Conquering Food Cravings: Stop Sugar Cravings and Overcome Adrenal Exhaustion

What causes food cravings…you don’t really need the sugar and bread, do you? The cravings for food you you can’t seem to control are a cry from your body for help. What really causes food cravings is a deficiency of one of your basic needs. When nutrients are out of balance, your body craves food to rebuild its stores. When you respond to the cravings with sugar, starches and nutritionally depleted and harmful foods, you add stress to your body, which burdens your adrenal glands. So giving in to food cravings can contribute to adrenal exhaustion.

Learn why and and how breaking free from emotional eating and providing the nutrition you really need will stop cravings in their tracks. By supplying your body with the building blocks of a healthy mind and body, you allow your adrenals to rebuild, your fatigue and exhaustion improve and the cravings lessen.

Question of the Day:  What do you crave and how do you handle it when the craving gets really strong?  Post your answer in the comments box below.

Tags: Adrenal Fatigue, emotional eating, fatigue symptoms, food cravings, green smoothie, living foods, raw foods diet, stop cravings, sugar, sugar cravings
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Articles, green smoothies | 4 Comments »

Protecting Yourself From the Flu: 5 Tips for a Strong and Healthy Immune System

It’s that time of year again.  As the autumn ushers out the warm and balmy sun filled days and the days grow shorter and shorter, we enter into the season that many associate with colds and flu.  This year we’re particularly aware of the flu season as reports fill the airways of the dangers of the swine flu and the miracle of the new vaccine.

Before you jump in and get in line with your sleeves rolled up, ready to have the flu shot, I suggest you do some research and make an informed decision.  The main ingredient in any vaccine is either killed viruses or live ones that have been weakened and made less harmful.

A hidden danger of flu vaccines is the chemicals they may contain, such as ethylene glycol (antifreeze), formaldehyde, phenol and thimerasol(mercury containing preservative) .  There has been legislation passed to remove thimerasol from all vaccines because it has been correlated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.  That ban was lifted so as to get the swine flu vaccine to market faster.

While there is a lot of reliable information on the web about the swine flu vaccine, there is also a lot of garbage.  I have quotes below form what I believe are reliable sources.

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny one of the country’s most knowledgeable and outspoken physicians regarding the impact of vaccines on health, has a lot of good information about the swine flu vaccine as well as other vaccines.  I suggest studying her information before making a decision.  .

I found her article The Truth About the Flu Shot to be particularly enlightening.

An article was  published in Natural Health News last Monday called Vaccine Revolt.

In it, Mike Adams explores the hype and the dangers of the vaccine.  Here are a few highlights, interspersed with my comments:

1- more than fifty percent of moms are refusing to expose their children to the swine flu vaccine, and nurses and health practitioners across the US and UK are going vocal with their opposition to the vaccine.

2- Swine flu is actually no more deadly than a normal seasonal flu

3- While there is evidence showing that the vaccine produces antibodies,  the mere existence of vaccine-induced antibodies doesn’t directly translate into functional, real-world immunity!

4- The vaccine has not been properly safety tested by the FDA or the drug companies. They were approved by the FDA with a waiver,  bypassing the normal process of long-term safety testing that the public expects the FDA to enforce.

Dr. Mercola published several good articles on the swine flu vaccine.  One  called Squalene-The-Swine-Flu-Vaccines-Dirty-Little-Secret-Exposed discusses the dangers of the adjuvants put in vaccines, and this one in particular, squalene, that’s in the swine flu vaccine.

Here are a few highlights from Dr. Mercola’s article:

“The purpose of an adjuvant added to a vaccine is to enhance your immune response to the vaccination. Adjuvants cause your immune system to overreact to the introduction of the organism you’re being vaccinated against.

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrated that a single injection of squalene into rats triggered “chronic, immune-mediated joint-specific inflammation,” also known as rheumatoid arthritis.

Your immune system recognizes squalene as an oil molecule native to your body. It is found throughout your nervous system and brain. In fact, you can consume squalene in olive oil and not only will your immune system recognize it, you will also reap the benefits of its antioxidant properties.

The difference between “good” and “bad” squalene is the route by which it enters your body. Injection is an abnormal route of entry which incites your immune system to attack all the squalene in your body, not just the vaccine adjuvant.

Your immune system will attempt to destroy the molecule wherever it finds it, including in places where it occurs naturally, and where it is vital to the health of your nervous system. ”

I highly recommend that you read and research before deciding about immunizations for flu. There are lots of possible adverse effects.

