Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Protein in hempseed

A wonderful way to add protein into your diet is through the consumption of hempseeds. Hempseeds contain ALL the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids and is one of the richest sources of complete protein. Hempseeds are easier to digest than the protein found in animals and offer freedom from the many problems associated with animal foods. Next time you are making a smoothie, salad, grains or any other food that needs a little something special, top it off with hempseeds and enjoy the pure energy that will follow.

Benefits of Hempseed

1. Shelled hempseed is 35% protein, 47% fat, 12 % carbohydrates
2. Contains ALL essential amino acids
3. Contains essential fatty acids
4. High in enzymes
5. High in vitamin E
6. Contain omega 9 fatty acids

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Protein

What's all the hype about protein? From protein powders, protein bars, protein shakes, and animal meat, are we getting too much?

Protein is the basic building blocks of cells and tissues and is made up of amino acids. It is crucial to our health and responsible for vital functions, regulation and maintenance of our bodies. The amount of protein needed for each person differs widely depending on factors such as: lifestyle, ancestry and blood type. Experiment with different types of protein and see what works best for your body. Some forms leave people feeling sluggish while others leave you feeling energized. In a society that tends to encourage the over consumption of protein most of us are already getting adequate amounts so have fun and try out some new sources.

Protein isn't just found in meat!

Plant Based Protein Sources
Grains (rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats and oatmeal)
Beans
Soy
Nuts
Leafy Greens
Seitan

Animal Based Protein Sources
Meat
Eggs
Dairy
Fish
Bees

Monday, April 26, 2010

Cacao Coconut Bliss

After hearing David Wolfe speak the other day I was inspired to buy some cacao powder and hemp seeds. Cacao is high in anti oxidants and has the highest amount of magnesium found in any food. Hemp seeds offer us all the essential amino acids as well as the essential fatty acids that the body needs in order to function properly. Hemp seeds also provide us with easily digestible protein.

Here's a drink that I blended up for my sister and self the other day. Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy drink.

1 Banana
5 Strawberries
Handful of blueberries
Cacao powder
Shredded Coconut
Hemp seeds
1 spoonful of cashew butter made by Revital
3 ice cubes
1/2 cup of water

Milk it does a body good?

There is a misconception in our society that drinking milk will lead us to reach optimal health. Our bones will become strong and we will grow to be tall. When people think of calcium they see milk as if it is the only place on earth where this vital mineral is found. Interesting is the statistic that in countries with high dairy consumption osteoporosis is high as well. How is it then that in countries where people don't consume milk they are living long and healthy lives with strong bones?

What if drinking milk doesn't do a body good, then what?

Many people around the world lack the enzyme lactase which breaks down milk sugar (lactose) found in dairy. About 20% of people with northwest European ancestry are lactose intolerant, where as 100% of Chinese have some form of lactose intolerance. The statistics vary around the globe with the US and China being at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Dairy intolerance can cause: bloating, gas, nausea, constipation, skin conditions and more. Cow's milk causes the body to create excess mucus which can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. Also the milk protein casein has been linked to cancer. Calcium is vital to our health and yes it can be found in dairy products, but it's important to be aware of all the adverse effects that it can have to our health and to be knowledgeable to the alternative ways to get calcium into our systems.

Foods high in calcium

Sardines
Collard greens
Soy/rice milk enriched with calcium
Sesame seeds
Almonds
Broccoli
Kale
Salmon

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Detox to Divine

Our bodies naturally go through the process of detoxification everyday. It is through this process that we are able to eliminate and neutralize toxins through the liver, colon, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin. However in today's world we are more overwhelmed than ever by pollution found in the air, water and foods that we eat. In addition, eating a diet high in animals foods, saturated fats, cholesterol, refined sugars and flour, caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes makes detoxing an important part of self care. A great way to begin the process of detoxing is to simply get away from all processed foods. You will notice your body begin to change within a short period of time if you do this. Moving away from processed foods and into the world of raw and living foods is a wonderful way to begin the process of detoxing your systems.

Detoxification Systems

Respiratory: Lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses, and nose
Gastrointestinal: Liver, gallbladder, colon, and the entire GI tract
Urinary kidneys, bladder, and urethra
Skin and dermal: Sweat and sebaceous glands and tears
Lymphatic: Lymph channels and lymph nodes

Contact me if you are interested in finding out how to detox naturally and effectively! gillianmelia@gmail.com

Just a few of the reasons to eat vegan

Who doesn't want to live their life to the fullest? Live in a way that is in balance with nature and yourself, and causes you to feel your best. There are so many benefits of eating a vegan diet and I have included numerous reasons below to demonstrate just some of the benefits from consuming a plant based diet. Whether or not you decide to try eating vegan for a month, a week or just a day, by adding in more plant based meals you will inevitably reap grand benefits. This way of eating will help you lose weight, feel lighter and full of pure energy, ward of disease and live in a way that respects all living creatures of the earth. Try cutting out dairy, meat, eggs for a day and notice how energized you feel afterwards!!

Beauty
1. Healthier fuller hair
2. Stronger nails
3. Most people experience weight loss within just a few weeks
4. Healthy glowing skin
5. Increased energy after eating
6. Less body odor as well as bad breath

Nutrition
1. Reduce saturated fat intake
2. Pure protein without the cholesterol which is found in animals
3. Phytochemicals which help your body fight cancer
4. Increase fiber consumption which helps regulate your system as well as fight colon cancer
5. Eliminating animal products from your diet is one of the best ways to prevent many forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts and the list goes on and on...

As I mentioned above you don't have to change your diet completely but by simply adding more whole foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds into your diet you will notice some incredible changes in your mood, body and life!

For more information on veganism and the health benefits please look into the work by Dr. Campbell as was recorded in the compelling book, The China Study. Contact me to discuss how you can explore and incorporate more vegan meals into your daily life. gillianmelia@gmail.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Smoothie Love

Drinking smoothies is an incredibly easy way to get a large amount of nutrients and vitamins into your system, and a great way to start the day. The fiber found in fruits boosts your feeling of fullness, making you able to get through the morning purely on some of earth's most delicious gifts.

Ingredients are best when used fresh and organically

Liquids to give it consistency: almond, rice, coconut, oat milk, coconut water, water...

Fruits: banana, raspberries, strawberries, mango, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, blueberries, blackberries, oranges...

Additions: any raw nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, cacao powder, maca, aloe vera, almond/nut butters

There are so many ways to incorporate your favorite ingredients into making an energizing, soul satisfying beverage for yourself. Add whatever you like and enjoy!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Health/Nutrition Consulting

Imagine if you could live the life you always dreamed of? What would it look like? How would you feel? Could one conversation change your life?

Have you been wanting to?

Understand your body better
Make your self care a priority
Feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for your loved ones
Experience an increase in overall happiness in your life

As a Health/Nutrition Consultant, I am your personal advocate for living an energized and passionate life. I work with my clients to help them create happy, healthy lives in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline. By working together we can discover the food and lifestyle choices that best support you. Making gradual, lifelong changes enables you to reach your current and future goals.

Contact me for a FREE health consultation where we will discuss your health and talk about health goals and/or concerns you have.