Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Easy Way To Sprout Nuts And Seeds

by Mirahealth, nuts, snacks, Uncategorized

Why Sprout Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are one of the healthiest and nutrient-dense foods. They are known to contain high levels of key minerals such as calcium, iron, omega 3 fats, and vitamin E. Studies have shown that consuming nuts may also help fight various conditions such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and depression.

Although rich in many nutrients, they have a mechanism that makes it rather hard for the human body to absorb these items. Enzyme inhibitors and toxic substances such as goitrogens and phytic acid make it hard both to digest and take up the nutrients contained in the nuts and seeds.

Fortunately, there’s a simple and natural way to get rid of these substances. Sprouting, sometimes referred to as soaking softens and readies the nuts or seeds for germination. When they are sprouted it forces them to get shed the phytic acids and other protective substances that ensure their survival but inhibit nutrient absorption. It also gives a little bit of a nutrient bump due to the sprouting activity.

It is, therefore, really important to soak and sprout nuts and seeds before consuming them in order to get the most nutrition possible out of them.

Once soaked, the nuts make the perfect snack or addition to your smoothies. They are also great for making nut-butters which are a great snack when added to sliced apples or pears, on celery, or used in a wide variety of recipes.

How to Sprout

Sprouting the nuts and seeds is quite simple. All you need is a glass jar, some sea salt, water, and the nuts or seeds you want to sprout. If you're using a quart jar you can make 4 cups, a pint jar will yield 2 cups. For ease of use, it's best to get wide-mouth canning jars.

The nuts and seeds need to be raw, unroasted, and unsalted in order for this process to work. I do not recommend mixing the nuts and seeds together, even if they require the same amount of time for soaking. Personally, I find it better to soak each one individually. If you want to turn them into a trail mix or use them combined you can do that after they have been sprouted and dried.

Simply put the nuts in the jar, add two teaspoons of sea salt, fill it up with water and leave to soak for the required period of time.

How long to soak for sprouting

Every nut or seed has a different soaking period. Here’s a chart to help you understand the timing needed to soak each different kind.

Almonds – 8 to 12 hours
Brazil nuts – 8 hours
Cashew nuts – 2 to 3 hours
Hazelnuts (filberts) – 8 to 12 hours
Macadamia nuts – 2 hours
Pecans – 4 to 6 hours
Pistachio nuts – 6 to 8 hours
Pepitas – 8 hours
Sesame – 8 hours
Sunflower seeds (no hull) – 2 hours
Walnuts – 4 to 8 hours

Once you have removed the seeds and nuts from the water, you can dry them; the best way is to use a dehydrator or oven. If you opt to use the oven, set it at 150F and let the seeds and nuts dry for 12 to 24 hours. Make sure that they are completely dry before removing them. For the dehydrator, it depends on how well yours works, if you have a manual you can check it for recommended drying times.

It is important to note that not all seeds can or should be sprouted. In particular, avoid sprouting chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and pine nuts.

Nutrients in nuts

Different nuts have different nutrients making it a good idea to snack on a variety rather than just one or two. I find that a quick and easy trail mix is 3 parts nuts, 2 parts seeds, 1 part dried fruit. Mixing different nuts and seeds gives you a tasty treat and a nutritional boost.

For those who really want to know:

Acorns – highest in manganese
Almonds – highest in manganese and vitamin E
Beechnuts – highest in manganese
Brazil nuts – extremely high in selenium, also a great source of manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium
Cashews – highest in copper, but also a good source of magnesium and tryptophan
Chestnuts – (European) highest in manganese
Hazelnuts – (also called filberts) very high in vitamin E and a good source of B vitamins
Hickory nuts – very high in selenium, also high in magnesium, thiamin, and copper
Macadamia nuts – very high in selenium and thiamin, also high in copper and magnesium
Peanuts – not a nut, they're actually a legume, a good source of manganese and tryptophan
Pecans – very high in manganese, also high in copper and thiamin
Pistachio – very high in B6, a good source of manganese, copper, phosphorus, and thiamin
Walnuts – very high in omega 3 fatty acids and a great source of manganese

Recipes

Soaked/Sprouted Nuts

Raw nuts are best but for optimal nutrient density, you can boost the nutrition by soaking them. This breaks down the phytic acid coating, an enzyme that protects the nuts until they're ready to sprout but inhibits our ability to absorb nutrients. When soaking or sprouting the nuts you remove this phytic acid coating which makes the nutrients more bioavailable. Soaking/sprouting couldn't be simpler:

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Ingredients

4 cups of nuts
2 teaspoons sea salt
water

Instructions

Place nuts in a quart jar, add salt, and fill with water
Let soak overnight
Drain and then dry in dehydrator or oven set at 175ºF 12-24 hours or until completely dry.

3-2-1 Trail Mix

One of my favorite ways to eat nuts is to make my 3-2-1 Trail Mix. This is a great nutrient dense snack (especially if you soak the nuts and seeds ahead of time) and perfect for on-the-go or anytime you need a quick protein boost.

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Ingredients

3 parts raw nuts (soaked/sprouted preferred)
2 parts raw seeds (soaked/sprouted preferred)
1 part dried fruit

Instructions

Be sure to look for dried fruit that does not have added sugar, sulfites, or other preservatives

Crock Pot Roasted Nuts

Crockpot is a brand name that has become a common usage term. They're all slow cookers and in my opinion they're one of the best kitchen devices you can own. I wanted to share another great use for your crockpot, seasoned nuts.

