Monthly Archives: December 2016

Word Of The Year: Mindfulness

by habits, holidays, meditation, Uncategorized

Over the years I've developed a habit of choosing a word to serve as my intention for the year.  This year the word is mindfulness.  As I go through each year I reflect frequently on my word and see if I am meeting my reasons for having chosen it.  

Choosing a Word

In past years it has sometimes been a struggle to come up with a word.  There are so many to choose from! And finding just the right one that resonates is not as easy as you might think.  Usually I wind up taking the time from Christmas until somewhere after the New Year to identify a word.

This year, as I worked on my new book on meditation I kept coming back to the word and it really resonated with me. Each time I thought about it, wrote about it, saw it on my desk or my computer it caught my attention and made me stop for a moment. 

I realized that it flows well from my previous word of Focus.

The dictionary defines mindfulness as

noun
1. the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something.

2. Psychology.

  1. a technique in which one focuses one's full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them:
    The practice of mindfulness can reduce stress and physical pain.
  2. the mental state maintained by the use of this technique

Benefits of Mindfulness

One of the things that appeals to me about choosing this word is how much it resonates with our need for self care.  When I work with clients I encourage them to be more mindful about their eating which, of course, has an impact on health. I encourage some sort of self care practice, breathing, meditation, yoga, all of which require a degree of mindfulness.

Moving forward into the new year there will be more of that.  Both for them and for me.  While I am a holistic health practitioner and I support others to achieve their wellness goals, I know I benefit from these practices as well.

The truth is that mindfulness is a very supportive piece of our overall health and wellness.  Studies have shown that it can help lower stress and reduce blood pressure. This, in turn, is good for heart health. [1]  Mindfulness can also help with nutrition, satiety, and even weight loss.  There are a number of studies about this and even a book on the subject

Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the year ahead I'm looking forward to deepening my own sense of mindfulness.   And I'm excited to share with others, supporting them to develop their own mindfulness practices as part of their wellness plan.

Words From Past Years

If you're interested these are the words that I've chosen in the past.  I find it fascinating to look back at previous years, at the reasons I chose certain words and reflecting on the growth that brought to my life.

I'd like to encourage you to pick a word of your own. It's an interesting exercise and can have some amazing results. If you want to take it one step further you can even go to OneWord365 and put it out there into the universe.

What’s Really In Sport Drinks?

by drinks, ingredients, water

I'm going to be blunt. Under no circumstances would I recommend commercial sport drinks. Period.  Well, maybe if you are dehydrated (literally) and no other liquid exists for miles. 

Sadly commercial sport drinks such as Gatorade and Vitamin Water are nothing but liquid sugar and chemical additives. The cons far outweigh any benefit. Most young children simply need water. Teenage and adult athletes may need extra support, but there are much healthier alternatives. And I guarantee professional athletes are not drinking Gatorade despite the advertisements you see on TV.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients in Sport Drinks

While there are minor differences in different sport drinks, many of them have the similar ingredients. Let's take a closer look at the ingredients in Gatorade…

Gatorade sport drinks nutrition label

Water: Good!

Sugar: And lots of it! An entire 16-ounce bottle contains a little more than 13 teaspoons of sugar. It's counterproductive to encourage our kids to play sports to be healthy, but then load them up with sugar. Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the primary source of added sugars in the standard American diet. And several studies have linked SSBs to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease [1].

Dextrose: Just another form of sugar. Unfortunately this form of sugar is made from corn and therefore most likely to be genetically modified (GM).

Citric Acid: A flavoring and a preservative. It may seem harmless because it is naturally found in fruit, but the citric acid found in foods and beverages is chemically produced from black mold secretions.  It's also another product that comes from corn and another source of GM contamination.

Natural Flavor: Don’t let the name fool you. The “fruit punch” does not get its flavor from real fruit. These are flavors made in a laboratory. And no one really knows how or what is used to make them.

Salt: Salt is one of the electrolytes (the other major electrolytes are calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and phosphate) however sea salt would be a better option here because it actually provides minerals. 

Sodium Citrate: A “sodium salt of citric acid” this chemically processed food additive is used to regulate acidity. It has a potential to cause allergic reactions, dizziness, or restlessness. 

Monopotassium Phosphate: This ingredient is a potassium salt that has the potential to cause abdominal discomfort. It's a common food additive as well as a fertilizer and fungicide. 

Modified Food Starch: Another chemically processed food stabilizer.

