I'm ARMED and READY...

Hello blogging readers!

The news reporter mentioned that it's been 4 years since Toronto had a white Christmas. Booo! There's something magical about a white Christmas, isn't there? Although it came late, the snow has arrived and it's beautiful. This is when I wish I had an old fashioned fire place, with real wood and a real fire. I guess my Vanilla Orchid oolong tea & electrical fireplace, will do for now. :)

My last blog mentioned how determined I am to meet my weight loss goals. The wedding is a huge motivator, but deep down, I've wanted to meet this goal for as long as I can remember. I remember always being uncomfortable in my own skin, never wearing tight clothing or fitted clothes for fear of showing off the dreaded back rolls and muffin tops. In high school, trying to lose weight and joining various gyms or jumping on different weight loss bandwagons, was how I spent my time. What a waste!

So, today, I'm armed and ready....

The one program that I find fantastic is Weight Watchers. I have joined Weight Watchers in the past and it has always worked for me! Weight Watchers is a program that allows you to eat anything as long as you stay within a daily budget of points for the day. Every food has a points value and you simply deduct the food points from your daily total. In addition to your daily points, you also have a bundle of FUN points to play with a week (think Wine!). In addition to the bonus points, you also have activity points that allow you to enjoy more food (or more wine!). If you work out, you get to eat more - bonus! I love the program! It allows me to enjoy all the foods that I love without feeling guilty.

The hardest part about Weight Watchers is joining. Yes, that horrible feeling that you have as you enter the building and walk through the doors. I felt embarrassed, uneasy, and really nervous. I felt like a failure. I had many thoughts running through my mind like 'Why can't I do this on my own? Why do I have to pay to lose weight? I deserve to be fat'. It's a real mind game but I have never looked back. I stepped on that scale, swallowed the grand total, and moved forward....I knew I was taking the right step, in the right direction.

You see, people like me NEED the support of other people. I've finally embraced this about myself. I can't do this alone. It hasn't worked for 32 years, why now?  There's an online version of WW where people follow the program on their own using online tools. I'm sure some people find this effective, however, I know I am not one of them. I need to know that someone will be weighing me each week. I need someone to hold me accountable.  (Do you know how embarrassing it is to step on the scale and see a gain? Yikes) I need to see people, hear their stories, and celebrate successes with them. (Yes, we do announce when we've lost weight and people do clap for us - those rumours are true!) It really is a community!

It also helps attending weekly, with a buddy. A bestie of mine convinced me to rejoin (back in September). She is pounds away from her lifetime goal and I could not be happier for her! She's a trooper and so inspiring! She keeps me motivating knowing that she weighs in Saturday mornings with me, and will always ask 'Well, how'd you do?'. Usually I mumble profanities....but, I can't wait until I tell her 'I reached my goal!'.

Since September, my weight loss has been slow and steady. It's time that I step up to the plate to REALLY play the game. It's my time to be up to bat and I'm ready to hit that HOME RUN! Better yet, Grand Slam home run!


xo

A New Year! A New Me?

With 2012 closing and a new year approaching, I celebrate all the wonderful blessings that 2012 has offered me. For starters, being engaged to the love of my life (after thinking for many years that I would never find the 'right one'), wedding planning, starting a new teaching gig at a new school, continuing teaching yoga part time, my sister finishing teacher's college and starting her professional life (yay! So happy for her), my future hubby starting at a new school as a full-time VP (So proud of him!), our first vacation together, my dad being on the mend from knee surgery, a new addition to the house (a deck!), finding a Catholic church to call 'ours', attending Catholic classes with an amazing priest who I feel very comfortable with, and to the many blessings of health and happiness to all my friends and family.  Oh, and I should add surviving the Mayan apocalypse that *sometimes* snuck into my mind. It's been a wonderful year!



 

So, 2013, I can't wait to meet you! I am devoting 2013 to health and wellness. I've said it before, but this time is different. I want to finally meet my fitness goals/weight loss goals, not only to rock my wedding dress, but to enter marriage healthy and vibrant. I want to start a life with my man on a high note - one full of healthy eating, green smoothies, at a healthy weight, & maintaining spinach in my teeth habits! I have 7.5 months to be that woman...

This blog is going to help me get there! I will be posting recipes that I've tried, struggles and successes of my weight loss journey, and documenting my journey to Lalita Wellness. I hope that this new twist on this blog will be two-fold. I hope that you find my posts informative and inspiring, but I'm also looking for support from you. I know I'm going to have many rough days ahead and I look forward to your words of wisdom and inspiration.

So, to recap...

