Natural Tips To Heal Diabetes

Diabetes has been on the rise for several years now, and growing rapidly. There is an increased need for information concerning this disease along with understanding and treatment options.

What is Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes and they are easily named. Type I Diabetes, and type II. Diabetes is when the body's insulin is either not being made or not being used properly. Insulin in a healthy body is a hormone produced to break down sugars and starches into energy.

Type I is usually found in children and young adults. Insulin is not being made in patients with type I. Type II is the most common. The body doesn't make the insulin needed or is unable to use it in type II diabetes. The safe, natural way to treat diabetes is through diet. This may seem like common sense and easy to do, however if you are not reading labels and understanding how the body processes food, this could be more difficult than expected.

First, talk to your doctor about what types of things are good to eat and which ones you should stay away from. A nutritionist is another great person to see. They will be able to write out a menu for you that has all of the foods along with recipes that you can have.

Read labels! It is really a surprise once you begin. You will find that healthy fruit granola bar that you have been eating (and thought was good for you) is really packed full of sugars and fat. Maybe it's a sports drink that you have after your daily exercise routine or your salad dressing. There are sugars and fats in a lot of what we eat. It's important to know exactly what is going in your body.

Below you will find a few tips to start healing your body naturally

The American Diabetes Association recommends 2.5 hours of exercise per week. It should be non-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, or yoga. The best time is an hour after breakfast or dinner. You need to exercise regularly and carefully. Exercise will lower your blood glucose levels so it is important to not over-exercise and take carbohydrates if your levels drop too low. Remember to drink plenty of water.

Make sure to monitor your weight. Weight loss can restore insulin sensitivity. Make sure to eat smaller portions, reduce your intake of saturated fat, and carefully monitor your food selections. Eating at regular times can also help with losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels.

Put the fiber back in your diet. Fiber helps your body to regulate blood sugar. Eat whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. Eat up to three daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables high in fiber.

Natural Supplements to help diabetes or pre-diabetic

Chromium-is one that has shown positive benefits. It has been shown to prevent the onset of Type II or even reverse it.

Bitter melonhas-also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. Others that may help are Java Plum, Noni, and Bitterwood. Java Plum may help to level out the insulin. Noni will help restore energy, while Bitterwood will help to stimulate the liver.

Reflexology and yoga can be used to reduce stress. Stress is often what causes a lot of the body's problems including carving sweet, fatty foods.

Before trying any new health program be sure to check with your diet. Also, keep in mind the methods mentioned are suggestions and are not here to replace medications to treat diabetes.

Want to learn more about reversing diabetes naturally? Be sure to contact our office to learn more about this exciting program.

Pampering4life Health Recipes: Heart Healthy Vegan Stew

Heart Healthy Vegan Stew

 

 

 



Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 small sweet onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 green onions, chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground corriander
2 bay leaves (optional)
2 small zucchini, chopped
1 yellow pepper + 1 red pepper, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 cups organic vegetable broth (not low sodium), or more as needed
1, 28 oz can diced organic tomatoes (no added salt)
1/2 cup uncooked raw buckwheat groats, rinsed (or grain of choice)
1/2 cup uncooked pearled barley, rinsed (or grain of choice)
1/2 cup frozen Edamame (or bean of choice)
1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
5-10 shakes red pepper flakes, to taste
1/2 tsp kosher salt + Black pepper, to taste                                   

Directions:
1. In a large pot over low heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the chopped sweet onion, green onion, and minced garlic. Heat over low until translucent, about 5-8 minutes.
2. Stir in coriander, cinnamon, and two bay leaves and heat an additional minute or two. Now, add in the chopped vegetables (zucchini, peppers, carrots) and cook for about 5 more minutes. Add a bit more oil if necessary.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, rinsed buckwheat and pearled barley (or grains of choice). Simmer on low-medium heat (dial 3-4) for 20 minutes, checking often to make sure it doesn’t burn or thin out too much. Add a bit more broth or water if necessary and reduce heat when needed.
4. After 20 minutes, add in the lemon juice and additional seasonings- all to taste (minced parsley, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper). Cook for another few minutes, remove bay leaves, and serve with fresh bread. Makes over 10 cups. Freeze leftovers or store in the fridge.

Protein Rich Foods To Keep Hair Healthy

The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns.

Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.

"I often tell my clients to always remember what you put into your system on the inside is a direct reflection of what is going on outside. As a specialist in hormonal disorders with women who are losing the battle to nutrition. They are clueless on what is going on in their bodies which is one of the reasons why I provide a complete hormonal testing to see if they have any deficiencies which can cause hair loss says, "New Jersey Integrative Health Counselor Gail Thorpe, CA, CHHC, AADP, CEO of the premiere nutritional services at Pampering4life Lifestyle and Wellness Company.

You can still have healthy hair for the New Year just by eating the proper foods to nourish your most important asset your body. The following protein rich foods will give you the nutrients you need to keep your hair healthy.


Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are required for strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is making up of these fatty acids, which is important for the hair. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss.

Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, the super nutrient that does wonders for your cells. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.

Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters.

Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A which the cells cannot live without. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.

Greek Yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D.

Losing Weight Vs Exercise

Losing or gaining weight can be a challenge for any person, especially when multitudes of fad diets and products geared toward bulking up or slimming down bombard you in magazines, television ads and even the aisles of your grocery store. Losing or gaining weight really comes down to a simple equation of how many calories you take in and how many you burn. If your goal is simply to be healthy, maintaining a good calorie intake while engaging in moderate exercise most days of the week will fight diseases and keep you strong.

