Food

Watch What You Eat

It seems like over the past several weeks I have seen some totally outrageous outbreaks or news stories about food! During the holiday season, it is important to that you make sure you are being cautious and up to date about the latest recalls and outbreaks for you and your family’s Health sake.

There are many types of bacteria that can be infectious to your food such as Ecoli and Salmonella. You will normally hear the most common food born illness to be called Food Poisoning. This is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Infectious organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.

What is E coli?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of people and animals. Certain types of Ecoli can cause intestinal infection and other strains that cause intestinal sickness due to the toxins produced. Symptoms of intestinal infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. More severe cases can lead to a bloody stool, dehydration, or kidney failure.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food. Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or under cooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. Possible signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a fever.

Health Tips to Avoid Food Born Illnesses:

With that being said, we must watch what we eat!

I have had food poisoning before and it is not the greatest feeling. So here are some important food tips to check for are:

Avoid eating raw foods. Thaw and cook foods thoroughly and properly.
Checking expiration dates. Try to stay away from spoiled foods.
Wash fruits, vegetables, and meats properly. Make sure you clean your kitchen area thoroughly for sanitation needs.
Check the sites regularly for updates list of food recalls: https://www.cdc.gov/ & https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/
I rarely eat leftovers from a restaurant, but if you do, be sure to refrigerate. Do not leave out overnight. And be sure to reheat at a proper temperature and duration.
If something does not taste or smell right or even looks under cooked, send the food back to the restaurant for proper food order.

It can be tough to avoid food born illnesses but small steps to ensure the safety of your health will avoid bacterial poisoning as much as possible.

Stay Safe out There!

Sites & References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-infection

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230

November 29, 2018 by essencedw

Naturals & Organics

I LOVE natural products. From soaps to hair products to lotions/oils and organic foods! How do we know what is actually natural in terms of ingredients that is benefiting our bodies whether than harming them?

So when I say the word ” Natural,” I know you automatically think I mean my natural hair. Which is fine, because I am a naturalists. I like to try different natural oils, soaps, lotions, and conditioners in my hair and on my body for a natural feel and most importantly for more healthy reasons. Sometimes it is hard to find the right product for my hair or even the best soap or lotion for my body because I have the most driest scalp and skin. I am always looking for the best, yet natural moisturizer that does not contain too much sodium. Remember my previous blog about skin care? Well,

Let’s vibe about the usage of natural and organic foods and bodily products and what to look for.

I have learned to start paying much attention to ingredients that do more harm than good when shopping for personal bodily care. Here are a few ingredients to be aware of in moisturizers, soaps, hair products, and cosmetic products.

Parabens- a chemical compound mixture including alcohol and acid that causes damage to the hair and scalp. Also known to possibly be linked to breast cancer.
Phthalate – A salt or acid that is also a chemical substance that is toxic and very harmful to our bodies. This chemical is used for plastic and household items.
Sulfate – Very hard to avoid sulfate because there are different forms of sulfate in many products that we use on a daily basis.This chemical acid is salt mixture along with peroxide that is damaging to your hair especially if you are prone to dry hair or scalp. So even if a products claims it is sulfate free, just keep in mind, that that is not always the case.

Shout out to the Natural Hair Club, this web blog has provided a very detailed list of what to look for in terms of hair products. https://naturallclub.com/blogs/the-naturall-club-blog/ingredients-to-avoid-in-natural-hair-products

Also love the Huffington Post of Toxic Beauty Ingredients to Avoid https://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-cunningham/dangerous-beauty-products_b_4168587.html

What is the difference between Organic and Natural?

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference of which label benefits us more and actually worth the extra coins?

Natural foods will have:

No Artificial flavors
No Artificial Colors
No Preservatives

It MAY consists, other harmful ingredients such as pesticides and hormones for growth (ie, do you ever wonder why your chicken is SO big when it is store bought?). It’s minimally processed so even though you may be buying something that is listed as “Natural,” does not necessarily mean that the food is unprocessed. Do I think you should quit buying natural foods? Not at all. But definitely watch out for what is deemed or marketed as “Natural.” To me, and I could be completely wrong about this theory, but it almost seems to be on the line of drinking a “DIET COKE.”

Organic foods will have:

Nothing

lol okay. Maybe not absolutely nothing because I know pesticides and fertilizers are not completely removed, but “organic” consist of fewer to no risks of having these harmful contents in your food. Know that Organic food is most beneficial because it’s food products that are grown without antibiotics, hormones, and generally without any other added additives. Should you buy it? ABSOLUTELY! If you can eat foods that are keeping your digestive system in a properly functioning regularity, do it!