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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

[expand title=”Sources“]

https://www.fastachi.com/nuts_health_benefits
https://www.foodmatters.com/article/the-benefits-of-soaking-nuts-and-seeds
Shahidi, Fereidoon, et al. 8 Almond and Almond Products: Nutraceutical Components. Tree Nuts: Composition, Phytochemicals, and Health Effects (2008): 127.
Vinson, Joe A., and Yuxing Cai. Nuts, especially walnuts, have both antioxidant quantity and efficacy and exhibit significant potential health benefits. Food & function 3.2 (2012): 134-140.
Yadav, Mukesh, et al. “Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: an updated review.” Nutrition research reviews 23.2 (2010): 184-190.

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Be Prepared To Make Condiments

by Miralacto-fermentation, preparedness, preparedness, preserving, Uncategorized

Preparedness is a big topic these days and many people are looking at purchasing packages of food that are good for long term storage. The biggest challenge with pre-made prepared foods is all of the chemicals and additives that are in them. Of course, making a list of foods to have on hand for those times when you need it is important. But when you're putting that list together consider skipping the condiments.

Making condiments

I'm not saying don't have condiments on hand. However, I do believe it's better to know how to make your own condiments. This way you'll have them on hand fresh and tasty, plus you'll avoid all the negative ingredients found in many condiments. And truthfully even those without too many harmful additives don't last that long. By knowing how to make your own condiments and having a few simple, easy to store ingredients on hand you'll always have delicious, nourishing condiments available.

You'll need to remember that when fermented the condiments may have a slight bubble to them or may seem to separate slightly. They may also have a slightly tangy smell. Do not eat them if they are fuzzy, discolored, or smell really bad/moldy. If you've done it right, this should not happen.

Needed ingredients

When making lacto-fermented condiments you start with a basic condiment recipe. Then you add some sort of liquid that helps with the fermentation process. The two best options are whey, the liquid that's left over from making yogurt, or the liquid you have when you make homemade sauerkraut. You often have quite a bit of either of these left over after making the item. You can store it in a jar in the fridge until you need to use it to make recipes like these condiments below.

Lacto-fermented Ketchup

2019-06-17 12:47:55

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Ingredients

6-ounces organic tomato paste (one small can)
½ c. whey (strained from yogurt or made from starter)
1-2 tablespoons whey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (raw & unfiltered)
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons molasses
½ teaspoon of sea salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
generous pinch each allspice, cloves, and nutmeg

Instructions

Blend all ingredients (except 1-2 T. whey) together in a food processor until well combined
Place in a jar and top with 1-2 tablespoons of whey to cover completely
Cover jar and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 days
After fermenting store in the refrigerator

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Quick and Easy BBQ Sauce

2019-06-17 12:49:03

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Ingredients

1 cup ketchup (see above)
2 tablespoons mustard (see below)
½ cup honey
1 ½ tablespoons molasses
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a sauce pan and heat gently until just under a boil
Remove from heat, cool and jar
Store in the refrigerator

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Lacto-fermented Mustard

2019-06-17 12:50:11

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Ingredients

½ cup mustard seeds
½ cup sauerkraut brine (leftover/filtered from live kraut)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (raw & unfiltered)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Blend all ingredients in a food processor
Place in a jar, cover, and let sit at room temperature 1-2 days
Store in the refrigerator

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Lacto-fermented Mayonnaise

2019-06-17 12:54:56

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Ingredients

1 egg
1 cup olive oil, divided
11⁄2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar (can substitute white wine vinegar and a few fresh tarragon leaves)
1 tablespoon whey

Instructions

Place the egg, 1⁄4 cup oil, mustard, and salt into a container
Blend well. (A stick blender is the best tool for this.)
When well blended, drizzle in another 1⁄4 cup olive oil and blend well again.
Add the tarragon vinegar; blend well
Slowly add the remaining olive oil and blend well
Gentle blend in whey until completely incorporated
Place in a jar, cover and let sit at room temperature for 8 hours
Store in refrigerator

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Olive Oil Dressing/Marinade

2019-06-17 13:26:58

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Ingredients

3 cups organic extra virgin olive oil
1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar (raw & unfiltered)
3 tablespoons dry oregano
2 tablespoon dry basil
2 tablespoons dry parsley
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

Blend well in a blender
Store in the refrigerator

Variations

Add ½ cup mayonnaise to make a creamy dressing
Add ¼ cup mustard and substitute 1 clove fresh garlic for the dried
Add ½ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon paprika and substitute red wine vinegar for the apple cider vinegar to make a Catalina dressing

The Ingredient Guru, Mira Dessy https://theingredientguru.com/

Food Facts For Migraine Health

by Mirahealth, ingredients, testing, Uncategorizedmigraine

Migraines are more than just a severe headache. They often tend to be made up of several symptoms including:

pain or throbbing of the head, forehead, neck or stomach
visual aura
dizziness
nausea or vomiting
sensitivity to smell, sound, or light
sensitivity to touch or weight of clothing or blankets
tingling or numbness of hands, feet, or face (sometimes only on one side of the body)

Symptoms may not be the same from episode to episode and the length of an episode can vary from several hours to several days. There are a wide variety of triggers however food and food-based ingredients tend to be a big culprit. Below are four different categories of migraine triggers that may have to do with what you are eating or drinking. We'll discuss each of the categories below, at the end of the article we'll share a strategy for monitoring

Food Triggers

One potential trigger for migraines can be a sensitivity to or inability to properly process certain foods. These often include fermented or aged foods including:

alcohol
cheeses
chocolate
citrus
shellfish
caffeine
MSG
“natural flavorings”
or preservatives such as nitrates, nitrites, and sulfites

About Tyramines

Another potential trigger for migraines can be tyramine, a trace element from the amino acid tyrosine. It functions as a catecholamine releasing agent (the catecholamines are neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine). Foods that are high in tyramines include:

bananas
avocados
beer
cabbage
sour cream
yogurt
most cheeses
soy products – soy sauce, soy bean paste, tofu, or natto
sauerkraut
pineapples
eggplants
figs
red plums
raspberries
peanuts
brazil nuts
coconuts
yeast
cacti
processed meats (lunchmeat, sausages, canned fish, etc).