Red 40: Artificial dyes are linked to behavior disorders and hyperactivity in children. Some kids are more sensitive than others. For those that are sensitive, it can be disastrous for them and their families. These dyes are made from petroleum and coal tar and are banned in several other countries. [2]

Glycerol Ester of Rosin: A food additive designed to keep oils suspended or evenly mixed in water. It is produced from pine tree wood rosin using a long list of chemicals.

Caramel Color: Another artificial coloring additive. Unfortunately it contains 4-methylimidazole which has been linked to cancer.

Unfortunately the “zero-calorie” options typically contain the exact same ingredients. However instead of sugar, they use artificial sweeteners. While many people turn to artificial sweeteners to consume fewer calories, studies have actually linked them to weight gain. [3]

Healthy alternatives

There are more “natural” brands on the market today, but they’re mostly made of concentrated fruit juice (another form of liquid sugar). And they still have a few unnecessary additives. Therefore, why buy over-sugared drinks when water is a much healthier, and cheaper, option.

And from an environmental standpoint, we’d use much less plastic if every team player brought a reusable water bottle filled from home. Further, you'll also your reduce exposure to the harmful aspects of plastic by using a glass or stainless steel container.

While one sport drink won’t cause permanent harm, drinking them routinely is another story.

When you or your children truly need a source of electrolytes after an intense or prolonged period of physical activity, try one of these options instead:

  • Make your own electrolyte drink by combining water, lemon, raw honey and sea salt
  • Make an agua fresca
  • Choose coconut water, a well balanced electrolyte beverage (but, be sure to read the label and avoid harmful additives)

 

Containers

One other issue with sports drinks and vitamin waters is that they come in a plastic container. This is a problem due to the BPA (to learn more watch my interview with Lara Adler, The Environmental Toxins Nerd). Bring your own drinks with you and use glass or stainless steel containers as your healthiest option. My personal favorite is Glasstic, a shatterproof plastic cylinder around a glass center cylinder. Easy to take apart and wash in the dishwasher, the company claims these are the last water bottle you'll ever need. I bought three over a year ago and they're still going strong. Get 10% off with this link.

* * * * * * 

Resources:

[1] Sugar Sweetened Beverages: Over time, too much liquid sugar can lead to serious disease
[2] Food additives and hyperactive behavior in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-0ld children 
[3] Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings 

 

Clean Label Starches: Better For You Or Just Another Bait & Switch?

by additives, ingredients, labeling

Are clean label starches a healthy choice? Well, the answer depends on whom you ask. If you ask the food manufacturers, clean label starches are definitely a better choice over more traditional modified food starches. Not because clean label starches are actually better for you, but because they allow processed foods to have a cleaner looking list of ingredients.

What are Food Starches?

Both starch additives are derived from ingredients such as corn, potato, tapioca and wheat. Both are modified from their original native state to withstand extreme food processing conditions, such as ultra high heat and homogenization.

So what’s the difference? It all comes down to HOW the starches are modified.

Modified versus Clean Label Starches

Chemicals (usually acids) are used to make modified food starches. As a result, the FDA requires them to be labeled as “modified” food starches.

On the other hand, clean label starches are produced by physical means, such as purification and heat treatment. Since no chemicals are used, a clean label starch may simply be referred to as “starch.”

Why use Food Starches?

Modified food starches and clean label starches both act as thickening agents, emulsifiers and stabilizers in many processed foods. Both are added to improve “mouth-feel” as well as maintain a desired texture and taste.

clean label starch in yogurtModified food starches are found in a wide variety of foods.  One example is yogurt. Take a look at the list of ingredients of this popular brand of fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt:

INGREDIENTS: Cultured Pasteurized Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic Cane Sugar, Non-GMO Corn Starch, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor, Organic Carob Bean Gum, Organic Vanilla Bean Specks, Gellan Gum

One of the biggest hurdles manufacturers face with fat-free products is texture. This is where starch additives come to the rescue. They produce a thick and creamy yogurt in the absence of fat.

“Corn starch” sounds cleaner and more natural than “modified corn starch.” But from a health standpoint, clean label starches are no better than their chemically treated counterparts. Clean label starches are just another bait and switch in my opinion.

Potential Health Concerns

Both starches are nutritionally void. And it’s not always clear what ingredient the starch was originally derived from. In most cases it’s genetically modified corn, but not always.

There are also concerns regarding cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. So be extra careful if you have any food allergies and/or sensitivities.

Some argue modified starches are difficult to digest and there is some scientific evidence to support this. Scientists in this study found certain modifications decreased the rate of digestion in vitro. However, they put a positive spin on it. They suggest modified starches may act as a good source of resistant starch.

