Category Archives: Food Facts

Morning Eating Tips for Kids

Morning Tips:
Did you know that what we eat for breakfast can impact our day? This is because breakfast starts our metabolism to make sure that we have energy for:

  • movement
    thinking
    decision making
    learning / studying.

This is especially important for our children. While they are young and playful, it is important that each day they are in school they continue building on their foundation of knowledge. If your child is unfocused, struggling to better understand their class material, or hungry it may be linked to what they are having for breakfast. Try combining some of these foods for a healthier focused mind, all have been shown to have a profound effect on how the brain functions.: Milk, Bananas, Eggs, Wheat Toast, Berries, Walnuts, Sliced Chicken /Turkey.

If your child is getting hungry early on in the school day, introduce products into their breakfast with a small amount of fat from the dairy or meats listed. Additionally, fruits take longer to digest and therefore, provides another benefit to having one out the door.

Listed are recommended foods that you can choose and combine for the first daily meal:

Vitamin B’s: Bresoala, Prosciutto, Ham. Also try Wheat toast (with choice of butter, cream cheese, honey.)
Calcium: Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Soy, Almonds, Walnuts, Papaya, Oranges, Cactus Pear
Various Vitamins: Banana, Orange, Apples, Berries, Pears, Melon

“Traffic Light Diet” Easy to do. Adult & Kid Friendly

Adults and Kids are learning about how to make successful dietary lifestyle choices by classifying foods into three visual categories for a balanced diet.  Bariatrics Research studies on Judith Willis “Traffic Light Diet” have proven weightloss and a newly adapted eating philosophy that makes around the kitchen table sense.  It begins with the most common question asked throughout ones day is “What am I going to eat?” 

A better question is “Why do we eat?” Depending on your culture, family or personal health status the answers will vary.  Hunger, bored, energy, stressed or not stressed, pregnant, growth, sickness or disease, needing a sense of community around the table with others.  Equally important is the balance of food we consume in any given moment.  Energy from calories is what we end up acquiring at the end of each meal.   “Energy In” is taken in the form of:  carbohydrates, protein and fats.  While our “Energy Out” is spent on the development, production and maintenance of: blood vessels, bone muscle, spinal and cerebral fluid, movement, sleeping and studying.

When balancing food for fuel we can take time to understand what we are putting on our plate and how to proportionally meet daily intake.  Judith Willis author of the “Traffic Light” diet explains that we can quickly educate ourselves by following a Red, Yellow Green color coded approach to nutrition.  This diet is easily “digested” information and is great for both adults and children. 
Three Basic Catagories
Red food’s are: Oils, butter, condiments, foods high in sugar and salt, french fries, caffeinated and carbonated soda drinks, alcoholic beverages. 
While “All Foods Fit” in dietetics, those on this list should be consumed in small amounts.  For example, oils and butters are healthy for the body as they contribute to the lubrication of cells, organs, muscles, arteries and veins. They are also calorie dense so the saying “less is more” applies to ones dietary intake.  It should be noted that in large amounts butter can contribute to blockage of arteries and unnecessary weight-gain.
High intake of caffeine can stimulate or depress while too much alcohol interferes with liver or brain function.  Both Caffeine and Alcohol should be consumed in lesser amounts.
Whenever one has too much of a particular food and the calories are not consumed within 24 hours, the food will be converted to fat.  This philosophy is commonly noted with, but not limited to sugary drinks and snacks.
Yellow Food’s contribute to the development, rejuvenation and maintenance of all our cells, such as: hair, eyes, skin, hormones, bones, organs and muscles. They should be consumed in cautionary manner, paying attention to serving sizes.  Breads and pastas are said to be eaten in smaller amounts throughout the day.  Meat, pork chicken can be eaten twice a day in the amount of 3 ounces or 84 grams at each meal. One ounce or 28 grams of cheese is an appropriate amount for a daily meal. No more than a small cup of 100% juice (opt for fruit instead).  Nuts and legumes also need to be rationed into smaller quantities.  (Nuts 1 tablespoon, beans and potatoes a half of cup.) Eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be consumed 3-5 times a week.
Green foods can be devoured often, they are rich in fiber and therefore, provide 2-4 hours of satiety.  Some of these wonders include: 1/2 cup of fruit and vegetables (considered 1 serving each), low fat milk and yogurt three times a day. Cod or other varieties of white fish.  While breads would be limited it should be noted that whole grain cereals contribute a wide span of vitamin B’s which are critical to our daily diet and these include both whole grain pasta and breads. 
The Green Foods provide a slow and steady release of fructose and lactose into our bodies.  Providing the body with a feeling of satiety, appropriate glucose levels, energy and focus. By consuming more of these foods one will notice higher levels of energy and while their mind is more concentrated on the task at hand.  These foods include: Milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and fish.
A Word About Snacks. It is important to have healthy foods available for children and adults that are not always made up of empty calories. Teaching the benefits of making smart eating choices when they are young can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Snacks are an easy way to round off nutritional requirements for the day.Healthy appetizers should be kept in an area that is to reach, with unhealthy choices kept in less accessible areas. This will encourage one to reach for the healthy options first. By encouraging healthy snacking, both parents and their children will take in the nutrients and know-how needed for healthy living. These are Great tips and ideas for adults and kids alike, check out these 11easy to make Holiday Kid Friendly Appetizers
For more information and learning how to apply the diet go to http://www.trafficlightdiet.com/
Kim Crocker

