While there is no “quick fix,” or one perfect food, for weight loss, a
combination of certain healthy foods, on top of an already-nutritious
diet, can supercharge your efforts. One great culinary tradition that
boasts many of these foods is Mexican cuisine.
Now, you may be confused to hear this, as Mexican food in the US has
become synonymous with deep fried, flour-wrapped foods jam-packed with
way too much cheese. However, this reputation has more to do with our
modern fast food culture than the origins of this great cuisine.
Simply put, Mexican fast food is not healthy, but authentic Mexican food, if you are enjoying dishes made with love and fresh ingredients, can be as good as gold.
The
following are eight common ingredients found in Mexican food, which if
incorporated into recipes wisely can go far to helping you achieve a
slimmer waistline.
Tomatoes
You’ll find tomatoes in many fresh, Mexican sauces, such as salsas
and picante sauces, and also chopped up fresh into many salads and
(gluten-free) wraps. The wealth of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
found in tomatoes has been linked to supporting cardiovascular health,
lowering levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, and protecting bone health.
Good News: A diet rich in tomatoes has also been linked to a lowered risk of obesity.
Chile peppers
Chile peppers, from the tolerable jalapeno to the virtually inedible
ghost pepper, are often used to add heat and flavor to Mexican dishes.
They are also often roasted whole, or sauteed with onions to make rajas.
When eating Mexican, don’t skimp on the chile: it is a famous
metabolism-booster. Also, capsaicin, a compound found in chile peppers,
has been linked to curbing cravings throughout the day when consumed
with breakfast.
Black beans
Black beans are ubiquitous in Mexican cuisine, and can often be found
served on it’s own with some spices, or paired with rice in a hearty
bowl that usually also contains fresh veggies. How do they help your
waistline?
Beans contain high amounts of fiber, which helps to support great
digestion, can prevent spikes in blood sugar, and leaves you satiated
for hours, keeping cravings away.
Avocados
Avocados add a refreshing, “green” flavor to many Mexican dishes,
including the world-famous guacamole. Eating avocados regularly has been
linked to a strong, efficient metabolism, and also to reducing daily
cravings. The monounsaturated fats that they contain have been linked to
raising HDL “good cholesterol.”
These fruits are also chock-full of vitamins and minerals, which you will need a lot of if you’re working out.
Limes
The acid element for many a traditional Mexican dish (ceviche, for
one), lime can be used to add a burst of freshness to almost anything.
Along with being high in immune-boosting vitamin C, limes are great for
detoxification. When melting fat, detox is key, as you need to get the
accumulated toxins out of there before you can slim down.
Additionally, the essential oils found in limes have been found to be
very high in antioxidants, and these fruits are being investigated for
their potential to lower LDL “bad” cholesterol.
Jicama
Also known as the Mexican yam, jicama is often peeled and chopped raw
into salads. Its mild flavor makes it suitable for sweeter, and more
savory, salads and appetizers.
Along with being high in fiber and vitamin C, jicama contains inulin,
a prebiotic which helps to support healthy gut bacteria. A healthy gut
environment is not only important for digestion and the immune system,
it is also key to a successful weight loss plan.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been long embraced by Mexican
culture. It can be found in mole sauces and the traditional horchata
beverage, to name only a couple of its roles. Cinnamon is a wonderful
spice to help burn fat, because it has been linked to slowing the rate
of stomach emptying, which may help to improve insulin sensitivity.
It has also been found by research to improve blood pressure and
blood sugar levels, and lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. Plus, it just makes
everything delicious!
Raw cacao
Ah, cacao. We’re not talking about sugary, processed chocolate, but
the real thing. Raw cacao is a traditional ingredient in Mexican hot
chocolate, which often has a bit of chile pepper added, as well as in
mole sauces.
Raw cacao is rich in healthy fats, which help you to feel satiated
and full of energy. It has also been found to contain mood-boosting
compounds. What better way to motivate you for your workout?
Anyone geared up for a trip south anytime soon?
-The Alternative Daily
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” ~ 1 John 3:18:
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Natural Solutions Glaucoma Awareness Month
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Is Your Body Polluted – 5 Things You Can do Right Now
With the ushering in of a new year, there is no time like the present
to cleanse your body and start fresh. Have you been feeling sluggish or
a little off? Maybe you’re experiencing skin issues, digestive
problems, or general aches and pains?
The problem might be that pollution has accumulated in your body. In other words, toxins from your diet and environment may have built up in your systems to the point that they are starting to cause issues. If this is the case, it’s time for a detox.