Self Evaluation: I can tell you that I am not perfect. So do not take everything in your kitchen and dump all of your food in the trash. It just helps to be mindful of what you are feeding yourself, your children, as well as being aware of the daily product uses of lotions, soaps, hair products, and cosmetics. If you are wondering why your hair is not growing or your skin keeps breaking out, well check the ingredients of the foods and products you are using and be sure you are not having an alternative reaction.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate

only-organic.o

http://www.organicitsworthit.org/natural/natural-vs-organic

September 13, 2018 by essencedw

Cleanse Inside & Out

Hello Readers!

So excited to have nearly conquered my 5 day fruits and vegetable only cleanse this week. I am feeling lighter, less bloated, and ready to get back on the journey to eating a lot healthier.

There are many types of cleanses that I think you should consider doing at least twice a year. You have to take a moment and evaluate how you are feeling about your health, what kind of negative vibes or habits have developed, and what kind of changes can you make to create a better aura or quality of your lifestyle.

Screen-Shot-2015-09-28-at-5.05.24-PM-891x458.png

So let’s Vibe about Cleansing!

( I do not own rights and cannot credit the artist of this picture)

Self/Health Cleanse:

A Health detox/cleanse is a great way to jump start your body and awaken the metabolism. Have you ever heard that term, you are what you eat? Well it’s the truth! Unhealthy eating will make you tired, overweight, and moody. And yes, I am a true believer of the 80/20 rule of eating 80% healthy and 20% not healthy, but sometimes it’s so easy to lose focus and completely go on a binge relapse. It happens. It’s important that you realize that it’s time to make some changes.

What I Suggest?

All Fruits and Vegetables for at least 5 days.
- We all know that fruits and vegetables does the body good as you are getting your necessary fiber, minerals, and vitamins! I love this cleanse because I do not starve and immediately after the cleanse, I do not feel bloated and I know I can continue on with a healthy eating lifestyle. Drink a lot of detox water!

Shake or Smoothie cleanse for 3 days.
- 2 shakes/smoothie and a sensible dinner ( chicken or fish with good steamed vegetables, or a good salad). Find your favorite shake. I recommend Shakeology http://www.shakeology.com/shk/us, it is one of my faves. Don’t count calories, check the sugar, salt, and carbs intake. Make sure it isn’t excessive. And go for it! I like this cleanse because if you plan on working out intensely, you will receive the protein intake necessary to push you through! Drink a lot of detox water!

Lastly! Work Out! No brainier there.
- Physical movement will detox the body entirely. And I highly recommend a great 15 minute sauna session afterwards to rid the toxins! Did I mention to drink a lot of water?!

Life Cleanse:

I know. I probably sound like a broken record, but all I can say to that is GOOD!!

You need a reminder to take care of yourself in multiple ways that will detox your mind and soul mentally. How’s your mindset these days? Insecurities surfacing? Lacking motivation or feeling depressed? Do you have a problem to every solution? Why is that? These are the type of questions you must ask yourself on what and why you are in this negative slump. It’s critical that we do what is necessary to keep ourselves happy. And happiness is a choice. What have you done for yourself to make you feel amazing? Think about that.

What I suggest?

Bad Habits? Smoking, Drinking, Candy, Cursing, Stay up late, any kind of bad habit that we ALL have, try to limit it or cut it out completely. ( I’ll admit I have several bad habits so this is a hard one for me as well) but we need to practice more healing and balance in our daily lives.
Clean out your closet or home: Out with the old and in with the new. Great way to detox your surroundings and bring light into your private space. It will uplift your mood and force you to do a little retail therapy for yourself!

Pamper yourself: Bubble baths, facial mask, spa massage: Nothing like recharging your body as it will need to relieve the tension of work, school, kids, as needed.
Go on a Social Media detox: We are all so caught up in other people’s lives which is fine, but take the time that you use to scroll and do something productive! Invest in you. Read a book. Write in a journal. Make plans.
Clear your Phone: Rid old numbers and pictures. This may sound petty, but sometimes it’s necessary. All those people that you no longer associate with or even don’t want to associate with anymore, clear them out. Make room for new contacts and make new memories with people. Start connecting with people that will lift you higher and help you evolve.
Invest in yourself: Take a break from the club scene and go do something for yourself that is going to elevate the next level in your life. Workshop, Seminars, and expos are a breath of fresh air that will make you feel like you are ready to conquer the next phase in your life!
Spiritual Cleanse: Fasting or Prayer sessions will connect you to your most high to help rid the negativity and doubt. It will ignite your faith and bring on good energy and spiritual healing.
Try a self care calendar: These are starting to be very popular! Set 1-2hrs a day to dedicate time to just yourself; mediation, read a book, go for a walk, journaling.
Travel: I envy those who can go on a 30 day around the world travel to simply find themselves. If you are able to do it, then what are you waiting for?! If you can immerse your life into new culture, I know you will return with a life changing perspective of yourself.
Lastly, Can you stay positive for 24hrs?! Worth a try. It will definitely shift the universe to bring you some positive vibrations!

