Monday, May 27, 2013

STAY WARM....STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY Keeping the winter blues at bay



  Its not often that I submit to the idea of winter, each day dressing as if the sun was going to come out, and as illogical that is, it get's me through the colder months...because the truth is that the sun is on it's way...it always is.  The colder months give us an opportunity to go within and close the doors on the past year, just like on the farm its from the darkness that the new seeds grow.  Winter serves us, it enables us to stop and focus, to re-seed, to start again... So use this time to look after you...don't give in to the winter colds and flu's, or the winter blues.
  
Get outside and get moving
 Make a commitment to your self to spend some time outside everyday, get fresh air circulating through your lungs, absorb some vitamin D, and move your body. Sweat. Breathe deeply.
Breathe through your nose
A large majority of people have a tendency to breathe through their mouth, this bad habit contributes to many associated respiratory problems, reduced CO2 content in alveoli of the lungs, and pathological effects due to suppressed nitric oxide utilisation including bacterial infections, depression and many other ailments. When we breathe through our nose, we utilise out own nitric oxide that is generated in the sinuses. Nitric oxide functions to destruct 
viruses, parasitic organisms, and malignant cells in the airways and lungs
 by inactivating their respiratory chain enzymes.
Eat whole
Trytophan is an essential amino acid that regulates serotonin in the brain, meaning that this mighty amino acid has the ability to make you feel good and keep the winter blues at bay.  Try foods like quinoa, raw pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds. 
GO GREEN
Its only natural in winter to crave warmer heavier foods, these foods warm from the inside, they also have a tendency to make people tired because alot of energy is diverted to  the digestive tract for digestion. Despite the need for warm foods be sure to include raw greens everyday. A green smoothie or a green juice will leave you feeling light and full of energy as well as nourishing you with vitamins and minerals. Try it for a week and see how you feel....the difference is amazing!
 This week we are all about green, check out our new recipes this week for green foods and enjoy better health.
  
Thank you all for your amazing support, helping to build a better food system,  

Angela
  

Monday, May 20, 2013

Carbing out, the lowdown on carbs




Carbohydrates have such a bad reputation, touted to be the greatest evil and for the majority of the western world, there is good reason to avoid them because most of the carbohydrates in the standard western fare consist of highly refined, and concentrated carbohydrates that are devoid of any nutrition.  The carbohydrates in this form require no digestion, as they enter the body and are assimilated as sugars.  
Removing this essential nutrient, carbohydrates that is, though is truly not in your best interest, its most likely to cause fatigue, moodiness, lack of concentration, increased sweet cravings and weight gain.
  
NOT ALL CARBS ARE CREATED EQUAL......
But it's not all bad news, you see there are some amazing carbohydrates that provide the body with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and unlike the nasty carbs, these carbohydrates provide the body and most importantly the brain with a slow steady stream of glucose.  There's more, the digestion of complex carbohydrates leaves no residual chemicals to be eliminated, once they are broken down, the only wastes are carbon dioxide and oxygen, unlike proteins and fats.  These carbohydrates we speak of will help you lose weight, will help you feel good and will nourish your body.
  
So let's look at what substitutions we can make....  less desirable for the more desirable, please don't discount these substitutions till you have tried them, especially the ones we have for the pasta.




Monday, May 6, 2013

GET HEALTHIER, honest to goodness health.


I am a big believer in honesty, it is the most beautiful gift that you can give yourself and to everyone else, it's liberating and beyond that it keeps you healthy.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that people that spoke their truth had fewer headaches and sore throats as well as experiencing less mental health compiaints.
 This insecurity driven behaviour usually leads to self sabbotage, saying 'yes' when we mean 'no', keeping your opinions to yourself and not standing up for what we believe in. 

This doesn't have to be the life you live out,it can be honest and happy and healthy, you can have a strong sense of your self and your self worthiness will define you. not other peoples opinions.
This week I would love you to work on your sustained honesty, it keeps life clean.  Be honest with you, be the most honest person you know.  What do you believe in????? For me, it's a good world, one where we all have access to organic food and to be honest with you all, I would love to know that you begin to live the best, healthiest life ever.   

As always, thanks for your love and support and assistance in creating a better food system, we hope that you have  a beautiful happy healthy week,
Angela and the team at Organic Empire XX

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth."