Mediterranean Diet is More than Olives & Nuts

The “Mediterranean diet” has been popular since the 90’s when Harvard did a health presentation based on the diet of Greece and Southern Italy.  This olive oil, tomato and wine diet is what we now refer to as “The Mediterranean Diet” which many authors have cashed in on with books and kitschy programs.

It popped up again this week after another cohort study came out in the New England Journal of Medicine.  The study done in Spain followed 7000+ people (about half men, half women, aged 55-80) and monitored over the course of around 5 years, how many of those people had a “cardiovascular event”.  Some ate a “Mediterranean diet” supplemented with olive oil.  Some ate a Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts.  The others were just advised to lower their fat intake.

In the end, there were a total of 288 cardio events (heart attack, etc) that occurred out of the 7000+ people that were followed.  

The group eating the Mediterranean diet plus nuts had 83 events.

The group eating the Mediterranean diet plus extra virgin olive oil had 96 events.

The group told to lower their dietary fat had 109 events.

They confirmed what other studies had shown and what experts have thought for a while now.  Eating a Mediterranean diet lowers your risk of cardio trouble.

Interestingly enough, when a reporter from NPR asked some Spaniards about the study, they agreed – their food is excellent.  But, they also said that even more than the types of food they eat, it’s the climate.

They put more emphasis on following the climate; eating foods that grow in season where they are.  They stated that growing or importing food out of season loses nutrient content and that people were originally designed to eat according to their own climates.  They stressed slowing down to enjoy your food, eating locally and getting out in the sunshine and salt water.

For us Seattleites, we may not have the sun and salt water as much as the Spaniards, but we could do a better job of embracing our climate and eating according to it.

Its March here in Seattle.  The weather is cold and the sun is just starting to peek out more often.  The ground is starting to warm a bit, tulips are blooming and rain is becoming less frequent.  Ideally for us, we need to be eating cauliflower, finishing up apple season, enjoying leeks and onions for a couple more months and start looking forward to asparagus, kale, rhubarb and baby spinach that’s about to be ready for April.

PCC has a great interactive Seasonal Produce Calendar so you can check out what else is fresh:  http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/products/produce/inseason/

So eat your tomatoes, dress with your olive oil, pop a few nuts and drink your wine, but don’t forget to stand in the sunshine and remember that foods, like flowers, have a season.

Ashley

Read More

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Happy Friday friends!  My friend Leanne (And Away We Go) sent me a slow cooker recipe for chicken tacos (one of my faves!) that I had to share with you! Don't you just love a slow cooker/crock pot meal?  Nothing better than getting dinner going at the beginning of the day and then not having to worry about it again!  I think this will be on our menu this weekend!  

___________

Now that the days are cooler and our routine is busier, I have pulled out the old slow cooker and started to add a few soups and casseroles to our weekly menu. These slow cooker chicken tacos have been an old stand by in our house for a few years and I was excited to make them again the other night!

The recipe is just what I think every slow cooker recipe should be; toss the ingredients in the pot and turn it on! The mixture of chicken, beans and corn makes for a filling meal, packed with protein. 

I've made this dish for guests and taken it to parties and have always had lots of requests for the recipe...

So here it is!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 large jar of chunky salsa

2 large chicken breasts (bone and skin removed)

2-3 Tbsp taco seasoning 

1 cup frozen corn

Add black beans and salsa to slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture and sprinkle with taco seasoning. 

Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.  

Remove chicken breasts and shred with a fork. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add frozen corn and mix together with black beans and sauce. Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for a half an hour. 

Serve with soft tortillas and top with shredded cheese, sour cream and guacamole.

Thank you for sharing Leanne!  We'll be thinking about you as your new little bundle is about to arrive! 

Read More

21-Day Meditation Experience with Oprah & Deepak Chopra

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of going to Oprah's 'The Life You Want Weekend' event courtesy of P&G brands OLAY, Tide, and Orgullosa.  Being a huge Oprah fan since middle school (I would watch everyday after school at 4:00 p.m.) and having subscribed to her magazine since the first issue, this was a big deal.  I'd always wanted to go to a taping of her show, but never got the opportunity, so getting an email offering tickets to the event was definitely a good mail day.  At the event, our seats were close to the stage, so seeing O up close and personal was pretty thrilling, a bucket-list item  happily checked off.  

