Food Becomes You, for Better (Health) or Worse (Obesity and Disease)

Posted By Katrina Ariel On March 6th, 2010

healthy cherry tomato, herbs friut and vegetables“You are what you eat” has a lot of truth in it, on many levels. The food you choose builds your body based on what the body can do with it. At the same time, anything else you take into your body (what you read, watch, listen to, etc.) also affects your thoughts, mood, and energy.

Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, sprouts, seeds, nuts and whole grains are the foods that offer the most nutrients and nourishment. Unfortunately, the majority of the diet most North Americans eat is not focused around these foods.

When the body isn’t getting enough of what it needs, it keeps saying “I’m hungry – nourish me.”

Read more…

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Sprouting For Healthy Eating

Posted By Katrina Ariel On February 15th, 2010
A salad with yummy sprouts!

A salad with yummy sprouts!

The following article is by my dear friend Denise Holden. I’ve been meaning to post about sprouts for a while now, as they are a prominent part of my diet. They’re such a great way to eat fresh, live, nutrient rich food. Here’s what Denise has to say about them:

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During the winter season, sprouts are an excellent source of fresh vegetables.

Sprouts represent the point of greatest vitality in the life cycle of a plant. During sprouting, vitamin and enzyme content increases dramatically. The sprouting process predigests the nutrients of the seed, making it easier to assimilate and metabolize: starches are converted into simple sugars, proteins into free amino acids, and fats into free fatty acids. This explains why grains and legumes, many of which are common allergens, often do not cause allergies when sprouted. Read more…

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Growing Your Own Food

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 28th, 2010

One of the most important considerations in your health is the food you choose to eat. And not only what kind of food, but where it comes from and how it was grown.

For some incredible inspiration, watch this amazing short video about a community within the city of Milwaukee that is making huge change by growing their own food:

Read more…

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The Power Of Blessing Your Food

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 14th, 2010

salad02When you think about blessings, what comes to mind?

A kind thought or word? A gracious gift from the universe? A friend or loved one?

Blessings come in myriad forms, yet the ones that YOU spark are so special. Positive thought has been proven again and again to have profound impact on every level. By using blessings (or prayer if that word resonates with you) you tap into a bigger energy and amplify your own intention for higher results.

One of the ways I use the power of blessings every day is with food. By being grateful and blessing your meal before you eat it the food’s vibrations are raised. Read more…

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Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 8th, 2010

Okay. I admit it. Sometimes my will power is a bit weak. I’m working on it.

It’s funny because I wake up with a green smoothie every morning, I eat a salad nearly every day, and I don’t really drink anything other than water and herbal teas. But then I get around bread or cookies, and my discipline evaporates. Do you have this issue? It can’t just be me – leave a comment below and let me know what your food delights are so I feel like I’m in good company, eh?

Are bread and cookies terrible things that should be avoided at all costs? No, of course not. But is it really in my best interest to eat as much of them as I have over the last month? Well… Read more…

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Why Green Smoothies Are So Healing

Posted By Katrina Ariel On January 5th, 2010

lettuceGreen smoothies are one of the very best choices you can make for a healthy diet. They’re growing in popularity faster than people can tweet about them, and I wouldn’t miss my morning green smoothie because of how much my body loves it.

“You want me to drink kale?” This is what goes through some people’s mind the first time they’re introduced to green smoothies. You know the face children make when they don’t want to eat something? I’ve watched that look come across the faces of people before they try it.

But then they give it a shot, and lo and behold, it tastes good! Better yet, it FEELS great! Your body says, “Oh yeah, that’s what I want.”

Why is that? Well, green leafy veggies are one of the most healing foods nature provides. They lower the acidity in the body and help your system restore balance with that all powerful substance: chlorophyll.

Plus they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Read more…

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Kiwi Goodness Green Smoothie Recipe

Posted By Katrina Ariel On October 22nd, 2009

kiwiOkay, I’ve got a new favorite.

This morning’s green smoothie developed from whatever I could find to put in the Vita Mix. Since I’m visiting my parents at the moment, and my dad brought home some kiwis, I thought I’d throw one in.

At some point this summer I ate my first kiwi with the skin on. I know, if you haven’t done it this seems very strange, but it doesn’t taste bad at all, and gives you more fiber and other goodness. So for my smoothie this morning all I did was cut the very tips of the kiwi off (the hard bits) and toss the rest in.

Kiwi is very low on the glycemic index (meaning it’s less likely to spike your blood sugar and insulin levels). It also is high in potassium and vitamin C, as well as other minerals and vitamins. Read more…

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Green Smoothie Recipes

Posted By Katrina Ariel On September 7th, 2009

At first glance a green smoothie might not look apetizing. I mean, it’s green! This generally evokes a child-like face with a scrunched up nose as a reaction.

But then you taste it. And very soon after that you FEEL it.

And lo and behold, it’s really good!

Green smoothies are one of the very best ways to get a whole lot of nutrients, anti-oxidants, and healing green leafy veggies into your system. When you do this, your body responds with energy and vitality. Read more…

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Starting A Raw Food Diet

Posted By Katrina Ariel On September 5th, 2009

I never thought I’d be a raw foodie. Honestly. I’ve always valued the direct connection between food and health and have eaten vegetarian most of my life, but I also didn’t like the idea of giving up cooked foods. I’m not into being hungry, and, let’s face it, I really like bread!

However, in the last few months I’ve found myself craving more raw food, and the more I eat raw the more I want to eat raw.

I’ve been eating maybe 50 – 70% raw for the last month. The biggest difference I notice is that I am more consistently happy now than ever. I feel good. I have more energy. My relationship with my body has increased in awareness. I naturally want to work out and be more active.

It all started with green smoothies. Read more…

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Raw Food Recipies

Posted By Katrina Ariel On July 18th, 2009

Indulge the creative raw foodist in you, or  inspire another with a recipe.

Raw food isn’t just about salad, though you can get deliciously creative with salads and dressings. It’s important to have diversity and enjoy a wide variety of foods. This makes eating healthy and raw very satisfying.

There are a ton of raw recipe books out there, plus lots of raw foodie websites to explore. Another fun way to explore eating raw is to find people in your area who also eat raw food. Often you can attend a raw food potluck where you’ll find great ideas and get to taste different dishes to see what you like. Ask around your community health food store or vegetarian/vegan restaurants to see what you can find.

Let’s make this another raw resource. Add your favorite recipe below!

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