“The Power of Maca – Peruvian Superfood”

01 20 12'

Written by Heidi

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The Power of Maca

I recently read the book “The Power of Maca” by Lorrie Ingram (www.lorrieingram.com).  Although I have known about Maca for a while now I was surprised at how little I actually knew about this amazing superfood from Peru.

 What is Maca?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable that grows in high altitudes in Peru. Often compared to a turnip or radish, Maca is a small root vegetable that packs a whole lot of punch.  Containing an impressive nutrient content of amino acids, minerals, sterols, 20 fatty acids as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 B12, C, D and E and much more, Maca just might be THE most powerful superfood on the planet!

Forms of Maca

Traditionally Maca is a food that is part of everyday life in Peru.  It is used in soups and stews, ground and added to baked goods, made into tea as well as brewed in alcoholic beverages. Maca is enjoyed by all the ages and is considered a household staple. Since Maca cannot be grown in Canada due to the unique growing conditions required, we can get Maca in capsule, powder and liquid forms.  Maca is definitely increasing in popularity in Canada as people continue to learn and reap its amazing healing benefits.

 Healing Power of Maca

 Due to Maca’s nutrient dense composition, it boasts many health benefits for both men and women including:

  • Improve libido
  • Increase Energy
  • Enhance sexual stimulation
  • Assist to overcome depression
  • Immune Booster
  • Hormone Balancer – Help with symptoms of PMS and Menopause
  • Decrease stress and anxiety
  • Enhance Fertility
  • Improve Concentration

 Another wonderful thing about Maca is that it is a food so you needn’t be concerned about taking it with other supplements or medications.

Brad King’s Ultimate Maca Energy capsules, powder and liquid can be purchased at your local health food store. This line is superior in the fact that the Maca is ethically farmed, sun dried, free of common allergens and non-GMO.   Visit Brad at http://www.awakenyourbody.com/    

Check out Brad’s Maca interview on OptimyzTV  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QwSS46B5Lg&feature=player_embedded#!

 To quote Lorrie’s book: “As my dear friend always says; If you do not take time to care for your health now, then you better make time to be sick later.” 

So what are you waiting for?  Start today and discover for yourself the amazing powers of Maca – You’re worth it!!

-Heidi

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Health Information, Nutritional tips, SuperFoods, Uncategorized

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An Apple a day……

01 13 12'

Written by Heidi

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Ever wonder if the phrase “An apple a day, keeps the Doctor away” is actually based on truth?  We pack these puppies in our kids’ lunches just like our parents did but do we ever stop and ponder “What’s in an apple?”

After having endless returns of apples in my sons lunch bags I decided that if I wanted to insist that they eat them I better give them some good reasons why. Since Gabe, the younger of the two seems to like food facts I thought the best way to get him to eat them was to give him food for thought.  

 ABC’s on Apples:

  •  Nature’s toothbrush – Apples help prevent tooth decay because the biting and chewing stimulates saliva (If I could say that it replaces the toothbrush then I’d have a real selling point with my boys!!)
  •  Mind over Matter – Apples increase vital neurotransmitters that help to combat the effects of aging on the brain as well as lower the risk of Alzheimers
  •  Protect your Plumbing – Apples are high in fibre which helps prevent constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and can even help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Do boys ever grow out of potty talk? They are 10 and 13, please let me know)
  • Keep the doctor away – Apples contain quercetin which is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster
  •  Protect your Peepers – The antioxidant properties in apples help to prevent cataracts
  •  Long Live the Liver – both the fibre and antioxidants found in apples help to detoxify and support the liver
  •  Put Parkinson’s in Park – The antioxidants in apples protect against free radicals  damage that can cause the breakdown of dopamine
  • The Skinny on Apples – High in Fibre, low in calories, apples are good for any diet!
  •  The Big C – Apple peels contain triterpenoids that have been identified to have powerful anti growth activities in cancer cells in the liver, colon and breast. Since they are also rich in fibre apples also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
  • The Heart of the Matter – Apples protect your heart by aiding in lowering cholesterol levels and keeping your arteries healthy

It is clear that apples indeed have many health benefits so we can attest to the truth in that age old phrase.  But will it be enough to get my kids eating the shiny fruit instead of sending them packing?  I will tackle that, one apple at a time.

