Showing posts with label Better Being. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Better Being. Show all posts

Tricks for a Healthy Halloween


Hallowe'en is full of fun but also the  not-good-choice sugar season. But like anything, there are opportunities to make event his daunting haunting season one full of healthy choices. Here are a is a couple of healthy tricks for the haunting season:

1. Full up the kids with healthy food & protein before TorT'ing.
2. Examine all treats for choking hazards & tampering.
3. Explain to children what sugar load does to them - it's a chance to educate!
4. Eat a teaspoon of Chia to counter sugar load - balances by 40%
5. Have one treat a day - that's why it is called a treat!
6. Have kids rate candy for nutritional value or NOT and group them for best choice to worst (think about additives, MSG, coloring)
7. Eat an equal amount of fruit to candy.
8. Think about donating candy to encourage 'out-of-me' focus.
9. Make treats at home full of healthy fats (coconut oil) and healthy sugars (Coconut Sugar)
10. Walk or run the block tonight - rain or shine it's an opportunity to exercise.

Happy Hallowe'en - have FUN!

Lead a Long, Super-Life with SUPERFOOD!


The best way to promote longevity and lead a long, happy, and healthy life is simple - It starts with a good balance of good-for-you foods and a moderate daily exercise to reach a healthy lifestyle. Raw, unrefined and minimally processed foods are the best kinds of foods to eat as they jam in plenty of heart healthy and longevity increasing goodies. Make a start by cutting out foods that contain unhealthy substances as bad cholesterol, added bad sugars, trans fats and saturated fats. Its really as easy as swapping out that unhealthy, bleached and highly processed flour for a more nutrient dense flour such as oat or coconut flour that’s super high in nutrients and fiber in your yummy baked goods instead… your kids won’t know the difference! Superfoods, are becoming more and more popular, and for great reason too! Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods that are high in fiber, are minimally processed, unrefined and have shown to have many health benefits. Lets have a look at a number of superfoods that can be easily found today and after plenty of research, have been shown to be beneficial to our bodies in many ways, including promoting longevity on both the inside and out:

Brilliant berries:
Berries are famous for their large antioxidant content which is vital in assisting our bodies in fighting off harmful free radicals, and also to protect our cells from any damage, whether it be from the environment around us, or the type of lifestyle we may lead in todays busy world. Goji berries contain a whopping 500x more of the free radical fighting antioxidant Vitamin C alone, compared to that of an orange along with an abundance of other important antioxidants and healthy nutrients needed for a long healthy life. They have been called the longevity fruit and for good reason too! They are very rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin which helps to protect our eyes retinas by absorbing blue light and acts as an important antioxidant that prevents cell damage in the eyes which could in turn lead to development of age related macular degeneration which is the leading cause of vision impairment in people over the age of 65[i]. Free radicals cause gradual cell damage that responsible for visible aging and can also boost development of some genetic and age related diseases such as cancer or dementia. Goji berries also contain a large amount of polysaccharides which causes the body to produce more human growth hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland which can help slow down the aging process. Goji Berries are very beneficial in cardiovascular health and our circulatory system, due to their super cholesterol lowering properties, which helps to keep your heart in tip-top shape and your blood balanced - two very important aspects of a healthy human body.

Radically raw plant foods:
Raw fruits, vegetables and seeds such as hemp and chia are all part of a balanced diet with their large, naturally occurring amount of nutrients and minerals. They contain fabulous anti-cancer phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals), which provide stress damage resistance to the cells in our body and therefore help to prevent development of aging, and certain stress or age related diseases[ii]. Essential fatty acids and high antioxidant levels found in seeds such as hemp and chia, help to boost cardiovascular health by lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, maintaining the health of your skin, hair and nails and therefore protecting them from signs of aging, helping to boost visual acuity, decrease the risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimers disease, along with protecting the brain from aging effects, helping to maintain alertness and mental health. Raw plant foods also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which have been associated in helping to reduce inflammation in related health issues such as arthritis, which can provide some comfort and relief to associated pain to those certain affected areas.

