Natural Calm - The Anti-Stress Drink

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I learned about this product about a year ago from one of my best girlfriends who is a Chiropractor.  She said that it's pretty common for your magnesium levels to be unbalanced and gave me a couple of samples.  I didn't know too much about it so I showed it to my husband and he agreed, he said "This is fantastic, we need to get more of this!"  Since I can't explain it as well as they can, I'm going to post what they say about Natural Calm on their website...

Magnesium and calcium are fundamental nutrients that need to be in balance with each other in order for you to fully experience good health. Their importance on a cellular level is critical. Calcium and magnesium are like opposite sides of a coin. Calcium excites nerves, while magnesium calms them down. Calcium makes muscles contract. Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax. Calcium is needed for blood clotting, but magnesium keeps the blood flowing freely.

Calcium & Magnesium: A Matter of Balance

You experience the tensing (calcium) and relaxing (magnesium) interaction of these two elements each time your heart beats, when you feel your pulse, and every time you breathe.

When we are under stress, our cells—which in their resting state contain magnesium—go through a change. Calcium, normally outside the cells, enters the cells and the calcium level becomes high. This is the action state in which a muscle cell, for example, will contract and tense the muscle. The magnesium then pushes the calcium out of the cell and the cell is again in its resting, relaxed state. Think of it as an on-off switch. The “off” is magnesium and the “on” is calcium.

But what happens to a cell that is not in balance—where the magnesium level in the body is deficient?

In simple terms, the “off” switch doesn’t fully turn off. That means calcium can continuously leak into the cells and stimulate cell activity (the “on” switch). The result is stress accompanied by one or more of the magnesium deficiency symptoms.

Magnesium helps your muscles and nerves function properly; it keeps your heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and also assists in keeping your bones strong. This essential mineral helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure and is required for producing and storing energy. It’s easy to see why many researchers say that no single dietary factor is as critical as magnesium.

Calcium—Too Much of a Good Thing?

Calcium deficiency can be a serious issue. It is an important nutrient your body needs every day, but too much calcium can also be a problem.

The recommended adequate intake of calcium according to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, is 1,000 mg for adults aged 19–50 and 1,200 mg for 51 plus. There are many adults who are taking 1,200–1,500 mg of supplemental calcium in addition to their dietary intake of calcium (an 8 oz cup of low-fat fruit yogurt contains 345 mg of calcium and one cup of nonfat milk contains 306 mg). Unassimilated calcium can end up in the soft tissues of the body where it deposits and hardens (calcifies) or in the urine where it may result in kidney stones.

Unless calcium and magnesium are properly balanced, magnesium becomes depleted (too much calcium can itself deplete magnesium levels). This can result in an inability to quickly recover from stress and can itself be a source of stress.

Do You Have a Healthy Magnesium Level?

Most people don’t get enough magnesium, including many who already take magnesium. There are two reasons for this: the amount of magnesium required by the body is greater than people think and many magnesium capsules and tablets are not completely absorbed by the body.

Magnesium deficiency can be caused by a number of stresses on the body, including—but not limited to—lack of adequate dietary magnesium, emotional stress, some drugs (diuretics, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, insulin, cortisone), heavy exercise, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and too much calcium in the diet.

Natural Calm is the best-selling magnesium supplement on the market for over seven years in a row according to health food supermarket scanner reports. It features a proprietary formula that provides a highly absorbable, water-soluble magnesium in ionic form (having molecular charge that allows the element to easily bond with water), so it is ready to go to work right away.Natural Calm can gradually reduce accumulated calcium, giving fast relief to many symptoms of magnesium depletion.

Again, please note that the above is from their website, not my own words, and if you'd like to learn more, click here.  I find it at Whole Foods, Sprouts and Raley's natural food section.

Another reason to try Paleo…it can optimize your body's pH

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Thinking of trying Paleo?  I did…and I don't have any regrets, except that I wish I would've done it sooner.  People are trying Paleo for different reasons.  Some are tired of counting calories and by eating the Paleo way, you can stop counting calories forever!  I love that it doesn't require you to count a single calorie AND allows you to eat until you're no longer hungry!  Not many food plans can say that.  Some want to eat a cleaner diet and get healthier…lose weight, build muscle and get in the best shape of your life.  There's a third reason that maybe you hadn't considered that has to do with your body's pH.

The typical American diet these days is loaded with sugar, processed foods, dairy and grains.  These foods are acidic-promoting foods and is the reason that many are living in a state of low-grade acidosis.  When your body is too acidic, your body is a disease-magnet!  pH in our body's is all about balance.  Our ancestors had no problems with pH because they ate a pre-agricultural hunter-gatherer diet, rich in plant foods, high quality meats and no grains.  By eating Paleo, we too can optimizing our body's pH by eating the way our ancestors did…a diet rich in raw, organic, whole foods.  It will help your body achieve a healthy balance.

