In a world faced with uncertainties, we crave our holiday traditions now more than ever. We want to embrace what is familiar.

What is more comforting than a table filled with family, friends, laughter, and foods made using holiday recipes and ideas that have been passed down from generation to generation? You don’t have to abandon these culinary legacies, even if you’re trying to eat healthy.

A few simple ways to make your family holiday recipes a little healthier.

 1. Redesign the “sad beige” sides

Potatoes are nutrient-rich comfort foods, but most people have traditionally used white potatoes because there weren’t many other choices at the grocery store, and this was what they were used to eating. However, a healthier choice when preparing a potato dish would be to consider using sweet or purple sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes.

If you’re going for that traditional potato flavor, keep the peels on the potatoes, as this adds protein and healthy fiber!

If you want to try a recipe with something else, sweet potatoes are delicious, and they are high in fiber and beta-carotene. Kansas State University has been studying the potential health benefits of the purple sweet potato and its anti-cancer properties. Purple sweet potatoes typically contain unusually high amounts of anthocyanin, which is a powerful anti-cancer pigment.

Anthocyanins can be red, blue, or purple depending on the food’s chemical structure. (These anthocyanins of blue, red, and purple color pigment can also be found in many colorful fruits, like blueberries, black raspberries, and red grapes.) Anthocyanins are known to have anti-angiogenic properties. (Angiogenesis means the growth of new blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic means that it stops tumors from growing their blood vessels.)

The antioxidants are the color pigment of the food. These dark purple, blue, and red foods also contain phenols. Phenols are organic compounds that are naturally occurring in certain foods, and that have anti-aging and antioxidant components. Additionally, an American Chemical Society study found that eating purple potatoes may lower blood pressure.

For a healthy stuffing, try making one with organic sprouted rice, wild rice, or sprouted organic bread stuffing (using bread like Ezekiel or Alvarado Bakery) in place of the white, refined bread. Then, bake your stuffing in a separate dish instead of cooking it inside the turkey (where it can absorb a high amount of saturated fat from the meat). Also, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Doing both of these things allows the vegetarian or vegan diners to be able to enjoy that dish as well.

When making cornbread stuffing, purchase non-GMO, organic cornmeal (which is free of the BT toxin, that is found in some genetically modified corn, and usually grown with heavy pesticides). If you are feeling brave, try using blue cornmeal, which is about 30 percent higher in protein and has more zinc and iron than white or yellow corn.

     2. Make moister meat with healthy fats

Christmas dishes typically involve a type of creature food, like turkey or other types of meat. Try using a little orange juice and coconut oil to add moisture, and try baking them instead of frying them. If you are baking, frying, or sautéing anything, use organic, pure coconut oil, or avocado oil in place of lard, vegetable oil, or a trans-fat like Crisco. They handle heat well and have fantastic health benefits.

For other types of animals, fish, or fowl, you can grill, broil, or sauté them in a little organic cold-pressed coconut oil. After you remove them from the heat, you can drizzle some pure, organic, extra virgin olive oil on them, and serve  them with lemon juice or a lemon juice vinaigrette. When dining, choose skinless, low-fat meat pieces and then add just a tiny bit of gravy.

    3. Deliver everyone’s ‘just desserts’

For dessert, try making a pumpkin pie! You can make a whole sprouted grain crust yourself, or you can find a whole grain ready-made crust at the store, and serve coconut milk whipped cream for the topping. It’s delicious and it’s a great way to cut down on dairy.

You can also have a simple pitted date as a sweet treat. It’s just fruit and a much healthier choice. Try using non-dairy milk in your recipes or for your coffee creamer. If you want it to be sweeter, blend the milk (like the unsweetened, vanilla coconut or hemp milk) with a little extra added vanilla or maple extract in a blender and add some pitted dates. I soak the pitted dates in water to make them softer so they will crème up easier, and voilà! You have a healthier version of a sweet, holiday creamer for your coffee or desserts. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly ground nutmeg on top for a beautiful and delicious presentation

    4. Add a little nutrition to favorite snacks

When making or serving snacks, try an easy dip option such as a healthy high-protein hummus or nutritious guacamole.

Cut some cucumber, red bell pepper, or celery to use as the dipping chips! If you want to serve crackers or chips, try using a whole grain, sprouted, organic version or an organic sweet potato chip or cracker. (Late July is a good brand for chips and Mary’s Gone Cracker’s is my favorite cracker these days.)

For snacks that are easy for travel or on the go, try combinations of organic, sprouted nuts, sprouted seeds, peeled oranges or tangerines, apple slices sprinkled with a tiny bit of lemon juice, olives, pitted dates, raisins, dry fruits, kale chips, organic healthy food bars, and coconut chips.