You may be wondering how to protect yourself from the flu without the risks of the vaccine?  The secret is to build a strong immune system.

I’ve shared 5 ways below.    For more you can sign up to receive the recording of a teleclass I held a couple of weeks ago on this Immune Boosting, Flu Protection Strategies

1- Give you immune system the nutrients it needs to fight infection. These include Vitamin C, beta carotene, bioflavinoids, magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins and omega 3 fats.  And how do you get these nutrients?  My favorite sources are fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, root vegetables and raw seeds like flax, hemp, chia and pumpkin.  The best way to insure that what you eat has the highest nutrient content is to eat these foods in their fresh, raw, organic and natural state.  Fresh pressed green juices are extremely nutrient dense, as are green smoothies.

2- Get lots of fresh air and sunshine. Vitamin D is one of the key nutrients in immune health.  Studies show that you can knock out the flu within a few days by taking very high doses of oral vitamin D.  The best source of Vitamin D is the one made by your body when you’re exposed to natural sunlight during the peak UV times of the day, approximately 11AM -4PM.  If you’re unable to do this then you need a Vitamin D supplement

3- Cleansing your body from the inside out. Giving your system a rest from heavy foods, stress and constant activity allows it to get rid of the waste products that accumulate as a result of your busy lifestyle and exposure to toxins in food, air and water.  The simplest way I’ve found to cleanse is using Green Smoothies.  I conduct a guided green smoothie cleanse about 5 times a year and I never cease to be amazed at the results people get.  What better way to prepare yourself for the flu season that to do a Green Smoothie Cleanse. For details, refer to http://www.GreenSMoothieCleanse.com

4- Get plenty of rest and sleep. Studies show that the less sleep you get the more likely you are to get sick.  Your body repairs and cleanses from the day while you sleep.  If you sleep less than 4 hours a day, this ability is severely impaired, leaving you susceptible to illness.  Don’t chance it.  Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night, and 8 is closer to ideal.

5- Avoid sugar and processed food like the plague…because it is like the plague!  At this time of year it’s particularly pervasive.  Sugar abounds.  Halloween is coming in a couple of weeks, and with it the onslaught of candy and processed junk food.  Did you know that there is a 50% decrease in the effectiveness of your white blood cells to fight infection for up to 4 hours after eating just 2 teaspoon of sugar?  Imagine your poor immune system after Halloween, if you continue to eat the traditional treats.  There is an alternative. My book Healthy Halloween Treats is filled with delicious recipes and information to keep you healthy this year.  It’s available at http://www.drritamarie.com/Halloween

And speaking of Green Smoothies, we are proud and excited to be hosting a presentation on Friday October 23, featuring Victoria Boutenko, author of Green for Life and many other books, and her son, Sergei, author of Fresh and founder of Harmony Hikes, which specializes in leading wild edible walks and multi day adventures.

The seats are going fast, and we’re almost sold out.  If you’re interested in attending, you can register if you hurry over to  http://www.drritamarie.com/boutenko

The talk is in Austin Texas, but will be broadcast live over the internet to all over the world.  Replays are also available. To signup, go to

http://www.drritamarie.com/boutenko.

I wish for you the joy and freedom that a strong and healthy immune system brings.

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

Cleansing and Detoxification – What Does I Love Lucy Have in Common with Your Liver?

I’m always asked questions like, “What’s the best way to cure Chronic Fatigue“  or  “How can I get my hormones in balance?”  The strategies for both are amazingly similar.  In fact, when it comes right down to it, adrenal exhaustion, irritable bowel, eczema, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, arthritis , depression and just about any condition you can name all have at least one thing in common.  All of these conditions can be traced back to a body overloaded by toxicity.

In our modern world with its modern conveniences, we are constantly inundated by “modern” toxins.  There are chemicals in the air, plastics in the food, pesticides and drugs in the water and toxic emotions spurred by watching the news.  Then there’s all the processing that takes what once was a real food and leaves it filled with empty calories, oxidized fats and enough  free radicals to cause a revolution!

I recorded a video clip on cleansing to  answer the questions I get all the time.  Cleansing is something your body knows how to do, as long as it doesn’t get overloaded.  And when it does, it’s time to take a break and allow healing and cleansing to take place.  Listen in for some tips and tricks.  Then afterward, have a look at my favorite I Love Lucy clip.

