Nutrition Frenzy

Today I am going to share a little concoction I have been making for myself every single day for lunch. And I mean EVERY, SINGLE DAY.

Ever get on one of those jags? Well, luckily this culinary creation is a health-nut’s dream and a dieter’s best friend.

This recipe incorporates several Super-Food heavy hitters that will keep your body rockin’ and provides your taste buds with a break from your ordinary, American fare.

Why its so great for you:

WILD SALMON: One of the healthiest foods you can eat. Wild salmon is high in Omega 3 fats which promote normal cholesterol and triglycerides, improve blood flow, enhance immune function, reduce joint pain and are important for getting lustrous hair and glowing skin.

This is interesting (at least to me) – did you know that more than ½ your brain is composed of fat, the most abundant type of which is called DHA? Well, the reason salmon is considered “brain food” is that it also contains DHA, the same fat that is in your brain. That’s why eating wild salmon you can help you improve cognitive function. That is also why being called “Fathead” is actually a compliment.

SPINACH: Calorie for calorie spinach has more nutrients than any other food we eat. Chock full of antioxidants, spinach is a potent anti-cancer agent.

BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER: Cruciferous vegetables are key to preventing cancer because they are powerful antioxidants and they clear toxins from the body. Added bonus- they are a great source of fiber!

GEEEN ONIONS: Onions are high in two antioxidants: quercetin and sulphur. These two help neutralize free radicals thereby reducing the risk of certain types of cancers .Onions reduce total cholesterol while increasing HDL (good ) cholesterol, especially when eaten raw. Onions also reduce the risk of diabetes, stimulate the immune system and relieve upset stomach.

CHICKPEAS/GARBANZO BEANS: These little guys are low in calories but high in fiber, protein, potassium and folic acid. Including beans in your diet promotes heart health and chemicals called saponins in beans prevent genetic cell mutation. If you stay away from beans because you are afraid they will give you sonic-farts introduce them gradually.

RED PEPPER FLAKES: Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a substance which inhibits inflammation. Red pepper is proven to reduce pain related to arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy. Red pepper can also reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and protect blood from the free radicals which lead to arterial damage. In fact, cultures that use red pepper liberally have been shown to have much lower rates of stroke, heart attack and pulmonary embolism. Red pepper has also been shown to help stop the spread of prostate cancer and reduce expression of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

The heat you feel when you eat red pepper is real. Red pepper increases both thermogenesis (heat production) and oxygen consumption in your body. This increased thermogenesis can help you lose weight by revving up metabolism and lessening appetite.

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culinary creation, health-nut, dieter, recipe, Super-Food

Chances are you haven’t seen any celebrities sporting raw milk moustaches in any slick advertisements lately.

But does raw milk deserve the bad rap that it has gotten?

Misconception and confusion surround the subject of raw milk, and it is a darn shame because if you follow society’s conventions and kowtow (no pun intended) to the unfortunate influence of “Big Dairy”, you’ll miss out on one of the greatest, and least expensive sources of nutrients that you and your family can enjoy.

Why Pasteurized Milk Is Problematic

- Heat treatment during pasteurization alters the configuration of its protein configuration, stripping it of most of its protein , nutrients, enzymes and antibodies

- Pasteurization leads to a loss of up to 66% of Vitamins A, D, E and F

- Vitamin C loss exceeds 50%

- Calcium loss of 50% or more depending on pasteurization temperature (makes you wonder about why you pay more for Horizon Dairy’s “ultra-pasteurization” process)

- Less than 10% of original enzymes remain after pasteurization

- Pasteurized milk can actually PROMOTE allergies and autoimmune dysfunction

- Pasteurized milk is completely stripped of phosphate, essential for absorption of calcium and development of a strong skeletal system

- Essential fatty acids are reduced by pasteurization

Health Benefits Of Raw Milk

- 100% of milk protein remains available

- 100% of minerals remain metabolically available

- Rich in enzymes and contains all 22 essential amino acids

- Rich in phosphate, essential for absorption of calcium

- Rich source of B12, a vitamin rare in non-meat sources

- 33% higher in Vitamin C than pasteurized milk

- Contains enzyme-based pathogen killers (i.e., prevents growth of e-coli and listeria among others)

- 2½ times higher in enzyme IgG, which inhibits rotavirus organisms that cause diarrhea in infants

Raw Milk Tastes Heavenly

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Borage (Boar aj) Oil is one supplement every beauty bitch should be taking.

