The food we eat and the physical environment we live in causes us to accumulate toxins, which limits our physical stamina and impairs our immune system. If we are clogged up and holding toxins in our bodies, we can’t absorb nutrients properly and digestion is hindered.

This might lead to constipation, bloating, gas, headaches, bad breath, allergy symptoms, PMS, depression, frequent infections, dull skin, thinning hair, and weight gain. These are all good reasons to detoxify and cleanse ourselves!

There are a few different ways to do this, and one of the best ways is to add more fiber to our diets. The average American diet contains about 10 grams of fiber a day, but in reality, we need to consume about 25 to 35 grams a day. Why is this? Because fiber absorbs toxins and helps move them through and out of our bodies, cleaning us out. Meat does not contain fiber, so a diet that is almost entirely creature foods, contains little if any fiber. The lack of fiber from plant-based foods can cause constipation and intestinal blockages.

Natalia Rose, a New York clinical nutritionist, that I studied with, says that if you wake up in the morning, have a bowel movement, pull in your gut, and it is almost to your spine, then you have an empty and clean intestine. If you cannot do this, then your intestines are full of undigested waste stuck in the tissues like cement. Studies show that most Americans walk around with at least ten pounds of undigested waste in their intestines.

Our intestinal tract is where most of our immune system resides. It is also where we should be absorbing most of our nutrients from our food. In my research, I have found that if the intestinal tract is not healthy, then the person will have health challenges.

If your body is not eliminating waste efficiently after each meal, (and you should be having a bowel movement after each and every meal), there may be some blockage in the intestinal tract.

Anyone who has been a consumer of processed foods, fried foods, or trans fats, or who has been a meat eater (fish, fowl, beef, pork, and such) may have blockages, plaque, or debris lodged in the colon. After years and years of eating meals that are not completely digested or moved out of the body, there are layers and layers of waste that have been built up.

A raw plant-based food diet will help awaken the body, and help move the waste out-of-the-body. Changing your diet to mostly raw plant-based food will help, because the food is more likely to be completely (or close to completely) digested. Your body will start to cleanse itself of toxins because of the antioxidant-rich food and fiber.

When the colon and the rest of the intestinal tract are cleaned up and running free and clear, the whole body will start to work in harmony. Many people will find their joint problems, headaches, back aches, skin problems, and hair problems simply disappear when they finally get their colon and intestines clean and oxygenated.

Fiber, especially cruciferous vegetable fiber (like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts) also provides food for our immune system. These are called prebiotics. This type of fiber helps our body sustain a healthy intestinal flora.

Fifty percent of our immune system is located in and around our digestive system, especially the large intestines. Cleansing these is the first step to obtaining and maintaining good health.

Once your body is cleansed, it can utilize nutrients much more efficiently, thus reducing your cravings for sweets and fatty foods. Furthermore, fiber helps lower blood sugar, which helps manage diabetes, and is linked to the prevention of colon and breast cancer.

The most convenient and consistent way to add more fiber to your daily routine is to eat more whole, raw organic vegetables and fruits in their natural form.

Here is a list of some of the top fiber foods that you can add to your diet:

Apple 1 medium 2.2 grams fiber

Acorn Squash 1 cup cooked 9 grams fiber

Avocado 1 medium 11.84 grams fiber

Black beans 1 cup cooked 14.92 grams fiber

Bran flakes 3/4 cup 5.1 grams fiber

Broccoli 1 cup cooked 10.97 grams fiber

Kale 1 cup cooked 7.20 grams fiber

Kidney beans 1 cup cooked 13.33 grams fiber

Lentils 1 cup cooked 5.6 grams fiber

Navy beans 1 cup cooked 19 grams fiber

Oat Meal 1 cup 4 grams fiber

Orange 1 medium 3.40 grams fiber

Pear 1 medium 5.1 grams fiber

Raspberries 1 cup 8.34 grams fiber

Rice 1 cup cooked 7.98 grams fiber

Spinach 1 cup cooked 4.32 grams fiber

Sweet potato 1 cup cooked 6.94 grams fiber

Whole-wheat spaghetti 1 cup cooked 6.3 grams fiber

This year, add some additional fiber and nutrients to your diet. Make this a lifestyle choice for a healthier new you!

copyright@nancyaddison2023

A great resource and cookbook, is Nancy’s best-selling, award-winning book, “Lose Weight, Get Healthy, And Never Be On A Diet Again!” by Nancy Addison Click Here for Nancy’s books.

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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.

The post A Healthier Eating Plan For The New Year appeared first on Organic Healthy Life - Nancy Addison - Nutrition.

Adele’s website is https://www.adelegood.com/

Nancy’s website is: https://www.organichealthylife.com
Support Nancy’s work – Donate on venmo – @Nancy-Addison

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 and Adele Good. 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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I’m from Texas, and on New Year’s Day, we ALWAYS serve black-eyed peas with our meal, because they are supposed to bring us good fortune!

This tradition began in the southern states after the Civil War. The northern troops, especially those who were serving under General Sherman, would destroy all of the foods, crops, and livestock that they couldn’t carry with them. The crops of “field peas” and corn, which were considered by them to be only good for animal food, were left undestroyed. There were many people in the south who survived the war thanks to the peas and corn that were left, thus giving them a “good luck” reputation. The peas are meant to represent coins.

Mustard greens or collards are usually served with the peas to represent paper money. In the south, corn bread and rice are generally accompaniments to this meal. This tradition has spread throughout the country. The common commercial pea we see today is the California black-eyed pea. It is pale with a prominent black spot. This highly nutritious legume was promoted by George Washington Carver. It was valuable as a crop, because it added nitrogen to the soil. The black-eyed pea is also high in calcium, folate and vitamin A, as well as being a great source of fiber.

