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WARNING: New Coffee Can Pack Dangerous Effects on Heart

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Millions of people around the world rely on their morning fix of caffeine to get them started. Their morning cup of coffee has become their everyday addiction and without that jolt first thing in the morning, they just can’t seem to get their day going. One friend told me a while back that trying to work without her morning cup of coffee, and sometimes second and third cups, is like trying to drive a car with no gas in the tank.

Some people like their coffee flavored and hidden with milk, cream or a myriad of flavored creamers. Others have become addicted to their lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and all of the other fancy ways of fixing a cup of liquid caffeine. Then there are the purists, like me when I used to drink coffee, that like their coffee black and plain – no sugar and no milk, cream or creamer.

Regardless of how you like your morning cup of coffee, the vast majority of people drink it because of the caffeine and how it gets their body going. I used to drink it plain black strong coffee because I liked the taste. I have a genetic immunity to most pain killers and stimulants and so far, caffeine has no effect on me. Unfortunately, I had to stop drinking coffee not because of the caffeine but because of the oil in coffee that effects my irritable bowel syndrome.

Many people have been turning to stronger types of coffee and other caffeine loaded drinks for their morning fix of the addictive stimulant. This is probably the reason a new coffee, Black Insomnia has become the rage among many coffee addicts.

Black Insomnia is a being billed at the world’s strongest coffee and its popularity is skyrocketing. Sean Kristafor retired from his job in the corporate world and got together with a noted coffee bean roaster and created Black Insomnia less than a year ago. He is selling his caffeine overload locally to cafes in Cape Town, South Africa. His super-strong coffee caught on quickly and by October 2016, Kristafor was selling tons of his new brew to customers in 22 different countries. As of March, Black Insomnia was made available on Amazon in the US and sells for around $19 per pound. The company says they are now selling 5-6 tons of coffee every month and sales are still growing.

When chemically tested, Black Insomnia was found to be over twice as strong as Starbuck’s dark roast at 58.5mg of caffeine per fluid ounce compared to only 21.25mg for Starbuck’s powerful brew. Coca Cola contains about 2.8mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. Green tea has 3.1mg, McDonald’s coffee has 9.1mg, Red Bull has 9.46mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. Nepresso OriginalLine coffee capsules contain 44.4mg per fluid ounce and Death Wish coffee has 54.2mg of caffeine per fluid ounce.

However, most people don’t drink a single fluid ounce of coffee, so to give you an idea of how powerful of a kick this brew can give you, a 12oz cup of Black Insomnia could contain up to 702mg of caffeine.

Dangerous? Both the Food Information Council and the FDA recommend that 400mg of caffeine should be the TOTAL DAILY consumption for anyone. That means that a 12oz cup of Black Insomnia provides 175.5% of the recommended daily dose of caffeine.

What are effects of this much caffeine? According to Mary Sweeney, a researcher of caffeine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine commented:

“For the same amount of coffee, you will get double the amount of caffeine.”

“This makes it easier to consume more caffeine than you intend to and effects can range from mild to severe, for example, jitteriness, nervousness, restlessness and trouble sleeping. The most serious effect would be cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).”

Overdoing the caffeine can not only cause cardiac arrhythmia but it can also increase the heart rate to dangerous levels and people with heart conditions and high blood pressure can find the effects of a 12-ounce cup of Black Insomnia not keeping them awake but putting them in a permanent sleep called death.

Before you spend nearly $20 for a pound of Black Insomnia coffee, asked yourself if your health withstand this massive overdose of caffeine without having any harmful side-effects. You may realize that the risk is not worth it.

Worst & Best Sweeteners Per Health Clinic

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A century ago, most people never had to worry about health conditions like obesity, Type-2 diabetes, fatty livers and heart disease. Most people were a lot more physically active on the job, at home and at leisure. They didn’t have things like television, movies or all of the modern electronic distractions that keep our fannies firmly planted in chairs or on the sofa in today’s world.

As the more modern conveniences, electronic devices and forms of entertainment creep into our lives, the most sedentary we tend to become. The more sedentary we become, the more susceptible we are to those killer ailments previously listed.

Another negative of our sedentary lifestyle is that we are bombarded with sweets in our diets. Sugar and artificial sweeteners are found in the major of food items that we put into our shopping carts and into our mouths. The food industry has learned that many people become addicted to sugars and sweeteners. The more they put in their products, the more addicted we become and the more of their products we buy. Consequently, the more of us also die from the effects of too much sugar and artificial sweeteners.

If you are like me, you have been forced to start reading labels, something I swore I would never do, to look for amount and types of sugars and fats, with sodium being a biggie also. It’s almost impossible to avoid some sugars or sweeteners, but do you know which ones are better and which ones are worst?

Rating them from worst to best, here is what one health clinic says about sugars and sweeteners.

#5 – The worst are most of the artificial sweeteners. Many people have turned to them to avoid eating real sugar, but they don’t realize that most artificial sweeteners have a down side. They are great if you are diabetic or prediabetic. For diabetics or prediabetics, real sugar raises the blood glucose levels which lead to a number of health risk issues. But for those who are just trying to avoid real sugar, often found in foods as fructose, glucose and even sucrose, sweeteners are their preferred alternative.

However, one expert says that artificial sweeteners only add to the addiction by causing you to crave more sugary and sweet foods. They have another negative side effect in that artificial sweeteners have been found to change the bacteria in our guts which results in the storage of more fat. I don’t think that’s what most of us want when we open the packet of artificial sweetener to put in our coffee, tea or on our food.

They also highly recommend you stay away from the artificial sweetener called aspartame. At least three independent studies have linked aspartame to cancer.

