Tag: vegetables

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Organic Health – Other Than Nuts

Organic Health- Other Than NutsHey Earth’s Enrichers

We here at EE know that what works for the many doesn’t always work for the few. Last week we talked about going nuts. That many different types of nuts carry different types of nutritional benefits and make the perfect on the go healthy snack. But what about those of you who despise the nuts? Who are allergic to them? What other options do you have?

Never fear, we have taken the time to give you some of the options you seek. Instead of indulging nuts, the better options for those of you with nut issues can be seeds, olives, coconut, and lentils.

Before we continue with these various options, we must warn you that anything can come with an allergy. Try not to overdo what you like so that you don’t incidentally make yourself sick and even consuming a good thing has its limits. Also, make sure you are not allergic to any of these options. Trying a small portion of each you so desire before ingesting large amounts to make sure you do not have any allergies.

Now, when looking for a good substitution for the benefits of nuts, seeds are great. Seeds usually have a nutty consistency similar to what you find in peanuts. So, it makes an easy replacement that isn’t too bazaar. Seeds have been linked to lowering risk of heart diseases and can be a good anti-inflammatory. Seeds can also range from many types of benefits like protein, fiber, and antioxidants. So, if you are looking for a close substitute for nuts, seeds may be the option for you.

Now, if you are looking for something a little out of the box and definitely not similar to nuts in any way, you may like the olive option. Olives also have heart healthy benefits like controlling blood pressure, and helping to prevent blood clots. Olives are also a great source of vitamin E, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, etc. Pretty good option, if you’re not a fan of the nut and its texture.

This next option is very much mistaken for a nut or tree nut when it is not. Coconut is a fruit, not a nut. Even though people still have coconut allergies, those of you that are allergic to tree nuts might be able to eat coconuts. Coconuts have an immense amount of health benefits like boosting energy, defending against bacteria, reducing cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, and boosting brain function.

Last but certainly not least, lentils are a good substitute for nuts. Lentils are more like beans, for example, dry beans, chickpeas, lupines, etc. They are high in protein and fiber. They are also a great source of potassium, vitamin K, calcium, and zinc. So if you are a bean person, then this may be the best choice for you.

The EE 411: Organic Health – An Extensive List on your Healthy Snack Option

Types of Seeds:
● Sunflower seeds
● Pomegranate seeds
● Flax seeds
● Pumpkin seeds
● Apricot seeds
● Sesame seeds
● Cumin seeds
● Grape seeds
● Chia seeds
● Hemp seeds

Types of Olives:
● Cerigonola
● Gaeta
● Kalamata
● Nicoise
● Oil-Cured
● Sicilian Green

Types of Lentils
● Brown Lentils
● Red Lentils
● French Green Lentils

There are many different substitutes for nuts. They can be found in meats, fruits, vegetables, and oils. So, don’t let these three popular options limit you. Do more research and find what you like. Then share what you have found with your friends and family. Also, look for great ways to incorporate them in your food. We hope our topic for today helped you find other healthy options outside of nuts.

Share with Us:  What is your favorite nut substitute?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Living Healthy – Enjoying Juicing

 

Fresh Vegetable SmoothieHey Earth’s Enrichers

Are you a juicer? There’s this wonderful way to take in all of the nutritious fruits and vegetables that you need. Juicing is a way for you to consume these nutrients in a delicious mix of your own. Whether you despise kale by itself but you love it with one your favorite fruits or you love is straight up, you can have your favorite or least favorite veggies and fruits anytime you want.  Of course, this isn’t a fairytale end to digesting your fruits and vegetables while still maintaining ALL of the appropriate nutrition. There are some rules. These rules ensure that you are getting all the nutrition you need.

Before I give you the juicing nutrition rules, let’s go over some juicing properties. The idea of juicing is basically taking your favorite fruits, vegetables, or both and designing your own delicious, affordable and all you can drink fest. This usually does not entail adding much else to your mixture, although if you see fit, you can add yogurt, ice, or any other suitable ingredient at your leisure.

You don’t need a professional grade juicer; you can simply use a blender. Before putting in any seedy fruits or anything with fibrous skin, we recommend peeling and deseeding. It will help you enjoy your drink and your blender in the long run.

Be kind to your blender! Your blender is the reason why juicing is possible so treat it with nice gestures like a thorough cleaning when you’re finished with it. That way it’s ready for the next fruit and vegetable rodeo.