Here are 5 things you can do right now to get started.
Eat clean The first step is to eliminate the pre-packaged and processed foods, such as cookies, candy, chips, crackers and so forth. Make sure that you are eating real food – not something from a package.
Start simple by adding something raw and fresh to each meal, like a smoothie during breakfast or a fresh salad with dinner. Choose the whole food option to replace the processed version you have been consuming, such as choosing fresh oranges instead of orange juice. Make a point to eat three servings a day of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
You can incorporate healthy homemade juice recipes to speed along your cleansing process. Using a juicer or blender, you can combine many fruits and vegetables for delicious and healthy juices.
Also, be sure to incorporate the following foods into your diet, as they are known to enhance your liver and gut detoxification pathways: dandelion greens, beets, flaxseed, cranberries, broccoli, sea vegetables, garlic, lemons, apples, turmeric and artichoke.
Reduce your toxic load
Take a look at your lifestyle, and begin to eliminate toxins like alcohol, cigarettes, refined grains and refined sugars. Also, swap out commercial health care products and harsh chemical-based cleansers with natural healthy alternatives. Modify your routine to include stress management, as stress releases hormones in the body that create toxins and hamper the liver’s ability to detoxify enzymes.
Boost your antioxidant intake
Antioxidants are vitally important to your long-term health. During the detoxification process, every molecule of toxin that is metabolized generates one free radical molecule that can damage DNA and increase wear and tear to the body. It is the role of antioxidants to neutralize these free radicals.
Among the most important antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids. You can find sources of flavonoids in many foods, including parsley, onions, berries, citrus and dark chocolate, as well as green and black tea. Good sources of carotenoids include squash, pumpkin, spinach, carrots, plantains and sweet potatoes.
Take everyday steps to avoid polluting your body
According to Nutrition Diva, Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS, there are some common sense ways to reduce the burden on our bodies and detoxifying systems:
If you are feeling seriously toxic, it may be time to consult a natural health professional you trust for advice on putting together the perfect detox plan for you. The can help you make a meal plan, and may recommend additional detox-boosters such as activated charcoal, bone broth or chlorella.
Everyone’s body is different, so getting a professional opinion can do a world of good.
-The Alternative Daily
The problem might be that pollution has accumulated in your body. In other words, toxins from your diet and environment may have built up in your systems to the point that they are starting to cause issues. If this is the case, it’s time for a detox.
Here are 5 things you can do right now to get started.
Eat clean The first step is to eliminate the pre-packaged and processed foods, such as cookies, candy, chips, crackers and so forth. Make sure that you are eating real food – not something from a package.
Start simple by adding something raw and fresh to each meal, like a smoothie during breakfast or a fresh salad with dinner. Choose the whole food option to replace the processed version you have been consuming, such as choosing fresh oranges instead of orange juice. Make a point to eat three servings a day of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
You can incorporate healthy homemade juice recipes to speed along your cleansing process. Using a juicer or blender, you can combine many fruits and vegetables for delicious and healthy juices.
Also, be sure to incorporate the following foods into your diet, as they are known to enhance your liver and gut detoxification pathways: dandelion greens, beets, flaxseed, cranberries, broccoli, sea vegetables, garlic, lemons, apples, turmeric and artichoke.
Reduce your toxic load
Take a look at your lifestyle, and begin to eliminate toxins like alcohol, cigarettes, refined grains and refined sugars. Also, swap out commercial health care products and harsh chemical-based cleansers with natural healthy alternatives. Modify your routine to include stress management, as stress releases hormones in the body that create toxins and hamper the liver’s ability to detoxify enzymes.
Boost your antioxidant intake
Antioxidants are vitally important to your long-term health. During the detoxification process, every molecule of toxin that is metabolized generates one free radical molecule that can damage DNA and increase wear and tear to the body. It is the role of antioxidants to neutralize these free radicals.
Among the most important antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids. You can find sources of flavonoids in many foods, including parsley, onions, berries, citrus and dark chocolate, as well as green and black tea. Good sources of carotenoids include squash, pumpkin, spinach, carrots, plantains and sweet potatoes.
Take everyday steps to avoid polluting your body
According to Nutrition Diva, Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS, there are some common sense ways to reduce the burden on our bodies and detoxifying systems:
- Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks a day.
- Avoid inhaling smoke from wood or tobacco, as well as engine exhaust, which all contain cancer causing compounds. Similarly, avoid breathing in gasoline fumes or the chemical fumes of other volatile liquids like paint and varnish.