I especially like it because next to no one knows about it.

I mean, after receiving a compliment on our spectacular complexions don’t we all like to be all, “oh, I really don’t do much, just wash with a bar of Dove soap . . . . hmmm, too bad that doesn’t work for you.”

The big dogs like Dr. Perricone of The Perricone Promise fame, recommend it and even more importantly, the Hot Sundae is telling you this stuff works.

Borage is a concentrated source of GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid). Gamma linoleic acid helps the body utilize the healthy fats you ingest (think olive oil, almonds, and avocado — NOT the Cinnabon you inhaled at the mall).

Fatty fish like salmon also contain GLA, which is why fish is touted as a premier way to get a healthy glow and lustrous locks. For those of you who find fish stinky and revolting, a borage oil supplement is a wonderful, mercury-free way to reap many of the same rewards offered by fish.

Even for a fish lover like me, taking 1,000 mg of borage oil daily is still a good idea since whipping up a sardine frittata for breakfast can sometimes, or never actually happen. Be sure the bottle says “cold-pressed.” As with olive oil, cold pressed means the integrity of the borage oil is intact.

A final note - be sure not to pass this tip along to your girlfriends. After all, you’re the one who took the time to read this damn article, so why should she get to look as hot as you?

Alright, now scoot along and get that borage oil already. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a few bars of Dove.

Borage, Perricone

Victoria Beckham and The Spice Girls are launching a comeback! If tickets are cheap maybe I’ll check out a concert… Maybe.

Even if The Spice Girls aren’t your cup of tea, here’s a nutritious way to add some spice to your life: Good, old-fashioned, great-tasting cinnamon! Yes, you can get great health benefits just by sprinkling on the same spice that made mom’s kitchen smell so homey and delish.

Awesome Cinnamon Stats

One Teaspoon cinnamon provides

- 28 mg of calcium
- Over 1g fiber
- Almost 1mg iron
- A good amount of Vitamins C, K as well as manganese

Cinnamon Also Offers:

- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Favorable effects on brain and memory function
- Soothes stomach upset and helps prevent ulcers
- Reduces bacteria that causes urinary tract infections and fungus that can cause nasty yeast infections

Cinnamon For Diabetes

Studies show cinnamon may prevent and help treat Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. As little as ½ tsp of cinnamon per day can improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. Cinnamon’s active ingredient, proanthocyanidin works to activate insulin receptors allowing cells to use energy from sugar- biochemically the same reaction as insulin!

Because cinnamon can intensify the effect of insulin medication, talk to your doctor before using cinnamon if you are already being treated for Type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon For Weight Loss and to Decrease Risk of Heart Disease

Heart Disease: Studies document improvement in blood sugar, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol with consumption of only ½ tspn of cinnamon a day.

Weight Control Cinnamon can fight obesity by helping prevent the blood sugar highs (and subsequent lows), which often lead to binges on sugary food. What’s more, by preventing the insulin resistance that often accompanies obesity, cinnamon can help prevent “Metabolic Syndrome” also known as pre-diabetes.

Use Caution With Supplements

Unless you are allergic, it’s unlikely that you’ll have an adverse reaction to cinnamon if you are simply adding a few dashes to your cooking. But be aware that cinnamon supplements can cause negative reactions such as skin rash or mouth or stomach irritation.
Also, high doses of cinnamon can have a blood-thinning effect, especially when combined with other medications.