Here are some easy substitutions:

1. Unsweetened yogurt in place of sour cream

2. Hummus or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise for sandwiches

3. Unsweetened vanilla coconut or hemp milk in place of dairy

In closing, we know how important our holiday dinner recipes are and how these traditions can be such a stabilizing part of our lives.

And yet, we also know that some of these foods use ingredients or cooking techniques that may not be as healthy as we might desire. Eating these foods doesn’t always make our body feel its best.

There is a way to promote a healthier lifestyle, while still enjoying these holiday meals. Simply substitute a few ingredients, or make different food choices when making your Christmas dinner recipes. In this way it will be both delicious and healthier for you and your family.

The post How To Turn Classic Holiday Recipes Into Foods That Are Still Traditional But Are Much Healthier appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

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Medical Disclaimer:

Information provided in this podcast, blog, article, video is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
Do not use the information provided in this blog, audio podcast, article, video  for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this video or audio and the use of any products or services related to this video by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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What I do to boost my immunity is to add some fermented foods, Vitamin C, Vitamin D,
zinc, selenium, B Vitamins, and fresh, organic vegetables and fruits to my daily eating plan. I recommend taking Liposomal Vitamin C, due to its high absorbency.

I feel one of the most important things you can do on a daily basis to boost immunity, is to consume some fermented foods.

Fermented foods date back as far as 1000 BC in the Middle East. Cleopatra (69–30 BC) was known to eat pickles made with vinegar, thinking they would make her more beautiful. Asian and Western cultures ferment many of their foods. In Asia, many people consume miso, kimchi, umeboshi, kombucha, and soy sauce. In Western cultures, fermented foods include unpasteurized, raw, organic: cheese, pickles, yogurt, relishes, coconut yogurt or kefir, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, and sauerkraut.

Fermented foods are more easily digestible, and they contain nutrients such as folic acid, riboflavin, biotin, thiamin, and niacin. Fermented foods increase the levels of usable amino acids, which help with the body’s absorption of calcium and muscle-building protein. They also have antioxidant properties.

Fermentation is usually done by mixing a food or beverage in a solution of vinegar and water, or salt and water. The food or beverage is left to sit and rest. Bacteria then begin to multiply, and the food or beverage ferments, creating beneficial bacteria we then ingest.

These beneficial bacteria contribute to positive flora growth in the intestinal tract, which supports our immune system and helps keep non-beneficial bacteria in control.

If no beneficial bacteria are present in our intestinal tract, then non-beneficial bacteria can take over, which may lead to health problems. (See my chapter on “Candida albicans” in my “How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian” book, 2nd edition.) Anyone who has taken antibiotics, which can wipe out good bacteria, should replenish the good bacteria in their system. Consuming fermented foods rich with beneficial bacteria is a way to do this, and it can make a huge difference in rebuilding a strong immune system.

I try to have at least one tablespoon of a fermented food or liquid every day, either in a meal or by itself. Oftentimes, I will have more than just that tablespoon, but we need some fermented foods or drinks on a daily basis to help replenish the beneficial bacteria in our body.

This is an excerpt from: “How To Be A Healthy Vegetarian” 2nd edition by Nancy Addison.

Copyright@nancyaddison2012

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this email is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this email for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this email and the use of any products or services related to this email by you DOES NOT create a health counselor-client relationship between you and Nancy Addison, certified health counselor. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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By Nancy Addison CHC, AADP

Nancy’s website is http://www.organichealthylife.com

Nancy ‘s award-winning books on Amazon: Author.to/nancyaddison

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Good nutrition is the fundamental key to protecting the cells of our skin on a cellular level. I feel the body is amazing and can do miraculous things,

if given the opportunity. Making the decision to eat healthier can be the way to rejuvenate the skin and your overall health.

I want to age gracefully and have my skin look as youthful as possible, and so I’ve researched this topic. I believe it’s a combination of things that helps us look and feel our best, including our skin. Getting enough sleep, exercise, reducing stress, staying hydrated, consuming a whole, fresh, anti-oxidant rich diet, and using non-toxic body care lotions and soaps, all play a part in our skin health and appearance.

Here are 8 of my top choices for best foods for skin

1. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids can help with more youthful looking skin, because they contain crucial nutrients needed to help repair damaged skin cells and their anti-inflammatory properties may lead to smoother, younger-looking skin and a reduction of inflammatory skin conditions like acne or psoriasis. Some of the top sources for omega-3’s is: cold-pressed, organic hemp or flax seed oil, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain fish like sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, and black cod.