- Only take over-the-counter and prescription medication when necessary and as directed.
- Buy organic produce whenever possible to limit exposure to pesticides, and remember to peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
If you are feeling seriously toxic, it may be time to consult a natural health professional you trust for advice on putting together the perfect detox plan for you. The can help you make a meal plan, and may recommend additional detox-boosters such as activated charcoal, bone broth or chlorella.
Everyone’s body is different, so getting a professional opinion can do a world of good.
-The Alternative Daily
7 Signs You are a Stress Eater: How to Stop
People eat for many reasons besides hunger. Many emotions can trigger
cravings, and stress is one of the most common. Stress eating is not a
healthy practice, as it often leads to overeating, as well as snacking
on unhealthy foods.
Since this can lead to both weight gain and health problems, it can cause even more stress, feeding the vicious cycle. The best way to break this cycle is to become aware of your triggers, and deal with them as they arise.
The following are seven signs you are a stress eater, and some ways to stop.
ack foods when your belly is already at capacity? Maybe you had a big breakfast, but an intense morning meeting has you running to the office vending machine before 10 am. If this is you, make a mental note of how you are feeling when you get these cravings – are you anxious? STOP IT! Next time your stress sends you searching for a snack on a full stomach, try chewing on some peppermint leaves or cardamom seeds instead. It may also help to drink a glass of water, and get up for a few minutes and take a walk, until your stress passes.
2. When you are facing a deadline, or a stressful event, you immediately think of having a snack. If the anticipation of something important or frightening coming up sends you straight to the fridge, it is likely you are eating from a source of anxiety.
STOP IT! The best way to tackle this is to think thoroughly about the event at hand. If it’s something you have to do, breaking it down into manageable steps on paper can relieve some of the worry.
If it’s an inevitable circumstance looming in the near future, making a list of positives about the situation, as well as possible solutions for any negatives, can help a lot.
3. If you experience a setback, you soothe yourself with food. Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion, arrived late for an important meeting, or had an argument with a loved one. If you find yourself constantly munching as you ruminate what happened, you need to find a better way to soothe yourself.
STOP IT! Before reaching straight for the nibbles, try taking a hot bath, going for a run, doing some yoga, going to the spa or getting a massage. These are wonderful ways to get you feeling better without the calories.
4. When you are feeling anxious, food seems like a decent substitute for a friend. Some people call up a friend when they are feeling jittery or stressed, and others have a meal or snack. In extreme cases, you may even talk to your food and tell it what’s wrong, or ask it for advice.
STOP IT! Call up a real friend! If you’ve neglected your social life lately, maybe it’s time to sign up for a class or activity to meet some new people. Also, being your own best friend is critical. Talking to yourself sure beats talking to a bag of chips.
5. When you’re eating your favorite food, you find it difficult to stop. Every bite seems to soothe your emotions and make you feel better – although your stomach may not feel so great. When you finally stop eating, you feel like you can barely move, or like you’ve been hit by a semi truck.
STOP IT! If you’re constantly going to unhealthy snacks, it can help to keep these out of the house. In the case of a healthy food that you are just going overboard on, it may help to make your meals and snacks in advance, and then portion them out in containers in your fridge or pantry. That way, you’ll be more mindful of how much you are eating.
6. You get cravings at strange times during the day. Morning, noon, night, whether you are full or not – whenever the stress hits, you get a craving. Sometimes you may not even know you are stressed, until you realize you’re getting a craving for something that usually soothes you.
STOP IT! Get on a regular eating schedule. Healthy snacks are perfectly ok, so plan for these too. If you get the urge to eat outside of your schedule, first make sure that you are eating enough, and that your schedule is enough to satisfy your actual hunger.
If it is, try and stick to it and eat only what you’ve planned out.
7. Your stress temporarily dissolves after a snack. Your mind is spinning, your heart is racing… until you have that first bite. Then, everything is zen… for a little while.
STOP IT! Recognize that the food you are indulging on does not actually do anything to help the cause of your stress. Instead, decide to start tackling the real problems. Write down what is making you feel stressed and anxious, as well as a list of possible solutions to each problem. Assess each solution for practicality, then if they pass the test, give them a try.
If you find that you have a problem with stress eating, and cannot seem to shake it no matter how many of the above tips and tricks you try, it may be time to talk to a counselor. Emotional eating can be a sign of a deeper issue, and talking to a professional may help you get in touch with what’s at the root of your stress, so you can start working on managing it in a healthy way.