Which Magic Mineral Helps to Heal your Body?

….. did you know that without certain minerals in your diet that you can gain weight, prematurely gray and produce wrinkles?

A word on the importance of MINERALS:  Vitamins cannot effectively work in our bodies without the correct balance of minerals. We grew up hearing that we must get our vitamins and to “eat our greens” But did you know without certain minerals consumed in our diet that blood production, bone growth, organ function, and vessel stability would be altered?  In other words a well balanced diet must be eaten.  For example; calcium is needed for vitamin “C” utilization, zinc for vitamin “A”, magnesium for “B” complex vitamins, selenium for vitamin “E” absorption, etc.

While only 5% of the human body is made up of mineral matter, they are critical to keeping the blood and tissue fluids from either becoming too acid or too alkaline.  By doing so, they allow other nutrients to pass into the bloodstream, aiding in transportation of nutrients to the cells and also drawing chemicals in & out of the cells.  It’s a big job for such a small object whose sole job is to make sure, that any slight change in the blood concentration of any mineral can quickly endanger life.

Please review the list below of vitamins and a short list on how they benefit of us. Additionally, various nutritional minerals are also listed with their functions and important roles in maintaining the human body’s homeostasis.

Vitamin K.  Promotes blood clotting, regulates blood levels, and activates 3 proteins for bone growth and health (gamma-carboxylase: BGP, MGP, Proteins S.

Vitamin A  helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.  Deficiencies:  Dry skin, blindness, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. To heal

Acne, Healing Foods for nutritional therapy will benefit you.

Vitamins C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that effectively work against free radicals in order to protect the body’s cells.

Vitamin B’s releases energy from Carbs.

  • Vitamin B1 Thiamine:  ENERGY, controls fxn of heart, muscle, nervous system. 
  • Vitamin B2 Riboflavin: Growth, reproduction, produces RBC. 
  • Vitamin. B3 Niacin Digestive system, skin and nerves.
  • Vitamin. B5 pantothenic acid:  Metabolism Food, and formation of hormones.
  • Vitamin B6 Pryidoxine: Immune system, nerve fxn, RBC. Too little B6 in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Critical for protein rxn’s. 
  • Vitamin B9 folate/folic acid:  RBC, nervous system, creates and forms DNA, brain fxn, spinal fluid. cell growth, developing baby growth in utero. 
  • Vitamin  B12:  RBC, maintains central nervous system.