Great grains:
A unique polyphenol called Avenathramides can be found in oats and has the ability to keep the arteries clear and free of any plaque build up. This same compound lowers the pro-inflammatory cytokines that can cause inflammation in the body, that is associated with certain health issues such as Parkinsons disease, Alzhiemers and cancer. Beta-glucan is another substance found in oats, which help to boost our immune system, which is very beneficial in the elderly to keep their resistance strong to certain diseases and illness.[iii] Quinoa is another ancient grain jam-packed with longevity loving goodness. It contains high levels of magnesium, which help to relax your muscles and blood vessels that affects blood pressure and is crucial for cardiovascular health. Manganese and Copper act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of disease causing substances which may be effective in treating conditions artherosclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes and insulin resistance helping to prolong a long, healthy life.

RAWsome Cacao (raw chocolate):
Unlike commercially processed and refined chocolate bars, antioxidants are preserved in raw cacao and score a huge 62,000 on the ORAC scale. By keeping cacao in its raw state, it results in a much higher level antioxidants that are not lost during intense processing methods that can dissolve plaque built up on artery walls, keeping them clear and are therefore less likely to negatively affect your hearts health. Raw cacao, being one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants has twice as much as red wine and three times the amount of green tea! These antioxidants, along with anandamides (neurotransmitters) help to increase cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel dilation, blood pressure and also lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels which are all essential in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death in North America. A feel good stress defense shield called serotonin helps us to have a good nights sleep and also protects us from stress related diseases as we age. In addition to all of these essential disease fighting substances, there are phytochemicals found in cacao that reveal it may be the most chemically complex food on earth when consumed in raw form and in every human diet to promote well-being and longevity[iv].

For more information on how to use these delicious, long-life superfoods, visit www.mumsoriginal.com for some fantastic recipe ideas!

Indian-Spiced Quick Oats - By Superfoodie Christa Collie

Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Vegan!

This recipe is so versatile feel free to use whatever you have in your pantry and to fine tune to your eclectic or traditional tastes. It can make for a great side dish, main or next day lunch! However you use it...enjoy!

Ingredients:1/2 cup Mum's Original Quick Flake Oats (gf)
1 cup boiling water
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp Mum's Original Premium White Chia Seeds
1 tbsp Mum's Original Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts
Pinch Mum's Original Himalayan Rock Salt
Few dashes dulse flakes w/ garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp Mum's Original Goji Berries or currants
1 tbsp Mum's Original Delores Hemp Hearts
splash non-dairy milk 
Directions:1. Mix together all dry ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Stir in boiling water and coconut oil until everything is wet and not clumpy
3. Cover bowl and let stand for 5 minutes
4. Top with goji berries and Delores hemp hearts and non-dairy milk (as much or as little as you like)
5. Feel free to add in some curry seasoning, hot sauce  or garam masala to taste. Enjoy!
About our Superfoodie:
Christa is a plant-based food lover and aspiring nutritionist. Since her diagnosis of Celiac Disease 11 years ago, she has slowly discovered how foods, especially superfoods, have an immense impact on healing the body naturally. A loving wife of over 11 years, she makes Calgary her home, and the mountains her playground. You can find more about Christa’s  journey and passion for health and well-being at her blog here.

Raw Cacao for Ravishing Skin



Were you ever told when you were younger if you ‘eat too much chocolate you’ll get bad skin!? If you didn’t know already, then you’ll be pleased that it’s not in fact chocolate (in raw cacao form that is!) that contributes to poor skin health. Raw chocolate, known as cacao, or ‘food of the gods’ has actually shown to be extremely beneficial for our skin’s health, along with an abundance of other superb health benefits due to its pure, antioxidant rich and nutrient dense composition. By consuming raw cacao on a daily basis, you are actually benefitting your skin in so many ways that you may not have ever known, providing it with a true medicine straight from nature. So stay away from processed and highly sugared chocolate bars and get chomping on that raw cacao!