Dr. Ritamarie Discusses Cleansing and Detoxification Strategies.  For support in cleansing, visit www.GreenSmoothieCleanse.com

” I Love Lucy”  – Lucy and Ethel show what happens when the liver gets overloaded with toxins.  It gets caught up when you do a Green Smoothie Cleanse or a Juice Cleanse

When I first learned about toxins and how to eat, breath, think and feel to eliminate them, (almost 25 years ago) I did my very first cleanse.  It changed my life.  I now do mini cleanses at least 4 times a year.

Give cleansing a try.  It will change your life.

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

www.FreshnFunLiving.com

Tags: "I Love Lucy", Adrenal Fatigue, cleansing programs, detoxification programs, fatigue, fatigue symptoms, living foods, livingfoods, raw and living foods holiday recipes, raw foods
Posted in Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Stress, cleansing programs, exhaustion, fatigue treatment, green smoothies, living foods, raw foods | No Comments »

The Top 3 Mistakes Busy People Make When Doing Cleanses

Periodic deep cleansing is a desirable thing.  You probably do it to your home, your car, even your pets.  But chances are, you don’t even think about doing a periodic cleansing of your internal organs.

Throughout the ages, various forms of cleansing have been used to rest, heal and restore mental clarity.  Water and juice fasting are among the most rigorous methods.  A variety of potions and powders have been developed to cleanse the colon and the liver.  The Master Cleanse is one of the more popular cleansing programs of our modern time.  Many of these cleansing methods work well.  All have advantages and disadvantages.  None works perfectly for everyone.

Benefits of cleansing:

• Give your digestive track a rest.
• Decrease the burden on your liver and gallbladder.
• Improve detoxification.
• Release extra weight, if necessary.
• Increase your energy, as less energy is spent on digestion.
• Reduce your cravings.
• Get you in control of your eating habits.
• Increase the nutrients that are readily available to your body.
• Get you back on track with eating habits if they have gotten out of control.

There are so many cleansing programs to choose from, that it can be overwhelming to even get started.  Once you get started, it can be even harder to complete.

Here are the 3 most common mistakes that prevent even the most well-intentioned cleanser from completing the program.

Mistake #1: Doing the cleanse all alone.

If your friends are all drinking beer and eating pizza, it’s hard to be the odd one out who’s drinking weird potions and talking about their bowel movements.

It’s easy to feel discouraged and frustrated when no one else really understands what you’re doing or why you’re doing it.

All too often when you set out to do a cleanse on your own, you get overwhelmed part of the way through and just don’t finish.  Or you’re invited to dinner or a birthday party, and you postpone it for a “more convenient time”.

The ideal way to do a cleanse is to get out of your own environment and go away to a spa or cleansing retreat, and just dedicate yourself to nothing but self care for a set period of time.   But that’s not always practical or affordable.

SOLUTION:  Find a mentor or join a cleansing support group, and do the cleanse with others who understand you and can support you through the process.

Mistake #2:  Making it too complex

There are lots of different cleansing programs available.  Just do a Google search and you’ll see just how many there are.  The problem is, most of them are just too complicated and time consuming to do when you lead a busy life.

There are all sorts of unusual powders, potions and supplements to take at all different times of the day.  Then there are the enemas, mud packs, and all the extra procedures you need to do too.

Don’t get me wrong, these procedures are highly effective, and the cleanses that include them do give great results.   It’s just that your life is already too busy and complicated.

And when the process is too complex, you’re more likely to give up part of the way through, before you’ve fully reaped the benefits.

SOLUTION:  Choose a  cleansing program that’s quick and easy to do –one that saves you time rather that requiring more of it and that fits your schedule rather than you having to totally adjust yours.

Mistake #3:  Feeling like you have to starve yourself to really be cleansing

It’s hard to focus at work when you’re blood sugar is low and you have no energy.  Some cleanses are so restrictive, that you feel hungry all the time.

Water fasting is a great way to cleanse, but it’s hard to lead a busy life and focus on complicated work tasks when you haven’t eaten in days.  Water fasting is best left for the “go away and cleanse” programs we talked about earlier, and really should be supervised because it can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Juice cleanses can also leave you feeling hungry and light headed

all the time, and are hard for most people to do for more than a few days.  Besides, the quantity of juice required takes a lot of time to make and clean up after.

It’s easy to give up when the cleansing process leaves you exhausted and hungry.

SOLUTION:  If you need to work and maintain your busy life while cleansing, it’s important that you do a program that’s loaded with nutritionally dense, easy to digest, whole fresh foods, so that you feel energetic rather than hungry all the time.

The end of summer is a great time to do a cleanse.  You’ve probably been indulging more than is best for you, especially during vacation and at all the picnics and parties you’ve been enjoying.

