Food As Medicine Archives

Categories: Food As Medicine, Habits, Health

Why You Should Use A Water Filter: Stop Drinking From Tap Water & Water Bottles

This post is all about why you may want to consider using a water filter for your drinking water.

While tap water may be safe to drink in many areas, there are some potential concerns associated with it. Check the EWG’s Tap Water Data Base to check your city’s water contamination levels.

Many chemicals that are found in water are chlorine, chloramine, lead, microplastics, and various contaminants. When you drink polluted water over a long period it can disrupt your hormones and cause an array of health issues over a long time.

On the other hand, water bottles are not the best option either. Some plastic water bottles are made from materials that contain potentially harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates. These chemicals can leach into the water, especially when exposed to heat or over time. BPA, in particular, has been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruption and reproductive problems.

Plastic water bottles, especially those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), can shed microplastic particles into the water over time. Ingestion of microplastics has been associated with potential health risks, although more research is needed to understand the implications fully.

This post is all about why you should consider switching to using a water filter for your drinking water.

Options For A Water Filter:

1. Cleary Filtered Water Pitcher

BUY HERE

This is a pitcher with a water filter that is BPA-free. It holds 80oz/10 cups of water. It is much better than a Brita because it filters out 365+ contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, lead, arsenic, and PFAS. It also retains healthy minerals when filtered. It is a great water filter that is not over the top in price and it is third-party tested.

2. Berkey Water Filter System

BUY HERE

This Berkey water filter system is stainless steel and holds 3.25 gallons of water. It filters out 250+ contaminants in the water. Each filter lasts about 6,000 gallons, which is great for not constantly buying new filters. This water tastes great and helps reduce the use of water bottles while drinking clean water!

3. AquaTru

BUY HERE

This is an AquaTru reverse osmosis water filter that cleans the water so well that you have to add minerals back in. It is a great investment in your health. This water filtration system has 4 stages and is independently tested for NSF standards. One filter replaces about 4,500 water bottles. You can add minerals back in by simply using these mineral drops (BUY HERE). You can also just sprinkle in some Redmond’s salt for minerals (BUY HERE).

Test The Water For Yourself

BUY HERE

This is ideal for anyone who likes to test for themselves. This is an at-home water test to detect any of the water contaminants you may have in any of your water sources.

MY FAVORITE NON-TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS

MY 7-STEP NON-TOXIC MAKEUP ROUTINE

This post was all about why you may want to purchase a water filter for your home.

Categories: Food As Medicine, Habits, Health

Why I Love To Drink A Daily Green Juice

Green Juice has become a part of my everyday routine because of its many benefits.

One of the healthy habits that I have is to drink green juice daily(with an occasional missed day). It was hard for me to get all my daily veggies in so I found a way to pack in lots of nutrients into my morning juice. This has been very beneficial to my skin and overall health.

Drinking green juice is great for gut health, clearing the skin, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, weight loss and so many other benefits. You can pack one drink with powders, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and so many great ingredients.

This post is all about the reason why I love to make drinking green juice part of my daily routine.

Blending Versus Juicing

Juicing

Juicing is when you use a juicer to juice your veggies. This way of drinking green juice is great for the fast absorption of vitamins and minerals into your bloodstream. This process extracts the fiber from the vegetables while leaving the nutrients. This leads to a more liquid consistency that can be packed with so many vegetables. Some of my favorite veggies to juice are celery, cucumber, carrots, beets, and kale. I also like to add lemon, and ginger, and sprinkle in chia seeds or flaxseeds.

Blending

Blending is when you use a blender to blend vegetables and fruit. By blending you keep the fiber in the juice making it a great choice for removing toxins. It is a slower release of nutrients to the bloodstream. What’s great about using a blender is that you can add powders and seeds to blend as well. The consistency of this is thicker and more filling. You can’t pack as many veggies, however, you can add any other ingredients you’d like. My favorite green juice is mixed greens, banana, chia seeds, and green powder. It’s simple and packed with many nutrients.

Both green juices are healthy and beneficial either way.

My Juicing Method

When I make green juice I usually buy vegetables in bulk. This is because juicing requires more vegetables since it removes the fiber and you are left with pure juice. Once I bring the veggies home I wash them and then create three days worth of juices. I don’t like to go any longer than that because it’s not as fresh. Just my preference. I usually store these in glass bottles.