Raw cacao and its sky rocketing amounts of amazing antioxidants are what make raw cacao contribute to super skin. Collagen, found naturally in our skin, decreases as we age eventually leading to droopy and weathered skin. The aging process can also sped up by environmental pollutants, free radicals, and damage from the natural sun in todays busy world. The good news is that natural flavonoids, an antioxidant, found in Cacao helps to protect collagen in the skin, helping to slow down the aging process. These same flavonoids also improve skins appearance and texture by increasing blood flow to the skin, delivering healthy beneficial nutrients faster while decreasing the skins sensitivity to light, helping to protect our skin from harmful UV rays.

These fantastic flavonoids along with a substantial amount of natural sulphur found in cacao, have also been shown to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and even acne. Increased blood flow to the skin from cacao’s large antioxidant content results in better delivery of nutrients and the removal of nasty toxins from the blood, expelling them for good from the body. For those who may currently suffer with acne or oily skin, don’t fear - cacao can aid and benefit your skin too. Cacao aids your skin to help reduce overly oily production by gently and slowly drying it out. Its antimicrobial properties may help reduce inflammation, so those pores won’t become blocked and those unsightly and unwanted pimples will slowly dry away. Toss or sprinkle raw cacao into homemade baked goods, smoothies, oatmeal or simply eat on its own and start to notice a difference in your skin with cacao’s super-cleansing content!

For delicious recipe ideas on how to use Mum's Original Raw Cacao Nibs, Cacao Powder, Coconut Cacao Nibs or Cacao Beans for better skin from the inside out, visit us at www.mumsoriginal.com.

Berry Chia Pudding

This berry chia pudding is easy to make and full of vitamins, protein and anti-oxidants while bursting with berry flavors. Great as a pudding or fun as a popsicle, this one is sure to please everyone!








  • 3/4 cup water
  • 5 Tablespoons Mum's Original Premium White Wholeseed Chia 
  • 2 cups washed blueberries
  • 1 cup washed raspberries
  • 1/3 cup Mum's Original Delores Hemp Hearts
  • 3 Tablespoons Mum's Original Banana Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (optional)
  • 3 Tablespoon Mum's Original Coconut Sugar or 2 tablepoons raw honey
  • 1 teaspoon Mum's Original Cacao Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla










  1. Add chia and water, stir and soak for 20 minutes.
  2. Once soaked, blend chia mix with all other ingredients in a high speed food processor until mixed well (2-3 min). Blend  longer for greater smoothness. Makes about 2 cups.


TURN THESE INTO FROZEN CHERRY CHIA POPSICLES:








  1. Make berry chia pudding as above.
  2. Take 12 cherries and gently split down middle and remove pit.
  3. In an ice cube tray, place a teaspoon of berry chia pudding at bottom of each ice cube spot. Add in cherry and fill pudding to top of ice cube tray.
  4. Place a small miniature wooden popsicle stick (or piece of wooden skewer) into cherry center.
  5. Place in freezer for 3 hours. Remove, run back under hot water and pop out. Kids will love them!

Sugar Chart - Everything You Need to Know About Sugar!


Everyone loves to "eat sweet" at least once in a while. But what are the best sweet choices for you and your family? Here at Mum's Original, we know how important it is for you to know where your food comes from, and want to provide you with the best food possible that you can benefit from by putting into your body. We’ve made it easy for you with our super sugar chart. Here you can find and compare all different kinds of sugars, from the naturally occurring super-healthy all the way to the artificially processed chemical kind.

By simply changing your sweetener of choice in your morning coffee to a healthier, more nutrient rich option, you could benefit your health in ways you never knew you could. Take a look at our sugar chart, we’ve done the research for you and we’re sure you will be just as surprised as we were. We have also provided you with our ‘Best, Better, Bad’ simple shopping list so you can still enjoy a little sweetness in a healthy, nutrient rich way. Keep it handy – it will help you to easily ensure that you pick the best sugar options for your family’s health, right off that grocery store shelf! After all, you are what you eat!