Being kind to your blender has benefits for you—other than keeping it around longer. If you don’t like seedy or pulpy fruits/vegetables then choose options that lack those characteristics. Also, if you find that you don’t quite like thicker drinks add a little water till it’s just right.

This is all about what’s good for you! So keep in mind what makes you happy, while making and keeping you healthy. Continue to explore and research foods, beverages, and activities that keep up your fitness. If you haven’t given juicing a try, try it! Experiment with your favorite fruits, vegetables, milk, etc. Come up with your best, and tell us all about it. We’d love to hear it! And as we always say, know your body, and do what makes your body happy.

The EE 411: Juicing Nutrition Rules

Now about those rules we promised you. These are important, so pay close attention. There are ten rules you should keep in mind when juicing:

  1. Juicing alone does not provide you with all of the nutrition necessary for your body. This means juicing diets are not recommended especially if you’re only consuming the liquid. It is important to have a well-rounded diet and; Juicing can lack the fibers/proteins necessary to keep your body healthy. The skins of the fruit/veggies and pulp are a part of those fibers/protein. It is important to actually eat the veggies and fruits that are the recommended amounts for a day.
  2. Depending on the vegetable or fruit you choose, you are taking in nourishing vitamins and benefits that are special to the particular veggie/fruit. So, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little research to see what you need and what fruits and/or vegetables can give it to you.
  3. When juicing it is important to know what your body needs and doesn’t need. It is counterproductive to overload your body with vitamins it doesn’t need. Your body will simply become confused and not know what to do with what you gave it. It could make you ill, so check with a professional and keep up with what your body is taking in.
  4. Juicing diets aren’t the best for detoxing. Once the fruit and veggies are juiced, fibers are demolished. Fiber helps your body produce waste and regulate the sugar levels in blood; without it in the juices, it doesn’t necessarily provide you all that you need. Therefore it’s not the best way to detox your body.
  5. Great for easy snacking and stopping you from eating that sinful junk food you like. It creates a fun and creative option that can satisfy the sweets cravings. Fruits have natural sugars, and you can definitely substitute that for your average sweets.
  6. Don’t go overboard. This is just a heads up. If you experiment with juicing and you juice, for example, a meal—please don’t make yourself sick. Don’t force yourself to drink it if you don’t like it.
  7. Calories vary depending on what you use. Grinding [insert your choice ingredient(s)] does not necessarily mean it breaks down the calories. This is another reason why knowing your body and research is important. What you like, may not meet the calorie goals you have in mind.
  8. Juicing can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers. Using organic, natural grown vegetables and fruits can provide your body with benefits like strong bones, an increase in energy, antioxidants, boost the glow in your skin, and aid in weight loss.
  9. Drink it while it’s fresh! Once juiced, it can be quick to perish and lose its appealing taste.
  10. Make sure what you’re using is pesticide free, and natural or organic.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


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Organic Health – Fresh Veggie Gardening

Dear Earth’s Enrichers!

????????????????????????????????The idea of all-natural and organic is starting to set in and become an emerging norm. Some families, plant their own vegetables to place on the table at dinner. In addition to growing vegetables, they have the option to grow herbs and spices. In starting a personal garden, you could have an endless supply of what you need to cook and what you use to season your food. Not to mention, it saves money!

Now, before we go any further, it is important to realize that planting your own personal garden is a lot different from foraging. Foraging is for the experts! If you are used to going to the grocery store and buying your produce, then foraging is not for you. Foraging is the ability to identify different plants as edible/non-poisonous, collect them, and prepare them in a way that is safe for the body to process.

Unless you are well trained and have an extensive amount of experience, it is not a good idea to pick plants that you personally did not grow. You could end up with a serious case of poisoning. All of the vegetables that were deemed beneficial and good for a human being to eat have a doppelganger. Doppelganger, in the sense that there are very dangerous plants that look almost the same as the safe ones. There are slight differences in the plants that trained foragers or botanists are able to see. This protects them from making the wrong choice and they also know how to prepare certain edibles properly.

However, if you lack the foraging skills, planting a personal garden can help you have those fresh organic vegetables without possible detrimental outcomes. It could also help you save money on groceries and spices/herbs. Now, if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are starter packets that can provide you with all the info and “how to do’s” of organic gardening.

Starting a vegetable garden maybe a fun hobby for the summer. It will take some care and patience but it has superb benefits that are financial, recreational, and healthy. This way you know you are making a healthy decision for your family.

