When it comes to health, and living well, what we put into
our bodies is a very large piece of the wellness
and disease prevention puzzle.
From a holistic perspective, it has been said it is more important that exercise, vibrant health starts in the kitchen.
I have expanded on this foundation, and I say foundation because I believe it is what everything else we do builds from, to understanding that it's not just about what we eat that determines our health. It is our overall lifestyle. But today, I am focusing on nutritional choices.
I do not have to be convinced that food is the biggest factor in how we feel moment to moment, day to day. If I eat crappy food, and have too much sugar or processed food, not enough fresh fruit and veggies, I feel like, well..crap! So, I do not doubt that we are what we eat.
I am always looking for ways to clean up my nutrition regime and love learning about the newest healthy super foods, and how to make things from scratch with the purest ingredients.
Here are a few tidbits I have uncovered and implemented into my life:
1) Read labels on non-dairy milk products! Carrageenan, a thickening agent said to be carcinogenic- is in so many products that we deem as healthier options. Alternative non-dairy milks are all the rage right now with dairy intolerances gone wild, and those that choose to forgo dairy as a health choice. Again,read labels carefully, as there are some brands that do not contain any, but most of them do.
Or make your own! Cashew milk is the easiest to make. Simply soak 3/4 cup raw cashews for a few hours in filtered water, add the to a high speed blender (Vitamix is king) and blend away until completely smooth. Add more water to desired consistency, and store in a tightly sealed jar for 3-4 days. It is delicious (and full of nutrients) nutritious in smoothies or chia pudding. :)
Read: Health benefits of making your own cashew milk
2) Agave is NOT low glycemic. Apparently, from my research, is almost as bad as high-fructose corn syrup, and is pretty much pure fructose. The agave trend had a good run, but from what I have learned, Coconut Palm sugar/syrup is the better choice. Although still sugar, and should be used in moderation, it is the healthiest choice I know of. I use it in small amounts for baking healthy cookies and muffins. (Costco has the best deal for this product.)
3) Gluten- free is not healthier-in some cases. The flours used to replace the gluten based ones are usually highly refined and processed, high glycemic, high in sugar and poor in nutrients and healthy fiber. White rice flour, potato flour, tapioca flour etc are all really starchy, and combined with the high sugar content, will mess with healthy blood sugar levels. If you have gluten issues, try almond flour, oat flour (labeled "gluten free" as oats can be cross- contaminated with gluten) or coconut flour instead in baking, and the Silver Hills sprouted gluten-free bread varieties are pretty good as well.
4) Sprouted flours and grain products are best.
If gluten is not an issue for you, sprouted spelt flour is my favorite flour to use. I am not gluten sensitive (thankfully!) so this is fine for me. It is high in protein and naturally occurring fibre and nutrients, and is minimally refined. Natures Fare, and Superstore carry this four, but beware, it is pricey.
5) Don't obsess over your protein intake. Unless you are a serious bodybuilder or have some special requirements, all those protein supplements are not all that great for overall health. Protein bars can pack up to 30 grams of sugar and are highly processed! That is our recommended daily allowance of added sugar in a day- although I still think that is high. Sure use a protein powder in a smoothie, or if you are on the go, it is better option than many other things one might grab in a hurry, but remember that is it a supplement, meaning your protein should come from a whole food source most of the time. Use those protein supplements wisely and with purpose. Make healthy protein bars, power balls, cookies (with above ingredients noted) and throw in hemp seed, and other nuts for extra protein. Use the supplements in a pinch when something else is not an option.
These are just a few things I have learned (and changed) along the way. It all comes down to eating whole foods more often, and using the lesser quality, processed, packaged foods less often. The more you can make in your own kitchen the better off you will be, and the healthier you will feel. It is all about balance, so no need for perfection! Just listen to your body, it will tell you what it likes, and doesn't like based on how you feel.
Yours in vibrant health,
Leanne
www.soulworkcounselling.com
No comments:
Post a Comment