TIP OF THE DAY

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”

~ La Rochefoucauld

Saturday, November 5, 2011

3 Essential Health Tools

+ RAW HONEYThanks to our friendly buddies the bee’s we have been blessed with an amazing tool to maintain healthy living.

Honey contains bits and pieces of pollen picked up by the bees as they fly from place to place. These are minute amounts of the very things that our bodies build up allergies to. So, by taking a tablespoon a day of this local honey, you are helping your body build up immunity to the allergens. Take it raw as a sweet treat, or add it to a cup of tea or your morning coffee. Try it, it works! 
  • Scratchy throat - We’ve all experienced the discomfort and annoyance of a scratchy throat. Whether you’re dealing with a full blown infection, or just the aftermath of sinus sensitivity, honey provides a protective layer in the mucus membranes. Tea’s make a great buddy during the winter months and the best throat cure is “Throat Coat” tea which is made my a few different brands. Here are a few that work:
  • Minor cough - Try this recipe: Boil water on the stove as if you were making a regular cup of tea (about 6 to 8 ounces). Fill your favorite mug with two tablespoons of local honey and the juice of half of a fresh lemon. Pour in your water, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved and then top with some fresh mint (or a couple drops of mint extract from your local health food store). Blend again. 
  • Instant Energy and Immune Support - The best way to BEAT the winter health blues is to avoid getting sick. Boosting the immune system naturally is a good way to start. Two of the best things for the immune system are Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar. They both provide antioxidants, amino acids, natural antibiotics, vitamins, trace minerals, anti-viral properties and more. Just as with honey, apple cider vinegar is best in its RAW form, so don’t be fooled into thinking the over processed stuff you’ll find in your local supermarket is going to do the trick; this is one time when going organic is essential. 
  • To make your daily immune booster: fill a small drinking glass with ice-cold apple juice. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey. Don’t worry, the vinegar shouldn’t be too overpowering when mixed with the sweet juice and the honey. What you end up with is apple juice with a pleasant zing to it, much like apple cider. 

+ OLIVE LEAF  - Olive leaf extract is extracted from the leaves of the Olive tree and has numerous health benefits.
  • Immune System - As prevention is usually better than cure and you want to have a winter without the problems of colds and flu, then you should consider investing in some olive leaf extract capsules, which, if you start taking now, may be very beneficial over the coming months. If you have a cold or flu, then the symptoms will be relieved more quickly if you take olive leaf extract.
  • Heart and Cholesterol - Olive leaf extract will help in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, because of its antioxidant properties. The bad cholesterol in the body is the Low density Lipoprotein. When the level of LDL is lowered the condition of the heart improves. Olive Leaf Extract is recommended for the high blood pressure patients. It reduces blood pressure by relaxing the arteries. Blood flow is increased and as a result the functioning of the heart recovers.
  • Stomach - It can prevent excess acidity in the stomach and cure gastritis. It also relieves stomach pain by stopping muscle spasms in the stomach and is useful in the treatment of stomach cramps.
  • Skin - Olive leaf extract is also very good for the skin. It can eliminate acne problems and also prevents wrinkle formation. It keeps the skin young and supple. If you are tired of your acne problem then Olive leaf extract can do wonders for you. It cleanses the skin and eliminates acne forever. It will also give you a youthful and glowing skin.
  • Chronic Fatigue - It reduces chronic fatigue in the body and revitalizes the body system so that you feel more energetic. The Olive Leaf extract is also a stress buster and improves your mental health as well. Chronic fatigue is a serious problem among many people. Basically the reason of this problem is the production of micro toxins in the body. Olive leaf extract inhibits the production and thus people feel more energetic and vigilant while performing their regular activities.


+ ELDERBERRYElderberry is one of the most common fruit-bearing shrubs of North America. It’s amazing healing properties have been used for years and years. 
  • Time Tested - The ancient Egyptians discovered that applying elderberry flowers improved the complexion and healed burns. All parts of the elder have long enjoyed a strong medicinal reputation on their own merits, however, ONLY the berries and flowers are recommended for internal use today.
  • Vitamin C - In fact, elderberries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except for black currants and rosehips!
  • Remedies - In recent years dietary supplements and other natural health products containing extracts, juices or syrups of European elder have become popular in America as remedies for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms, marketed primarily through natural food stores alongside other popular herbal remedies used for treatment or prevention of upper respiratory tract infections and other symptoms associated with colds and flus.




*Attention: Please note that all suggestions are for information purposes only. Do not take any supplements or make any changes to your diet or lifestyle without the expressed consent of your licensed physician or care giver.



BTH&W at 4th Dine & Learn Healthy Woman Symposium

The BT Health & Wellness team was out in full effect last night.  We had a wonderful time at the Health Symposium. There were over 800 people in attendance and we thank everyone who stopped by our table. We hope you got great information and learned a few things about healthy living and sugar.

The BT H&W Team:  Nikki, Davella, Cynthia and Steve.  
Great job guys!


We had a great table with fun snacks like kale chips and organic lollipops


 Steve is explaining the importance of healthy living and instructions for the grand prize raffle.


Congratulations to our grand prize raffle winner 
who received a lovely gift bag of organic tea, pomegranates, apples, pears,
 organic chocolate and much more!

Nikki took body composition assessments.  Did you know its possible to be obese and skinny at the same time?  Its not about weight, its health that counts!  Know your fat to lean muscle ratio. It matters.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BTH&W at 4th Dine & Learn Healthy Woman Symposium



We will be there and we have great gifts and prizes 
Come and test your Sugar IQ with us

We look forward to seeing you on Friday
Fair starts at 6PM. Don't miss it!!!



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pumpkin Soup


Pumpkins aren’t just for carving. They are loaded with lots of great health benefits such as: carotenoids, which is known for keeping the immune system of an individual strong and healthy as well as beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps prevent build up of cholesterol on the arterial walls, thus reducing chances of strokes.

Pumpkin Soup


 Ingredients

*     1 large onion

1 medium size pumpkin

*     4 tablespoons parsley
(fresh is better, but not necessary)

*     6 fresh carrots (grated or finely chopped)

*     1 Tablespoons minced garlic

*     1 pinch ground ginger

*     1 pinch cinnamon

*     1-2 Tablespoons of Agave Nectar or raw honey

*     2 pinches curry powder

*     2 teaspoons thyme

*     ½ cup coconut milk (almond milk, half and half may be substituted)


Directions

1.     Cut pumpkin and steam until soft.

2.     While pumpkin is steaming, finely chop onion and sauté in butter until soft.

3.     Add Carrots and stir for about 5 min.

4.     Scoop out pumpkin and add to sauté.  Mix well.

5.     Transfer all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.

6.     Put mixture in stockpot and season to taste.

7.     Pour in soup bowl and garnish with fresh parsley.

8.     Enjoy!







Source:  Bon Santé Nutrition & Wellness 

Fall Into Health Lecture Notes





Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cold Season

·    Super nutrition equals super immunity.  Your body is already built to fight off germs and viruses.  The key is to eat well to feed your immune system.

·   Develop effective stress management practices.  People who are chronically stressed are more susceptible to infections.  Try deep breathing to keep you calm and grounded.
  
·   If you do get the cold or flu, make sure to get adequate rest, eat light meals mostly of vegetables, broths, fruit and drink sufficient amounts of water.

·    High body temperature is one way the body fights off infection.  There is no urgent need to reduce fever unless over 102°.

·    Everyone does not need the flu shot.  Check with your doctor to determine what is best for you.