Today we welcome the new September 2012 class! (Taken with Instagram at Institute for Integrative Nutrition)
And I am one of one students! Today was so awesome! More details later.
Category: Wellness
-
- Chia Seeds
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
– The interesting thing about chia seeds is that it is far from being a new trendy food – in fact, it has been around for centuries. Even the Aztecs and Mayans knew about its health benefits and were regularly consumed. So, let’s take a look at why it’s been such a “fad” for so many societies throughout the centuries.
Chia seeds are high in soluble and insoluble fiber. As we know, fiber has been seen over and over in studies to be beneficial for colon health, weight loss, sugar control, heart disease, and cancers, just to name a few health benefits. Chia seeds also become a gelatinous form after sitting in water for a while so as it becomes that way in our stomach, it keeps us fuller longer. This is similar to the concept of other foods that are higher in fiber; high fiber foods slow digestion and allow us to feel fuller longer and prevent a rapid spike and dip of insulin that makes us feel like we have low blood sugar or feel really hungry.
Another health benefit of chia seeds is that it is rich in nutrients and minerals that help our body function at its optimum. It contains components such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and niacin, just to name a few examples of ingredients found in this amazing seed that we can incorporate as a part of our daily nutritional needs. Many of these nutrients and minerals are essential for our hormonal functioning, muscle recovery, and even our energy level and blood pressure and cholesterol processing. So, by simply incorporating a spoonful of this into your daily diet, you are in essence taking a spoonful of a variation of Mother Nature’s multivitamin.
Finally, chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As we have heard in the media and from our doctors, omega-3 fatty acids are important in our diet for numerous reasons that include, but are not limited to, healthy skin, memory preservation, heart health, weight maintenance/weight loss, and healthy hair. As you may already know, omega-3 fatty acids should be a part of our daily diet for these and many other health benefit reasons. And because we are all aware of this, but there is growing concern of too much fish consumption due to heavy metal exposure, these plant-based options can be a safer alternative. Read More
Dr. Jay’s Note: Chia seeds have become a favorite in the Weber household. They have an amazing shelf life so don’t be afraid to buy in bulk as they are easy to store. Chia is a fantastic addition to smoothies. Wonder Woman (the Mrs.) likes to add them to her cold green tea in order to create a tapioca or boba effect.
Am I the only one who gets annoyed when the main ingredients in something include sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup? Seriously? Why would you sell that to me? Why would or should I eat that? Gross. That is all for tonight’s random ramblings.
Peace, love and no beef!
G
Listening to Understand Your Body
I’m dedicating this post to the discussion of how to really obtain a firm connection and understanding of your body and becoming one with yourself by listening to what you need.
I admit I had assumed people would just get this since it feels so natural to me. I feel that I’ve maintained such a reverence for my body that listening to it is incredibly crucial. I know when I’m tired, when I’m hungry, when it’s time to rest and when I simply don’t feel well. This takes time, conscious effort and awareness. When there is a lack of awareness, there is disconnect, imbalance and often illness. I do understand that many people struggle with body image, self-control, self-esteem and other nutrition and health related issues and this may seem as though it is a great challenge. Luckily it’s easier than you think. And what’s even better about it is thinking about it (in regards to listening to yourself) is discouraged and unnecessary.
However, for the moment maybe you might want to reflect just a bit on your current lifestyle. What do you want to change to better your health? How is your environment, career, relationships with others influencing your health? In case you didn’t know already, all of these things influence our health (but that doesn’t mean to go blame someone for your health, just recognize the impact these different aspects of your life have on you). Our minds, bodies and souls are all connected, they are one entity. When one is slightly off, the other aspects are influenced.
How often do you find yourself eating but then realize after you had scarfed down a whole bag of salty potato chips that in actuality you were not truly hungry? How often do you find yourself merely eating out of habit or out of pure pleasure rather than for your health?
Before you grab something to eat today take a moment and really ask yourself how you feel. By taking just a minute (you can spare one of those, right?) and observing how you feel opens up your awareness of yourself. The moment you stop to pay attention to yourself, awareness increases.
When you are truly hungry, you are not eating to cover up or fill an emotional void. A perfect example is the stereotypical pint of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough after a stressful day. Sure, it tastes great but what are you really feeding? Most likely you’re not feeding your body, you’re feeding your emotions. When you are truly hungry, your body will tell you. Your stomach may start to growl; you may not be able to focus properly. Don’t underestimate how intelligent your body is. You are blessed with an incredible system. If you just pause for a moment and allow yourself to really pay attention to your needs, you can hear your body subtly hinting to you. Self-awareness is silent, reflective and intuitive and in the beginning takes time. Recognize that you are truly worth it. You are the only you.
Peace, love and NO beef here.
Guramrit
No Beef Here 