who brought me my special meals did so with a noticeable sense of accomplishment and pride that was endearing. I felt so well cared for, and not at all a burden.

Gluten free pasta with pesto

When we were free to eat on our own, I did fine ordering from the menu. Dayan noticed the small print that read gluten free available. From Rome to the coastal villages in Cinque Terre to Venice, gluten free pasta and/or vegan options were readily available, making it easy for me to stay plant based.

Was it difficult, eating differently from everyone else? Not at all. Was it boring? Absolutely not. I enjoyed a variety of delicious foods. And it was crucial for me. If I had abandoned my plant based lifestyle, even for a few days, I would have risked feeling unwell or opened myself up to discomfort. It was important to me to feel my very best.

And I did do well. I walked with ease, 4-6 miles a day. I flew for hours and hours, without my legs locking up. I climbed stairs, which a year ago would have been impossible. While stairs can still be a challenge for me, due to years of pain and inflammation that has caused muscle tightness around my knees, I am continuing to improve. I kept up with the tour group and I was extremely pleased with my level of fitness.

My experience was encouraging. I found that it is possible to eat a plant based diet while on vacation. My tips for a healthy vacation are:

Make healthy eating a priority, because health IS a priority

Drink plenty of water. It is easy to become dehydrated while traveling.

Get enough rest. Jet lag is a real thing! Stay awake during the days and get to bed early the first couple of nights to adjust to a different time zone.

And don’t be afraid to ask for specially prepared meals. Express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the waiter and chef.

I am so grateful for Fabi, who went above and beyond to ensure that I ate healthy meals. And I am grateful for each chef who took the time to create magnificent meals for me. I’m also so thankful for my grandson and daughter who frequently asked if I was finding healthy options on the menus and often checked ahead before choosing a cafe, just to make sure I could find something to eat.

Black lentils and vegetables, beautifully prepared.

Surrounded by such caring and conscientious people, how could I not do well on this trip? And that would be my last suggestion for maintaining a diet while on vacation…surround yourself with supportive people. They may not eat what you eat, but they can certainly offer encouragement and love and compassion as you care for yourself.

Healthy eating is a choice…a daily choice. Whether dining in my own home or in a fine restaurant in Venice, I am the one who decides what I will eat. I chose well. And my body thanked me for it.