by GSkinner | Feb 17, 2019 | Healthy Eating
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. That puts most of us at some type of risk for developing one of the many symptoms that can lead to cardiovascular disease. One of the best ways to remove ourselves from these statistics is to get plenty of exercise and integrate a heart healthy diet into our routines. Read on to learn five steps you can take to prevent heart disease with a heart-healthy diet.
Step 1
This first step just might be the most difficult for many of us: portion control. It really is true that how much you eat is just as critical as what you eat. If you need some help in determining how much to eat, try using a smaller plate or bowl. And we all know the portions at restaurants are more than one person needs to eat. Choose larger portions of fruits and vegetables and smaller portions of foods high in sodium and calories. Don’t be afraid to use measuring cups as you figure out just what is appropriate. And eliminate that second helping of anything other than healthy fruits and veggies.
Step 2
As previously mentioned, eating more fruits and vegetables is key. They are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and they are low in calories and fiber rich. We all know this is good for us but just how do we make this happen on a regular basis? It’s a good idea to keep veggies washed and cut ready to go in your fridge. And choose recipes that incorporate lots of veggies, like a nice stir fry or vegetables soup. Add more fruit to your diet by adding it to salads and oatmeal. It’s a good idea to avoid vegetables that come in heavy cheese or cream-based sauces and avoid fruit that comes packaged in heavy syrup or has any added sugar.
Step 3
Add more whole grains to your diet as these are also a good source of fiber to help you feel full and regulate blood pressure. Good options include whole-wheat flour, whole-grain bread, cereal that is high in fiber, brown rice, barley, whole-grain pasta or steel-cut oatmeal.
Step 4
As you are adding all these good things to your diet, it’s also important to limit things like unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats. Eliminating these can help lower your cholesterol, which lowers your risk of coronary artery disease. “Good” fats to choose include olive oil, cold pressed vegetable and nut oils, nuts, seeds and avocados. Rather than butter, choose a trans fat free or cholesterol lowering margarine.
Step 5
Making the choice to eat lean meat, poultry and fish is also an important change to make as you incorporate a heart healthy options into your diet. Fish is a great option as certain types are rich in what are called omega-3 fatty acids which can lower triglycerides. The highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like salmon, mackerel and herring. I don’t know about you, but other than salmon, I don’t eat a lot of mackerel and herring. Sometimes finding these good sources of lean proteins can be a challenge.
If you don’t you eat enough fish, nuts, flax, and leafy greens each day for optimal health, then Pure A-Omega Plus is your best option. It comes in a delicious, creamy citrus-mango flavor and does NOT smell, taste, or repeat like other fish oils.
Pure A-Omega Plus™ promotes:
Inflammation Control
Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Healthy Bones and Joints
Healthy Skin and Hair
Healthy Brain
Pure A-Omega Plus™ combines the benefits of Omega-3 fish oil (triglyceride form) with CURCUPURE™ (certified organic turmeric), ASTALIFE™ (Astaxanthin) a naturally occurring carotenoid from algae, and VITAMIN D3.
Pure A-Omega Plus utilizes a proprietary purification process that guarantees purity and potency. The TRUSORB™ enhanced delivery provides superior absorption over ordinary fish oils through a process called emulsification, which reduces the size of the oil into smaller droplets. They are committed to adhering to sustainable fishing practices, and governmental fishing laws to prevent overfishing and endangering other species. Pure A-Omega Plus™ contains no GMO’s, gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast, psyllium, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, MSG or yeast derivatives.
by GSkinner | Jan 29, 2019 | Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Supplements
written by Kathryn Feather
It’s still earlier enough in the New Year that some are still going strong with those weight loss resolutions. Whether it’s the Keto, the Paleo or another low-carb, no sugar diet option, it can be confusing and difficult to understand what our bodies respond to and why. If you find yourself faltering in your weight loss efforts, or if you are still trying to decide how to get started, read on to learn why adding more protein to your diet can help you lose weight.
Many people might assume that a high protein diet just means you eat more or only meat. This doesn’t really work if you are vegetarian or vegan. And it could contribute to a host of other health issues. But, a truly healthy high protein diet will help you to increase your protein intake while still maintaining a healthy and balanced diet that includes all the fuel your body needs to get you through the day. And protein is found in many other sources besides that ribeye on sale at the grocery store meat counter.