I welcome 2013 with an open heart and open arms! I'm ready to embrace the NEW ME: A newer, healthier, more vibrant ME! I can see that woman walking down the aisle glowing from the inside out....... now I just have to meet her!

What's your New Year's Resolution? It's a great time to set an intention for the new year!

Vita, what?

Welcome Back, Health lovers!

I guess I should be welcoming myself back, eh? Yes, once again life got busy! With wedding planning, Catholic classes, teaching yoga, and teaching grade 8,  life's been on the active side lately. Add Christmas into the mix, and you've got one tired chicky who has little time to blog. With the holidays in full bloom, I've found some downtime to reconnect with myself and do a little blogging.  Yay!

So, please excuse the bragging, but I got the most amazing gift for Christmas from my future hubby. For years, I have been dreaming of this toy....hinting to my fiancee for this toy....and *may* have just bookmarked certain links on his computer and changed his screensaver a couple times....but, being annoying paid off! I opened up a VITAMIX for Christmas! Insert the angelic sound 'Ahhhhh' right here!

Yes, I'm a proud mama of a new Vitamix blender. This is 'THE' ultimate kitchen appliance. No more food processors, no more blenders, & no more immersion blenders. This baby can handle it all! So, what's the big deal? Check this out...

- very powerful motor - commercial quality! Think Booster Juice!
- speed ranges from 17.7 km/hr to 386.2 km/hr
- blends wet and dry ingredients in seconds!
- makes smoothies SMOOTH - no lumps at all! Kicks ice's butt!
- whole veggie juices - add the entire vegetable into the unit and voila you've got some amazingly, healthy juice!
- dairy free milks! Rice, almond, cocounut & soy!
- makes nut butters - so easy!
- dips and spreads
- soups - this bad boy will heat up your soup while it mashes it to pieces! FOR REAL - steam vents included!
- frozen desserts - think sorbets and ice creams!
- use as a chopper (no more onion tears)
- batters - muffins, pancakes, cookies
- flours - kneads bread!
- purees - pasta sauce, pesto, etc.
- & much more!

This new BFF of mine comes with a 7 year warranty and a ton of amazing reviews online! Today, I have made hummus, garden vegetable soup, peanut butter, almond butter, tomato vegetable juice, and bread! I was a bread making virgin, until the Vitamix came into my life. I've revolutionized my kitchen and myself. I'm a different girl now!

In addition to the convenience, I'm positive I will be saving money! For example, I usually pay at least $10 for almond butter. Today, I made a huge bunch for $7.00 and better yet, I know exactly what is in it. The whole wheat bread loaf I made, cost about $1.75 to make!

Now, I must admit....this powerful guy comes with a hefty price tag. For a basic package which comes with 1 container costs about $500. If you want to do nut butters and the fancier stuff, you're looking at $650 onwards. So, there's the potential deal breaker....it's an investment!

I'd love to hear from you! Do you own a Vitamix? What's your favourite recipe?

Vegetable Whole Foods Soup

Hummus - All natural

DIY: Face Mask

DIY Facial Mask

If I could have any form of transplant surgery, I would order new skin. Yep, a new palette; beautiful, flawless, cover girl skin. Skin that radiates beauty. Skin that is soft and supple. Skin that is CLEAR of bumps, scars, black/white heads, and the dreaded cysts that I have come to know. Porcelain clear skin is my dream....

I've struggled with acne for years.I hate it. I have tried over the counter products, infomercial 'gems' (whatever Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson was on - proactive graduate right here!), and then my doctor wanted to prescribe me for the biggest, baddest, acne buster of all....Acutane. The side effects alone, scare me. I refuse to do something so severe that you MUST take birth control while you take it. Yikes. Scary stuff.

I have tried many over the counter 'natural' cleaners as well. But, again, fail. So, lately....I quit trying and only wash my face with water. That's what it's come to. WATER. But then, I get the energy to try again....and try again......and try again...

So, any natural DIY'er intrigues me. I found this beauty mask online today and gave it a try. Here it is...

1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp honey
2 tsp of lemon juice

* Mix it all up to form a paste. Apply on your face for 30 mins or so. There is a warning about this baby that it may burn. So, keep on for at least 10 minutes if you can't handle the heat. Some people suggest diluting the lemon juice or avoiding it all together if you have sensitive skin. I was a little nervous so I used only 1tsp of lemon and it didn't burn at all. Next time, I would use the full 2tsp.

So, why these ingredients?

Nutmeg - anti-inflammatory (ancient skin healing remedy)
Cinnamon- anti-fungal, astringent, anti-viral
Honey - antiseptic
Lemon - blogged earlier about this amazing fruit!

