Sue Woledge's Blog, page 3

What Is Cupping? And What Is Cupping Massage?

So what is cupping? Cupping therapy is one of the most ancient natural therapies we still use today. It was developed more than 3000 years ago and has been used in many parts of the world, starting in Egypt and China.

Many people today are familiar with cupping via exposure to Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM.

Cupping is commonly used by practitioners of TCM along with acupuncuture. It can also be used on its own, or with other bodywork therapies such as massage.

Cupping was traditionally performed using cups made from bamboo, animal horns, pottery or even bronze. But today most practitioners use either glass, plastic or silicone cups.

The cups are used to create suction on the skin, lifting, seperating and creating ‘space’ in the underlying fascia and tissues. This allows blood and lymph flow to the area, and reduces fascial adhesions.

Cupping therapy is mostly useful for musculoskeletal conditions and doesn’t take long. Cups are generally left on the skin for between 5 and 15 minutes.

How Does Cupping Work?

According to Chinese medical theory the human body is a network of channels, called meridians. In these meridians flow qi and blood that supply energy and nourishment to every tiny part of the body.

When a meridian is blocked or stagnated (for any reason) pain appears in the area and toxins start to accumulate in the blocked area.

The suction created by cupping removes this blockage, reestablishes the flow of energy and blood, and allows it to reach its destination. Cupping also helps to clear accumulated toxins in the treated area.

The Western Interpretation Of How Cupping Works

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in the body. Waste products such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide produced by our cells are cleared also by a good and healthy blood flow.

When tissue is overloaded or injured, adhesions occur in the area. This leads to limited motion, pain and reduced blood flow. The reduced blood flow causes a lack of oxygen and nutrients getting to the cells, while also causing an accumulation of waste products.

Cupping stretches out the fascia, removes adhesions and allows more movement in the tissues. It also helps to pull out the accumulated waste products from the deeper tissue layers.

While cupping is taking place, it significantly improves circulation and increases fresh blood flow to the area being treated. The cells begin to receive a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients. When the cell metabolism is reestablished, pain is reduced and the tissue can gradually heal.

Cupping often causes temporary bruising which in itself is beneficial as it triggers certain immune
responses that may help the body to deal with flu and respiratory diseases.

What Is Cupping Massage?

Cupping massage is where the one or two cups are placed on the body, suction is created and then the cups are moved over the skin, still with the suction, to lift, warm and loosen up the tissues.

Cupping massage can be used on its own, but it is great for warming the tissue prior to static cupping, and in conjunction with other bodywork.

If you have questions about cupping please contact me.

The post What Is Cupping? And What Is Cupping Massage? first appeared on Sue Woledge.

I Just Want To Get Rid Of Pain – Which Treatment Should I Book?

I get it. Often when people find my website they just want to get rid of pain. They don’t care what I do or how I do it. They just want the pain gone!

Often they’ve been given my name or told about ConTact CARE Flinchlock release, or they’ve just Googled and just stumbled across this website.

And then they start looking at all the different options, get confused and don’t know which type of treatment to choose or what to book.

Well that’s why I now have on my booking system an option called ‘I just want my pain gone!‘.

If you’re in pain and book this option (which is a one hour booking), we can work out the best treatment plan for you based on what’s going on in your body.

Which Type Of Treatment Is Best For Pain?

Generally where there is any pain or injury that needs to be resolved, your treatment plan will almost always include and be based around ConTact CARE Flinchlock Release simply because it gets the best results most of the time.

But I may also include other modalities to speed things up or to help your body to create that change it needs to create to help get you pain free.

These other modalities may be used in the same treatment as Flinchlock treatment, or they may be used in seperate treatments, and may include massage, myofascial work, cupping or ENAR therapy.

How Many Treatments Will I Need And How Often?

On average it takes between one and four treatments to resolve most physical pain with the majority resolving in two or three treatments.

However occasionally more treatments may be needed. Particularly in complex issues where there is more than one thing going on in the body that needs to be addressed.

I will always do my best to work with you, your time and financial constraints.

Generally if more than one treatment is needed appointments are spaced weekly initially. Then depending on results, time between appointments is often longer. However where there is a lot of pain that is hard to bear, or where cupping is used, treatments may be closer together initially (3-4 days) if needed.

Each case is individual and your personal circumstances and needs will always be taken into account.

To book your appointment online click here or contact me by text or phone.

The post I Just Want To Get Rid Of Pain ��� Which Treatment Should I Book? first appeared on Sue Woledge.

What Is ConTact C.A.R.E Flinchlock Release?

ConTact C.A.R.E Flinchlock Release is a system for locating and releasing trapped bone pressure. ConTact C.A.R.E (also often referred to as Flinchlock treatment) is a discipline which isolates the body���s natural self-defence tendencies that have caused the body to ���flinchlock����� into compromised mobility.

ConTact C.A.R.E. provides a ���Commonsense Approach to Real Ease���.

*Quote courtesy of Dale Speedy���s original Contact C.A.R.E. website.

Contact C.A.R.E. Flinchlock Release: What Is It And What To Expect

Contact Care is a relatively new modality. It was founded by Dale Speedy in Ngatea, New Zealand in 2006, and Kym Summers (Dale���s business partner) became co-founder in 2008.

Although it hasn���t been around for long, in comparison to many other natural therapies Contact Care has become well known locally since its inception. This is because it generally gets amazing results for both animals and humans alike.

And due to the success of Flinchlock treatment, word of mouth and the sharing of positive experiences has quickly caused this amazing method to to spread out around New Zealand, and the world.

As those (like myself) who become fascinated with Contact C.A.R.E line up for training, others looking for relief from pain, discomfort and other forms of ���dis-ease��� in their bodies, seek out the services of Contact Care Practitioners.

Contact C.A.R.E. Is Unique

Contact Care is unique in that it recognises the body���s self-defense system which overrides the nervous system and the reflex system.

Because of this, Contact Care has provided a system that allows us to locate and release pressure which has been caused by surprise impact injuries, and is trapped in the bone. It is this pressure that is often the cause of physical pain, loss of mobility as well as emotional and behavioural problems.

As pressure drops, bones are naturally re-positioned and the body adjusts.  Then the body���s natural seeking for the most effortless/efficient way to survive does the rest.  The results is that homeostasis is improved and problems are resolved.

The brain intends  ���  The body reacts  ���  We get hurt  ���  The body reacts

Who Can Benefit From Contact C.A.R.E. Flinchlock Release Treatment?