Winning Cinnamon Combos

Cinnamon is extremely versatile and the taste appeals to adults and kids alike. Here are some of my favorite ways to get my daily ½ tspn:

- Add to oatmeal along with stevia and some plump raisins ( imagine a bowlful of oatmeal cookie taste!), a dash in a strawberry smoothie or protein shake, sprinkle on apple slices and dip in a tablespoon of almond butter, top yogurt or cottage cheese, in muffin batter, on toast along with a dash of stevia (just like mom’s cinnamon toast), add to warm milk or coffee. Of course, there are also many wonderful ethnic meat and tofu dishes that incorporate cinnamon. Yum!

A Sexy Side Note

I must digress from nutritional observations for just a moment.

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I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Lance Armstrong.

I mean, not even so much with his physical being, but with his great spirit. Most of us mere mortals have a tough time just waking up at 5am to get to the gym.

Lance had his body ravaged by cancer, battled through and went on to win the most grueling bike race in the world. And then win it five more times after that. I know some people may think Lance is arrogant (yeah, like you wouldn’t be if you’d kicked everyone’s ass), but I still admire his tenacity and his balls.

His lean physique also fills me with wonder and awe. How can a guy that LEAN be so POWERFUL??? Personally, I dig guys with a little more meat on their bones (hence my brawny Neanderthal), but the idea that you can be both lean AND extremely strong is intriguing.

When I see Lance’s legs firing like pistons as he propels up Mount Saint Escargot Du Croissant, I find myself wondering: what does that guy eat?

Short anwer: more calories than any of us can afford to. But the real answers can be found in Chris Carmichael’s Fitness Cookbook.

In his latest book Carmichael, Lance’s coach and trainer offers a glimpse into how athletes train and eat for lean physiques and stamina.

Carmichael is also the best selling author of “Food For Fitness,” where he examines reasons why some foods are better fuel than others. “Fitness Cookbook” goes one step farther and provides new, delicious recipes that can help in your quest for a healthy, high-energy life. You don’t need to be a competitive athlete to still get the benefit of all the research that prescribes what top athletes should eat to keep in top condition.

“Fitness Cookbook” delivers innovative recipes that someone like me (a non-gourmand) can easily put together. These are completely do-able yet still elegant enough to serve with pride.

Recipes run the gamut: from breakfast items you can make ahead and take on the run (or bike) like Homemade Health Bars, to Hearty Chicken Soup with Spinach and Rice, to beautiful dinner entrees like Pasta Salad with Chicken and Black Olive Pesto.

Don’t worry, athletes DO eat dessert, so you get recipes for elegant and delicious treats that still have nutritional benefit. One of my favorites is Grilled Figs with Lemon Ice Cream and Mint. I KNOW it sounds hard but it most definitely is not. I also KNOW it might not sound as good as Betty Crocker Double Decker Death Pie, but the sweetness of figs along with vanilla ice cream flavored with lemon and honey is actually quite outrageous.

I’ll also give a shout out about The Frozen Orange Yogurt: A clever mix of low fat yogurt, honey marmalade and juice give this dessert a refreshing zest that still satisfies a sweet tooth.

Chris Carmichael’s Fitness Cookbook also gives great insight into patterning nutrition to match your training. Basically, teaching you how to eliminate periods where your training (calorie expenditure) and eating (calorie intake) are mismatched to = blubber butt. And no, you won’t have to gnaw on celery stalks during periods where you aren’t able to make it to the gym as regularly, or after you are coming off training for a marathon. You’ll just learn what foods work best for your body during those recovery periods. I love “recovery.” Much nicer than “lazy.”

Bottom line: Carmichaels’ nutritional program launched Lance onto the podium. It’s sure to teach you and I a thing or two. Another valuable lesson gleaned from the book: Pear and Pecan Salad is really yummy.

Hi Ho! Up the Mountain You Go!

Lance Armstrong, bike race, Chris Carmichael’s Fitness Cookbook., athletes, Fitness Cookbook, nutritional program

Some smoothies suck.