 LIST OF MINERAL FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

As outlined by Dr. Joel Wallach in his booklet “A DIRE WARNING”

Bismuth   Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori

Boron    Aids efficient calcium and magnesium use, Essential for bone metabolism, Proper endocrine function, Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis)

Calcium Is a Magic Mineral High protein diets increases demands for calcium, Deficiency Produces: Arthritis, Back pains (sciatica, disc problems), Bell’s Palsy, Bone spurs, Brittle fingernails, Calcium deposits, Cognitive impairment, Delusions, Depression, Eczema, High Blood Pressure, Hyperactivity, Hypertension, Insomnia, Irritability, Kidney stones, Limb numbness, Muscle cramps/spasms/twitches, Nervousness, Neuromuscular excitability, Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone matrix), Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump, spontaneous fractures, kyphosis), Panic attacks,  Periodontal disease – receding gums (osteoporosis of facial bones & jaw bones),  PMS, Pica (eating lead paint),  Rickets, Retarded growth,  Tetany,  Tooth decay

 Cesium is a Cancer Aid; Cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition

Chromium

Deficiency Produces:  ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Anortic cholesterol plaque, Coronary blood vessel disease, Depression/Manic depression, Diabetes (Vanadium also), Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde rages, Elevated blood cholesterol, Elevated blood triglycerides, Fatigue, Hyperactivity, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar (vanadium & copper also), Infertility and decreased sperm count, Learning disabilities, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Prediabetes (vanadium also), Peripheral neuropathy,  Retarded growth, Shortened life span

Cobalt   Deficiency Produces: Anemia, Anorexia, Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Essential part of Vitamin B 12 (Growth and nerve system function)

Copper is critical part of your diet to avoid deficienies produce:  Alopecia (hair loss) and premature graying, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Aneurysms (on wall bulges), Aneurysm / cerebral hemorrhage, Arthritis (especially where growth plates are involved), Cerebral palsy & hypoplasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, Criminal or violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Depression, Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dry brittle hair, Fatigue, Fragile bones, Hernias, High blood cholesterol, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Ptosis (sagging tissue – eye lids, skin, breasts, stomach, etc.), Kawasaki Disease, Learning disabilities, Liver cirrhosis (number 9 killer in the U.S., Ruptured vertebral discs problems,  Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar), Respiratory disease, Swachman’s Syndrome, Varicose veins, Weak and fatigue, Memory loss, sore tongue. Hemoglobin (carries oxygen in red blood cells)

Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals

Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity

Germanium is a must and will Enhances Immune System Function (killer cells, interferon, macro phages and T-suppressor cells), Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aids in oxygen utilization. Deficiency: Arthritis, Cancer, Low energy, Osteoporosis

 Gold Reduces active joint inflammation

 Iodine works with Copper in order to properly utilize Iodine, Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid hormone), Deficiency Produces: Hypothyroidism, increased appetite, Weight gains Weight loss, Cold intolerance, Brittle nails, Bulging eyes, Constipation, Depression, Dry skin & hair, Elevated blood cholesterol, Excessive sweating, Fatigue, Frequent bowel movements, Goiter (throat swelling), Hair loss, Hand tremors, Heat intolerance, Heavy periods or less than 28 day cycles,  Irritability, Inability to concentrate, Insomnia, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Low basal body temperature, Low sex drive, Muscle aches and pains, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Nervousness, Over-active Thyroid, Poor memory Puffy face, Rapid pulse, Under-active Thyroid,

Lanthanum   Deficiency may be involved in chronic fatigue diseases

Lithium to overcome Depression and Infertility Deficiency: ADD, Depression, Infertility, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption, Manic depression, Rages & fits, Reduced growth rate, Reproductive failure, Shortened life span

 Magnesiummagnificently combats and helps maintain homeostasis.  However a Deficiency Produces:, Anxiety, Asthma, Anorexia, Birth Defects, Calcification of small arteries, Confusion, Depression, Growth failures, Hyperactivity/synophobia, Hypotension, Hypothermia, Insomnia, Irritability, Malignant calcification of soft tissue, Menstrual, Migraines, Muscle pains/tremors/ weakness, Nervousness/Neuromuscular irritability, Neuromuscular problems, Restlessness, Seizures, SIDS, Tachycardia/palpitations, Tetany – Convulsions, Tremors, Vertigo