-The Alternative Daily
Since this can lead to both weight gain and health problems, it can cause even more stress, feeding the vicious cycle. The best way to break this cycle is to become aware of your triggers, and deal with them as they arise.
The following are seven signs you are a stress eater, and some ways to stop.
ack foods when your belly is already at capacity? Maybe you had a big breakfast, but an intense morning meeting has you running to the office vending machine before 10 am. If this is you, make a mental note of how you are feeling when you get these cravings – are you anxious? STOP IT! Next time your stress sends you searching for a snack on a full stomach, try chewing on some peppermint leaves or cardamom seeds instead. It may also help to drink a glass of water, and get up for a few minutes and take a walk, until your stress passes.
2. When you are facing a deadline, or a stressful event, you immediately think of having a snack. If the anticipation of something important or frightening coming up sends you straight to the fridge, it is likely you are eating from a source of anxiety.
STOP IT! The best way to tackle this is to think thoroughly about the event at hand. If it’s something you have to do, breaking it down into manageable steps on paper can relieve some of the worry.
If it’s an inevitable circumstance looming in the near future, making a list of positives about the situation, as well as possible solutions for any negatives, can help a lot.
3. If you experience a setback, you soothe yourself with food. Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion, arrived late for an important meeting, or had an argument with a loved one. If you find yourself constantly munching as you ruminate what happened, you need to find a better way to soothe yourself.
STOP IT! Before reaching straight for the nibbles, try taking a hot bath, going for a run, doing some yoga, going to the spa or getting a massage. These are wonderful ways to get you feeling better without the calories.
4. When you are feeling anxious, food seems like a decent substitute for a friend. Some people call up a friend when they are feeling jittery or stressed, and others have a meal or snack. In extreme cases, you may even talk to your food and tell it what’s wrong, or ask it for advice.
STOP IT! Call up a real friend! If you’ve neglected your social life lately, maybe it’s time to sign up for a class or activity to meet some new people. Also, being your own best friend is critical. Talking to yourself sure beats talking to a bag of chips.
5. When you’re eating your favorite food, you find it difficult to stop. Every bite seems to soothe your emotions and make you feel better – although your stomach may not feel so great. When you finally stop eating, you feel like you can barely move, or like you’ve been hit by a semi truck.
STOP IT! If you’re constantly going to unhealthy snacks, it can help to keep these out of the house. In the case of a healthy food that you are just going overboard on, it may help to make your meals and snacks in advance, and then portion them out in containers in your fridge or pantry. That way, you’ll be more mindful of how much you are eating.
6. You get cravings at strange times during the day. Morning, noon, night, whether you are full or not – whenever the stress hits, you get a craving. Sometimes you may not even know you are stressed, until you realize you’re getting a craving for something that usually soothes you.
STOP IT! Get on a regular eating schedule. Healthy snacks are perfectly ok, so plan for these too. If you get the urge to eat outside of your schedule, first make sure that you are eating enough, and that your schedule is enough to satisfy your actual hunger.
If it is, try and stick to it and eat only what you’ve planned out.
7. Your stress temporarily dissolves after a snack. Your mind is spinning, your heart is racing… until you have that first bite. Then, everything is zen… for a little while.
STOP IT! Recognize that the food you are indulging on does not actually do anything to help the cause of your stress. Instead, decide to start tackling the real problems. Write down what is making you feel stressed and anxious, as well as a list of possible solutions to each problem. Assess each solution for practicality, then if they pass the test, give them a try.
If you find that you have a problem with stress eating, and cannot seem to shake it no matter how many of the above tips and tricks you try, it may be time to talk to a counselor. Emotional eating can be a sign of a deeper issue, and talking to a professional may help you get in touch with what’s at the root of your stress, so you can start working on managing it in a healthy way.
-The Alternative Daily
Shut Down Your Inner Complainer
Complaining is a common habit – one that is not easy to stop because
it becomes a regular part of your daily life. If you feel that you
complain too often, especially about the small stuff, it is time to
start working toward keeping some of those complaints to yourself.
Thankfully, there are many things that you can start doing right now that will help you to complain less, and enjoy the beauty of life more.
Change Your Thought Process
The first step in reducing your complaining is to start to think positively. You need to focus on the good parts of life and start looking for the silver lining in all of the situations that you find yourself in. Life will never be perfect and there will always be negative situations. However, when you work to embrace a positive attitude, you will see that even when a situation is not great, you can still learn from it, and learning is always positive.
Work toward adaptation
Being able to adapt to different environments and situations is important because it reduces stress and helps you to focus on the positive. Nothing ever stays the same in life and changes are inevitable. It is important to embrace this fact and make note that while you often cannot control change, you can control how you react to the changes that are going on in your life.
