5 Simple and Delicious Ways to Use Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is not just a culinary delight. It boasts a myriad of health benefits. Extracted from the creamy flesh of avocados, this oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and various essential nutrients.

Here is a closer look at the advantages of incorporating avocado oil into your daily routine.

Health Benefits of Using Avocado Oil, a Nutrient-Rich Elixir

1. Heart Health

Monounsaturated Fats: Avocado oil is a fantastic source of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. This type of fat is associated with reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, promoting heart health, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Vitamin E: Packed with powerful antioxidants, including vitamin E, avocado oil helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Skin and Hair Nourishment

Moisturizing Properties: Avocado oil is a natural emollient, making it an excellent choice for skin and hair care. It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. When avocado oil is applied to the hair, it can add shine and moisture.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Phytosterols: Avocado oil contains phytosterols, plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption may help reduce inflammation in the body, contributing to overall well-being.

5. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

Fat-Soluble Nutrients: The monounsaturated fats in avocado oil aid in the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. When you add avocado oil to your meals, it can enhance the bioavailability of these essential vitamins.

6. Joint Health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While not as high as in some other oils, avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids contribute to joint health, helping to reduce stiffness and discomfort.

7. Weight Management

Satiety Factor: The healthy fats in avocado oil may contribute to a feeling of fullness and satiety. Including these healthy fats in your diet can assist in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.

8. Cooking Versatility

High Smoke Point: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods, including sauteing, roasting and grilling. Its stability under high heat means it retains its nutritional benefits even during cooking.

9. Blood Sugar Regulation

Monounsaturated Fats and Fiber: Avocado oil, when added in as part of a balanced diet, may aid in regulating blood sugar levels. The combination of monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber may contribute to better glucose control.

10. Cognitive Function

Omega-3s and Vitamin E: The omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E in avocado oil are associated with cognitive health. These nutrients play a role in maintaining brain function and may contribute to a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Incorporating avocado oil into your daily routine, whether in culinary creations or as part of your skincare routine, is a delicious and wholesome way to reap these health benefits. Always choose high quality, cold pressed avocado oil for maximum nutritional value.

Recipes

Avocado Oil Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons avocado oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Whisk together avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Dizzle over your favorite salad for a nourishing and flavorful dressing.

Avocado Oil Marinade for Grilling

Ingredients

¼ cup avocado oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mix avocado oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Marinate your choice of meat or vegetables for at least 30 minutes before grilling for a delicious and wholesome flavor.

Avocado Oil Drizzle for Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

Assorted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, squash, etc.)

2 tablespoons avocado oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Toss your favorite vegetables in avocado oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Roast in the oven until golden and tender.

Finish with light drizzle of avocado oil for enhanced flavor.

Avocado Oil for Sauteing

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons, avocado oil

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 bell peppers, sliced

2 cups spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat avocado oil in a pan.

Saute sliced onions until golden, then add bell peppers and cook until softened.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Season with salt and pepper and enjoy.

Avocado Oil Drizzle for Soup

Ingredients:

Your favorite soup (i.e. tomato, lentil, or butternut squash)

1 tablespoon avocado oil per serving

Garnish with fresh herbs

Instructions:

Ladle your prepared soup into serving bowls.

Drizzle a tablespoon of avocado oil over each bowl.

Garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma and flavor.

Notes:

Ensure to use high quality, cold pressed avocado oil for maximum nutritional benefits.

Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor these recipes to your taste preferences.

Store avocado oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness.

To good health,

Shay

#avocadooil #avocados #wellness #foodie #blogger

Revitalize Your Wellness Journey: A Fresh Start to Health in the New Year

Welcome back, dear readers! Sorry that I have been missing in action for a while. I’m back. As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reignite the flame of motivation and recommit to our health and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned wellness enthusiast or someone just starting on your health journey, this blog post is here to inspire and guide you toward a revitalized and energized approach to a happier, healthier you.

