Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Minestrone Quinoa Soup

Minestrone Quinoa Soup

Ingredients:

2 T olive oil, best quality

1 1/2 cup of diced carrots

1 1/2 cup of diced onion

3 celery rib, diced

2 zucchini diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

2 tsp thyme, chopped

2 tsp Parsley, chopped

6 cups stock (chicken and or vegetable)

2 cans cannellini beans, cooked

2 cups seeded and diced plum tomatoes

½ cup quinoa, rinsed

Salt and pepper

2 cups spinach, fresh and finely chopped

2 T basil, sliced

½ cup Parmesan Romano cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy stock pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley and cook carrots till tendor. Add zucchini and cook for an additional few minutes.

2. Add stock, beans, tomatoes and quinoa. Increase the heat to bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.

3. Remove bay leaves and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Stir in spinach and basil just before serving. Sprinkle with cheese.


Interesting Quinoa Facts:

Quinoa is a low-fat source of protein and rich in essential nutrients. Although technically a seed, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is commonly referred to and used most often as a grain. Once only available in health foods stores, quinoa is now available year-round in most supermarkets and is one of the most nutritious foods one can eat.

Nutrients in Quinoa

One cup (cooked) quinoa contains eight grams of protein, nearly twice the amount found in other grains. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it provides the body all nine essential amino acids. In addition to being a good source of protein, quinoa also contains:

* iron
* calcium
* potassium
* zinc
* vitamin E
* selenium
* manganese
* magnesium
* tryptophan
* copper
* phosphorus
* fiber
* lignans

* Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.

* Magnesium helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.

* Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.

* Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is rich in magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, and selenium, which help to control weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Studies suggest quinoa is high in antioxidant activity, helping to protect the body from free radical damage. Like other grains, quinoa is rich in lignans, a phytonutrient found to reduce the risk of heart disease as well as certain types of cancer.

Quinoa is a high-fiber food with five grams of fiber per cup (cooked). Fiber not only promotes digestive health, but may also reduce the risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women, may prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes, promotes weight loss, and aids weight maintenance.

Needed for tissue repair and to build and maintain muscle, protein is used by almost every cell in the body. Foods high in protein also promote satiety and research suggests a protein-rich diet may speed weight loss.

Quinoa is gluten-free, making it a nutritious substitute for those with wheat allergies or suffering from celiac disease.

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

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Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

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Have a Wonderful day


Michelle Leonard


:0)

©2008-2010

Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”

The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.


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Are you on the Jersey shore? Alternative Health Solutions of NJ thinks you should become a member of The Jersey Shore Network and receive exclusive discounts from local businesses and providers! Discounts range from 10%-50% off! You will receive a personalized membership card which you can present to any of the participating businesses and providers. The Jersey Shore Wellness Network Do it TODAY! (ask me for the discount code)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

What is Morning Sickness?

It is estimated that between 50 to 80 percent of women have nausea, sometimes with vomiting, during pregnancy. Although the nausea may be most noticeable in the morning, it lasts throughout the day for many women.

Even if there is no nausea, women may develop aversions to certain foods. Morning sickness generally improves by the 13th to 16th week of pregnancy, but some women continue to notice nausea into their second trimester.

Why does morning sickness afflict so many pregnant women?

Doctors know that it's caused by a hormone called estrogen that is rushed into peak production during your eighth or ninth week of pregnancy. It may be hard to believe while you're camped at the toilet, but morning sickness is actually a good sign. Studies show that women with morning sickness are less likely to miscarry or deliver prematurely. But even though it may be a good sign for your pregnancy, the nausea certainly doesn't feel good to you.

Many women worry that morning sickness is a sign of something wrong with their babies. This is not the case. A study, published in the Journal - Obstetrics and Gynecology observed that morning sickness is associated with better pregnancy outcomes, decreased risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth, low birth weight and perinatal death. Researchers believe morning sickness may support the healthy growth of the placenta – your baby’s lifeline while it is inside you.

A study surveyed pregnant women and found:

* Almost two thirds (61.2 percent) of women used natural remedies to alleviate morning sickness

* The three most common types of natural remedies used were ginger tea, acupressure wristbands (called "sea bands"), and vitamin B6

* Among the women who used natural remedies, 14.7 percent reported mild adverse reactions. Most common were an inability to tolerate the strong flavor of ginger and wrist irritation among women who used acupressure wrist bands.

Below is a collected variety of the various home remedies that may help with soothing your morning sickness and pregnancy nausea . There is bound to be something here to help no matter whether your morning sickness consists of a little morning nausea or the all-day eat and throw up variety. However, be sure to contact your caregiver if the nausea and vomiting becomes unbearable or causes you to lose weight.

