Living Life Health

12/24/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone... Have the best new year ever!!

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01/27/2024

Why should you prioritize diversity in your diet?
We know that when things get busy it's easy to reach for foods that we know and love. But did you know that eating the same foods every day is actually not so great for you. We need to eat a variety of foods in order to stay healthy.

In order to benefit from the nutrients we consume, we need to call on the microbes that live within our gut for help.

How do we keep them happy? Our gut microbes benefit from a diverse diet rich in high-fiber foods that help slow down digestion. Foods like whole grains, root veggies, nuts, legumes, and olive oil are great examples of this.

Additionally, the type and amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates in your diet can have an impact on the makeup of your personal gut microbiota. As a result, consuming a wide range of these nutritious foods help to support your gut with metabolites, which keeps the friendly microbes happy and satisfied.

Some tips to increase diversity in your diet.

Aim to add at least one new fruit or vegetable to your weekly grocery list. Spice up your meals and support your gut health.

Try a variety of fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut and kombucha to help keep your gut environment thriving.

Make a meal plan that incorporates a different cuisine. Focusing on a different cuisine one day out of the week can help you experiment with new flavours, spices and ingredients.
Have an amazing weekend.

01/18/2024

Have the winter blues got you down? Do you feel like your immune system needs TLC ?
Low vitamin D levels may be the culprit. The sun is one of the main sources of vitamin D, which is why an insufficiency in this vitamin is common among Canadians, especially during the colder months. A quality vitamin D supplement can help make sure your body has all the vitamin D it needs to thrive. So how does vitamin D work to support your overall health?

Stored in the body’s fat cells: Once D3 is absorbed in the body it finds a comfy spot in our fat cells, patiently awaiting its cue. When needed, the liver and kidney step in transforming stored vitamin D into its active form.
Supports mood regulation: Vitamin D3 is a key player in the production and regulation of mood regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Maintaining adequate D3 levels can contribute to an improved mood and overall mental well-being.
Aids calcium absorption: D3 promotes the absorption and regulation of calcium and phosphorus from our gut. This helps to keep our bones, teeth and muscles strong and healthy.
Reinforces immune function: Vitamin D3 stimulates antimicrobial peptide production-tiny proteins that act like warriors against harmful pathogens. It fine-tunes immune responses, ensuring a focused defense without causing inflammation, maintaining a resilient and responsive system.
Those who don’t get regular sunlight exposure or who tend to use a lot of sunscreen may be very well be Vitamin D deficient. People with darker complexions are also at risk of being deficient because their pigmentation reduces Vitamin D production in their skin.
Some people also have higher needs for this vitamin than others, including those who are obese or pregnant.
Older people may need to take higher doses because their thinner skin can’t actually produce the amount of vitamin D that they require.
Have a great day!

01/07/2024

pH Positive recipes:

Green Goddess Salad
Ingredients:
-Fresh Spinach leaves
-Kale, chopped
-Avocado, sliced
-Cucumber, thinly sliced
-Almonds , crushed

Dressing:
-Olive oil
-Lemon juice
-Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:
1. combine fresh spinach leaves and chopped kale in a bowl
2. Gently fold in slices of avocado for a creamy texture
3. Sprinkle thinly sliced cucumber and crushed almonds for a satisfying crunch
4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

2. Citrus Quinoa Bowl:

Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa
- Chickpeas, roasted
- Mixed bell peppers, diced
- Orange segments
- Fresh mint leaves

Dressing:
Olive oil
Orange juice
Dijon mustard
Honey

Steps:
1. Start with a base of cooked quinoa for a healthy foundation
2. Add roasted chickpeas for protein and a satisfying crunch
3. Mix in diced bell peppers for a burst of colour and flavour
4. Incorporate fresh orange segments for a citrusy kick
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch
6. Whisk together olive oil, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Drizzle over bowl

3. Almond Berry Smoothie:

Ingredients:
-Almond milk
-Mixed berries ( blueberries, strawberries, raspberries )
-Banana
-Spinach leaves
-Almond butter
Chia seeds for extra boost ( optional )

Steps:
1. Blend the berries: In a blender, combine almond milk, mixed berries, banana, spinach leaves and almond butter
2. Smoothie magic: Blend until smooth and creamy
3. Boost with chia seeds: for an extra nutritional kick, add chia seeds and blend briefly

4. Avocado Toast Extravaganza:

Ingredients:
-Whole grain bread sliced, toasted
-Mashed avocado
-Cherry tomatoes, halved
-Sprouts (alfalfa or broccoli)
-Lemon zest
Optional: poached egg on top for protein power

Steps:
1. Start by toasting whole grain bread slices until golden brown
2. Spread mashed avocado generously on the toasted bread
3. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness
4. Add a handful of sprouts, such as alfalfa or broccoli, for a crunchy element
5. Grate lemon zest over the top for a zesty finish
6. Consider a poached egg on top for an extra protein boost.