Still not convinced to give it a try?  Consider this...

The average Human back then:  tall, muscular, agile, athletic and incredibly versatile.

The average Human now:  overweight, out of shape, unhappy, stressed, sleep deprived and dying from a plethora of preventable diseases.

Hmmm, if that sounds like you…try a 30-Day Discipline and commit to eating Paleo for 30 days and see how you feel.  If it's not for you, you can always go back to your disease-magnet, acidic-promoting diet!  ;)

(Note…you may have noticed that I don't say Paleo "Diet" as it is often referred to.  I think the word "diet" tends to be misleading to people, making them think of a "quick fix", temporary weight loss plan.  I like to say the Paleo "way" or "lifestyle" because that's what it's become to me.)

How to Make Great Tasting Mayonnaise

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A quick note:  Since posting this recipe, I've found a way easier way to make homemade mayo!  It's the way I make it each and every time now.  You do need an immersion blender or stick blender though...so if you'd like to view that version, click here!  If you want to see the blender version...read on!

I have always loved mayonnaise, but I didn't love what I saw when I looked at the ingredients.  With soybean oil and refined sugar, I thought I'd have to say goodbye to it forever.  Even the "Olive Oil" Mayonnaise that are available are still full of soybean oil!  The egg in mayo is pasteurized, so it has been heated to extremely high temperature leaving it without any nutritional value.  I've noticed that people who love mayonnaise seem to have a favorite brand.  Mine has always been Best Foods and since I learned to make this #HomemadeMayo …I haven't' missed it one bit!  It's made with olive oil or avocado oil that makes this version a much healthier option!  My husband loves it too.  It will keep in the fridge for about a week.  I have tweaked this recipe many times to get it just right!

Makes 16 servings = 16 Tbsp

Ingredients:

• 1 egg - pastured, organic is best, especially for this because it's raw
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or Bragg's raw Apple Cider Vinegar...depending on the flavor you like. (I either use 1/2 lemon juice & 1/2 the apple cider vinegar...or all apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp dijon mustard (I use a little less than this as I'm not a huge mustard fan)
• 1/2 tsp coconut sugar (secret ingredient that makes it taste like Best Food's!)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup "light tasting" olive oil (regular will taste too strong!) or any healthy subtle "light tasting" oil like Avocado oil or macadamia nut oil

In a blender, combine egg, lemon juice, mustard, coconut sugar, salt and pepper.  While blender is running with lid on, remove the plug in the lid and drizzle a slow stream of oil.  (Vitamix - about level 2-3)  Keep adding oil slowly; it will start to thicken.  (Vitamix - turn it up to 5 or 6 if it gets too thick to mix)  This whole process of adding the oil should take about 60 seconds for it to emulsify.  It might be a little warm if it mixes too long,...just get it into the fridge.

NOTE:  If you have a Vitamix 750 like I do, you will need to double the recipe as the bottom of the container is wider and will not mix properly without more substance in it… I learned this the hard way!  If your family loves mayo like mine does….you'll be glad you did!

This is what it should look like when you're done...I love how it looks like a flower!

I love using this mayonnaise as a base and adding things to it for different flavored dipping sauces, get creative!!  I like a "spicy" mayonnaise for artichokes or even add a little pesto for a delicious pesto mayo!  My husband LOVES sauces and dips, so this helps give him enjoy something healthier...I know exactly what's in it because it's completely homemade!  If you want a thicker mayonnaise use more oil.  If you want a thinner, and more salad dressing-like mayo/dressing, use less oil and more acid (lemon juice/vinegar).

Roasted Garlic and Herb Mayonnaise  1 head of roasted garlic, 1 Tbsp herb of your choice

- How to roast garlic:  Preheat oven to 400F.  Cut the ends off of the whole garlic head.  Put the garlic head in a muffin tin.  Tent with tin foil.  Roast for 45 mins.  Cool and pop out pieces of roasted garlic.  Pulse garlic with mayo in food processor.

Spicy Mayonnaise  Add 1 Tbsp hot sauce, or to taste.  Frank's Hot Sauce is sugar free.  My stepson likes mixing in some #sriracha!

Pesto Mayonnaise Add 1 Tbsp pesto

Wasabi Mayonnaise  Add 1 tbsp Wasabi Powder + 1 Tbsp water to make a paste, then add to mayo

I store my mayonnaise in this container that I got at Crate & Barrel... there are many  things I've tried like mason jars... but this is my official "mayo container" now because it's the perfect size, glass, easy yellow lid, wide enough... it just works.  Enjoy!!

Vitamix - how did I live without it?

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I used to think people who got so excited about the VITAMIX were crazy.  What's the big deal?  I just didn't get it.  UNTIL NOW...