Reflecting on the Journey So Far:

1. Celebrate Your Wins:
   • Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, big or small, from the past year.
   • Reflect on the positive changes you’ve made to your lifestyle and well-being.
2. Identify Areas for Growth:
   • Consider areas where you may have faced challenges or slipped off track.
   • Identify lessons learned and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Setting Intentions for the New Year:

1. Define Your Wellness Goals:
   • Clearly outline your health and wellness goals for this year.
   • Ensure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) that help you focus and reevaluate your progress with your overall well-being.
2. Prioritize Mental Health:
   • Recognize the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health.
   • Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, into your routine.

Revamping Your Fitness Routine:

1. Explore New Activities:
   • Break the monotony by trying out different forms of exercise.
   • Whether it’s a dance class, outdoor activities, or home workouts, find what brings you joy.
2. Set Realistic Exercise Goals:
   • Establish achievable fitness goals that align with your current fitness level.
   • Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to avoid burnout.

Nutrition Reboot:

1. Reconnect with Whole Foods:
   • Embrace a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods.
   • Explore new recipes that incorporate a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
2. Hydration Focus:
   • Prioritize adequate hydration for overall health and vitality.
   • Consider infusing your water with fruits or herbs for a refreshing twist.

Mindful Lifestyle Choices:

1. Quality Sleep Routine:
   • Evaluate and enhance your sleep habits for improved overall health.
   • Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure a comfortable sleep environment.
2. Digital Detox:
   • Consider a mindful approach to screen time.
   • Set designated periods for digital detox to promote mental clarity and reduce stress.

Community Connection:

1. Join a Wellness Community:
   • Connect with like-minded individuals who share similar health goals.
   • Participate in online forums, local fitness classes, or wellness events to foster a sense of community.
2. Share Your Journey:
   • Open up about your health journey on social media or in your personal circles.
   • Encourage and inspire others by sharing your challenges, successes, and tips.

Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination:

1. Cultivate Patience:
   • Understand that the journey to improved health is ongoing.
   • Embrace the process, and celebrate the continuous effort rather than focusing solely on end results.
2. Adapt and Pivot:
   • Be flexible in your approach and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
   • Pivot when needed, and remember that every step forward is progress.

As we embark on this new chapter of our wellness journey, let’s do so with renewed enthusiasm, determination, and a commitment to self-care. Your health is a lifelong investment, and every choice you make contributes to the vibrant story of your well-being. Together, let’s make this year one of growth, resilience, and lasting health. Here’s to revitalizing your wellness journey and embracing the extraordinary potential within you!

Here’s a New Year’s gift for you. It’s free for the first 25 people. I hope this gift helps you start your new year on the right track.

Join my community on Facebook.

All my best,

Shaline

Happy New Year! Say hello to new opportunities!!

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. With the beginning of a new year, we begin the year with a clean slate. “I like starting projects in January. That’s the best time to start something. It’s so inward.” – Carolyn Chute

New Year! New You!

A lot of people begin the New Year by making resolutions. We’ve all been there. We take a vow to lose weight, exercise more or spend more time with our family. We start the year with great intentions, but then we quickly relapse into old habits. Why is it so hard to stick to those New Year’s resolutions?

Here’s a quote to keep in mind.

True life is lived when tiny changes occur. – Leo Tolstoy

Here are some ways you can make your intentions a reality this year:

1. Write down your intentions i.e. post-its and keep them in a visible place, like taped to your bedroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.
2. Get to the source of whatever is keeping you in a rut. Are you in a stressful relationship that causes you to eat a pint of ice cream every night? Are you stressed at your job and feel too tired to exercise after work? If you don’t tackle the root of the behavior, it will be much harder to accomplish your goal.
3. Be clear about what your life would look like once you achieve your goal. If you resolve to go to the gym more, how will this benefit you? Get connected to the result of your action, and you will be more likely to stick with your plan.
4. Share your resolutions with friends and family. Get an accountability buddy. Hold each other accountable for achieving your goals. If you want to go to the gym more, have a friend call you two or three times a week to check on you or invite them to join you.
5. Reward yourself with every little accomplishment. If your intention is to lose weight and you lose one pound a week, pamper yourself with a massage.
   

Big changes do not require big leaps. Permanent change is more likely to happen gradually than through one big restrictive plan. Allow yourself to climb the ladder one rung at a time.

Food Focus: Sea Vegetables

In Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal
glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails. Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.