#4 – Still a bad choice is refined sugar, which can be inflammatory to our bodies, high in calories and help lead to conditions like prediabetes and Type-2 diabetes. Think of them as empty calories with no nutritional benefit and nothing more than a source of FAT.

#3 – Middle of the road, better than numbers 5 and 4, is naturals. By naturals, they mean raw sugar, raw honey, maple syrup and agave nectar. Whereas refined sugars are high in calories but empty nutritionally, raw sugars are only slightly better. They are still forms of sugar and are high in calories, but they do have a ‘few’ nutritional values over refined sugar. They are still bad choices for prediabetics and diabetics.

#2 – Second best is Stevia. In it’s pure 100% form, stevia is a natural sweetener made from the stevia plant and contains ZERO calories and it does not tend to raise one’s blood glucose levels.

I have a bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast as it’s good for heart health, but most of my life, I always enjoyed adding brown sugar to my oatmeal. Now that I’m a Type-2 diabetic, I have switched to 100% pure raw stevia to add to my oatmeal. Not quite the same flavor, but it sure makes a difference on my blood glucose readings.

Be careful when buying stevia. Some products are advertised as stevia but when you check their ingredients, the amount of stevia can be tiny at best. I highly recommend something like Stevia-in-the-Raw, which is stevia leaf extract and one filler to help keep it from clumping. One 9.7oz bag lasts me a very long time and doesn’t cost that much.

#1 – the best choice by the health clinic is fresh or frozen fruit. Fruit is a great source of sweetener and can be used to add in things like oatmeal, but one has to be careful with fruit. As a Type-2 diabetic, I have found that many fruits can increase my blood glucose level when stevia doesn’t. Some fruits like oranges can cause a quick spike in blood glucose followed by a depressing low that makes one very drowsy and tired. Virtually all doctors, nutritionists and dieticians recommend several servings of fruit every day, and while they are important, if you are a diabetic, learn which fruits, like apples, are better than others.

One thing I have found as a Type-2 diabetic is that after I have been off of most sugars and sweets for a number of months, my cravings for them diminish and when I do eat or drink sweet things, I often find them too sweet and that’s a good thing

Regardless of what type of sweetener you use and regardless of how healthy you may be now; moderation and discretion is highly advised. Moderation is also a must for good health and if you have any questions, talk to your doctor or a licensed dietician or nutritionist.

Eat These Foods to Boost Your Immune System

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Source:  health.clevelandclinic.org

Want to fight off that illness that’s spreading around the office or your child’s school? Aside from practicing good hygiene, boosting your immune system is a great way to start.

Your diet plays a part in strengthening your immune system. Sadly, too many of us don’t eat enough of the fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods we need to keep ourselves healthy year-round. You can’t just eat an orange or grapefruit and expect one quick burst of vitamin C to prevent a cold. A truly healthy immune system depends on a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals over time, plus normal sleep patterns and a hefty dose of exercise.

With some exceptions, it’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from your food rather than in pill form. Here are some tips for getting the top vitamins your immune system needs to perform.

  • Vitamin C

    You probably know about vitamin C’s connection to the immune system, but did you know you can get it from much more than just citrus fruits? Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, strawberries and papaya are also excellent sources. In fact, vitamin C is in so many foods that most people may not need to take supplements unless a doctor advises it.

  • Vitamin E

    Like vitamin C, vitamin E can be a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds are all high in vitamin E. So are spinach and broccoli if you prefer to increase your intake through meals rather than snacks.

  • Vitamin B6

    This important vitamin — part of nearly 200 biochemical reactions in your body — is critical in how your immune system functions. Foods high in vitamin B6 include bananas, lean chicken breast, cold-water fish such as tuna, baked potatoes and chickpeas. Bring on the hummus!

  • Vitamin A

    For vitamin A, go colorful. Foods that are high in colorful compounds called carotenoids — carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe and squash — are all great options. The body turns these carotenoids into vitamin A, and they have an antioxidant effect to help strengthen the immune system against infection.

  • Vitamin D

    As mentioned above, it’s best to get most of your vitamins from food, but vitamin D may be the exception to that rule. You can increase your intake through foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines) and fortified foods such as milk, orange juice and cereals. Many people have a hard time absorbing vitamin D from food, so if you have a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor about supplements.

  • Folate/folic acid

    Folate is the natural form, and folic acid is the synthetic form, often added to foods because of its health benefits. To get more folate, add more beans and peas to your plate on a regular basis, as well as leafy green vegetables. You can also get folic acid in fortified foods (check the label) such as enriched breads, pastas, rice and other 100 percent whole-grain products.

  • Iron

    Iron, which helps your body carry oxygen to cells, comes in different forms. Your body can more easily absorb “heme iron,” which is abundant in lean poultry such as chicken and turkey, plus seafood. But never fear, vegetarians: You can get other forms of iron in beans, broccoli and kale.

  • Selenium

    Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system, including the potential to slow the body’s over-active responses to certain aggressive forms of cancer. You can find it in garlic, broccoli, sardines, tuna, brazil nuts and barley, among other foods.

  • Zinc

    You can find zinc in oysters, crab, lean meats and poultry, baked beans (skip the kind with added sugar), yogurt and chickpeas. Zinc appears to help slow down the immune response and control inflammation in your body.

Bonus Tip: When You Can’t Eat Fresh, Eat Frozen

Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, you can’t always get your hands on high-quality fresh produce. Keep this in mind: Frozen is fine. Manufacturers freeze frozen fruits and veggies at “peak” ripeness, which means they’ll pack a similar nutritional value as their fresh counterparts. Just choose plain frozen foods rather than those with added sugars or sodium.

