Monday, February 29, 2016

Your Sugar Plan Is Here!

Your emails keep pouring in and I am literally shaken by your heartfelt stories about your struggles with sugar. It isn't an easy habit to break - that's for sure. And it can lead to serious health problems if we don't get it under control, as some of you shared…

Sugar is toxic. Plain and simple. It wreaks havoc on our bodies. Makes us age faster than we should. Destroys our skin. Makes it easy to carry a spare tire around our bellies and taxes our organs.

And, it is very addicting.

Many people have tried to simply stop eating sugar - and have failed. That's because the food industry wants to keep us hooked on their products and have added it to practically everything! This leaves us on a sugar cravings roller-coaster and we don't know how to put on the brakes. But there is a way, and I want to help you.

For the last few months I've been developing an innovative program with my team to help us all eliminate toxic refined sugar from our diets, and it's finally ready!

The 7-Day Sugar Detox Program is here - Watch the video here and join us now!

Give up sugar, feel great and start to take control of those cravings once and for all.

Here's what you get instantly when you join the Food Babe 7-Day Sugar Detox Program:

  • Intro Guide - I'll show you how to avoid hidden sugar traps and move forward to a healthy relationship with your body and food cravings. You'll learn the facts about what sugar does to the body and why this detox is so life-changing.
  • 7-Day Sugar Detox Plan - This will break down exactly how you are going to be eating, where to find strategies to reduce your sugar cravings, and where to spot all the hidden sugars that might be lurking in your pantry and life!
  • 7-Day Sugar Detox Recipe Guides - Two sets of Sugar Detox recipes for 7 days. Whether you are a vegan, gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian or a meat eater, I've got you covered. Delicious real-food breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes that are free of grains and refined sugar, along with shopping lists.
  • After Detox Guide - Everything you'll need to know to carefully adjust your body back to a regular diet and the learn the best way to still enjoy sweets without the sugar highs and lows.
  • Weekly Food Journal - The ultimate tool to hold yourself accountable and keep yourself on track.
  • Exclusive Instructional Videos - I personally walk you through the program,  give you advice for when nighttime sugar cravings hit, and provide info on healthier sugar swaps to make your detox a piece of cake!
  • Private Sugar Detox Forum - Interact with other people on the 7 Day Detox plan just like you. This is a place where we can support and cheer each other on! I've found that having a community to back you up and help hold you accountable is so valuable to achieving success. I also love that this will be a place where we can privately share our experiences without judgement - since a lot of us are all facing the same type of struggles!

I invite you to join us now! Let's detox from sugar together.

Go to foodbabe.com/sugardetox to sign up! See you there.

Xo,

Vani

P.S. Because this is a brand new program and I know many of you are desperate for a solution, we have slashed the price more than half - this introductory price ends on Friday. I hope you join us now and take advantage of the new program! I am so excited to support you through this whole process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Are You Ready for Monday?

Earlier this week, I asked you to share the obstacles that keep you from ditching refined sugar. And wow! I have received hundreds and hundreds of your emails over the past two days. Here's a glimpse of what I heard from you….

"This is absolutely one of my biggest struggles and it's so frustrating because I spend so much time working out, eating well, avoiding chemicals, etc. But still get sucked into the sugar treats!  Sometimes it's convenience, sometimes it's stress, or celebrations, or sometimes it's for no reason at all." - Julie

"I can eat healthy all day, but at night, I get a huge sugar craving. Even if I can avoid it, I'll even wake up in the middle of the night and eat something with sugar in it, half asleep! In the morning I remember and am perplexed. An addiction, for sure. I've cut out things like candy. I don't even crave that anymore. I imagine the same can be done with things like cookies, cake, pie, etc. Baked goods are an obstacle in my diet. I juice a lot at home and am concerned about the amount of sugar in juices. It's a natural sugar, though, right? Is that as bad as sugar in a cookie?" - Sarah