As a result of over 20 years of experimentation and trying just about every type of cleanse out there, from water fasting to potions, powders and enemas, I’ve made my choice about my favorite cleanse.  It’s short (7 days), simple (requires only ingredients you can get at the grocery store), effective, and provides community support.  But don’t take my word for it.  Check it out for yourself at www.GreenSmoothieCleanse.com I do it every couple f months and I so look forward to it.

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

www.FreshnFunLiving.com

Creating Vibrant Health and Energy: Overcoming Chronic Fatigue and Adrenal Exhaustion with The Help of a Mentor

You have a right to be healthy. Unfortunately, it seems that on every corner there is something to detour you away from that goal. The constant barrage of advertisements for nutrient depleted empty calorie foods, electromagnetic pollution, toxins in the environment, fear based news reporting, chronic stress. When will it all end.

These things are ever present and are not likely to change soon. What can and will change is your ability to make good choices in spite of it all. This can change as soon as you decide that you desire it to change and you get the support you need to make it happen.

No successful person achieves their success alone.  Every competent athlete has a coach.  Every prosperous business owner has mentors to advise and guide them.  Just like me, you need coaches and mentors to empower you in each of the areas of your life in which  you’d like to achieve success.

When you attempt to do it alone, you get bogged down by questioning the correct path, testing and retesting and ultimately settling for less that your full potential and and less than you deserve.

When I first embarked on my health journey, I felt very much alone.  I had my books and tapes and a few professionals I could consult from time to time, but most of the time, I was on my own.  I researched and read, tried new things and ultimately found a path that works well for me.   It wasn’t easy. And it took a lot of time and money.

Now, I dedicate my life to helping others like you to unlock their inner healers and achieve vibrant health and energy with joy and loving guidance.  I want for you what I wish I had back in the early years…a partner on the journey.

I am very fortunate in the life I lead today.  My energy seems boundless, my health is radiant, and I’m stronger than I was when I was in my twenties.  I am dedicated to sharing that with you.

How much is your lack of energy  costing you in regards to your relationships, your career and your enjoyment?  It’s hard to put a price on it.  Satisfying relationships, a fulfilling career and joy are indeed priceless.

I’ll soon be announcing a groundbreaking program to powerfully propel you towards your seemingly elusive health and energy goals, with personal assistance form me. It will be affordable, empowering and effective because of the structure and accountability.

Stay tuned. In the meantime, take a look at the events we have coming up in the next couple of weeks.

We also have a number of products that we’ll be launching and some other people products that we endorse. These will be announced soon.

Events

For full calendar of events visit http://www.drritamarie.com/ClassesandWorkshops.php

May 29: 3 Myths about Fatigue that Every Woman Should Know is an interactive workshop to empower you as a powerful woman to experience life to your full potential. You may be experiencing full blown fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, fibromyalgia or CFS or maybe you’re just more tired than you’d like to be. The truth is you have a right to live your life to its fullest, and that means experiencing vibrant energy and joy. If you’re not, join me for this life changing workshop on Friday, May 29 from 7-9PM at Casa de Luz in Austin, Texas. Not near Austin? Sign up for the teleseminar version of 3 Myths about Fatigue on Monday June 1 at 7:30 PM Central time. Go to http://www.TheWomensFatigueExpert.com for details and registration.

May 30: Raw and Living Food Meetup and Pool Party Austin, Texas.

June 1: 3 Myths about Fatigue that Every Woman Should Know Teleseminar

June 2: Raw and Living Foods Country Barbecue Class and Full Course Meal 7:00 – 9:00 PM Austin Texas Live and all over the world on Webcast

In this 2 hour talk, Jackie and Gideon Graff will demonstrate how to prepare a Country Barbeque Meal using all fresh, whole living foods. County Line Watch out…you’re going to have some competition! You’ll be served a complete 6 course meal.

The menu will include: BBQ Nibs, BBQ Sauce, Brunswick Stew, Spicy Marinated Collard Greens, Deviled Tomatoes, Apple Pie and Nut and Dates Pie Crust.

This class is an amazing offer at only $39. Where else can you get a full 6 course living foods meal AND 2 hours of instruction.

Webcast version is only $25.

To Register CLICK HERE

June 7 – June 14 : Dr. Ritamarie’s Amazing, Life Changing Green Cleanse

In just 7 Days you can jumpstart your dragging body and start feeling more vibrant and energetic than you even realized was possible. Just in time for summer, get your body in shape and your energy fired up to enjoy vacations and outdoor fun.

