Why Eat Sulfur-Rich Foods?

I know what you are probably thinking about this post - what a weird thing to blog about. Sulfure = Stinky, right? I want to tell you that you don't have to be afraid of sulfur-rich foods anymore. Let's talk about the benefits and options!

A little background on sulfur - It is a compound that helps the body heal in a variety of ways, from maintaining joints to boosting the immune system. Sulfur is found in every cell of the body. Sulfur is also necessary for the normal function of proteins. Why is that important? Well, aside from water, most of the human body consists of protein. A protein deficiency means serious trouble.

Good food sources of sulfur include egg yolks, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, collards, asparagus, onions and garlic.

Since learning about sulfur-rich nutrients and their benefits, I have started cooking with a lot more onions and garlic, and they really give food some fresh flavor. If you don't have a garlic press or access to fresh garlic, I sometimes buy the little glass jars of organic minced garlic. It works wonderfully, and all you do is dump a little into whatever you are cooking.

There are also sulfur-rich supplements that have a variety of benefits.

Garlic comes in a supplement form. It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; it also enhances immunity. My favorite garlic supplement is Shaklee's Garlic Complex. You can find it here: http://caranitz.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20084

Vitamin B1 is another sulfur-containing vitamin that helps your body break down food into energy, which helps us manage our weight.

Biotin, another sulfur-rich B vitamin, regulates genes involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Again, this helps us manage our weight and fend off diabetes.

You can find both of these B vitamins in one of my favorite all time supplements, B Complex. Learn more here: http://caranitz.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=20186

Please don't shy away from using a few more of those sulfur-rich foods, because they are little treasures. If you aren't a big fan or aren't eating enough of them, consider taking a supplement!

Have a great day everyone, and invest in your health!

New Subscribe Button

I know many of you who are going to find this really funny, but I have only just now installed a subscribe button on my blog. I know, I am pretty clueless to not have done this right away. I know there are several people who have asked me to email them when I write a new post, and this will make it so much easier to know when I have a new blog post.
Sorry it has taken me this long, but I am still fairly new to blogging! Thank you for your patience!

I Love "Food Inc."

Let me just say, if I can recommend that you do one thing for your health today, this is it: see Food Inc. It is an incredible documentary that WILL change the way you think about the food you put in your body.

The sad question about this all is: Why should you have to watch a DVD or read a book to find out where your food comes from? But, that is where our society has gone. We just don't know what we are putting in our mouths or where it came from anymore. So, let's get educated!

I want to highlight just a couple of my favorite parts of the movie, so you can get a taste of how great it is.

One of the first points they bring out is that there are no longer seasons in the supermarket. It is like tomatoes grow all year long. Not quite. Did you know they use ethylene gas to ripen them and that they are flown in from thousands of miles away. That is not exactly the kind of tomato I want in my salad.

Let's talk about this mantra that seems to go through the heads of the food industry, "Faster, Fatter, Bigger, Cheaper." Chickens grow twice as fast and have 2 times larger breasts than they should. Most never see sunlight and can't even walk because their bones are overwhelmed by the fast and large growth. That is just not right.

So much of our food comes from corn! Who said that was the miracle food? Well, it is super cheap, so of course they love it. They feed it to all the farm animals and even fish! These farm animals are supposed to be eating grass, so they are full of healthy Omega oils.

Sadly, they make unhealthy food really cheap. You can get a whole meal at a fast food chain for 99 cents. But, you cannot even get a few apples for that. That 99 cent meal may seem cheap, but the expense of that food is in our health, society and environment. Is that where you want to be paying for it?

Please do three things for you and your family:

1. Watch Food Inc. You can get it from amazon.com. You can even rent it from your local library.

2. Make a change at the supermarket. You vote with every item that you buy.

3. Go to takepart.com/foodinc and learn more about what you can do to make a difference in getting better food!

If you have seen the movie or read the book, please share your thoughts and what you have done since learning about where our food really comes from!

Walk This Way!