"I attempted to be as sugar-abstinent as possible for a little over two years with an additional year of off-again-on-again dances with this crazy drug, for lack of a better term.  There have been other rather brief interludes during which I stayed away from refined sugars but, as I am writing to you weighing nearly 300 pounds, I'm the heaviest I've ever been, I have not been able to do so with any long-term success.  I've attempted moderation as well but again, no long term success with that approach either.  I hate it, Vani.  It seems so degrading to be this large, to weigh this much.  I hate knowing that what I do is unhealthy. I am ever so weary of the try hard/give up cycle. But I am also trying to stay out of the shame and self-deprecation I usually wallow in.  It is not easy. If there is, in fact, some sort of breakthrough idea on how to best deal with sugar, I want to know." - Dawn

"My wife and I are in our early 60's and have both gained 30 pounds over the 5 years since we lost our parents – we are clearly emotional eaters… I guess that my message here is that we've discovered that losing weight, like gaining weight, seems to be part of our social construct. Losing is hard – doing it with a friend is doing it better." - Steve

"The time I eat sugar now is when I find candy or cookies sitting around at work. I never buy that stuff. Ever. But when I am stressed at work I grab whatever I can if it has chocolate in it. I have absolutely no willpower and fill myself with self loathing…" - Mary

Can you relate to Dawn, Sarah, Steve or Mary's stories? There are so many triggers that make us turn to sugar - Stress, Comfort, Love, Convenience, Cravings.

The big question now is what works to break this cycle?

Does it work to go cold turkey and just stop eating sugar? Should you try to use all your willpower and hope for the best? Would adopting a Paleo, Atkins, or gluten-free diet make it easier somehow? Do you give up ALL sugar including natural sugar, like fruit?

I've conducted a lot of research into why it's so hard to break the sugar habit and strategies that really work…

If you want to get sugar out of your life, it won't be easy, but I can help.

You need two things: You need a plan and you need support.

If you don't have a plan with a clear goal in sight it's impossible to know where to go. You won't know what to eat every day and will end up hungry and gorging on sugar because you'll feel confused and deprived.

If you don't have support, you won't have that extra push to ensure your success, and it can be way too easy to fall into temptations. In order to achieve a goal this large, you really need a community of people who are all following the same plan with a dedicated commitment. With enough support, you can move mountains!

The new program I developed will provide you with the plan, the support, and the community you need to ditch refined sugar in a way that makes it practically impossible to fail!

Watch your email on Monday for all the details. There are no magic pills or potions or shakes - this program is going to take a real, hard look at your habits, cravings, emotional triggers and food choices.

Are you ready?

Xo,

Vani


P.S. Keep tracking your sugar, I want to hear how much you are eating over the weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

My challenge to you.

Your email responses from yesterday have made me so emotional.

There are so many instances where I can see myself exactly in your shoes. The pain and struggle that some of you are going through with your cravings is heartbreaking because I know there's a better way and I want to help you get there. I am still making my way through all of your sugar stories… but you better believe it - I am reading every single one of them.

Here's one story that caught my attention because it is directly related to what I want to share with you here today.

"I struggle every day as a mom! I have cut sugar 80% of what I used to eat. My daughter is my problem, she is a sugar addict. She's trying so hard. I try but it is impossible. She is 10 years old. And I don't know what to do." - Marcela

When I read Marcela's story yesterday - I immediately thought of this study that shows what happens to your health when you stop eating sugar for just 10 days - and it doesn't matter if you are young or old.

You wouldn't think that 10 days would really make a difference would you? That is what I found so shocking about this study.

Dr. Robert Lustig out of the University of California San Francisco led the study with a group of obese children who were already suffering from metabolic disorders. During the study the children didn't exercise, cut calories or eat particularly healthy food, yet something remarkable happened. Dr. Lustig provided each child with all of their meals and snacks with the same amount of calories, carbs, fat, and protein that they normally ate. The only difference to their diet was that he took out the refined sugar and replaced it with other carbs like whole fruit. For example, instead of chicken teriyaki (which is high in sugar), the children ate turkey burgers and instead of pastries, the children ate baked potato chips with no sugar.


The improvements to their health were DRAMATIC - in just 10 days!

