Tracy's Tasty Tips & Treats

Monday, March 23, 2015

Five Steps To Think Clearly [Tracy's Tips n Treats]


Five Steps To Think Clearly



Some people have been actually diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, and some of us just can’t remember what we walked into the room to get!  Our diets can play a big part in how our brain functions. Below are my Five Top Food reasons that causes attention and memory issues, plus tips to boost your brain.



1.  Artificial colors

These would be food dyes. Do we really need blue frosting?? According to Webmd: "The following artificial colors are approved for use in food products and must be listed as ingredients on labels:"

  • FD&C Blue No. 1 (brilliant blue FCF)       
  • FD&C Blue No. 2 (indigotine)
  • FD&C Green No. 3 (fast green FCF)       
  • FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red AC)           
  • FD&C Red No. 3 (erythrosine)
  • FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
  • FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow)
  • Orange B (restricted to use in hot dog and sausage casings)

Tip: If the food is NOT that color do not eat it. Check out food labels to make sure the natural color of the food isn’t enhanced with food dyes. You might be surprised what foods are dyed. Check out your pickle jar!





2. Wheat

According to Dr. Perlmutter, Author of “Grain Brain,” when the brain encounters many grains it can cause an inflammatory processes in our gut that transfers to our brain. Our gut is our “2nd Brain” and interacts with our brain constantly. Our brain thrives on fat and cholesterol, and too many grains can cause too much to handle. Wheat being the top consumed grain; we need to check into how much we are putting into our mouths on a daily basis.



Tip: It’s not about going gluten free, as many GF products now contain toxic ingredients. It is looking at where you can EAT MORE VEGGIES with each meal and less grains. Plus healthy fats like avocados and coconut oil.






3. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

This is a no brainer. Sugar is more addictive that cocaine, and the withdrawal side effects can be more difficult to overcome. Research has been done on this, and according to Dr. Robert Lustig Sugar kills 350 million a year and relapse from sugar addiction is 97%. When our brain is addicted to anything we can’t completely focus.
If sugar isn’t bad enough, artificial sweeteners actually make you crave the sweet stuff more. It is also very toxic to your system. “According to study of Diabetes Care, daily consumption of diet soda was associated with 36% greater risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67% greater risk of having type 2 diabetes.” –Dr. Axe



Try: Natural Sweetness. Cut up a pineapple and snack, put a slice of orange in your water, or even put some apple in your salad. Use fruit to naturally sweeten.





4. Caffeine

This is an excerpt from my Five Fast Fatigue Fighters Workshop that explains it all.
1. Caffeine gives you Energy: Wrong
          Caffeine is only a chemical stimulation. The perceived “energy” comes from the body’s struggle to adapt increase blood levels of stress hormones.
           
 2. Caffeine gives you a lift: Wrong
            While the initial adrenal stimulation may provide a transient anti-fatigue “lift,” caffeine’s ultimate mood effect is a letdown, either subtle or profound. Caffeine is positively linked to panic attacks.
           
 3. Caffeine sharpens your mind: Wrong
            While caffeine users may feel more alert, the experience is simply one of increased sensory and motor activity. The quality of quality of thought and recall is improved no more than the quality of music is improved when playing at higher volume or speed.



Try: Adaptogenics help your adrenals function more optimally. I enjoy a cup of Holy Basil Tea and Licorice Root Tea to help get a natural pick me up. Healthy Fats can also help with focus and energy. I LOVE avocados and coconut oil!






5. Meat

Protein can be an amazing way to gain more energy, but too much can go the other way. Protein is a heavy dense food. If you way too much “heaviness” that is exactly what your brain feels like….heavy. Making sure you are consuming clean, organic and fresh meat is vital if you consume it. I am a meat eater, but I see the importance to see what works best for your body. I eat more red meat around my cycle and more chicken and turkey when I am not on my cycle. I have found The Blood Type Diet is a great way to learn what meats work best for your type.



Tip: Veggies should always be the foundation of your meals. To learn what meat protein works best for you check out The Blood Type Diet book or just keep a food journal and see how different meats make you feel.



>>> Which Food do you think you are consuming too much of? How can you start to find another way to eliminate just one this week? Post to my Facebook Page and let me know!



(Picture Resource: Dr. Axe.com) 





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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Four Steps To Do Less [Tracy's Tips n Treats]

Four Steps to Do Less



Many times we think we don't have enough time to do what we want in a day. Many times we are wasting time doing things we don't need to be doing. Below are 5 steps to do less, so you can finally do what you want.


1. Put Phone on Airplane mode for an hour in while you do what you want to (i.e. exercise, read, take a walk)

2. Don't read emails right when you wake up. Take that time to enjoy some water and quiet time. Even if it is for 10 minutes.

3. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual so you can wake up 15 minutes earlier to do what you want.

4. Try sitting and just breathing while waiting in line or at a Doctor's Office. I would consider even this a form of meditation.





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Friday, March 6, 2015

Quick and Healthy Meals [Tracy's Tips n Treats]

Healthy Meals can sometimes be difficult with a busy schedule. The slow cooker can be your best friend when you have had a long crazy day and just want relax. Below are some great recipes for quick and healthy meals.





