Nancy Addison's Blog, page 24
February 11, 2013
Clean Eating
Clean Food
By Nancy Addison CHC, AADP
I was reading the other day about “clean eating.” My client had asked me, if I knew what it was and I really didn’t. I supposed it is certainly better than eating dirty food! So, I looked it up on line. Apparently it is a term used for non-processed or “fast” food. I guess it is making a come back because a lady, wrote a book for “idiots.” And their guide to eating “clean.” It is a term that has caught the buzz. Now there are magazines and websites about eating clean The Clean food movement looks like a good movement. It is a movement that was started over the moral values of the times in the sixty’s, when I grew up. Much of what I talk about in my book and really why I became an organic proponent and vegetarian in the first place is because of the amazing amounts of chemicals and preservatives that are added to food at restaurants and packaging plants; as well as the inhumane treatment of these precious, living creatures. The “clean eaters’ support eating whole, real food. Makes sense to me! As people have gotten sicker and sicker from eating processed foods filled with additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, as well as antibiotics and hormones; as a last resort they have turned to focusing on what they put in their mouth. I know changing what we eat can be really difficult, but when we stick with it for at least two weeks to ninety days, we can regenerate our tastes buds and really made a shift to the new lifestyle, even in our way of thinking. From what I can find on-line, the “Clean Food” movement says they have 7 principles. So, let’s look at those.
Number 1. Eat whole, natural foods and seek to eliminate or minimize processed foods. Well, that is admirable. But watch out for the word “natural.” It can be totally chemically derived and be legally called natural by FDA standards.
Number 2, They say to choose unrefined instead of refined foods. That sounds good.
Number 3. Include some protein, carbohydrates and fat at every meal. That sounds good as well.
Number 4: Watch out for fat, salt and sugar. That is good concept. But really, what you should look for is what kind of fat, salt and sugar it is. So many of these are really not good, but the healthy alternative can be extremely beneficial. I wrote really long chapters on the types of fats, sugars, and salts there are to choose from. I think quality is paramount.
Number 5 They say to eat six small meals throughout the day. I personally disagree with this. This can create weight problems and digestive problems in my opinion.
Number 6 They say not to drink your calories. The basic thought is good, but some of the suggestions for drinks are not a healthy choice in my own personal opinion. I think they can cause allergies and weight gain.
I am not into counting calories. I don’t do it. I think it is really an outdated mode of eating, because it doesn’t take into account the quality of the food as compared the quality of the other food. Calories for white refined flour are the same as calories for whole- grained, organic flour. I don’t believe it is as relevant and people think. I think it also makes eating so much more complicated. I don’t think eating healthy food should be complicated.
Number 7 is to get moving. Well, how can anyone argue with that? Good suggestion.
Well, in conclusion, if you are a clean eater, I would say you are much better off than you might have been previously, assuming you were eating a lot of fast and processed foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
I hope this helped you!
If you want to learn more about healing the body and the healing diet, sign up for my seminar March 10th from 1PM to 5 PM! It is an afternoon that you can spend with me. I only have small intimate groups; so you can ask questions and get all the answers you need. You will learn to handle stress, how to eat for candida yeast problems, cancer, diabetes and heart disease problems. What a gift you can give yourself and your loved ones. It is almost full, so, sign up today! It will be the best investment in your health that you can make.
Aren’t you worth it?
Go to www.organichealthylifestyle.com for more information.
February 5, 2013
The Power of a Hug
As Valentines Day draws near, I am reminded of a story I read in 1995 of two twin baby girls. When they were born, Oct. 17, 1995, they were premature by 12 weeks and put in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Medical Center in Central Massachusetts in Worcester. As a standard practice of the hospital, the babies were placed into separate incubators in order to reduce the risk of infection. One baby, Kyrie, was much larger than her sister Brielle, who only weighed two pounds at her birth. The larger baby, Kyrie, slept well and was healthily gaining weight, but her smaller sister, Brielle, was having trouble breathing and had low levels of oxygen in her blood, as well as low weight gain and problems with her heart rate. Everyone was deeply concerned, especially a particular nurse named Gayle Kasparian, who was trying everything that she could think of to help Brielle. Then, on Nov. 12th, Brielle had an emergency health situation. She started gasping for air and started turning a gray-blue color; then she got hiccups and her heart rate went way up. Everyone was so afraid Brielle would not survive.
