Sunday, February 19, 2017

Top Five Healthy Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar


Many people are interested in the healthy benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).   ACV is vinegar made from cider or apple must.  The unpasteurized or organic ACV contains “The Mother” of vinegar, which is what you want to look for.   “The Mother” sediments are strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria.  We recommend Bragg Organic ACV with The ‘Mother.’  Here are the top five major health benefits of ACV:

1)  Kills Bacteria-  It assists in killing many types of bacteria and even kills cancer cells in recent studies.
2)  Weight Loss-  It  makes the body feel full, flushes out fats and gives the body a metabolism boost.
3)  Detoxifies the Body-  It is full of vitamins, minerals and enzymes in its raw form. 
4)  Helps Fight Diabetes-  It lowers blood sugar by allowing the sugars and starches to pass through the body without being digested.
5)  Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease-  It aids in better circulation and lowering pressure against the arterial walls by breaking down fat and phlegm deposits in the body.

There are many ways in which you can add ACV into your diet.  It is recommended that you drink a small amount diluted with water before each meal, 3 times a day.  1-2 teaspoons, depending on what you can handle mixed with lemon and/or raw local honey helps with the taste.  Or, you can add 1-2 tablespoons to equal parts water mixed with lemon and raw honey once a day.  Some studies show that it also helps if a diabetic takes it before bedtime.  You can also add it to your salad, raw veggies or any meals instead of drinking.  ACV is acidic so don’t forget to take care of your teeth!  Rinse or brush after taking the ACV to help protect your enamel.

Although there are many positive benefits, there can also be some negative side effects.  Before starting an ACV diet, consult your physician and understand what ACV is.


Sunday, February 12, 2017

A Healthy Valentines Day!

Valentines Day is just a couple of days away!  For those looking for ideas that aren’t candy, there are other options!  If you are spending your day with a loved one, think outside the box!  Focus on the actual meaning and forget the candy…this could end up being more exciting anyway!  Start the day with a great workout with your loved one.  Working out together is motivating, fun and not to mention a healthy start to your day.  Go to a movie or plan a road trip could be other great ideas to do together.  Plan a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Having it planned makes it much easier to follow and if you already bought the ingredients you have motivation to actually make it.  Everyone wants a dessert on Valentines Day so don’t stop here.  Just plan a healthy one.  Use fruits and dark chocolate!  Sugar free candies or sugar free ice cream can be alternatives as well.  There are many options for healthy meals and sugar free desserts on http://www.yummly.co/recipes?q=sugar%20free.  Check it out!

Don't forget your children!  I am sure you are trying to be creative and do something different...we all try, but end up with the standard conversation hearts attached to a card!  If you are looking for creative alternatives to sweets for your child’s classroom, there are many ideas out there!  Check out http://sunlitspaces.com/2016/12/27/20-lovely-valentines-that-arent-candy/ to find many great ideas! These are great ideas that your children and their friends will enjoy.  Just remember, they will get plenty of candy and will appreciate getting something different.

Happy Healthy Valentines Day!