Menopause Naturally

I recently found this book by Gabrielle Kushi a Macrobiotic teacher..check it out!!

Heart disease is the number one cause of death among postmenopausal women in the US. This probably has little correlation to menopause and is more a result of the aging process. However, there are a number of things that women can do to decrease the likelihood of developing heart disease. The most important ones are regular physical activity, a heart-healthy diet, and not smoking.


To choose a diet that promotes heart health, one should emphasize plant-based foods. Whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes should be the mainstays of the diet.

Animal foods, especially those high in saturated fats and cholesterol, should be minimized or avoided. One should also avoid foods with trans fatty acids. Almost all trans fatty acids are created in commercial food processing through hydrogenation. Hydrogenation transforms vegetable oils into fats that are more stable and thus prolong the shelf life of foods. However, trans fatty acids are known to dramatically increase the risk of heart disease. It is easy to avoid trans fatty acids by reading food labels. Any product that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or fats will also contain trans fatty acids.


Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a positive effect on preventing cardiovascular disease and maintaining cardiovascular health. These fats are not only important for heart health, but for every cell in the body. People deficient in omega-3 fatty acids may experience fatigue, dry skin, cracked nails, thin and breakable hair, constipation, immune system malfunction, aching joints, depression, arthritis, and hormonal imbalances. Many of these symptoms are often associated with midlife and menopause.

These fatty acids are found in flaxseed and fatty fish such as salmon, albacore, herring, and mackerel. Cod liver oil, egg yolk, and algae are other possible sources. Flaxseed oil, with its composition of 57-percent omega-3 fatty acids, served cold with a dressing over salads, is a palatable choice. Another choice is 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed three to seven days a week. Grind your daily serving in a coffee grinder. Stir the flax meal into soups, beverages, cereals, or salads. The flax meal must be prepared fresh daily, due to its high rate of oxidation.

© 2010 Gabriele Kushi - Excerpt form the book “Embracing Menopause Naturally”

Superfood Goddess Smoothie Recipe

Its December and of course the silly season, we are so busy getting everything done before the holidays..When time is short stay on track with healthy eating by trying this Superfood  Goddess Smoothie.

This smoothie is for all you Goddesses who love chocolate and want to stay healthy. Raw Cacao powder is loaded with antioxidants and aphrodisiacs, and maca root is known for its hormonal support and vigor.  Hemp is the perfect protein and we all know Goddesses love dates!


Enjoy this guilt free!




Goddess Smoothie

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tbsp maca powder

1 tbsp hemp seed

3 drops vanilla creme liquid stevia

2 medjool dates, pitted

1 small frozen banana ( the banana into cubes and freeze in a snap lock bag)

1 and 1/2 cup almond milk

Blend ingredients in a fast speed blender..

Holly Thompson -
















Remember, "Everything Counts"

Sarah Buchanan
"Radiant You, new ebook

Holiday Blissballs Recipe, sweet treats made without sugar, dairy, soya or wheat..

Thought you might enjoy this recipe, it it tasty, healthy and will freeze so you can make them now and enjoy them over the holidays..Let me know what you think!!

Holiday Blissballs Recipe, sweet treats made without sugar, dairy, soya or wheat..


1 cup chopped nuts /or roasted sesame seeds

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup coconut, desiccated

½ cup rice bran



¼ cup oil (2 tablespoons)



Then add:



1 cup dried fruit or sultanas (chopped roughly)

½ teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon

3 tablespoons rice syrup

1 small banana, mashed

1 tablespoon either Peanut butter/or Nut Butter

Juice of one orange and rind (grated)

Apple juice to mix



Method;

Toast until lightly browned , rolled oats, bran and coconut with the ¼ cup oil, in a fry pan. Make sure you stir the contents during the roasting process.

Mix the mashed banana with the orange juice and rind and add peanut or nut butter.

Add nutmeg and rice syrup. Mix well.

Mix to a firm rolling consistency.

Tip: I put the ingredients into a food processor and process unitl smooth consistenct, however I like the consistency with chunky pieces left.

Add a little apple juice to help the mixture to bind together.

Form into balls and roll in the extra coconut.

Leave for several hours and to get firm or eat straight away and bliss out!

Store in the refrigerator.



Variations:

For a special party: soak the mixed fruit in the orange juice overnight.

I use nut butters occasionally as I like to vary the flavors.

Can add dried fruits, such as apricots, dates, apple etc.

Can dip the mixture into melted chocolate and leave to set.

Decorate with a swirl of running chocolate.

Children love these balls too!!

I vary the quantity of nut butters and often add less rice syrup..

Experiment and find what works for you..

http://www.detoxmadeeasynow.com/