Manganese

  Deficiency:, Asthma, Ataxia, Atherosclerosis, Chondrornalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Convulsions, Dizziness, Hearing Loss, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia, Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Loss of sex drive, Pancreatic atrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bone, Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Tinnitus

Molybdenum

Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems

Nickel

  Deficiency: Anemia (low hematocrit), Delayed puberty, Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, Dermatitis, High newborn mortality, Poor growth, Poor zinc absorption, Rough/dry hair coat in animals

Phosphorus

Deficiency:  Anorexia, Anxiety, Apprehension, Bone pain, Dyspnea, Fatigue, Irritability, Numbness, Paresthesias, Pica, Tremulousness, Weakness, Weight loss

Potassium

   Deficiency:  Acne, Arrhythmia, Cognitive impairment, Constipation, Depression, ECG changes, Edema, Fatigue, Glucose intolerance, Growth retardation, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperretlexia, Hypotension, Insomnia, Mental apathy, Muscular weakness, Nervousness, Palpitations, Plydipsia, Proteinuria, Respiratory distress, “Salt” retention, Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), XerosisPraseodymium Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth

Samarium

Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth, Animal studies show deficiencies cause:  Cancer prevention properties, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Poor growth & Poor feeding

Selenium

Effective anti-oxidant Deficiency:  Age spots or liver spots, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Cardiomyopathy, Cataracts, Cancer Risk, Cystic fibrosis, Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Fatigue, Growth Retardation, Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat), High infant mortality, HIV (AIDS), Impaired immunity, Infertility, Keshena Disease (myocardial fibrosis), Liver cirrhosis, Low birth weight, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Myalgia, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic atrophy & fibrosis, Parkinson’s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Scoliosis, Sterility in males, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sickle cell anemia

Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100% Deficiency:  Brittle fingernails, Dry brittle hair, Poor calcium utilization arterial wall strength problems, Poor skin quality,

 

Silica Benefits:  Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Kills over 650 diseases causing organisms, Systemic disinfectant & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing

Strontium Essential trace element, Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man

Sulfur   Important mineral used in several amino acids within the body, Involved in functions of hemoglobin, insulin hormone, adrenal hormones, enzymes, and antibodies Deficiency:  Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Several collagen diseases, Sickle cell anemia

Thulium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals, Enhances growth of normal cells

Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Anti-Cancer properties, Decreases cholesterol production, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction Deficiency:  Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Obesity, Slow growth

Ytrium Doubles life span of laboratory animals, Enhances nominal cell growth

Zinc  Deficiency associated congenital birth defects:  Cleft lip & Cleft palate, Clubbed limbs, Down’s syndrome, Heart & lung defects, Hiatus hernia& umbilical hernia, Small or absent eyes, Spinal bifida, Webbed toes or fingers, Urogenitat defects Deficiency:  Acne, Acrodermatitis enteropathica, Alopecia (hair loss), Anemia, Anorexia and/or Bulimia, Apathy, Birth defects (see above), Bad body odors (“smelly tennis shoe” syndrome), Brittle nails, Depression, Diarrhea Enlarged prostate, Eczema, Fatigue, “Frizzy” hair, High infant mortality, Hypercholesterolemia, loss of sense of taste, Infertility, Impaired wound healing, Impotence, Irritability, Lethargy, Loss of sense of smell, Malabsorption, Memory loss, Paranoia, Pica (eating hair, wool, etc.), Poor growth (short stature), Sexual immaturity (remain in pre- puberty state), Small and/or poor ovary and testes function, Sterility, Weaken immune function, White spots on nails

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Wash Food to Prevent Lethal Outcome

While restaurants are facing criticism for how they handle lemons in drinks, I would dare say that food borne illness goes further than that.  Concerns should stem to how ALL UTENSILS and FOOD (including, fruit and vegetables) are being handled within every area of the restaurant.   It is not up to the customer to put the multiple controls put into place, but the Managers and employees themselves to ensure that the consumer does not return home with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or death.