Reduce Refined Sugars

Sugar can be highly inflammatory; consuming high levels of sugar and simple, or highly refined, carbohydrates can negatively impact blood sugar levels. When this happens the body releases insulin which in turn causes a drop in blood sugar. This cycle, sometimes referred to as a blood sugar roller coaster, can be a potential link to headaches or migraines. Learning to understand where sugar hides in the diet can be key to managing your blood sugar levels and possibly have a positive impact on your migraines.

Healthy Hydration

For many migraine sufferers dehydration can be a trigger. Making sure that you are getting proper hydration is an important part of migraine health. To figure out how much hydration you need calculate body weight. Divide that in half for the number of ounces needed to be properly hydrated. Divide that number by 8 to get the number of cups of fluid.

Take that number, divide it by four and then set a “hydration alarm” approximately every two hours. When the alarm goes off set your liquid in front of you with the goal to drink it before the alarm goes off again. Remember that this does not mean plain water. Too much water is not healthy either. Hydrating foods such as soups, herbal teas, and food with lots of liquid (like watermelon) all count towards a daily hydration goal.

Be Mindful of Micronutrient Status

Nutrient deficiencies are a possible trigger for headaches which may or may not include migraines. And in addition to eating a highly processed diet, or a diet that is low in nutrient density, taking certain medications can deplete nutrients, potentially adding to the issue. Working with a medical or nutrition professional who can order appropriate testing to check your micronutrient status would be helpful.

Food Changes

Because there are so many different foods that are highly linked to migraines, one way to possibly support reducing migraines is to remove them. But while removing whole foods can be helpful, it's important to know that some processed foods can contain hidden ingredients that can be migraine triggers . And because many of these ingredients are used in a wide variety of items, this makes reading the labels, understanding these ingredients, and avoiding them an important part of your migraine wellness plan.

Monitoring your headache/migraine activity while avoiding triggering food groups can help you more clearly identify which ones may causing your issues.

Using a food journal can be a good way to do this. As you build a complete picture of your food-based migraine triggers and change your diet this should help to reduce your episodes. It's important that if you are working with a doctor and/or nutrition professional to help you resolve your migraine issues you let them know about these changes.

Learn More: Join the Migraine Management Masterclass

Join and unlock exclusive access to the Migraine Masterclass as part of your subscription to the The Kitchen Table community! Whether you're personally dealing with migraines or supporting someone who is, this masterclass offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to alleviate chronic headaches. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain expert guidance and take control of your migraine health!

[expand title="Sources"]

Keith Rowe. “Meds That Can Deplete Nutrients: Do You Take Any of These 8 Meds?” BrainMD Blog, 21 Nov. 2022, brainmd.com/blog/medications-that-can-deplete-nutrients/.

NutritionReview.org. “A Practical Guide to Avoiding Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion.” Nutrition Review, 22 May 2019, nutritionreview.org/2016/12/practical-guide-avoiding-drug-induced-nutrient-depletion/.

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Ten Tips For Meditation Newbies

by Miragratitude, habits, health, meditation, Uncategorizedmeditate, yoga

Why meditate?

Meditation, especially mindfulness meditation, is getting a lot of attention these days. As people begin to really understand and accept the idea of a mind-body-wellness connection, this practice is becoming more popular. And studies show that meditation has a wide range of health benefits:

reduces stress
reduces anxiety
increases focus
improves self-awareness
may help with memory
may help reduce addiction and addictive behaviors
improves sleep
has been shown to help reduce pain

Getting started

Many people can be hesitant or nervous about starting a practice. That’s because most people equate meditation with sitting still for hours, possibly in lotus position (if your knees bend that far), hands in a mudra position, all while chanting Om and clearing your mind of all thought. While that can, as does, work for some people, for many other’s that simply isn’t going to cut it.

We tend to forget that we are all bio-individual human beings. Mind and body. So just as one particular diet is not going to work for every single human on the face of the planet, there is no one single meditation practice that works for everyone either. It’s important to find a practice that works for you, that means one that you are comfortable with and are willing to continue to practice.

Meditation is not meant to be overwhelming. It can be simple and enjoyable. It can even be something simple like a gratitude practice one to two times per day. If you want to start or improve your meditation practice without stress, however, there are a number of things you need to know. Getting a good start will help you enjoy the process of learning, support you while you find what works for you, and increases your ability to maintain a balanced meditation practice.

