Tag Archives: healthy foods

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The 5 Best Alkalizing Foods

bigstock--166546871Eating an alkaline diet is so important for many reasons. First and foremost, it is proven to prevent cancer. Cancer thrives in an acidic environment; therefore, if you keep your pH alkaline (7.2-7.4) cancer has trouble surviving.

Many of the foods present in the American diet are acidic, even though they are good for us. This includes things like proteins and some fruits. Therefore, it is always important to include alkalizing foods in to your diet. Today we’re going to talk about five of the best alkalizing foods to incorporate in to your diet.

Lemon
If you’re someone who follows a high protein high fat diet, i.e. something like paleo, it is extremely important to use lemons on a daily basis. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add fresh squeezed lemon into your water. Diets high in acid can cause kidney issues. And although lemons may seem to be acidic they are very alkaline, making it a perfect balance.

Almonds
Almonds are very alkalizing, but you have to be sure you get them raw. Although roasted and salted almonds are delicious, they don’t have the same benefit as raw almonds do.

Kale
This leafy green has been all the rage for a while now, and for good reason. All of the vitamins and minerals in kale make it a great alkalizer.

Quinoa
This plant based protein is another alkalizing food. Plus, it packs a huge protein punch for just a little seed.

Cucumber
Cucumbers are very high in water, in fact almost 100%. So they help to hydrate your skin and are full of antioxidants.

Looking for a healthy lunch for tomorrow? Why not combine all 5 of these foods to make a nutrient super-packed salad? Cut up some kale, chop some cucumbers, add a little quinoa, sprinkle on some almonds and for the dressing drizzle with some lemon juice. The lemon juice will help to cut the bitterness of the kale, and the quinoa will add some extra protein.

What to learn more about an alkaline diet? Check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard. Now including a bonus video from Dr. Jennifer Shell!

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Facts About Fats

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” In some instances this may be the case, but when it comes to fat, this saying couldn’t be more wrong. Fat is an essential macronutrient and an important part of ones diet. Fat is the component that cells use to store energy and is used as a reserve for when food supply is low. Still think low fat is the way to go? Today, we’re going to clear fats name and discuss the facts about fat. 

Not all fat is created equal
When choosing fats there are three types you should know, unsaturated fats or “good” fats, trans fats or “bad” fats and saturated fats.  

Unsaturated fats are heart healthy and help to build strong bones. They can be found in fresh foods, lean meats and oils. Some healthy examples are salmon, almonds and avocados. 

Trans-fat is an artificial fat created in a lab. Trans-fats are bad for your health and are mainly found in packed foods and contain hydrogenated oils. Keep in mind, just because a package says “no trans fat” doesn’t mean it’s trans fat free. The FDA allows foods with less than .5 grams of trans fat to claim they’re trans fat free. Also they usually swap the fat for sugar, which is a no-no.

Saturated fats are okay for your health but should be eaten in moderation. These foods include dairy and red meat. 

It helps you absorb vitamins
There are four fat solvable vitamins; A, D, E and K. Fat soluble means that they dissolve in fat and are then absorbed in ones body. Therefore, if you don’t eat fats you won’t be able to utilize these vitamins. Also, if you take a supplement for any of these vitamins you should always take them with a fat meal. These vitamins are also essential all for bone building.

It keeps our skin full and supple
It is often times common for people who follow a low fat diet to have numerous wrinkles on their face and chest. Fat helps to build collagen which keeps skin firm and young looking. 

It helps form steroid hormones 
Fat is used to make hormones. Without fat these hormones wouldn’t exist in the body causing a wide variety of issues including thyroid problems. 

It keeps your heart healthy
Diets that are high in unsaturated fats help to keep cholesterol levels low. If your cholesterol is too high it can block vital arteries, putting stress on the heart. 

An added bonus? Including healthy fats in your diet can help you lose weight! That’s right, fat doesn’t make you fat, as long as you eat the right kind!

To learn more about women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

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4 Foods that Fight Colon Cancer

bigstock--175606618Did you know that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States? And sadly, the numbers are on the rise, especially in young people. It’s not known why; however, possible reasons are due to increased rates of obesity, as well as sedentary lifestyles. There are several ways to decrease your risk of colon cancer, including eating a well-balanced diet that is full of fiber, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking cigarettes and maintaining a healthy weight. Today, we’re going to share four foods you should add to your grocery list to cut your risk of colon cancer.

Fruits and vegetables
Let’s start with the obvious one here. We all know that a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is good for the prevention of any form of cancer. Fruits and veggies contain fiber, and this roughage helps to push the food you’ve eaten through your colon and into the toilet. Also, fruits and veggies are packed with nutrients. However, most people don’t eat enough. New research suggests 3 to 5 servings of fruit and 7 to 14 servings of vegetables each day. You should also aim for a minimum of 30 grams of fiber! Some high fiber fruits and vegetables to add to your list are split peas, Brussels sprouts and raspberries.

Tomato sauce
That’s right, eat more pizza and spaghetti sauce! As long as it’s a healthy, homemade version. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, has been proven to reduce the risk of colon cancer. And cooking the tomatoes is even better, so add some pasta sauce to your weekend meal prep!

Whole grains
Whole grains are another food that’s high in fiber. But you’ve got to be sure you stick with the right ones. Go with oats, multigrain bread, farro or several others.

Foods high in omegas
Think fish — such as salmon — olive oil and chia seeds. The omega 3s, 6s and 9s in fatty fishes and oils help to reduce inflammation, which can cut your cancer risk. Just be sure you’re getting good quality fish and high quality oils.

Foods you should avoid…

Highly processed or packaged foods
Foods that are found in boxes at the grocery store are usually full of sugar and other additives. Sugar fuels cancer, so it is best to try and avoid it whenever possible.

Red meat
It is believed that eating red meat causes an increased sugar response, which increases inflammation.

Add the right foods to your meal plan, and you’ll not only improve your overall health, but reduce your risk for colon cancer.

To learn more about women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.