The EE 411:

Gardening Tips & Benefits

When first beginning to garden, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
• Find or designate a place with less to no contaminates like run-off pollution, animal excretions, or pests.
• Study and research the kind of vegetable plants you want to have in your garden and determine their proper environment.
• Find a good starter kit that suits your needs like an herb or vegetable starter.
• Look for fertilizers, plant food, and potting soils that have the right nutrients and lack harsh chemicals.
• Patience and water are key.

Having a garden to plant your own produce has benefits. For Example:
• Store-bought organic vegetables can be very hard on the wallet/pocketbook; gardens can reduce the cost of having this healthier option.
• Extra handling that comes from the transportation of the produce to its destination like to the market, or the warehouse is eliminated.
• Gardening gives you something to do with your family a memorable hobby you can all share and enjoy the end product together at the dining table.

Here are some awesome websites to help you get started:
• Organic Gardening – Beginner’s Guide to Organic Gardening
• Good House Keeping – Organic Gardening Tips

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

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Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Heath: Food and Nourishment

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Large health food selection in white porcelain bowls and dishesImagine your alarm clock goes off, you snooze it, and about 20 minutes later you are late for work! Your supposedly calm morning routine is completely compromised! Now, you have to get up, and get yourself together. For those of you who have kids, that means waking them up, getting them ready, preparing their breakfast, grabbing everything they need. By the time you get them to school or yourself to work, you have not eaten. Did you grab anything along the way? Nope!

The first meeting of your day begins, your coworker addresses you and in a return greeting your stomach answers with a grumble. In a situation like this, you have two options: (1) find a quick snack or (2) wait for lunch. When you can’t find a snack, you wait for lunch. Then what if something comes up for lunch like you forgot to bring it and you left your wallet at home. What’s next, dinner?

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water. This week our topic will be food and nourishment.

The common knowledge about meals is that there should at least be three: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient way to split up the meals you are supposed to eat in a day. You know, once in the morning, once at noon or in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. It’s an even three way split; however, due to some individuals’ schedules, this may be a hard thing to do.

If all else fails, the most important meal of the day really is breakfast. Think of it this way, in that earlier scenario, if the individual had grabbed one or two things for breakfast, they wouldn’t have to wait for lunch or scavenge for a snack. But what if you are in a hurry? Well, hide a snack stow it away. Place one in your glove department, or have some at work just in case you forget. It can always come in handy.

Another aspect of food and nourishment you should consider, over the long term, is the food groups you are consuming. Did you know there is an average serving of each food group you are supposed to have in a day? Can you imagine how great you would feel?

Eating the right amounts of food and incorporating the appropriate food groups into your diet can increase productivity. It can boost energy, which is why the body consumes carbohydrates. It increases brain function because the brain uses fats or fatty acids to help it work. Proteins help rebuild and support muscle growth and recovery after working out.

Eating and preparing the appropriate amount for each foods category helps your body naturally create those elements you need. Finding natural foods, without GMO’s or artificial chemical enhancers makes for better and healthier nutrition. Supplements such as pills or vitamins are not always the best way to get these nutritional factors.

If you are having trouble getting the appropriate nutrition, see a professional and if they prescribe supplements use with impeccable adherence to the instructions given to you by the doctor. Remember, too much of a good thing can be negative. If you over use vitamins or supplements, you could end up poisoning the body or overworking a major body system. It is very important that you know your body and get it what it needs and deserves. 

The EE 411: Food and Nourishment Tips

ChooseMyPlate  is a great website that can help you plan your meals so that you can incorporate the correct food groups and understand the importance of them.

At the top of the website there are several tabs you can choose from, from MyPlate to Healthy Eating Tips. When you select “MyPlate” it gives you a list of food groups:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Proteins
  • Dairy
  • Oils

When you select one of the food groups there are at least six questions that sort the appropriate information.  Selecting the link “How much is needed?” will give you a brief description and provide a link to the nutritional contents of the food in each group.

This websites also gives a list of what different types of food are a part of that category. This will provide you with a variety of options, so you don’t get bored with the same foods.

As for some short-term tips:

  • Eating at least three times a day is ideal
  • Snacking all day is not a problem just pick the healthier choices
  • Always eat breakfast
  • Stow away snacks just in case you forget or miss a meal
  • Eat your vegetables *you know who you are*
  • Incorporate the different food groups into your meals
  • Check out what your ideal plat should look like

Share with Us: Identify your least favorite food group. How can you improve your consumptions of this food group?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)