In desperation, nurse Kasparian remembered a common procedure a fellow colleague had mentioned to her once, that was common practice in most of Europe, but not done here in that country. It was the practice of placing newborn baby multiple births in beds together. They called it double bedding. Even though she could not ask permission from her manager, because she was away and not able to reached, she asked the parents permission to put the girls together in one bed to see if it would help. They agreed. So, nurse Gayle, broke the rules and place the larger baby sister with her smaller, now in extreme danger of dying.
The moment they were together, Brielle immediately snuggled up to her sister and within minutes, Brielle’s readings for her blood and oxygen were better than they had been since her birth. Kyrie gently put her arm around Brielle. It was such a beautiful hug. In the article I read, they called it a rescuing hug. It was a very powerful hug. Being together had quite literally saved Brielle’s life. It wasn’t much later that the parents were able to take the girls home, because they both were thriving. Nurse Gayle did not get in trouble. In fact, the practice of double bedding multiple births is now a standard practice at the hospital. Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to changes in old antiquated practices. It takes courage and a strong heart to do what you believe in.
So, as we lead our busy lives, remember that our connectiveness and our ability to love are so precious, that we can literally save another’s life by just being there for them. So, share those
wonderful hugs with your loved ones. Take the time to truly listen, be present and reach out with the most precious gift you can give. That is the precious gift of you. You may never know how much of an impact that hug smile might have on another’s life, but it is something you can give everyday without spending a penny.
I am mentally sending hugs to you all!
Much love and have a joyful and loving month of February. Love, Nancy
January 17, 2013
The Magic of Pumpkin Seeds by Nancy Addison
Recently, I have had a friend that has been ill a fairly long time. Her stomach hurt, she felt a lot like she had the flu. She wasn’t getting well. Finally, after many tests, she found out that she had parasites. We may not realize it, but we do get parasites in our systems from various foods, water, traveling, etc. She is taking her medicine, that her doctor prescribed, and is now feeling a lot better. If you are wondering about natural ways to help the body keep parasites to a minimum; one food that I frequently add to my diet is pumpkin seeds. The interesting thing about pumpkin seeds is that they are terrific in helping the body get rid of parasites. I use them on a regular basis when feeding the wild animals I rehabilitate. (I am a licensed, certified, wildlife rehabilitator.) I give the animals freshly ground (meaning that I grind them the moment I am using them) pumpkin seeds in their food, and it is amazing to me how many tape worms and other types of parasites come out in their bowel movements. Because of this, I use pumpkin seeds frequently, in a freshly ground form, in my own foods. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, as well as minerals, including zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, cop- per, and manganese.
by Nancy Addison
January 10, 2013
Seminar Time
Today, I am getting ready for my first 2013 Healing Diet Seminar.
I am focusing on getting a fresh clean start for the New Year.
Boost the immune system!
Lose Weight!
Gain more energy!
Eating to reverse aging!
Cleaning out all of the old stuff that has not been working and refreshing the spirit, mind and body.
Get on the new healthy path.
I have a great group coming and I am looking forward to a fabulous day of transformation.
It is going to be a big weekend.
I also, have a book signing on Sunday at a wonderful Mediterranean Cafe. We are going to have cooking lessons, lunch and cutting edge health information.
A wonderful way to start off the New Year and keep those resolutions!
January 3, 2013
New Year Traditions
New Years Day is here and many of us will be having the meal consisting of black-eyed peas. The black-eyed peas are known to represent “good luck”. This tradition began in the southern states after the Civil War. The northern troops, especially who were serving under General Sherman, would destroy all foods, crops, and livestock that they couldn’t carry with them. The crops of “‘ field peas” and corn were considered by them to be only good for animal food, were left undestroyed. There were many people in the south that survived the war because of this misunderstanding. Thus giving them a
” good luck” reputation. The peas are meant to represent coins. Mustard greens or collards are usually served with the peas to represent paper money. In the south, corn bread and rice are usually accompaniments for this meal. This tradition has spread throughout the country.