Everyone can benefit from Flinchlock treatment as it drops pressure from the body, ultimately increasing relaxation and EASE. ConTact CARE is suitable for all ages, from birth to the very elderly, and the following are just some of the conditions that are often succesfully treated:

Headaches/MigrainesBack & Neck PainBreathing DisordersOld Unresolved InjuriesSports InjuriesCo-ordination ProblemsCarpal TunnelPost-op RehabilitationMental/Emotional ShockCranial tensionDepression ��� caused by chest cavity impactsA Few Points To Consider���Impacted bones can have serious effects many years after the original injury.Impacted bone can affect connective tissue length and working pressure within the body.Your felt pain can be caused by the pressure balance arrangement between your head and body. For example a cheekbone impact can affect your ribs and your breathing. A tailbone injury could be causing your migraine headaches.Impacted bones can alter what a person feels they can and can not do.Impacted bones can cause pressure within the body that is relieved (unconsciously) by movement. This often creates the ���workaholic��� or the person with ���ants in their pants��� – this is the person that must be on the go all the time to ���feel normal���.Impacted bones can cause many seemingly unrelated symptoms and dis-ease in the body. Therefore releasing stored pressure from the bones sees clients experiencing a new ���normal��� with less pain and improved mobility.What Can You Expect From ConTact CARE Treatment?

Contact C.A.R.E. Flinchlock Release is non-intrusive and gentle, the techniques are safe and very effective.

Consultations are carried out with the client fully clothed, so please wear loose clothing for comfort.

Sessions can last 40-60 minutes with a return visit according to your needs.

Most people require 1-5 sessions depending on the severity of the injury.

During each Contact Care session you can expect:

To be observed closely as you move instinctively around your injuries.To be listened to closely as you tell the story.To be supported in your comfort.To be educated in how the body instinctively protects itself under duress.To be given a sense of how your body is working perfectly in an ABNORMAL situation.Do Massage Therapy & Contact C.A.R.E. Work Together?

Contact Care and Massage therapy can most certainly be used together for great effect. They can literally be used during the same treatment or they can be done in separate visits to suit the client and their issues.

Temporary aggravation of symptoms may be experienced after ConTact C.A.R.E. treatment. This is common and we refer to this as ‘unravelling’. The effects of Flinchlock treatment mean that as the body ‘unravels’ and adjusts back a more ���normal��� way of being, the soft tissue (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) must adjust to fit.

Massage & Soft Tissue therapy, ENAR therapy or even Fascia Blasting can assist with this process and provide relief of any aggravation being experienced and help to speed up recovery.

Impacted bones can have far reaching effects many years after the incident. Please contact me to make an appointment or for more information, or read more on Dale Speedy���s original Contact C.A.R.E. website here.

The post What Is ConTact C.A.R.E Flinchlock Release? first appeared on Sue Woledge.

Keto Bread Recipes: How To Make Keto Bread

Let’s chat about keto bread! I think it���s really common when anyone starts on a keto diet, that after a period of time a craving for bread begins to kick in.

I know it has done with me in the past���

Bread is a staple and if you’re used to eating bread regularly, or you’re a someone who relies on bread for a quick meal or snack, then you are probably going to have a hankering for bread on the keto diet.

So let’s dive into the subject of keto bread, things to consider, and why you might want to make your own. First we’ll answer some common questions.

Why Eat Keto Bread?

Let’s face it – you don’t have to eat bread at all. Bread is not an essential part of a healthy diet. But it is a staple for many people.

Bread is quick and convenient. So much so, that to remove it from your diet may leave you floundering!

“What will I eat if I can’t have bread?” she screamed…

Removing bread from your diet can be done, but it often needs to be a gradual process as you learn to replace it with other healthy foods.

Grab these Keto bread recipes!

However if you choose to continue to eat bread, or even if you just want to eat it occasionally, then you might want to choose keto bread. Particuarlly if you want to lose weight, if you’re on a keto diet or your are wanting to lower your blood glucose.

Keto breads are low in carbohydrate which means they don’t spike your blood sugar levels!

As part of a low carb diet, keto breads can help to keep your blood glucose in a healthier range, as well as helping you to lose weight and improve your health.

Are Keto Style Breads Healthy?

Well that depends… There are plenty of commercial brands of keto bread available these days, but they are always going to vary in quality and ingredient integrity.

This is because there is no shortage of unscrupulous food companies out there who only care about their bottom line. They do NOT give a rats about your health!

Let’s face it. Most of these food manufacturers have jumped on the keto bandwagon for the profit potential, and they’ll use the cheapest ingredients in their products so they can make more profit. These may include GMO’s or additives that will keep the bread low carb, but may not be particulary healthy for your body.

As always, I suggest doing your own research. Get some knowledge under your belt so you can decide what you are okay with eating, and what you’re willing to put into your body.

As with all processed foods, when buying Keto breads always read the ingredient labels and the nutrition panel!

Make sure that the bread you’re buying is actually low carb. Don’t be fooled into assuming that because the product has ‘keto’ in the name that it is automatically low carb. And check that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that you don’t want to consume.

But better still, why not make your own keto bread?

Homemade is always best and bread smells so good while it’s baking… Plus you’ll have the satisfaction of making it yourself and you’ll know exactly what’s in it.

How Is Bread For Keto Made?

Most keto bread recipes are pretty simple. While there are yeast risen keto bread recipes available, there are plenty that don’t use yeast, don’t need rising or kneading, and don’t require any kind of fussiness.

There are lots of Keto bread recipes that are quick and easy to make.

But finding good recipes is key!

There are some not so good Keto bread recipes around. Common complaints are that they taste ‘eggy’, or that they’re heavy, soggy or unappealing.

What Is Keto Bread Made Of?

Most keto breads are made from almond flour and often coconut flour, eggs and other specific ingredients depending on the type of bread.

Some keto bread recipes include other nut flours, green banana flour, seeds such as flax, chia, and sunflower seeds. Some even contain Cricket flour! (Yep that’s made from real bugs…).

Is Keto Bread Gluten Free?

I would have said yes if I’d not done some research into this. Here in New Zealand, I don’t think I’ve seen a ‘keto’ bread that contains gluten. However, when I did some digging into keto breads overseas, many do actually contain gluten. Some are basically made from it!

Many people are sensitive to gluten and so these breads may not work for them. However if gluten’s not an issue for you, and you don’t want to make your own keto bread then always remember to read the labels.

Examine the ingredient labels between different brands and compare.

What I discovered looking at some of the keto breads in the United States was that a lot of them contain all sorts of additives and stuff that I personally wouldn’t eat.

Of the American keto breads I looked at, there was really only one brand that looked okay to me (apart from the gluten because I’m sensitive). This brand contains real food, no chemical additives and 0 net carbs. It actually looks pretty popular and gets good reviews. So it could be an option for those in the US who are okay with gluten.

But why not bake your own bread?

How To Make Keto Bread

I came across this recipe book a couple of years ago and it’s a good one. The truth is that I kind of stumbled on it…

How it came about was that I was looking through an email account that I don���t use much any more for an old message and I spotted an email with a recipe for a paleo friendly bread.

The email caught my eye for some reason, even though it wasn���t what I was looking for, and so I read the email, which included the bread ingredients, just out of interest.

I realised with some surprise that I could actually eat this bread and it looked like it would be perfect for a low carb or keto diet.

So I clicked through to the website from the email. I had a look at the information on the site and bought a digital copy of the recipe book. The price was good and it looked like value for money IF the recipes were good…

To be honest, I was a little skeptical.