When you are going through changes, look at them as personal challenges full of opportunity instead of untenable obstacles.
Be mindful
You cannot change the past and you cannot control the future, so it is never a good thing to complain about either of these. Focus on the present and on the things in your life that you are able to control. Give your negative thoughts a positive spin, and keep your eye on your upcoming goals so that there is no room for the negative in your mind.
Be assertive
When it comes to being in control of your life, assertiveness is important. If you are a doormat, you will find a lot to complain about. However, when you are assertive and in control, you have the confidence to tackle even the most difficult situations without the need to complain.
Move forward
When someone unfavorable happens, remember that this too shall pass. There is no need to complain about it and dwell on it. Take away any lessons that it presents, and then move on with your life. If you get into complaining, this will prevent you from fully being able to move forward.
Start employing these tips and techniques today, and by the end of the week you are sure to notice that you are complaining less. If you have a slip up, do not dwell on this either, because it is going to happen.
Habit changes do not happen overnight so do not try to force it. You are working toward making a behavior change, so it is important that you take your time and realize that the occasional vent to the right person can be a good thing.
-The Alternative Daily
Thankfully, there are many things that you can start doing right now that will help you to complain less, and enjoy the beauty of life more.
Change Your Thought Process
The first step in reducing your complaining is to start to think positively. You need to focus on the good parts of life and start looking for the silver lining in all of the situations that you find yourself in. Life will never be perfect and there will always be negative situations. However, when you work to embrace a positive attitude, you will see that even when a situation is not great, you can still learn from it, and learning is always positive.
Work toward adaptation
Being able to adapt to different environments and situations is important because it reduces stress and helps you to focus on the positive. Nothing ever stays the same in life and changes are inevitable. It is important to embrace this fact and make note that while you often cannot control change, you can control how you react to the changes that are going on in your life.
When you are going through changes, look at them as personal challenges full of opportunity instead of untenable obstacles.
Be mindful
You cannot change the past and you cannot control the future, so it is never a good thing to complain about either of these. Focus on the present and on the things in your life that you are able to control. Give your negative thoughts a positive spin, and keep your eye on your upcoming goals so that there is no room for the negative in your mind.
Be assertive
When it comes to being in control of your life, assertiveness is important. If you are a doormat, you will find a lot to complain about. However, when you are assertive and in control, you have the confidence to tackle even the most difficult situations without the need to complain.
Move forward
When someone unfavorable happens, remember that this too shall pass. There is no need to complain about it and dwell on it. Take away any lessons that it presents, and then move on with your life. If you get into complaining, this will prevent you from fully being able to move forward.
Start employing these tips and techniques today, and by the end of the week you are sure to notice that you are complaining less. If you have a slip up, do not dwell on this either, because it is going to happen.
Habit changes do not happen overnight so do not try to force it. You are working toward making a behavior change, so it is important that you take your time and realize that the occasional vent to the right person can be a good thing.
-The Alternative Daily
How to Teach Mindfulness to Kids
Mindfulness isn’t only good for us; it’s also good for our kids.
Practicing mindfulness can help children to pay attention and focus
better in school, and also provide them with the tools to calm
themselves down when their emotions take over.
Here are some easy ways to teach mindfulness to your kids.
Take a mindful walk
The next time you go on a walk, make it a ‘mindful’ or ‘noticing’ one. As you stroll through your park or neighborhood, practice noticing things you’ve never seen before. These may be sounds, sights, smells, the weather—anything. Do this in silence for one minute, and then tell each other about everything you noticed.
Share gratitude
The earlier we start a gratitude practice, the better our mental and emotional health will be later in life. Practice gratitude with your child through simple rituals like saying one thing you’re grateful for before meals, on holidays, when you do fun activities together as a family, or when you give them a special treat or gift.
Observe your ‘emotional weather’
Even though we know better, it’s difficult even for adults to not identify with their emotions, so the practice of not getting caught up in an emotional whirlwind is very important to learn early on. One good way of teaching children this is teaching them to identify their ‘emotional weather.’ Being angry might make them feel stormy, sad—cloudy, happy—sunny, or maybe they will have different associations.
Whatever the case, identifying emotions as something that we don’t need to change, but simply let pass—like the weather—is a good way of teaching children about change, impermanence, and that they are not their emotions.
