Carrots in a bag, Oh No!

I just received an email that reaffirms why I like to avoid purchasing prepackaged produce:

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc.
The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots - most people probably know this already.
What you may not know is that once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them. (this is the same chlorine used in your pool).
Since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine. You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots. This is the chlorine which resurfaces. At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables?
Chlorine is a very well-known carcinogen, which causes Cancer.

I thought this was worth passing on. Pass it on to as many people as possible in hopes of informing them where these carrots come from and how they are processed.

http://www.snopes.com/food/tainted/carrots.asp

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

http://calmunderfire.posterous.com

http://drvelonda.blogspot.com
www.befitinc.com
www.hhcextracts.com/5618

www.hhcbusiness.com/5618

It's FALL - Fat or Fit?

Well another summer is behind us and it's time to plan how you will move throught the fall and winter seasons. While it can be a challenge it is not impossible to avoid the cool weather weight gain.

I thought this guide to avoiding fat foods might be helpful - http://www.webmd.com/diet/slideshow-frighteningly-fattening-fall-foods?ecd=wnl_wct_092410

You can still start your day with the following green smoothie .

3-4 Cups purified water, 1 handful of red leaf lettuce, 1 handful of kale Greens, 2 Tablespoons ground flax seed, 2 bananas, 2 Cups chopped apple, 1 Cup strawberries, ½ Cup Blueberries, 2 dates (pitted)

COMBINE WATER, GREENS ANDFLAX SEED IN BLENDER. BLEND WELL. ADD REMAINDER OF THE INGREDIENTS AND BLEND WELL. MAKES 2 QUARTS. WILL KEEP FOR 3 DAYS IN THE REFRIGERATOR

Squash comes in a variety of fall colors to help you continue to eat like a rainbow!

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

http://calmunderfire.posterous.com

http://drvelonda.blogspot.com
www.befitinc.com
www.hhcextracts.com/5618

www.hhcbusiness.com/5618

Say no to GMO!

I keep trying to understand the purpose and "big picture" benefit of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but stop signs appear at every corner.

 What I have learned is that as of 2005 , 9 years after the 1996 introduction of GMOs, research has shown that multiple chronic illnesses jumped from 7 percent to 13 percent of the population, food allergies doubled in less time, and many other ailments have exponentially increased with the introduction of GM foods. Source -  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/27/10-reasons-why-no-one-needs-gm-foods.aspx

Numerous studies show how GMOs cause disorders ranging from gastrointestinal and immune system problems to dysfunctional regulation of insulin and cholesterol. Not that we need any help with the diabetes epedemic.

Genetically Modified Foods have not proven to be helpful for our bodies or our environment. For more scientific "green" facts on GMOs, I recommend reading the article http://www.greenfacts.org/en/gmo/index.htm

Read all your food labels; Eat like a rainbow, Drink water like there's no tomorrow and Exercise on a regular basis!

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

http://calmunderfire.posterous.com

http://drvelonda.blogspot.com
www.befitinc.com
www.hhcextracts.com/5618

www.hhcbusiness.com/5618

Protein Please!

Contrary to popular belief, high protein vegetables or high protein diets are not as beneficial for humans (athletes included) as believed to be. While it is true that protein is an essential nutrient and it plays a major role in making our body function properly; this does not mean that we require large amounts of protein.  High protein diets may give way to osteoporosis and kidney disease. The reality is that protein supplements are in most cases costly, needless and even injurious for some.

Non-meat high protein sources include a varied quantity of beans, grains, nuts and seeds. Remember, protein contains essential amino acids, often referred to as building blocks of the body. In reality, our body is in need of amino acid and not protein. We need twenty different varieties of amino acids of which our body cannot produce nine out of the entire variety.

Source:   http://www.massgrown.org/high_protein_vegetables.html

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

http://calmunderfire.posterous.com

http://drvelonda.blogspot.com
www.befitinc.com
www.hhcextracts.com/5618

www.hhcbusiness.com/5618

Healthy Hearts Club

What's Your Healthy Heart Lifestyle?

While many of us are totally aware of the following list, the benefits of repetition far outweigh any repeated information. Take these items into consideration in your everyday life – because they work if we take them to heart.

Heart Fitness – If you want a healthy heart, the best way is through exercise.

Diet – When fatty meats are avoided, your heart is able to sing.

Smoking – It matters. We know it. Don't start and if you currently do – quit!

Weight – Extra pounds are a strain on the joints and your heart.

Blood Pressure – Be healthy and have it checked.

Cholesterol – One part good, one part not so good, it's a key ingredient to know your HDL and LDL levels!

Stress – If the eyes are the window to the soul, the heart is the caretaker of our emotions. Learning how to handle stressful situations can enable a steady heart rate and a stronger muscle.

Happiness – Laughter is good medicine and feeds a healthy heart.

Friendships – Studies show that those with strong friendship live longer, happier and healthier lives

A healthy heart is important for men and women, especially later in life since statistics show that 2 out of 3 of us will personally deal with this issue during our lifetime. The great news is we don't have to wait. In fact, a few strides toward a healthy lifestyle can turn the tables in your favor. 

Join Healthy Hearts Club Where Your Healthy Heart And Lifestyle Are Created One Realistic Step At A Time!  http://www.hhcbusiness.com/5618

 

Velonda Thompson, Phd Nutritionist, Professor and author of "Pass the Sweet Potatoes, Please!" and "Calm Under Fire"  www.befitinc.com or 313-874-BFIT (2348)

Nature's sleeping pill

Are good nights of sleep eluding you? Are you a before bed snacker? Well there's good news. Make your snack a handful of walnuts and you may get to dreamland a little easier.

The body's pineal gland produces the hormone melatonin that induces sleep and helps regulate sleep. This hormone is found in walnuts--making walnuts a great evening or bedtime snack for improving your sleep.(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1541795/health_benefits_of_eating_walnuts.html?cat=5)

Another great sleep enhancing bedtime snack is a banana. It's a great natural source of melatonin, the sleep hormone, as well as tryptophan.

http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/achieve-a-deep-uninterrupted-sleep/article15950-2.html

 

Yours in health,
Dr. Velonda

http://calmunderfire.posterous.com

http://drvelonda.blogspot.com
www.befitinc.com
www.hhcextracts.com/5618

www.hhcbusiness.com/5618