THE BEST ENERGY DRINK OF YOUR LIFE

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Source: thespiritscience.net

I had the urge to write about this daily habit that takes 10 minutes or less, but can have an incredible influence on you and your family’s health!

Right now in our world there are a lot of people who would love to feel better about their bodies. Studies show that a good portion of both men and women are unsatisfied with themselves or struggle with self-confidence. This is no secret, and it is apparent that as a society we are searching for better answers than painful dieting and hours in the gym. 

I was first introduced to the idea of green smoothies by Robyn Openshaw when I was a teenager.  I struggled a lot with body image during adolescence, and more than wanting to feel beautiful I also wanted to feel healthy. So I was always looking for the secrets to having a body I felt confident walking around in!

The idea is you find the right blend of fruits, veggies, and greens to throw into a blender that make a delicious smoothie and a powerhouse nutrient-rich boost for your body! The possible and proven benefits to drinking a green drink on a daily basis are awesome!

  • Weight loss
  • Mood enhancement
  • Natural detox and cleanse
  • Immune support/boost
  • Huge percentage of daily need for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • ENERGY increase that lasts
  • Fiber that you don’t get from juice
  • You feel ‘light’ verses ‘heavy’
  • Happy cells!!

Green smoothies are great at anytime during the day, but are particularly excellent for breakfast. Our body goes through natural cycles  throughout a day where it focuses respectively on these three processes: Elimination, Appropriation, and Assimilation. In the morning we are typically in elimination mode and our body is focusing on releasing toxins and cleansing. 

Eating a heavy breakfast that is cooked can often be counter-productive to this cycle. Think of how it feels if you’re trying to clean the kitchen and before you’re done someone comes in and starts pulling out  food to make a big meal.  It would definitely slow you down or maybe even stop you from cleaning completely. Our body is the same way.

Our body responds the best to living and easily digestible foods in the morning. Living food means it is raw (uncooked) and is thus still full of enzymes and nutrients that aid digestion and fuel your body.

Convinced to give smoothies a try? Let’s address some common hesitations for those that need a push!

Tastes nasty?

The first time I made a green smoothie it was disgusting. I didn’t blend it well so it was chunky and I was a little too ambitious on the percentage of greens that I added.  In general we are used to overly-sweet food, and starting off your smoothie habit with too many veggies can cause you (and your family victims) to tank before finishing the first glass. Luckily our taste buds adapt over time. Try starting with 20% veggies and 80% fruit. Then slowly change it until you’re eventually drinking 50/50. Baby steps!

Can’t get over looks and texture?

 I would recommend getting a good blender.  For example try a Blendtec. They are FANTASTIC. Your smoothies will feel like Jamba Juice.  But let’s be real, a good portion of us don’t have that kind of money to throw around just yet.  But don’t let that stop you from changing you life.  Any blender will do the job. Putting the veggies in and blending them for a bit first can help to get rid of chunks making them easier to drink.

Bored?

Now that I’ve got a spouse to please, I’ve put a lot more energy into VARIETY. Don’t get stuck on one recipe. Try new things! Mix new colors! If you make your family drink something that tastes too weedy one day, make a really delicious one the next day. Find your favorites and have fun getting creative.

SOME OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:

#1

  • 1/2 Cucumber
  • 1 whole lemon (just cut end nubs off)
  • 1 handful of spinach
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tbsp of green super-food powder
  • 1 tbsp of organic flax power
  • 1 cup of frozen pineapple
  • 2 scoops of organic yogurt
  • Coconut milk/Water
  • 1 mango
  • 1 cup of carrots
  • 1 apple
  • 1 banana

Just not sure it is for you?

Maybe smoothies just aren’t and will never be your thing. That’s fine! As with everything, don’t take my word for it. Give it a good shot. If it is a good thing your body will let you know!

 

 

38 DETOX WATERS TO CLEANSE YOUR BODY AND MIND

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Source: detoxdiy.com

1. Fat Burning Detox Water

Drinking the right detox water can help you burn fat by providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function like a well-oiled machine. Here are three different fat burning detox waters, each one delicious and ready to fuel you up.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 apples, core removed, cut in thin slices
  • 2 tsp organic raw honey
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cups pure/tap water
  • Ice cubes, to serve

2. Morning Lemon Detox Water

Wake up and immediately start helping your body out with this morning lemon detox water. Lemon water is a great first beverage for your day, helping to hydrate you and providing enzymes to get your digestive system started up. This lemon water recipes is upgraded with a bit of apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper.

Mix any of the following:

  • 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (it has to be raw, unfiltered, with the mother)
  • Juice from 1 lemon (I like this citrus juicer / squeezer)
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1-2 tbsp. Honey (raw and local is preferred, if unavailable, this one is great)
  • Water – You can dilute this as strong or as weak as you prefer. I usually add about 1/4 cup water.

3. Citrus Detox Water

Citrus fruits can be very detoxing thanks to the alkaline effect they have on the body. This recipes uses both grapefruit and lemon to provide plenty of Vitamin C, and infuse the water with classic citrus flavor. It’s a beverage you can enjoy throughout the year, and will provide you with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

  • 64 oz. of Water
  • 1 Sliced Grapefruit
  • 2 Sliced Lemons
  • 2 Sliced Cucumbers
  • 1 Handful of Fresh Mint Leaves, torn

4. Apple Cinnamon Detox Water

Get the delicious flavor of apples and cinnamon in this easy-to-drink detox water. You’ll also get the benefits come from both apples and cinnamon. Apples have a unique mix of vitamins and minerals, and cinnamon has long been used as a healing spice. They’re using organic apples, a great idea when making detox water so it’s free of chemicals.