Tips for meditating

Start slow Most people seem to think that they need to jump into an extensive practice, meditation for 30 minutes or an hour at a time. It’s better to begin and develop a practice, even a short one, that you can stick with. Starting with even as little as two to three minutes can be a good start. And you’ll feel so good about it that you’ll want to continue.
Stretch first Especially if you’re new to a meditative practice, sitting or lying still, even just for a few minutes, can get, well, a bit fidgety. If you move your body first, stretching, bending, even just jumping in place if that’s what you need to do, you’ll be much more likely to clear your energy enough to be able to be calm for your practice.
Remember to breathe Sometimes the easiest way to get started is to simply focus on your breath. Breathing helps you maintain awareness and connects you to the present. It also allows you to focus on breathing deep into the belly for full relaxation and oxygenation.
Counting helps If you’re having a hard time focusing on your breath you can add a simple counting practice which has the added benefit of creating just a little more awareness. One popular method is called box breathing. This is where you breathe in for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, breath out for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four. Repeat.
You’ll still have thoughts Clearing your mind of all thought is extremely difficult. Instead of trying to not think, simply let your mind float. When you have thoughts come up, and they will, acknowledge them. Don’t focus on them thought, simply recognize that they are there and then return your focus to your breath..
Get comfortable You are not required to bend yourself into a pretzel shape in order to achieve some sort of meditative nirvana. If you’re doing a still meditation (which is what most people start with), simply sit or lie comfortably. Adjust your body to make sure you don’t feel cramped or crooked. Rest your hands comfortable, at your sides, on your belly, on your lap, whatever works for you. Making yourself comfortable first means you won’t get distracted from your practice by discomfort in your body.
Use a timer Especially in the beginning, the temptation is to keep cracking open your eyeballs to peek and see how much time has passed. Yes, even if you’re just meditation for two minutes. If you’re not used to it, two minutes can be a long time. A timer allows you to let go of that concern because once your time it up it lets you know. You may find yourself surprised at how quickly the time passes when you don’t have to worry about it.
Try meditating multiple times per day By trying different times of the day you’ll find the time that works best for you. You’ll probably also discover that, especially in the beginning, it’s easier to do 3-4 mini sessions while you work your way up to a longer one. s
Be patient Like anything new, in theory, it would seem that it should be really easy to meditate. Especially if you’re only doing it for a few minutes. But we’ve become conditioned to always being busy, especially with technology and our always-on social life. It takes time and effort to break this habit. Be kind to yourself, be patient and know that you will get there.
Keep it up Make it a habit to set aside time every day for meditation. The more you do this the more you’ll come to appreciate the restful break from our overscheduled and busy lives that meditation provides. Don’t push yourself to move too quickly. Simply acknowledge that you are building a new skill, and that takes time.

Bonus tip

Unless you’re using one of the meditation apps listed below, be sure to turn off your cellphone so that you are not interrupted while you’re trying to meditate. Even if you are using an app, set it to do not disturb so that you won’t be in the middle of a session when your phone goes off.

Meditation resources

There are a number of resources out there that can help you as you learn to build your practice. These include meditation apps and books. Don’t forget to invest in a comfy pair of yoga pants, and maybe even a yoga mat or a zafu meditation pillow, if you’re going to do a more traditional style of meditation.

Beyond Meditation: Making Mindfulness Accessible for Everyone

This book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the effect mindfulness has in one’s life journey. It is filled with practical techniques, guided meditations, stories, and other nuggets of wisdom that can help ease your journey through the world.

Read

The beauty of meditation is how many different ways there are to practice it and how easy it can be. By incorporating a meditation practice into your life you'll achieve both physical and mental benefits. Using the tips and resources listed above you’ll become skillful at this wonderful practice, developing a healthful habit that you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

Shopping The Perimeter Of The Grocery Store

by Mirafood fraud, gmo, grocery, habits, health, ingredients, shopping guides, Uncategorized

Is it Safe on the Outside?

There are over 50,000 items for sale in a typical grocery store. The sad truth is that most of them are not food. They are processed conglomerations of ingredients. Because of this, there’s a common myth that if you shop the perimeter of the grocery store you’ll be “safe” from food challenges. More and more people are shopping just the “outside” of the grocery store, convinced that if they avoid what's in the middle they're only getting healthy food. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Most grocery stores are set up in a similar pattern. Walk into the produce section which is usually near the bakery or the deli. Moving around the outside edges, the perimeter, of the grocery store you'll find the fish counter, meat, poultry. The dairy section is at the back of the store. This is because the further into the store you have to walk to buy staple ingredients, such as milk, eggs, and butter, the more time you spend in the store. The longer you are there the more money you are likely to spend. On the inside aisles is where you’ll find all of the packaged, canned, and frozen foods. You often have to walk through them to get from one section to the next, increasing the possibility that you will be tempted by what is in the aisles.

Does It Belong Here?

While the fresh food is usually found on the perimeter of the grocery store it's important to be aware of two big issues that impact that section of the grocery store. The first is something called product placement or product creep. Grocery stores and food producers are well aware that consumers are purchasing more heavily from the outer edges of the store. Their job, however, is to sell as much as they can. One way they try to influence consumers is by moving in items that would not normally be in a particular section (but that go with those foods).

One example of this would be finding packaged shortcake, glaze for strawberries, and cool whip or some form of canned whipped cream in the produce section at the height of strawberry season. The grocery store may attempt to promote this as being “for your convenience” but the truth is it's there to tempt you to purchase it and to increase their sales and profits.

Unfortunately, if you don't take the time to read the labels you may get more than you bargained for. That glaze for strawberries, for example, contains genetically modified ingredients, excessive sugars, artificial colors, and possibly MSG. Rather than just getting fresh fruit, if you purchase these add-on items you're also buying a wide range of chemicals and additives which may be harmful to your health.