Recipe of the Month: Mighty Miso Soup

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Yield: 4-5 servings

Ingredients:

4-5 cups spring water
1-2 inch strip of wakame, rinsed and soaked 5 minutes in 1 cup of water until softened
1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice
2-3 teaspoons barley miso
1 green onion, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Chop soaked wakame.
2. Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.
3. Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.
4. Add root vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until tender.
5. Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso into it. Return it to the pot.
7. Reduce heat to very low; do not boil or simmer miso broth.
8. Allow soup to cook 2-3 minutes.
9. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Note:

Any combination of vegetables can be used in miso soup. Here are some classic combinations:
 onion-daikon: cleansing
 onion-carrot-shiitake mushroom-kale: mildly sweet
 onion-winter squash-cabbage: great in wintertime
 leek-corn-broccoli: great in summertime

Suggestions:

 Add cooked grains at the beginning of making the soup. They will become nice and soft.
 Add a tablespoon of uncooked quinoa or millet at the beginning and let it cook with vegetables for 20 minutes.
 Add cubed tofu.
 Add bean sprouts – add last.
 Season with 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice or finely chopped ginger.
 If using dry shiitake mushrooms, let them soak for 20 minutes, slice and add at the beginning of recipe.

Join my private Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/cleanlivingwithshaline to get more wellness tips, recipes, etc. on a daily basis.

To your health and happiness,

Shaline

If you’ve made a New Year Resolution to get healthy you’ve got to see this!!

Just imagine how it would feel if you could make 2023 the year that you:

* Establish lasting, healthy habits that stick with you throughout the year

* Lose weight almost effortlessly, without feeling hungry or deprived

* Learn how to cook and eat a variety of delicious food

* Have a community ready to support you every step of the way!

✨ START HERE: If you haven’t saved your spot – Get your FREE ticket to the Whole Body Health Summit now!

This summit is a free, online event that will give you tips, motivation, and practical action steps that you can take to get control of your health once and for all.

We’re not just talking weight loss at the Whole-Body Health Summit. Whether you are trying to lose weight, lower your cholesterol, control pain and inflammation, or even regain health after cancer, the Whole-Body Health Virtual Summit will help you learn actionable steps to living a healthier and happier life.

We’re taking the confusion out of healthy living and eating.

My story is that I’ve struggled with digestive issues most of my life. I love that this summit gives you the insight on how to take care of your WHOLE body.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring this free 3-day virtual event to you!

You can learn absolutely everything you’d ever want to know about the summit over here, but as a quick overview:

The summit will run from Monday, January 9 – Wednesday, January 11.

Each day will be packed with amazing speakers who are ready to help you learn all about improving your health, increasing your energy, and getting healthy meals on the table that your family will love – and eat!

This is a virtual summit so you can attend from the comfort of your own home.

Grab your free ticket here!

See you there!

Shaline

#wholebodysummit

Massaged Kale with Fennel

This salad is delightfully nourishing and gives you all the benefits of kale, without the digestive distress. When you massage kale you break down some of the tough fibers in the cell wall that make raw kale hard to digest.

When I started eating healthy I couldn’t digest kale very well. It upset my digestion and I didn’t get what all the fuss was about. If this happens to you the solution is to either steam your kale or massage it. This recipe is one of my favorites because you still get all the amazing benefits of raw kale: the enzymes, magnesium, vitamin C and more.

Massaging nourishing oil and lemon juice into the kale also help make the nutrients more bioavailable and easier to assimilate. Plus, it tastes delicious and can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a classic healthy meal.

Ingredients

1 bunch kale, chopped

1 large lemon, juiced

1 large garlic clove, minced

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup chopped celery

½ cup thinly sliced fennel

¼ cup pine nuts

 

Directions

Add kale to a large mixing bowl along with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Using clean, bare hands, massage the kale until it is wilted (about 2 to 3 minutes).

Once the kale is ready, top your salad with carrots, celery, fennel, and pine nuts. No extra dressing is needed.

If kale is something that’s hard to digest for you, there might be a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. If you want to be able to eat whatever you want and have no digestive issues, you need to check out my gut health program. These principles have truly transformed my life as well as countless others.