Choco-Strawberry Chia Jam



Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Vegan (option), WFM ‘Health Starts Here’ approved!

This jam is an excellent summer go-to for amazing flavors of local and ripe fruit. By adding in the live and raw Mum's Original Whole Seed Chia and the super anti-oxidant rich Mum's Original Cacao Powder, the jam goes from a nice-to-have to a must-have for an incredible source of super-sweet health.











Ingredients:



Directions:
  1. Prepare 4 small mason jars with lids washed and cleaned, place in a cook pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then turn to low heat.
  2. Place strawberries and lemon juice in a large pot.  Place on stove top and turn heat to medium/high. Cook for 6-8 minutes, while heating up mash the strawberries with a potato masher.
  3. Add honey stir in and turn to high, keep stirring and bring to a hard boil (meaning that mixture will not subside when you stir it). Keep at a hard boil for one minute and continue stirring. 
  4. Turn heat down to low, add chia, vanilla and cacao powder. Simmer for 15 minutes or until desired consistency.
  5. Take each mason jar and remove from water, carefully add in jam mixture to mason jar. Cover with lid and lightly tighten lid. Repeat until jam all bottled.
  6. Wait 10 minutes and the gently tighten each lid by hand.
  7. Place in fridge – will keep up to 7 days.


Coconut-Lime Spiced Corn


This recipe is by Ann Barnes, Co-Founder Mum's Original and Superfoodie Extra-ordinaire!

With the long weekend about to begin, what better way to say 'hello summer' than a terrific tasting cob of corn. This recipe is simple to make with a new nutritious take on an old favorite. Impress your friends with your culinary art skills with little effort.






Ingredients:
5 cobs of corn (cleaned with husks removed)
2 Liters of water
1 lime
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon Mum's Original Rock Salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons Mum's Original Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts

Directions:
1.Bring water to a  boil then add in the juice of one lime, a pinch of salt and the corn. Let cook for 10 minutes.
2. Turn off heat and cover with a lid. Let corn soak for at least 1/2 an hour.
3. In a small saucepan, add in coconut oil and heat until melted. Remove from heat and add in Rock Salt, chili powder, cilantro and  cumin. Mix well.
4. Remove corn from water and place in serving dish side by side.
5. Drizzle coconut oil mixture evenly over each cob (you can also 'brush" it on). Rotate each cob so it is coated all over.
6. Sprinkle the Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts on top and serve.

Himalayan Rock Salt – A Natural Alternative to Toxic Junk in the Trunk

Guest post by co-founder and Superfoody, Ann Barnes

Stuffed Up

Over time, any bad food that you've ever eaten (like procesed food, high bad-fat foods simple carbohydrates and sugars) often get left behind as our bad-choice calling card. Where does it get left? Well this undigested food and waste material build up and stick to the walls of our intestinal tract and colon. With over 25 - 30 feet of digestive tract, this micro-ecosystem becomes a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which over time can cause serious health problems. Additionally, this toxic enviornment lays the foundation for a 5 star rated hotel stay for parasites which are commonly absorbed by exposure to: animals, soil, contaminated water or improperly cooked meat (pork is especially dangerous)[i].

Common complaints such as constipation and poor bowel movement (3 times a day is the goal) are indicators of an impaction of hard left behind fecal matter in the small intestine, large intestine and colon.

Symptoms of fecal build up include:
  • a sensation that the bowels haven't completely emptied
  • bloating of the abdomen
  • headaches
  • skin rashes
  • "rumbling" noise when digesting food
  • gas
  • indigestion
  • infrequent bowel movements
  • hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
  • loss of appetite
  • pain or pressure in the belly
  • some bleeding as a result of straining
There are a number of ways to remove these toxins: colon hydrotheraphy (colonic irrigations); enemas (which only gets the last 8-12 inches of the digestive tract); herbal supplements (which don't cleanse the digestive track but just empty it and can also have side effects) and laxatives (which can lead to side effects including dehydration and loss of muscle around the colon lining) and most simply a "salt water flush".