 

It takes 3,500 calories to lose 1 lb. If you are trying to lose weight, restrict your calorie intake each day to burn more calories than you take in. If you restrict your current diet by 500 calories each day, you will lose 1 lb. each week. You may find restricting your calories is easy if you cut portion sizes, swap high-calorie foods for low-calorie ones or simply forgo your daily treat or dessert. Talk with a physician, nutritionist or health coach to determine how many calories you need each day to stay healthy before any calorie-restricting diet.

A new study confirms the overall research findings that dietary change, specifically eating less fat, produces more weight loss than changes in exercise. But it also shows that changes in one kind of behavior may help promote changes in the other, especially among women.

Many studies have compared weight loss resulting from changing diet versus increasing activity. Most often, weight loss during programs focused on dietary change produced two to three times greater weight loss than programs focuses on exercise.

The truth is, exercise is a complicated business and there are a number of things that can affect how many calories you burn. Knowing what those are will help you set realistic goals and get the most out of your workouts.

Pampering4life Healthy Recipe: Heart Healthy Apple Pie

With the holiday season fast approaching. It is always everyone's desire to have a guilt free holiday. What if you could enjoy all the same recipes like apple pie, cookies, cake, that is full of taste but not full of calories? The most important process to transforming to a healthier lifestyle is to not deprive yourself of life guilty pleasures but simply to find alternatives. I have included another delish recipe to do exactly that... Enjoy!!!

Ingredients

Crust

1 Cup Almond Flour
1 Cup Coconut Flour
1/4 Cup Agave Nectar
6 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

Filling

1 Cup Almond Flour
1 Cup Coconut Flour
1/4 Cup Agave Nectar
6 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
4 Cups Peeled and Sliced Apples (loosely packed)
3/4 Cup Apple Juice (I used freshly juiced apples)
1/2 Cup Brown Rice Syrup
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Guar Gum
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Allspice
1/2 Cup Pomegranate Arils                                   

Directions

Crust
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Farenheit.
Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl until thoroughly combined.
Divide mixture between individual pie pans (or pour into single 9″ pan) and press mixture on to bottom and up sides of pan. Make sure that crust is even in thickness.
Prick the crust, that is on the bottom of the pan, several times with a fork.
Place pie pans on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until crust is evenly browned.
Remove from oven to cool.
Filling
In a 2 quart saucepan, over medium high heat, add all of the ingredients EXCEPT the guar gum and the pomegranate arils. (Those will be added later.)
Continue to cook, and stir, until the apples begin to soften and the juice is reduced by half. The amount of time this will take depends on how thick you cut your apples.
Once the apples reach the texture you are looking for and the juices have reduced, lightly sprinkle the guar gum over the top of the mixture and stir thoroughly. Do not just drop this in directly from the spoon in one big clump. If you do this, you will probably end up with a big blob of congealed mess in the middle of your apple mixture. This thickening agent is far more potent than cornstarch and will thicken on contact. So sprinkle lightly and stir.
Once stirred in and you see that your mixture has thickened, remove from heat.
Let sit for 10 minutes then stir in the arils.
Assembly
Spoon the mixture into the pie shell.
I topped mine with chopped pecans, but you could use chopped almonds or walnuts or even nothing at all.
Serve

Pampering4life Healthy Recipe: Healthy Pumpkin Protein Cookies

Want to enjoy a healthy treat for the holidays? Holiday time just wouldn't be the same without an abundance of pumpkin-flavored treats, and this recipe allows you to indulge in them without feeling guilty. Made with vanilla protein powder, these spicy pumpkin cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.

Ingredients

1 c. pumpkin puree
1/4 c. applesauce
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 c. vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp. agave nectar
1 tbsp. molasses
1 tbsp. cinnamon
2 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. raisins                                   

 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine ingredients in a bowl, stirring until well combined. Drop cookies onto baking sheet and press down. Bake for 15-20 minutes.  Makes 12 cookies

Pampering4life Helpful Tips: Surviving A Storm

In light of the last couple of weeks. I was fortunate enough to survive storm sandy but I must say it was very difficult at times living without power, heat, and still trying to deal with the bitter cold. I was not prepared to adjust my life in such a way I felt like I was on the island of survivor, but needless to say this is life way of teaching you lessons. It was truly a lesson for me but thank God I'm BACK!! Enjoy the helpful tips to keep you informed regardless of the storm.

Analyze Your Risk and Make a Plan

Gather together with your family and discuss the possible disasters that could affect you and your home. For instance, flooding and high winds often go hand-in-hand with hurricanes.

 

Identify meeting points for your family. If the storm strikes while you're separated, everyone should know where to go. Also identify a contact person who lives far enough away that they likely wouldn't be affected by the same storm system as you.

 

Examine your insurance policies and make certain they cover you in the event of a storm-related emergency. According to NOAA, homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding damage.

 

Create a Survival Kit

Stockpile water and nonperishable or packaged foods. NOAA recommends one gallon of water daily for each person for three to seven days as well as enough food to last that long. Have something on hand to use for cooking, such as a propane-powered camp stove.

Collect all your important documents -- birth certificates, car titles, property deeds -- and store them in a safe place, preferably with some emergency cash. Also, remember blankets, clothes, flashlights and other non-food items you think you might need.

 

Obtain a battery-powered radio to monitor weather updates. Radio broadcasts generally also provide information from local emergency management officials.

 

Secure Your Home

Bolt all doors and ensure they are secure as possible.

Close and lock all windows.

Use impact-resistant shutters or board up windows if you are afraid of flying debris from the storm.