Archive for Health

A New Twist on Salmon

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The amazing world of Salmon!

First a little research, and then a great recipe the family will love!

We all know about the amazing omega-3 benefits of salmon, but there are other unique health benefits from salmon that may have been inadvertently overlooked. One fascinating new area of health benefits involves the protein and amino acid content of salmon. Several recent studies have found that salmon contains small bioactive protein molecules (called bioactive peptides) that may provide special support for joint cartilage, insulin effectiveness, and control of inflammation in the digestive tract. One particular bioactive peptide called calcitonin (sCT) has been of special interest in these studies. The reason is because a human form of calcitonin is made by the thyroid gland, and we know that it is a key hormone for helping regulate and stabilize the balance of collagen and minerals in the bone and surrounding tissue. As researchers learn more and more about salmon peptides—including sCT—we expect to see more and more potential health benefits discovered related to inflammation, including inflammation of the joints.

Salmon is also filled with plenty of B vitamins, Vitamin D, Selenium, Iodine, and of course, the great Omega 3!  It is a great protein to help regulate thyroid imbalances with all of its wonderful nutrients.

Half of my family loves broiled salmon, and the other half will only eat it every now and again.  I pulled out an old recipe that my mom and grandmother used to make on a regular basis, made a few changes, and received a lot of compliments.  This recipe brought everyone together tonight, so I had to share. Not only was it tasty, but it is a great fast weeknight recipe.

Baked Salmon Croquettes

1/2 White Onion Chopped

3/4 Chopped Green Pepper

10 Tbsp Kerrygold Butter

30 oz Canned Wild Caught Salmon, Drained and Flaked

1 can Evaporated Milk

1/3 cup Heavy Cream

1 tsp Himalayan Salt

1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

A Pinch of Xanthan Gum

More butter to top each dish

 

Directions:

Saute onion and peppers in butter for about 5 to 10 minutes until onion is translucent.  Add salmon, evaporated milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a simmer.  Sprinkle with xanthan gum to thicken slightly.  Spoon into ramekins, small pyrex bowls or sea shells.  Top each with a pat of butter and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Caution: These will be very hot, so I always remove from the dish and plate for the children.

Enjoy!

We especially enjoy salmon with sautéed spinach.  I use about 1/4 cup of butter melted to saute a few cloves of garlic. Once it is fragrant, add your spinach and stir until wilted.  It is ready to serve immediately.

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Increasing Evidence That High Fat Diets Lead to Better Health

This time of year, the gyms are packed, and the low-fat aisles at the grocery store are jammed with shopping carts.

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My reaction…”If they only knew they were spinning their wheels!”  All I can do is sigh.

I know, and you know, they may drop 5 pounds, all the while starving, only to go back and gain 10.  It is the endless cycle I was in most of my life.  If only I had known then what I know now! I would have been a much happier and content individual.  Not to mention, healthy and lean.

I have heard so many times these last two weeks, “Count your calories…” or “Eat more fruits and vegetables” and even, Agh, “Cut down on saturated fat.”  Really?!?!  Wake up to 2016 all of you morning talk show special guests.  We have been in a downward spiral for over 50 years, and it is time to rise up and realize this low fat business was a really, really bad idea!  It is okay to correct the bad advice!

I have heard nothing about eating more fat, so I am here to tell you; EAT MORE FAT!

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Now…with that, goes cutting down on the sugar – way down.  In fact, way way down!  The sugar and the carbs have to give, to stop that spike in your blood sugar so you aren’t hungry every two hours.  This means eating healthy fats and saying no to sugar and processed foods.

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The good part is: you get to eat healthy, satisfying foods that will keep you going for hours and hours with endless energy AND boost your brain power.  It is an awesome feeling to gain control of your health so that you never have to struggle with hunger pains and yo-yo dieting ever again!

I was beyond excited to read an article my sweet friend, Tina, sent my way.  It is interesting, scientifically based, and best of all, everything we have been preaching for the past two years.  I just had to share!  Take a moment, read, comment, and share with those you love.  And…EAT MORE FAT!