Benefits of More Protein
So, what can consuming more protein do for you? A higher intake of protein will boost your metabolism, reduce your appetite and begin to change weight-regulating hormones. Another little-known benefit: Our bodies burn calories while we digest protein. Protein really is an essential component to our diets because it helps to build, repair, and maintain everything from our muscles, organs, and bone, to our skin and hair.
Good proteins are made up of amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids that we can derive from the food we eat. What is called a complete source of protein will contain all nine types of these important amino acids. Protein rich foods include fish, eggs, dairy products like cheese, milk and whey, red meat and poultry. Complete sources of plant-based protein include quinoa and buckwheat. Other plant-based foods rich in protein include lentils, nuts, beans, grains, legumes, avocados, soy, rice and peas.
Benefits of Plant-Based Protein
Many people choose plant-based proteins rather than animal-based due to the high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat common in animal protein, which can contribute to blood sugar issues, inflammation, cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol. If you already suffer from one of these health issues, adding more animal protein isn’t necessarily the healthiest option.
On the other side of the protein coin, pure plant protein has many benefits without the harmful side effects of saturated fat and cholesterol. Plant protein can help promote muscle repair, blood sugar control, weight management, inflammation and digestion and can even boost immune support. Another key feature of plant-based protein is the fiber factor. Plant-based foods are typically rich in fiber and can help to keep your digestive system balanced. Fiber also has the added benefit of helping us feel fuller longer.
An easy way to add more plant-based protein to your diet is trying NutraGen’s Organic Pure Plant Protein powder in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. This great source of added protein is easily digested and perfectly balanced with the cleanest, highest quality protein blend. Simply blend, shake or whisk two scoops into 10-12 ounces of water, almond, rice or coconut milk until fully dissolved for a great meal replacement or post-workout treat. It won’t take long for you to notice the difference and see your body responding to the added benefits a protein-rich diet can bring.
by GSkinner | Jan 15, 2019 | Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing
Blending vegetables is an efficient and positive way to detox, strengthen and rebuild your body and immune system. Food is fuel. The benefits of blending over juicing are that you are getting the fiber which will act as a broom to your stomach, intestines and colon. The enzymes in fresh, organic vegetables promote digestion and proper assimilation of nutrients.
“Green Smoothie Girl” did a study with 175 people drinking green smoothies daily. The recommendation was a quart per day, but even those who did not consume that amount received amazing benefits. The results were as follows:
*50% experienced weight loss
*50% experienced improvement in skin tone
*54% experienced an improvement in mood
*65% experienced fewer cravings for sweets
*80% experienced improved digestion
*85% experienced more energy
Invest in a good blender and it will only take minutes to make your smoothies. You can buy packaged organic baby greens, in many combinations. Rinse for a few minutes in cold water or soak with a tablespoon of vinegar. Rinse and blend with a bit of onion, garlic and Braggs Liquid Aminos for more flavor. Quick, simple and nutritious. When making my own blends, I prefer to separate my fruits and vegetables for better digestion. If you prefer a sweetness, you can use carrots and half an apple.
Pear Apple Cocktail ~ 2 apples, 2 firm pears, 1/4 lemon ~ blend together with distilled water or ice. If you would like, add a small amount of fresh ginger and blend. If entertaining, you can garnish with edible flowers. The beauty of smoothies is that you can be creative and add what you love!
If you want to start adding nutritional greens to your diet and don’t feel like you have the time, my recommendation is Nutragen Pure Greens because of the Theraputic Level of Nutrition. It’s delicious and a storehouse of clean, non-gmo, organically grown (in America) fruits and vegetables. Buy it here ~ Nutragen.com
by GSkinner | Jan 15, 2019 | Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing
Have you ever wondered just how much sugar you are consuming every day? From the things you drink to the condiments you use, the amount of sugar in your diet may surprise you.
Over the past 40 years, food manufacturers have systematically removed fat and fiber from foods and replaced them with added sugar. We have gone from breakfasts of eggs and bacon to sugary cereal, muffins and bars for on the go. The average American gets about 270 calories of added sugars every day. That is 17 teaspoons of sugar[1]. To put that into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons) for women and 150 calories (9 teaspoons) for men. [2]Given that, on average, we are consuming double the recommended amount of sugar, it should come as no surprise that we are facing devastating increases in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other preventable chronic diseases in our country.
