What is the Real Cost of Shrimp?!

So many of us choose seafood over red meat for health reasons, among other reasons. Many won't even eat red meat because of how the animals are treated, but if the people that handled that meat were treated poorly? Well that's exactly what is happening in the fish industry, the workers that are handling your favorite fish, such as shrimp are being treated as slaves and that should make you angry. The link below will provide an article with further information about this unfortunate problem.

Slavery Seafood

Popcorn or Poison ?

Americans love popcorn, movies and popcorn go hand in hand.  16 billion quarts are consumed every year. But many do know that the seeds are coated with Neonicotinoids, a toxic bee-killing pesticide. Neocotinoids coat an estimated 80 to 95 percent of America's corn and nearly half of its soybean seeds. Neocotinoids, have also impacted the bee population. Scientists have linked it's use to alarming decline of the number of bees. The annual hive losses have been reported 40 to 50 percent loss. This has a huge impact because bees pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that provide 90 percent of the world's food. This also puts other pollinator species in danger, causing over 70 percent of plants to be unable to reproduce or provide food. 

The good new is that popcorn giant Popweaver has recently decided to phase out the use of neocotinoids-coated seeds. Popweaver plans to reduce the use of those seeds by 75 percent before 2017. Now the The Center for Food Safety is applying the pressure to PopSecret, which is Popweaver's biggest competitor.

I bet if we all committed to only buy popcorn that is made from seeds that do not contain neocotinoids coating, the industry would jump to remove it from all popcorn seeds....

Turmeric the Magic Spice!!

  The benefits of eating turmeric on a regular basis are well-documented. As one of nature’s antibiotics, it can help with healing wounds and staving off infection, keeping Alzheimer’s disease at bay, and even combating certain types of cancer. Recent research has shown that we can add yet another benefit to the long list boasted by turmeric: being as good for cardiovascular health as physical exercise! Curcumin is the magic ingredient. 

  Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has recently gained a lot of exposure in scientific research journals for its noteworthy effects on human health problems, ranging from cancer to diabetes and heart health issues. Turmeric is one of the top 14 foods that protects against cancer development.

  It's important to note that studies have shown that turmeric has low absorption I'm your body, unless it's combined with certain foods. The cardiovascular benefits are huge, A study published in Nutrition Research have reached an astonishing conclusion: eating turmeric or taking turmeric supplements is just as effective in the battle for heart health as getting in aerobic exercise, such as an hour of jogging or brisk walking.
 

  Study participants showed improvements in cardiovascular function after just eight weeks of taking 150 milligrams of turmeric extract daily, which made for a total of 25 milligrams of curcumin per dose. You need to pay attention that the study participants receive a turmeric extract which contains high dosage of the magical ingredient curcumin.The curcumin content in regular turmeric powder is not that high, approximately 2%, so you will need to take about a teaspoon of turmeric to enjoy the same health benefits, or you can purchase turmeric extract capsules.Turmeric capsules can be found online or in health food stores or drug store shelves, or you can drink golden milk,or add turmeric to this anti inflammatory tea or to the top of savory food dishes to reap these rewards for yourself. While turmeric is a powerful and effective compound for treating a wide range of diseases, studies have revealed that turmeric has low absorption and rapid metabolism that lead to relatively low bioavailability in the body.You need to combine your turmeric consumption with consumption of other foods to make sure your body will absorb it. You can get the complete information in my article on how to optimize turmeric absorption to maximize its health benefits.

Epsom Salt Health Benefits!

       I have been hearing all about Epsom Salt, it seems that everyone is recommending to use it for various health benefits. But after doing some research, I found there are many health benefits associated with using Epsom Salt.

      Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body including regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes, reducing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function and helping to prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches.

       

     The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and unlike other salts, Epsom salt has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salt.

Some of the health benefits include: 

-Eases stress and relaxes the body
-Relieves pain and muscle cramps
-Relieves constipation
-Eliminates toxins from the body

     As a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.

Dangers In Dog Food!!

 
    Our dogs are no longer a pet anymore, they are more like a family member for most people. And while we over spoil and overprotect them, there maybe one area that we over look. Just like us, our pet needs to be feed the best quality food, but just like ours, their food, may not be as safe as we thought or expected. Check out this report from food babe, about dangerous things found in pet food.