I���d tried lots of bad gluten free bread recipes in the past, and I wasn���t convinced that these keto breads would be good. But for the small cost book (about $18), I figured it was worth the risk.

And it really was a risk well taken because the recipe book is fantastic!

What’s In The Kelly Herring Keto Bread Recipe Book?

Kelly Herring’s book is more than just a recipe book. There���s tons of info about keto, plus loads of tips about the different ingredients and how to get the best results, as well as a really good variety of recipes including:

Sesame Onion Sandwich BreadBetter Banana BreadHearty Sandwich BreadAlmond Butter BreadKeto Protein BreadCashew Sourdough BreadReal Deal Keto BreadEnglish MuffinsKeto pita pocketsand more���.

There���s also rolls & buns, crackers and flat-breads, and even a couple of AMAZING pizza bases!

I remember that one of the things that I loved about this book immediately was that they���d gone to the trouble of including the nutritional information for each recipe. That means that if you���re on a low carb or keto diet, you know exactly how many carbs are in a serving of each bread.

If you’d like to take a look at this recipe book and start baking your own keto breads and snacks you can find it here.

Which Bread Is Best For The Keto Diet?

Home made is always best! You get to control the quality of the ingredients that go into your bread, so if you choose to only eat organic pastured eggs, then that’s what’s in your bread.

If you choose to use only organic ingredients, then that’s what’s in your bread.

And if you don’t care about all that organic stuff, it doesn’t matter. You still know exactly what you’re eating!

My Favourite Keto Bread Recipe

The first recipe I tried from this book is still one of my favourites (I have quite a few…) and I decided to include it below for you to try.

You’re welcome…

So when I made this bread for the very first time I’d not eaten bread for ages. I was kinda excited, and I remember that as I was mixing the ingredients together it had a very pleasant ���bready��� smell which I found a wee bit intriguing…

Anyway, I mixed it all together, baked it and then I took it from the oven and let it cool down.

Once cool, I cut a slice and cautiously took a bite.

I was really not expecting what came next!

Honestly? I was expecting something that was kind of dry and maybe okay if I was lucky.

But this bread was great! I mean seriously good and so very, very edible��� This loaf of keto bread had great texture and a great flavour.

I was truly amazed���.

And so the next day I made another loaf – because I could, because I’d been deprived of bread for so long, and because hubby and I demolished that first loaf quick smart! Except I made a double batch this time because the loaf was too small for my tin and so it was a bit shallow.

Doubling the recipe gave the same perfect results, with the same cooking time, but a larger loaf.

Happy days!

Anyway, here’s that recipe that I first tried if you want to give it a go.

Click here to check out the recipe book for yourself.

Enjoy![image error]

P.S. Kelly Herring also has a great keto desserts recipe book. I have some favourites in that one too! If you have a sweet tooth you can find it here.

The post Keto Bread Recipes: How To Make Keto Bread first appeared on Sue Woledge.

Ninja Foodi Review – I Love This Machine!

I recently bought a Ninja Foodi Pro 11 in 1 Multicooker and I LOVE it! (Check our the reviews on Amazon)

This amazing machine has sooo many functions! It can easily replace a number of kitchen appliances, saving money and space.

I’m super happy with it. And so of course I want to share the awesomeness that is this machine with the world!

So Why Did I Buy A Ninja Foodi?

When we first moved back to New Zealand seven years ago, we bought a small bench top oven (similar to this one) to save power. Electricity is expensive in New Zealand!

Actually – everything’s expensive here…

There’s only the two of us in the house but we use the oven lots, to cook roasts and vegetables, plus we make our own sourdough bread (actually I make sourdough bread for hubby because I don’t eat it…) All that oven use chews up some power. Heating a smaller oven when we don’t need a lot of cooking space made sense.

But our little oven got lots of use and we eventually killed it.

Then we got another one. Killed that one too.

Hmmm… What next?

By this time air fryers had begun to become a thing and we had a look around. But we never found anything that really seemed to be what we were looking for. So we stopped looking.

Then with my move from the basic Keto diet towards a more meat heavy Carnivore diet came the inevitable increase of cooking with, and in, fat. The resulting mess that obviously makes in the kitchen was becoming painful…

Neither of us enjoy cleaning greasy ovens or fatty stove tops, and so we decided we needed to find a better way of cooking.

Then I saw some discussions in a carnivore group on Facebook…

Which Ninja Foodi Grill Should I Buy?

I’m in a couple of Carnivore groups on Facebook and I think I can safely say that meat is probably the most popular topic in that group. Second to that is ways to cook meat.

I’d come across a few discussions about favourite appliances for cooking the meat we are all so fond of, and the appliance name that kept being mentioned again and again was NINJA.

I started to do a little research on the Ninja grills initially, (the Ninja XL gets great reviews and is a real favourite with many carnivores), but I soon realised that while they’re great for steaks, burgers and bacon, they’re not deep enough to cook whole chickens or roasts.

Hmmmmm…..

So I kept looking and then saw the Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer mentioned, and I started to have a look at the various models of these machines and what they do.

When I realised that I could cook a chicken, slow cook stews, pressure cook from frozen, make yogurt and dehydrate meat in these things, I was sold!

We ultimately ended up buying the 6 litre model I’ve linked to above and hubby and I both love it!

So let’s answer a few questions about these amazing Ninja Foodi machines.

Are Ninja Foodi Parts Dishwasher Safe?

Yes. All parts of the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 pressure cooker and air fryer are dishwasher safe except the base unit. The bowl, cook and crisp rack etc are all able to be put into the dishwasher safely.

Can Ninja Foodi Cook Rice?

Absolutely! You can use the pressure cooker setting on the Foodi to cook rice.

Can Ninja Foodi Dehydrate?

Yes! The Ninja Foodi can dehydrate. This is one of the features that sold it for me as I’d been considering buying a dehydrator to make Biltong or dried meat. I haven’t tried that feature yet, but I will be very soon.

Can Ninja Foodi Slow Cook?

The Ninja Foodi is a slow cooker as well as having ten other functions.

The only downside I see with the slow cooker function on the Foodi is that you can’t just leave it on indefinitely. The maximum time you can set is 12 hours. I use my slow cookers (I have two different sizes) to make bone broth which I like to leave on for between 24 and 36 hours.

To do that on the Foodi I’d need to keep resetting the timer, however it does have the automatic food warm function when the timer runs out, so it could be used to make broth and just reset the timer without it going cold in between. .

For all other slow cooker applications the Ninja Foodi is perfect!

Is The Ninja Foodi An Air Fryer?

It sure is! And it does an amazingly delicious job. When you air fry it makes things crispy and so it’s perfect for cooking all sorts of foods.

What Ninja Foodi Is The Best?

Well that depends on your needs. For me, the Ninja Foodi 11 in 1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer that does a whole bunch of other really cool stuff was the best. You can check it out here.