Glass Bottles (BUY HERE)

In the past, I have done a 7-day juice cleanse. This was a great way for me to give my digestive system a break and pack a ton of vitamins and nutrients into my body. The first three days were hard but then I began to feel energized and clear-minded. I also noticed that my skin looked so healthy and my blemishes disappeared.

My Blending Method

Using the blender is my go-to way of making my green juices each day. For me, it is just easier to clean a blender. Also, I love that I can add other forms of green powders, seeds, and powders to my juice. Sometimes I add maca root powder to help balance my hormones. I sometimes add hemp powder for protein.

This mixture makes me regular in the restroom. HAHA! All the fiber helps you be regular. I love that I am adding so many nutrients to my body every morning by making these green juices.

This post was all about why I drink a daily green juice.

Categories: Food As Medicine, Health

These Healthy Food Swaps Made Eating Healthy A Easy Transition

The easiest way to begin eating healthy is by finding healthy food swaps for what you already love.

Sometimes eating healthy can seem so complicated. We hear of all the different diets and plans people share and wonder what the best one is. That is why I believe that finding healthy food swaps for foods you love is a great place to start. There are popular diets such as Paleo, Ketogenic, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, etc. Those diets do have many benefits but they are not the only way.

In this post, I will share healthy food swaps for popular items many enjoy.

Healthy Food Swaps:

Carbs

Not all carbs are bad. It is more about the quality of carbs that we should pay attention to. I prefer to purchase carbs that are free of glyphosate, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals. Glyphosate is also known as round-up and is considered a probable concern of cancer. Many of these carbs are sprayed with these harmful chemicals. This is why I opt for buying them with certified labels that say Organic and Free of Glyphosate. Many of us enjoy pasta, potatoes, and rice in our meals. That is why I found brands and healthy swaps for those items that I love.

Jovial Pasta– I love this brand because the pasta is organic, glyphosate-free, gluten-free, artisan-crafted in Italy, and just as important, delicious. I also love that this brand has penne, spaghetti, fusilli, and more pasta types.
Rice– This brand is not only organic, but I love that it’s Jasmine rice. I have found that it’s softer and fluffier.
Quinoa– I love this organic carb because it’s fast to make and delicious. I also love that quinoa has about 8 grams of protein per cooked cup.
Oats– These oats are glyphosate-free and have both quick oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oats.
Potatoes- I prefer to buy these organic.
Sweet Potatoes- I prefer to buy these organic.

Proteins

When it comes to protein many of us who are not vegan enjoy meats, deli meats, poultry, and eggs as our sources of protein. I know that I still enjoy eating hamburgers, spaghetti with meat sauce, chicken dishes, bacon, sausage, and more. I have learned that not all protein sources are created equal. These are the healthy swaps to look for when grocery shopping.

When it comes to eggs it is best to opt for pasture-raised eggs, ideally organic. This is because these eggs come from hens that can roam freely outdoors and eat greens. Eggs that are not pasture-raised come from hens that are fed on GMO corn, live indoors, and are cramped together in small spaces. I prefer to eat eggs from healthy hens and therefore prefer pasture-raised eggs.

When it comes to meats it is best to eat organic chicken(pasture-raised is not sold in stores yet), grass-fed beef, grass-fed pork, and wild-caught seafood. This is because these animals can roam freely and are fed grass over grain. When it comes to seafood wild-caught is always better than farm-raised for the same reasons. Let’s just say that whatever these animals eat we also eat. That is why quality is so important.

One great place to get a meat subscription is Butcher Box. They offer naturally raised meat and seafood subscriptions. They source the meat, you create your butcher box of meats and seafood, and they deliver it to your door. It’s one way to get quality meat straight to your door.

However, if you are on a tighter budget check for an Aldi or Grocery Outlet near you. These supermarkets may carry some grass-fed meats for a lower price. I usually get my grass-fed ground beef and wild-caught salmon from these stores.

When it comes to deli meats I usually stay away from the deli counter. These meats are loaded with sodium and nitrates. I opt for chicken and turkey deli meats that are pre-packaged and have organic and pasture-raised on the packaging. I also make sure the ham is organic and uncured.