Ingredients

  • 2 organic apples
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (food grade)
  • water
  • ice if you want

5. Chia Detox Water

This detox water is not only good for you, it’s also fun to drink which means you’ll drink it more often. Chia seeds are so small that you can swallow them without chewing them up, and get the fiber, protein, and plant-based omega-3s they contain. To make it taste even better there’s lime juice which also adds Vitamin C.

Ingredients

  •  12oz glass of water
  •  Tablespoon Chia seeds
  •  Juice from 1 lime
  •  1/4 teaspoon agave nectar

6. Wonder Water

This water is especially made for dieters, but you can use it to detox as well and it will help you flush your system. It’s loaded up with green apple, cucumber, and mint, so you’re getting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in each sip. This is a crisp and refreshing water you can enjoy as often as you’d like.

Ingredients:

  • 2 litres/quarts filtered water
  • ½ green apple (like Granny Smith)
  • 3 inch (8cm) piece of cucumber
  • small handful mint leaves
  • squeeze of lemon or lime juice (optional)

7. Orange Mint Coconut Water

This detox water is sure to hydrate you because it’s made using coconut water. This means it will include enzymes and electrolytes that you just don’t get from regular water. Leave out the club soda and you’ll still get a great water that’s even better at detoxing you.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup club soda
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • a few springs of fresh mint
  • a handful of ice cubes

8. Mango and Lime Infused H2O

Detox waters are all about infusing the water with the nutrients from fruits and vegetables. In this case they’re using mango and lime for a delicious flavor, but you’ll also get the antioxidants from the mango, and the Vitamin C from the lime.

Ingredients/supplies

  • 1 ripe small mango sliced.
  • 1 lime sliced into rounds.
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro.
  • 1 pitcher that holds 24-32 ounces of water.
  • Purified water.

9. Refreshing Detox Water

You don’t have to feel lightheaded when you’re on a detox, and getting enough water is key. This refreshing detox water will keep you hydrated and clear headed thanks to a combination of oranges, mint, cucumber, and lemon. A cool drink filled with antioxidants and fresh flavor.

Ingredients
  • 2-3 liters water
  • 2 large oranges, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ½ large cucumber, sliced
  • 1 handful of fresh mint

10. Super Simple Detox Water

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this detox water, it still does the job. It’s made with ingredients that have been hand-picked thanks to their detoxing qualities. It’s important to note the use of fresh ginger, which will help calm the stomach and improve digestion.

Ingredients
  • ½ gallon purified water
  • ½ lemon, sliced
  • ½ lime, sliced
  • ½ grapefruit, sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger, sliced (add more if you like)
  • A small handful of peppermint leaves

11. Lemon Cucumber Mint Water

You’ll see mint being used in a lot of detox waters. That’s because of its cooling taste in the mouth, and also the large amount of antioxidants it contains. You’ll see it paired here with cucumber and lemon, two other common detox water ingredients.

Ingredients:
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • 1 handful of fresh mint
  • Ice, for serving

12. Fruit-Infused Waters

Here you’ll see two different ways to infuse water with the power of fruit. She shows you how to make a strawberry water and a watermelon water. Each of these fruits contain antioxidants and a sweet flavor that encourages you to drink more water on your detox.

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • Small handful of basil, scrunched
  • Ice and cold filtered water

13. Blueberry Orange Water

Blueberries make a natural choice for a detox water thanks to their renowned antioxidant numbers. By letting the berries soak in the water the antioxidants are able to seep out while remaining intact so you can drink them up and absorb them easily.

Ingredients:

  • pitcher of water
  • 2 oranges
  • handful blueberries

14. Grapefruit Water

Grapefruit has long been used as a weight loss aid, but it also works as a detox aid as well. When you let it sit in the water its nutrients become part of the water and its as if you’re eating the grapefruit without actually eating it. It’s full of Vitamin C and can get your metabolism going.

Ingredients:

  • 1 red grapefruit, sliced
  • 24 oz water

15. Oatmeal Detox Water

Dislike eating oatmeal but still want to get its benefits? Try oatmeal detox water, which provides the nutrients from oats without having to sit through a bowl of oatmeal. This is a healing water whose proponents say it can remedy everything from a cold to infections.

Ingredients:

  • 4 heaping Tbsp. (or more – I use a large handful) oatmeal
  • 4 quarts of water

16. Raspberry Watermelon Water

Raspberries and watermelon are two fruits that are tasty to eat all by themselves. But the goal with detox water is to get you drinking more water and making that water even more powerful with fruit. Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for detoxing, and raspberries are also known for the antioxidant content..

INGREDIENTS:

Fruit Infused Water Flavor Ideas

  • raspberry (or strawberry) lemon – any berry paired with lemon ends up with a light lemonade flavor!
  • watermelon mint – super refreshing!
  • tropical (mango pineapple) – this one comes out sweeter than the others, but in a totally good way!
  • citrus cucumber (lemon, lime, orange, cucumber)
  • Other fruits to try: apples, honeydew, cantalope, blueberries, blackberries, peaches
  • Try fresh herbs too! Rosemary, basil, mint

17. Strawberry Lemonade Probiotic Water

Your digestive system along with your liver represent your two most important detox systems, and making sure you take in probiotics will help your digestion and improve your detox capabilities, helping to whisk away toxins and prevent them from getting re-absorbed by the body.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups purified water
  • 1 cup Good Belly Probiotics
  • 1 cup strawberry, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Juice

18. Blackberry Mint Water

Blackberries tend to take a backseat to blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, but they’re still a great source of antioxidants, and taste great in this detox water. Mint is used for even more antioxidant power, which goes to work in your body fighting free radicals and the damage they cause.