Salt Water Flush

A salt water flush (SWF) is one of the easiest and quickest ways to clean your colon, stomach and the intestine. It will help to remove stored up toxins, left behind fecal matter, parasites and bacteria from your entire digestive tract. The SWF works as the salt water's saliency is the same as your body's saliency. So the water does not get absorbed into the body, but rather simply is flushed right through. The salt allows for your insides to be cleansed as well. Salt is a natural way to kill bacteria, which is why we rinse our mouths out with salt water to kill mouth bacteria or do salt gargles when we have a sore throat. So while this is winding its way through your system it has the same effect.

The SWF can help to:
  • cleanse & oxygenate the colon, small and large intestines
  • removes unwanted waste matter
  • removes extra weight and can help jump start to a new diet plan
  • promotes optimal colon health
  • promotes and nourish friendly intestinal flora
  • can hemp remove parasites such as candida (overgrowth of yeast and/or fungus) that have damaging side effects
  • improve digestion
  • improve skin
  • promote better sleep
  • increase the strength of the immune system
Get Started

To do a salt water colon cleanse, make sure that you do it when you have time to be close to the ‘loo’ so schedule at least a half or full day to do it. So make sure you have nothing to do and don’t need to leave the house.

The salt water colon cleanse starts with:
·       one quart (8 cups) of lukewarm pre-boiled purified water
·       add one heaping tablespoon of Mum’s Original Inner Mountain Himalayan Rock Salt (do NOT substitute for ionized table salt)
·       add one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Stir or shake it until the salt fully dissolves. Drink this salt water mixture quickly (within 30 minutes). For optimal results lay down and gently massage your stomach down to your colon area to help break up accumulated fecal matter. Within thirty minutes to two hours after drinking the SWF you will feel pressure on your colon (and may hear gurgling noises) and will feel the need to go FAST! You may have several bowel movements over the next few hours and they may be very watery – which is what you want.

After your cleanse, all bacteria has been removed – the good and the bad - so don’t forget to take some probiotic supplements or eat fermented foods like sauerkraut to ensure that colon-friendly good bacteria can be effectively replaced. Help your system remain clean by getting the right amount of fiber rich foods: like chia, hemp and oatmeal, along with a colon-friendly diet that includes nutrient rich foods like fruits and veggies, beans, gojis and quinoa.

Always consult your doctor before undergoing a colon cleanse.



Ann Barnes, is the co-founder of Mum's Original and considers herself a "Superfoody". As a mother of two young children, Ann left her fast-paced career as an entertainment lawyer to pursue her love of health, nutrition and easy healthy-home cooking. She is the author of the healthy living book: "BETTER BEING",  which provides simple answers and recipes for clean and balanced living. Now leading an organic, gluten free and vegan lifestyle, Ann shares her healthy tips and whole food recipes to help everyone to get a little bit better.

Gojis: the Go-To For Improved Athletic Performance


Guest post by co-founder and Superfoody, Ann Barnes

This little ancient berry packs a lot of punch for such plump little dried fruit. Not only a tasty treat, gojis are also an incredible way to increase overall physical health and improve performance for workouts and training.

Real Recovery
The polysaccharides in goji have also been shown to be a very promising supplement to stimulate recovery for post work outs and training. The results showed that the polysaccharide induced:
·      a remarkable adaptability to exercise load
·      enhanced resistance and accelerated elimination of fatigue
·      enhanced the storage of muscle and liver glycogen
·      increased the activity of lactic acid
·      decreased recovery time after strenuous exercise
·      and accelerated the clearance of blood urea nitrogen after exercise.[i] 

So gojis are a great way to not only improve stamina during exercise but also improve recovery times afterwards.