What a beautiful Spring morning it is today here in Michigan, and I cannot stop thinking about the walk I am going to take later today. I love walking out in the warm spring weather, soaking up some rays, smelling the sweet scent of flowers and grass growing, and taking in the beautiful scenery with all that is starting to grow!

Of course, beyond the fun and enjoyment of a walk, there is the awesome cardio and health benefits too! This is a win/win situation here! Now, some people say that walks are boring or not a good enough workout, so I wanted to give a few suggestions as to how to amp up your walking routine and get the most out of your exercise time.

1. Before you head out on your walk, take a minute to think about how you are feeling that day. If you are already tired and feeling low, then head out for a stress-relieving walk. If you are energized and ready to push yourself, add in some challenges to your walk.

2. Make sure you have good posture. You want your head and neck up and right over your shoulders, abs are slightly contracted, don't lock your knees when your heel hits the ground, and heel should hit the ground first, then roll your weight through the middle of your foot and then the ball of your foot.

3. Add some intervals. Try to increase your speed every so often to really rev up your calorie burn. Use your breath to gauge how hard you are working during these intensity bursts. You want to feel like you are panting after pushing yourself.

4. Another way to challenge yourself is to find a hilly walk. You can choose long gradual hills or short intense hills, but either way, it is a great way to really tone up your glutes, which we all want!

5. Get a little core work in before your walk. Try a plank, hovering on your forearms and toes or some bicycle crunches to get your ab muscles awake and keep them engaged throughout your walk.

6. I always think it is nice to have a friend along on walks. I think it makes the time go by faster with all the conversation and you can push each other and hold each other accountable.

7. Whatever you do, don't do the same walk every day. Mix it up. Your body gets used to one workout and then it doesn't have to work as hard. So, challenge yourself or change the scenery a little bit. Different walks on different terrains are great for mixing it up. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try a walk barefoot!

Please don't forget to stretch out after your walk. You can even do a few yoga poses if you would like. It all helps with flushing the lactic adic out of your muscles, which will help reduce the soreness for the next day!

What You May Not Know About What You're Eating - GMOs

As I have been learning more about GMO's or Genetically Modified Organisms, I have really felt compelled to share this information with all of you. Sadly, it is another scary topic, but one that I feel is really important if we are concerned with living our best life and taking care of our families!

Did you know since 1996 Americans have been eating genetically modified ingredients in most processed foods? What exactly does that mean? Well, GM plants, such as soybean, corn, cottonseed, and canola, have had foreign genes forced into their DNA. These genes have never been in the human food supply. That alone freaks me out.

Why is this a problem for us? The American Academy of Environmental Medicine states,"Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food," including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. They ask physicians to advise patients to avoid GM food.

Here is one scary story that really hit home with me. In the 1980s, a contaminated brand of a food supplement called L-tryptophan killed about 100 Americans and caused sickness and disability in another 5,000-10,000 people. The source of contaminants was almost certainly the genetic engineering process used in its products. Thank goodness that I have researched my vitamin and supplement company, Shaklee, and they have the highest standards against GMOs and other dangerous toxins.

Unfortunately, we cannot trust the FDA to protect us in this area. FDA scientists have warned against GM foods, but they have been ignored by the bigger players in the FDA.

It is up to you as the consumer to protect yourself and your family against dangerous GMOs. There are eight GM food crops. The five major varieties are: soy, corn, canola, cotton and sugar beets, which comprises a huge amount of the food most Americans consume. There is also GM Hawaiian papaya, and a small amount of zucchini and yellow crookneck squash. If you would like to download your FREE Non-GMO Shopping Guide, please go to www.nongmoshoppingguide.com. It is really helpful!

Lastly, let me say that when consumers in Europe in 1999 became concerned with GMOs and took a stand, with a single week virtually all major food manufacturers committed to remove GM ingredients. In America, The Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is working to that same goal. If you want to learn more about them or about avoiding GMOs go to www.ResponsibleTechnology.org.

Please be safe everyone and be choosy about what you put in your body!

Top Ten Changes for Earth Day!

I am getting all pumped up for Earth Day, and like I said in an earlier blog post, every day really is Earth Day. So, let's start making a few easy changes now. The bonus here is that these changes will not only be good for the Earth, but they are going to be great for your wallet too!