 

Please join me in my Facebook group, where I’ll be sharing more information, tips and recipes to help you live a happier, healthier life. Sorry men. This group is for busy moms.

 

To your wellness,

Shaline

Poll Time!!

Hi everyone! I hope you all are staying well and safe.

I am conducting a poll. What topics would you like to see discussed on my blog?

1. Relieving stress during Coronavirus
2. Using essential oils to help emotional health
3. Tips to ease Exhaustion/insomnia
4. Meal planning ideas

Thank you for taking time to answer my poll.

Stay well!

Love and light,

Shaline

 

 

 

 

4 Benefits of a Spring Detox

Spring normally brings new hopes, promotes positive vibes, and brings out blooming flowers. So, Spring usually is the best time to embark on a detox plan. In winter we feel too indulged in food and drinks and it seems nearly impossible to do a detox. But there is no such issue in spring as you are full of energy and the weather is also in your favor making the whole detox plan easier on you. You need to keep in mind that detox is not a permanent weight loss plan, it just provides a jump start towards the whole process. You would still have to plan for regular exercise and follow a healthy eating routine. Here are some reasons why you might need a detox and the benefits it will bring for you.

Why Spring Detox?

We are constantly exposed to the toxins in this modern world due to the air pollution as well as the foods we intake. Even our livestock is treated with drugs and the crops are sprayed with pesticides which pose serious threats to our health with their harmful side effects. So, it is a great idea to plan for a spring detox to get rid of all these toxins and provide a fresh start to your body for a stronger immune system and an improved blood circulation. But why spring? Well, spring represents renewal and refresh – it is the perfect season to detox your body and mind and elevate your life.

Benefits of Spring Detox

A spring detox has various benefits from an improved immune system to elevated energy as well as better circulation. The list of benefits continues, we can sit here for hours to be honest. But we won’t. Instead I’ve compiled a list of quick benefits a spring detox can have in your life. Check them out!

1.     Weight Loss

If you are planning to lose some weight then the spring detox is the best way to start with. It will provide you with the perfect kick start towards your weight loss goals and help you achieve them at a faster rate. So, start off this spring to get better outcomes with improved energy levels and a quick metabolism.

2.     Elevated Energy

Speaking of energy, yes! Detoxing can increase your energy levels. This helps you to work out twice as hard and longer for better results. The more active you are, the more you move, the more you lose weight and improve your overall health.

3.     Better Digestion

There is clinical evidence that detoxing also helps greatly with the digestion. As the toxicity might lead to various health issues such as bloating, nausea, furred tongue, constipation, gas, indigestion and a toxic liver. However, all these issues can be avoided by indulging in a spring detox.

4.     Improved Immune System

A spring detox is also beneficial in improving the immune system immensely. It helps to avoid colds and the flu, blemishes, cellulite, tiredness, fatigue and puffy eyes by improving the lymphatic system. It also helps to clear the sinuses by vanishing congestion and improving the lung function. It also resolves the urinary tract issues by increasing the urine output. In other words, it improves the immune system and doesn’t let the illnesses take over.

So, go ahead with and try a spring detox and see for yourself how much it benefits your overall health and well-being!

Love and Light,

Shaline

2 Ways to Loving Your Inner Self

Are you so stressed and being a busy mom that you don’t take time to slow down and love yourself?  And do you want to make your life a happier and more peaceful one?

These two ways will help you achieve the highest level of love with your inner self and become a more confident you by using some simple techniques.

Meditation is vital for loving yourself (self-love) because it gives you quiet, alone time. Here are five meditation techniques to help you meditate and the Power of Eating Food with a high (positive) vibrational frequency.

1. Why Meditation is Vital for loving your inner self

Meditation has a positive effect on our attitude towards life because it makes us take some time to quiet our mind. This helps to soothe our nerves and make us feel stress-free. Removing the negativity of stress helps you better perceive positive vibes from others and feel happy about your life and relationships. Yoga is also effective in clearing your mind and reducing the tension of stress.