I must say, I loved how soft my skin felt when I took off the scrub. I will DEFINITELY make this concoction again unless I break out big time tomorrow (haha - however, I read that I may break out because the lemon is ridding your skin of the toxins. So, I'll be patient) . I'd love to hear your natural beauty DIY'ers!

I'm back! (With a vengeance)

Ok ok...it's been awhile and people have been asking what happened to the blog. Well, I have a good reason for taking a little break from blogging. I'm GETTING MARRIED!!!! The last couple weeks have been filled with celebratory lunches, BBQs, and dinners! I've had a blast! 

I am so in love with this man. He is my everything. He is my best friend, my cheerleader, my confidant, my everything. I often catch myself thinking ...'Wow, how did I win this man? Is this real life or am I dreaming? Is he really mine?'. I sometimes have to pinch myself to find out if this happiness and life that I'm living, is real. I admit, there have been times (in the past) that I have been a skeptic of real true love. I have questioned it many times, and there is no doubt in my mind, that True Love exists and I am actually experiencing it! I have never been happier and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for us. I can't wait for July 20, 2013!



So, needless to say....I fell of the track. It happens. My flexi-veggie lifestyle took a backseat to many glasses of wine and many fattening full-flavour meals (including lots of sugary sweetness). So, here I am...trying to get my wellness and health back on track. I really can't believe how easy it is to fall off the wagon and how hard it is, to get back on! Sometimes I feel that my wagon is heading down the highway and I can't catch it. Seriously...it's hard to get back on track. I feel like I have to compete with food addictions. I compare my 'food issues' to that of an alcoholic - a sip of alcohol can mean relapse big time. A taste of sugar for me...is the worst. Instant food cravings....instant cave-ins....and total unhealthy, chubby relapse.

Yesterday, I hosted a Back to School luncheon for some teacher friends, who I hadn't seen in a while. I felt like there was an elephant in the room...ME. Full-flavoured, Love Chub ME. Yes, I have gained weight. Lots of it. I'm not proud of falling off the track, yet I don't regret any of it. I have loved every single sip of wine...every single dessert....every single late-night pizza and McD's run....and I've loved every single minute of it! Why? Because my man was by my side. We live to eat, rather than eat to live.  WE love food. WE love eating. But now, as we look at current pictures of ourselves, we realize things must change. We must begin to make positive food choices again, begin to feel better about ourselves, and begin to get our sweat on. We want to enter marriage in a positive and healthy way.

With school around the corner, I can't think of a better time to begin the NEW ME. (yeah, yeah, I know some of you have heard this before...many times actually). But, I'm ready to commit to my wellness (again).

So, to all the teachers out there, Happy New Year! A great time to set new intentions and goals for the year!  Have you set yours yet?

I'm coco for coconuts!

Hello fellow health seekers!

I'm back! I feel like it's been some time since I sat here, with my warm lemon water, and my mind running wild. Life's been busy - cottage visits, family events, pool parties, friends, and more! With that being said, my Flexxie Veggie lifestyle has been a difficult one to obtain. Thankfully, I added the flexxie part, right?

Today isn't about my failures (or, shall we call it struggles) about being a Veggie warrior, but rather about coconut oil! I've recently discovered this gem and absolutely love it! So, sit back with your warm water or tea, and learn about the amazingness of this oil...

For starters, it's got a bad REP! Most people think that it's horrible to intake because it's considered a saturated fat and we all know that's a big NO-NO. But, there is this one, tiny exception...

Ok, up first to stage is, Dr. Oz.  He calls this oil a 'Super Power'. Why? He suggests...

1.  It helps with weight loss! Although coc oil and olive oil have similar fat and calories they are completely different in our bodies.  He states *BEWARE: Chemistry class coming to a computer near you** that coconut oil has shorter fatty acid chains so the body dissolves it into the blood but longer fatty acids (which is typical in most saturated fats) is absorbed differently (if absorbed at all). They actually can make you fat. So....coconut oil is different and not something to shy away from.  For your visual learners out in cyber land, take a look at Dr.Oz demo here.

2. Another benefit that Dr. Oz suggests is that is treats skin conditions- it's been used for centuries to moisturize dry skin. It soothes the skin and can fight off infections. More on this below.

3. The third benefit that Dr. Oz suggests is that it treats ulcers. Ulcers are caused by bacteria. Lauric acid (something found in coconuts) is able to kill off the nasty bacteria. Apparently 1tbl a day of coconut will help.

Ok, yes Dr. Oz is amazing, but he's not the only one who's onto this magical oil...check out this:

1. Back to Science class - I want to discuss the acid I mentioned above. Lauric acid. This is biggie. This is the winner. This is the selling point. This is the reason why you need to try out coconut oil! Our body converts this acid into monolaurin which has been said to aid in herpes, influenza, and even HIV. It has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti fungal properties. This monolaurin destroys the membranes of these nasty bacteria, viruses, and fungus type stuff and kills them! The only other place you can find lauric acid in such a high quantity, natural state is in breast milk. Enuf said.