This happens all around the grocery store. Salad dressings by the salad, seasoning mixes and marinades by the meat, etc. Product placement is a big factor for grocery stores. As a matter of fact, food manufacturers pay something called a slotting fee to grocery stores to determine where in the store their product will appear. This idea of manipulating the perimeter is a big reason that eggs and dairy are all the way in the back of the store. The grocery chain, and by extension the food manufacturers, are looking to get you to spend as much time in the store as possible and encourage impulse buying. They know that the longer you are there the more you will spend.

What's In What You're Eating?

Another major concern with shopping the perimeter of the grocery store is not just what the food items are, but what's in them. Unfortunately, it's things that we can't really see that pose an even bigger challenge to health.

Produce

When shopping in the produce department the second thing you need to be aware of is the Dirty Dozen. Those twelve fruits and vegetables which are highly contaminated by pesticides. Eating them increases the toxic body burden. This list changes each year as the Environmental Working Group evaluates the current state of pesticides and toxins used to grow produce. The only way to avoid the toxic burden of the Dirty Dozen is to purchase organic for those twelve fruits and vegetables. To make it easy to remember the list (and stay on top of the changes) simply download the Environmental Working Group's free app, EWG Healthy Living (ios and android).

Meat and Poultry

In the meat and poultry section buying organic is your best choice. Conventionally raised animals are given high levels of antibiotics, partially to keep them healthy in spite of the crowded conditions they are raised in. It’s also because these antibiotics act as a growth stimulator. Unfortunately, the antibiotics are passed on through the to end product when we then wind up consuming them. It’s important to note that the overuse of antibiotics in farming has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant bugs. Conventionally raised animals are also allowed to be raised on genetically modified (GM) feed which is often heavily laden with pesticides. These items can have an impact on your body as well as affecting the environment. Note that the term “natural” is not the same as organic. Although there are some rules around the natural label when it comes to meat products, this label still allows for the use of GM/pesticide-laden feed. The only way to avoid added hormones, pesticides, and genetic modification is to choose organic.

Dairy

The dairy section is another area of concern. Not only because of the antibiotics, GM feed, and high levels of pesticides found in conventionally sourced dairy products, but also because of added hormones. rBST sometimes referred to as rBGH, is a growth hormone which causes cows to produce more milk. Studies have shown that dairy with rBGH tends to have more Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). This, in turn, has been linked to cancer, specifically of the breast, prostate and gastrointestinal tract. Although it is possible to do the research and avoid dairy with added hormones if it is conventionally raised all of the other issues still remain. Once again, choosing organic is the best, healthiest option.

Summary

Be on the lookout for product creep — items that are in a category where they don't belong
Be mindful of the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetable, buying organic for those choices
Choose organic meats to avoid added hormones and antibiotics
Avoid added hormones and antibiotics in dairy products by choosing organic
Read labels to help you avoid negative ingredients

When Probiotics Are Not A Good Choice

by Mirahealth, immune system, lacto-fermentation, probiotics, Uncategorized

Health supplements are expected to reach a global market share of $278 billion by 2024. That's a sizable market and it continues to grow. Probiotics are one of the fastest growing items in the category in the U.S. With so much focus on the microbiome and the as more information points to their effectiveness in minimizing digestive issues and promoting gut health, the demand for probiotics is all set to explode.

A recent report reveals that Canada could save up to $100 million CAN per year through probiotic use designed to minimize instances of upper respiratory infections. The supplement market in China, with probiotics at the top of the list, is also set for rapid expansion.

However, while probiotics are a great choice to combat many digestive issues, they are not always the best choice. That's why it is important to know when to take probiotics and when to seek alternative treatments.

What Are Probiotics?

While bad bacteria can make you sick, good bacteria can help break down food and support your immune system. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that work in harmony with your biological systems. Many probiotics specifically help support good digestive health, combating issues like diarrhea, nausea, malabsorption, and dozens of other symptoms of a leaky gut.

You can get probiotics through consuming probiotic-rich foods such as lacto-fermented vegetables and yogurt or through beverages like kombucha and kefir. Or you can get them through supplementation. However just because they can have some health benefits doesn't always mean that they always have health benefits. There can be times when it's best to not take probiotic-rich foods or supplementation and you should actually avoid them.

3 Reasons to Avoid Probiotics

Below is a quick list of those occasions when it might be better to seek alternative treatments for digestive issues. In each of these cases, use of or consumption of probiotics is contraindicated until the condition has been resolved.

1. SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition where you already have too much bacteria in your small intestine. Adding more is not a healthy solution to anything, even when it is otherwise helpful bacteria. For those with SIBO getting a diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. But once you have a diagnosis there's a specific dietary protocol and supplemental support required to support your system.

The symptoms of SIBO are quite diverse and can include

Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal bloating and pain
Joint pain
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Depression
and more

2. Candida Overgrowth

Candida is a type of yeast that can overrun your intestinal tract and cause a variety of symptoms. When your candida levels are under control, this yeast helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. When levels get too high, symptoms can range from simple things like a white coating on the tongue to more serious symptoms like:

Exhaustion
Brain fog
Joint pain
Chronic sinus and allergy problems
Gas and bloating
Weakened immune system
Frequent UTIs

This is just a small sample of the potential problems associated with an out-of-control candida overgrowth. While some low-level imbalances can be treated with over-the-counter medications (such as fluconazole for yeast infections), chronic overgrowth needs to be addressed through dietary changes, nutritional support, and possibly antifungal medications. The use of a self-scoring quiz can be helpful for diagnosis. Many people who switch to a candida protocol after scoring high on the test have good results ranging from clearer skin and better digestive function to clearing of infections and weight loss.