2. Foods rich in Vitamin A, C and E  will provide the antioxidants that can help protect the cells from free     radicals that can damage skin and cause wrinkles. Organic, fresh, and unprocessed food will provide the most nutrition. Always consume fruits in their whole form with the fiber, never drink pure or processed fruit juice. (Fruit juice goes straight into the blood stream too quickly and it’s much better to have the fiber of the whole fruit to slow down the sugar from going into the blood stream to quickly.

a. Vitamin A rich foods are: apricots, Goji berries, Acai berries, butternut squash, carrots, cantaloupe, leafy greens (especially kale, Swiss Chard, romaine, as well as sprouts and wheat grass), mangoes, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, and tomatoes (Not only are tomatoes high in vitamin A, but they are also high in lycopene, which can act as natural sun protection and help prevent sun damage to the skin. In a study, “Volunteers who consumed 5 tablespoons of high-in-lycopene tomato paste daily for 3 months had nearly 25% more protection against sunburn. Even better, skin had more collagen, which prevents sagging. German scientists report that higher skin levels of this antioxidant correlate to fewer fine lines and furrows).”

b. Vitamin C rich foods are: apricots, Goji berries, blueberries, strawberries, bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, grapes, oranges, grapefruits, papayas, strawberries, kiwis, (red, yellow and orange) bell peppers, cantaloupes, tomatoes, broccoli, mangoes, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, leafy greens (including kale), sprouts, and wheat grass.

c. Vitamin E rich foods are: avocado, sprouted nuts (ex. almond, Brazil, pine, hazelnuts), sprouted seeds (like sunflower seeds), olives, raw red sweet pepper, turnip greens, spinach, asparagus, mango, kiwi, wheat germ and wheat grass. (Sprouted seeds and nuts makes them easier to digest and more nutrient dense. I explain more about this in my nutrition/cookbooks).

3. Wheat Grass: Wheat grass has many benefits taken internally or used topically. Wheatgrass is the young grass shoot of the common wheat plant, which is commonly taken as a juice. It can be taken in a capsule or tablet form as well. You may want to ease into taking wheatgrass, because it is such a powerful food.

Wheat grass juice is a great detoxifier and if it’s consumed too much too quickly or with a meal, it may make you feel nauseous or headachy. So, start off slow and add a little more to your diet as you can.

I recommend starting with one ounce a day and slowly adding a bit more to the diet as you get used to it. Take wheatgrass on an empty stomach or in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables. (I take mine first thing in the morning with a dash of Ceylon Cinnamon and pinch of Bolivian Sea Salt.  I think it makes it taste better and also adds some health benefits.)

You can also use the wheat grass in your non-chlorinated bath water or put on your skin topically as a wash in it’s pure form. It’s been shown to help detoxify the cells, oxygenate the blood, and have antiviral effects. In addition to this, wheat grass has been researched and found to help with lowering the risk of various cancers.

Wheat grass juice is an excellent source of concentrated chlorophyll (rich in antioxidants), vitamins A, C, and E, as well as containing about 98 of 102 of the earth elements found in soil (which include phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and potassium), electrolytes, 19 amino acids and powerful enzymes.

Wheatgrass juice is a powerhouse of nutrition.

4. Walnuts – Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, as well as alpha-linolenic acid. The alpha-linolenic acid helps keep the skin moist and supple. Walnuts also have been found to help with sleep. Getting enough sleep is great for healthy skin. Our body rests and heals when it is truly resting at night in a deep sleep. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered that walnuts contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

5. Cacao – Yes, you can eat dark chocolate for your skin’s health! Cacao is one of the highest antioxidant and flavonoid containing foods. It is wonderful at improving circulation. a great source of flavonols — a group of plant metabolites that have excellent antioxidant effects. These flavonols can fight against skin damage. Flavonoids also fight free radicals (molecules that have lost an electron and attack DNA, enzymes and proteins or cell membranes) in the bloodstream.

Women who drank 1/2 cup of dark cacao cocoa every day for 12 weeks in a study had significantly softer, smoother, and better hydrated skin.  The British study, had the volunteers consume an 8-ounce cup of cocoa and found that they had improved blood flow to the brain for 2 hours. Besides better functioning on complex tasks, participants showed more brain activity in MRI scans–an indication of enhanced brain function that may reduce the risk of dementia.

6. Avocado – The avocado is a super powerhouse food! This fruit is packed with nutritional benefits and has a delicious creamy rich flavor. What could be better? Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which is a “good fat.” According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “Unsaturated fats are called good fats because they can improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation, stabilize heart rhythms, and play a number of other beneficial roles.”