• Graze. Eat frequent, small meals. You may want to eat five to six times a day rather than having three big meals. Sometimes, hunger pangs bring on the feelings of nausea. That's because acids in the stomach have nothing to digest when there's no food around.

• Keep crackers, bread or toast, cereal, or other bland foods handy. Try eating a few crackers before getting out of bed in the morning or lifting your head off the pillow.

• Identify any triggers and avoid them.

• Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you have been vomiting. Try drinking in between meals rather than with meals, which some women find helpful.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Chew your food thoroughly. Applesauce consistency.

• Make sure your stomach is never completely empty. Carry fruit, cheese and/or crackers around with you to nibble on throughout the day.

• Sometimes pregnancy brings about an over-production of saliva, which can make the mother-to-be sick to her stomach. Nibbling on a handful of salt-and-vinegar chips helps dry up the saliva.As with any junk food, don't pig out on chips, even if they are a cure. Nibble only when needed.

• Eat a high protein snack before bed at night. - Nuts and peanut butter. (recipe below)

• Ginger Ale: Settle a bout of morning sickness with a cup of ginger ale.

• Eat a diet high in carbohydrates and protein, low in fats.

• De-stress with a massage – www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

• Eat salty, crunchy foods.

• Avoid spicy food.

• Sniff a fresh lemon peel.

• Make sure your breads and crackers are whole grain.

• Take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in cold water before bed.

Mommy's Bliss Morning Sickness Magic: When morning sickness strikes, you may be searching for a remedy that not only will help quickly, but is also easy to obtain. Morning Sickness Magic is one of many herbal remedies that is favored among pregnant women and may be just what you are looking for. One of the first ingredients is ginger. Another ingredient is B6 which is also known as pyridoxine. It is a common B vitamin, but has been shown to help with nausea. Many morning sickness remedies include this vitamin, which can also help give you more energy during this time when you may be feeling more tired than usual. Red Raspberry Leaf is another herb which has been used for thousands of years in pregnancy. It is thought to help relieve nausea and vomiting early on in pregnancy. It is also used later in pregnancy to help tone the uterus in preparation for labor. Lastly is folic acid, which is very important during pregnancy. Folic acid has been shown to reduce birth defects of the neural tube such as spina bifida. Having a vitamin like folic acid along with your morning sickness remedy is a great advantage to help in keeping your baby healthy. So, if you find yourself with morning sickness creeping up on you and you’re looking for something natural, this should be a great product for you. Not only does Morning Sickness Magic help alleviate your symptoms, but it will also help to keep you and your unborn baby healthy.

• Avoid strong odors and stuffy or smoky rooms.

• Suck a piece of peeled ginger root.

Ginger tea can be used freely to help. Ginger has been thoroughly researched over the years. A recent review of scientific evidence, published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, found that ginger was beneficial in treating all kinds of nausea. To make a tea, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root. You can also add the juice of half a lemon and sweeten with honey if you like. In winter it’s a warmer, in the summer it can be a refreshing iced tea. This mix has the bonus of helping to ward off low blood sugar, headaches and fatigue as well as relieving nausea.

• Avoid actually vomiting; try grasping your tongue with a piece of cloth and pulling gently but firmly.

• If you are vomiting a lot, try limiting your diet to a single food, one that you know you can tolerate. Add one additional food per day as you can tolerate them.

• Place a cool lavender scented compress on your forehead and a warm lavender compress over your rib cage.

• Get a massage with chamomile massage oil.

• Drink liquids between rather than with meals.

• Avoid greasy foods.

• Snack on ginger snap cookies, homemade and with real ginger, if possible. (recipe below)

• Chew peppermint gum.

Get regular, gentle exercise.

Preggie Pops. Morning Sickness Lollipops and drops: All Natural way to ease morning sickness. Helps alleviate dry mouth and give a quick energy boost. Available in Ginger, Mint, and Sour Fruit flavors. Also available in Sour Fruit Preggie Pop Drops.

• Increase your intake of vitamin B6. – B6 pops are available at the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ Marketplace

• Try taking your vitamins later in the day not in the morning and with a meal.

• Go nuts over almonds. They are high in B vitamins and contain fat and protein--what you and your baby need right now. And they help fulfill the requirement of small meals.

• Try changing your iron supplement.

• Give in to your food cravings.

• Sip a carbonated beverage.

• Get plenty of fresh air.

• Try tart flavors; lemonade, sour pickles, etc.

• Don’t brush your teeth immediately after eating.

• Lie completely still with your eyes closed.

• Suck on frozen popsicles. (see recipes below)

• Vitamin B6: Taking Vitamin B6 (50 mg) daily has been shown to help with pregnancy-induced nausea.