Hope you find balance within your life to cleanse as needed! We often forget to take care of ourselves so I hope you take on some of these alternatives to shift your attitude! Love yourself!

Sources/ Notes:

Note: There are many other cleanses out there that you can search, however be sure to check with your doctor and make sure the cleanse is right for you. Many cleanses can be excessive and cause you to starve, feel light headed, or nauseous. It is best that you listen to your body and be sure to take necessary precautions as you take on any cleanse.

LOVE Dr. Oz. https://www.doctoroz.com/article/best-cleanse-every-health-goal

Beautifully done Youtube video by Bri Hall about Life Cleansing!

July 12, 2018 by essencedw

Healthy Heart

The heart is the most powerful organ in our body. It controls your daily life of living and your every feeling of emotions. Any imbalance with your heart stops you in your tracks. That’s why I have chosen to vibe about it.

A little heart anatomy.

The main functionality of the heart is to pump blood around the body. Blood carries nutrients and waste products and is vital to life. One of the essential nutrients found in blood is oxygen. The heart beats continuously, pumping the equivalent of more than 14,000 liters of blood every day.

The functionality of your heart solely depends on you. From what you eat and how active you are to what you spiritually and emotionally feed your soul. Your heart beats to the positive connection of your mindset. That’s why it’s important to be mentally strong so that you can protect the most important and vital organ in your body. ( Stay tuned to upcoming blog called the mind vs the heart when dealing with life and love decisions)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Some of the most common heart diseases are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle of not exercising, being overweight, bad eating habits, stress, drugs, and smoking. Over time the development of plaque begins to clog and harden the arteries that lead to signs of heart arrhythmia. A heart attack occurs when a plaque ruptures and forms a clot in the artery causing a complete blockage. Studies have shown that many people survive their first heart attack but this will indicate that a lifestyle change is highly necessary for prevention of a second.

Great tips to keep your heart healthy is to get active. Start walking or light jogging to develop an active lifestyle. Having a balanced nutritional eating lifestyle will contribute to a healthy heart. Getting enough fruits and vegetables and cutting down on the the fatty foods and high salt/sodium will lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Source:

https://patient.info/health/the-heart-and-blood-vessels

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118

May 21, 2018 by essencedw

Salt/Sodium

In my previous blog, I discussed the importance of monitoring your sugar intake. So let’s talk about the importance of managing your sodium intake as well. I am sharing insight on these two highly used and abused ingredients because several years ago, I experienced health issues that led me to an unexpected doctors report of being border line diabetic and with high blood pressure.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to always check your blood levels and follow up with your doctor on your overall health especially if you are experiencing any underlying health issues.

Sodium:

Table salt is a combination of two minerals- sodium and chloride Your body needs some sodium to work properly. It helps with the function of nerves and muscles. It also helps to keep the right balance of fluids in your body.

Salt:

Table salt or common salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in its natural form as a crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quantities in seawater, where it is the main mineral constituent.

Too Much Salt/Sodium Effects:

Salt can cause many health issues if consumed too much. Small changes to your body and health can lead to bigger risk and issues such as hypertension and heart disease.

Blurred Vision
Dizziness
Headaches
Bloating
Weight Gain

This can lead to major health risk such as;

Clogged Arteries
High Blood Pressure
Stroke/Heart Attack
Stomach Cancer

Reduce Salt/Sodium Intake:

Needless to say, Salt/Sodium is in everything. You can’t live without it. So it is important that you learn to live with it by reducing your consumption. According to the American Heart Association, the recommended amount of sodium an adult should have is no more than 2,300 milligrams a day and an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

Ways to reduce your salt/sodium:

Check food labels/gram amounts
Exercise
Drink plenty of water
Control your stress
Control your cravings
Eat/Cook natural/Sodium free foods
Avoid processed and pre packaged foods ( ie; canned vegetables, frozen packages,)
Try to steer clear from from the salt shaker!

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/sodium.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/what-too-much-salt-does-to-your-body/

https://healthyforgood.heart.org/eat-smart/infographics/effects-of-excess-sodium-infographic

https://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/how_much_sodium_should_i_eat

April 26, 2018 by essencedw

Sugar/Sweets

Everyone has a weakness when it comes down to snacks and food. Some people have an obsession with cheese and some are in love with carbs. Well I love SUGAR. Chocolate and ice cream to be exact! If you have read my story you will know that at one point in my life, I had to cut back and really watch my sugar intake because I was borderline diabetic.

Let’s vibe about some terms and facts that can lead to some very damaging health issues such as diabetes.