The truth is resistant starches aren’t all bad. Our bodies can’t digest them, but they do feed the good bacteria in our digestive tract. And a healthy gut flora is essential to optimal health. However, moderation is still necessary, especially for those with digestive conditions. And most importantly, there are much healthier sources of resistant starch available, such as whole grains, legumes, seeds and cooked then cooled potatoes.

Other Potential Hidden Ingredients

Lastly, there’s buzz about modified starches containing up to 10% maltodextrin, a complex sugar and a common hiding place for monosodium glutamate (MSG). But without access to industry formulations, we’ll never really know!

Healthy Alternatives

When it comes to Greek yogurt, there are several truly clean options available. But, only if you buy it “plain” and spice it up at home.  Or you can make your own Greek style yogurt by straining 32 ounces of plain, organic, whole milk yogurt in a lined colander overnight.

For a treat, top your yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. If a little sweetness is needed, add a drizzle of raw honey or pure maple syrup. A little bit goes a long way!

In Conclusion…

As always, you need to read the ingredient lists to know what’s in your food. But even then manufacturers keep coming up with new ways to trick consumers. When it comes to food starches, both the chemically modified and clean label versions are nothing more than highly processed additives manufacturers use to make foods highly palatable.

To stay in the know about other clean label ingredients food manufacturers are using, sign-up for Mira’s newsletter today! As a thank you, you’ll receive a free copy of Mira’s eBook “Eating Out, Eating Healthy”. It’s packed with tips for making healthy choices when eating out.

Homemade Gifts For The Holidays

by Gifts, holidays

The holidays are just around the corner! Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa whatever you celebrate, the winter season of gift giving is here. People love to get, and gift, food gifts. One of the challenges with food gifts, however, is that many of the pre-made options come with ingredients that are not all that great for our health. 

Making homemade foodie treats is one great way around that issue.  When you make food you're the one in control of the ingredients. And there's really something special about a homemade gift that makes both the giver and the recipient happy. As a matter of fact it turns out that baking for other people is good for our mental health. 

If you're looking for last-minute gift ideas here are some great suggestions for tasty treats.  Packed up in a jar with a pretty ribbon, in a special tin, or simply in a basket covered with some decorative fabric these are gifts that allow you to share the love with a healthy and delicious treat.

Gift ideas

Granola in a Jar

Granola or Muesli are great choices.  Because you can flavor it any way you like you can make a wide variety based on just this simple recipe.  Put in a jar with a pretty ribbon or a decorative piece of fabric on top it can make a simple, healthy holiday treat.
There's still enough time to make a batch of vanilla.  While it won't be ready right away it will still be delicious and they'll think of you every time they use it all year long.
You can also make vanilla sugar by placing opened vanilla beans into evaporated cane juice crystals and letting it infuse for some time before removing the vanilla bean and packaging up the sugar.  And in a similar vein, but with a twist, why not make flavored salt.  I got the idea for this after seeing all the different bottles at the grocery store.  They're rather pricey and yet so simple to make at home.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 C. flaked grains – oats, quinoa, your preference
  • 1 C. raw, unsalted nuts, chopped – my favorites are pecans or almonds
  • 1/4 C. flax seed, ground
  • 1/4 C. sesame seeds
  • 1/4 C. raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 C. raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds

Instructions
 

  • Mix ingredients together well

Notes

Store in an airtight container

 

Tasty Seasoned Salt

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Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup coarse grind sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon dried onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • generous pinch dried thyme
  • fresh ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a mortar or a coffee grinder and pulse until blended. Delicious for soups, salads, and on the table as seasoned salt.
    note: I have a coffee grinder clearly marked Not For Coffee and use it for grinding all my herbs and seeds

Coffee Seasoned Salt

note: for this one I use the coffee grinder that actually IS for coffee
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Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup coarse grind sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • generous pinch vanilla powder

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a mortar or coffee grinder and pulse until blended.