3. Probiotics Don't Fix Everything

The effectiveness of probiotics depends entirely on the cause of your problem. If your gut flora is out of balance or you have too little bacteria to help with digestion, probiotics can be a great way to rebalance everything. If you have been on antibiotics, pairing those with probiotics might help prevent conditions like H. Pylori. Since H. Pylori can cause systemic and prolonged digestive upset, a bit of prevention is well worth the investment in probiotics. If you don't suffer from any of these conditions or your digestive upset has nothing to do with your gut biome, probiotics won't help.

While probiotics can be a great way to improve your digestive health, it is important to know when to take them. Unless directed by a doctor, you likely won't want to take probiotics on a daily basis.

Added Probiotics

Unfortunately with all the news about the benefits of probiotics many food producers are starting to add them to a wide variety of items at the grocery store. Cereals, chocolate, cold brew coffee, salad dressings, and more are all being promoted as a healthy choice due. However, overconsumption of probiotics can lead to an imbalance of the gut and is not a healthy choice.

If you suspect you have gut health issues it's best to work with a health professional and be evaluated to see if you need to add or avoid probiotics in your diet.

Six Reasons To Love Adult Coloring Books

by Mirahabits, health, ingredients, meditation, personal care, stress, Uncategorizedcoloring book, mandala

When you first think of coloring, you might picture children with bunches of crayons excitedly coloring in books with their favorite cartoon characters. But there’s a growing trend of adults that enjoy coloring. This has brought about the release of more complex coloring sheets and books designed exclusively for adults.

Many adults have discovered that not only is coloring fun, it also has health benefits, too. As a form of self-care (and self-care is one of my "ingredients for a healthy life") coloring books are right up there for a simple, easy way to take a break. If you’ve been thinking about adding coloring books to your self-care strategy, here are some of the ways this hobby can help support better health:

Stress reliever
Elevates mood
The Un-tech Effect
Improves focus
Anyone can color
Highly portable

1. Stress Reliever

According to a study published in the Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, coloring in mandala or geometric patterns appears to lower stress and anxiety levels.

When your body is stressed it produces cortisol. In small doses this hormone can be beneficial, helping you get through a nerve-wracking speech or boosting your energy when you're in the middle of a crisis such as a car accident. Too much cortisol over an extended period of time can lead to health problems. Problems like type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

While coloring doesn’t prevent you from producing cortisol, it’s believed to help lower your cortisol levels. This may be because coloring allows you to get into the creative zone and focus on something enjoyable, rather than worrying about your problems. This, in turn, can help you to relax and release the tension in your body.

One of the conclusions of the Art Therapy study was that “It seems that the complexity and structure of the plaid and mandala designs drew the participants into a meditative-like state that helped reduce their anxiety.”

2. Elevates Mood

Besides easing stress, coloring can also improve your mood. This could be due in part to the fact that no one is judging your art. In many ways, coloring is a freeing experience for adults. It may also be because coloring can lead to something called flow.

Developed by positive psychology cofounder, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is the concept of a highly focused mental state. When in a state of flow you are removing outside distractions. Using coloring as something to create that flow, you let go of stress (as mentioned above) and are focusing the simple act of coloring. This can provide space which allows you to unwind. Your flow state can then boost creativity, productivity, and positivity.

3. The Un-Tech Effect

Let's face it, our lives are immersed in technology. Your phone, your watch, your computer, tablet, and television are all highly technical and always pulling for your attention. Even our homes are becoming smarter and more high tech. Doorbells, lights, heating systems, refrigerator, and more are requiring us to tap into technology. All of that technology interface can be overwhelming, overstimulating, and somewhat stressful. It feels like you are always surrounded. That's because you are.

Yet with just your imagination, some paper, and a few coloring tools you can set aside some me-time and take a break from all that technology. Your brain will actually function better after a break and you'll feel calmer too.

4. Improves Focus

Another advantage of coloring is that it improves your focus. Many people find that coloring while listening to webinars or lectures makes it easier to absorb the information. Some of this may be due to an innate tendency to be a kinesthetic, or hands-on learner. But even those who aren't typically kinesthetic learners may benefit. Many people find that keeping their hands busy, means their mind is less likely to wander.

Because coloring gives you better focus and more clarity, it can also be a good activity to do before you sit down to set goals or develop new strategies. Many highly creative people, such as Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison, found answers to problems they were working on when they took a break and didn't focus on the problem. The creativity required for coloring may help you think of new ways to tackle your goals and get the results you're looking for.

5. Anyone Can Color

Many people suppress their artistic impulses telling themselves that they simply aren't creative. The truth is we are all creative. We all have that spark within us. The beauty of adult coloring books is that when you're coloring it's a no pressure situation. You're not expecting to have your coloring pages hung in a famous museum. You're simply coloring. And you don't even have to color inside the lines if you don't want to. You can make green clouds, pink skies, or anything your imagination can conjure up. It's a totally personal choice of what you color, what colors you choose, and how you put everything together.

6. Highly Portable

Coloring is one of those activities that can be done anywhere. There are even small books or tiny coloring kits that can be tucked into a purse or a backpack to have at the ready. Perfect for long waits at the department of motor vehicles or alone at a coffee shop. Wherever you are and whatever time you have available, coloring can fill in the gaps and give you a healthy break.