19. Cinnamon Strawberry Detox Water

Cinnamon and strawberries may not sound like a popular combination, but it works in this detox water. You get the healing benefits of cinnamon mixed with the antioxidants of strawberries in one water. A lime helps to tie it all together and make it even more cleaning for the body.

20. Lemon Cayenne Ginger Detox Water

Cayenne can help your metabolism get going, and lemon will get your digestion in gear. Ginger helps to calm your digestive system, and is also deeply cleansing to the body. Put them all together and you’ve got a great detox water than you can drink anytime throughout the day.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Gallon Water
  • 4 Lemons
  • 2 Inches fresh Ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons Cayenne Pepper

21. Springtime Strawberry Detox Water

Spring is a great time to detox, and this springtime strawberry detox water can help just about any detox program. It will help you stay hydrated as the weather starts to warm up, and is loaded with antioxidants from the strawberries as well as their signature flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 large lemon thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 6 medium sized strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 3 small sprigs of fresh herbs – basil or mint is nice

22. Pear-fect Detox Water

Enjoy this pear infused detox water made with two pears and a ton of fresh ginger. Be sure to use fresh ginger because it doesn’t have the same effect if you try using a powder. There are four other detox water recipes on this page, each one designed to help you release toxins.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Pears
  • 10 slices of fresh ginger (mix pear and ginger first)
  • 3 quarts of water

23. Sassy Water

You may have heard of Sassy Water, which is basically a detox water that has been shown to help people lose weight, especially in the tummy area. It’s a simple concoction of lemons, mint, and cucumber, but it’s remarkably effective and owes its success to its detox effect.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cucumber
  • 10-12 mint leaves
  • 3 quarts water

24. Strawberry Kiwi Detox Water

Strawberry and kiwi goes together amazingly well, and each of these fruits is cleansing for the body. By soaking them in the water you release not only their flavor, but also their antioxidants and vitamins so you can drink them up in the water and be fully refreshed and recharged.

Ingredients:

  • 2 kiwis
  • 1/2 lime
  • 1/4 cucumber
  • A sprig of mint

25. Raspberry Lemon Detox Water

Raspberry and lemons both have a tart taste, but each one helps the body in a different way. Lemons do so with Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant in the body, and raspberries are known for their high antioxidant content. Be sure to use organic raspberries for best results.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups organic raspberries
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) spring or filtered water
  • 1 large organic lemon—cut into ½- inch slices
  • 2 dried Medjool dates (optional but adds nice sweetness to the water)
  • 1 drop lemon essential oil-optional
  • 1 gallon clean glass jar with lid

26. Detox Water 3 Ways

When starting out with detox water it’s important to have a large list of different recipes so that you can tailor it to what you have on hand, or what you’re in the mood for. Here are three ways you can make fruit infused water that replenishes key nutrients.

DIGESTIVE AID BEAUTY WATER

  • 8 ounces coconut water kefir or sparkling water
  • 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
  • 2 inch piece of ginger
  • juice from one lemon

COOL CALM BEAUTY WATER

  • 20 ounces water
  • 1 cup fresh berries
  • 1 handful fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons honey or 3 drops stevia (optional)

WEIGHT LOSS FLUSH BEAUTY WATER

  • 20 ounces water
  • 1/2 grapefruit slices (ruby red is preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons vitamin C powder or camu camu powder
  • 2 tablespoons honey or 3 drops stevia (optional)

27. Fruit Infused Coconut Water

Coconut water by itself is a great detox beverage, but for many the taste needs an upgrade. That’s where fruit enters the pictures, and here they’re showing you four different ways you can doctor up that coconut water so you’ll crave it.

28. Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Water

The more ingredients you add to your detox water, the more interesting it will taste and the more likely you are to finish the glass. In this recipe they’re using a trio of ingredients including apples, cranberries, and cinnamon. There’s also six more recipes on the same page for variety.

Ingredients:

  • apple slices
  • frozen cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks
  • whole cloves
  • fresh grated ginger

29. Mango Ginger Water

You might sometimes see detox water referred to as spa water. It’s the kind of water they serve in upscale spas, particularly because of the cleansing effect it has on the body. Here they’re using the antioxidants from mango coupled with the soothing power of ginger.

Ingredients:

  • 1 inch Ginger Root, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup Frozen Mango- fresh is fine too

30. Lemon Pomegranate Infused Water

Pomegranates top the charts in terms of antioxidants, and here they’re making a detox water that will be infused with plenty of nutrients. The lemon helps the flavor of the water and also adds in Vitamin C. Four hours of chilling and the water is ready to go.

Ingredients:

  • a small handful of pomegranate seeds (about 20)
  • 2 organic lemon slices.

31. Watermelon Detox Water

Watermelon is more than just a summertime favorite. It’s made up mostly of water, and contains two key nutrients, lycopene and beta-Carotene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant by itself, and the beta-Carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body and has an antioxidant effect as well.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 a small watermelon
  • 1 whole cucumber
  • 2 lemons
  • a big hunk of ginger

32. Cran Water

Cranberries are good for more than just a natural remedy for a urinary tract infection. That same healing power can help flush toxins from your kidneys, and makes a great addition to a detox. Here they’re touting its ability to help with bloating, making it a great anytime drink.