On day 2, Deepak Chopra was one of the speakers and, during his presentation, he lead us in a group mediation.  I've always been intrigued with the idea of meditating, and my two closest friends are daily meditators, but I have never put it to consistent practice in my life.  In fact, I've only tried it a handful of times and usually end up thinking about random things like dinner or laundry.  But, I'm ready to challenge myself to a consistent practice of mediation now.  

Oprah and Deepak have teamed up to present a free 21-day Energy of Attraction Meditation Experience that starts tomorrow, Monday, November 3.  You sign up creating an account and then will receive a daily email with a link to the meditations.  I'm one of those people who is on the go pretty much non-stop, so training myself to not just slow down, but to be still will be good for me.  Sure, I often relax on the couch or in bed with a magazine or book, but I almost never just sit still and do nothing.  I feel like right now, in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and before the Christmas holiday, is the perfect time to tune in and listen to my Spirit and see what it wants to tell me. 

After the Oprah event, my 4 year-old son was asking me about it, and I told him the part about meditating.  He said, "I know how to do that.  You sit on the floor criss-cross applesauce, put your hands on your knees, close your eyes, and you don't say anything."  Then he demonstrated for me.  Apparently, he learned this in karate class but I didn't know.  Since then, as part of our bedtime routine, before prayers and story, we meditate together for a few minutes.  I like that we are sharing this and that he's being exposed to meditation as a young child.  

My intention for Honey We're Healthy was always to share content about the whole of healthy living, not just healthy recipes and physical fitness, but also mental and spiritual well-being.  I started to delve into some spiritual writing with my Spirit Sunday posts, but got away from it because I didn't want anyone to feel like I was pushing religious beliefs on them.  Also, truly it's just hard to keep up with two blogs.  Honey We're Healthy is a passion that too often gets pushed to the back burner because I don't have the time or energy to cultivate it into what I truly want it to be.  

As I continue on my Blog Boss course, I realize that I do want to make more of an effort to bring more content to this blog and add that element of mind/body/spiritual posts on occasion too.  So, just like I brought you along on my fitness competition journey, I plan to share my 21-day meditation experience here too.  

To start, I figure I need to find a particular time of day to do this meditation.  Right now, I'm not sure how long these mediations are, but I'm thinking it would be best to wake up a little earlier and do them first thing in the morning: 1) to make sure I actually do them, and 2) to set the tone and intention for the rest of my day.  I'm excited to get started! 

Do you meditate consistently?  When do you do it and for how long?  If not, are you interested in doing this 21-day meditation with me?  Sign up here. I'd love to hear from you in the comments. 

Read More

Cancer Treatment options Get a Enhance From Imaginative Visualization & Rest Procedures

The word strikes concern in the hearts of consumers all over the place. It ranks with war, famine and other conditions as an inescapable, deadly terror. Strain, depression and sleepless nights burden bodies previously ravaged via this deadly condition. And, the particularly strain linked with diagnosis and treatment method can suppress the immune program and produce therapy side effects even worse.
It does not have to be that way.
Thanks to health-related breakthroughs in the area of Innovative visualization and Rest (CVR), cancer individuals now have one more weapon in their cancer-remedy arsenal.
How does it operate? CVR is a thoughts-physique healing technique that operates on quite a few levels, the two psychological and physical. Scientific studies have shown that Imaginative visualization not only eliminates unsafe pressure hormones, still CVR's inherent Rest also causes the release of purely natural neuro-chemical compounds that speed up the healing system. That, in turn, strengthens the immune technique and offers your physique a a lot-required Increase in its battle against cancer. CVR does not substitute health-related treatment method, nevertheless it does aid the physique maximize health-related therapy to the finest probable effect.
Though CVR operates on the physical front to aid your cells battle against the onslaught of cancer, it also aids cancer sufferers let go of worry and strain and regain an frame of mind of optimism. Most folks experience helpless in the face of cancer diagnosis and therapy, yet CVR sessions are made to guide individuals take charge of their recovery.
More effective still, brain entrainment technological innovation enhances CVR's potential to support sufferers cope with cancer. Brain entrainment--or light and sound--machines use glasses and earphones that provide finely-tuned light and sound frequencies to synchronize the left and correct sides of the brain and create complete-spectrum brainwave activity for a deeply calming really feel.
Brain entrainment tools transport the cancer patient's thoughts into the deepest meditative states, magnifying the effect of the binaural beats and permitting cancer patients to unwind--a almost not possible feat for most who undergo cancer treatment method--and let the entire body's pure healing processes assist in recovery.
In spite of the advanced health-related engineering behind them, light and sound glasses never require a health-related degree to use; end users can plug them into any MP3 player. And, 20 minutes of this kind of brain entrainment is equal to 4 hrs of sleep. That is a boon for individuals who endure sleepless nights tossing and turning as they struggle with the effects of cancer and it really is regularly unpleasant Treatment options.
Most of all, Even though put to use in conjunction with CVR audio sessions, brain entrainment engineering lets just about every cancer patient to diminish the adverse feelings that feed cancer and inspire the optimistic feelings that generate an optimum healing atmosphere. With audio sessions that guide consumers rejuvenate the entire body through deep delta sleep, supercharge their immune methods and concentrate on healing, CVR assists cancer individuals tap into their inner courage Despite the fact that they find out to accept the help and really like of individuals all around them.
Yes, a cancer diagnosis may well be the most frightening second you ever face. It is absolutely not a thing you planned. An sudden, unusual circumstance, though, calls for an unusual resolution. New tools enjoy CVR and brain entrainment deliver specifically that. Not only does Innovative visualization show that you do have the energy to heal, it also exhibits you do not have to go through your struggle alone. You never have to just survive cancer diagnosis and remedy; now you can thrive. And That is a answer really worth tapping into.
Andrea Di Salvo is a freelance author with extra than a decade of writing feel. She performs regularly with Dr. Patrick Porter, who is the writer of quite a few books on thoughts technological innovation which includes the award-winning Awaken the Genius and his new release, Thrive in Overdrive. He is the creator the ZenFrames Transportable Achievement Gadget. Master additional at http://www.PorterVision.com.

