Thursday 16 August 2012

My Stress Busting Juice

We all face stress in our lives. Most people reach for processed, high sugar, low nutrient food, alcohol or cigarettes in times of stress. I have something better! This juice is delicious and very calming.

1 small pineapple- pineapple makes this juice sweet and rich in vitamin C and A
1 cucumber-  the inner temperature of a cucumber is cooler than the outside air, so cucumber juice is cooling during times of tension and stress
3 ribs celery-  celery helps the body utilize magnesium and calcium to calm the nerves 
Handful spinach-  spinach contains phytonutrients and brain protecting-properties
Relax and enjoy!

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Tips For Overcoming Anxiety

I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks since I was 26. I have been on medication, which did help for a time, but medication is only a band-aide, covering the real issues, never solving them. I would like to share a few tips that have helped me tremendously.

Pray I heard this the other day and it touched me deeply. "God ruthlessly perfects who he royally elects". My anxiety always becomes worse when I am further from God. When I feel connected to Him, I am able to cast all my cares and worries on Him. Pray for the peace that only He can give. Ask and you shall receive.

Avoid Alcohol Alcohol seems like a great way to calm down, forget your trouble and ease your anxiety. While this works short term, you will suffer more for it later. I know that when I have a few drinks, the next day is filled with anxiety and panic attacks. It does something to my nervous system and I am unable to feel peaceful.

Avoid Sugar and Caffeine The first thing a Doctor will tell someone with anxiety is to avoid sugar and caffeine. Caffeine is deadly to a nervous person. Switch to green tea! It does have some caffeine which will keep you from withdrawal symptoms and it also has a calming effect (green tea is also great for weight loss). Sugar is like poison to the body. Instead indulge in fresh fruits, sweet and delicious!

Try L-Theanine L-theanine  is an amino acid that has a positive effect on anxiety and mood. It is found in green tea which could explain the tea's calming effect. L-theanine supplements can be found at health stores. I find the relaxing effects of L-theanine last up to 8 hours. Safe and natural!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy There are 3 books that I have found extremely helpful. From Panic To Power, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook and Mind Over Mood. The mind is a powerful thing! Learn to change the way you think and you will change your life!

Monday 6 August 2012

Food: Original Temptation; Original Sin

What caused the fall of mankind? Sin! What did Satan use to tempt us? Food! It all began with the apple (interesting fast: apple seeds contain cyanide!). I believe Satan is still using food to slowly poison us, knowing we would never suspect that he is behind it all. What began as pure nutrition is now processed and poisoned. We've developed ways to grow our food faster and cheaper but we've sacrificed our health in the process. We are so weak when it comes to food. We need food to survive, but what we are eating is slowly poisoning our bodies, minds and spirits. We look at drugs and alcohol as the severe addictions in this world, but I think what we eat is a bigger threat to us. The enemy wants to keep us weak, sick, depressed and hopeless. Unless we start fighting back and making better choices, that's exactly how we will stay. I recommend watching the following documentaries: Hungry For Change, Food Matters, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, Forks Over Knives and Food Inc. Let's take control over our health, arm yourself with knowledge, knowledge is power!

Thursday 2 August 2012

Convenience Food is Killing Us!

I get it. I'm a busy mom of 2 young girls. I used to search for convenient, pre-packaged foods that my kids could eat on the go. I myself would grab a granola bar for breakfast in a hurry. Drive-thru's are always lined up with people looking for something fast to fill their belly. The problem is, this stuff is killing us! Our bodies are not getting the nutrients we need, so we are constantly hungry, looking for more. The toxins from these "convenient foods" are making us sick and fat! Is there anything convenient about that?
Fruit is the original fast food. It's portable, it's quick and it DOES give us the nutrients our body craves. Instead of peeling back plastic wrap from a sugar and toxin filled breakfast bar, try peeling a banana. Keep your fridge stocked with organic apples, kiwi, oranges, grapes and berries. For some protein I like to grab a handful of raw cashews or sunflower seeds. It is incredibly satisfying to know you are fueling your body with what it needs and not junk calories. Watch your energy levels increase and your mood improve. My kids love fruit, what kid doesn't? You'll notice that once you start giving your body what it needs, cravings for the junk will disappear!

Wednesday 1 August 2012

Superfood Trail-Mix

I carry this trail-mix with me everywhere! A quick, easy, super nutritious snack on the go.

Add a handful each of raw sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, gogi berries, mulberries and raw cacao nibs.
Enjoy!