  • Triglyceride levels dropped 33 points (average)
  • Bad (LDL) cholesterol levels dropped 5-10 points (average)
  • Diastolic blood pressure dropped 5 points (average)
  • Normalized insulin and fasting blood sugar levels

Just by ditching sugar, all of these children significantly cut their risk for developing type 2 diabetes (a disease that never used to affect children) and heart disease. Isn't that amazing?

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, "while the study was done in children, there's no reason to believe the benefits wouldn't extend to adults, as well."

This just goes to show that all calories are not created equal and what is really important is where those calories come from - and sugar shouldn't be on the regular menu!

You might be thinking, "Well, I don't eat very much sugar" and that what I'm saying doesn't apply to you. Almost all of us have fallen for this trap - including myself!

Also - you might be thinking - but, I only eat "organic sugar or honey, or maple syrup, etc"… Organic sugar of course is better to buy because it's non-GMO (not doused with probable carcinogens) and hasn't been grown with synthetic pesticides - but organic sugar can still make you age faster than you should, gain weight and increase your risk for related diseases. Just because it is organic sugar doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wind!

And I must confess - this is actually what I struggle with personally. But, thankfully, I've found a way to curb the cravings and you'll hear about it all next week.

In the meantime, I want to challenge you to try something…

Keep a list of all of the sources of sugar you eat and count the grams for the next couple of days and add it all up. That's it. Don't change your diet or think too hard about it, just write down how much sugar you're eating at each meal and snack. Then send it to me by replying to this email, or message me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Were you surprised? I want to know!

I hope this motivates you to take a closer look at how much sugar is in your diet and that you start to think about ways that you can rid it from your life.

I can't wait to hear from you.

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

3 pounds per week? Say Whaaaaat?

There is one ingredient that has been brought up to me many times that I haven't spent a lot of time covering, but given the state we are in with so many food industry deceptions happening, I needed to do more than just write an article about it. This ingredient is considered "natural" too.

So I sat down with my team and we talked a lot about how to solve this issue. We've spent the last few months working on something I am going to reveal next week - that I know many of you are going to want to be a part of.

I read your comments and emails to me every day and listen to the problems you're having trying to break away from the processed food industry - and the NUMBER ONE issue you've expressed to me is your struggle to tame cravings and avoid SUGAR.

I'm human, just like you, and I love sweets! For most of my life, I was addicted to sugar. As a result, my health suffered a lot too. My teeth were awful, my skin was a mess, my body was inflamed, my energy was low and I was overweight.

Everyone knows it's healthier to eat vegetables than a box of cookies, but it's pretty much impossible to stick to eating healthy whole foods all of the time. We all rely on restaurant food and packaged processed food - especially, when we are traveling, at the office or are super busy - it's inevitable!

So, even if you are eating an organic diet, you could still be sabotaged by sugar every day if you're not careful about the foods you choose. That's because even foods that you think have zero sugar added to them (like yogurt, salad dressings, a can of vegetable soup or tomato sauce) can be loaded up with added refined sugars.

Discussing this reality with my team, left a lasting impact on me. I spent the last few months monitoring how much sugar I was actually eating and I was even shocked at how much sugar is hidden in everyday foods. I honestly couldn't believe it and it freaked me out considering how careful I choose my foods.

It's so bad, that experts say the average American eats 3 pounds of sugar every week! There is definitely a problem here, and the food industry is just perpetuating the problem.

Sugar is the most prevalent food additive - it's found in about 80% of food at the grocery store! Insane, right?

The industry adds sugar to their foods because they know it's addicting and it's a cheap and easy way for them to hook us on their products. And are we ever!

A 2007 study found sugar more addictive than cocaine…

No wonder the food industry loves to add sugar to everything.

Study after study is coming out that shows how toxic sugar is to the body and how it leads to a myriad of diseases - heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, liver disease, and more. It has become clearer than ever that sugar is an enemy that prevents us from achieving optimal health and the fit bodies we want.

If you care seriously about your health, it's time to put on the brakes and focus on how much sugar you are really eating. When you do, I think you'll be surprised! I know I was.

We have something BIG coming that I'm really excited about - a plan that will help us deal with all of this sugar in our lives. We're just finalizing the details on it and can't wait to share it with you.

If your friends and families are struggling with sugar too (I mean, who isn't?!?) please share this email with them and ask them to subscribe to this newsletter here.