Fats

Quality fats are another essential part of a diet. That is why these healthy swaps are better for you. These good fats are unsaturated and have omega-3 fatty acids which have many health benefits.

Avocado Oil– This oil is great for cooking, baking, and making salad dressings.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil– This oil is also great for cooking and marinades. This brand is a product from Italy.
Peanut Butter- This peanut butter only has 1 ingredient on the ingredient list, unlike many other popular brands. It’s peanut butter without all the other unnecessary junk ingredients.
Almond Butter- This almond butter only has one ingredient as well.
Nuts- These cashews are raw nuts made without unhealthy seed oils and sugar. Choose raw nuts of your choice over roasted nuts. These are made without highly inflammatory seed oils. Flavored nuts usually are loaded with sugar and sodium.
Seeds- Chia seeds and Flaxseeds are a top choice. They are easy to sprinkle in juices or on meals.
Cheese and Dairy- Opt for grass-fed or at least organic cheese. Never buy pre-grated. These are loaded with anti-caking agents. Opt for plain yogurt that is made from whole milk, and is organic.
Avocados

Snacks and Healthier Sweets

This is the best part where you begin to realize that there are so many healthy food swaps for snacks we love. You don’t have to eliminate snacks, just switch them out for snacks that have food labels with easy-to-read healthier ingredients. This is a list of some, however, there are many healthier swaps available today.

Favorite Bread & Tortilla Swaps

Condiments

This post was all about healthy swaps to help you with your grocery shopping.

Categories: Food As Medicine, Habits, Health

15 Daily Habits To Practice For A Life Transformation

These daily habits will transform your life.

Big events can transform our lives, but it is often the tiny daily habits that we do that have just as much of an impact.

I have seen how my life has transformed by creating daily habits to practice. I did not change all these habits at once, instead, I started small and began to build momentum over time.

In this post, I will share the daily habits to practice for health, productivity, finances, and relationships.

Daily Habits That Have Transformed My Life:

1. Morning Routine

This habit has been the most impactful in my life. By waking up early and creating a morning routine, I can habit-stack many of the things that keep me healthy. For instance, my morning routine can be to wake up early, journal, pray, make green juice, walk, and work on a project that’s important to me. Morning routines set the tone for a great day.

2. 10 Minute Workouts

If you have not built the daily habit of exercising, start with 10 minutes a day. This is a great start that is doable and sounds easy enough that there is no excuse as to why we can’t do this. Once I began to workout for 10 minutes a day I felt so great that I naturally began to workout longer without having to push myself. There are no rules about where to work out or what type of workout- the habit is just to get your daily movement in.

3. Juice Daily

We all know that one of the ways to be healthy is to consume more vegetables. That is why this daily habit has been life-changing for me. As a part of my morning routine and after I do my 10-minute workout, I then make green juice. I usually add fruit, leafy greens, water, and quality greens powder to a blender. This one habit has made it so much easier for me to ensure that I am getting my daily nutrients.

4. Read Daily

This daily habit is a game changer. Once again, this is a habit that I added to my morning routine as I began to see progress from the other habits. I enjoy reading my bible or a book about a specific topic I am learning. This habit has been great for me because it has helped me grow spiritually as well as gain new skills. I have learned all about habits from reading the book Atomic Habits which has positively impacted every area of my life.

5. Drink Water

This may be one of those habits that you hear about all the time and that is because it is so important. One of the easiest ways I built this habit is by filling up a 72 oz reusable bottle with water and taking it with me everywhere I go throughout the day. This simple habit has helped me stay hydrated and drastically reduce the amount of sugar I used to consume when drinking juices with my meals.

6. Journal

By now, you may be seeing a pattern of how my morning routine is packed with great habits that I practice daily. That is the power of stacking habits. Journaling is another habit that I truly enjoy and benefit from. This is where I get all my thoughts, ideas, and gratitude list on pen and paper. This is also the time I write out my to-do list to be more focused each day. Journaling has helped my mental health and productivity in more ways than I can count. I love that I can look over my old notebooks to see how much I have grown, learned, and accomplished by doing this daily practice.