If you love to color and are looking for new sources of coloring material be sure to check out my ebook, Mira's Marvelous Mandalas with 55 ready to print beautiful mandala designs to bring you hours of creative fun and mindfulness.

Get the ebook

Favorite Instant Pot Tools

by Miracrockpot, family, Gifts, habits, health, questions, shopping guides, Uncategorized

I was a little late jumping onto the Instant Pot train, but now I really can't remember what I did without it! It is my absolute favorite tool in the kitchen. Pressure cooking made easy-as-pie (hmmm... I haven't tried making a pie in my pot yet...) The ease alone would be enough but Instant Pot takes it even further - a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, warmer and sauté pot, and that's just the 6-in-1 model. The 9-in-1 model also makes yogurt, cooks eggs, sterilizes AND makes cake. All this multi-tasking, no hogging my kitchen counter space - it's a keeper. So I've given my Instant Pot it's very own drawer, to store all its handy accessories. Here are my favorites.

TEMPERED GLASS LID
A clear glass lid is perfect for when slow cooking, sautéing, keeping food warm, or even serving direct from the pot.
Instant Pot Tempered Glass Lid

STAINLESS STEEL INNER COOKING POT
Having a second inner pot makes it really easy to prepare multiple dishes. I find it especially handy when I’m meal-prepping. I can make a main dish, and then quickly pop in a new inner and make quinoa, rice a veggie and such. It’s almost as handy as having two Instant Pots.
Instant Pot Inner Cooking Pot

SEALING RINGS
The Instant Pot lid sealing ring is made of silicone. It’s really durable and will last you a long time. It can, however, hold onto food odor. I wash mine in my dishwasher after each use. I also periodically “steam-clean” it in the pot - toss a couple cut up lemons and a cup of water into the pot and cook on manual high pressure for fifteen minutes. I do have a second ring to use when I make a neutral or sweet dish and I really want to ensure no savory aromas are transferred.
Instant Pot Sealing Rings

STACKABLE INSERT PANS
Stackable insert pans are great when you have more than one dish you can cook at once – steaming, cooking veggies and rice. Or cooking two dozen hard-boiled eggs at a time. These make reheat leftovers in the Instant Pot so easy and fast, a much better choice than using a microwave.
Stackable Stainless-steel Insert Pans

STEAMER BASKET
A steam basket or rack is essential for Instant Pot cooking. I especially like one with moveable sides so it can adjust and accommodate food of all shapes and sizes. I like the extendable removable handle on this XOX model, it’s handy when lifting hot food from the pot.
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Steamer with Handle

TRIVET-RACK-STAND
I use a taller trivet in addition to the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot, so I can cook in several layers. I’ll often cook things like sweet potatoes on the lower level and place an entrée in a pan above on the higher level. If you do this, take care that the height of the tallest item is not higher than the pot’s maximum fill line.
Trivet Rack Stand

HOT POT GRIPPER CLIP
Sort of like a hot pad’s much stronger studier weight-lifter cousin. Just clip the grip end onto the hot pot, or pan or basket and lift it from the Instant Pot. My friend Coleen, an Instant Pot veteran, gave me these when I first got my pot. She was absolutely right about how much I’d love them!
Hot Pot Gripper Clip

CHEESECAKE PAN
Perfect for cheesecake, tarts, quiches and more cheesecake. This pan was designed with Instant Pot cooking in mind, it has a handle for lowering into and lifting out of the pot. The only problem I have found with this pan is that it is too easy to make cheesecake. It's very tempting to have cheesecake every week. LOL
Stainless Steel Cheesecake Pan

YOGURT MAKER CUPS
My Instant Pot doesn’t have the Yogurt function (sad face) so this yogurt maker cup set is on my wishlist for now. When it’s time to give my pot an Instant Pot sister, it will be the yogurt-making 10-in-1 model.

COOKBOOKS: Now that I have an instant pot and love the versatility of this device I realized I needed a couple of cookbooks to help me find delicious recipes as well as instructions for standards like chili. Here are the ones I have: The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook and Dinner In An Instant

If you loved this list, be sure to check out my Favorite Kitchen Tools list. I've done the research so you don't have to!

Affiliate Disclosure: Recommendations I share on my website may contain affiliate links. If you click through my referral link, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and services I use myself and would share with friends and family. Your purchases from these companies through my links helps me continue to bring you free information on my site.

Word Of The Year: Change

by MiraUncategorized

It's the beginning of a new year. As in years past, this shift in the calendar brings up an exercise that I've been doing for several years now. I choose one word to be my word of the year.

What's in a Word?

In previous years I've chosen the words Inspire, Focus, Mindfulness, and Balance. As I've mentioned before, it's not an easy task to take all of your aspirations and goals for an entire year and condense it down into one word. As I go through the process of choosing my word I find that I go through different words. Testing each one to see how it feels and whether I think it's one that can last me for the entire year.

This is more than just a word. It's my focus for the year. At regular points throughout the year I check-in with myself to see how I'm doing and if what I'm doing is on-track with my intentions for the word I've chosen. The more years I do this the more I realize that there's a bit of a challenge involved. This year I was tempted to choose a word that I had chosen before. It felt comfortable and, if the truth be told, simpler. But when I sat with the word and really thought about it I realized that I didn't want simple. I wanted the word to represent growth and to be the basis of making a difference.

This Year's Word

The word that I've chosen this year is Change. It feel like a pretty powerful one.