Dangers in Pet Food

How to Avoid Cell Phone Radiation

          If you have not noticed how many people are glued to their cell phones than you have not been out since 1999. There is a real addiction to our smart phones these days, people even sleep with them. But how safe is our little best friend? The following video is such a great sum up for some tips to minimize your exposure to radiation from your cell phone. Some of these tips may surprise you but I think they are worth putting in to practice.

Milk, Healthy or Not?

Is the dairy industry serving us a nice large glass of lies? For most of my life, I have heard that milk/dairy is healthy, helps to strengthen bones, and is part of a health diet. But more and more information is coming to light that is pretty gross, and makes me wonder if milk/dairy is in fact healthy? Watch the video below, and let me know if you are ready to give up your milk mustache.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9hh-Npc50

To Egg or Not to Egg!!

       
             I have always been a fan of eggs, and I was under the impression that they were a great healthy high protein food.  Whenever I'm trying to keep my calories low, stay full, and have high energy, I turn to eggs. Apparently I didn't have all the information, the video below literally shocked me, and kinda of made me sad because of my love for eggs. Check it out below...

Let me know what you think in the comments below...

The Truth About Cancer, What the Industry Hopes we Don't Learn

                           
                                                 Happy Monday, and Happy Health!!! 

Cancer affects 1 in 3 Americans, we have the highest rates, and no cure in sight. But is there? the fight against cancer has become a billion dollar industry, with all that money, why have not found a way to prevent or cure this deadly disease? What if our bodies can fight this with a proper diet and natural remedies, check out the video below, for more groundbreaking information.

Shut Up Monsanto!

       I literally sat there with my mouth open when I saw the Monsanto commercial for the first time. At first I thought it was a commercial for Whole Foods, never in my wildest dreams did I think it was Monsanto. After all the commercial was about having wholesome health foods for our families! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!??  Monsanto do you think we are idiots, we know your dirty little secrets, we know the truth about you, how dare you feature a commercial claiming you care about our health, when you try to poison the American people on a daily basis. Since 1995 Monsanto has been developing GMO practices, and since have tried to interject them into every part of our food and agriculture industry. If you are unfamiliar with the dangers of consuming GMOs check it out HERE.  
       I urge you to stay educated, and educate those around you to not fall for these commercials. These commercials are another attempt by Monsanto to pull the wool over our eyes, and continue to poison our food source. These people at Monsanto don't care about our families, our health, and certainly not bringing wholesome healthy food to our table. 
     At this point, Monsanto realizes that they are losing ground, more and more people everyday are learning of their evil treason practices, and now they are trying to hold on to those who have yet to find out. Please don't let those around us to be fooled any longer, Monsanto is not our friend, and they can't pretend like they care about us because they put out a "heartfelt" commercial!! 

SHUT UP MONSANTO! We know the know the truth, and aren't going to take it anymore!!

The Double Standard-Check This Out!!

We have discussed many times the fact that the FDA allows food in this country that is banned in other countries. I don't know about you BUT this completely outrages me, now a new issue with our food has completely outraged me as well. Our friend Vani at Food Babe (www.foodbabe.com) has just uncovered that there is a double standard on what some fast food restaurants are willing to serve us, and not serve oversees! Now while I do NOT eat fast food, this is an outrage just the same! Check out the complete article and investigation by Food Babe HERE

EMF Protection Products!

As we have discussed before EMF is dangerous to be exposed to, it can comprise your immune system, and even cause death. So we are always seeking out ways and products that can protect us from EMF.




The Earth Calm company, has been providing products to protect against EMF, for more than 30 years. And unlike other EMF protection products, Earth Calm protects against both wireless and electrical devices.

Customers that have used Earth Calm products have reported reduced pain, more energy and increased vitality, greater mental clarity and performance, and much much more,

Now I want to make this clear, this is not a paid advertisement. I am not getting paid, or any perks for recommending Earth Calm products. We are just passionate about EMF protection, because of the danger of exposure. Check out Earth Calm's website (Earth Calm).

The New Happy!!

It is no mystery that we are living in a very high stress world. Many of us no longer strive for a perfect happy life, now many of us are striving for a more peaceful life. Instead of stress and anxiety we want, and need peace in our life for our healthy, mental, emotional and physical. Below are some tips for a calm and peace filled lifestyle.