I know we are busy. I know we sometimes get set in our ways and don't want to change. I know we don't have time and money to change the world. And I know you have all heard that each positive change you make really does make a difference. Here is what I want to add to that. YOU can make a difference, and TOGETHER we can make an impact! Let that thought repeat in your head as you read my Top Ten Changes for Earth Day:

1. Lock the windows in your house to improve the seal and prevent leaks of hot or cool air.

2. Program your TV's remote to turn off other systems like cable, satellite, DVD, or VCR at the same time. If you aren't that techno savvy, then just try to remember to turn them all off when you are done with them.

3. When cooking, boil water faster by putting a lid on the pot. When you get a boil, turn the heat down and keep the lid on to keep a boil at a lower heat level. It will still cook your noodles quite nicely.

4. Grow a garden! You don't have to have a huge yard or a lot of knowledge about gardening for this one. You can even grow a few veggies and herbs in your house or on your deck. Every little bit will save you money and get you fresher food that pack more of a nutrient punch!

5. Lights Out! Pick one family member to be on light patrol and turn off all lights every time you leave home or leave a room. You can rotate the chore weekly or monthly.

6. Recycle printer cartridges and get some cash for it! I also know that Staples takes them back and gives you a credit on your next purchase.

7. Ride your bike to run small errands. If you have children, get a bike seat for the back of your bike. **Bonus, major calories are being burned here! We all love that!

8. Use Safer and Smarter Products. My favorites are Shaklee's Get Clean line. It is full of biodegradeable, natural, nontoxic cleaners that are so concentrated, they save you a ton of money. If you were to switch out all your many cleaners you use now and buy the Get Clean Starter Kit, (which include laundry, dish washing, and all your other cleaning needs) you would save $3,400 dollars!! Now that is some serious cash! Check out the videos and websites on the right side of this blog to learn more.

9. Get Energy Star appliances. They will save you a good chunk on your electricity bill. Also, skip the dishwasher's dry cycle and allow the dishes to air dry. Skip the clothes dryer all together and hang your clothes on an outdoor line or on a drying rack inside.

10. Purchase reusable containers for portable sandwiches and snacks. Use lunchbags or boxes that are reusable, instead of paper bags.

Now, those don't seem too hard, do they? In fact, I think you will enjoy making some small changes that will save you some money and help our environment stay as beautiful and healthy as it can be. After all, who doesn't love the smell of fresh air and a few extra dollars in their pocket?

Please share your favorite tips and suggestion for living greener and making a difference! Remember, together we can make an impact!

Alfalfa? Why Would I Want That?

"Exclusive breakthrough reveals—dangerously high acid levels in your body may be the hidden cause behind many health problems. For optimal health, your body needs at least 72 trace minerals every day to protect you from the ravages of high acidity... the foods you eat only give you about EIGHT of them."

The above is a quote from AOL's health news. Now, I personally never really thought that much about my body's acid level until I started learning more about nutrition and natural healing. The truth of the matter is - we need to be aware of how acidic our body is if we want to have good health.

The typical diet in our country disrupts the acid-alkaline balance. Meats and grains, (the most frequent choice), are acid forming. As Americans, we just do not eat enough veggies or green foods. Some references state the average vegetable is only ten to thirty units alkaline, whereas alfalfa is one of the very highest ranking alkaline foods. This factor is very important in maintaining healthy joints, among other things. You would have to consume a huge amount of veggies to equal the amount of alkalinity you will receive from alfalfa.

However, not just any alfalfa meets all the requisites. Shaklee Alfalfa is organically grown, using not the stems of the plant, but the tender green leaves. Shaklee Alfalfa leaves are harvested at the peak of nutritional value so nothing is lost. Then,after being tested for Shaklee’s high standards of bioavailability, the raw powder is pressed (with very low heat to preserve natural enzyme activity) into easy-to-swallow tablets.

Here are a few more amazing facts about alfalfa that you may not know...
-Known as The Father of All Foods and King of the Plant World, alfalfa has the greatest variety and largest amount of nutrients of any known plant!