33. Strawberry Mint Water

Strawberries, blueberries, and mint combine to load up this detox water with antioxidants. Surprisingly enough it’s the mint that adds more antioxidants than the strawberries, and is on part with the blueberries. Lemons add in Vitamin C and digestive enzymes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup strawberries
  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 quarts water

34. Lemony Herb Cucumber Water

Adding lemon to water helps to alkalize the body all by itself, so when you add in more ingredients like cucumber and a trio of herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme, you’re really stacking the deck in your favor. Each herb contains different types of antioxidants.

What You Need
  • ½ cucumber
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 handful thyme
  • 1 handful mint

35. Orange and Basil Infused Water

The orange will add in Vitamin C to support your immune system during a cleanse, or just as a daily re-up of this important water-soluble vitamin. Basil is an antioxidant storehouse. Here you’ll find an assortment of detox water ideas, each with their own benefits.

Ingredients:

  • Orange & basil
  • Cucumber & mint
  • Lemon & ginger
  • Cucumber & lime
  • Orange, lime & mint

36. Turmeric Lemon Water

Turmeric has been used for generations in India as a healing spice. You can get its benefits by adding it to your lemon water and giving the water a totally new dynamic. The biggest benefit you can expect from this water is in the form of its anti-inflammatory ability.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 of a lemon
  • 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of turmeric
  • warm water
  • a dab of honey (optional)

37. Pineapple Blueberry Infused Water

Two delicious fruits are used in this detox water, pineapples and blueberries. Blueberries are known for the high antioxidant content, but pineapple is no slouch in this department either. Let it sit for at least an hour, preferably more to give the nutrients time to leach out of the fruit.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pineapple cut into chunks
  • 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
  • ½ cup ice

38. Healthy Infused Water

There are tons of ways you can infuse water and make it a more powerful detoxing agent. Here they show you a number of different recipes, including pineapple and mint and ginger and lime. All are great choices if you’re looking to get more nutrients into your system.

TRY THESE COMBINATIONS:

  • Ginger and lime — Peel 5-6 strips of fresh ginger and slice up two limes. I like to squeeze the lime juice into the water, let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then take the limes out. This was my favorite combination.
  • Cucumber and basil — Super refreshing. Slice up half a cucumber and then add 5 leaves of basil. Let the cucumber and basil infuse for 20 minutes, then drink up.
  • Pineapple and mint — I used about 1/4 of a chopped pineapple and then a handful of mint leaves. Muddle the mint into the bottom of the pitcher before pouring the water in to ensure the mint oils would be released and their flavor will be added. Should be flavor-ready in 5 minutes.
  • Melon and basil — I chopped up about 1/4 of a canteloupe scooped into balls (and ate the rest!) and 5 leaves of basil. Let sit 15 minutes and enjoy!

 

11 Super Health Benefits in Just One Celery Stalk

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Source: healthyandnaturallife.com

1. Celery eases digestion: Many say that celery tastes like “crunchy water,” and that this is the reason why it is so beneficial for your digestive system. The high amount of water in the celery, combined with the insoluble fiber in it, makes it an amazing tool for easy passage of stool. Note: because celery has cleansing and diuretic properties, people suffering from diarrhea should avoid eating it.

2. If you are watching your weight celery is a great choice. One large stalk of celery contains only 10 calories! So, next time you go to the grocery store add celery to your shopping list and enjoy it in your stir – fries, soups and salads.

3. It lowers blood pressure: Phthalides are an active compound contained in celery which has proven to boost circulatory health. Raw, whole celery reduces high blood pressure.

4. It helps you calm down: Celery for stress – relief? Oh yes! The essential oil in celery, and the minerals, especially magnesium, soothe the nervous system. If you enjoy a celery – based snack in the evening, you will sleep like a baby.

5. Celery reduces “bad” cholesterol: There is a component contained in celery called butylphthalide, which gives the vegetable its scent and flavor. Guess what: this component also reduces bad cholesterol! A Chicago University conducted a research that showed that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points!

6. It contains “good” salts. Yes, it does contain sodium, but it is far from table salt. The salt in celery is natural, organic and essential for your health.

 

7. Celery can combat cancer: Two studies at the University of Illinois shown that luteolin – a powerful flavonoid found in celery, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, especially in the pancreas. Another study suggests that by regular intake of celery you could significantly delay and in some cases stop completely the formation of breast cancer cells.

8. It cares for your eyes. Up to 10 percent of your daily dose of vitamin A can be found in one large stalk of celery, a group of nutrients that prevent age – related degeneration of vision and protects the eyes.

9. It regulates the body’s alkaline balance, thus protecting you from problems like acidity.

10. This is not just hearsay: it can amplify your sex life. Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, Director of the Smeel and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, says 2 pheromones in celery – androstenol and androstenone – boost your arousal levels. Whenever you chew on a celery stalk they are boosted.

11. Celery reduces inflammation. If you are suffering from asthma, acne, joint pains or lung infections, eating more celery will bring the much – needed relief.

Always go for the upright stalks of celery that snap when bent. The leaves should be crisp and fresh.  When selecting celery, remember this rule of thumb:  The stronger the flavor, the darker the color.

Freshly chopped celery keeps the nutrients for a longer time much better than if you chop and store it even for a few hours. Steamed celery not only retains its flavor, but also most of its nutrients – to be precise 99 percent of them!

Emotional Eating. The Struggle Is Real.

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If you ever find yourself eating out of a carton of ice cream in deep distress, you may be an emotional eater. Trust us, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 38% of Americans admit to having overeaten or eating due to emotional circumstances in the last 30 days.

The struggle is oh-so-real.