Plan for the Next Day-Every night, I set out my outfit, pack my lunch, and set everything out for the next day. This way the next morning, my day does not start out stressed and rushed. It helps to set the whole day on the right foot.

Exercise-Make time to be active, no matter your level. Even if you aren't into going to the gym, you can still be active by walking around the block, dancing in your kitchen, playing with your kids. Being active will help ease anxiety and relieve stress, and if done often enough can help with getting in shape and improve your health.

Listen to Music-Music has the power to move us, take us to a different place. It can transform our mood, and inspire us to move past our stress and anxiety.

Be a Kid Again-Enjoy the simple things in life, like being outside, blowing bubbles, and laughing with friends. 

Dont Try for Perfect- Striving for perfection can put an incredible amount of pressure and stress on you. Sometimes the dishes don't get done, and not everything gets checked off the to do list, and that's okay. If you let go of the need for everything to be perfect, you will be happier in the long run. In the end, its more important to spend a little more time with your loved ones, than getting everything done today.

Simple Tips for Eating Healthy & GMO free!!

Lately I have been trying to educate those around me how to eat, and shop for groceries healthy and safe.The hard truth is the FDA, aka the people in this country that decide what goes on the shelves at the grocery store, or on your restaurant table, do NOT give a crap about us or our health. In fact the crooks at the FDA allow foods in this country that are banned in many countries in Europe. Foods, that have shown to cause many disease such as kidney and liver disease, cancer, stroke and even DEATH. So what do you do when your country doesn't care about you or your health?-Well you learn to shop smart. Below are some of my most simple shopping tips!

• Avoid the Inner Aisles-Basically means do not eat anything processed. You try to stick to fresh fruits, veggies, and meat. If you must buy something out of those aisles, do research on what is GMO and Monsanto free before going to the store. Also check the sodium, the problem with a lot of packaged goods, is they are jammed packed with sodium. A lot of sodium can cause a range of health problems, and weight gain.
• Fruits/Veggies-The problem with fruits and veggies is that they can have a lot of chemicals and pesticides too. If you can afford to buy all your fruits and veggies, organic, go for it. But for the rest of us, who can not, there are a few tips you can follow to help you stay healthy. When buying fruits and veggies, buy organic when you eat the skin, or there is no skin, such as apples, strawberries, squash, broccoli (make sure to still wash everything well). When you do not eat the skin, you can buy regular because it has a protective skin. Fruits and Veggies such as oranges, watermelon, pineapple, and corn you can buy non-organic. Also eat local, that way you know exactly where your produce is coming from, and if its small enough, it should have no links to Monsanto. 
• Safe Meat- Again if you can afford organic, DO IT. Make sure you choose meats, fish, and poultry that is hormone-free, and grass-fed. A lot of the meats that allowed in this country by the FDA are deemed poisonous and pumped with hormones that are linked to cancer. Its best to do your research on what meats are safe, local and do not contain those hormones. Again if you have a local farm, that you can buy meat from, that's best because those are usually the safest meats. Do your research and see if you have a local farm or butcher you can purchase from.
• Dairy- Make sure to only purchase dairy that is hormone free. Some US dairy farms inject the genetically engineered hormone rbGH, also called rbST, into their cows to boost milk production. There are now many dairy products with labels that indicate they do not use rbGH or rbST. Their cows may still be fed GM feed. Organic dairy products are, however, all rbGH-free and do not use GM grains as feed. Choose brands that are enrolled in the the Non-GMO Project Standard. Brands such as Brown Cow, Blue Diamond, NOW Real Food, Organic Valley, and StoneyField.
• Avoid GMO/Monsanto- Monsanto is responsible for introducing GMOs into the marketplace, and in turn are responsible for countless deaths, because of the poisons that they sell to people, knowing full well that it will cause diseases such as cancer, and eventually death. Avoiding any products, and produce made from Monsanto, is the key to better health, and longevity. Now not all the foods are going to say Monsanto or GMO on it, so its important to know who Monsanto has links to and avoid products from those companies too. See the list below.