Simple washing of food can be done with items that you have in your home right now, without purchasing a special “produce washing” product.  Cleansing of the fresh produce should not be limited to water, but instead can be done with the following. The best practice to put into place within your homes so that you keep yourself and family healthy and protected are:

Fruits and Vegetables with skins

  1. Use the same amount of soap that you would use for hand washing.  Completely wash the skin of fruit or vegetable with soap and water.  RInse thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, place desired produce to be cleaned, pour 1/2- 1 cup white vinegar over items into bowl.  turn food in vinegar to allow for thorough cleansing, about 10-20 seconds. Rinse with water.

Green Leaf Vegetables and Berries

  1. 1 Tbsp baking soda to 2-3 cups of water.  Stir. Allow shredded or whole lettuce, or whole berries to stay in solution for about 20-30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly.

Utensils should never be dipped in water to for cleaning.  ALL UTENSILS MUST ALWAYS be washed with hot soapy water to remove bacteria:

  1. Between cutting meats, fish and any other food.
  2. Before passing from one food to another food that contain nuts: Peanut Butter, Pesto, Ice Cream Cakes.  Cross contamination is lethal to those with food allergies and can result in death of individual.

This article is written to enforce the importance of HEALTHY EATING within homes and restaurants. Furthermore, individuals are having severe allergic reactions within restaurants and homes, due to improper cleansing of utensils between foods, especially those containing nuts and foods without nuts.

By: Kim Crocker

Tea’s: Body Healing and Weight Loss

Tea’s

 Tea’s are earning a place in our diet as the secret’s of health and longetivy are revealed to us from the Continent of Asia. A brief description on the following 6 popular tea’s will help you identify one that you can sip and enjoy. Learn more about how  Asia shares White Tea and it’s Benefits  and how Tea’s Combat: Weightloss, Anxiety, Cholesterol, High bp

  1. White Tea
  2. Kava Kava Tea
  3. Black Tea
  4. Oolong Tea
  5. Grean Tea
  6. Itadori Tea

WHITE TEA is light and mild in taste and considered to be good for your health. According to the researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, white tea may be used to fight cancer as well as acting as a deterrent.  The tea is nowadays mostly grown in the Fujian Province and there are generally two major producing counties, Zheng He and Fuding.

 “Kava Kava Tea….has been used to treat anxiety/nervous disorders, migraines, hyperactivity in children, insomnia, menstrual cramps, UTI and bladder problems.  Kava was used by the Germans in the 1890s for pharmaceuticals relating to blood pressure; before then, it was utilized by the Polynesians”, based on collected research at A 2 Z Health, Beauty and Fitness.

Black Tea improves circulation,  by opening the capillaries and normalizing blood pressure (bp).  Benefits are noticed by simply drinking 2 cups of black tea 2x’s a day for 3 weeks.  Additional benefits are contributed to the theophylline in black tea that helps improve cholesterol levels. It also has been known to expand the airways, improving on easier breathing for asthmatics.  Black tea also helps with preventing tooth decay due to the Fluoride, a trace element found in black tea, which strengthens tooth enamel.

Oolong Tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea and has become the most popular tea designed to accelerate weigh loss!!!  Drinking two cups of Oolong tea every day helps shed stubborn pounds by boosting your metabolism and blocking the fattening effects of carbohydrates. It has also been linked to improving the function of the pancreas with those who suffer from diabetes.

GREEN TEA 

 A few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

Acne  ·     cancer ·     rheumatoid arthritis  ·     high cholesterol levels  ·     cariovascular  disease  ·     infection ·     impaired immune function

From About.com…”The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, without harming healthy tissue, promotes cellular DNA and membrane structure, ( Great for Acne). It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots.  The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet.  In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers.

Why don’t other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed.  Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases. Read More

“Itadori Tea and red wine both supply relatively high concentrations of resveratrol,” states the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry.  Furthemore their studies have shown that, ”For people who do not consume alcohol, Itadori tea may be a suitable substitute for red wine.” More studies are being done on Itadori Tea to better understand the effects and benefits of it on the body, as well as, how the non-flavonoid resveratrol contibutes to ones overall health.

By Kim Crocker

 J Agric Food Chem. 2002 May 22;50(11):3337-40