Sugar:

Sweet carbohydrates (as glucose or sucrose) material that consists essentially of sucrose obtained from sugarcane or sugar beets, is typically colorless or white when pure, and is commonly used to sweeten foods and beverages.

Artificial Sweeteners:

a non-caloric substitute for sugar that is often intensely more sweet, such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, alitame, and sucrose. The purpose for using an artificial sweetener is generally to replace sugar and reduce calories. ie, splenda, SweetnLow, Equal.

Do you know the amount of sugar an adult should consume in one day? According to World Health Organization and Health Line, it is recommended that adult women should intake about 25 grams of sugar on a daily basis and adult men should only take 37.5 grams daily. That is about 6-9 teaspoons a day.

Sugar intake can be very hard to monitor considering almost everything you will eat will contain glucose or sugar. Fruit is very healthy, however too much fruit can contain a lot of grams which can put you over the recommended daily sugar consumption.

It’s important to know your Blood Glycerole levels simply by consulting with your doctor and obtaining your blood test.

High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration, frequent urination, cavities, blurry vision, fatigue, and dry/itchy skin. In worst cases, if the symptoms prolong and are ignored, it can result to Diabetes.

Diabetes:

A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose).
Most common types:

Type 2 diabetes:
A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).

Type 1 diabetes:
A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Ways to monitor your sugar intake:

Please do not feel as if you need to go cold turkey by cutting out sugar completely. I know I will not! It’s okay to enjoy and indulge in delicious desserts and sweet treats occasionally! However, it is also important to be sure you are monitoring your levels so that you are not jeopardizing your health.

Control your insulin sensitivity:

Check food labels/gram amounts
Exercise
Drink plenty of water
Rest/sleep
Do a sugar detox ( eat natural foods)
Control your stress
Control your cravings
Bake your own sweets
- DIY foods ( ie; dressings, ice cream, yogurt, sauces)
Avoid processed foods ( ie; cereal, canned, prepackaged goods)
Try to steer clear from Artificial Sweeteners
- Diet drinks/juice contain artificial sweetener

Sources:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sugar

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/artificial-sweetener

https://nomnomkids.co.uk/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sugar-per-day

https://www.eatthis.com/stop-eating-sugar/

More info About Diabetes:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes

April 23, 2018 by essencedw

Flexitarian

Have you ever heard of this term? I haven’t as well until I stumbled across a source that provides information about different types of Vegetarians.

A vegetarian is someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, fungi, algae, yeast and/or some other non-animal-based foods (e.g. salt) with, or without, dairy products, honey and/or eggs. A vegetarian does not eat foods that consist of, or have been produced with the aid of products consisting of or created from, any part of the body of a living or dead animal. This includes meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or any food made with processing aids created from these.”

And of course you have your different types of Vegetarians: ( And I will admit, from this list the only term I am familiar with are vegans and pescatarians. So we are all learning something new in this research!)

Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat both dairy products and eggs; this is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but avoid eggs.
Ovo-vegetarian. Eats eggs but not dairy products.
Vegans do not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals.
Lacto-Ove Pesco eat diary, fish, and eggs.

I am no guru when it comes to breaking down the insight on vegetarians, but I have watched enough Food documentaries ( ie, “What The Health,” ” Hungry for change” also refer to my blog I wrote last year about food documentaries —https://thehealthysoulvibe.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/food-documentaries/ ) to know that eating meat/poultry comes with high cholesterol, saturated fats, calories, inflammatory and will put you at a high risk of many types of diseases and cancer. Not to mention, us killing animals is like reverse cannibalism.

Sorry my vegetarian people, but even THAT information does not stop me from liking chicken as much as I do. Ha! I need my protein, and eating beans every day, will not cut it for me. I will say this! This week, I have decided to go meatless and I have never felt better solely eating different types of cooked vegetable meals and incorporating fruits, nuts, and grains for snacks. I am not a huge pork or beef eater, so I honestly could say, that I could probably go without meat from Monday-Friday and then indulge in some fish and chicken on the weekends!

Which brings me back to the term, Flexitarian. Apparently, in this 21st century, a Flexitarian is someone who is normally meatless but occasionally includes meat or fish.” Sounds like a Vegetarian who cheats right?! lol

“The flexitarian label suggests an active and purposeful movement away from a meat-heavy diet. It’s a healthier way of eating that includes significantly more whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables than the Standard American Diet”, says Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer of The Cleveland Clinic and co-founder of RealAge.The main gist of the flexitarian diet is exactly what is sounds like: It’s flexible.

So what do you think about this term? Do you think this should even be another type of Vegetarian like vegan, pescetarian? Or is it just another way to put labels on a eating habit?

Either way, A Flexitarian might be becoming!