Excess sugar is also one of the primary factors that prevent you from experiencing optimal strength, energy, and body composition. Recent research shows that like heavy alcohol use, consuming too much fructose can have similar toxic effects in your body. Fructose, which is primarily processed in your liver, is found in sodas, sports drinks, and many packaged foods. When you over indulge in fructose, your liver may turn excess fructose into fat. Over time, this fat may build up in your liver and lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, which has historically been prevalent in alcoholics, is now found in 31% of adults and 13% of children. Complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include fluid build-up on the abdomen, swelling in the veins of your esophagus (which can rupture and bleed), confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, liver cancer and end-stage liver failure. [3]
So, why all this talk about sugar? Reducing your sugar intake can drastically improve your health and well-being. Less sugar contributes to younger looking skin, lasting energy, reduced belly fat, weight loss, and can reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. [4]Limiting your sugar intake is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body, and there is an easy way to start. Most people either don’t eat breakfast or eat a breakfast high in sugar (cereal, muffins, bagels, etc.) Starting the day with a nutrient dense protein shake can increase your energy, strength and focus. They are easy to make, and you can drink them on the go. Why not give it a try? Check out Nutragen’s Superfood Shake Bundle today.
[1]Health.gov. (2019). Cut Down on Added Sugars. [online] Available at: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/resourc… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[2]Ahajournals.org. (2019). Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. [online] Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circu… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[3]Mayo Clinic. (2018). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/no… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[4]DiGiulio, S. (2017). 6 Really Good Things That Happen to Your Body When You Quit Sugar. [online] Health.com. Available at: https://www.health.com/nutrition/health-benefits-… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
by GSkinner | Dec 11, 2018 | Exercise Science, Healthy Eating, Holistic Healing, Supplements
Pre-Holiday
Cleanse is Here!
Does the holiday season leave you feeling bloated and out of sorts? Do you walk away from December thinking, “I will never eat that much again!” With all the parties, dinners and treats it is easy to get carried away and find yourself feeling a little “blah”. This year, why not try something different?
Prepare your body for the holidays with Nutragen’s 7 Day Cleanse. Cleansing clears your body of toxins that stimulate cravings and helps your body recover from a few cocktails or an over indulgence of sugar. Our program and bundle will help you decrease inflammation, stabilize your blood sugars and support your bodies natural ability to detoxify in just 7 short days.
Put your body in the best position to enjoy the holidays and stay on track!
Try Nutragen’s 7 Day Cleanse Today!
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Inflammation Control, Stabilize Blood Sugar, Supports Liver, Colon and Kidney detox. An incredibly powerful tool to jump-start a lifestyle transformation
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Made with Organic Ingredients
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Our Promise
We pledge to rigorously test, qualify and offer life-transforming products that promote balance, vitality, sustainability, and health. Our carefully selected ingredients, expertly crafted products, and doctor designed programs will promote strength, energy, confidence, and well-being in your life.
Our Process
 Our formulas are of the highest purity and potency “from soil to seal” guaranteed!
- We have selected every ingredient, considering the region in which all ingredients are grown, type of soil, how the soil is maintained, the climate and environment, the harvesting process, and the drying and extraction process.
- We arrange for the proper shipping and handling of all ingredients to ensure optimal purity and potency.
- All formulas are created and tested by an independent 3rd party laboratory and manufactured following a stringent Certified Good Manufacturing Process.
- Finally, all formulas are packaged in non‐toxic, eco‐friendly, recyclable or biodegradable containers to ensure quality, freshness, and sustainability.
Scientifically Proven Ingredients
 We purposefully source Nature’s Purest organic, non‐GMO ingredients from around the world that have been scientifically proven, along with a healthy diet and exercise to support the body in combating the diseases of aging, while also providing a healthy response to inflammation and blood sugar control.
We have formulated our premium line of great tasting, easy mixing whole food supplement powders and liquids for convenient daily use. Our functional food formulas may be quickly combined to form a cost-effective, nutritionally dense meal replacement shake.
Healthier Planet, Healthier You
We believe supporting sustainable farming and packaging efforts are not only good for your body but good for the environment we all share. Pure Plant Protein™ is packaged in non‐toxic, fully compostable canisters with eco‐friendly packaging materials that use 70% less plastic than comparable plastic canisters. Pure Greens™, Pure Digestion Plus™ and Pure Ωomega™ are all packaged in eco‐friendly, non‐toxic glass bottles to best preserve their antioxidant-rich organic ingredients.
Organic ingredients plus eco‐friendly packaging means healthier soil, healthier planet, healthier people!
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