There are a number of different models of this type of Ninja Foodi that have the pressure cooker, air fryer and slow cooker functions. Some have more or less functions and there are multiple sizes. Mine is kind of the mid size at 6 litres.

But Ninja have few different types of appliances that all come with the ‘Foodi’ name.

Indoor Grills: There are a few different models of indoor grills that also have air fryer functions like this one. These Ninja grills are what I was initially looking at buying and the one I’ve linked here has almost 22,000 reviews!

Blenders & Food Processors: Then there are a number of different blenders and food processors. This is one of the most popular and well reviewed models on Amazon.

Air Fryers: Even the Ninja Foodi ‘air fryers’ like this DZ201 8 Qt dual zone model have multiple functions and amazing reviews.

Ninja is a great brand with great products. If you check out the links above you’ll find that they get really good, often 5 star reviews from people who actually own and use these appliances.

What Is The Difference Between A Ninja Foodi And A Ninja Foodi Grill?

As discussed above, there are various types of appliances that come under the Ninja Foodi banner – Indoor Grills/Air Fryers, Air Fryers, Blenders and Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer/Slow Cookers.

Ninja Foodi With Thermometer?

There are a number of Ninja grills and ovens that include a built in thermometer to help you cook to perfection. You can find them all at the Ninja store.

Ninja Foodi With Smart Lid?

The new model Ninja Foodi OL601 has a ‘smart lid’ as does the Ninja OL701 (pictured above).

So what does that mean?

Well on my Foodi, I have two lids. One that is attached to the machine. It has an element and fan for roasting and air frying etc, and then there is another seperate lid that is used for pressure cooking, steaming, making yogurt and dehydrating.

If storage space is an issue for you, then the smart lid model might be best option as there’s no extra lid to find a space for. Otherwise I don’t see that there’s a huge advantage to the smart lid model apart from making operation of the appliance a bit simpler.

For example. With the smart lid you can just set the ‘steam and crisp’ option, then leave the Foodi to do its thing. Whereas with my model, I need to put the extra lid on to steam, then when that’s finished, I remove the pressure lid, close the attached lid and set it to air fry for the desired time.

I cooked a whole chicken this way last night and it was perfect!

The Ninja OL601 also has a larger capacity at 7.5 litres or 8 Qt. So if you need that extra size, then it may be the best Ninja for you!

Ninja Foodi: Good or Bad?

Good does not describe my foodi… My foodi is awesome!

As you can tell, I’m more than happy with my Ninja Foodi. It is my best appliance purchase since I bought my Thermomix six years ago.

The many Foodi models that Ninja have created mean that no matter what your requirments, there’s a model for you.

And for those of us on Keto or Carnivore diets, I don’t think there’s any other appliance that will come close to providing such an all round easy and delicious cooking experience.

Our Ninja Foodi is not only saving us electricity while providing a simple way to cook delicious food, but clean up is a breeze. It leaves no fatty mess on benches or the stove top, and when we eventually get around to cleaning the oven it will stay clean for so much longer.

Pure awesomeness….

The post Ninja Foodi Review ��� I Love This Machine! first appeared on Sue Woledge.

My Carnivore Diet Experiment: Day 1

When I started on the Keto diet a couple of months ago, I had no plans to go Carnivore. But here I am. It’s day one of my carnivore diet experiment and I’m pondering over whether to continue with my supplements, whether they’re needed and in fact whether they might help or hinder!

Why Do The Carnivore Diet?

I have a couple of reasons for deciding to give the carnivore diet a go. I have to say first up that I’m intrigued by the whole concept and it makes perfect sense to me. I also have quite a lot of niggly health problems that don’t want to quit.

Apart from being overweight and having a messed up metabolism, I’m also experiencing things like joint pain, muscular aches and pains, inflammation, digestive issues & IBS, deteriorating eyesight, and general signs of aging.

I have pain in my shoulders and hands that I’ve not been able to resolve that could, if they get worse, threaten my ability to continue my work as a bodywork practitioner. That’s a real concern for me!

So after seeing the results that so many others are experiencing with the carnivore diet, I decided I needed to try this for myself.

What Is The Carnivore Diet?

The definition of ‘The Carnivore Diet’ varies from person to person, and discussions among those partaking can get quite heated! But it is essentially a diet of animal products.

Some carnivores only consume beef or ruminant meat, salt and water. Ruminants are animals that graze on grass such as sheep, goats, cows etc.

Some carnivores consume all types of meat, seafood and eggs.

Others consume all of the above plus either raw dairy only, or dairy in general.

And still others consume all of the above plus a little fruit and even honey.

There are also mixed opinions when it comes to consuming offal.

And of course there are the arguments for and against coffee because that’s an addiction many want to continue, but it IS a plant… which brings up the next topic…

Are Plant Foods Toxic?

The basic idea behind the Carnivore Diet is that plants contain toxins because they can’t run away and don’t want to be eaten, and that those toxins harm our health.

If this is the first time you’ve come across this idea, it might sound like total madness, but consider this…

Many plants are obviously known to be toxic and will kill us if we eat them. One example is deadly nightshade.

Other plants must be processed in some way to reduce their toxicity before we can consume them because they will kill us in their unprocessed form.

Oxalates & Lectins Are Plant Toxins

More subtle examples of plant toxins are substances such as oxalates and lectins which are commonly found in many fruits and vegetables that are commonly consumed by people around the world.

These commonly eaten plant foods are considered by most to be ‘healthy’, but may in fact have serious consequences for many people.

Some are more obviously serious or debilitating, and are known to be an issue for the people who are sensitive to them. But many people have no idea that the ‘healthy’ plants they’re including in their diet may be causing their kidney stones, joint pain, IBS, or other pain and disease they’re experiencing.

Mainstream often dismiss the idea that plants may be causing health issues, but how many people do you know who can’t eat certain plants without ill effects?

Many people people suffering autoimmune diseases for example find that removing at certain plants from their diet will put their autoimmune disease into remmission. The autoimmune paleo diet is a popular choice for those suffering these conditions.

Tomatoes, potatoes and other nightshades cause arthritis and pain for many people. That’s really common! And beans often cause digestive upsets, as does the gluten in wheat and other grains.

You get the idea. The truth is that these well known issues with plants are just the tip of the iceberg. There may be much more subtle things happening over long periods of time in the bodies of humans around the planet that are being caused by the consumption of plants.

Supplements On The Carnivore Diet

As I’ve said in my video above, I’m mulling over whether to continue to take the supplements I’ve been taking, at least until I finish them

I’ve been taking this amazing Blackseed Oil which has been shown in studies to help with weightloss and has so many other reported health benefits. Blackseed has been described in Ayurvedic medicine as the cure for everything except death!

I’m also taking this Milk Thistle oil from the same company (they’re great quality). I’ve not taken it before as every time I went to order they’d be sold out. (If you want some and see it available grab it fast because it sells out quickly!)

So I finally managed to buy a bottle and milk thistle is THE liver herb. I don’t want to waste it now that I finally have it and I figure having a healthy liver going into carnivore is going to help. Right?