Okay Science haters, here is really what coconut oil can do for you....

1. Great for your hair! Slather this baby onto your hair, put a shower cap on, and head to bed. Shower in the morning and enjoy the new found softness and shine that your hair has soaked up all night. The oil comes all out, don't worry! Some others suggest that massage the oil onto your scalp helps with dandruff, lice, and lice eggs. It provides essential proteins to help damaged hair! So, why buy your expensive hair treatments full of chemicals when you can use this natural one, at home?

2.  Skin Care - Dry skin loves this baby! Some people even compare this oil to mineral oil, without having any side effects. Great for preventing drying and flaking. Some say it prevents/delays wrinkles and sagging skin. It also helps treat psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and others. So, next time you jump out of the shower, use this on your skin and know that no harmful crap is absorbing into your body; only goodness.

3. Heart Diseases - forget the saturated bad for the heart bit on this one. That lauric acid again, helps prevent cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

4. Immunity - there's a reason why breast milk contains it!

5. The Safest oil for cooking! Did you know that once you cook olive oil it turns into a carcinogenic? I had no idea! Cooking with coconut oil is completely safe. Warning: You do need to like the flavour of coconuts though because you can often taste it in your recipes.

6. Has been around for a long time! Interesting point: In the Philippines, they call a plant the 'Tree of Life'. Can you guess which plant this is? You got it! The coconut plant! Almost every dish has this magical oil and they have the lowest cancer rates? Hmm....I'm not a genius here, could there be a connection?

7. Eye Make Up Remover - yep, it works!

8. And so much more! It has been said to improve your thyroid functioning, increase metabolism, promote a lean body/weight loss, and more! Go on tea drinker, and google this gem for yourself! I'm sure you will be amazed, like I was.

Okay, I've sold you. But, now what? How do you add this guru into your diet...

1. Cook/Bake/Sear/Saute with it! It withstands high heat without going rancid. So, my rule of thumb is cold recipes - olive oil, heated recipes - coc oil.  


2. Add it to your smoothies. As soon as you rub this oil between your finger tips, it melts. So don't worry about it being solid in your smoothies.

3. Use it as an alternative to butter - add to pancakes or toast

4. And as Joy from Joyous Health suggests - use it as a 'love lube' rather than those toxic store bought ones. Read more below!


Ok healthy ones, I encourage you to give this oil a try. Be sure to buy a high quality one that is cold pressed and virgin. I'd love to hear your comments about this one! Message me on facebook if you can't leave a message on this thread.


xo



Credits:

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/01/26/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-why-you-need-to-get-some/
http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/02/02/organic-coconut-oil-what-to-do-with-it/
 






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Hello my name is....and I'm a Flexie Veggie

Ok...so I'm a little nervous about today's post....

My heart is telling me one thing, but my mind is telling me another....so what to do? Find balance, I say. And, I think I have....

So, here it is. I'm announcing that I am going vegetarian....so, what's the big deal? My heart is telling me that this is the right decision for me, however, my mind is playing games and I'm a little bit fearful about this decision. But, why? Maybe it's that I don't know enough yet, maybe it's I'm scared that I won't get in all the nutrients that my body needs, maybe it's living this lifestyle outside my kitchen and wondering how much of an inconvenience this will become, maybe it's that we've been told that meat is vital, maybe it's my mom and dad's reaction when I tell them, maybe it's society's belief that meat protein is critical to healthy living, maybe it's becoming bored with the food choices, maybe it's doing something that isn't mainstream,  maybe it's that I fear that I will be that person who just lives on pasta for their entire life, maybe it's....you get the picture.


So, despite my fears.....'m going to give this lifestyle a try. However, I am going to begin this journey slowly and call myself a flexitarian. That means, that I can eat eggs, dairy, and occasionally eat meat. For me, that will be fish. I will be 100% off of poultry and red meat. I understand that quite a few vegans or true vegetarians begin with this flexi approach before transitioning over entirely. I like the sounds of this approach, as it gives me freedom to experiment and still enjoy a dinners out (e.g., salmon!). 3 cheers for balance!