Count your breaths
Being aware of the breath is one of the oldest and most popular mindfulness and relaxation techniques, but this may be hard for children to conceptualize. Instead, instruct them to count out deep breaths. You can give them a set number, like 10 deep breaths, or you can simply have them count their breaths until they feel calm again, and see how many breaths it takes.
This is a great relaxation exercise, especially when there’s anger or a temper involved.
Practice what you teach
It’s difficult to teach mindfulness if we ourselves are not practicing it regularly, as children generally learn through example and not by what we tell them to do. If they see us pausing and thinking about our reactions, practicing deep breathing, and expressing gratitude and thanks, they will be more likely to practice this themselves.
Try to treat your mindfulness practice as a special time with your child, which means avoiding distractions like the TV, phones, or computers. Over time, as you practice together more, your kids will not only get better at the techniques—they’ll also start using them on their own as needed. This will make them more capable of handling any challenge they encounter.
-The Alternative Daily
Here are some easy ways to teach mindfulness to your kids.
Take a mindful walk
The next time you go on a walk, make it a ‘mindful’ or ‘noticing’ one. As you stroll through your park or neighborhood, practice noticing things you’ve never seen before. These may be sounds, sights, smells, the weather—anything. Do this in silence for one minute, and then tell each other about everything you noticed.
Share gratitude
The earlier we start a gratitude practice, the better our mental and emotional health will be later in life. Practice gratitude with your child through simple rituals like saying one thing you’re grateful for before meals, on holidays, when you do fun activities together as a family, or when you give them a special treat or gift.
Observe your ‘emotional weather’
Even though we know better, it’s difficult even for adults to not identify with their emotions, so the practice of not getting caught up in an emotional whirlwind is very important to learn early on. One good way of teaching children this is teaching them to identify their ‘emotional weather.’ Being angry might make them feel stormy, sad—cloudy, happy—sunny, or maybe they will have different associations.
Whatever the case, identifying emotions as something that we don’t need to change, but simply let pass—like the weather—is a good way of teaching children about change, impermanence, and that they are not their emotions.
Count your breaths
Being aware of the breath is one of the oldest and most popular mindfulness and relaxation techniques, but this may be hard for children to conceptualize. Instead, instruct them to count out deep breaths. You can give them a set number, like 10 deep breaths, or you can simply have them count their breaths until they feel calm again, and see how many breaths it takes.
This is a great relaxation exercise, especially when there’s anger or a temper involved.
Practice what you teach
It’s difficult to teach mindfulness if we ourselves are not practicing it regularly, as children generally learn through example and not by what we tell them to do. If they see us pausing and thinking about our reactions, practicing deep breathing, and expressing gratitude and thanks, they will be more likely to practice this themselves.
Try to treat your mindfulness practice as a special time with your child, which means avoiding distractions like the TV, phones, or computers. Over time, as you practice together more, your kids will not only get better at the techniques—they’ll also start using them on their own as needed. This will make them more capable of handling any challenge they encounter.
-The Alternative Daily
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Eat these Strange Foods to Boost Overall Health and Wellbeing
There are new foods being discovered by the health conscious
community all of the time. Some of these are certainly more exotic than
others, but all have a unique nutrient profile that help to promote
health.
A few options are really catching on at the moment, because they are a mixture of delicious and incredibly healthy. You can easily work these into your diet to spice things up and enjoy better nutrition.
Rutabaga
A rutabaga is a vegetable that is similar to a potato, but it has a carrot-like flavor. This root veggie is crispy when you enjoy it raw, but you can also puree, mash or shred it up and add it to different meals. Rutabagas are packed with potassium, calcium and magnesium. Plantain
Plantains are fruits that are almost like a combination of potato and banana. When this fruit is more ripe, it is more similar to a banana, making it perfect for caramelizing and adding to some dark chocolate. When it is less ripe, you can use it as a substitute for potatoes. Plantains are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and iron.
Natto
Natto is stringy and slimy, but once you get past this, you will be adding plenty of nutrients and a unique flavor to your meals. This food consists of friendly bacteria and cooked beans, making it an acquired taste for many. However, when you enjoy this food, you are getting plenty of protein, vitamin B2, vitamin K and vitamin E.
Durian
Durian has a strong smell that is not very pleasant to some individuals, but this fruit more than makes up for it with its health benefits. Add this spiky fruit to your diet and get plenty of protein and fiber. You will also enjoy a sweet treat that gives you nearly all of the vitamin C that you need for the day.
Arame
This sea vegetable is something you may know about it if you often dine out on sushi, but many people do not know that it exists. It is slightly sweet and packed with calcium, fiber, magnesium, iodine and vitamin A. Add it to your salads for some extra flavor, or sauté it into your favorite gluten-free pasta dish.