Read David Ludwig’s article here.  It is worth the read!

Constantly Learning

I met a lovely (newish) friend the other day for coffee. She is also a young breast cancer survivor and we both have young daughters, so naturally we have plenty to talk about.

 

I’m curious if anyone was to over hear us what they would think. Really. We were literally talking about hot flashes, changing bodies, diagnosis, and various other battle stories. I had tears in my eyes. Not the type you think, we were cracking up!


She and I are both passionate about health in general and (likely due to the cards we have been dealt) have taken extra steps to ensure that not only are we staying healthy, and have taken to poking those around us to make healthier choices too.

 

Both of us changed many every day choices that at one time may have been difficult and have turned them into second nature. Granted our motivation is a bit different than most. But what is really interesting, is we both making these changes not because of things we were told by our oncologists but rather primarily from research that we have done on our own.

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My friend is a fitness instructor, is an essential oil connoisseur, and also sells a natural skin care line. So I asked her, “Do you have people interested in learning more, who haven’t had a major health issue?”

 

You can guess her response.

 

The reality is, people are not that motivated to change until something drastic and likely very scary happens.  Looking back before my diagnosis, I ate basically garbage, worked out only when there was a special occasion approaching, and didn’t  give much regard to labels (out side of price tag) on basically anything.

 

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I believe now, after enduring chemo, radiation, multiple surgeries, and countless scans, I am healthier than I have ever been due to the diet and lifestyle changes I have made. I just honestly wish I would have woken up to what I was doing to myself before I had to go through all of that. But would I haven listened?

 

A while back someone posted on a group I follow on Facebook- If you could give one piece of advice to yourself back when you were in middle school, what would it be?  While thinking of my middle school self basically gives me the heeby jeebies. I really believe if I would have known when I was younger (like mid 20s) what I know now in regards to how to take care of myself; things likely would have been completely different.

 

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Back in my early 20s 🙂

 

That is why today I am still constantly reading, researching, and making changes. So that in 10 or 15 years I can look back and again think how much I have learned.

 

 

What to Gift When Bread Pudding ISN’T an Option

What to give? What to give?

 

We all have those friends, family, and acquaintances that we would like to share some seasonal cheer with this time of year. The ideal gift is personal, thoughtful, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. (Bonus points for items purchased or produced in bulk!)

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That’s why homemade treats are the best! But, once you know how bad sugar and most store bought “goodies” are, it’s hard to give them to people you care about.

 

There are plenty of great recipes out there where you can swap out sugar for a natural sweetener. But, mass producing can be tricky and can also get pricey, especially if you are still experimenting with almond flour, coconut flour, and various sweeteners.

 

So what are other options besides gift cards?

 

Coffee or tea-Have a variety that you love? Share it! People don’t often branch out once they find their morning companion.

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Lotion or other self care item-Some people spend money on these items, other’s really don’t see the need, or don’t know which to try. There is something to be said about a nice shave butter/creme.

 

Candle or candles- I recently received a small soy candle as part of a hostess gift, it was purchased off Etsy and it was AMAZING. I know the moment I have people coming over I run around the house lighting candles.  They just make a home more homey, and with 2 dogs and a cat, one can never be too careful.

 

Marie-Antoinette Candle Bust

 

Stationary, thank you cards, or desk note pad-it doesn’t have to be personalized and I can almost guarantee it will get used.

 

Small succulent or super easy house plant-think aloe vera or “mother-in-law’s tongue”

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If you do want to try your hand at food items, think about pickles, cheeses, olives, nuts, cured meats, salsa, or the like.

 

Remember wine and various alcoholic beverages can be keto-friendly too!