So, I know I will be asked WHY? Why have I decided to become this Flexi Veggie, as I call it. Well, for starters, my Meatless Mondays blog gives you a little more background on how the meat industry is responsible for a ton of our greenhouses gases today. Albert Einstein even said 'Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet'.  And, I mentioned yesterday that BURPS are responsible for a ton of methane gas production! Cows that stand around their entire lives (1.3 billion of them, btw), never exercising, get gas...and lots of it! According to a great read (The Kind Diet by Alicia Siverstone), Alicia mentions that methane emitted by livestock accounts for 19% of total global methane emissions.  The livestock that we keep alive (for us to eat), produces more than landfills, waste treatment plants, and gas to warm our homes! I won't go into this further because I don't want to sound preachy, but if you want to know more, be sure to pick up the Kind Diet. Chapter 2 was the most informative (and shocking) for me.

I also want to be healthier. By eating more super foods and coloured goodness, I hope to bring down my weight to a healthier BMI, have more energy, live longer, save money (meat's $$), and reduce the amount of nasties (found in meat products) that enter my body. I'm talking hormones and antibiotics that are found in meat products. I learned from Alicia Silverstone that meat is full of antibiotics. She mentions that animals, due to stressed conditions and dirty environments, get sick. They are given routine antibiotics to prevent illness - a sick chicken isn't worth a dime, right? So, when you eat meat, you are taking in those meds too. This causes a whole whack of other health issues. Get this, 70% of antibiotics sold, are not for humans. (ah hem? what!)


In addition, meat is full of hormones; given to cattle, pigs, chicken to increase muscle mass. (eggs and fish are one of the worst culprits - *gulp*) we then ingest them. These hormones have been linked to cancers.


Ok, now I'm sounding preachy....I'll stop. But, in all honesty, I'm writing out of a genuinely concerned place in my heart. I want to be as healthy as I can....I want to live a long life.....I don't want these toxic, harmful nasties to enter my body...... I want our earth to be healthy again...so, on that note....I'm taking a stand and announcing that I am going Flexi Veggie! I will continue to update you with my struggles, fears, successes and wellness stories! (Wow, I guess I'm feeling stronger and more liberated than when I started this blog 20 minutes ago...that's cool!)

Jump on the newest trend: Meatless Mondays

Emergency rooms....when I think of these 2 words, I think of hustle, bustle, stress, running around, & panic stricken nurses/doctors and patients. But, I was mistaken....


A couple days ago,  I felt like I was in the twilight zone. I spent endless hours yesterday awaiting to see the emergency doctor to check out my boyfriends wrist. (He injured it while sliding into second base - he assures me they won the game because of his slide :)  We waited....and waited...and waited. There seemed to be no rushing in the emergency room. I felt as though everyone was working at a turtle's pace, but then again, we were on the outside, looking in. I'm sure everyone was working hard behind the glass partition....presume positive intentions, right?

So, we sat among the many patients awaiting care. To pass the time, I read the newspaper....grabbed a coffee (which I don't drink anymore but tea is often hard to find or seems to be bothersome).....went to the washroom......paced around a bit......and then, we realized we had a documentary saved. We both took an ear bud and watched 'Fork over Knives' (insert the duh, duh, duhhhhhh sound effect). Trailer: click here.

It was actually ironic, to be watching this documentary in a hospital, especially sitting beside a 'sandwich' machine. I wish I took a picture of this. Let me create a visual for you: sandwiches sitting there, in a chocolate bar/candy machine. (I'll choose A3 please - ham and cheese on a white bun) Healthy? As if. Yet, I'm in a hospital, a place to regain wellness and health?Anyways, back to the video...


This documentary highlights research studies and science behind the devastating effects of our diet today -- MEAT and animal products. Some of the research is astounding (warning: remember to pick up your jaw from the floor) For example:

- 40% of Americans are obese

- almost 1/5 American 4 year olds are considered obese


- Richard Carmona (former surgeon general of the USA) states 'this could be the first generation of children in the United States that lives less than its parents'


- unprecedented diabetes II rates in kids


- about half of Americans are taking prescription drugs
- and on and on and on.


This documentary highlights the power of food. Food can cure.....time and time again, you hear about people changing their lives (more exercise and healthy eating) and they are able to live without their prescription medicine. Wow...how powerful stuff, eh? (Credits: Forks over Knives website)

This movie encourages a whole food, plant based diet.  'If your food ever swam, flew, walked, slithered, jumped, don't eat it' was the advice.  There is a lot of evidence and research out there that suggests that animal products are dangerous for our health, especially in large quantities. According to LiveStrong.com, eating meat can lead to weight gain, decrease life expectancy, and according to a Harvard University research study, increase diabetes risks and heart disease. Check out this link for more details.  There is so much information on the Internet to suggest that we should be eating whole foods, plant based diets. Just do a little google search....you'll be shocked.