So how do we handle it? How do we break the habit (because yes, it is considered a habit, given that it happens with a specific trigger, such as stress)?

We create new habits.

Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” says, “This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.”

The primary issue, then, is changing the reaction to the stress trigger. When we have a bad day or receive bad news, or when our family is driving us crazy (and yes, it can be as simple as that), our reaction… the habit itself, CAN be changed.

First, let’s take a look at what CREATED the negative habits in the first place. Most likely the reason falls into one of the following categories:

Childhood Habits — If you were ever rewarded for good behavior with things like ice cream or pizza, some of your emotional eating could be instigated by that sense of nostalgia. In other words, it’s possible that your parents unintentionally planted the seed of treating food as a reward that has simply grown over time.

Boredom — What else is there to do if you’re not focused on something, or actively working/moving? Often, the times we overeat or splurge is when we’re sitting around with nothing better to do.

Hanging out with Friends — When your friends “splurge,” we find it comforting to follow suit. It feels like a normal thing when in reality, it will likely lead to sickening feeling later.

Stress — Sometimes, life just isn’t going our way. And in these moments, it often feels like the only comfort that will satisfy that dull feeling of disappointment and sadness. You may have heard the phrase “stuffing your emotions,” which is a great analogy. We think the food is going to offer us a distraction… a numbing avoidance of what’s really going on, which helps us to avoid the emotion or deal with the stress in a conducive manner.

Let’s take a look, then, at HOW we can change the reaction to EAT with something that will better our situation. These are simply our suggestions given our personal experience!

If you’re feeling lonely, call a friend or family member. Ice cream doesn’t communicate well, but Moms and girlfriends do!

If you’re feeling anxious, work out! If you’re feeling the anxiety jitters, it’s time to move. Go for a walk or run, or pop in that workout DVD to get the muscles pumping.

If you’re bored, make plans or tackle a home project. Sounds like a good day to clean out the closet! Focus your attention elsewhere.

The bottom line is this: being MINDFUL of your habits is the first step. Understanding the way you feel when you have the unhealthy urges is the first step to changing the habit. Consider implementing a 5 minute rule: When you feel the urge to grab the spoon, make yourself wait 5 minutes to see if the feeling passes. Most likely, it will.

Dealing with emotional eating is tough, but know that you are absolutely not alone, and that the negative cycle CAN be changed for the better. We believe in you! Reach out for help anytime.

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

Coconut Oil 101

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Coconut oil is the new fountain of youth.

I’m serious.

While I’ve been putting coconut oil in my coffee every morning for a few years, I’ve been doing some reading up on it and have found some incredible benefits of consuming coconut oil on a daily basis. Naturally, I thought I’d share. Because who couldn’t use tips on foods and superfoods that make a difference in the way we feel?

So let’s dive in.

First and foremost, coconut oil is known to be one of the healthiest fats available to us. If you know me and my endorsement of Bulletproof coffee, you know I’m a big fan of healthy fats. Foods like avocado, olive oil, grass-fed butter, and coconut oil make great additions to the American diet because, while we tend to veer away from eating fat thanks to modern marketing, the opposite is actually true: fat is good for us. Consuming a diet high in healthy fats is known to help in balancing natural hormones, help mental focus, and give us a satiated, full feeling. It is VERY hard to overdose on eating fats for this very reason: they make you feel full.

That said, let’s take an even closer look at coconut oil. It is scientifically known for:

  • helping to prevent heart disease
  • aid in weight loss
  • strengthening immunity
  • improving digestion
  • supporting the organs
  • controlling blood sugar
  • contains lauric acid, which is known to lower cholesterol

Amongst other things. Yeah. It’s a VERY powerful food.

How can you incorporate it into your daily diet? Here are my favorite ways.

Top Ways to Consume Coconut Oil

  1. Add 1 Tbsp. to your morning coffee. You likely won’t even taste it, but the medium chain triglycerides IN the oil will get your body functioning more optimally from the get-go, first thing in the morning.
  2. Pop your popcorn in it. Once you do this, you’ll never be OK with movie theatre popcorn again.
  3. Throw it in your Shakeology. Doesn’t change the flavor but gives you even more superfood bang in one delicious dose of dense nutrition.
  4. Stir fry veggies in it for dinner. Many people have gotten used to using olive oil, but for an added health boost, try coconut oil instead.
  5. Fry your bacon (or turkey bacon) in it for added sweet flavor. Double the fat, double the flavor, double the yum!

What about best places to buy coconut oil? As with everything, quality matters. My personal favorite is the MCT oil (already in liquid form) through onnit.com. They even have different flavor choices if you’d like to change up the flavor of your oil. Nutiva and Spectrum brands (available at your local whole food grocer) are great choices as well, but will come in solid form. Trader Joe’s has a great option as well!

Whether this is new to you or an old trick, try incorporating this into your daily regimen. Over time, you may feel a change in how you feel! The average American is steering clear of healthy fats due to the stigma that’s been placed on them when instead, we should be consuming them on a daily basis so as to keep our bodies (and our blood) balanced. Cheers to that!

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

8 Things That Happen When You Finally Stop Drinking Diet Soda

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Ever think, “Why should I give up soda?” 

You’ve decided to give up diet soda—good idea! Maybe you weren’t hitting your weight-loss goals or couldn’t stomach that long list of ingredients anymore. Or perhaps you heard one too many times that it’s just not good for you.

Whatever the reason, eliminating diet soda from your diet will improve your health from head to toe. Research on diet soda is still in its infancy, but there’s enough out there to identify what you can look forward to when you put down the can and cool down with an unsweetened iced tea instead.