Reply to this email and tell me what obstacles keep you from ditching refined sugar. Have you tried it? Is this something you've ever considered? I want to hear your stories!

We are going to do this together, it's going to be so fun and I am positive it can change your life forever! Stay tuned.

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Organic.org

Organic.org


7 Spices Loaded with Serious Flavor -- and Incredible Health Benefits

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 01:40 PM PST


Cayenne pepper really hit its prime in the early aughts. When Giselle Bundchen credited cayenne with helping maintain her slim, Victoria's Secret-worthy figure, the spice was suddenly stylish.

It's almost too easy—just a pinch of some magic powder and suddenly you're a fat-burning machine? Well maybe not a machine, but fiery cayenne does seem to have an effect on increasing the metabolism. It's well documented that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that give Advil a run for its money, and cinnamon is coveted amongst those with metabolic disorders thanks to its blood sugar-lowering effect.

The rest of your spice rack isn't to be overlooked—there are some superfood seasonings hidden in the pantry that are worthy of a little more love. Put down the salt and start cooking with these spices—your blood pressure, waistline, and tastebuds will thank you.

Paprika

Sweet, spicy, smoky—paprika comes in tons of different flavors and varieties, but it's always a vibrant brick red. Thanks to its plenitude of antioxidants that impart its quintessential color, paprika is also full of vitamins A and E. Together, they fight free radical damage in the body, but vitamin A also promotes cell growth and recovery, which supports anti-aging.

Fennel

With its distinct taste and smell, fennel is often loved or loathed. If you fall into the latter category, this classic Italian seasoning is worth your adoration—full of phytonutrients, fennel has been proven to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. A special phytonutrient called anethole found in fennel has been linked to slowing the growth of cancer cells and apoptosis, or cell death, in breast cancer cells. Additionally, fennel's antioxidants can help reverse damage to liver cells... So after a really rough night out, look to this spice to help heal your hangover.

Cloves

Especially popular in some of the most beloved holiday foods—gingerbread, hot toddies, and pumpkin pie, to name a few—cloves are a warming and aromatic addition to any dish. Along with their lovely flavor, cloves impart another interesting element to dishes: eugenol. A compound found specifically in clove oil, eugenol is incredibly effective at protecting the body from external toxins found in the environment, like carbon tetrachloride. It's also a potent natural pesticide, so mixing a little clove oil into your lotion can ward off annoying mosquitos and bugs.

Bay Leaves

You don't really realize how important bay leaves are to Grandma's chicken noodle soup, your favorite bolognese sauce, or classic cooked beans until you accidentally forget to throw one into the mix. When you do overlook these dried leaves, it's clear that something is missing. Although the pungent, almost bittersweet flavor of bay leaves isn't necessarily appetizing on its own, when added into dishes and left to simmer, they impart a little extra depth and dimension. Plus, as it turns out, these leaves also bring some pharmacological properties to the table.

Even dried, bay leaves help the digestive system function properly, acting as a diuretic and eliminating toxins. They also contain a plethora of B-vitamins that support the nervous system to increase energy and amp up the metabolic rate.

Thyme

Whether fresh or dried, thyme deserves a permanent place in your pantry, especially during the fall and winter months. The woody and aromatic herb has been used for centuries in aromatherapy to treat illness, but it's proven over time to be a powerful antimicrobial treatment. In fact, thyme actually encourages a healthy immune system by increasing white blood cell formation. Next time you feel a chill coming on, throw some thyme into almost any savory dish to reap the immune-boosting benefits of this spice.

Black Pepper

Try not to roll your eyes. Black pepper—no duh! Of course you already know about this spice. But before you skim to the next incredible ingredient, reconsider black pepper for its fat-burning powers. Yep, you read that right. That freshly ground black pepper you've been declining at restaurants for years can actually help your body break down fat cells. Plus, pepper raises core body temperature, forcing the body to eliminate toxins via sweat.

Nutmeg

Too often, nutmeg is relegated to holiday treats (what's up, eggnog?), but there are plenty of reasons to throw nutmeg into your cooking all year round. Nutmeg has long been used as a home remedy for insomnia—and there's actually something to this old wives tale.