Eating plant-based is not just for your health but the health of our environment.  So, back to my post name - Meatless Mondays. This is becoming a popular trend among households today; eating plant based on Mondays. Meatless Monday Canada is an organization that is promoting at least, 1 veggie meal a week to help Canadians become more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices.  They are not promoting vegetarianism, but rather making us aware of the impact of eating meat. Get this...


- animal agriculture is responsible for about 18% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming - Wow!


- and get this, many of the emissions are from cow's burping! Yes, cow gas is responsible for so much of it! (and methane from animal manure, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and deforestation for cows to graze)

- you could reduce your carbon emissions by 28.5% /week, if you just eat meatless on Mondays. improve their health too! Check out Meatless Mondays Canada here.


- a global shift towards a vegan diet would be effective to tackle our climate change. In addition, a University of Chicago study discovered that switching from our standard American diet to vegan would be more effective than switching from standard cars to hybrids. (PETA credit: link here)


- according to a German study, meat eaters contribute more than 7X the harmful gas emissions than vegans  (PETA credit: link here)

- Get this... "According to Environmental Defense, if every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetarian foods instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off U.S. roads."  (PETA credit: link here)

Hence...Meatless Mondays. Great for your health and our environment! So, what are you thinking? Soaking it all in?  Thinking, how can I do this? For starters, visit one of my favourite blogs called 'My New Roots'. She posts a bunch of Meatless Monday recipes for you to play around with! Give it a try...plan to do meatless next Monday. I want to hear about your kitchen adventures and what recipes you put together. Please share!










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Don't judge a beet by its cover

Don't judge a BEET by its cover!

Here's another food that I find people tend to shy away from. But, you shouldn't! Although they don't look appetizing at all- the brown scaly skin, feels more like a baseball than a veggie, and looks rather dirty. I get it...but you must try them!
They are one of my favourite veggies now and they are so healthy for you!

They:

- contain betalains - provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification benefits

- no fat or calories

- regarded as body fuel (super energizing!) since its high in carbs

- contains sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous

- considered a fibre food

- contains vit. A and C, and niacin

- contains folic acid (great for production and maintenance of new cells - great if you're preggers) - also contains B vitamin folate which helps when developing the infant's spinal column

- In Ancient times, beetroot was given to cure constipation and digestive discomfort

- *possible link to anti-cancer benefits, especially colon cancers (thanks to Betacyanin! The pigment that makes the beet so red)

- beet juice is known as a blood purifier that helps create red blood cells

- helps with high blood pressure - some experts say a glass of beet juice cures high blood pressure

- good for your heart - beet fibre helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL

How to Prepare Beets

Visit this website. So informative!
http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/cooking-tips/stepbysteprecipes/vegetables/cookingbeets.aspx

Some Recipes to Try out!

1. Easy salad - Roasted Beets and Sauteed Beet Greens

2. A variety of recipes here - Canadian Living

3. My favourite!  Roasted Beets

4. Juicin' it! Check out my 2 amateur videos below. It's always weird watching yourself or hearing your voice on video, eh?

Video 1:

Video 2:

BEET FYI

Do not worry if you see your waste elimination or urine, redden in colour. This is called beeturia and an estimated 10-15% US adults experience it. However, it is suggested that people who experience beeturia could have issues with iron metabolism. People with iron (deficiency or excess) are more likely to experience it. Visit your doctor if you are concerned with iron related issues.

Also, throughout my research, I discovered that people with kidney or gallbladder problems should limit or avoid beets. Apparently, when in excess, body fluid may crystallize? Not sure what this really means but thought I would mention it.


Not bad for an ugly looking veggie, eh? So, don't be scared of beets. I'd love to know how you use beets or how your first virgin beet experience works out.



Research Credits:
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-beet.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49
http://voices.yahoo.com/15-health-benefits-beets-fight-cancer-more-805501.html

Rave: HIIT

Ok, so I told you that I will write when I feel inspired or need to share a rant or RAVE. Well, today's post is a RAVE. I am loving TurboFire's HIIT workouts. You've seen the infomercials with the blond bombshell who has energy through the roof? She's jumping around on stage with a blond pony tail whipping around? If not, watch this...Turbofire.


I'm loving the short-lived, long lasting HIIT workouts that she has. You can choose the 15, 20, and 25 minute HIIT workout. (I'm loving them all) The HIIT stands for -  high intense, interval training - perfect! They are short little workouts but very intense (you are definitely trying to catch your breath) So, every couple minutes, there is a siren sound and you know you are going to go INTENSE for a short amount of time (about 1 minute). Then, you recover for 45 seconds. So, you don't bring down your heart rate fully, just slightly. If I don't have an hour to hit the gym, I go downstairs and turn on the DVD player...I feel exhausted yet energized after a 20 minute HIIT. It's perfect! In addition, she has put a lot of time into choreographing the music to go along with the moves (Think: Jumping Jacks and as you land there is a whipping sound).