Lastly, many are currently pushing for GMO labeling on all foods, meaning that if a food contains GMO it MUST be labeled as such. Hopefully soon that will become a reality, so we know exactly what we are consuming. To sign such a petition, click on this link Take Action. Its our right to know what we are eating, and to make a choice for our health, lets stand up to the FDA and make sure they know what they are doing is so beyond wrong.

The New Go-To Wine Guide!!

So if you are like me, you enjoy an occasional glass of wine, and we all know red wine in moderation is beneficial to health. Well I wanted to give a shout-out to my friends at Squire Wine Co. They have just launched a new site, and its awesome! On their site, they will have wine events in Chicago, advice and suggestions in regards to wines, and even job openings for those of you in the industry! So check them out today, and keep checking them out for updates on all the things I have mentioned.

Check them out here: Squire Wine Co.

Perfect Summer Pasta!

Try this simple dish that is light and perfect for a hot summer day. This recipe from celebrity Chef Dave Lieberman, is cheap to make and only 330 calories per serving. This is the perfect summer pasta for your next gathering, perhaps for tomorrow's fourth of July party. 

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 handfuls baby arugula
• 1 handful basil leaves
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino

• juice of 1 small lemon
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 lb whole wheat penne, cooked al dente
• a couple handfuls of baby tomatoes, sliced lengthwise

Directions

In a blender combine arugula, basil, olive oil, nuts, cheese and lemon juice and blend until thick and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss the pesto with the pasta, the tomatoes.

Enjoy!

What is in that Beer!?

 


I don't drink beer, but some people that I care about do, and I wanted to get the word out to you that there are some harmful and scary ingredients in beer that might make you think twice about drinking one ever again. 

Good news for you beer lovers is that fellow blogger, and healthy living crusader, Food Babe, has being doing an investigation, and petition to get the beer companies to share their ingredients with the public, so that you can make informed decision on what beer to drink.

Please go to this article Big Update: The Truth That Beer Companies Have Not Made Public Yet, read it and follow the link in it to sign the petition for these companies to disclose the ingredients! Even though some of the companies have complied, they have not given us the full story or the full list of beers, so our fight is not finished! Please be informed, and involved, we need to demand to know exactly what we are putting into our bodies.#FoodBabeArmy

Mindfulness for a More Effective Workout!!

When it comes to exercise, we all have our own way of doing it. Maybe we like to run, take a yoga class or, my favorite Zumba. Some of us care about having the latest workout clothes; for others, that’s not important. But how much thought do you give to the role of your mind in the exercises you do? We might spend months researching the latest bike or pair of sneakers, but if we don’t train and engage the mind correctly, our exercise can never reach its full potential. Put simply, if we want our bodies to be fit, our minds must be, too.

Train your Brain!

For exercise to be most effective, achieving mental balance is essential. Get this right, and workouts naturally become more fun, effective and sustainable. All we need to do is step back from that constant stream of thought that tends to clutter the mind. By stepping back, we create more space in the mind, which makes it easier to become aware of the moment and focus on the exercise we’re doing. And this is mindfulness—the route to mental balance that’s prescribed to everyone from Olympic athletes to the likes of you and me. Mindfulness gives us a clarity and lack of distraction that’s essential for mental balance. In exercise, it gives us confidence to perform every stroke and move every muscle naturally and to the very best of our ability.

Imagine swimming mindfully, focused on perfecting every stroke with the best sense of timing, effort and ease. The results from completing 50 lengths like this will be far superior to swimming up and down while worrying about work and what to make for dinner.Working out mindfully means we’re giving the exercise we work so hard on the attention it deserves, giving us the best results yet.

Try these tips for improving mental balance:

1. Learn how to meditate to sharpen your focus and relax your mind.

2. Understand your motivation. What do you really want to get out of your workout? Once this is clear, you’re much more likely to achieve your goals.

3. Set realistic, achievable goals. Identify the small steps and you’ll be on your way to a steady and successful journey.

4. Create a new habit. Same place, same time is crucial to forming a habit, so find a time in the day when you know you can make your workouts happen.

5. Use your imagination. Mentally rehearsing your exercise is proven to give quicker results and boost your confidence. Professional athletes have done this for decades—join them!

6. Think less, do more. Use mindfulness to retain your focus on the present moment. Let go of your passing thoughts and enjoy a more focused, productive workout.

7. Be flexible. Things don’t always go to plan, so when you miss a session or two, just accept it and get going again the very next day.