Notes

Delicious on desserts, especially if they are chocolate (just a pinch though)
I don't drink coffee but for those who do this apparently is a delicious addition to your cup

 

Crockpot Nut Mix

When looking for tasty snack ideas you don't have to go any further than these Crockpot Nut Mixes.You can make any flavor combination you, or the person you're giving them to, likes.
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 c. raw soaked nuts
  • 1/2 C. melted coconut oil
  • seasonings

Instructions
 

  • Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, with the lid off
  • When done turn off the crockpot and let the mixture cool completely in the crock before jarring up
  • How you season them is up to you.  I have a couple of mixes that I like but feel free to go ahead and make up your own.
    1 T. Penzey's taco seasoning + 1/2 t. hot sauce or 1 t. red pepper flakes
    1 T. tamari sauce + 1/2 t. garlic powder + 1/4 t. sea salt
    1 T. curry powder + 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
    1 T. sucanat + 2 t. ground cinnamon + 1/4 t. nutmeg
    2 t. vanilla + 2 t. sucanat + 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

 

Flourless Brownies

These Flourless Brownies are sure to be a hit.  You can either make them and gift them right away, or put together a gift box with all the ingredients and the instructions so your giftee can make them later after the holiday sugar overload has come and gone.
If you're really in a hurry, is to purchase mulling spices at the grocery store.  If you get them in the bulk food section they're very reasonably priced.  Placed into tea pockets, or into cut squares of cheesecloth tied up with kitchen twine, and delivered with a container of cider the recipient can easily make mulled cider whenever they wish.
I'm not the only one who has some fabulously delicious food gifts that are just right for the holidays. Here are some of my favorite recipes created by friends that are also wonderful tried and true options for gift giving.  
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ C. black beans
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 heaping T. ground flax seed
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • ½ t. baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3/4 cup evaporated cane juice crystals
  • 2 t. instant espresso powder
  • 1 C. dark Belgian chocolate w/almonds, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish
  • Add remaining ingredients (except chocolate); blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish
  • Top with chopped chocolate
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes
    Enjoy!

Other recipes

I'm not the only one who has some fabulously delicious food gifts that are just right for the holidays. Here are some of my favorite recipes created by friends that are also wonderful tried and true options for gift giving.  

  • Peanut Blossom Bites from Theresa Houghton – So delicous, they're fabulous any time of the year, not just for the holidays
  • Pumpkin Mousse from Karen Brennan – A wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of the season 
  • Creamy Turmeric Latte from Kirstin Nussgruber – This one is great to assemble as a gift in a basket, be sure to include the instructions so they can make it themselves
  • Holiday Nut Mix from Margaret Floyd – Highly addictive.  You've been warned. 
  • Avocado Chocolate Mousse from Kerry McClure – Because who doesn't love chocolate mousse?
  • Grain Free Thumbprint Cookies by Julie Matthews – Everyone loves this holiday favorite and this is a wonderful way to enjoy them
  • Quick and Easy Almond Butter Coconut Balls by Dr. Keesha Ewers – These things are seriously addictive

Whatever you celebrate, whatever your reason for the season, I hope that it is filled with warmth, laughter, love, and joy. Happy Holidays!

 

goals not resolutions

Goals Not Resolutions

by habits, Uncategorized, ,

What's in a resolution

With the New Year fast approaching many people sit down to make up a list of resolutions. This year I will.....

  • Lose 20 pounds
  • Exercise every day
  • Eat right
  • Give up junk food
  • Insert your favorite resolution here

The problem with the concept of a resolution is that we go about it the wrong way. We write down the results we are looking for not how we plan to get there. We craft ultimatum statements and that ultimately sets us up for failure.

In order to be successful with your anticipated changes for the new year consider setting goals instead of creating resolutions. Goals are a desired outcome. They are not as finite as resolutions. If you do not live up to your resolution frequently you are left feeling discouraged and possibly have a loss of self-appreciation or self-confidence. You're also more likely to abandon it altogether (and perhaps any other resolutions that you formed at the same time).  With goals, however, the end result is planned for but not mandated. Along the way there may be reasons that you did not achieve your goal which you can examine and reconsider.  Or the goal may need to be modified along the way; because it's a goal there's room for that.

Creating goals

When creating goals there are a few things to consider. Because it's one of the most commonly chosen resolutions, we'll use an example of losing weight as a goal. Most people simply say that they will lose weight. They do not put qualifiers on the statement and do not think about how they will achieve their goal. Being prepared to think all the way through the goal helps to increase awareness and mindfulness and can increase your motivation and ultimate success.

  • What is your anticipated goal – to lose weight
  • Why do you want to achieve this goal – to look and feel better, so clothes fit better, to improve health
  • How much weight do you want to lose - is this goal realistic
  • How long do you think it will take you to achieve your goal – set realistic expectations for appropriate weight loss (you cannot lose 10 pounds in two weeks)
  • What are the steps required to achieve this goal – how will you have to change your nutritional plan and modify your eating patterns to achieve your goal
  • When do you plan to start the first step – choose a time that is workable, don't start the day after a huge holiday party when you are not focused
  • What do you need to do to start that first step – do you need a support person, a program, a goal buddy, or a written plan

Be realistic

Don't overwhelm yourself by setting too many goals at once. If you decide that in the next two weeks you are going to lose 20 pounds, start a new high-intensity exercise program, and give up your daily fast food run you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed.