Recently I saw an Oprah episode featuring her “special” smoothie recipe. Now, I adore Oprah but I have to tell you her smoothie sucked.

Here were her ingredients: chocolate soy milk, 4 strawberries and ½ banana. And oh yeah, don’t forget 2 luscious ice cubes. Yum . . . .

Instead, try one of my favorite smoothies. If you have even semi-normal taste buds you are going to go freakin nuts when you try it. You may even become addicted to it like my mother.

I mean, here is the part where I am supposed to tell you how lovely it is for a breakfast with a perfect ratio of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, not to mention a great source of calcium. Instead, I’ll just let you know you are going to end up sucking down this puppy for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Here it is:

–1 Cup plain yogurt or Kefir (a probiotic beverage = liquid-like yogurt but lower in sugar)
–¾ C water
–1 TBSP Flax Seed
–1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
–1 frozen pear or apple (slice and then freeze)
–1 Scoop Sambazon Acai powder
–2 TBSP natural peanut butter
–2 Ice cubes (Oprah’s contribution)
–1 Stevia packet

What the hell is Stevia? Stevia is a gift from God to fat girls. Seriously, you gotta get this stuff. Trader Joes, Whole Foods, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, it is actually quite easy to find.

Stevia is an ALL - NATURAL, no calorie, no carb, no sugar, no nothing, plant extract that is extremely sweet. An extraordinary alternative to artificial sweeteners that I am squeamish about ingesting too regularly lest my unborn children have 4 four heads.

Anyway, this shake is the bomb, you’re gonna looooooooove it.

Oprah, smoothie recipe, Stevia

This is not Chinese take-out: it is the ultimate in gooey deliciousness with great health benefits that takes only minutes to prepare.

Here’s what you need:

–½ C Rolled Oats (not instant)
–1C Water
–Dash of Stevia
–Dash of Cinnamon
–Dash of Salt

Here’s what you do:

–Nuke the mixutre for about a minute and a half and let stand for one minute.

–Mix in 1 large tablespoon (I tell you 1 TBSP but we all know you are gonna put a humungous, ginormous soup spoon-ful in there, that’s ok, none of us are gonna be on the Victoria’s Secret runway anytime soon) chunky all natural peanut butter. I recommend Maranatha for a texture that is like peanut butter fudge. In fact, the stuff is so thick and gooey I often get lock-jaw. Like, my husband asks me questions that get no response. I mean, can’t he see I am BUSY with my damn peanut butter?

–Throw in a handful of chopped almonds for added crunch along with dried fruit of your choice – raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots.

Here are some variations (I have lots of variations since I tend to eat the Yum Yum twice a day, breakfast and a late night snack):

For a fantabulous breakfast throw in a scoop of chocolate protein powder and sliced banana. Or, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, walnuts sprinkled with raisins.

For the adventurous substitute peanut butter with a tablespoon or two (or ten, oink oink) of Coconut Oil with fresh berries.

Oatmeal is a great addition to your diet for many reasons: it is proven to lower cholesterol, is full of fiber for nicely shaped poopies, and because it generates warm- fuzzy childhood memories of mom’s warm oatmeal cookies. Plus, the Quaker Oatmeal guy is a total hottie.

The real deal behind losing weight and maintaining it for a lifetime is a diet filled with delicious foods that are naturally nutritious.

Now go give that Quaker Stud a big luscious lick.

health benefits, losing weight, diet, delicious foods

A video game that won’t turn you into an Ore-Ida potato! What a concept!

Nintendo has just announced its new fitness game Wii Fit - due to arrive in the first half of 2008.

Wii Fit’s control device will be a balance board that allows players to control what happens on-the screen with the input from the movement of their body. In a soccer game, for example, a player stands on the board shifting their weight in order to control the soccer ball. Other games will involve step aerobics, yoga and other balancing activities.