-Alfalfa is one of Nature’s richest sources of vitamins C, B D, E, K, U and betaine [a tissue salt]. It also provides more vitamin A than apricots and nearly as much as beef liver!

-Alfalfa contains a wealth of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium,potassium, sulphur and manganese...minerals which act as catalysts for many reactions within the body such as digestion, metabolism and utilization of nutrients in food.

-In addition to a fabulously high potency of vitamins and minerals, alfalfa is a terrific complete protein food (i.e.,containing every essential amino acid)! In fact, alfalfa is 18.9% protein... compared to beef at 16.5%, whole wheat at
13.8%, eggs at 13%, and milk at 3.3%.

-Alfalfa is exceptionally rich in trace minerals... elements that are absolutely necessary for the proper growth and development of the human body! Most Americans never get enough trace minerals, no matter how healthy their diet.

-Alfalfa is also nature’s richest source of chlorophyll, a powerful body
cleanser, detoxifier and deodorizer. Chlorophyll is the plant substance
closest molecularly to human blood which means the body accepts it
eagerly as a nutrient.

-The mighty alfalfa plant is also loaded with important enzymes. Since a deficiency of enzymes is one of the primary causes of premature aging, this abundance of living enzymes may be one of the most important benefits alfalfa provides!

If you are interested in balancing your body's acidity, having more energy, improving joint health, strengthening your immune system, detoxifying your body and more, take some alfalfa today!

What?? BPA In Organic Canned Food Too?

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but I have to share with you what I have been learning in the past couple of days. I am very disturbed by this, and it saddens me that manufacturers care so little about us consumers to put out such poor products. But, it is true. No matter if you are buying organic or nonorganic canned food, there is most likely BPA in your canned food. I thought I was doing well for my family by buying healthy organic cans of tomatoes, beans, and other staples. But, noooooooo, those same supposed healthy foods are laced with dangerous BPA. I don't know about you, but I am really bothered by this.

Why am I bothered by BPA? Well, BPA is used in the lining of cans and the toxin leaches from the lining into the food. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is a chemical thought to increase the risk of infertility, cancer, diabetes, and even heart disease. Yuck!!

The Environmental Working Group, who have tested canned food for BPA, states,

“Canned foods are thought to be the predominate route of BPA exposure…Two of six cans of infant formula tested contained BPA. The exposure that an infant might receive from canned formula, given his or her small size and limited food sources, makes the level of contamination in these cans particularly disturbing…For 1 in 10 cans of all food tested, and 1 in 3 cans of infant formula, a single serving contained enough BPA to expose a woman or infant to BPA levels more than 200 times the government’s traditional safe level of exposure for industrial chemicals…we found that significant fractions of women who regularly eat canned food would exceed safe levels of BPA exposures on average throughout pregnancy.”

Consumer Reports did a thorough study on BPA in canned goods. Here are some of their findings:

-Consumer Reports revealed that highest levels of BPA have been found in canned soups, tuna and green beans.

-Even cans labeled BPA-free contained BPA. And,BPA levels weren’t equal in all the cans they tested. The level of BPA (35.9) parts per billion (ppb) was so high in Del Monte Fresh Cut Green Beans Blue Lake that the maximum safe amount of BPA allowed by the FDA would be exceeded by eating one serving of the product.

-The following two companies were the only ones found to offer any canned food that is free of BPA. (Only two?? That is not comforting!)

1.Eden Foods (Organic Canned Beans)
2.Henry & Lisa`s Natural Seafood (Sashimi-Grade Canned Albacore Tuna)

When I read this all, I felt stuck. What are we supposed to do? It isn't very likely that I will stop buying all canned food. But, we can reduce our usage. You can make a big old pot of soup and then freeze it for easy reheating. You can try to boil and cook your own black beans and lentils. Although I tried that and failed miserably, I will have to try again. :-) You can also make sure and rinse your canned food when it is possible to rinse away some of that BPA.

Please let us know your thoughts on this topic and any ideas you have for lessening BPA in our food!