Migraines disappear and focus sharpens.

It turns out the headaches you expected from a diet soda withdrawal didn’t materialize. And now that you’ve quit the stuff, you probably find yourself thinking clearly for the first time in a while.

That’s because the chemicals that make up the artificial sweetener aspartame may have altered brain chemicals, nerve signals, and the brain’s reward system, which leads to headaches, anxiety, and insomnia, according to a review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

And a 2013 animal study found that rats that drank diet soda had damaged cells and nerve endings in the cerebellum—the part of the brain responsible for motor skills.

Taste buds are more sensitive.

It’s not your imagination: Without your usual diet soda chaser, you may find that food has more flavor. It has subtlety. It’s more enjoyable. That’s because the artificial sweeteners in your diet soda overwhelmed your taste buds with an onslaught of sweetness. Aspartame ranks 200 hundreds times sweeter than table sugar. Splenda? 600 times.

In fact, brain scans show that diet soda alters sweet receptors in the brain and prolongs sugar cravings rather than satisfies them. “We often see patients change snack choices when they give up diet soda,” says Heather Bainbridge, RD, from Columbia University Medical Center Weight Control Center. “Rather than needing sugary treats or something really salty like pretzels and chips, they reach for an apple and a piece of cheese.

And, when they try diet soda again, they find it intolerably sweet.”

The scale finally goes the right way.

29 Ways To Eat Vegetables That Are Actually Delicious

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Source: buzzfeed.com

1. Avocado Superfood Breakfast Toast

Avocados come with healthy fats and protein. The pomegranate seeds and blueberries add sweet, sweet antioxidants to the mix. Get the recipe here, via Choosing Raw.

2. Chicken and Cabbage Postickers

Sneak some veggies into your favorite apps. Get the recipe here, viaculinarycolleen.com.

3. Cauliflower Crust Grilled Cheese

Just LOOK AT THAT for a hot second. Eat cauliflower in place of bread, and keep the cheese while you’re at it. Get the recipe here, via The Iron You.

Also, on a related note, check out 23 Insanely Clever Ways To Eat Cauliflower Instead Of Carbs.

4. Skinny Omelette Wraps

Put whatever veggies you want in this tasty breakfast. Get the recipe here, via 101 Cookbooks.

5. Asparagus Benedict With Dijon Sauce

Include some healthy sautéed asparagus in your classic eggs benedict. Get the recipe here, via Chow.

6. Zucchini Crust Vegetarian Pizza Margherita

Pizza with a veggie crust. Doesn’t get much better than that. Get the recipe here, via Kalyn’s Kitchen.

7. Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers

Shredded cheese + cream cheese + shredded chicken + bacon + other incredibly tasty things, all stuffed in jalapeño peppers. Count it. Get the recipe here, via Just Putzing.

8. Healthy Butternut Squash Mac ‘N’ Cheese

This gooey bowl of deliciousness comes with butternut squash, as the name suggests. That totally counts as a veggie dish! Get the recipe here, via Pinch of Yum.

9. Paleo California Rolls

10. Chicken Club Lettuce Wrap

11. Spinach and Chicken Quesadillas

12. Roasted Tomato Risotto

This warm and tasty recipe calls for a pound of fresh whole tomatoes. Get the recipe here, via The Daring Gourmet.

13. Quinoa Kale Bowl With Mushrooms and Asparagus

14. Think Green Juice

This supercharged green juice comes with kale, apple, celery, cucumber, spinach, mint, and more. It’s easy and tasty, and makes a great supplement to your regular meals. Get the recipe here, via Cook Republic.

15. Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries and Pecans

There’s so much goodness going on here — Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, among other essentials. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, walnuts come with protein and fiber, and that gorgonzola cheese is just delicious. Get the recipe here, via RachelSchultz.com.

16. Crispy Baked Avocado Fries

17. Spicy Sausage, Kale, and Whole Wheat Orecchiette Soup

This healthy, hearty lunch will keep you warm and help you get your fill of kale. Get the recipe here, via How Sweet Eats.

18. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Here’s a cool veggie-based party snack idea: Stuff your zucchinis with all sorts of tasty foods (vegetables and otherwise).Get the recipe for these here, via Family Fresh Cooking.

19. Cheese and Browned Butter Spaghetti Squash

2384118-spaghetti-squash-with-mizithra

Photo:recipeshubs.com

The cheese in this dish is called Mizithra, and it’s delicious. Get the recipe here, via My Purple Spoon.

20. Spicy Miso Edamame

Add an extra kick to your typical steamed edamame starters. Get the recipe here, via Love and Olive Oil.

21. Roasted Tomato Basil Oatmeal

22. Healthy Beef Chili

23. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls With Snap Peas and Sriracha

24. Vegan Lasagna

25. Healthy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish calls for frozen broccoli and frozen mixed vegetables of your choosing. It’s a simple and healthy dinner that you can make quickly and easily. Get the recipe here, via Well Plated.

26. Creamy Cauliflower Garlic Rice

So creamy. So tasty. So full of cauliflower. Get the recipe here, via Pinch of Yum.

27. Sweet Potato-Crusted Spinach Quiche

28. Creamy Spinach and Pear Soup With Pancetta

Cashews in this soup add to the creaminess, blogger Lindsay from Love and Olive Oil says. The pears add sweetness, and the spinach delivers some essential nutrients and minerals. And the final creation can help keep you warm. Get the recipe here, via Love and Olive Oil.

29. Sautéed Julienned Zoodles

This sautéed “spaghetti” dish is actually made from zucchini, yellow squash, and carrots. Get the recipe here, via Skinny Taste.

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