8. Have fun. Exercise is inherently fun; don’t push so hard you lose sight of this. Instead of your workout feeling like a chore, appreciate it as a time-out from a busy day.

9. Congratulate yourself. Feel good about completing your workout; it’ll make the mind calmer and more content—and you’ll be more likely to keep it up.

10. Integrate fitness in your life. Whether that’s cycling to work or playing more energetically with your children, look for opportunities to use your newfound fitness within your everyday life.

The Major Health Benefits of The Mediterranean Diet!!

Chances are, you probably know someone who has diabetes. In fact, you may have the disease as well. Nearly 2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. The majority of those – type 2 diabetes – have obesity as their main risk factor.

Diet can play a huge role in both the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and plant- and marine-based protein are all essential for the diabetic patient, but putting these dietary ideals into practice can often be challenging. Many of my diabetic patients come to me with the idea that the only way to manage their disease is through counting carbohydrates. While watching carbohydrates, and especially the type consumed, is important, the sole attention to this practice can often times overshadow the role that other diets can play in the management of the disease.

One of the most widely studied is the Mediterranean diet – and adherence to it may not only help in the management of diabetes, but it can also help to prevent diabetes all together. 

Let’s first start with the main components of the Mediterranean diet: It’s a way of life that incorporates healthy amounts of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and healthy fat, especially olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids. The diet has been linked to reductions in both diabetes and in risk factors associated with the disease such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and peripheral artery disease.

Several studies have linked the healthy fat in the Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of diabetes as well. A 2014 study found that long chain omega-3 fatty acids helped to reduce the overall risk of diabetes. The study, conducted on over 2,000 men, showed that participants with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a 33 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than participants with lower concentrations. Another study found that consumption of fatty fish, which is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, was associated with lower glucose concentrations and a reduced risk of diabetes. Finally, a 2012 study found that foods lower on the glycemic index, such as eggs or natural peanut butter, were a better breakfast bet for blood sugar control.

So how can you add healthy fats into your Mediterranean diet plan? Easy! Start with a healthy breakfast by whipping up a delicious one egg omelet prepared with spinach, mushrooms and olive oil. For snacks, think whole grain flaxseed crackers with natural peanut butter or a handful of walnuts and for dinner, focus on consuming fatty fish such as salmon at least two times a week, paired with sautéed garlicky broccoli and brown rice.

If you’re diabetic or want to prevent the onset of the disease, the choice is clear – the Mediterranean diet is the way to go.

Guidelines for Healthy Grilling!!

With grilling season upon us, its a good time to discuss grilling guidelines to keep us healthy!! Firing up the grill isn't just a great way to get outside and relax – it can also provide you with a delicious and healthy source of protein. But if you grill the wrong way, you could be unintentionally serving up your meat with a big side of cancer-causing chemicals. Grilling meat generates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory rats. Follow these guidelines to make sure your grilling is good for your health.

Rule 1: Pick cancer-fighting meats
Meats like skinless chicken, pork tenderloin and sirloin tip that are lean and not heavily processed are much healthier choices than hotdogs and sausages. Preserved meats have been linked to significantly higher risk of heart disease and cancer and could even damage your DNA, upping colon cancer risk.

Rule 2: Trim the fat
PAHs form when fat from meat, poultry or fish drips onto a high heat source and the resulting smoke coats your food. Choose cuts labeled "lean" or trim extra fat from your meat before you put it on the grill to limit your exposure to carcinogens.

Rule 3: Don't char or burn your meat
Black grill marks are bad. Charring or burning meat, poultry or fish leads to the production of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that can damage your genes, raising risk of stomach and colorectal cancers.

Rule 4: Turn down the temperature
The higher the heat, the more carcinogens you're likely to get in your meat. Keep the temperature more reasonable by spreading coals thinly or propping the grill rack on bricks – this increases the distance between the heat and your food. Alternatively, barbecue briquettes and hardwood products like hickory and maple often burn at lower temperatures than softwood pine chips.

Bonus Tip: Marinade your meat in beer

Why keep your drinks and foods separate? A recent study showed that marinating pork in beer (especially darker beers), reduced the formation of eight major PAHs by up to half. Researchers think that antioxidant compounds in beer inhibit the activity of damaging free radicals.