She raves about the benefits of intense training, as do many other trainers and experts. On shape.com, they state some benefits of HIIT training. They are:


1. Efficiency - Experts say if you put in an intense 15 minutes (you feel like you are going to die) is actually better than running on a treadmill for an hour. Say What?


2. Burn More Fat - you burn more fat apparently because you are kicking your body into overdrive all day long rather than burning only while running on the treadmill


3. Anaerobic Zone Benefits - when you push yourself to the max & and your pumper is going to die, this is called anaerobic zone - great for conditioning your heart (also builds stamina in athletes)


4. Lose weight, not muscle  - huge fat burner


5. Metabolism Raises! - HIIT taps the shoulder of your Human Growth Hormone Stimulation (slows down aging process & helps increase caloric burn)- increases up to 450% in the 24 hours after your workout


6. Fights Boredom - Ever get tired and bored of running on a treadmill? With HIIT workouts, you keep challenging yourself every minute or so. Time flies!


7. No equipment necessary


8. Anywhere, anytime!

So, next time you are walking or going for a jog - kick it up a notch by doing a little HIIT action. Run really quickly for the next 20 seconds and then walk for 2 minutes or so. Start off slowly and then decrease the time in between intervals. Look online or some HIIT ideas! And, if you can get your hands on Turbo Fire's HIIT workouts, give them a try! I'd love to hear your thoughts...


Till next time, HIIT it!

L is for Lemons

Lemons...my biggest love-hate relationship.

I'm not overly eager for the taste of lemons. Lemon meringue pie, Lemon chicken, Lemon sorbet, Lemon tea, blah, blah, blah. I really can't stand the taste of lemon. But, every blog I visit,  every website I view, every healthy guru I know, LOVES lemons. This is a staple item in the shopping cart weekly for the health-minded....


So, I decided to do a little research......

OK Mr. Yellow prove yourself....

- lemons have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune boosting benefits (they contain citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vit. C, pectin, bioflavonoids, and limonene - all immunity and infection fighters!)

- have been used for centuries as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser (Try this: drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning....wait 10-15 mins - voila! You've won trip to the closest bathroom)

- on that note, there is a lot of research that states that drinking warm water with lemon (1 cup of water to 1/2 juice of 1 lemon), first thing in the morning, is highly beneficial - it recharges your system to make sure you absorb nutrients better throughout the day, flushes your kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system of waste and toxins, full of vit.C, increases acidity in your body which allows better absorption of calcium which you need to lose weight because calcium is found in fat cells)

- lemons are calming - some experts say they then help remove fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, etc. Try and find some lemon balm essential oil to sniff when you're feeling anxious.

- lemon is an antioxidant - kills those nasty free radicals swimming through your body

- natural hair lightener - remember Sun In as kids? Well, this is the natural Sun In...

-lemons have natural anti-septic properties - hence, lemon scented cleaners.

- glowing skin benefits - add a little lemon juice to a cotton pad (or use your finger) to place the juice on your face. Sleep with it on and wash away in the morning. A little tingle at first, but I'm willing to give it a try!

- Dr. Oz on his show created a Lemon Brandy Mask - creates a wonderful chemical peel - I think I want to try this! But, I need to buy some Brandy
Check out the show! http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/health-benefits-lemons

-Dr. Oz was on to something - there are so many beauty recipes that use lemons. Check out this site for hair rinses, anti wrinkle masks, teeth whitening,  chapped lips, etc. http://www.beautyandgroomingtips.com/2006/04/lemon-as-beauty-aid.html

Lemons have MORE benefits than I mentioned. To Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx?p=3#ixzz20sx3xTmW

Ok Mr.Yellow...I guess you and I will give this friendship another try. I've always known you were good for me...

 This week, my goal is to drink warm lemon water each morning. What's your goal for the week? I'd love to know your tips and tricks for lemon use!

Hello, my name is Quinoa

Hello boys and girls. Welcome to the cyber class today. Today, we will be learning about Quinoa (insert cheering from the audience). Pronounced 'Keen-Wa'. Repeat after me, KeenWA...again, KeenWA. Get used to saying this new word, because your life is about to change....

Quinoa is another super amazing, super cool, super food! Quinoa is usually referred to as a whole grain, but it really is a seed. Typically, it is prepared like barley or rice and used in these ways. Some people think of it as a cross between brown rice and oatmeal. It's actually a relative to Spinach. So, why is Quinoa the gnarliest? Check this out...