NOW I am the proud owner of the new, Next Generation: G Series Professional Series 750!  I never knew I could love a kitchen appliance this much.  Once we started eating Paleo, I figured I'd better check out a new, higher powered blender as a way to get more greens in our diet.  My ancient Oster that was chipped just wasn't cutting it.  I decided on this model because a good friend of mine who is a doctor has one of these baby's and she did all the research already!  The first thing that sets it apart is it is shorter than the previous models so it fits nicely under overhead cabinets, so you can keep it on your countertop for daily use...and still tuck it away.  The second thing is it has a more powerful motor with the latest sound dampening technology.  It's also the only Vitamix that comes in the color "stainless steel"!  Others come in "Platinum" which is silver.  It has 5 pre-programmed settings for Smoothies, Frozen Desserts, soups (they come out hot!), purees, and a self cleaning setting!  I use this setting all the time.  You just fill it halfway with water, put in two drops of dish soap, and start it up!  All of these settings stop when it's finished so you could literally walk away.  Amazing.  It also has the variable speed setting and the pulse button.  This model also has a backlit dial and a large 64 oz, wide container.  It also comes with the huge hardback cookbook called "Create".

Since I've gotten it, I have not gone one day without using it at least twice a day.  I have made green smoothies daily, Thai Pumpkin Soup, Berry Frozen Dessert (with coconut milk) and Homemade Olive Oil Mayonnaise!

All I can say is, VITAMIX, where have you been my whole life??  I'm sorry it took me so long to truly understand just how fabulous you are.  Better late than never…and better health than EVER!!

Ginger Lemon Detox Tea

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Recently we had our oldest son home from college and he brought his new girlfriend.  She was a wonderful, beautiful girl, inside and out.  One thing that really impressed me was how health conscience she was, especially for a 22 year old.  Each morning she would make this ginger lemon detox tea and I talked to her about it…

I later looked further into the benefits of this tea.  I was excited to work this into my morning routine after learning more about it…it has amazing health benefits!

It is now my morning ritual that I look forward to each day.  It is the very first thing I do each morning.  Having a ritual like this helps you feel like you are on the right track for the rest of the day.  I know, you're probably thinking, "What, no coffee??"  I understand, coffee used to be the very first thing I had each morning, but this tea makes me feel SO much better than coffee ever did.  Coffee actually has you starting out your day dehydrated…and dehydration makes you feel hungry.  Also, for most people, coffee includes sugar and dairy.  I sometimes have an Espresso as a treat later in the day…but sometimes not.  It feels better to not depend on it.

It's essentially a "daily detox" that has 5 main health benefits...

1.  Lemon water is alkalizing…disease thrives in an acidic environment, so keeping your body in an alkaline state is healthier.  Remember, cancer can't live in an alkaline environment.  Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.

2.  Warm lemon water hydrates you and jump starts the lymphatic system to help remove toxins.  Ginger helps elimination of those toxins through the colon.  Both lemon and ginger cleanse the liver.  Together, they flush toxins and boost your metabolism.

3.  Ginger helps break up mucous in the body that can be built up by grains.  Both have healthy enzymes, so together they help with proper digestion.  Ginger also helps digest protein, so that's perfect before your protein smoothie!

4.  Your skin will glow!  This tea is better than an anti-aging cream...with Vitamins B & C, and healthy minerals that help stimulate collagen.  Skin cannot glow when it's acidic and toxic.

5.  Weight loss…Alkaline people lose weight more efficiently than those in an acidic state.  Sugars and grains cause insulin spikes leading to glycogen being stored as fat.  Ginger, being an anti-inflammatory…people with chronic inflammation hold onto bloat because the body is trying to fight the inflammation.  Lemon is a diuretic  and stimulates production of bile which helps emulsify fats.  An alkaline, toxic free body equals a lean body.

How to make the ginger lemon detox tea:

Start your tea kettle filled with water, while it's heating...

Grate about 1/2 inch of ginger with a zester into a small cup.  Pour steaming, but not boiling water into the cup and let it steep for 3-5 mins.  Add the juice 1/2 a lemon…(1 tbsp).  If you like it as is, great…but I like to add a tsp of raw honey.  Raw honey has health benefits, so that or stevia are ok.

Note:  I do one other step as I don't like a lot of pulp…I steep the ginger in one cup and add the lemon to another cup.  When the ginger has steeped I use a small strainer to pour it through into the lemon.  I then really push it through with my finger to make sure I get all the "good pulp", it's just not thick:)

Note:  Short on time?  This is a great Ginger Juice to keep on hand!!

Try a 30-Day Discipline and commit to trying this ginger lemon detox tea daily for 30 days and see what happens to your energy, watch your skin glow, and feel lighter!  It just might become your new ritual too!