Eye Spy
Any athletes relies on hand eye coordination, so great eyesight is key. Gojis have long been touted in Asia as a great resource to improve eye health, we now have the scientific facts to back it up! Goji supports eye health and vision, due to the high levels of beneficial carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin also helps with Macular Degeneration (retinol damage).[ii] 

Hearty Heart
Another major source of stamina for improving performance is ensuring that your cardiovascular system remains string and healthy. The compound in goji's called ‘glycoconjugates’ have been shown to be able to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which is a common cause for heart disease[iii].

Immune Boost
As part of any workout, supporting your immune system is vital for overall health. Goji contains 4 important polysaccharides, which are called LBP1, LBP2, LBP3 and LBP4. With much research on these important compounds, they have been shown to improve and stimulate the immune system (and significantly reduce tumor weight with therapeutic efficacy in cancer)[iv]. 

Use it!!!
Simply eat a handful on their own, add to oatmeal, trailmixes and cereal, sprinkle on salads and bake and cook with it easily. For great recipes: http://www.mumsoriginal.com/




  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12826241?dopt=Abstract


Ann Barnes, is the co-founder of Mum's Original and considers herself a "Superfoody". As a mother of two young children, Ann left her fast-paced career as an entertainment lawyer to pursue her love of health, nutrition and easy healthy-home cooking. She is the author of the healthy living book: "BETTER BEING",  which provides simple answers and recipes for clean and balanced living. Now leading an organic, gluten free and vegan lifestyle, Ann shares her healthy tips and whole food recipes to help everyone to get a little bit better.

Woman of the Week: Ann Barnes


Chatting with Ann Barnes is a real eye opener into the world of food, health, and business. With a background in law, she’s always had the tendency to ask questions. Already an ethical and healthy vegetarian since age 18, when her interest in food grew further she started digging, and became shocked with the misinformation spread by the food industry.

After investing in a health food company a few years prior, the opportunity to run the company full-time with her husband Mark arose, and Ann was able to realize her passion for sharing and eating wholesome food.  Their business, Mum’s Original, sells natural and organic products like hemp hearts, chia, goji berries, and cacao.

Ann’s personal research sheds some light on why foods today can be unhealthy and even cause intolerances. Milk, for example, starts out nutritionally dense, but loses these qualities in processing. The same is true with other foods which are mass produced and where corners are cut, or modifications have taken the place of the natural ingredient.

“Even with gluten, the reality is that what our grandparents used to eat was grown with heirloom seeds passed down for generations,” said Ann, “Since then wheat has been modified scientifically to increase levels of gluten for a stickier consistency, which we’re raised to think is a good thing.”

So, we now eat different foods, and ones made cheaply, so you pay for food but aren’t getting the same amount of nutrients. The sticker price is a fake deal. Ann dedicates her life to selling nutritionally-dense foods, and educating people on how to make simple changes that can help people take charge of their health.

The super foods Mum’s sells are not only super healthy, what makes her company even more interesting is where they get them from. 

Outside of big food chains, Mum’s works with independent growers who have significant expertise in what they do.  They work with farms and co-operatives in Canada and abroad, and support them to grow and produce the best food naturally. 

In a region of The Philippines lies one of their partner co-ops in which Ann says the best variety of cacao (where chocolate comes from) was brought to 400 years ago. The standards in this area are higher than in other countries they could source from, and they work with the growers and local authorities to ensure fair wages and good working conditions. They use stone milling and natural fermentation to bring out the nutrients and avoid heavy metal contamination before it arrives on store shelves.

“Respecting how we see growers, it changes the food,” Ann said. “With our support they can make the right investments, and make the products better while sustaining their livelihoods.”
Ann’s focus is on educating other women, because she sees that they are often still the main caregivers for children, partners, and elders. 

“Women prepare information and make choices for their homes. They want real information and not to be lied to so they can make good choices for their families,” she said.

Darcy Higgins is the director of Food Forward and writes a monthly column on the food movement. If you have questions you'd like to see Darcy address, drop him a line.