 

This year we are getting together with extended family on my fathers side. It’s been a few years since we have all seen each other; new cities, new babies, new jobs, chemo, life… Years ago we stopped doing traditional gifts and now just do a “White Elephant” it’s a good time! I’m sure our version is likely different than other’s-only 3 “hand changes” then the gift is essentially frozen and the person that drew #1 gets to pick at the end.  Every year couples end up plotting their moves, the occasional bribe gets tossed out, and it gets oddly competitive. This year will be no different I am sure. However this year, the $25.00 gift must be at least partially consumable. I have gone around and around in my head about what to bring. Of course I have to purchase two gifts one for me and one for the hubs- he tends to let me do most of the leg work in these situations. But I would love some suggestions! Please, if you have any ideas for a group ranging in ages from 25 to late 60’s, I would love to hear them. We are an eclectic (but fun) group, and of course, I want to win the best gift (or 2) in the pile both given and received.

Why was this not our Christmas card?

 

Atkins Vs Keto


The reason we started consulting with individuals, families, and groups is because we absolutely love the positive changes we have been able to make in our lives and those around us. Really, we just had to share.
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One of the most common questions we get is, “What is the difference between this (Keto) and Atkins?

 

Many aspects are similar between Keto and the Phase 1 and 2 of Atkins.

 

I actually really like the book, The New Atkins for a New You, by Colette Heimowitz. This book was my reference for this post.

The New Atkins Made Easy: A Faster, Simpler Way to Shed Weight and Feel Great -- Starting Today!

 

Dr. Robert Atkins gained a significant amount of weight after starting his medical practice, and through research, created a diet that was based on the removal of sugar and starch from meals. Atkins believed that starchy carbohydrates were the main culprit of weight gain.

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Atkins has four phases:

Phase 1 Induction: Dropping the carbs, increasing the healthy fats, and watching the calendar. Keep carb count between 18 and 22–Basically totally Keto!

 

Phase 2 Balancing: Add carbs back into your diet in 5 gram increments until weight loss levels slow. For some people, this can mean as high as 70 to 80 grams of carbs per day. (Kinda Keto depending on where you fall)

 

Phase 3 Pre-Maintenance: Add more carbs back into the diet in 5 to 10 gram increments until you are in your weight happy place.

 

Phase 4 Life time Maintenance: Transition to a way of eating that you can do forever. Adjust carbs as needed, hormonal changes, age, etc.

 

Dr. Atkins, in my humble opinion, was brilliant and way ahead of his time. He also did not die of a heart attack or stroke, he died from a Traumatic Brain Injury. He died after slipping on ice at the age of 72.

 

I also believe he is likely doing summersaults in his grave with all these Atkins boxes, bars, and packaged meals (oh my!)  These were not his intention at all!  Let’s stay away from pre-packaged please!

 

The Ketogenic Diet, on the other hand, came to be much earlier, around the 1920’s and was established more for therapeutic reasons, initially for Pediatric Epilepsy. The Ketogenic diet being prescribed to seizure prone children has since declined with the rise of anti-convulsion drugs that have been developed.

 

The Ketogenic Diet is wonderfully effective for weight loss, but has so many more benefits.

 

I personally started this diet once I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Cindy started after struggling with PCOS and being diagnosed as pre-diabetic.  The therapeutic benefits of the Ketogenic Diet can help most people, if they chose to do it for a short amount of time or even decide to become “lifers” like we have.

 

On Keto, you limit your sugar and carb intake to roughly 20 grams or try to keep it at 5% of your food. 70% of what you eat should be fat, and the remaining 25% protein.

 

The way I have approached Keto was to consume fat and above the ground veggies. I do not worry too much about the actual macro nutrient counts (grams.)

 

Keto and the beginning phases of Atkins have the same theme. However, Adkins on face value, does not stress the importance of adding high quality fat and keeping people feeling satisfied.

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Cindy and I both also feel very strongly about the quality of our food. While neither of us are perfect, we try to consume and serve our families as little processed food as possible.

 

The benefits of our new way of life have truly been astounding. I believe we have added years to our lives, become so much more efficient, and all around feel a ton better. Having clearer skin and weight loss were just an amazing bonus.

 

If you would like to learn more about our way of living, the therapeutic benefits of Ketosis, or just how to quit the sugar addiction please contact us.

Health Nuts

Health Nuts

 

 

Someone I Love Just Diagnosed, Now What?

There are so many articles and videos about what to and what not to say to certain people- Pregnant women, someone who just lost a spouse, first time parents, stay at home moms, working moms, and the list goes on.