Dr.Axe has amazing and delicious recipes. Click HERE for a great recipe resource

http://draxe.com/healthy-crock-pot-recipes/http://draxe.com/healthy-crock-pot-recipes/












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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip [Tracy's Tips n Treats]


Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip





Ingredients:


- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (I prefer Organic)

- 2 (13 ¾-ounce) cans artichoke hearts (I prefer organic and rinsed)

- ½ cup mayonnaise (I prefer Organic)

- ½ cup sour cream (For Dairy Free Try Tofutti Brand)

- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (For Dairy Free Try Go Veggie)

- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese (For Dairy Free Try Daiya)



Directions:


1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.



2. Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Or cook on stove top and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.


3. Combine all the ingredients and half the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape

into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle other ½ cup of jack cheese on top. Bake for
30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm.




(Picture: twohungrypeas.com) 



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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

5 Signs you could be deficient in this #1 Mineral [Tracy's Tips n Treats]

Are you Magnesium Deficient?

80% of people are deficient in this vital mineral.


Dr. Axe states: "Take note of this… only 1% of magnesium in your body is in your bloodstream, so often you can have deficiency and it would not even be discovered by a common blood test."

Going through magnesium deficiency myself I know how important it is to get back to a optimal level. Below I list the most common signs that you might be magnesium deficient.



1. Leg Cramps

Magnesium supplies our neuromuscular system. When we are deficient we can suffer from leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Start eating magnesium rich foods (see below) and notice if it helps. If not, try supplementing starting at 100mg in evening.


2. Fatigue

This was my indicator that I had magnesium deficiency. Chronic fatigue is a major problem with women in particular. "The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that 300-1.000 mg of Magnesium per day.


3. Type II Diabetes

According to Dr. Axe there was a study in UK that "diets rich in Magnesium have shown to significantly loser the risk of type 2 diabetes because of magnesium's role of sugar metabolism." Best supplementation has been shown to be 100mg/day.


4. Anxiety

Magnesium makes you chill out. So what a great way to help ease anxiety. Magnesium affects how your central nervous system. I've seen 100-400mg/day works for people.


5. Insomnia

As stated above magnesium can help you chill out. This mineral is vital for GABA function (a neurotransmitter to calm down the brain). Dr. Axe suggests taking 400mg of magnesium before bed.




Supplementation

Because our soil here in America is so nutrient deficient it affects or foods. Many foods might not have the amount of magnesium in them you need. Note: While these are symptoms of magnesium deficient, it doesn't mean you are 100% deficient in the mineral. 

There is no harm in supplementing. It is almost impossible to overdose on magnesium supplementation. The general sign is experiencing loose bowels after 500-600mg. I like Magnesium Citrate in buffered form with some warm water. If you have gut problems I recommend not taking tablets. It is also best to take magnesium in the evening, since it can make you chill and relaxed.



Don't want to take supplements? Below are foods rich in magnesium...







  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Black beans
  • Cashews
  • Spinach
  • Squash
  • Sesame seeds
  • Almonds






  •  (Resources: Draxe.com (information and picture), Naturalsocoety.com)







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    Wednesday, February 11, 2015

    Homemade Granola [Tracy's Tips n Treats]


    Coconut Oil Honey Almond Granola
    (makes 4 cups)




    Ingredients:
    • 1 cup almonds, divided
    • 3 cups old fashioned oats
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • 1/3 cup honey
    • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract


     

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. In a food processor or blender, pulse half of the almonds until they are very finely chopped. Pour them into a large bowl. Then chop the other half of the almonds coarsely, and pour them into the same bowl.
    3. Pour the oats, salt, and brown sugar into the bowl with the almonds and stir to combine.
    4. In a small microwaveable bowl, combine honey and coconut oil, and heat for 40 seconds. Stir to dissolve the coconut oil, and add the vanilla and almond extract.
    5. Pour the honey mixture over the oats, and stir so that they are evenly coated.
    6. Pour the oats evenly onto a parchment lined baking sheet (helpful if it has sides).
    7. Bake the oats for 5 minutes, and then stir them around. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
    8. Pour the granola and onto a piece of wax paper to cool. Spread it out into a thin layer.
    9. After it cools completely, break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container.


    (Resource: Lovely Little Kitchen) 






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    Friday, February 6, 2015

    Three Steps To Kick This One Sugar [Tracy's Tips n Treats]

    Three Steps to Kick >>>> High Fructose Corn Syrup <<<


    What is Sugar?
     
    Fructose And Glucose
    Glucose = Simple sugars used by almost every cell in body for energy.
    Fructose = Processed in Liver where appetite, obesity and inflammation increases.




    According to Dr. Mark Hyman...
    "High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) can contain anywhere from 55 to 90 percent fructose and is derived from corn, a heavily subsidized (read: cheap) crop. Manufacturers love HFCS because, especially when compared to regular sugar, it’s cheaper, sweeter and produced in abundance."
    What it can do...
    - Creates holes in intestines. (aka Leaky Gut)
    - Liver damage  (Fatty Liver) Affects 70 million people in this country.


    What Makes Fructose in Fruit Different Than HFCS?
    "Fruit is an exception to the fructose rule. Naturally occurring fructose in fruit is part of a complex web of nutrients and fiber and doesn’t exhibit the same biological effects as the high fructose found in corn sugar.
    When fructose is processed into high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), it is absorbed more quickly than regular sugar and enters your cells without any help. Fructose makes a beeline straight to your liver, where metabolic havoc ensues."


    What to do....
    1. Eat Whole/Unprocessed Foods
    2. Sweeten naturally with raw honey, coconut nectar, stevia (sweet leaf brand) and real fruit
    3. Eat Protein to curb sugar cravings





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