The healthy fat, like the fat in avocados, is essential for every cell in our body. It can support our brain, boost our immune system, increase our nutrient absorption and best of all, it can create a glowing complexion.

7. Coconut – Coconut (meat, water and oil) can be used in many ways as food, lotion and beverage.. Talk about a health food, coconut oil is one of my favorites.

Coconut oil contains a high amount of saturated fats but these are very different from saturated fats from creature meats. The saturated fat of coconut oil contains Medium Chain Triglycerides, These medium chained fatty acids are absorbed differently by the body. These fatty acids go straight to the liver from the digestive tract and are then turned into ketone bodies. These ketones have a therapeutic effect on the brain, by allowing the brain to absorb glucose from the blood stream. Coconut oil has been studied for its positive effect on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

Coconut water also has Cytokinins, kinetin and trans-zeatin, which have antithrombotic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-ageing effects on the body. Coconut water is delicious and can a good alternative to drinking regular water.

I cook with coconut oil, add it to my recipes and use it as a body lotion. Topically, coconut oil is great for contributing to having radiant skin.  Coconut oil also is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product. If you have a problem with dry skin, using coconut oil as your body lotion, is a effective remedy. Coconut oil is very stable and will be either hard or more liquid depending on the temperature. If it’s hard, simply rub the coconut oil in hands to warm it up, then just smooth over your body and any dry, rough areas.

8. Liquid Biocell, by Modere. This supplement is made up of food grade ingredients that creates an incredible supplement for skin. I have used this personally for over 5 years and I feel like my skin looks years younger in appearance. I’m 63 now. When I started using it and had taken it over one year,  I had people ask me if I’ve had a face lift, and I hadn’t. Today, people say I look 15 to 20 years younger than my age. I started taking this supplement to help get rid of my back pain from scoliosis and I no longer have my back discomfort. But the “side effect” was it made my skin feel and look incredible. My skin is more hydrated, moist, soft and youthful looking.

Liquid BioCell® is the new generation of collagen, redefining the way we age and how we perform. Every product is formulated with our exclusive Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology to support joint and muscle fitness, connective tissue health, counteract skin photoaging, restore youthful skin, and support healthy hair, nails, gums and eyes.*

“Clinical trials show that Liquid BioCell® counteracts  skin’s natural aging and photoaging from the inside-out.It reduces deep lines and wrinkles, eliminates dryness,increases skin’s collagen content and improves skin’s microcirculation, hydration and skin tone.*

Conclusion

So, now that you have an idea of the best food for the skin and overall health and well-being, let’s get your started on your rejuvenation eating plan to support your health (become radiantly healthy), with a recipe using a combination of these best foods for the skin.

Green Smoothie

This is a delicious and satisfying smoothie that packs a powerhouse of nutrition with the best foods for skin and overall health and well-being.

Use organic, non- GMO ingredients if possible.

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 banana, washed well, chopped into chunks including the skin.

½ cup of fresh, baby spinach or kale

1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder or 1 ounce wheatgrass juice

1 tsp. cold-pressed hemp or flax seed oil

1 peeled and pitted avocado

2 Medjool dates, pitted

1 T. fresh lemon or lime juice

¼  tsp. grated lemon or lime rind.

Dash of Ceylon ground cinnamon

1 cups of coconut water or pure non-chlorinated water

Directions

1. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (Add more water, if it’s too thick.)
2. Drink immediately, or within 20 minutes.

Variation: Add a cup of berries or mango to this smoothie for extra anti-oxidants.

By Nancy Addison.

copyright@nancyaddison2018

For more information, go to Nancy’s website to sign up for her monthly newsletter or see her 6 international award-winning, best-selling, health, nutrition, recipe cookbooks: www.organichealthylifestyle.com

The information from Nancy Addison and Organic Healthy Lifestyle LLC is not offered for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or disorder, nor have any statements herein been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We strongly encourage you to discuss topics of concern with your health care provider.

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article, book, podcast, website, email, etc. is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Nancy Addison CHC, AADP. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

The post Best Foods For Skin And Radiant Health! appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

For the best super foods, I recommend the Health Ranger, who analyzes his products personally.

It’s hard to know what protein powder or food is healthy and what is free of toxins and heavy metals.
The Health Ranger tests his products with his own testing equipment.
Here is a link to the website:
http://www.healthrangerstore.com?utm_source=HR_Affiliate&utm_campaign=14708&utm_affiliate=301058&rfsn=301058.3335590

The post 25: Super foods! Why Are They Super? appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.