The blossoms produce large amounts of nectar, so they are grown in many places where honey is produced. The large amount of pollinators that consume this nectar make the use of pesticides much more strictly regulated. I always suggest buying organically grown foods, when possible. Cooking legumes is really very easy. Many people don’t like to eat legumes, because they think they are hard to digest, and that they produce gas. However, there are a few tricks to cooking that help with the digestibility of the legumes.

Soaking the peas in purified water to sprout them before cooking them helps break down the enzymes and remove the antinutrients (phytic acid) that are present in peas, and also in beans, seeds, legumes, and nuts.

I also add some kombu seaweed and ground-up caraway seeds to my peas as I soak and cook them. The seaweed and caraway seeds help the process to further break down the anti-nutrient enzymes, so the legumes are even more easily digestible. You can add the caraway seeds to the soaking water, and then also keep the seeds when you drain off the water with the peas, and add them to the cooking water.

Since it is the start of a new year, and we definitely want to have the best health possible, here are some of the extra health benefits of adding caraway seeds to your pea, lentil, and bean recipes. Caraway seeds are high in: nutrition, antioxidants, and fiber. They have been found to help with weight loss, digestion, fighting cancer cells, and stabilizing blood sugar.

Always sort, rinse, and drain your black-eyed peas before soaking. The peas will double in volume when soaked and cooked, so measure out one cup of peas to soak, for every additional cup you need and adjust the recipe accordingly. (I measure out one cup of peas to soak for each guest.)

I frequently make a larger amount than I require. In this way, I can freeze the extra (in little glass oven-to-freezer dishes),
to easily enjoy in future meals.

Recipe of the Month

Basic Black-Eyed Peas

Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 c. black-eyed peas
1 small piece kombu seaweed (optional)
1 T. extra virgin, pure coconut oil
½ c. red onion, chopped
2 T. jalapeño, chopped (keep the seeds if you want it hotter, discard the seeds if you don’t want it spicy hot)
1 tsp. unrefined sea salt
½ tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp ground caraway seeds (optional)

Directions:
1. Soak black-eyed peas, caraway seeds, and kombu seaweed for 12–18 hours or more, in purified water. (You are removing antinutrients (phytic acid) and making the peas more digestible.)
2. Discard soaking water. (You can discard the seaweed now.)
3. Put black-eyed peas and caraway seeds in a large pot, and add enough water to cover peas plus an additional inch. Bring to a boil.
4. Take off the stove and drain water. Be careful not to burn yourself. (This step of changing out the water again is optional, but it does make the beans even more digestible.)
5. Add enough new water to the pot to cover the peas and seeds by about an inch. Add the coconut oil, chopped onion, chopped jalapeños, mineral-rich sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. (Adjust to your taste, the salt and pepper.)
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–45 minutes, or until the peas are soft.
7. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes:
1. If you don’t have time to soak the black-eyed peas and caraway seeds overnight, you will have to cook them a little longer and they may not be as digestible, because the antinutrients (phytic acid) have not been removed. “Antinutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.” (1) Sprout peas and seeds to remove the antinutrients.

You can sprout them by soaking them in non-chlorinated water for 12–18 hours. Larger peas or beans need longer soaking time to sprout and remove the antinutrients (phytic acid). Pour off the water in which they were soaked.

2. Kombu seaweed can usually be found in the Asian foods area of Healthy Grocery Stores and other food stores. Buy certified organic seaweed. Seaweed contributes many nutrients to any recipe, and also helps break down the enzyme inhibiting in beans, peas, and seeds, so they are more easily digested. (2)

You can discard the kombu seaweed after soaking or cooking. I add kombu seaweed to almost all of my soups and beans when I am cooking them. There are a variety of seaweeds to choose from. (I order mine from New Zealand.) They all have a variety of nutrients in them. Flavors vary. Experiment!

Variations:

1. For a little sweeter flavor, add a teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup after the pot of beans is removed from the heat.
2. I am from Texas and I love jalapeños. Jalapeños are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Jalapeño seeds can be very hot, so discard the seeds if you don’t want it spicy hot, but keep them if you like your food hot and spicy.

You can use whatever hot or mild pepper is available to you, that you like. You can also use pickled or candied peppers (jalapeños) for a different taste version of this dish. If you want more nutrition from the jalapeños, then add them after you remove the pot from the heat, instead of when cooking, so the enzymes remain alive.

Enjoy a healthy, nutritious New Year’s Day meal with southern, traditional Basic Black-eyed Peas!!

Happy New Year Everyone And Bon Appetit!

Sources:

1. “Antinutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. A. Protease inhibitors (e.g., Bowman–Birk trypsin inhibitor in soybeans (Birk, 1985), which inhibit trypsin, pepsin, and other proteases in the gut, preventing digestion and absorption of proteins and amino acids. B. Phytic acid in the hulls of nuts, seeds, and grains, which has a strong binding affinity for calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc, preventing their absorption.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/antinutrients

2. Inactivation Methods of Trypsin Inhibitor in Legumes: A Review – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1750-3841.13985

copyright@nancyaddison2020

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The information from Nancy Alisa Gibbons Addison, Organic Healthy Lifestyle 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 video, article, book, podcast, website, email…. 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 professionals, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

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The author and publisher are not liable for the misuse of this material. This video, article, website, podcasts, and books are strictly for informational and educational purposes. Nancy Alisa Gibbons Addison offers information and opinions, not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before taking any home remedies or supplements, or following any treatment suggested by Nancy Addison or by anyone listed in the books, articles, or other information contained here. Only your healthcare provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

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