The one other supplement that I’m taking that I didn’t mention in the video is Seleno Health Maca. I’ve been taking it for hot flashes and hormones which should resolve on carnivore anyway (I hope) so I just don’t know. I guess I’ll try stopping it and see what happens.

So I’m kinda torn. Are the seed oils going to help or hinder? Do I keep taking them for a little while until they run out or not? Carnivores would say dump them I’m certain. The rest of the world would say take them.

I’ll mull it over and report back soon…

The post My Carnivore Diet Experiment: Day 1 first appeared on Sue Woledge.

How To Make Keto Hot Chocolate

Want to know how to make keto hot chocolate? There���s nothing like a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a cold evening ��� or any time really. I love the stuff (who doesn’t?) and so finding ways to be able to enjoy this on the keto diet was a bit of a blessing.

To put it simply, the tricks are to keep it sugar free, keep the carbs down, stay away from anything fake, and make it as healthy as possible.

So the answer to this question…

Can You Have Hot Chocolate On The Keto Diet?

Is a resounding YES!

Happy days…

The good news is that you can have hot chocolate on the Keto diet. In fact making keto hot chocolate is really easy, and there are actually multiple ways to make and enjoy this yummy drink.

I’m going to answer a couple of common questions about keto hot chocolate, and then I’ll share a couple of ways you can make a keto friendly version yourself.

But first up…

What IS Keto Hot Chocolate?

What’s the difference between ‘normal’ hot chocolate and keto hot chocolate?

Keto hot chocolate is yummy hot chocolate without all the sugar and carbs. The sad truth for those of us who are partial to a cup of chocolatey deliciousness is that the reason most hot chocolate tastes so damn good is because it���s filled with refined sugar, and it’s super high in carbohydrates.

And of course if you���re on a keto diet you don���t want all those carbs, and you certainly don���t want all that sugar!

So a keto version of the hot chocolate we know and love is one that still tastes good, but is low in carbs and contains no sugar.

You’re doing Keto to improve your health – right? That means ideally you also want to make sure your hot chocolate is as healthy as possible.

So I’m going to chat for just a minute about avoiding harmful additives, and then I’ll share three ways to make keto friendly hot chocolate that vary from the instant but possibly not quite as healthy version, to the super healthy, scrumptious cacao superfood version.

Let’s get to it…

Is There Keto Hot Chocolate?

There is. As I mentioned there are options to buy an instant version or to make your own.

Personally, I opt for making my own. It’s really no more difficult, doesn’t take much longer and will almost always be healthier.

Plus you can tweak it to suit your tastebuds!

But if you’d rather buy something instant here’s a few suggestions and a few things to watch out for.

Read the label! Check the carbs!

Make sure you read the ingredients and the nutrition panel on any instant varieties. Some companies are sneaky… They’ll put ‘Keto’ on the label, but still sell a product containing sugars under other names.

Always check out the carbohydrate and sugars on the nutrition panel. Any more than about 3 or 4 net carbs per serve and I’d be giving it a miss!

Check the ingredients!

Also when it comes to any processed, packaged food, less is more when it come to ingredients. Hot chocolate really only needs a handful of ingredients. If the ingredient list is a mile long, don’t go there.

A few ingredients to avoid besides sugars are artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners, and vegetable oils. Do a little digging on anything that is a number, or ingredients you’re not sure about to ascertain whether you want to put them in your body or not.

A great idea is to have something like the E-Numbers app on your phone so it makes it easy to find out the potential hazards of an ingredient while you shop, before you buy the product.

A word on sweeteners…

Most instant keto hot chocolates will contain either erythritol or stevia, or both. Some people prefer to avoid these sweeteners. Some class them as ‘artificial’, others as a somewhat natural, if processed product.

In my opinion, with the knowledge I currently have, erythritol and stevia are definitely a much better choice than aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, or acesulfame potassium. These ‘lab experiments’ are evil products with known side effects such as causing cancer or being neurotoxic. My suggestion would be to avoid those horrible sweeteners at all costs.

But it’s your body.

You get to make those decisions for yourself. Personally I currently use the more ‘natural’ sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, & allulose, but I do so sparingly as I’m experimenting to try to ascertain what effects they have on my body, my weightloss and my cravings. If any.

So if you decide you’d like to try an instant, ready made keto hot chocolate, maybe go for something this popular brand available from Iherb.

Now let’s get to the good stuff! I make both of the following versions depending on what I have available and how much time I have. The first recipe is the quickest. The second requires blending so takes just a little longer.

Recipe Number One

This recipe is quick and easy and can of course be adjusted to taste.

PrintKeto Hot ChocolateDelicious hot chocolate made with organic cacao powder and heavy cream. Course DrinksCuisine KetoKeyword cacao, chocolate, keto hot chocolatePrep Time 5 minutesServings 1 cupCalories 125kcalCost $1Ingredients1 tbsp Cacao powder Organic if possible2 tsp erythritol blend sweetener (or sweetener of choice) or to taste2 tbsp Cream (or coconut cream) or to taste1 cup Boiling waterInstructionsPlace cacao powder and sweetener in cup or mugAdd cream and combine using teaspoonAdd boiling water and stir wellEnjoy!NotesButter can be added to increase fat content.Collagen can be added to increase protein content.NutritionServing: 1cup | Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12gRecipe Number Two

This recipe is based on the Ceremonial Cacao drink traditionally made with cacao paste. It is rich and decadent – and healthy!

PrintKeto Hot Chocolate Made With Cacao PasteThis keto hot chocolate is based on the ceremonial cacao drink made with beautiful cacao paste. Course Dessert, DrinksCuisine KetoKeyword cacao, chocolate, Keto, keto hot chocolatePrep Time 10 minutesServings 1 cupCalories 93kcalCost $2Equipment1 Blender or ThermomixIngredients15 gm cacao paste2 tsp erythritol sweetener (or sweetener of choice) to taste or can be left out1 cup boiling waterInstructionsAdd all ingredients into blender and blend on high for 30 secondsPour into cup or mug and enjoy!NotesThis drink is decadent and rich.Cream can be added to this hot chocolate to increase the fat content and makes it decadent in a different way.Butter can also be added for a higher fat content.Add collagen for higher protein content.NutritionServing: 1cup | Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g

I hope you like these recipes and that I’ve given you a treat that you can easily add to your keto diet. I often have the ceremonial cacao, sometimes the cacao powder version.

I use an amazing brand of Cacao grown in Peru and marketed by a NZ company. You can find and order that Cacao here – Buy Cacao Paste NZ

If you have any questions or comments, as always please leave them in the comments below and I’ll reply asap.

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PS – Here’s a #hottip! Use doTERRA essential oils to add flavour variety to your hot chocolate without adding any additional calories or carbs. My favourite is Wild Orange! It goes so well with chocolate… Other suggestions are Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Black Pepper or Peppermint. If you need oils you can grab some here.

The post How To Make Keto Hot Chocolate first appeared on Sue Woledge.