7. Prep Meals

When you are not prepared it can be hard to eat healthy if it is not natural to you. Once I began to prep my meals I found it so much easier to eat healthy meals consistently. This daily habit has helped me stick to a healthy way of living. I do this by cooking larger quantities for dinner so that I have leftovers for lunch. I will usually cook a healthy meal that I find on Pinterest or a simple cookbook. Not only do I look forward to the delicious dinners, but I love that I always have lunch prepped too.

8. Healthy Supplements

I am not huge on having a large stack of supplements but there are two supplements that I do take daily(aside from my daily greens and occasional protein powder). I usually automatically do this habit at the end of my morning routine when I have breakfast. The two supplements are my women’s daily multivitamin and probiotic. These two supplements have helped with my digestion, clearing my acne, energy levels, and, immunity.

9. Cold Showers

This daily habit is one of the more recent ones I have been doing. Habit stacking is a powerful thing. Once you experience the benefits of one thing it’s so easy to add more. I learned about the benefits of Cold Showers/Plunges from Wim Hof. This habit has helped me with my mental health because when the cold hits it causes you to breathe deeper and therefore increases oxygen to your brain. Many people have eliminated their depression and anxiety with this practice. It is also a great way to decrease inflammation and muscle soreness, increase your metabolism, improve your immune system, and more.

10. Write out Your Daily Habits

If you are new to focusing your attention on building new habits, writing them out daily can help you. None of these habits were natural to me. I used to write down: read the bible, work out, make green juice, etc, and cross them off one by one. Now, I don’t have to write those down because I have done them so many times that it is automatic that I keep these habits most days. I now work towards new habits that I need to remind myself to practice. It is a fun and rewarding practice to see how your life transforms.

11. Make Your Bed

This is a habit that has helped me feel less stressed and more focused. This daily habit started with making my bed every morning. Then it led me to tidy up my space daily, put away the dishes from the night before, and now do my laundry multiple times a week. When I have a clean space I truly feel more peaceful. This keeps my home clean, clutter-free and my mind at peace. Who knew that making my bed each day would later lead to all of these other great homecare habits!? It’s great!

12. Look Over Finance Daily

This daily habit has dramatically impacted my financial health. I have gotten myself out of debt two times and it was not fun or easy. By looking at my finances daily I can be fully aware of what is going on. I now have a budget, pay off debt, set an income goal, and added a way to increase my income. What you don’t pay attention to you can’t fix. That is why this one habit helped me to take control of my finances and create a plan.

13. Budget

One thing I have learned about finances is to create a budget that works for you. The first step is to pay yourself first. That means setting aside a percentage to put into your savings no matter how small it is. Next, put a percentage towards your debt. Next, pay your bills. By doing this you can see where your money is going. You may need to cancel subscriptions to save money or find a side hustle to increase your income. Trust me, I know that this can be tough but you can work your way out of financial turmoil when you follow a plan. I have done Instacart as a side hustle for years to help me get right with my finances.

14. Daily Check-Ins

This habit is great for both intimate relationships and friendships. Often we can get so busy that we don’t spend quality time with the most important people to us. You can create a daily habit of calling your friend/significant other on the way to work, taking a walk in the evening, or even eating dinner together. These simple daily habits can lead to great rewards and stronger relationships in your life.

15. Do Something That Brings You Joy

This daily habit can be as simple as slowly drinking your coffee outside while watching the sunrise or walking your dogs. The important thing is to find joy each day in the mundane. Take the time to savor the moment of simple things. Life can feel so fast-paced at times and we can get caught up in doing. Take the time to slow down and truly enjoy these moments.

This post was all about the daily habits that have truly transformed my life. It’s not about doing them perfectly or all at once. It’s about doing one habit that leads to another and eventually, you build a life of great habits that positively impact all the areas of your life.

Categories: Food As Medicine, Health

Best Clean Coffee Brands That Are Free Of Mold & Mycotoxin

These clean coffee brands are tested for mold and mycotoxins.

Coffee is a staple in many households. The warmth of a delicious morning coffee brewed with your favorite beans, the aroma that awakens your senses, and the taste of your favorite creamer is a morning ritual that millions of us enjoy.

Since this morning ritual is also a staple in my home I have learned how to craft the perfect coffee free of mold and mycotoxins. I learned that not all coffee brands are created equal.

That is why I began to learn about clean coffee brands that go the extra mile to test their beans for mold. I learned that many coffee brands have high levels of mold which are called mycotoxins.