According to the dictionary definition:

change

[cheynj]

verb (used with object), changed, changing.

1. to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something)different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the course of history.

2.to transform or convert (usually followed by into)

3.to substitute another or others for; exchange for something else, usually of the same kind

Why Change?

So why did I choose this particular word? Well, when I stopped to think about it I realized that it really resonates with me on a number of different levels. The first being, admittedly, the impact on my life after Hurricane Harvey. This has brought about a rather large amount of change. From my housing situation to my office to choices in my daily life. A lot of things have changed. And this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. And it requires me being open to change on a lot of different levels. Something that most of us don't really like to do. I confess I'm no exception.

When I thought about it a little further I realized that I have a mission for change. My Big Hairy Audacious Goal is to support and educate others to make informed decisions about the food they buy so we can change the paradigm of food production in this country. Slowly but surely it's working. As more people learn about what's really in and on their food, they demand better. In turn, this can and has caused a change in the larger marketplace. We now have a number of major food producers meeting the demands of consumers; removing harmful ingredients and changing their manufacturing processes.

Thirdly, going deeper, I realized I am an agent of change. I am a holistic nutrition professional who helps people find food-based solutions to support chronic health issues. By supporting, mentoring, and encouraging others I give them the tools and information they need to make changes. This, in turn, can have a positive impact (a change) on their nutritional plan and their health. The change comes from within. From my clients and followers making conscious decisions and following through on them. It's powerful and rewarding stuff to see everything that they are doing and I am grateful to be a part of that.

So for better or worse, change is the word of the year. I'm excited to see what lies ahead. I hope you'll join me in chosing a word of your own to create a one word focus for the year.

Favorite Kitchen Tools

by Mirafamily, Gifts, habits, health, questions, shopping guides, Uncategorized

Good kitchen tools can help make cooking easy, delicious and fun. I've put together a list of a few of my favorites, the ones I find myself reaching for over and over again. Some are new discoveries and some are my dependable old friends.

CHEF'S KNIFE
Everyone needs a good chef’s knife. With an 8” blade and perfectly balanced, this is my favorite and I use it all the time. When I was displaced by Hurricane Harvey for a few months the one thing I missed the most was my knife.
Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

FLEX EDGE BEATER
I love my mixer and all of the attachments that come with it. Especially this scraper mixer blade This is an amazing mixer because it makes short work of beating, mixing, and blending. I even use it to mix my meatloaf.
KitchenAid Flex Edge Beater

IMMERSION BLENDER
This is the handiest dandiest tool in my kitchen. Perfect for making mayonnaise, blending soups and sauces, making applesauce, I also use it for making a bulletproof style boosted tea.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Immersion Blender

CUISINART
My mother bought me one years ago and I remember thinking “What the heck am I going to do with it?” Now I don’t know how I’d live without it. I use it to chop everything, including making chopped salads in the summer.
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor

JULIENNE BLADE
Perfect for making julienned vegetables and especially for ‘zoodling’ zucchini, butternut squash. I’ve even used it to julienne apples for a shredded apple dessert.
OXO Good Grips Julienne Peeler

ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD STORAGE
I'm a big supporter of the movement to reduce plastic, especially one-time use plastic. I do my best to use eco-friendly products. In my kitchen, I’ve moved away from plastic wrap to Bee's Wrap for food storage. Made of organic cotton, naturally antibacterial sustainably harvested beeswax, and organic jojoba oil that help keep food fresh. Each cloth is washable, reusable and compostable. Even their product packaging is sustainable, made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable cellulose.
Bee's Wrap 3-Piece Sustainable Reusable Food Storage

VITAMIX
I Iove my Vitamix. It was an investment for sure, but there's good reason that foodies, home chefs and restaurant kitchens around the world are loyal to Vitamix. Mine gets used almost every day. Sure, it’s perfect for making smoothies, but it’s also great for blending NiceCream (“ice cream” made from frozen banana), homemade almond milk, coconut whipped cream, soup, and more.
Vitamix 7500

INSTANT POT
I’ve had my Instant Pot for less than a year now, and I really can't remember what I did without it! It is my absolute favorite tool in the kitchen. Pressure cooking made easy-as-pie (hmmm… pie. I haven't tried making a pie in my pot yet…) The ease alone would be enough but Instant Pot takes it even further – a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, warmer and sauté pot, and that's just the 6-in-1 model. The 7-in-1 also makes yogurt, and the 9-in-1 cooks eggs, sterilizes, makes yogurt AND cake. All this multi-tasking, no hogging my kitchen counter space – it's a keeper. So I've given my Instant Pot it's very own drawer, to store all its handy accessories. I have so many favorites I've made a favorites list for Instant Pot Tools too. You can read that list here.
Instant Pot

LE CREUSET PAN
I adore my Le Creuset pan. It’s cast iron and enameled. From eggs for breakfast to sautéing veggies for dinner, this pan practically lives on my stovetop because we use it so much.
Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 9-Inch

MANDOLIN SLICER
Fabulous for slicing things at any time of year it’s great for salads, frying, canning, and makes quick work of different cuts for a wide variety of foods
Mueller Austria V-Pro 5 Blade Adjustable Mandolin

SHAMELESS PLUG
If you’re giving gifts for the kitchen this holiday season why not share a copy of my book The Pantry Principle: how to read the label and understand what’s really in your food? This is a fabulous resource to help you learn more about your food, so you can make healthy choices. Available in Kindle or paperback, it’s an essential guide for anyone who eats, in other words, it's an essential guide for everyone.