• Acupuncture
One study looked at 88 pregnant women with hyperemesis, a severe form of morning sickness. Women received either an anti-nausea drug called metoclopramide or twice weekly acupuncture sessions for two weeks, plus acupressure. Both treatments were found to reduce nausea and vomiting intensity. Acupuncture was more effective than the drug in improving psychosocial functioning.

• Acupressure Wrist Bands
Acupressure wrist bands , often marketed as "sea bands", stimulate an acupuncture point called "pericardium 6" (p6), which is known in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve nausea. It is a wrist band with a plastic button that puts pressure on the p6 point inside of the wrist. They usually cost less than $10 for a pair and can be found online in the Alternative Health solutions of NJ Marketplace. It usually begins to work immediately.

• Ginger
Ginger is a common remedy for morning sickness. It has been used for centuries in cooking and medicinally. The Food and Drug Administration classifies ginger as "generally recognized as safe".
It's quite common for medical doctors, midwives, naturopaths, and other health practitioners to recommend ginger for morning sickness. Four double-blind, randomized clinical trials support this recommendation. The dose used in the studies was a total of one gram of ginger per day, taken in divided doses, for four days to three weeks. This is equivalent to half a teaspoon of ginger taken four times a day. It can be steeped with hot water for five minutes to make a hot ginger tea.

• The aroma of peppermint or lemon can help a queasy stomach. Fill a large bowl with hot water. Place two drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil in the bowl and place it on a table near your bed. Make sure it is in a safe area so there is no risk of it being knocked over. Or use an aromatherapy diffuser which also can be purchased at the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ Marketplace. Put three drops of lavender essential oil and one of peppermint in a the diffuser or humidifier to scent the air.

• Try peppermint. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and can be very effective with morning sickness. Just as eating a peppermint lifesaver, or drinking a cup of peppermint tea might help to settle your stomach, so too can inhaling the scent of peppermint. Essential oils are very strong, and it only takes a drop or two before you notice their effects. One idea is to put a drop or two on a handkerchief and carry it in your purse or pocket. That way, you will have it readily on hand when you start feeling nauseous.

Below is some of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ favorite recipes that may help.

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
Couple tablespoons honey

Directions:

Combine peanut butter, milk powder, and coconut in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in oats, ground cinnamon, wheat germ, walnuts, honey and apple juice concentrate until thoroughly combined.
Shape the mixture into 16 one-inch balls.
Chill thoroughly before serving, about an hour. Store remaining balls in the refrigerator.


Ginger Peach Pregnancy Popsicles

Ingredients:

4 peeled, pitted, ripe peaches
1 Tbsp. fresh, grated ginger
2¼ tsp. fresh lemon juice
1½ cups water

Directions:

Stir the peaches, ginger, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently and breaking the peaches up a bit with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thick. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Mix in the water and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Pour the mixture into Popsicle molds and freeze until just barely set so you can place the wooded sticks. Freeze for a couple more hours.

*** Peach Creamsicles – blend above with Greek yogurt and then freeze.


Ginger Snap Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups organic whole wheat pastry flour
2 tablespoons organic ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Eden Sea Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup organic maple syrup
3/4 cup minced organic crystallized ginger
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup applesauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all dry ingredients together. Mix all wet ingredients together. Combine dry and wet ingredients, and mix well. Lightly oil two baking sheets with safflower oil, and scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough for each cookie and place them 1 inch apart on the cookie sheets. Bake 15 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom. Remove and allow cooling on a cookie rack.
Makes 2 dozen cookies

More Bella Belly Bump at:
Bella Belly Bump; Pregnancy & Labor Marketplace
Bella Belly Bump on Myspace
Alternative Health Solutions of NJ on Doulas.com

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ

If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:

Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com

Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com

Call us 732-664-9348

Be a Fan of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ on Facebook

Check out the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ MARKETPLACE


Have a Wonderful day


Michelle Leonard


:0)

©2008-2010

Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”

The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.


To receive more information join our mailing list!

Fill out my form!


Check out our other projects at:

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http://greendirectory.webs.com/



Are you on the Jersey shore? Alternative Health Solutions of NJ thinks you should become a member of The Jersey Shore Network and receive exclusive discounts from local businesses and providers! Discounts range from 10%-50% off! You will receive a personalized membership card which you can present to any of the participating businesses and providers. The Jersey Shore Wellness Network Do it TODAY! (ask me for the discount code)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Why Buy and Eat Organic?

What does “Organic” mean?

Food certified under U.S. Dept. of Agriculture regulations as organic must be produced without most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Antibiotics, growth hormones, and feed made from animal parts are also banned.

Aren’t All Natural Foods Organic?

No, they’re not. Foods may be free of artificial ingredients, or labeled “natural”, but still grown by conventional methods. The term “organic” on the label means the food has been grown and processed according to strict guidelines, carefully documented and certified.

Is buying Organic worth the extra money?

