Friday, June 27, 2014

Where Did Your Salmon Come From?

I went into the Giant grocery store the other day and wanted to get some wild caught salmon. When I looked at my choices one sign was confusing.  It said something like- Atlantic Salmon, wild caught, for 5.99 a pound.  I said to myself, "There is NO WAY wild caught salmon would only cost 5.99 a pound... Hmmm??"
So I asked the man behind the counter and he replied, "Oh, no that's not wild caught, this over here is wild caught and it costs 14.99/lb." Yeah, that was more like it.
 I wonder how many people get confused over salmon labeling?  Let's set a few things straight.

First, you want wild caught instead of farm raised salmon because of what they are fed and how they are kept.  Wild caught are swimming free and eating all that they naturally eat so they are strong and healthy and full of the good omega 3 fatty acids.  Not so farm raised, which often are higher in omega 6 fats which are the inflammatory fats we already get an abundance of in our diets. They often have coloring added, higher PCB levels, are fed GMO foods, given antibiotics, and have sea lice and other diseases due to the crowding and inability to swim. YUCK!

Second, if you want wild caught salmon the canned, fresh or frozen label should say wild caught, but it can also say "Alaskan Salmon", because Alaskan salmon is not allowed to be farmed. Same goes for "Sockeye Salmon".  Anything labeled "Atlantic Salmon" IS farm raised.
If you are going to enjoy salmon, it is worth paying a higher price!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Should I Do A Detox?

Whether it's your friend handing you their latest diet book, or the newest detox program on Dr. Oz,  most of us are hearing about detoxification. Detoxing is defined as taking a period of time to abstain from unhealthy substances to allow the body to cleanse and heal. This can include anything from a water fast to just giving up one substance for a certain length of time.  Is it worth it?  Should I bother?  Here are some points to keep in mind along with a $25 discount for you or a friend.
                                                                                                                     
  • AVOID A HEALING CRISIS. Making a dramatic change to your diet all at once can possibly cause a healing crisis.  Your body reacts with withdrawal symptoms such as gas, cramping, headaches, fever, fatigue or some other form of pain and discomfort.  This is why people who eat the standard American diet should not fast out of the blue.  One must build up the body to be able to process out all the toxins.  Starting small by adding in more healthy foods and cutting out a few key items for a short period is a great way to begin.
  • ADD IN LOADS OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND WATER. Many people choose to do a week long detox from one to four times a year where they add in a lot of healthy juicing and plant foods along with cutting out all processed, sugar filled, junk foods. This can be a great way to help balance out some of those poor choices we make from time to time. The key is to add in plenty of the healthy foods to build up your nutrient base which will allow healing and cleansing to proceed.
  • TRY AN ELIMINATION DIET. If you have allergies, migraines, or digestive issues it can be very revealing to do an elimination diet.  You cut out all chemical additives & preservatives, dairy, wheat, corn, eggs, nuts, soy and fish. After two weeks you begin adding one food back at a time, wait twenty-four hours and see if it gives you a reaction. This can be extremely valuable in helping people know what they need to avoid.
  • STICK WITH IT. Many people find after giving up certain foods for a week they feel more energetic, their skin may clear up, or their pain may decrease.  If this happens, stick with it and keep away from the foods that aggravate your condition. 
  • CUT CRAVINGS. Often times going through a detox will help reduce cravings.  You won't be thinking about your favorite foods or drinks all day!  It can be mentally freeing as much as physically freeing.  This just shows how addictive sugar, chemical additives, gluten, dairy, caffeine and other substances can be to us.  Seriously consider how beneficial it is to think clearly, with improved focus and energy, before adding them back into your diet.
  • MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE. Finally, I challenge you to make the short term detox a long term way of living. After all, if the typical diet we eat is so harmful to us that we need to detox from it, then let's just stay eating healthy the majority of the time and see what a transformation it will bring to our lives! Who wouldn't want more energy, balanced blood sugar, less pain, anti-aging and a reduction of heart disease and cancer!

    I would love to help you transition into a healthier lifestyle. I am offering a $25.00 discount off of an initial consultation for anyone who contacts me this week to make an appointment.  I want you to get ENERGIZED FOR LIVING WITH NUTRITION! 
Contact me at  HLS@nancyparlette.com, 443 253-9761