- quick to cook (10-15 minutes)

- doesn't have a strong taste on its own - it will take on the taste that you mate it with

-** of all the whole grains, Quinoa has the highest protein content - so no need to add meat to your dinner or lunch (think Meatless Mondays - a healthy trend that seems to be more and more popular lately - I'll catch you up on Monday!)

- provides all 9 essential amino acids = complete protein! (Go KeenWA!)

- gluten-free and no cholesterol

- Versatile! - Are you a crunchy food fan?  A fluffy food fan? A creamy food fan? A nutty fan? Well, Quinoa fits them all? Odd, I know...

- High in Magnesium  - great for your red pumper

- Contains manganese and cooper - Great for boosting antioxidants and keeping your red blood cells at high achieving level 4s (inside joke for all those teachers :)

- High Fibre! - Keeps things moving...nuff said.

---------------Reference: Dietrrific.com----------------

Some FYIs

- be sure to prewash Quinoa before you cook it. It has a chemical on it called saponin that makes it taste funny if it isn't washed off. If you can figure out how to wash Quinoa without it going down the sink, let me know. I'm still trying to find the best way to drain the gems.

- it comes in different colours. Don't be alarmed, it hasn't gone bad. I've only had the white kind though. My favourite brand is below from Costco. Much cheaper!

- it's a little pricey. $$

- it is found in the health food aisle of most grocery stores (You know the aisle where all the people browsing are glowing from the inside out? All beautiful? And you wonder if they have ever eaten at McDonalds? Yeah, that aisle)

- It comes in different styles - the puffed Quinoa is something I am still trying to conquer and the flakes are used in some baking recipes. I tried it as a porridge and it was just too blah for me. I would have to add sugar, dried fruit, and seriously jazzify it and that would take away the benefits of the quinoa.

Some Suggestions:

- I love quinoa based pasta - tastes fantastic! My favourite brand is below. I never make regular pasta anymore and simply use this beauty. Cooks well, tastes great, and contains all the benefits of quinoa.

- I'm a huge fan of Skinnytaste.com - any recipe that I've made has turned out amazingly well. This week, I'm wanting to try:

-Beef, Potato, and Quinoa Soup

-Quinoa Risotto - looks simple but so yummy...

-Stuffed Cabbage Casserole (Think lazy man cabbage rolls type meal - looks fantastic!)

-Quinoa Chili - I've made this many times - always turns out well

- and baking! Yes, you can buy quinoa flour or used cooked quinoa in baked goodies like this chocolate chip muffin recipe. You can splurge a little with the chocolate but know that you are doing a body good with the quinoa bliss.



Alright folks, can I hear a 'KeenWA'? Give it a try this week! I'd love to hear how you've used Quinoa before or share your favourite recipe on my Facebook page.

It's time to flirt with Kale

Kale...huh? Yeah, I can relate.....

When I started researching new healthy recipes, Kale seemed to be this super popular ingredient that all these super trendy, healthy divas were using in their kitchens. So, I had to fit in, right? I went to the grocery store and had to ask 'where's the kale?' - then, I found it....(insert the high pitch heavenly sound 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh') It didn't look appetizing, but I was optimistic!

Ok, check out this website quickly and scroll down to see the chart. Seriously, Kale is crazy nutritious and extremely high in Vitamin K (great for bones and blood), A (eyesight and infection killer) and C(immunity and skin).  In addition, (according to the same website) Kale may lower cancer risks (blocks cancer cell growth), decreases cholesterol levels, detoxes the body, and contains flavonoids (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties).

Kale is a super food! With all the mentioned benefits, why haven't you started your flirting yet?

Here are some ideas as to how to incorporate this glorious, heavenly bushy tree into your kitchen:

- throw it into your s
soups instead of spinach

- juice with it!  or add to your smoothies (you can never taste it!)

- add Kale to your salads and eat it raw

- make Kale chips - recipe here 


Some recipes that I'm going to try this week are:

Kale and Walnut Salad
One Pot Quinoa and Kale (just for you, Kelly)
Kale and Roasted Veggie Soup - I'm a huge soup fan, whether it be summer or winter.

Kale Beard

*And one of my favourite things to do is use veggies in baked recipes. Think Zuchini muffins or carrot loaf....yummy. Now, give Kale a try in your baked goodies. I'm thinking I will try this recipe this week. Double Chocolate Kale Muffins.

And of course, there's a blog for everything! Check out ths passionate blog abotu Kale at 365 days of Kale blog .

So, this week, give Kale a try! I'd love to know which recipe you are trying and how it turned out. And, if you are not a Kale virgin, let us know how you have been using it in your kitchen. Keep us posted on your Kale adventures!

Rockin the Kale Hair