With Wii Fit, instead of your fingers simply working joystick buttons - you actually “become” the player on the screen. Forget that Virtual stuff, now you’re playing with Reality!

Added bonus: the balance board can calculate body mass index and your center of gravity which the company says can help players make improvements to their weight and posture.

Obviously, Wii Fit is not a replacement for a good old-fashioned bike ride or a game of pick-up basketball. And I am kind of conflicted about the whole yoga video game scenario. But if you or your kids are video junkies, I say time to get off your bum and give Wii Fit a try!

Love ya,

Wii Fit, Nintendo, E3

For all concerned about the death of the true, raw almond come September 1st, here is some great news.

After making a few inquiries at my lovely Farmer’s Market this weekend, I learned that the California Almond Board’s bad decision to heat treat ALL almonds will apply only to those sold commercially. Private vendors (like the awesome guys at the Farmie’s Market), will still be able to sell the real thing - raw and unheated - in all their nutritional glory. Yippee!

I am thinking I’ll just have to start making my own raw almond butter at home once September rolls around (now the “S” word in my home). Could be quite messy, but worth it!

Long Live The Real Raw Almond!

Real Raw Almond

The big guy has really scored some major points in the humanity department with his new reality show, “Shaq’s Big Challenge.”

The program, which airs Tuesday at 9pm ET/8CT on ABC, showcases the harsh realities that accompany America ’s epidemic of childhood obesity.

This show resonates for one simple reason: It’s one thing to hear statistics about the rise in childhood diabetes, the increased rate of suicide among obese children, and the low-self esteem and taunting that fat kids face, it is quite another to fall in love with a cast of obese kids and become emotionally involved in their struggles.

Shaq’s Big Challenge features an all-star line-up of doctors, fitness experts and nutritionists, hand-picked to help 6 obese Florida middle-schoolers lose weight, gain nutritional knowledge and get control over their lives. In addition to dealing directly with the kids, Shaq documents his struggle to get a mere 20 minutes of physical activity into a Broward County middle school which has no physical education due to budget cuts.

Absolutely Shocking

I was appalled to learn that cut-backs have forced MANY schools to completely abolish physical education programs. Hopefully, Shaq’s pilot program will meet with success in Broward County and eventually be incorporated into curriculums across the country.

The Hurdles

While all the kids express a desire to be thinner, the show makes no bones about showing the true battle that must be waged in order to shed the weight. It’s clear that lifestyle changes don’t come easy, even for children.

Examples: The kids cheat on their diets - one boy tells viewers he eats candy while walking on the treadmill, another boy binges on pizza (which he dips bite by bite in a tub of garlic butter) and yet another professes a desire for ice cream that verges on a mantra.

The Parents

This program proves how incredibly important it is for parents to get educated about basic nutrition. For example, the kid who dips greasy pizza slices in butter? Well, mom was sitting by his side explaining that this behavior was a-ok, since it was his “cheat day”.

A father watches his obese son mow through a bag of Halloween candy. His thinking? He had done his as much as he could by removing some of the candy so that his son couldn’t eat quite so much. Clearly, these folks aren’t bad parents. It’s obvious they love their kids. The problem is they don’t have the skills to deal with the issues their kids face.

Will They Lose It?

I have no idea. While the kids want to lose weight, they struggle mightily with what it takes to do it - intense exercise and eating right. Working in their favor are the talented professionals Shaq has assembled and some primo bribes involving a limo and Miami Heat box seats. At odds with their goal is the fact that losing weight is tough, even when Shaquille O’Neal is on your team.

Good Luck Kiddos!

Shaq, Shaq’s Big Challenge, fit kids, health tips for kids

“Bring on the holistic horsecrap, break out the Bible bread!”, exclaims my husband the Neanderthal as he stands in front of the barbeque grill wielding a pair of tongs.

Please don’t take offense at this outburst. I know I no longer do. He can’t help it, he was raised on Oscar Meyer Weiners paired with “Wonder” Bread White-Flour Death Buns.