Read More

Walking/Running Shoes for a Cause

This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and I'm proud to wear my Skechers in support of breast cancer.  (I shared my own family experience with cancer on Honey We're Healthy and you can go here if you want to read it.)  I already love and wear Skechers GoWalk line of shoes because they are the most comfy and lightweight shoe I've found- perfect for busy days running errands.  This new performance division line where proceeds go to the American Cancer Society are not only helping win the fight, but are a truly fantastic shoe.  Anyone who walks, runs, or exercises consistently knows the importance of a great performance shoe to keep you moving.  This one is cute too in pink and grey. ;) 

GOwalk2 Flash  

GOrun3   

  GOrun Sprint

How Sketchers Supports the American Cancer Association

Skechers Performance Division proudly supports American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer with a special collection of products.  In addition to the “Awareness” footwear and apparel line, Skechers Performance Division supporting American Cancer Society in several ways:

• Skechers Performance Division is offering a donation to American Cancer Society, and all of the Skechers Performance Division Awareness apparel and footwear will feature the ACS logo and messaging.

• Skechers is hosting the American Cancer Society San Francisco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales of Skechers shoes on-site that day. 

• Skechers is launching a register round-up program in Skechers Retail stores in which customers can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar to benefit American Cancer Society for the entire month of October.  If consumers donate $5 or more, they will also receive a 20% off discount for their next visit. This will offer anyone shopping for any item in a Skechers retailer store the opportunity to give back and support the cause.

• Skechers Retail stores are offering a gift with purchase for customers who purchase a pair of limited-edition Awareness shoes. The gift with purchase will be either a breast canvas awareness canvas tote back or a pink water bottle.

Please visit Skechers site and check out their cute, quality shoes to help end breast cancer.  If you visit, please write "visited" in the comments so we can acknowledge your support.

                             

*Thank you Skechers for sponsoring this post.