Kohlrabi
This relative of cabbage is a vegetable with a mild flavor. It is packed with potassium to balance blood pressure and promote heart health. It will also give your immune system a boost due to its high vitamin C content.
Bean Chips
Having chips for a snack is quick and easy, but rarely healthy. When you swap out those potato chips for homemade bean chips, you are getting plenty of protein and a high dose of antioxidants. As an added benefit, they also taste great.
Consider switching out some of the foods you normally put on your plate for one of these a few times per week. This is an easy way to try the new foods and figure out the pairings that you enjoy most.
-The Alternative Daily
A few options are really catching on at the moment, because they are a mixture of delicious and incredibly healthy. You can easily work these into your diet to spice things up and enjoy better nutrition.
Rutabaga
A rutabaga is a vegetable that is similar to a potato, but it has a carrot-like flavor. This root veggie is crispy when you enjoy it raw, but you can also puree, mash or shred it up and add it to different meals. Rutabagas are packed with potassium, calcium and magnesium. Plantain
Plantains are fruits that are almost like a combination of potato and banana. When this fruit is more ripe, it is more similar to a banana, making it perfect for caramelizing and adding to some dark chocolate. When it is less ripe, you can use it as a substitute for potatoes. Plantains are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and iron.
Natto
Natto is stringy and slimy, but once you get past this, you will be adding plenty of nutrients and a unique flavor to your meals. This food consists of friendly bacteria and cooked beans, making it an acquired taste for many. However, when you enjoy this food, you are getting plenty of protein, vitamin B2, vitamin K and vitamin E.
Durian
Durian has a strong smell that is not very pleasant to some individuals, but this fruit more than makes up for it with its health benefits. Add this spiky fruit to your diet and get plenty of protein and fiber. You will also enjoy a sweet treat that gives you nearly all of the vitamin C that you need for the day.
Arame
This sea vegetable is something you may know about it if you often dine out on sushi, but many people do not know that it exists. It is slightly sweet and packed with calcium, fiber, magnesium, iodine and vitamin A. Add it to your salads for some extra flavor, or sauté it into your favorite gluten-free pasta dish.
Kohlrabi
This relative of cabbage is a vegetable with a mild flavor. It is packed with potassium to balance blood pressure and promote heart health. It will also give your immune system a boost due to its high vitamin C content.
Bean Chips
Having chips for a snack is quick and easy, but rarely healthy. When you swap out those potato chips for homemade bean chips, you are getting plenty of protein and a high dose of antioxidants. As an added benefit, they also taste great.
Consider switching out some of the foods you normally put on your plate for one of these a few times per week. This is an easy way to try the new foods and figure out the pairings that you enjoy most.
-The Alternative Daily
Jobs at Nursefinders, Citi, Pizza Hut and more
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nurse Aide - (CNA - NA) Nursefinders - Elkins Park (PA) |
Consumer Lending Sales Representative ? OneMain Financial Citi - Cherry Hill (NJ) |
Assistant Restaurant Manager - Pizza Hut Pizza Hut - Clifton Heights (PA) |
Pediatric Physician Assistant (PA) Travel Position in Texas Barton Associates - Philadelphia (PA) |
Materials Management & Transportation Mgr K Boeing - Ridley Park (PA) |
Mechanic - Diesel & Auto Haul Truck Repair - Union Benefits! Jack Cooper Transport - Ferndale (PA) |
16 Cancer Causing Foods
1.
Microwave Popcorn
2.
Canned Tomatoes
3.
Non organic Fruit
4.
Processed Meat
5.
Farmed raised Salmon
6.
Potato Chips
7.
Hydronated Oil
8.
Foods highly, salted, pickled, or smoked
9.
Highly Processed White flour
10. GMO
Food
11. Refined
sugars
12. Artificial
Sweeteners
13. Diet
Foods
14.
Alcohol
15. Red
Meat
16. Soda
Pop
There
are healthy substitutes for many of these, just look for
them.
The Peoples Unified Resource Center: In collaboration with Project Dad Program
The Peoples Unified Resource Center: In collaboration with Project Dad program.
Free opportunity for selected fathers with children
ages 16 and under, to increase their
fathering roles and enhance relationships with their children and families
while increasing their employability.
Participants
receive Free transportation, lunch, professional attire and assistance with
employment along with additional program incentives.
§ This Free opportunity is available to the first 20 committed fathers!