My Neanderthal’s insensitive reference is to the Food For Life line of “Ezekiel” sprouted grain products. The packaging of these all natural treasures is covered in scripture verses. Like the hot dog buns we use whenever we grill, all the Food For Life Ezekiel products are organic, whole sprouted grains.

The religious zealots who created these products are actually on to something. My husband and I enjoy several of their products on a daily basis. You’ll definitely want to try the hot dog and hamburger buns, English muffins (my favorite) cereal (think grape nuts minus the high fructose corn syrup) and pasta.

I know for a fact that most of the “Processing Pavilions” (as I call the major chain groceries) carry Ezekial bread. So, take the plunge and switch to a bread that is organic, sprouted 100% whole grains. Its stats also really rock: low calorie (80 a slice) low fat (5 grams a slice) high fiber and also a complete protein.

If you don’t regularly buy 100% natural bread products here is a heads up. To avoid funkiness, refrigerate Food For Life breads and muffins. Because these products have no artificial ingredients, they can start to look a little too natural a little too quickly if you know what I mean . . . .

This Sunday, dip some Ezekial bread in a mixture of egg white with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla to create a healthy French toast breakfast in bed for your lova. Or, serve your famous marinara over a bed of Ezekial sprouted grain pasta.

Sometimes love means giving a gentle push in a positive direction. Despite his teasing, my husband is secretly pleased that I care enough to find him a delicious and healthy new place to put his weenie.

grain products, natural bread products

DEMI MOORE IS GONNA BE SO MAD

Raw foodist Demi Moore attributes her glowing, youthful appearance and rockin’ body to a raw foods diet.

That’s why I have a feeling she’s gonna throw a major diva-esque tantrum when she hears the news about the imminent demise of raw almonds in the United States. Hopefully, some pissed off celebrities will help challenge this tragic measure.

Come on Demi, give us a hand – it’s time to put some serious A-list pressure on the California Almond Board.

RAW ALMONDS R.I.P.

I am saddened to tell you that due to a rash decision of the California Almond Board, come September 1st, 2007 you’ll no longer be able to buy untreated raw almonds. And yes, that means raw almond butter, a most delectable and nutritious treat, will become a distant memory as well.

What is going on?!?

In 2001 and 2004 there were two salmonella outbreaks stemming from conventional almonds. The Almond Board’s decision to heat treat ALL almonds is based on these outbreaks yet it ignores the important differences in how organic and conventional almonds are processed and stored.

In fact, conventionally grown raw almonds are stored in warehouses at room temperature which a makes them more susceptible to contracting disease-causing organisms, while organic raw almonds are kept refrigerated.

The other factor the Board ignores is the fact that heat treatment/pasteurization may in fact INCREASE the risk of almonds that become contaminated with salmonella. Studies show that eliminating bacteria from the surface of foods (heat treatment), can actually create a sterile surface MORE likely to foster the growth of bacteria like salmonella. Thus, a pasteurized almond that comes in contact with salmonella has a higher likelihood of spreading salmonella to a consumer than a raw almond would. Dumb Board.

Don’t be Fooled

You’ll probably continue seeing labeling of “Raw Almonds”. But be aware that these labels are misleading and there will probably be some small print somewhere on the package stating (heat treated). Unbelievably, even organic “raw” almonds will be subjected to a high-temperature, moist heat treatment. Bye-bye life-sustaining enzymes and so long to the health benefits of alive, raw almonds. Makes me so mad!

You REALLY Need To Go Organic Now

All conventional almonds will be treated not only with high-temp heat, but also fumigated with Propylene Oxide which is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Uh-oh. I don’t like the sound of that. Add to that the fact that Propylene Oxide is banned in the European Union as well as other countries. Not a likely to be a contender for Healthy Chemical Of The Year, right?