Meditation gives your immune system a boost and your mind a chance to reflect on the positive things in your life. There is a variety of meditating techniques, such as concentration meditation, which is used to focus on a single point, and mindful meditation, which is used to control wandering thoughts. Meditation can help lower your blood pressure, improve blood circulation, lower your heart rate, reduce perspiration, slow your respiratory rate, reduce anxiety and relieve stress. Meditation can also help you develop self-love in the following ways:

Meditation addresses the stress

In today’s world, stress has become our biggest enemy; it promotes negative feelings and vibes about ourselves and contributes to long-term exhaustion and mental fatigue. Meditation helps to ward off such negative thoughts by promoting a good sleep cycle, better nervous system health, and improved digestion. Meditation is great for relieving stress from your life and helping you discover and love yourself.

Mindful awareness helps us to steer clear of self-destructive habits

A meditation practice not only helps guide you into better eating habits and exercise, but it also helps you steer clear of other self-destructive habits. These can be anything from avoiding junk food to sleeping better and fending off negative thoughts. Meditation provides the mindful awareness that is required to avoid negative behaviors and maintain positive ones.

Meditation improves our self-awareness

Meditation increases your self-awareness; as a result, be become more in tune with what you should eat and how you should exercise to keep your body healthy and promote positive vibes. Practicing good self-care ultimately helps you love yourself.

Here are a few simple ways to help you start meditating:

• Sit back or lie as comfortably as possible.
• Close your eyes.
• Breathe naturally; don’t try to control it.
• Now breathe by focusing your attention on it and notice how your body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Observe how your throat, chest, and abdomen move during breathing.
• Just notice the movement without controlling the breathing process. Start doing this for 2 to 3 minutes and then increase the duration.

Including meditation in a regular routine will also help boost your energy levels.

 

How to start meditating with 5 simple techniques including moving meditation

Here are five basic meditating techniques. Try them all, and decide which one best fits you and your lifestyle.

1.   Moving Meditation

If you don’t like sitting for long periods of time, walking meditation might be for you.  You focus on your body while moving.  While your arms and legs swing, feel them lifting and extending. Feel your feet as they rise and touch the ground. Keep your mind focused on the movements of your body instead of on other things.

2.   Breathing Meditation

Get in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose. Hold the breath for a few seconds, then exhale it slowly through your mouth.

3.   Mindfulness Meditation

To practice this one, your mind needs to be present in the right moment. Start by focusing on your breath and continue by feeling other sensations throughout your body.

4.   Mantra Meditation

This technique is conducted by repeating a sacred word or phrase, such as “aum.”  To bring your mind to a state of focused tranquility. You can repeat the mantra aloud or repeat it silently.

5.   Empty Mind Meditation

This meditation technique allows you to be fully aware without a specific focus. Simply sit in a peaceful place in a good posture and let your thoughts float without passing any judgment on them or lingering on any of them.

These meditation techniques are simple and effective enough to start your meditation practice or enhance your existing one.

2. The Power of Eating Food with High Vibrational Frequency

They say we are what we eat, and rightly so: food is a basic necessity and may even be one of the reasons behind making our lives great and helping us feel good about ourselves. Because we are made up of and use energy, our bodies require us to consume energy in the form of food, air, and water for sustenance and good health. To promote self-love, our inner selves require thoughts made up of positive vibrational energy. We can raise our energy vibrations by eating highly nutritious, energetic foods and eliminating unhealthy thoughts, foods, and relationships. Eating high-energy foods helps us reach a higher consciousness and better connect with our higher source. Fresh and organic foods are high in nutritional value and offer great vibrational energy benefits. Fast food and junk food, on the other hand, are of low vibrational quality and don’t add any valuable nutrients to the body. Eating high amounts of these foods can result in poor health.

To lift the energetic vibration of your food, practice gratitude and avoid negative thoughts while preparing your food. Here is a short list of high-energy foods to increase, and low-energy foods to avoid:

High-energy foods

• Fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables
• Natural supplements, like spirulina
• Pure or filtered water — reverse osmosis or freshly collected spring water are the best choices
• Healthy oils, like olive oil and coconut oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Fermented foods
• Herbal teas
• Herbs and spices
• Raw chocolate
• Raw honey and maple syrup
• Legumes
• Grains such as buckwheat, brown rice, amaranth, and spelt

Low-Energy foods

• Genetically modified (GMO) foods, and conventional foods that have been treated with chemicals and pesticides
• White rice and flours
• Sugars and artificial sweeteners
• Coffee
• Sodas
• Alcohol
• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Processed, packaged, canned and fast foods
• Unhealthy oils, like canola, cottonseed, margarine, and vegetable oils
• Frozen foods
• Pasteurized cow’s milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Cooked foods, deep-fried foods, and microwave foods

Click here for your free downloadable guidebook.