Here is MY version of what to say or do when someone you love has just been diagnosed with cancer. There are actually full books on this topic-but like any thing not 100% universal. I’ve read to not tell a cancer patient they look, “Too healthy to have cancer.”  I actually loved hearing that.

 

Say:

 

“I love you.” This is universal and easy 🙂 Cancer can feel extremely isolating, but knowing that people are still thinking about you as they carry on with their day-to-day is nice.

 

“Can I help  you with _____?” Be specific, for example: When can I bring over dinner? Do you want me to watch the kiddos for an evening? Can I come over Wednesday afternoon if you want to get out of the house or take a nap.

 

“Let me know when your next treatment is, I’ll come sit with you.” HUGE! Having that friend or loved one sitting next to you is so nice. You can even Be that super friend and bring a blanket and a trashy magazine. Very few (if anyone) wants to be the alone person in the treatment room. Honestly, you don’t have to stay the whole time or even talk the whole time – just having you there is AMAZING.

Positive stories – DO NOT tell the story of someone that died or got this crazy infection after surgery.  Seriously?!  We are already scared, even if we don’t say it. Yes, this happens – A LOT!

 

If you stick your foot in your mouth (SO EASY TO DO) just apologize and move on.

 

 

DO:

 

Pray.

 

Send a card or a note- I still have all of mine in a box.

 

Call/text. Even if your reach out doesn’t get returned, try again a few days or week later. Even let them know in your message that the call doesn’t have to be returned, you just wanted to say hi and see how it was going.

 

Bring over dinner, do laundry. Try to be helpful, but not intrusive.

 

Please don’t complain about little things that the person getting treatment would be grateful for – needing your hair done was something I overheard in a treatment room once.  Grrrrrrr…

 

Remember the whole family is affected, not just the one getting chemo. Think about the spouses and kids – this is REALLY hard on them too.  A book, some golf balls, small toy, coloring book; these things can uplift in a matter of moments.

 

 

Do NOT start looking up statistics and diagnosis outcomes on Google – you can, and likely will, end up in some very dark places.

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Cancer is incredibly hard on the person going through treatment and the ones that love them. Being there for your friend or the one you love is really all they want. I was absolutely amazed by the love and thoughtfulness that my family and I received when we went through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

 

I can speak from first-hand experience that I did lose friends when they found out I had cancer.  I get it.  Crummy, but I get it.  Being a friend or loved one of someone going through cancer is hard.  Watching them morph before your eyes is hard.  Not knowing if they will be okay is hard.  They may, and likely will, be a different person after they have traveled this road.

 

The reality is – being there for a loved one or friend is not always easy, it’s not always sunshine moments. Sometimes it’s just hot sad tears. But being that solid person that sticks around through the really hard and low times makes those laugh-til-you-cry moments even better.

My Diagnosis Story (Cliff’s Notes Version)

While it may not quite be October, it’s close.

 

October is for pumpkins, the leaves start to change, and it begins to cool off down here in south Texas. It’s also Breast Cancer awareness month.

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Daughter’s Halloween Costume 2013

Today I thought I would begin start the pink month a little early and share the cliffs notes version of my my diagnosis story.

 

The reason I changed the way I eat (and even look at food) was because in September 2013 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. At the time, I was 31, mom to a 1 year old, and healthy (so I thought.) My numbers were always in the good to optimal range despite my lack of working out and watching what I ate. I didn’t really think too much about my health in general. I didn’t even have a general practitioner.

 

My daughter was about 18 months old when I visited my OB. We were trying to have #2, and for some reason or another, my plan wasn’t playing out like I wanted. After the normal inspection, she gave me the green light and told me it may just take longer this go round. Then I told her about the lump in my left breast. “Nothing” she told me, likely cystic and something a woman my age should not worry about.

 

That was that, and on my way I went.

 

A few months go by, and this lump, which my doctor brushed off as “no big deal” was now something I could feel as it pressed into my arm when I laid down.