Why Am I Getting Smaller But Not Losing Weight?

Can you get smaller and not lose weight? Sure can! I’ve noticed my body has done this a few times in the past, and it’s doing it again now. This can be seen in my progress pictures above as there’s no weight lost on the scales in the last three photos.

I remember the most noticeable time that I got smaller without weightloss was when we lived in New Zealand the last time. I was in my early fourties. My answer to managing my weight back then was exercise – and lots of it!

Exercise was the only thing that had ever helped me manage my weight, and my exercise addiction worked well for a number of years. However the illusion that it would work forever was shattered as the years rolled on.

The belief I held as a younger, more naive version of myself that I could continue to exercise like a mad woman to manage my weight for the rest of my life was somewhat delusional…

After dropping 45kg in my early thirties and maintaining my weight quite well for most of that decade, I’d found myself losing motivation to exercise, and beginning to regain some weight in my late thirties and early fourties.

The reasons?

Well I started smoking again when I was thirty seven (after seven years as a non smoker) and that, along with a move back to New Zealand from Australia contributed to my dwindling motivation to exercise, and resulting increase in weight. (Changing countries just makes a difference for me for some reason���)

I was also perimenopausal and having a pretty rough time with my hormones.

So when I finally quit smoking for the last time at age fourty one, I got back to a more committed exercise routine, and then eventually joined the local gym.

My Fixation With The Scales: Getting Smaller But Not Losing Weight

Like many women, I have a serious obsession with the scales and my weight. (I actually know what weight I was at every stage of my life from the age of eleven…) So when I joined the gym back in 2005 I weighed 82kg.

I was having regular assessments with the personal trainer and my body fat would be assessed each time using calipers.

I was also weighed and measured, and we would have short, but meaningful discussions about my continuted failure to achieve my goals. This was because for the first year of my gym membership I gained BOTH muscle and body fat according to his calculations.

I was actually getting bigger! This wasn’t what was supposed to be happening.

And the only movement on the scales was up and down, then up and down – and up and down again, much to my frustration!

I was exercising like a woman possessed!

And yet I perservered…

I was weight training five days a week (like heavy weights! I was squatting over 100kg!) I was also walking, and then eventually running, between 5 and 8km, six mornings a week.

At the same time I walked about 2km each way back an forth to work, five days a week. I walked this route four times per day because the gym was half way between home and work, so I’d walk to work, then home at lunch time with a stop at the gym for weight training and sometimes a run on the treadmill. Then I’d walk home for a bite to eat and then back to work again.

I also often did 6-8 hours of massage per day at work.

As well as that I usually did classes at the gym once or twice a week in the evening. My favourite class was Les Mills Body Attack! Anyone who has done that class knows that it’s not for the faint hearted…

In amongst all that, I was also training for some small triathlons and duathlons so my training included the running I was already doing, along with riding my bike and swimming.

During this time I also experimented with a number of different ways of eating, and followed the Body For Life program for a few months. But still the scales hardly budged.

What did happen though was that over a two year period, I eventually started getting smaller and went from size 16 down to a size 12 even though I’d only dropped 2kg on the scales.

I weighed 80kg when I finally cancelled my gym membership to move back to Australia and was down three dress sizes.

I was also very fit, and very strong.

Why Was I Getting Smaller But Not Losing Weight?

If you’re a scale addict like me, the lack of the number going down can definitely mess with your head and your motivation. It does with mine! Even though I KNOW that the key to being okay with it is to focus on ‘fat loss’ and NOT ‘weight loss’ that number on the scales still has an effect…

What happened when I started going to the gym all those years ago was that my body reconfigured itself. It was building lean muscle, stronger bones and tougher connective tissue, while (eventually) reducing fat.

The number on the scales was irrelevant!

But still now, all these years later, I continue to weigh daily… and I when the number moves down I feel (like some sick drug effect) that instant gratification. When it goes up, I fear that I’m failing.

But What’s Happening Now?

In the comparison pictures of my back (above), you can see there’s a noticeable change over the past two months.

BUT there’s only 4kg difference between the pictures, and in fact there’s no real difference in weight between the last three pictures at all.

My weight has just been doing its ‘up and down’ thing, with up to 1kg difference within those up/down variations.

So what’s going on?

Slow Weight Loss With Intermittent Fasting

I don’t seem to have any of my usual ‘glamour shots’ in swimwear from when I was at my heaviest weight to share and that’s probably just as well. But I had already been slowly losing some weight before starting on the Keto diet in March, and so the pictures taken in February are actually an improvement on where I was at in 2018-19.

You see I’ve been doing intermittent fasting (IF) off and on in a kind of haphazard manner, without a whole lot of commitment for the past couple of years, and I’ve been just gradually dropping a bit of weight here and there without actually really realising how much.

My focus was on where I wanted to be and I was obviously just ignoring where I’ve come from and what was happening because it was incredibly slow.

Until now.

So before I started eating Keto in March, I was actually down a total of about 10kgs from my heaviest weight since moving back to New Zealand. When I thought back to how heavy I’d been, I was actually surprised at what I’ve achieved without even trying too hard.

So contrary to the belief of some, intermittent fasting can and does work on it’s own. Many people lose just with IF, and although it’s been slow for me I’m actually quite impressed now that I’ve realised what the total is!

The Blessings That Come From Progress PicturesHCG diet before & after 2013

I learned the value of progress pictures years ago, and although it’s tempting to NOT traumatise yourself with the before pictures, put on your big girl (or boy) panties and just do it! You don’t have to show anyone!

Although if you’re keen you can put them on the internet for the whole friggin world to see…

So anyway, the pictures above (in the purple bikini top) are from almost ten years ago and there’s about 15kg and three months between them. I was having a lot of issues with my thyroid back then. I had all but stopped exercising and I was struggling with both my physical and mental health.

I lost the weight in these pics by doing the HCG diet for a solid 90 days, and I did progress pictures every single week like clockwork. Sometimes there was no noticeable change from one week to the next, but understanding the power of incremental change is an amazing thing. When comparing photos from larger timespans, there was always positive change.

Tip: Take progress pics in swimming togs or underwear. As traumatic as that can feel, it’s easier to see the minor changes when there’s not much change to see.

If you haven’t heard of the HCG diet it’s basically a 500 calorie a day diet that is supposed to be done in max 45 day rounds. It includes limited ‘allowed’ foods in specific amounts, and uses the HCG hormone to encourage your body to burn stored body fat for energy.

I might write more about it in the future, because now that I’m thinking about it, it’s basically a low calorie version of keto + IF with some hormonal manipulation…

The HCG Diet?

There are various versions of the HCG diet and it’s been used for years. Dieters can use either injected HCG (difficult as it requires a doctor who is willing to do this) or you can use drops (easier as you can buy the drops online like these ones). I used drops.

The HCG diet was the first ‘diet’ that actually allowed me to successfully lose weight. It is somewhat controversial because it is very low in calories, but it worked for me at the time and many people have great success with it even over the long term by doing multiple rounds.