 

 

6 Ways to Support Immune Health: Does CBD Help?

Amid what is happening around the world with the Coronavirus, I wanted to re-share this blog post with you.

 

This is a stress time due to the uncertainty.  This excess stress can weaken your immune system, thus making us more susceptible to falling ill.  Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to make sure you’re doing the best to maintain overall well-being.

 

CBD Health Benefits for the Immune System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for regulating most functions in the human body. One of these functions is our immune response. Cannabinoids (like CBD) interact with our ECS. When our ECS is active, it helps to aid our body in bringing itself back into balance (homeostasis). When our body is in balance, it is more likely to make sure proper immune function and regulation is occurring.

The immune system is extremely complex, and there is still much to be learned about it. We are excited to see more research being conducted about the relationship between CBD and the immune system. For now, though, it appears the ECS and CBD are very much involved in the maintenance of a properly functioning immune response.

Due to the complex nature of the immune system, there are many misconceptions when it comes to staying well as the weather changes. Let’s bust some of those myths before jumping into the best preventative measures you can take to keep sickness at bay.

 

Busting Myths About Immune Health

Many of us have heard the phrase ‘put a coat on or you’ll catch a cold!’ Although we may associate sickness with colder weather, research suggests our increase in sickness during the winter months is most likely due to spending more time indoors (to avoid the cold) and spending more time in close contact with others who may pass a virus to us.

Having busted this common misconception, let’s dive into some effective, preventative measures to keep you healthy.

 

1. Manage stress

Stress is the single most important factor you can manage to avoid weakening your immune system. Stress wears down our immune system rapidly, making us more likely to fall ill when we are exposed to germs.

It’s not uncommon to be stressed out, it can be a stressful time! You can help mitigate this stress by meditating, indulging in regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness. There are many various ways to manage stress, so whichever option works best based on you and your schedule is great! We’re not so concerned HOW you manage stress, we’re merely advocating for you to do so!

 

2. Prioritize sleep (or make it better!)

Our bodies repair themselves while we sleep – which is why it is so crucial to make sure we’re getting enough quality sleep. When we skip out on our regular amounts of sleep, the number of infection-fighting antibodies and cells in our bodies are reduced.

Supplementing with a CBD supplement before bed will help you relax and therefore get into a deeper sleep. There are several things you can do to ensure you get a better night’s rest, and it is in your immune system’s best interest to get quality sleep when you can.

 

3. Support your body with herbs and supplements

It is recommended using a supplement as just that – a supplement to an already healthy lifestyle! Things, like sleeping well and managing stress, will always make a more significant impact than a supplement, but we listed a few supplements that can help boost your immunity nonetheless.

CBD

As mentioned before, CBD can be a powerful tool to help maintain balance in your body. Including CBD into your daily routine will be all-around beneficial – and will especially aid in activating your ECS and keeping you balanced this winter.

Medicinal Mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi)

Mushrooms are widely used in Eastern medicine and have been known to act as a powerful immune sidekick. Source high-quality reishi mushroom powder and try mixing it into your morning latte.

Echinacea

Echinacea has been shown to increase the number of white blood cells, which helps to fight off colds or infection. Try an herbal echinacea spray or a bag of tea that contains dried echinacea.

 

4. Load up on healthy foods

Vitamins can help an infection from even happening in the first place. If you are eating a healthy, balanced diet, then you should not need to take a supplement – the vitamins are already in the food we eat! We know there are plenty of treats around this time of year and we are not suggesting you don’t indulge (because we sure do!), but that doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch your healthy lifestyle altogether. You can still eat healthy meals in between your holiday get-togethers, and squeeze in workouts when able.