This spice has a high magnesium content, which has been proven to help those who suffer through restless nights fall asleep and relax far more easily than normally. The powerful antioxidants myristicin and elemicin found in nutmeg fight inflammation and pain, and some researchers believe actually slow down the deterioration of neural pathways in the brain. Slow down aging and maintain memory for a long time? Sounds like it's time to start adding nutmeg to every morning cup of joe.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Special Sunday Email!

Hi there! I know you aren't used to seeing my emails on Sunday, but I wanted to share this new episode of Food Babe TV with ya ASAP.

Take a look into my medicine cabinet… I think you'll be surprised what's in there!

This food has saved my health on so many occasions - you might want to put it on your shopping list right now.

Watch the new episode here.

Xo,
Vani

P.S. I have been working hard on something I can't wait to share… It's almost ready and you'll be hearing about it this week – so stay tuned and make sure to open my emails. This is something we have all been struggling with and it's time for some accountability!

P.P.S. This is a great episode to watch with the whole family :) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Organic.org

Organic.org


Food Is Medicine: 20 Natural Painkillers in your Kitchen

Posted: 18 Feb 2016 12:34 PM PST

This fascinating list, based on scientific research, also gives specific information as to which ache or pain a particular ingredient may assist with. The list is understandably very long and it is impossible to comprehensively deal with every ailment and cure listed.

Below you can find a list of the top 22 natural painkillers that are commonly found in nearly every kitchen. So next time you are feeling poorly, afflicted by aches and pains, before you rush off to the pharmacy, check out your natural painkillers list!

Please note however, that pain or other symptoms which persist could be a sign of something more serious and may require medical intervention. If you are concerned, consult your medical practitioner.

1.  Heal Heartburn with Cider Vinegar 

Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. "Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain," explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Help to relieve arthritis and muscle pain, and improve joint mobility. Find 30 amazing uses for Apple Cider Vinegar here.

2.  Ginger 

When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger's potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

3. Erase Earaches with Garlic

Treat that dreadful earache pain by placing two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic's active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

4. Cure a Toothache with Cloves

Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

5. Tame Chronic Pain with Turmeric

Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin and other similar chemical medications, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That's because turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

6. Relax Painful Muscles with Peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren't properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves — a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler. Additionally, drinking peppermint tea may help to relieve sore throat and reduce feelings of upset stomach and abdominal pain caused by stress. The menthol in peppermint inhibits nerves that react to painful stimuli.

7. Give Your Back Some TLC with Grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That's great news because your back's vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue..

8. Fight Pain with Flaxseed

Recent research has shown that just 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed added to the daily diet, eases sore and painful breasts associated with the start of the menstrual cycle. There are a number of natural compounds in flaxseed which prevent estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. Applying flaxseed oil to the breast is also effective. More good news: You don't have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

9. Prevent Pain with Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice cuts your risk of picking up a painful bladder infection. Cranberry juice flushes bacteria from the bladder by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Drink at least 2 glasses of the juice per day as soon as you notice the signs of bladder infection. Find here more information on how to treat urinary tract infection naturally.

10. Tame Leg Cramps with Tomato Juice

Leg cramps are usually caused by a potassium deficiency due to heavy perspiration during exercise or when it is flushed out by diuretics. Tomato juice, rich in potassium, will reduce your risk of these painful leg cramps. Take 2 glasses daily to keep cramps at bay.

11. Heal Mouth Sores with Honey

Raw honey works wonders on sore throat and mouth sores. The natural enzymes in honey banish inflammation, help to destroy viruses and speed up the healing process. Cinnamon and honey mixed together are also promoted by Ayurvedic medicine and alternative medicine. In a paste form this mixture can be applied to the painful area and massaged into the skin. Mixing honey and cinnamon in a warm cup of water and drinking it on a regular basis has also shown to relieve arthritis symptoms.

12. Energize Migraine Medication with Coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

13. Drink Tea to Relive Pain

The tannin in tea helps to stop the contractions in the intestines which occur during a bout of diarrhea or colitis. Drink plenty of tea to relieve the pain when suffering the unpleasant effects of diarrhea.