Prior to trying HCG, every ‘weightloss diet’ I ever tried had failed miserably. My body would lose initially and then stop.

Every – single – time…

For me the HCG diet was a good learning curve because while doing this diet, one of the things I learned was how much progress pictures can help with motivation!

My sister and I started the diet together and we would weigh each day. She lost way faster than me at the beginning and I’d get disheartened. But because we were both taking progress pictures each week, I could see my body changing even when I hadn’t lost as much weight as I thought I should have and that kept me going.

So now I take progress pictures! And back to the question…

Why Am I Getting Smaller But Not Losing Weight?

This time I don’t know the answer. Where before I’ve always thought it was an increase in lean muscle and a reduction in body fat because I was exercising, this time I’m not so sure because I’m not really exercising.

At the moment I might do some light yoga once a week and maybe 10 minutes with some weights also once a week (if I’m lucky). But that’s about it. I haven’t even been walking regularly!

My work is sometimes kinda physical when I’m doing more massage, but that’s something I’ve been doing for years so it’s not a reason for my body to build more muscle.

So I’m guessing it has something to do with reducing inflammation. That’s the only thing I can put it down to.

But even with inflammation, the general consensus is that weight lost is water loss, but my weight hasn’t changed and my body has.

I’m intrigued and a little confused.

What’s going on? IS my body building lean tissue because of increased protein? Do the tissues or fat cells just shrink with reduced inflammation reducing puffiness? Or is it something else changing?

Maybe it’s hot air reduction?

If anyone has any suggestions I’d be keen to read them! Let me know in the comments.

P.S. I’ve procrastinated about putting these pics up because, well… It’s kinda embarrassing! I do feel however, that this public display of my chunkiness on the internet IS helping to make me somewhat accountable… and gives a visual of my results so far even though the scales aren’t moving.

The post Why Am I Getting Smaller But Not Losing Weight? first appeared on Sue Woledge.

Chemicals In Personal Care Products

Do you know there are some really dangerous chemicals used in personal care products such as skin care, toothpaste and shampoos? Unfortunately many personal care products and cleaning products contain harmful synthetic and chemical ingredients that are undermining our health. But most of us just don���t realise it.

These chemicals can also undermine our weightloss efforts as many are endocrine disruptors that can cause hormonal changes, while others impact an often already sluggish liver.

Most people today are using many products every single day that are potentially harming their health. It���s a fact. But I also know that many times when I���ve spoken to people about this over the years, the belief that our government agencies would be monitoring this is common.

This belief is dangerously wrong.

Watch the video below for an intro into harmful ingredients and then read on to find out more about what ingredients to avoid in personal care products and cleaning products.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In Personal Care Products & Cleaning Products?

Potentially harmful ingredients that are best avoided are in most brands of the following products.

Note: I���ve linked the product descriptions below so you can easily go directly to the types of potentially harmful ingredients likely to be found in those products. You can then click on the ingredient for information on the effects they have on our bodies.

Cleaning products including washing powders, general cleaners, fabric softeners.Colour cosmetics including makeup and nail productsSkin care products including moisturisers, tanning lotions, sunscreens, cleansers, face masks, anti aging productsShampoos and conditionersSoaps and shower gels including antibacterial gels and bubblebathAirfreshenersHair styling products including hairsprays, gels, waxes and coloursBaby productsDeodorants and AntiperspirantsTalcToothpaste and mouthwashPerfumes and fragrancesHow Safe Is Your Shampoo, Skincare Or Toothpaste?Cleaning Products

Many cleaning products contain obviously harmful ingredients. They carry warning labels and so are a more obvious hazard than our shampoo and toothpaste. They can be extremely toxic, can cause immediate symptoms when used, and are often very harmful to the environment.

Many cleaning products that claim to be more environmentally friendly simply are not. I find that after many years of not using these products or any products with harsh chemicals and fragrances that even walking through the cleaning product aisle in the supermarket is enough to make my nose start running and is a very unpleasant experience that I avoid when possible.

Cosmetics & Nail Products

Colour cosmetics & nail products may contain coal tar dyes, isopropanol, acetone, collagen, DEA, ether, formaldahyde, MEA, mineral oil, PEG, phenol, quaternium, talc, toluene, triclosan, TEA, bentonite, kaolin and more.

Skin Care

Skin care products often contain propylene glycol, DEA, TEA, 2-bromo2-nitropropane1.3diol (Bronopol or BNPD), BHA, coal tar, formaldehyde,Glycerine, alpha hydroxy acids, lanolin, mineral oil, SLS, SLES, PEG and more.

Soaps, Shower Gels, Shampoo etc

Soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, bubblebath, and antibacterial gels usually contain SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA, quaternium, PEG, and fragrances. Bubblebaths have been found to strip away the mucous lining of the genitourinary tract and regularly cause urinary tract infections especially in young girls. Soaps may contain tallow and lye as well as fragrances.

Airfresheners & Aerosols

Airfresheners generally contain artificial fragrances that will contribute to many health problems and if aerosol, then as with all aerosol products they will contain propellents which are harmful.

Hairstyling Products

Hairstyling products may contain DEA, BHA, TEA, alcohols, methylene chloride, toluene, fluorocarbons and more.

Baby Products

Baby products generally contain SLS, SLES, propylene glycol, mineral oil, fragrances and all the same ingredients as their adult versions. These companies don���t make allowances for little tots ��� we���re all treated equally ��� except for the fact that these exposures have much more of an impact on little ones as their skin to blood/tissue ratio is much higher than an adult which means that when these chemicals are absorbed through their skin, they have a much higher concentration in their blood and tissues than an adult would if exposed to the same amount. I remember many years ago, wondering how young children and babies could get cancer. It just didn���t seem right to me ��� now I know why and it���s incredibly sad.

Deodorants & Antiperspirants

Deodorants and antiperspirants generally contain aluminium along with fragrances, propylene glycol and alcohol.

Talc

Talc is associated with an increase in ovarian cancer when used in the genital area, it is dangerous when inhaled and blocks the pores in the skin when used in makeup. When sold as Talc it also generally contains fragrances.

Toothpaste & Mouthwash

Toothpaste and mouthwash generally contain SLS, SLES, saccharin, fluoride, alcohol, artificial flavours and colours and more.

Perfumes & Fragrances

Perfumes and fragrances are often mixtures of synthetic chemicals that can cause a variety of symptoms and health issues.

What Effects Do These Chemicals Have On Our Bodies?

Aerosols ��� All aerosol products contain dangerous chemicals and propellants that
penetrate the lungs and the bloodstream. These days we are being
exposed to them everywhere with automatic spray units in peoples homes
spraying for insects and air fresheners in public buildings and toilets.

Acetone ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant and neurotoxin

Alcohol ��� Linked to cancer (in mouthwash there is a strong link to oral cancers), skin and eye irritant

Alpha-hydroxy acids ��� Skin and eye irritant

Aluminium ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant and neurotoxin. Aluminium is one of the leading causes of skin irritation in antiperspirants and has caused concern with regard to breast cancer. There is also a link to Alzheimers disease.