Vitamin D

Due to the decreased amount of sunshine, vitamin D is an important supplement to add to your regime. You can either purchase a high-quality vitamin D supplement or look for fortified milk and cereals.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is probably the most well-known immune booster. You can get your dose of vitamin C by eating citrus (like oranges, grapefruit, or lemon), bell peppers, kale, and broccoli.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that will help the body fight infection. You can get vitamin E from nuts (like sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, or hazelnuts), avocados, mango, and kiwi!

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that keeps the immune system strong and aids in healing. You can find zinc in legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

Prioritize eating a salad packed with vegetables, drinking a green juice, or even making your own vegetable broth before your next holiday get-together. Your immune system will thank you!

 

5. Stay hydrated

Making sure you stay hydrated aids your body in eliminating toxins and other unwanted bacteria. Soda, alcohol, and sugary drinks are not substitutes for water; if you need to, try herbal teas or add flavorings to your water to make sure you are getting enough.

As a guideline, to be properly hydrated, our bodies need ½ of our body weight in ounces per day to stay hydrated. If you weigh 150lbs then 75oz of water daily is what you need. We know drinking that much water isn’t always possible, but 35oz of water daily is better than zero. Do your best!

 

6. Wash your hands

 

One of the easiest tips of all, but we had to mention it! Thoroughly wash your hands, especially before handling food or after being in an environment with a lot of germs. (like grocery stores, doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc.)

These tips can help you avoid sickness anytime. This article is written to  show you how easy it is to integrate a wellness lifestyle into your already busy schedule. Wellness is a choice that everyone can make!

Stay well!

Shaline

 

Reference: MadebyHemp

February Recipe of the Month

I love to start each day with a positive affirmation. This is your affirmation of the month.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love. -Rumi

Soul Food

Think for a moment of a food from your past, one that makes you feel great after you eat it for no specific reason. Maybe it is macaroni and cheese, slow-simmered tomato sauce, ice cream cones or potato pancakes. Eating comfort foods (every now and then) can be incredibly healing, even though your rational brain might not consider it highly nutritious.

Food has the power to impact us on a level deeper than just our physical well-being. What we eat can reconnect us to precious memories, like childhood playtimes, first dates, holidays, our grandmother’s cooking or our country of ancestry. Our bodies remember foods from the past on an emotional and cellular level. Eating this food connects us to our roots and has youthening and nurturing effects that go far beyond the food’s biochemical make-up.

Acknowledging what different foods mean to us is an important part of cultivating a good relationship with food. This month when we celebrate lovers and relationships, it’s important to notice that we each have a relationship with food—and that this relationship is often far from loving. Many of us restrict food, attempting to control our weight. We often abuse food, substituting it for emotional well-being. Others ignore food, swallowing it whole before we’ve even tasted it.

What would your life be like if you treated food and your body as you would treat your beloved – with gentleness, playfulness, communication, honesty, respect and love? The next time you eat your soul food, do so with awareness and without guilt, and enjoy all the healing and nourishment it brings you.

Food Focus

Beans, or legumes, including peas and lentils, are an excellent source of plant-based protein. Beans are found in most traditional cultures as a staple food, offering grounding and strengthening properties that enhance endurance. They offer a highly usable and absorbable source of calcium for the body. A very inexpensive source of high nutrition, beans can be rich, delicious and satisfying,

Lack of sexual energy is often due to overtaxed adrenal glands and kidneys. Beans are known for strengthening these organs (ever noticed the shape of a bean?) and can help restore vital energy as well as sexual energy.

Beans have a reputation for causing digestive distress, but this is usually because they have been under-cooked or improperly prepared. To help reduce gas-forming properties, soak beans overnight prior to cooking, increase cooking time, add spices like bay leaf, oregano or cumin, or add kombu (a sea vegetable) when cooking.

Recipe of the Month

Easy Beans and Greens

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (or pinto, red, kidney—your choice) 1 bunch collard greens (or kale, spinach—your choice) your favorite toppings, such as salsa, avocado or guacamole and sour cream.

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat drained beans. Add your favorite seasonings, if desired.

2. Fill a separate medium saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.

3. Wash and chop greens (you can use the stems, too) and add to boiling water.

4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are bright green and tender. Drain off water.

5. On a plate, arrange a portion of the greens, top with a portion of the beans and finish with toppings of your choice. `

Have fun trying the recipe.

Shaline