14. Mustard is an Anti-Inflammatory

For a congested and sore chest as a result of a cold, rub a generous amount of mustard onto your chest. Place a warm cloth over it to make an old-fashioned mustard poultice to relieve pain and congestion.  The active ingredients in mustard have fantastic pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

15. Take Away Pain of a Burn with Baking Soda 

An excellent way for easing the pain of a burn is with household baking soda. Make a paste and apply to affected area and cover with a wet gauze for a few minutes. The alkaline nature of the baking soda will neutralize the acid in the wound, preventing infection and reducing the pain. Find here 6 uses for baking soda as a kitchen medicine.

16. Heal Sinus Problems with Horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation's number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn't just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

17. Heal Infections with Salt

Soaking infected minor cuts and scrapes naturally nixes inflammation, plus it's anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

18. Gargle with Lemon Juice 

Dilute lemon juice in water to ease the pain of a sore throat when used as a gargle.

11. Prevent Digestive Upsets with Pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California's Stanford University. That's because pineapple is naturally packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine.

20. Soothe a Sting with Meat Tenderizer

Use a meat tenderizer which has papain (papaya enzyme) to neutralize the venom in a jellyfish or bee sting.. A paste of meat tenderizer and water offers relief for back pain as well. Use a sufficient amount of the tenderizer and water and apply the paste directly to the areas of your back that are in pain. The enzymes will work to break down the proteins, reduce any inflammation and therefore soothe your back muscles.

21. Ease Sore Throat with Cayenne Pepper

The role of the cayenne pepper is to help relieve the pain in a sore throat. The main active compound found in cayenne is a substance known as capsaicin. Capsaicin has shown to contain pain-relieving properties by hindering the transmission of a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitted pain signals to your brain. If you can bear the taste, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of cayenne pepper in a glass of water (8 ounces) to find instant relief of migraine headache.

22. Chase Away Joint and Headache Pain with Cherries

A daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today's painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing's Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. "Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain," explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Organic.org

Organic.org


Learn How to Grow Peanuts in Your Spring Garden

Posted: 17 Feb 2016 09:03 AM PST


Peanuts are not actually nuts, they are a vegetable that belongs to the legume family. Learn how to grow peanuts in your garden and enjoy the benefits of this hassle free, delicious crop.

Peanuts are native to South America and take about 120 days tomature. The plant is hardy and can withstand light spring and fall frosts. Although peanut plants are normally considered to be Southern crops, Northern gardeners can grow them successfully if they start the plants indoors, and use certain varieties that can withstand cooler climates.

Planting

Peanuts require full sun and soil with good drainage. You can ensure enough drainage by working in organic matter in order to make it loose and friable.

Peanut seeds can be planted hulled or unhulled but be sure not to remove the thin, pinkish brown seed coverings, otherwise the seed will not germinate.

If you live in a cooler climate, start your peanut plant indoors in a large pot about a month before the last frost. Seeds should be sowed on inch deep and placed in the sunniest spot possible. Be sure to water weekly. You can transplant your peanut seedlings into your outside garden once the soil is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplants should be spaced 10 inches apart.

If you live in a warmer climate, plant your crop outdoors around the last expected frost. Space your seeds 2 inches deep and 5 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Be sure to water well and thin the plants to 10 inches apart.

Growing

Once it is about 1 foot tall, long, pointed pegs will grow from faded flowers and push 1 to 3 inches into the soil. This is where you will find the peanut. The soil around the plant should be soft enough so that the pegs growing from the plant do not have too much difficulty penetrating the soil. You can help your plant by laying down some light mulch, like grass clippings or straw to prevent the hardening of soil.

1 inch of water a week is perfect for a peanut plant. Since it is a legume, it can supply its own nitrogen. The use of nitrogen-rich fertilizer will encourage foliage instead of fruit, so try to avoid the use of any fertilizer that may contain a lot of nitrogen. Soil that is well-prepared will provide all the nutrients the plants need.