Benzophenones ��� Skin and eye irritant

BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs, can cause asthma

BHT ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs, can cause asthma, neurotoxin

Collagen ��� Skin and eye irritant

Coal Tar Dyes ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

DEA (Diethanolamine) ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs, can cause asthma. DEA is the most common chemical used in the cosmetic and personal care business. In November 1997 the National Toxicology Program (USA) was still reporting that DEA was a carcinogen
that is readily absorbed, is an irritant to skin and eyes and can cause impaired vision and accumulates in organs such as the brain where it induces chronic toxic effects.

Dibenzoylmethanes ��� Skin and eye irritant

Ether ��� Skin and eye irritant, neurotoxin

Fluoride ��� Linked to cancer, accumulates in organs. There is enough fluoride in one tube of toothpaste to kill a child. Fluoride causes fluorosis of the teeth and of the bones,
meaning they discolor and weaken to a chalky condition. It is also linked to bone cancer in particular and damages the thyroid.

Formaldehyde ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, can cause asthma. It also can be a hidden carcinogen in 7 other ingredients and released as they break down.

Hydroxyanisole ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

Isopropanol ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, neurotoxin. Can cause renal (kidney) failure and stays on the hair long after rinsing off.

Lanolin ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, can cause asthma. Lanolin is a natural oil from sheep, but is often highly contaminated with hidden carcinogens such as DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin and other organochlorine pesticides from sheep dips.

MEA ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

Methylene chloride ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, can cause asthma

Mineral oil ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant. It is often a carrier of carcinogenic compounds. It blocks the pores and suffocates the skin. Baby oil is 100% made from this with some artificial fragrance thrown in. It is a disgusting product marketed as being good for our babies. I fortunately could not afford to use this when my children were babies. Would you want to use it on your precious baby now that you know?

PABA ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

PEG ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, can cause asthma

Phenol ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

Phenylenediamine ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs, neurotoxin

Propylene Glycol ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs, neurotoxin. This is an extremely common ingredient. It is even used on pharmaceutical medicines and some processed foods!

Quaternium ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant

Saccharin ��� Linked to cancer.

SLS/SLES ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs. This is an extremely commonly used chemical. It is derived from coconut, but is NOT natural as some products claim. SLS makes the skin more permeable which means that the other harmful chemicals that you are exposed to at the same time, are more readily absorbed through the skin. SLES is the ethoxylated version of SLS. It is often used in baby products (amongst others) as it is not as harsh on the the skin, however it may cause nitrates and dioxin to form by reacting with other ingredients creating an even more dangerous cocktail of chemicals. SLS in toothpastes is a common cause of recurrent mouth ulcers.

Talc ��� Linked to cancer. is associated with an increase in ovarian cancer when used in the genital area, it is dangerous when inhaled and blocks the pores in the skin when used in
makeup.

Toluene ��� LInked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, can cause asthma, neurotoxin

Triclosan ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant, accumulates in organs and is a mutagen containing ���hidden��� carcinogenic dioxins.

TEA ��� Linked to cancer, skin and eye irritant and very similar effects to DEA.

The Good News? There Are Safe Personal Care Products Available

As you see, almost everything you use in the way of mainstream, conventional products on your body and in your home for cleaning and deodorising is potentially adding to your toxic load.

Is it any wonder that cancer is so common?

It���s not all doom and gloom though. There is good news! There are safe options available and we can take more responsibility for ourselves, our health and our environment.

Once you���re aware of the problem, isn���t it common sense to change to safer products for your own sake, the sake of your family and the planet?

Change your spending habits and buy from companies that are doing the right thing ��� not those that are taking you for a ride, ripping you off with cheap nasty ingredients and leading you down the garden path of ill health.

Or better still, make your own products! There are tons of DIY tuturials out there on how to make your own skin care, toothpaste and more. It’s fun and rewarding, and empowering to make your own products. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s in them and you get to choose exactly what you put on your body!

The post Chemicals In Personal Care Products first appeared on Sue Woledge.

Fermented Green Papaya Recipe

If you want to know how to make fermented green papaya, you���re in the right place and on the right track.

Fermented green papaya is so good for you!

I used to make fermented green papaya all the time when we lived in Queensland. It was a staple in my fridge, but sadly, trying to find green papaya that’s green enough for this recipe in New Zealand is pretty much impossible.

Oh well…

However if you live somewhere where papaya is readily available, then this recipe is a great choice.

Fermented foods and cultured vegetables in general are really great health tonics, and the crazy thing is that they���re also soooo easy to make!

Fermented foods are essential when trying to heal leaky gut, and for anyone who has any obvious kind of digestive issue (think Irritable Bowel or IBS, Crohns, indigestion etc), cultured and fermented foods are invaluable.

Now! Back to the topic we started with��� 

The Importance Of Our Microbiome

Do you know that we are all less than half human? It���s true! Over 50% of our body is bacteria, and then there are viruses, fungi and parasites. This mixture of other ���non-human��� species that combine to make up the most of us, is known as our microbiome.

There is a lot of new research coming out about the importance of our microbiome and the harm that antibiotics, medications, food additives, and even cleaning products can cause.

Our microbiome plays a huge part in keeping our immune system healthy, and in turn the rest of our body, and this is where fermented foods such as home made sauerkraut and fermented papaya can help us to stay healthier, and even help us to regain our health when we lose it in this very messy modern world.

Fermented Papaya Is A Great Probiotic

Fermented green papaya is full of digestive enzymes and good bacteria. It is really simple to make and green papaya is a healthy food in its own right. When green papaya is fermented it becomes even more healthful as the fermenting process increases its nutritional value.

Fermented green papaya is a powerful probiotic superfood that you can make at home. It���s simple, it���s healthy and it���s really tasty!

PrintFermented Green PapayaFermented green papaya is a powerful probiotic superfood that you can make at home. It���s simple, it���s healthy and it���s really delicious!Course Side DishCuisine Fermented, KetoKeyword Fermented, Lacto Fermented, PapayaPrep Time 30 minutesFermenting Time 7 daysTotal Time 7 days 30 minutesServings 20Cost 5Equipment1 Large bowl1 Sharp knife1 Mandolin Slicer or Food Processor1 Fermenting Crock Or large clean jarsIngredients1 Large green papaya1 tbsp Celtic sea salt per kilo of papaya4 Cloves garlic Finely choppedInstructionsGrate, shred or chop the papaya using either a mandolin slicer, food processor or similar.Mix shredded papaya with the salt and garlic and squeeze firmly until liquid forms in the bottom of the bowl.Pack tightly into a fermenting crock or jar making sure that liquid covers the papaya (if it doesn���t add a little salt water brine made with 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water), cover and leave to ferment for a few days or more depending on taste then store in the refrigerator.Video

Including��fermented foods in your diet every day can help keep your gut flora and immune system healthy.

Enjoy!

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