High levels of mold can lead to gastrointestinal issues, skin inflammation, hormone distribution, and more.

This is why buying from clean coffee brands that third-party test their coffee brands is worth paying for.

In this post, I will share clean coffee brands that I trust because they are tested for high mold levels.

Clean Coffee Brands You Can Trust:

1. Purity Coffee

The first clean coffee brand on my list is Purity Coffee. They have light, medium, and dark roast options as well as decaf. They prioritize making their coffee about maximizing health just as much as great flavor. This clean coffee brand is certified organic, and tested for mold, pesticides, and heavy metals. It also has high levels of antioxidants and is sustainably grown. People rave about how this coffee brand does not upset their stomachs, no jitters, and no headaches. This clean coffee brand is perfect for a morning ritual that is clean, delicious and has a nice level of alertness to kick off the day.

2. Life Boost

Life Boost is another great option for clean coffee brands that put in the extra effort to create a mycotoxin-free morning boost. This brand is low acidic, third-party tested, and from a single origin. Their coffee beans are hand-washed with pure spring water. They offer a selection of decaf, medium, and dark roast coffee, both ground and whole beans. Many customers love this coffee for its low acidic profile which is great for those who have GERD or acid reflux.

3. Bulletproof Coffee

Another great clean coffee brand is Bullet Proof Coffee. They have a range of light to dark roast coffee beans that are 100% Arabica. This brand also tests for toxins and is sustainably sourced. This coffee brand also has popularity from the bulletproof diet that consists of eating a ketogenic diet and intermediate fasting. The popular coffee consists of bulletproof coffee mixed with grass-fed butter or ghee, and MCT oil. This coffee is said to help with cognitive function, metabolism, and mood.

I have tried the bulletproof coffee mixture and I enjoyed the benefits. The healthy fats mixed with caffeine gave me steady energy with no crash. I think it’s a great alternative to sugary coffee creamers, especially for those who eat low-carb diets.

4. Kion

Kion Coffee is another brand that is a great option. Just like the other clean coffee brands they test their coffee for toxins, pesticides, yeast mold, and mycotoxins. It is also sustainably sourced. They have decaf, medium, and dark roast options. This coffee is smooth and clean. There’s nothing better than a clean cup of coffee to look forward to in the morning!

5. Fabula

I can not put together a clean coffee list without adding in Fabula Coffee. This brand is organic, low acid, single origin, and free of mold. It’s another brand you can trust for your boost of energy. Many people love the different flavors they offer such as vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate Nut, Turkish, and buttery caramel. Many people love that it is easy on their digestion and

In all, these clean coffee brands care about your health. They all third-party test their coffee to be sure that they are free of toxins. To me, that is well worth the price. Health is wealth.

Options For A Water Filter:

1. Cleary Filtered Water Pitcher

2. Berkey Water Filter System

3. AquaTru

Test The Water For Yourself

This post was all about why you may want to purchase a water filter for your home.

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Blending Versus Juicing

Juicing

Blending

My Juicing Method

My Blending Method

This post was all about why I drink a daily green juice.

Healthy Food Swaps:

Carbs

Proteins

Fats

Snacks and Healthier Sweets

Favorite Bread & Tortilla Swaps

Condiments

This post was all about healthy swaps to help you with your grocery shopping.

Join the Newsletter

Daily Habits That Have Transformed My Life:

1. Morning Routine

2. 10 Minute Workouts

3. Juice Daily

4. Read Daily

5. Drink Water

6. Journal

7. Prep Meals

8. Healthy Supplements

9. Cold Showers

10. Write out Your Daily Habits

11. Make Your Bed

12. Look Over Finance Daily

13. Budget

14. Daily Check-Ins

15. Do Something That Brings You Joy

This post was all about the daily habits that have truly transformed my life. It’s not about doing them perfectly or all at once. It’s about doing one habit that leads to another and eventually, you build a life of great habits that positively impact all the areas of your life.

Join the Newsletter

Clean Coffee Brands You Can Trust:

1. Purity Coffee

2. Life Boost

3. Bulletproof Coffee

4. Kion

5. Fabula

In all, these clean coffee brands care about your health. They all third-party test their coffee to be sure that they are free of toxins. To me, that is well worth the price. Health is wealth.

Join the Newsletter

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