When we try to do too much without planning and awareness we can be setting ourselves up for failure. On the other hand, reasonable expectations and a well-thought out plan can be the cornerstone to your success.  

And don't discount the need for a deeper level of support.  A friend or family member who can serve as an accountability buddy, or working with a coach who can nurture you and design a program that works for you.

Above all remember to be kind to yourself. A goal is a hoped for achievement. If you do not master your goal it is not because you have failed. It simply means that you were not able to get to where you thought you might. This gives you an opportunity to re-evaluate your goal and see if it needs to be adjusted or modified.

Most importantly, when working toward a goal remember to stop occasionally, look back at how far you've come. Perhaps you've lost less weight than you had hoped for but you've made significantly healthier food choices. Maybe you haven't been able to get to the gym every day like you had hoped, but when you do go you are feeling stronger and have more endurance. These are accomplishments to be proud of. Pat yourself on the back, review your plan and keep working towards your goal.

Cream Of Whatever Soup

by ingredients

It's winCream of mushroom soup - Campbellstertime and meal planning seems to turn to soups, stews, and casseroles.  For a lot of people that includes taking a shortcut by using some kind of creamy soup as one of the ingredients in their recipe.  Unfortunately while this seems to save time it's actually not a great idea.

What's in that soup can?

When it comes to canned products there are number of ingredients that are used in order to make the product more shelf stable. Or they're added because they're cheaper, easier to source, and more convenient for the producer.

For a lot of people using cream of potato/mushroom/onion/whatever in a recipe is something that they have a difficult time giving up.  Just adding milk to the recipe doesn't really seem to work out too well as it's too much liquid.  So they make a lot of changes but hold on to their creamy condensed soup-in-a-can.

I'm not only talking about Campbell's here.  All of the canned soup companies use these types of ingredients in them.  This just happens to be the one that I'm talking about for the purposes of this article.  Remember, if you're going to buy canned soups you must read the label and avoid negative ingredients.

Luckily you don't need to rely on the can.  But let's start by looking at what's in that can and then I'll share my favorite cream of whatever soup mix recipe.

Ingredient breakdown

Cream of mushroom soup ingredients - Campbells

  • Funny enough even though it's condensed soup the first ingredient is still water.  That means you're paying a lot for all of these ingredients but mostly water
  • The vegetable oils include corn, canola, and soy, three of the most genetically modified foods on the face of the planet.  GMO foods are not a great choice for health, you can read a brief blurb about it here
  • Modified food starch is often made with corn (making is a GMO) and can be more difficult for your digestive tract to process
  • Monosodium glutamate can cause a wide range of health issues.  In this particular can it's there as monosodium glutamate, but may also be present as part of the “yeast extract”
  • Soy protein concentrate is obviously made from soy and is therefore a probable GMO ingredient. Extracted from defatted soy flour there may be a concern about pesticide accumulation during the concentration process as GMO crops tend to be heavily sprayed with glyphosate
  • Dehydrated cream is most likely to be from cows treated with rBGH, an artificial hormone linked to increased risk for diabetes, cancer, and several other heath issues.  It's also been shown that cows treated with rBGH have a higher risk for mastitis and infertility
  • Flavoring is a very generic term and we don't really know what it includes

Homemade alternative

Instead of reaching for the can, consider making your own cream of whatever soup mix.  Because it's a powder it is shelf stable for quite some time and you can make enough to always have on hand for your favorite recipes

Cream of Whatever Soup Mix
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups powdered organic milk
  2. 3/4 cup organic cornstarch
  3. 1/4 cup organic bouillon powder or organic bone broth powder
  4. 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
  5. 1 tsp dried basil
  6. 1 tsp dried thyme
  7. 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. To use simply mix 1/3 cup of dry mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water in a saucepan
  2. Cook and stir until thickened
  3. If desired add 1/2 cup of additional items such as diced mushrooms
  4. Can also add directly to a casserole calling for cream of soup
Notes
  1. Store in an airtight glass jar
  2. Keeps well for 3-4 months
The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/
 
Enjoy using this and be sure to share your favorite recipes that call for cream of whatever soup mix below