Sunday, April 3, 2011

Forget wheat, get some SPELT!

"They Say…" Spelt is a grain that is healthier and easier for your body to process than typical wheat. (Sadly Spelt still falls under gluten containing foods!  So if you have celiacs disease this article isn't for you, though many who have a mild intolerance can actually tolerate Spelt!)

Us girls have turned away from wheat and headed the Spelt route after Katy's friend and personal trainer suggested it.  Now we enjoy spelt pretzels, pasta, and spelt english muffins for mini pizza's for lunches or hearty pbj's, to name a few! :)

What is SPELT?
Spelt dates back thousands of years with the height of it's use being in European countries.  Spelt is a nutty, coarser, more nutrient rich grain; containing more protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals than conventional wheat.  Bonus is it's easier for our body to process and break down.
"Spelt has a tough hull, or husk, that makes it more difficult to process than modern wheat varieties. However, the husk, separated just before milling, not only protects the kernel, but helps retain nutrients and maintain freshness. Modern wheat has changed dramatically over the decades as it has been bred to be easier to grow and harvest, to increase yield, and to have a high gluten content for the production of high-volume commercial baked goods. Unlike wheat, spelt has retained many of its original traits and remains highly nutritious and full of flavor.  Also, unlike other grains, spelt's husk protects it from pollutants and insects and usually allows growers to avoid using pesticides." - www.spelt.com

Who are "THEY?"
http://www.spelt.com/


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt


http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=143


http://www.livestrong.com/article/309814-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-spelt-flour/

Friday, April 1, 2011

Sun Tanning is... HEALTHY?

"They Say..." Getting a little sun does a body good?

In a country where the sun is thought as the evil cancer causer, research is showing more and more than cancer comes from the chemicals we're putting in our body and on our body, sometimes in forms of “sun protection.” YIKES!


We have creams, lotions, sunless tan spray and lotions, all in the name of protecting us from the “horrific” sun. But interesting enough the sun actually provides one of the strongest cancer fighting nutrients around. VITAMIN D! And did you know the best way our bodies can absorb it is not from pills or food, it is from pure sunlight to skin contact? Isn’t that interesting?! Dig into this idea and research if you wish, it’s VERY interesting!


Does that mean we all should bake out in the sun and become lobsters?! Nope. But it is recommended that we get 30 minutes of sunlight on our skin daily (not through a window). If you do burn easy consider protective clothing in sensitive areas like your face or back. If you do use a sunscreen make sure it is ALL NATURAL and does not contain parabens.


Beauty Tip from Katie (more at thebeautycritique.blogspot.com): A side effect of vitamin D is skin dryness. So what you need to make sure you do is keep your skin exfoliated and always moisturized! Supplements like Vitamin E can help with your skin retaining moisture and so can taking Omega Fatty Acids like Fish or Krill Oil. Also drink LOTS of water!  Again make sure your lotion is ALL NATURAL and does not contain parabens or any other chemicals.


Who are "THEY?"

Disclaimer: Katy and Katie are not physicians or nutritionists and do not personally endorse any person’s opinions stated on our blog.  Please always consult a physician before embarking on diet changes, medicine changes, taking supplements/vitamins, or starting a fitness routine.  And please research for yourself so that you can make your own opinions and conclusions based on the information you find so you can make the best decision for you!  God Bless and Good Health!  Thank you! -K&K

Evening Primrose Oil and Omega Fatty Acids for... PMS?

"They Say..." Evening Primrose Oil and Omega Fatty Acids from fish oil help the with the hormonal swings of PMS (bloating, fatique, moodiness, etc.)!


After reading some of Dr. Jonny Bowden's bookThe Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth, it is interesting to learn that he suggests Primrose Oil for PMS symptoms, a long with many others?
Why? Because Evening Primrose Oil naturally contains Omega 6. Omega Fatty Acids, which are commonly found is fish oil, avocados,flax seed, help the organs and hormones function correctly. They also help with inflammation as well! Dr. Jonny also suggests taking Vitamin B Complex and Magnesium as well to combat the symptoms of PMS. Primrose oil has also been suggested to help people suffering from arthritis and asthma.


Want to give it a shot?
Brand to try... Nordic Naturals OMEGA WOMAN

Who are "THEY?"

http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/evening-primrose.html

http://jonnybowden.com/

http://www.medicinenet.com/evening_primrose_oil-oral/article.htm

http://krilloil.mercola.com/krill-oil-women.html

Disclaimer: Katy and Katie are not physicians or nutritionists and do not personally endorse any person’s opinions stated on our blog.  Please always consult a physician before embarking on diet changes, medicine changes, taking supplements/vitamins, or starting a fitness routine.  And please research for yourself so that you can make your own opinions and conclusions based on the information you find so you can make the best decision for you!  God Bless and Good Health!  Thank you! -K&K