 Happy Friday the 13th!!!!

-Heidi

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Health Information, Nutritional tips

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Jump for Joy – Rebound!

01 06 12'

Written by Heidi

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Ok so this is not about the rebound as some people know it in the dating scene.  I am talking about mini trampolines, also known as rebounders.

Since I am always switching up my fitness routine, mostly because I like to keep things interesting, I decided that it had been a while since I used my Rebounder.  So after making the pact to myself that I will do at least 10 minutes a day, I dragged it out of hiding and got jumping.

I forgot how much I liked it.  No impact on the joints, you can watch your favorite show, oh and it reminds me of jumping on beds when I was a kid.  What could be better?  Time flies when you’re having fun!! 

It wasn’t too long before my daughter Bevann wanted into the action.  Kids love to bounce.  The challenge was trying to fit both of us on at the same time and coordinate our bounces so one of us didn’t go flying. We managed and I ended up doing more than 10 minutes which was a bonus.  As I tucked it out of the way, I found myself recalling all the benefits of rebounding…..  Something fun AND good for you…..

  • Great for circulation – oxygen in tissues = no disease
  • Aerobic exercise that creates no stress on joints
  • Helps support the immune system
  • Promotes lymphatic circulation
  • Strengthens the heart and other muscles
  • Improves balance
  • Aids in digestion and elimination
  • Helps increase energy
  • Exercises every part of your body
  • Helps prevent osteoporosis
  • Aids in weight loss
  • It is fun!!

If you are looking for something active to do that is fun I highly recommend it.  You can freestyle it on your own or most trampolines come with a aerobic video you can do if that suits you better.

Be wary though, not all trampolines are made equal.  You want to make sure you get one that is durable and has adequate springs so I suggest doing some research. Mine is a Rebound Air and folds in half for easy storage or transport.

Happy Jumping!!!

 -Heidi

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Spread the Love this Christmas

12 23 11'

Written by Heidi

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Today is Christmas Eve Eve. Even though this week was spent finishing crafts I decided on tackling last minute and braving stores for some late shopping, I was very touched at some of the heartwarming people I came across this busy holiday season. Expecting to get run over by a manic shopper trying to beat me to the checkout or falling a victim of road rage as someone honks their horn and utters threats when I take a few extra seconds to park my car (sound familiar?), this year things were different.

 I ran into one store and standing by the entrance was an elderly man from the Salvation Army that was taking donations as people came in and out.  I smiled as I walked by thinking to myself that I will drop some change on my way out.  As I completed my transaction I dug into my pocket and got my change ready.  As I handed the gentleman the money, he smiled and gave me a big warm hug and thanked me for smiling at him on my way in.  I was so touched by his kindness and wondered, is a smile all it takes to make someone’s day?  Could life be that simple? 

 I went on to pull into the gas station to fuel up and grab a tea before hitting the other stores on my list.  I saw Bob, a guy that works across the street from my office who I occasionally give rides to since he doesn’t drive. He’s a simple man and from what I can tell by our brief conversations, doesn’t seem to have much. Yet despite his situation every time I see him he is friendly and polite and is proud that he remembers my name.  I say hello as I pass him on my way into Tim’s and ask him if I can buy him a coffee.  His face lit up as he told me his order and I headed in and got in line.  What he doesn’t realize is that yes I bought him a coffee and maybe I give him lifts across town every now and then, but he has given me something far more important.  He has made me realize that it doesn’t matter what your situation is, there is always something to smile and be thankful for.  If hope had a face, it would be Bob’s. 