Read More

Option Health-related Tests - The Asyra Diagnostics Approach

It seemed like a far fetched notion at the time, Even so Health-related engineering has advanced to the point that science fiction variety tests are now a fact. We have machines that can see within your entire body with tiny or no invasive ways. In addition to the common Approach of Xray, we have other machines that use sound waves and electromagnetic fields to make a diagnosis. Now, we have the Asyra diagnostic machine that employs your physique's power to accurately diagnose a sort of illnesses and disorders.
Numerous individuals are skeptical of any new Health-related test, particularly 1 like Asyra, maybe since it appears so straightforward. When a patient is tested making use of this Technique they just sit in a chair and hold two metal cylinders that are linked to a computer system with the Asyra software package. For the duration of the test, 1000's of individual frequencies that correspond to physiologic problems or harmful toxins, swiftly move In the course of the physique. If a single of the applied frequencies comes across a molecule that has the similar frequency then the return signal of that frequency will register as a voltage drop. This signifies the presence of the entity that has been searched for as a result of the unique frequency is discovered in the physique of the individual becoming tested. The program is in a position to make the entire body perform inside itself to determine locations of concern so they can be efficiently handled.
Sounds unusual? The test is so basic that it is straightforward to assume that there is no way it can perhaps do the job. On the other hand, the Strategy is accepted through the FDA and in depth testing by means of the University of Utah has shown a 97% accuracy when the final results are matched to blood test benefits. This Approach is in a position to detect cancer ahead of it will show up on a common test. For the reason that of this, early treatment method can commence providing the patient a increased transform of survival. In addition to detecting cancer, this Strategy can detect hefty metal toxicities in the entire body, numerous kinds of allergy symptoms, organ toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, and much more. All of this basically as a result of holding two metal cylinders!
The Asyra diagnostic Approach is the end result of decades of study that constructed on the findings of Dr. Reinhold Voll. Dr. Voll devote Many time utilizing electrodermal testing which measures relative conductance at factors on the physique when a weak existing is passed In the course of it. His exploration showed that when a weak electrical latest was sent For the duration of the patient's entire body, any inflammation inside an organ would indicate elevated conductance in the acupuncture meridian connected with that organ. If the organ was degenerating, the test would show reduced conductance. He also discovered that if he applied a unique homeopathic medicine, the issue would proper. Dr. Voll did his study in the 1950's and mainly because then more experts have developed on his options making use of up to date knowledge and incorporating quantum physics, homeopathy and physiology.
This is Several technical info, Nevertheless it offers the background for this amazing new Health-related testing gadget. The fact is, science fiction Health-related tests have arrived in the form of Asyra. It is a non-invasive, non-tension inducing Health-related test that is accurate and advantageous to each the patient and the healthcare provider. You can find this variety of testing at Quite a few Naturpathic Health-related offices as properly as Lots of other Health-related amenities.
Basically as ultrasound utilizes sound waves, and MRI's use electromagnetic fields, the Asyra Technique utilizes your entire body's power fields to accurately diagnose well being deficiencies and Health-related situations. Welcome to the 21st century of healthcare!
Piper is a freelance author who enjoys fitness and the outdoors. She loves to use her Vitamix juicer to make nutritious, fresh squeezed juice. She enjoys nature, studying and fitness. She employs her juice maker each day to give her family members the most wholesome meals she can!

Read More

Buying a Gel Documentation Program

It is frequently utilised in molecular biology for documenting nucleic acid and protein polyacrylamide or agarose gels that are stained with ethidium bromide or other flurophores like SYBR Green. Gel documentation methods are currently a portion and parcel of any hugely produced and advanced health-related laboratories of at this time.
The gel documentation Method has travelled far ahead of what it was in the 1980s and 1990s with the corresponding building of health-related technological innovation. Earlier, it involved just a Polaroid print camera based mostly on prime of an inverted pyramid. It was positioned above a gel and the picture was taken, which was neither enough to conduct a thorough research of the element taken nor clear sufficient to take pictures of minute DNA and protein gels.
At present's gel docs are a far cry from every little thing that rigmarole. What the gel documentation Program comprises currently is excitation and detection methods that are managed by computer systems, multifunctional enclosures and software program that allow a in depth research and evaluation of the picture taken and recorded. They are either semi or totally automated and can deal with a array of objects from DNA and protein gels to hugely complex autoradiography.
Right now if you organizing to acquire a gel documentation Program you would uncover unique sorts based mostly on its scope and performance. The value assortment also would differ primarily based on that. You could come across methods to obtain photos and documentation of just the DNA and protein gels or the extra advanced ones that would take care of products like chemiluminescent Western blots, fluorescence and autoradiography. The superior of the camera and its lenses, the computer software that comes with the Technique and the degree of automation it presents are also criteria for identifying the value of the Method.
A very advanced gel documentation Program would enable even a newbie to take photos with out any trouble. Most of the actions would be automated, but it would nonetheless allow the consumer pick the brightness and zoom of the image he or she desires to take. At times you would discover that some brand names offer you the Process with the analysing computer software as an extra solution whereas some would involve almost everything, of program at a larger selling price. Analysing computer software would assistance you in learning the image taken in detail, hence supplying alot more amenities inside of the Method.
When you are out to buy the gel documentation Program it is more effective to invest in recommendation and recommendation from somebody, particularly if you are new to biomedical technologies. Order a excellent Method and you could all of a sudden
Cell Biosciences is a personal existence sciences organization focused on defining the long term of protein evaluation. Our corporation develops instrumentation methods, software package and assay objects that guide researchers more effective recognize proteins for basic study, biotherapeutics production, biomarker discovery and personalized medicine.