Harvesting

Once the leaves turn yellow and the peanuts' inner shells have gold looking veins, your crop is ready to harvest. You can check the peanuts periodically by pulling out a few nuts and shelling them. The pegs will become very brittle and the pods will break off if you wait too long to harvest. To harvest, pull the entire plant our of the ground while the soil is moist. Dry the plant in an airy space until the leaves become crumbly. Once the plant is dried, remove the pods. Unshelled peanuts can be stored for up to a year if they are stored in an airtight container.

Tests Reveal How Much Wood Is In Our Cheese! + New Video

A few years ago now, I filmed a video about this food additive that has now been shown to cause digestive issues, bloating, and intestinal inflammation. It can destroy gut bacteria and lead to weight gain.

Now we know how much of this additive is in our cheese!

Bloomberg News tested several brands of Parmesan shredded cheese to find out how much cellulose (a by-product of the wood industry) is in some popular brands.

They found:

  • Essential Everyday 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese, from Jewel-Osco, was 8.8 percent cellulose.
  • Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Great Value 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese registered 7.8 percent, according to test results.
  • Whole Foods 365 brand didn't list cellulose as an ingredient on the label, but still tested at 0.3 percent. (Probably contamination from another cheese brand that uses cellulose produced on the same factory equipment)
  • Kraft had 3.8 percent.

It is shocking that shredded cheese can have this much wood pulp in it! This is insane, right?

I am so glad that this information is getting out to the public in a big way – several major media outlets are reporting this news too. It is absolutely critical for you to avoid this substance if you want to feel your best – shred your own cheese!

I never understood why eating pizza at popular pizza fast food chains made me feel so awful. Thankfully, now I do.

If you love this kind of cutting edge health information, please come over and watch the new trailer on the Food Babe YouTube channel and subscribe. I have many more fun, educational and entertaining videos coming this week – the food industry won't want you to see what I have up my sleeve!

Watch the new trailer here.

I am so excited to be part of this healthy food movement with you.

Keep spreading the word!

Xo,

Vani

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to the Food Babe YouTube Channel. I need you there with me friend!

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Food Babe pants down?

A quick hello from California!

Here's a brand new episode of Food Babe TV. We had a lot of fun making this video for ya – hope you enjoy the laughs!

Watch it here.

Xo,

Vani

P.S. After you watch the video, please be sure to comment, I'd love to know what you think and what you'd like me to film next! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Organic.org

Organic.org


15 Soups That Will Actually Cure Your Cold

Posted: 05 Feb 2016 12:35 PM PST

1. Coconut Ginger Carrot Soup


Creamy is where this incredible coconut ginger carrot soup recipe goes. Have your heard so many delicious flavors in one recipe title? Even better, this soup is an amazing immunity-booster just in time for cold and flu season.

2. Immune Boosting Vegetable Soup


Tis the season for colds, flus, and sickey germs everywhere. This supremely flexible ingredient soup is the perfect antidote to all that.

3. Flu Fighter Chicken Noodle


Loaded with good for you ingredients and full of flavor – this absolutely delicious chicken noodle soup makes for a wonderful dinner! It's also a tasty remedy for battling off a nasty cold or flu!

4. 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili


All you need are few simple ingredients to create this delicious 5-Ingredient Easy White Chicken Chili recipe. You can make it quickly on the stove, or let it simmer all day in your slow cooker.

5. Healing Green Tea and Chickpea Soup


This recipe is for a marvelous, healing soup with some cold-fighting garlic-y tortilla triangles for dipping. It's a triple-carb affair (naturally) because your body needs the fuel so, yes, now is the time to eat chickpeas, pasta and bread in one meal. There are veggies in there too and it's the perfect base to add some shredded chicken or tofu to if you desire.

6. Roasted Carrot Ginger


Besides the vigor added from the fresh ginger, the flavoring of this soup comes from a little bit of ground coriander and allspice. Simple.

7. 15-Minute Coconut Curry Noodle Soup


Despite the speediness of its assembly, this soup has an amazingly complex, flavor. Enjoy the richness of the coconut milk, the spicy of the curry paste, the tangy bite of the lime to the funky awesomeness of the fish sauce.