The common commercial pea we see today is the California black-eyed pea. It is pale with a prominent black spot. This highly nutrition legume was promoted by George Washington Carver. It was valuable as a crop, because it adds nitrogen to the soil. It is such a highly nutricous legume. It is high in calcium, folate and vitamin A, as well as a great source of fiber. The blossoms produce large amounts of nectar; so they are grown in many places where honey is produced. The large amount of pollinators that consume this nectar makes the use of pesticides much more strictly regulated. I always suggest buying organically grown foods, when possible.
Cooking legumes is really very easy. Many people don’t like to eat legumes, because they think it is hard to digest and produces gas. There are a few tricks to cooking that help with the digestibility of the legumes. Soaking in purified water and draining before cooking helps break down the enzymes. I also, add some seaweed to my mixture as I cook them. I add a piece of Kombu seaweed. It helps to further break down the enzymes so the legumes are more easily digestible. You can add a 3 or 4 inch piece of seaweed to the soaking water and then also keep it in the cooking water. Seaweed adds many nutrients to the food. You can discard it after cooking. Always sort, wash and drain your beans before soaking. Beans double in volume when cooked, so cook one cup if you need two cups.
Recipe of the Month
Basic Black Eyed Peas
1. Soak black-eyed peas overnight (or for at least 4-6 hours) in purified water with a small 3-inch piece of Kombu seaweed. Have at least two inches of water covering the legumes.
2. Drain off the water.
3. Put the black-eyed peas and Kombu in a large pot of fresh purified water. Make sure you put in enough water to cover them well. The legumes will absorb large amounts of the water.
4. Bring the pot to a boil and drain again.
5. Put more water in the pot and cover the beans completely once more. Bring to a boil, skim any foam off, cover and lower heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer until tender.
Enjoy a nutritious healthy New Years Day meal with the traditional black-eyed peas. Happy New Year!
by Nancy Addison copyright@nancyaddison2013
December 20, 2012
Holiday Dining
Are you tired of being fat, tired and stressed? Many of the holiday foods, that are so abundant and beautiful, are one of the major reasons, so many of us gain weight and get too tired over the holiday season. We overindulge and probably eat and drink things we don’t normally have. I, for one, have been doing exactly that. I realized the other day, that all the food that had been put in front of me at all of these holiday events, was really not very healthy. Even the spinach salad I ordered last night had a dressing that made the salad unhealthy. I think I am going to eat before I go out for the next couple of weeks; so I am not too hungry when I get there. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day, will also help. That way, I won’t be as tempted to eat food that won’t support my health. Well, that is my thought for today! I hope you have a wonderful holiday! Lots of love, Nancy
December 12, 2012
Survival Guide to the Holidays! by Nancy Addison
With the holidays upon us, here are my top 7 tips to having more energy, staying well and feeling good; so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!
1. Stay hydrated! Even though they are liquid, sodas and coffee are not hydrating. So, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Hydration is a major factor in staying well and healthy!
2. Juice half an organic lemon or lime and add to a glass of warm purified water. Drink this first thing in the morning before anything else goes into your stomach. This will help cleanse your organs, give you a vitamin C boost and help alkalize your system.
3. Make your healthy breakfast and/or lunch your largest meals of the day. You need this to give your body sustainable energy throughout the day.
4. Eat healthy fats. Fats are good for you in the right form, quality and quantity. These “good fats” will actually give you more energy, help you lose weight, fight inflammation and support your brain function.
5. Exercise at least 50 minutes 3 times a week. This helps you get oxygen flowing throughout your body and cuts down on stress.
6. Take time for yourself. Take a long hot bath, a walk, a nap, a massage or manicure. Even if it is just for 15 minutes, nurture yourself, breathe deeply, and think of peaceful thoughts. Play some uplifting music. It is amazing how rejuvenating this can be!