Read More

BMI Measurement in Schools

BMI's in schools.  Huge issue.  Here are my thoughts.

I see both sides of the coin.  I have a unique stance due to my positions at one point in time being on both sides.

As a 22 year old dietetic intern at Vanderbilt, we have a very extensive final community nutrition project that needs to be executed before graduation.  My project was titled, "Address your Health. A Sample Systems Guide to Implementing Health Report Cards in your State."  Seriously, here is proof.

Back then, I was working in Tennessee, a state at the time that ranked 47th in childhood health.  I was in and out of the schools doing various nutrition presentations.  You can't help but physically see the obesity issue.  My project conclusion was a guide to help schools implement "Health Report Cards" that included height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, body fat percentage and waist circumference with suggestion of adding 24 hour diet recall.  It also included sending a letter out to parents in advance allowing them to opt their child out of the Address Your Health screening.  See below.

After I graduated from Vanderbilt, passed my RD Exam and jumped into the world of medical nutrition therapy, guess what my first job was?  Lead Registered Dietitian at a private intensive outpatient treatment center for eating disorders.  My world changed drastically and became a revolving door of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and addiction.  Patients of all ages cried in my office every single day over how much they hated their bodies, how evil food was, and how they struggled to have a positive personal relationship with themselves.  My view of calories and numbers on a scale swung to the other extreme.  Maybe we should just get rid of all nutrition labels and all scales?

Currently, I treat various different people. I specialize in eating disorders but I also see kids, adults, issues of weight loss, chronic disease management, etc.  I have been in both camps and have felt both sides of the argument.  The bottom line is that health is a major problem with our youth.  The question is, what do we do about it, and who is primarily responsible to do something about it?

Here is my current stance.  It is the parent or guardian's responsibility to ensure that their children are as healthy as possible - in physical health and emotional health.  There are some great parents out there, there are some not-so-great parents out there.  There are also some great parents who struggle with certain aspects of life themselves; for example parents with their own eating issues.  The primary responsibility lies with the parents.

However, educators, administrators, health care providers, coaches and other adults also have a responsibility to demonstrate what a healthy life looks like.  I think it is absolutely ridiculous and hypocritical to be measuring children at school for health data and then offering soda and fried chicken nuggets to them for a meal at lunchtime.  French fries and ketchup are not vegetables.  Schools should be embarrassed if that is the case.  That sends a very confusing message to the child and the parents.

So here is my solution.  If you, your school, your district, your community, truly care and want to get involved in the youth health crisis on a personal or a school level, here is what you need to do.

• As a school, send a letter to the parents.  State the the concern regarding the current youth health crisis and encourage them to visit their doctor or a dietitian to learn their child's trending height, weight, BMI as related to age, and waist circumference.  Let them know in the letter that your school nurse and school psychologist are available for any advice or questions.  And lastly, find a local registered dietitian nutritionist in your area and ask if they wouldn't mind being a resource for your students and parents.  And get the junk food out of your school, period.

• As a school employee, lead by example.  Do not reward children in class with candy or any food.  Do not eat the unhealthy options in the lunch line.  Do not use the soda vending machines.  Let your students see you being healthy and making positive changes.

• As a parent, lead by example.  Stock healthy foods at home.  Do not reward or punish with food.  Do not eat and drink junk food at home.  If you have your own issues with food, let your children see you work towards getting help and changing things for the better.  Do not talk about your body in a negative way.  Do not talk about their bodies in a negative way.  Be open to questions from your kids about anything.  

• As a health care provider, ask the child what they eat in a typical day - yes, ask about nutrition always.  Monitor health data, but never react to it or comment about it in front of the child.  It is typically a comment from a health care provider, said hastily and without support, that will give children the idea that they are overweight, obese, unhealthy, or not good enough.  Please watch your words.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist I would be happy to talk about this topic anytime.  I'll even let you read my "Address Your Health" proposal from grad school.  I will connect you with a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area for a reference.  The road to cleaning up this mess is not easy, but we have to start by taking individual responsibility first, and then we can help others.  The old airplane oxygen mask rule right?

Read More