5. Lemon Lemon-infused Detox Water

Ingredients:
-Water
-Lemon slices
-Cucumber slices
-Fresh mint leaves
Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick

Steps:
1. Fill a pitcher of water as a base for your detox water
2. Add lemon slices and cucumber slices for a refreshing citrus infusion
3. Drop in fresh mint leaves for a burst of minty freshness
4. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick

May your body's pH be in perfect harmony, and your well-being flourish like a well-conducted symphony!
Cheers to a vibrant and alkaline you!!

Take care.
1.

01/02/2024

Balancing Your Body’s pH: Alkaline Diet for Optimal Wellness


Ever wondered about the magic behind maintaining your body’s pH balance for overall wellness? Get ready to embark on a journey towards optimal wellness and discover the secrets of keeping your body’s pH in check.
Unveiling the pH Puzzle: Why It Matters
You’ve probably heard about pH in science class, but did you know it plays a crucial role in your well-being? The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, and your body is no exception. Maintaining a slightly alkaline environment is like giving your body a VIP pass to optimal functioning.

Now, why does this matter for your well-being? An overly acidic body may lead to inflammation, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to illnesses. The alkaline diet aims to counterbalance acidity, promoting a harmonious pH environment. Ready to explore the alkaline wonders?

Your Alkaline Allies: Foods that Rock the pH Balance
Time to meet your pH superheroes – alkaline-rich foods! These goodies not only taste great but also help tip the pH scale in your favor. Let’s break down the essentials:

1. Leafy Greens Galore:
Packed with alkalizing minerals and antioxidants. Load up on spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Add them to salads, smoothies, or as tasty side dishes.

2. Citrus Splash:
Contrary to their acidic taste, citrus fruits are alkaline-forming. Squeeze that lemon into your water, snack on oranges, and embrace the zesty goodness.

3. Heavenly Almonds:
Almonds are alkaline and bring a nutty crunch to the table. Snack on a handful of almonds or sprinkle almond slices on your meals.

4. Mighty Avocado:
Avocado is not just Instagram-worthy; it’s alkaline and rich in healthy fats. Smash it on toast, toss it in salads, or whip up some creamy guacamole.

5. Green Tea Elixir:
Green tea is not just for cozy afternoons; it’s an alkaline powerhouse. Swap that extra cup of coffee for a soothing cup of green tea.

6. Crisp Cucumbers:
Cucumbers are hydrating and contribute to your alkaline goals. Slice them up for refreshing snacks or add to your water for a spa-like infusion.

7. Quinoa Queen:
Why It’s Super: Quinoa is a complete protein and an alkaline alternative to grains.
Your Move: Use quinoa as a base for salads, bowls, or as a side dish.

Balancing Act: Tips for a pH-Friendly Lifestyle
Ready to take the plunge into a more alkaline lifestyle? Here are some practical tips to make the transition smoother than a green smoothie:

1. Gradual Changes Win: Making gradual adjustments allows your taste buds and digestive system to adapt without feeling overwhelmed. Begin by incorporating one alkaline-rich meal into your daily routine. As your comfort grows, gradually increase the frequency.

2. Hydration Station: Water is not only essential for overall health but serves as the ultimate pH balancer, assisting in the natural flushing out of acidic compounds. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. For an extra alkaline boost, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon to your water.

3. Colorful Plate Rule: The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables often signal their alkaline nature, packed with essential nutrients. Transform your plate into a rainbow canvas by including a variety of colorful fruits and veggies. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures a pH-friendly feast.

4. Limit Acidic Culprits: Reducing the intake of high-acid foods, such as processed snacks, sugary treats, and excessive meat, helps minimize the overall acidic load on your body. Swap out that sugary soda for a refreshing green smoothie. Cut back on processed snacks, opting for whole, alkaline-rich alternatives.

5. Test Your pH: Regularly testing your urine or saliva pH levels provides insights into your body’s alkaline journey, helping you track progress and make necessary adjustments. Make pH test strips your new companions. Test your pH regularly, observe changes, and celebrate the positive strides in your alkaline lifestyle.


Stay tuned for some great recipes.