My day of errands continued on this way. It turned out to be a day of reflection on what this time of year means to me and how I want to be all year around.  I started thinking about my kids and how I want to make sure that they understand that Christmas is more about love and togetherness than it is about what they are getting under the tree.  I know, now I sound like Dr. Seuss……

I thought about things that we do as a family and things I’d like to start doing to capture the true feeling of Christmas. Some of these ideas are things we already do; some are borrowed ideas from friends, some just ideas that came to mind.  Many of these things can be adapted and used throughout the year.  Imagine if we all had a little more Christmas spirit all year long?

  •  Buy a coffee for a stranger- I’ve been on both sides of this and it feels great either way
  • Christmas Carol in your neighborhood – belt out your favorite songs even if you feel silly.  Good way to feel like a kid again and lighten up!
  • Give handmade gifts – much more thoughtful and meaningful for both you and the special person you give it to
  • Build a snowman – complete with pipe, button nose and two eyes made out of cole.  Don’t forget the magic hat!!
  • PJ Day – pick a day over the holidays that you will turn off the phone and stay in your jammies and play games, watch movies or catch up on the reading you’ve been meaning to do.
  • Donate gently used toys to Charity – my kids are very fortunate and tend to get spoiled all year long so one thing we do over the holidays is purge the playroom.  The kids get involved going through their stuff and making a box to give away.  It helps them realize how lucky they are and they feel good about doing it
  • Make Snow Angels – get the kids involved and make a snow angel family.  Best when it is lightly snowing so you can also catch snowflakes on your tongue
  • Write a letter to someone special – tell them how much you love and appreciate them
  • Attend Christmas Eve Service – many churches have candlelight services which are really pretty and joyful
  • Support a local family in need – for the past few years our office has sponsored a family in need instead of gift giving. Knowing we make the holidays a little brighter for some kids makes us all very happy 
  • Give the gift of time -visit a local Nursing home/Seniors Centre – many elderly people are lonely this time of year.  Nothing is better than the gift of time.  
  • Smile more and wish people a Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas more often – Happiness is contagious.  Spread as much of it as you can.

 Whatever your situation is this holiday season my wish is that you feel peace and love as it carries you into a new year.

 Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday and all the best in 2012.

 -Heidi

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Sunny-D – Why is Vit D so important?

12 19 11'

Written by Heidi

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We all know that the body creates Vit D with sun exposure but with all the hype about skin cancer and wrinkles, are we getting enough?

In order to maintain adequate D levels you need to have at least 10-15 minutes of sun exposure, twice per week on your face, arms, hands or back. Doesn’t seem like a lot however sunscreen hinders Vit D production.  Also if you are dark skinned, it is said that you need 20-30 times more exposure than those with fairer skin.

So if we’re not getting enough sun, how else do we get the sunshine vitamin?

Surprisingly, vitamin D isn’t readily found in our diet.  Commonly found in fortified foods where it is added , the only food sources include some fish, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks.  This is why most people who are concerned about their levels of D turn to supplementation.

 So what does Vitamin D do anyway……?

  • Aids in the maintenance of healthy bones
  • Regulates the Immune System
  • May protect against diabetes
  • Lowers the risk of MS
  • Increases brain function as we age
  • Aids in maintaining healthy body weight
  • Helps severity of asthma symptoms
  • Protects us against radiation damage
  • Protects against Cancer
  • Maintains Cardiovascular Health
  • Helps with mood/depression

DID YOU KNOW……. Lower D levels are commonly found in Cancer patients

With such a wide scope of health benefits I think it is safe to say that we all need to make sure we have enough Vit D.  Especially in the darker days of winter, Vitamin D supplementation is very important. 

Although opinion may vary by doctor or naturopath the recommended daily dose of Vit D is 600IU – 4,000 IU for adults. I take 4,000 IU’s in the winter and drop it down to 2,000 in the summer.  When in doubt consult your Doctor or naturopath.

 You can purchase Vit D at your local health food store.

- Heidi

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Health Information, Uncategorized, Wellness Solutions

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