 

I decided to go back. There was something inside that told me I needed to. The last thing I wanted to hear was that I was over reacting, but I really knew something had to be going on inside.

 

I went back and saw the nurse practitioner. She agreed that I was not crazy and actually pointed out a second lump. She said that likely they were nothing but that she would send me for imaging to be sure.

 

The following week I went into imaging. My no big deal ultrasound changed from a chat session into something else as the technician started getting quieter and quieter. I remember her leaving the room and scrambling to get my doctor on the phone to order a mammogram.

 

All the jokes about the mammograms are justified. That was an experience I will never forget. I’ll leave it at that.

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I then waited to speak to the radiologist. She was in a darkened room with a wall of screens. Those screens were the images I had just taken and to her they were “Very Concerning.”

 

If there was ever an “I told you so,” moment I didn’t want to have it was now.

 

In the following weeks more imaging, biopsies, blood draws, and tests. None of the results came back the way we wanted at the time. It was definitely cancer, and it had spread. Significantly.

 

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Not your typical cancer patient

 

The moral of the story and why I share it, is because, likely I would not be here had I not followed my gut. I am not the “typical cancer patient”, and I am frequently reminded of that in waiting and treatment rooms. But I knew something was wrong well before I was diagnosed. I had to be the squeaky wheel to get something I knew I needed.

 

When it comes to your health, YOU have to take care of it. Not only before and after your doctor’s appointment but also during. SPEAK UP, if you have questions, ask them if you are not satisfied, do something about it. Be that patient that errs on the side of annoying.

 

I have learned so much about healthcare, doctors, insurance, and time. While there are no blanket statements for any of these things, what I can say is that taking care of yourself is your responsibility and hopefully a priority. No one can do it better than you.

 

Week Night Dinner Tip-Think Frozen

School is officially in! I am working basically full time and at multiple doctor appointments during the week as well. I’m healthy, but doctors don’t place a whole bunch of stock in changing diet as a means to keep me cancer free. (I COULD GO ON FOR HOURS ON THIS!)

 

Getting dinner on the table is still important to us! I have very little time to get something on the table after finishing work, getting the kiddo from school, the hubs usually works out for an hour or so, mail, dogs, life…you all know!

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So our meals are less than creative but still have to be Keto.

 

I am working on mixing it up, but for the most part, fall into a pattern. Veggie and protein with a cream sauce or butter.

 

 

I am a huge advocate for the organic frozen veggies at HEB and Costco, I buy them at almost every trip to the store. They are cost effective, stay fresh, and can be ready in minutes.

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Frozen veggies are typically flash frozen right off the plant and can often be just as good for you or even better than items found in the produce section. Top with KerryGold some pink salt, pepper and you are set!
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So next time at the store, toss in a few bags of the frozen cauliflower, broccoli, and chopped spinach! It’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to get a veggie on the table, and keep your weeknight sanity!

 

Two Questions Answered…

When we meet with clients, we most often hear, “Where do I buy that?” and “What can I pack in the kids’ lunch boxes?”

These are both very good questions, and ones that we struggled with for quite some time.  Like everyone, we get stuck in our ruts with our favorites, both grocery shopping and lunch planning.

I have posted before about Costco, but after the children started back at school, I decided to go on a little adventure at Trader Joe’s.  They have some fantastic deals there and some fun and different items.  This is my most recent haul from TJ’s:

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From left to right:

Organic Broccoli Slaw (you can find the recipe on our blog – the dressing is Keto fabulous!), Tomatoes, Seaweed “crackers” (these are great for soft cheeses – just spread and wrap), Coconut Milk, Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce, Organic Heavy Whipping Cream, Mushrooms, Sliced Brussel Sprouts, Crunchy Salted Peanut Butter with Flax and Chia Seeds (for the kids), Artichoke Antipasto, Marinated Olives, Whole Milk Yogurt, REAL Stevia, Basil (their spices are a bargain), Whole Brussel Sprouts.

The whole reason I went to Trader Joe’s was to get our favorite snack though:

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YUM!!!!  The Rosemary are our favorite!!!