Take A Stand

If you are as p.o.’d as I am by the Board’s decision, take a few minutes to contact the media in your area. Most people out there are still happily munching almond butter and apple slices, completely unaware that in just a few short months their favorite, healthiest snack will be a distant memory. Together we can use the time we have left to campaign and help prevent the almond crisis.

Help keep real almonds alive!

Sign the petition here: Online petition - Mandatory Almond Pasteurization is WRONG!!!

Last Sunday, yoga class started with Shivasana.

For those of you not yet fluent in “yoga-ese,” Shivasana is a reclining pose of total relaxation and restoration typically done at the end of yoga practice, after completing the more challenging poses.

But on this particular Sunday, my lovely instructor said something that really resonated with me: “Today, let’s have our dessert first!”

What this meant was that we all took Shivasana BEFORE we got started on the balancing and twisty-turny stuff. Result? I was invigorated throughout my practice and this tremendous feeling permeated the rest of my day.

More importantly, I created a new approach to my entire week as I wondered: What would it feel like to have Dessert First every day?

When I was growing up my mom had a t-shirt that said, “Life is Short - Eat Dessert First”. Now, my mom, a bona fide chocoholic, took this dictate quite literally - a virtual mandate to order the Snickers Sundae before the salad. Understandably then, I never considered that “Dessert First” could possibly relate to anything more than a junk food orgy.

These days I realize “Have Dessert First” is more than just justification for Rocky Road après broccoli. In fact, Dessert First” is a poignant mantra that we can use to get more pleasure out of each and every day.

How To Order Dessert

Think about anything you tend to “save” for special occasions only. For me, this is often a certain items of clothing or my good perfume.

I’m not saying I’ve started wearing my prom dress to the dry cleaners or dousing myself with Chanel No 5 before unloading the dishwasher, but I am wearing more of my “cute stuff” and spritzing myself, even if I am the only one who may get a whiff of my French cologne “just because”.

For you, it may be using linen napkins or the nice wineglasses that you usually “save” for company. Do fresh flowers tend to be something you splurge on only when you planning a family get-together?

This week, try buying a small, fragrant bouquet for your desk. What about that walk you rush to squeeze in at the end of your day? Tonight, prep the kids’ cereal bowls in advance so you can wake for a sunrise stroll and start your day off like you would at Canyon Ranch Spa.

You get the idea! “Dessert First” simply reminds us to go ahead and do a little bit of whatever it is that we usually reserve for “special occasions”.

Consider EVERY day special! Remember that every day you deserve to treat yourself to a bit of “Life Candy”.

No doubt about it - there will always be yucky stuff out there that we have to deal with. All the more reason to take advantage of the little, daily joys we can give to ourselves!

Be Sweet to Yourself!

yoga class, Shivasana, dessert

Recently on Oprah, self-proclaimed health guru Bob Green put his “Best Life Diet” stamp of approval on 8th Continent Brand soymilk.

Personally, I get the feeling ol’ Bob is just out to make a buck by endorsing products that may taste o.k., but are not the best option for the health conscious consumer. I also think we should take a second look at anything, endorsed by anyone, who associates his image with McDonalds, home of the heart attack.

Instead of using 8th Continent for your smoothies or cereal, I recommend WestSoy Organic Soymilk.

WestSoy is Organic, whereas 8th Continent is labeled “premium”. Huh? Until there are FDA standards for what “premium” is, I’ll choose organic products.

Here are the ingredients in Westsoy Unsweetened Plain Soymilk: filtered water and organic soybeans. Period. This is aligned with a great rule of thumb - the shorter the ingredient list, the more nutritious and less processed the product.

Plain Westsoy has 90 calories per cup, 4,5 g fat, 5 g carbs and a big 4g of fiber. Fiber count is especially important since it effectively “cancels out” the 5g of carbs leaving you with a net 1g of impact carbs. It also boasts only 1 g sugar, and 9 g protein. For you sodium watchers -only 30g per delicious serving.