8. Roasted Carrot and Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup


This roasted carrot and sweet potato soup is warm, comfy, and healing for the soul. And with turmeric – a natural anti-inflammatory will ease all pain.

9. Turmeric Miso Soup with Shiitakes, Turnips and Soba Noodles


To "cleanse" your body of toxins is to treat it well. By that, we mean more fruits and vegetables, clean food free of preservatives, and more home-cooked meals. We know the thought of making a home-cooked meal can be daunting, given busy schedules and such. But what if you could make this delicious (and healthy) soup in 20 minutes?

10. Turmeric Broth Detox Soup


Make this fragrant detoxing Turmeric broth, then make the soup your own. This one meal can easily be made in 30 minutes or less! If you feel like slurping, add in some rice noodles, chickpeas and kale

11. Cleansing Detox Soup


This oil-free Cleansing Detox Soup is packed with all the good stuff, and by good stuff we mean immune-boosting natural remedies like fresh lemon juice, fresh zingy ginger, bright turmeric, balancing cinnamon, and a touch of spicy cayenne. Detoxifying vegetables and leafy greens like kale, broccoli, celery and carrots will cleanse, nourish and make you feel whole.

12. Golden Beet and Fennel Soup


This Golden Beet and Fennel Soup is an earthy creamy healthful soup. full of nutrients and fiber. Not only is this golden beet soup not red, it also hits the spot on a cold winter's day. BOOMshakalaka!

13. Thai Yam Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger


Vegan and gluten free, this recipe for Thai Sweet Potato Soup is healthy and light, and will bring a little sunshine into your life with its bright, warm flavors.

14. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Superfood Soup

This soup has a hint of sweetness and is spiced with chipotle chili powder, cumin, and turmeric. Black beans, sweet potato, and red cabbage all make a superfood star appearance dressed with cilantro and avocado.

15. Immune Boosting Garden Herb Stock


There is nothing more of a sialagogue than a pot of stock simmering away on the stovetop and this vegan garden herb stock is a recipe you will definitely want to make again and again.

[via]

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Organic.org

Organic.org


14 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Posted: 03 Feb 2016 09:49 AM PST

Many of us dream of having our own vegetable patch, but it can be challenging to find the ideal space – and that's assuming you have a garden at all. If you don't then you're in luck, you don't need a large out door plot to grow all your ideal crops, for many edible plants all you need is a sunny spot inside.

The idea of growing an indoor farm, full of healthy food you can spoil yourself with over summer may sound too good to be true. But with a little love and care, whether you live in a house or a flat, you can grow a variety of fresh veg, fruit and even edible flowers ready for your next dinner party – guaranteed to impress.

But the benefits don't stop there, growing your own greenery will give the satisfaction of harvesting your own foodstuff, save you money and added health benefits making your five a day a walk in the park. You might even start replacing that takeaway pizza with home-grown veg packed with vitamins and minerals.

You can grow almost any plants indoors with a loving hand, best growth occurs in areas that receive plenty of sunlight, such as windowsills. But for those of you who just don't have a sunny spot to make the most of, grow lights can allow you to cultivate your edible plants in even the darkest of corners.

Although growing conditions vary from plant to plant, a few general rules should be followed. If you're starting completely from scratch, sowing seeds on moistened soil, covered with plastic wrap and kept in a warm area will get your plants off to the best possible start. Also ensuring all pots and containers have drainage holes or a layer of grit to prevent root rot and overwatering will make sure your plants stay strong and healthy.

For more on edible plants you can grow indoors – including sowing and harvesting times – check out our helpful infographic below.

Somebody pinch me!

There's a big game this weekend and I have some exciting news to tell you!

As you know Pepsi Co (who I personally think is the worst junk food company in the world) is a HUGE advertiser at the Super Bowl and I know many of you may go to Super Bowl parties where traditional Doritos, Lays and Ruffles are being served… but you don't have to eat those GMO snacks! There is an incredible amount of new alternatives and organic versions available. I've got you covered with a list of healthier options + all my favorite game day recipes!

See my exciting news and read the brand new post here.

Hope you enjoy this recipe round up and a new recipe for my husband's favorite food – WINGS (organic of course)!

Go Panthers!

Xo,

Vani

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.