7. Volunteer. There is no better way to invigorate your life than to do something in a volunteer way. No matter how low things seem to be, when you volunteer, it puts everything into perspective and can empower you! It is a great activity to do as a family or a group. There are so many worthy groups out there that could use some help. If you are lonely, it is a great way to get out, meet some new friends and have some fun. When we give, we always get much more back in return.
Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. So, be patient and kind to yourself during the holidays.
I wish you and yours a merry holiday season! Love, Nancy
copyright@nancyaddison2012 for more information go to wwww.organichealthylifestyle.com
December 6, 2012
Meditation by Nancy Addison
Meditation
By Nancy Addison CHC, AADP
I have been a regular guest speaker at Parker University. I teach nutrition and “The Healing Diet” for Dr. Michael Hall’s class. Part of my talk concerned stress. I taught them a 3-minute meditation to help them cut down on stress and actually regenerate their own stem cells. They loved it! I teach this to my clients, at my seminars and at my speaking engagements.
Here is a nice quote on meditation that I thought was good. Hope you like it!
“Profound meditation in solitude and silence frequently exalts the mind above its natural tone, fires the imagination, produces the most refined and sublime conceptions. The soul then tastes the purest and most refined delight, and almost loses the idea of existence in the intellectual pleasure it receives. The mind on every motion darts through space into eternity; and raised, in its free enjoyment of its powers by its own enthusiasm, strengthens itself in the habitude of contemplating the noblest subjects, and of adopting the most heroic pursuits.”
Johann Georg von Zimmermann
Hope you have a stress free and relaxed day!
For more information go to: www.organichealthylifestyle.com
Meditation at Parker University by Nancy Addison
I am a regular guest speaker at Parker University. Today, I taught nutrition and “The Healing Diet” at Parker University. Part of my talk was on stress. I taught them a 3 minute meditation to help them cut down on stress and actually reginerate their own stem cells. They loved it! Here is a nice quote on meditation that I thought was good. Hope you like it!
“Profound meditation in solitude and silence frequently exalts the mind above its natural tone, fires the imagination, produces the most refined and sublime conceptions. The soul then tastes the purest and most refined delight, and almost loses the idea of existence in the intellectual pleasure it receives. The mind on every motion darts through space into eternity; and raised, in its free enjoyment of its powers by its own enthusiasm, strengthens itself in the habitude of contemplating the noblest subjects, and of adopting the most heroic pursuits.”
Johann Georg von Zimmermann
Hope you have a stress free and relaxed day!
Love, Nancy
December 3, 2012
Quinoa Salad with Pecans and Cranberries
Quinoa Salad with Pecans and Cranberries
From the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts
www.naturalepicurean.com
Last week I spent some time teaching nutrition at the Natural Epicurean Academy in Austin, Texas. I had a marvelous time and tasted some delicious food while I was there!
Here is a ymmy recipe that I received from them and I thought I would share this with you! Quinoa is a whole protein and it is gluten free. I like to use it instead of rice. You cooked it about the same, but takes a little less time!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups spring or filtered water
1 cup organic quinoa
¾ cup organic pecans, coarsely chopped
3 –4 organic scallions, sliced in thin rounds
1/3 cup organic parsley, finely chopped
1/3 cup organic celery, finely chopped
¼ – ½ cup organic, dried, unsweetened cranberries, finely chopped
Dressing:
2 tsp. organic cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. unrefined cold pressed sesame seed oil
1 T. fresh organic lemon juice
¼ tsp. organic umeboshi vinegar
2 tsp. organic rice vinegar
dash ground organic black pepper
Directions:
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Stir in quinoa.
3. Cover, turn to low and cook for 25 minutes.
4. Place pecans in 350 degree F. oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted. Set aside.
5. Combine all dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add scallions, celery, parsley, and cranberries and set aside.
6. When the quinoa is done, transfer is to a glass bowl that can handle hot temperatures and fluff it with a fork. Set aside to cool.
7. Once the quinoa is cooled, add the dressing mixture and the toasted pecans to it and stir well.
8. Salad is best if set aside for at least an hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve cool or at room temperature. This keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Enjoy!
Love, Nancy