 

Other great finds at TJ’s are produce, meats, cheeses – lots of cheeses – we especially like the marinated fresh mozzarella, other nuts and seeds – love the pumpkin and sunflower seeds, other items I have yet to find!  Please share your favorites with us!

 

All of my kids are back in school!  It is a jolt after a long summer, but we all love to be back in a routine.

Here are our first day shots:

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Carolyn is doing her first round of Kinder this year, and loving every minute!  She just turned 5 years old.

IMG_4499Colton is on the left – he is our middle child (and loves to tell us about it).  He just started third grade, and is 8 years old. Chaz is now in 5th grade (where does the time go?).  He is 10 years old and our most Keto-adapted of the three.

I only share them so that you know, I am, where many of you are, in this adventure and blessing of parenthood.  It is a challenge, but oh so rewarding!  They have adapted very well to our Keto lifestyle, although I do not force it on them when they are not under our roof.  Generally, as their mother, I can control most of what they eat, but it is important to us (my husband and I) that they do not feel singled out, denied or forbidden.  We do not want to create that “forbidden fruit” syndrome where as soon as they are away from us they run to the nearest donut or candy shop.  They know how they feel when they eat healthy, and the they know how they feel when they eat sugar, so we advise – not demand.  Our hope is, that through our constant example, they will learn to make healthy eating decisions on their own.  I have not heard one complaint about the lunch box yet!!!

 

I thought it would be helpful to share how we have been packing lunch over the past week since we started back to school.

Staples in the lunch box always include:

A Protein – Steak, Fajita Meat, Pepperoni, Salami, Nut Butter, Lettuce Tacos, etc.

Cheese – Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Baby Bels, Sliced Cheese, Cheese Cubes

Nuts – Mixed Nuts, Cashews, Almonds, Macadamias

A Drink – Milk, Water, Sparkling Water

Other Add-Ins: Olives, Whole Milk Yogurt, Chia Squeeze (a little high in sugar for everyday, but good fiber and a treat for the kiddos), Dark Chocolate (85% or higher), Berries.

Leftovers are great, and often their favorite.

I suggest a quality thermos and decent ice packs.  I always warm the thermos for hot food items by filling the cavity with simmering water for about 5 minutes.  Discard the water and fill with hot food.  It will stay hot until lunch this way.

This is what lunch looked like for my children today:

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The blue ice pack is on the bottom.  The white foil is a cup of sliced salami, mixed nuts, water, leftover steak, and blackberries.  There is some cheese in there too!

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This is the Thermos I use above, and the two types of cheeses I packed.  They will usually eat one for lunch and save the other for snack on the way home.

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The last of the lunch boxes – this is the whole milk kefir on top (yes – it has added sugar, but is a treat filled with great healthy fat just for the KIDS), blackberries, and yummy hot leftover chicken curry in the thermos!

Each child is a little different, and we are always coming up with new things we like and they like.  Stay connected, and we will try to send out our newest, greatest ideas.  We would love to hear from you too!  What low-sugar healthy foods do your kids love?

 

Swap the Salts

Here is another SUPER simple and painless way to improve the health of your family.

 

Swap out that blue can of chemicals: either the salt, lite salt, or salt free can that has been gracing your dinner table.    For one of these two:

Himalayan Salt

 

Containing all of the 84 elements found in your body, the benefits of natural Himalayan Crystal Salt include: Regulating the water content throughout your body. Promoting healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells. Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.

I buy the grinder from Costco for around $4.00.

The richer and more varied the colors in the salt the better!

Add this to everything! Top your eggs, finish your protein and veggies! EVERYTHING.

 

The also amazing but less easy to find is The Grey Celtic Salt:

Grey salt is a “moist” unrefined sea salt, usually found in the Brittany region of France’s Atlantic coast. Its natural light grey color comes from the minerals absorbed from the clay lining the saltponds. The salt is collected by hand using traditional Celtic methods and wooden tools.

Grey Celtic Salt

 

 

These two completely blow away the competition! They will not break the bank and once you switch you will notice the pure real, healthy, and difference of good quality Salt.

 

We are need salt!So make sure its a good one!

 

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