Chocoholic? Go for West Soy Unsweetened Chocolate, made with pure cocoa. At 100 calories per cup, 4.5 g fat , 6g carbohydrate and 5 g fiber (again, net carbs come in at 1 g!), it is an outstanding way to make luscious smoothies without added sugar.

For an even sweeter sensation, I recommend adding a packet of all-natural Stevia extract (I like Sunlabel by Complete Earth Products) to make the perfect sugar-free chocolate smoothie.

Now the info on 8th Continent Plain Soymilk: 80 calories per cup with 3g of fat. Now be careful - although the fat content is lower than WestSoy, a serving of 8th Continent has 8g carbohydrate, ZERO fiber (no “cancellation” of those carbs), and 7g of sugar.

People, anything with more than 4g of sugar (we’re talking sugar sugar here, not just fructose which is sugar from fruit) per serving is bad news.

The sodium content of 160g is more than double WestSoy as well.

8th Continent Chocolate Soymilk is even worse ; 90cal, 13g carbs, ( again, zero fiber), 11g sugar and 190g sodium. Besides these not –so- hot stats, the thing that really weirds me out about 8th Soy is that the second ingredient listed on its label, righ after “soymilk”, is sugar. Sugar is followed by fructose, modified corn starch , sucralose( care for a tumor anyone?) and a substantial string of preservatives.

Another dietary landmine endorsed by Bobby Green ( I am wondering just how much of cut must he gets from this crap?) is the “Limited Edition” 8th Continent Smoothie. The jingle on this one is, “lose the blender”. A more accurate description would be, “lose the blender, keep the weight”.

I mean, come on Bob, for those of us battling the bulge the Chocolate- Strawberry Banana smoothie is positively gruesome choice and you know it! It contains – 100 cals, 18 g carbs, no fiber, 12g of sugar and 180mg sodium. Blech.
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Oprah, Bob Green, Best Life Diet, soymilk

Trista and Ryan are gonna have a baby!

You remember Trista, the cute little bachelorette who scored the hot fireman (and former football player) Ryan? And you must recall that garish PINK wedding?

Well, it appears that the couple forged on the highly moronic show “The Bachelorette” (of which I missed not a single episode), have managed not only to stay together but to get pregnant! Apparently, Trista spent a few years struggling to conceive. According to an interview in Fertility Times magazine, she actually worked her way through at least a HUNDRED at-home pregnancy tests (and I thought I was the pee–on-a-stick world record holder). Happily, the girl is finally preggers! I bet the baby will be cute. Maybe not so brilliant, but cute.

Good luck Trista and Ryan!

As all my friends and some strangers are now aware (I shamelessly discuss my uterus with any breathing life form), I am deeply involved in the journey towards getting pregnant.

I’ll admit, I am now officially, legitimately obsessed with all things BABY. Yes, I spend hours perusing that adorable children’s wear at Neiman Marcus (Fantasy Baby wears only the finest). And those Bugaboo strollers! And the diaper bags! Oooh, I cannot wait! Yet, even in this state of baby–brain-freeze, I realize that the issue of greatest importance both pre- pregnancy and during pregnancy is proper nutrition.

Imagine just how much is riding on what you eat – what you put in your body is going to shape the life of your child! An exciting and huge responsibility!

You would never knowingly put your little Burberry-clad prince or princess in a room filled with toxins, right? But have you thought about the fact that what you put in YOUR body could be contaminating your baby in the same way? Numerous studies show that blood contaminants pass easily from mother to fetus and that the delicate, developing organs and tissues are extremely susceptible to damage.

A Great Book

Check out “The Complete Organic Pregnancy”, by Dolan and Zissu for additional, more in-depth information on how to make your pregnancy as naturally healthful as possible. For all of you still working on the conceiving the next Rembrandt, America’s Next Top Model, or Michael Jordan, this book is also a great way to start preparing your body for 9 months as a five-star Mommy Hotel.

Here are four of the basic steps Dolan and Zissu offer to get you started:
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Trista and Ryan