Is organic worth the extra money? Research has yet to prove an adverse health effect from consuming the levels of the lowest pesticide load commonly found in U.S. food. But for the most vulnerable groups — children and pregnant women — going organic whenever possible for fruits and vegetables that carry the heaviest pesticide load makes sense. For organic meat, poultry, eggs, and milk, the direct health benefit is less clear. It might come down to your willingness to pay more to avoid supporting certain agricultural practices, such as antibiotic use in animals, which could promote resistant bacterial strains, or the use of growth hormones, which could prematurely wear down the animal.

Why Does Organic Food Cost More?

Along with the simple rules of supply and demand, we must remember that prices fluctuate in our economy. Organic food prices are coming down, on the whole, and are expected to continue as supply grows. Organic farming is also more labor-intensive than conventional farming, and usually takes place on a smaller scale than the so-called “chemical agribusiness” factory farms.

In the United States, conventional farming has often been subsidized by taxpayer funds through the government. Some believe that this keep the price of conventional food artificially low, not reflecting the true cost of bringing food to market. Costs are externalized. Organic farmers do not receive these subsidies, and thus the self price may actually reflect a truer market cost.

The long-term price of conventional farming, in terms of the damage to our soil, water, farmworkers’ and children’s health, and the loss of a family farm lifestyle, is great. We pay these costs when taxpayers fund environmental cleanup or health care costs. This must be taken into account when measuring the costs and benefits of buying organic and our bodies.

What if a label says “pesticide-free,” not “organic” — what’s the difference?

Pesticide-free is just that, but you have to take it on faith. The producers aren’t inspected to make sure they’re doing what they say while Organic producers are inspected.

Are there nutritional benefits to eating organic fruits and vegetables?

Children who eat organic foods have lower levels of pesticides in their bodies than those fed industrial foods.

A few studies show that organic foods are higher in minerals and some vitamins, but the increments are small. The real point of organics is better production methods so fewer chemicals will be polluting the soil and water.

*For more information see links below

Top ways to buy Organic Food for less money:

1. Shop at farmers’ markets.
2. Buy a share in a community-supported agriculture program.
3. Join a co-op.
4. Join a buying club.
5. Buy in bulk.
6. Buy big in-season.
7. Grow your own.

Top Fruits and Vegetables To Buy Organic (the list below contains items which are more likely to contain pesticides when purchased conventionally)

Strawberries
Raspberries
Apples
Grapes
Raisins
Grape Juice
Peaches
Nectarines
Apricots
Pears
Cherries
Lemons
Limes
Bananas
Kiwis
Cantaloupes
Tomatoes

Potatoes
Carrots
Corn
Celery
Cucumbers
Spinach
Green & Red Bell Peppers
Lettuce
Hot Peppers
Green Beans
Hard Winter Squash

OTHER

Rice
Oats
Milk
WILD Salmon
GMO – like Corn and Soy

Learn more:

USDA — ams.usda.gov
The Web site of the agricultural marketing service division of the USDA has the complete list of organic standards and a handy map of farmers’ markets nationwide.

Local Harvest — localharvest.org
Head here for a directory of small farms and farmers’ markets anywhere in the country. There’s also an online store with products from family farms.

Organic Consumers Association — organicconsumers.org

Check out the Web site of this grassroots organization for information on the politics of organic and sustainable agriculture, and for the latest organic news.

EAT BETTER. PLAY HARDER. LIVE HEALTHIER. LEARN EASIER. WELLNESS IS A WAY OF LIFE! FEEL SOUL GOOD! http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeHealthSolutionsofNJ


If you are thinking of Alternative care for yourself or if you’d like more information on what alternative care can do for you today:


Contact http://www.alternativehealthsolutionsnj.com


Email us at alternativehealthsolutionsnj@gmail.com


Call us 732-664-9348


Be a Fan of Alternative Health Solutions of NJ on Facebook


Check out the Alternative Health Solutions of NJ MARKETPLACE


Have a Wonderful day


Michelle Leonard


:0)

©2008-2010

Finally healthcare that is “Soul good for you”

The kindness thank you is your referral. Please pass on the gift of health.


To receive more information join our mailing list!

Fill out my form!


Check out our other projects at:

http://www.facebook.com/SoulsationalMusicWellnessFestival



http://soulsational.webs.com/




http://www.facebook.com/TheLittleGreenDirectory



http://greendirectory.webs.com/





Are you on the Jersey shore? Alternative Health Solutions of NJ thinks you should become a member of The Jersey Shore Network and receive exclusive discounts from local businesses and providers! Discounts range from 10%-50% off! You will receive a personalized membership card which you can present to any of the participating businesses and providers. The Jersey Shore Wellness Network Do it TODAY! (ask me for the discount code)