§ With Children ages sixteen years of age or under!!!
§ Registration begins on January 15th thru 23rd , 2015.
§ From 12 noon to 3pm Mon. thru Fri.
§ To schedule an appointment , please call (215) 551-2098.
§ Walk- In are also accepted.
§ Peoples Unified Resource Center located
§ 1700 Tasker st. Philadelphia, Pa 19145.
§ Orientation Tuesday, January 27th 2015 10am.
§ Classes begin Monday, February 3rd, 2015
§ The commitment is approximately 8 weeks in duration; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm.
Job Postings
Medical Secretary Job
Yoh
Chester, PA
Secretary / Accounting - Temp to Hire
Contemporary Staffing Solutions
Philadelphia, PA
Yoh
Chester, PA
Unit Secretary Roxborough Memorial Hospital Philadelphia, PA |
Unit Secretary, PT/24 Hours LPN preferred HEALTHSOUTH Vineland, NJ |
Secretary / PA / Receptionist US Local Recruitment Philadelphia, PA |
Legal Secretary (562000) Abelson Legal Search Philadelphia, PA |
Secretaries and Administrative Assistant Advisor Wisewords Philadelphia, PA |
Hospital Unit Secretaries - $25/hr Huffmaster Healthcare Strikes Philadelphia, PA |
Unit Secretary Nursing Floats PD Night Barnabas Health Lakewood, NJ |
Legal Secretary - Legal Assistant Lehman Pastino West Chester, PA |
Administrative Secretary Recruit Gaap Staffing Philadelphia, PA |
Secretary / PA / Receptionist Srg Philadelphia, PA |
Secretary (OA) Department of Labor Philadelphia, PA |
UNIT SECRETARY Temple University Health System Philadelphia, PA |
MEDICAL SECRETARY - Pulmonology 1.0 FTE Tenet Health Philadelphia, PA |
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Philadelphia, PA
Surviving the Cold with Natural Solutions
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2015 Neurology High School Scholars Program
Division of Child Neurology at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia| 2015 Neurology High School Scholars Program
Do you know a high school senior or junior who is looking for an exciting opportunity this summer?
The
Division of Child Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
is happy to announce the start of this year's annual Neurology High
School Scholars Program (NHSSP)!
The
NHSSP program begins as an essay competition for eligible local high
school students which will result in a paid summer program in the Child
Neurology Department at CHOP.
Two
(2) high school students will be selected and participate in a basic
science research project under the close guidance of a mentor in
neurology/ neuroscience.
Project Description:
Each student applicant will submit an essay which expresses the reasons for that student’s interest in Child Neurology. If Child Neurology is the field the student wishes to pursue as a future career, the student will describe how participation in the Neurology High School Scholars (NHSSP) program will further that career goal. The top two essayists will be selected as a Neurology High School Scholar and spend a summer participating in a basic research project in Child Neurology.
Each student applicant will submit an essay which expresses the reasons for that student’s interest in Child Neurology. If Child Neurology is the field the student wishes to pursue as a future career, the student will describe how participation in the Neurology High School Scholars (NHSSP) program will further that career goal. The top two essayists will be selected as a Neurology High School Scholar and spend a summer participating in a basic research project in Child Neurology.
- Each selected scholar will be assigned to a Child Neurology Faculty mentor and given a specific research project (chosen by the project mentor).
- Select runners up will have the opportunity to participate in other Child Neurology driven projects.
- The competition will take place during the months of January through March of 2015.
- The deadline to submit essays will be March 31, 2015.
- Winners will be announced in April, 2015.
- The paid program in Child Neurology will begin on June 29, 2015.
- Each Neurology High School Scholar will be paid $1,000.
- All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
Please
contact Neiressa Croom, NCERT Program Coordinator in the Division of
Child Neurology with any questions. Applications can be emailed, faxed
or mailed to:
Neiressa P. Croom
NCERT Program Coordinator -Division of Neurology
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
3501 Civic Center Blvd., Rm. 10200-11
Philadelphia, PA 19104
croomn@email.chop.edu
(215) 590-1722 (Phone)
(215) 590-2950 (Fax)
NCERT Program Coordinator -Division of Neurology
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
3501 Civic Center Blvd., Rm. 10200-11
Philadelphia, PA 19104
croomn@email.chop.edu
(215) 590-1722 (Phone)
(215) 590-2950 (Fax)
Thanks,
Sarah S. Gibbons
Community Relations Manager
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
34th Street & Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
267-426-6497 Office
267-319-6191 Cell
267-426-5480 Fax
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