June 14 Get Your Green On Class – Live in Austin, Texas and All Over the World on the webcast
12:30 – 6:30 PM

Green vegetables have many life giving properties. They strengthen the blood and immune systems, prevent cancer and fight depression naturally by supplying a plethora of nutrients needed to make neurotransmitters. The good news is that greens, when eaten in sufficient quantity on a daily basis, can give you all these and more.

I want you to have more energy, glowing skin, a strong lean body and vibrant health.

So come Get Your Green On!

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

www.drritamarie.com

Green Celebrations: St. Patricks Day and Green Smoothies

Here’s a traditional recipe, with the undesirable ingredients highlighted and vegan gluten free substitutes written to the side:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups  white flour — 2 cups whole grain non-gluten flour
  
• 2/3  tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup  sugar  1/3 cup agave or honey or date paste
  
• 1 teaspoon salt (whole, unrefined)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon chia seed soaked in 4 tablespoons water
• 1   cups buttermilk   1 cup nut milk, seed milk or rice millk
  
• 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup coconut oil
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F .   Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients.
3. Blend the wet ingredients, excluding the butter or oil,add to the flour mixture and mix just until moistened.
4. Stir in the melted butter/oil.
5. Pour intogreased and floured pan, and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the bread comes out clean.
6. Cool on a wire rack.

I have a hankering for a raw vegan dehydrated version of Irish Soda Bread.  Will you help me create one?

Post your comments below with your Raw vegan Dehydated Irish Soda Bread recipe.  You just might be the winner.

(extra points given for including green ingredients)

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

Gluten Free Raw Foods Recipes: Dr. Ritamarie’s Latest Kelp Noodle Creation

The other day I posted about how excited I was about  Kelp Noodles . Not only are they highly nutritious, because they are  made from kelp, a power packed green that grows in the sea,  but they are delicious as well.

If you’ve ever been  on a gluten free diet, or a raw and living foods diet, you know that the noodle choices are a bit limited.  You can spiralize zucchini and make a yummy angel hair pasta, but you can’t beat these kelp noodles, not only for flavor and texture, but for convenience as well.

I’ve been having a blast creating new recipes using the kelp noodles.  I made one this past weekend that just might be the most nutritionally dense dish I’ve made to date.  I’ll attempt to recreate the exact quantities of ingredients I used, but quite frankly, I don’t think it much matters i you get it exact.  I bet there’s more calcium in this recipe than in a quart of milk.  The photo is above.

Kelp noodles are available by the case of 12 ounce bags from Seatangle , 16 ounce bags form the Fresh ‘n Fun Co-op in Austin, Texas or individual 12 ounce bags  from Raw Food World.

Here’s a fabulous, quick, easy recipe for sesame noodles,kelp style.

Wilted Greens with Kelp Noodles

• 1 bag kelp noodles
• 1 10 ounce jar of raw garlic sauerkraut
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 handful dandelion greens
• 1 inch slice ginger
• 2 tablespoons raw sesame tahini
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup water (depends on desired consistency)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 tomato

Put kelp noodles in a bowl and rinse well.  Cover with water until sauce is ready.  In blender,  combine tahini, ginger and water.  Adjust water to achieve a thick smooth consistency.

Put greens in a food processor and pulse chop until minced.  Put salt over greens and massage until wilted.  Finely dice tomato and red bell pepper.  Drain kelp noodles and combine wiht sauerkraut, chopped  vegetables and sauce. Stir until well combined or massage gently with your hands to help the noodles soften.  Add salt to taste.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds or pine nuts  (optional).  Eat immediately or save for later.  The noodles soften more the longer they sit in the sauce.

Kelp noodles are available by the case of 12 ounce bags from Seatangle , 16 ounce bags form the Fresh ‘n Fun Co-op in Austin, Texas or individual 12 ounce bags  from Raw Food World.

Please comment below to share your own kelp noodle experiences and recipes

Thanks

Love, Health and Joy,

Dr. Ritamarie

Adrenal Fatigue and Chronic Exhaustion: 4 Secret Steps To Overcoming Fatigue Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible

In all the years I have been in practice, the complaint I hear most often from the people who I work with is “I just don’t have the energy to do everything that needs to get done, and still have some left over for having fun. ” I am always amazed that so many people think that the only thing they can do when they feel tired is to have a cup of coffee to perk themselves up.

What you may not realize is that every time you reach for a stimulant to combat exhaustion, you’re making the situation worse. Stimulants do nothing to address the root cause of your fatigue. They simply whip you into action for a short period time then let you down with a bang. The roller coaster ride stops being fun after a while, and you find yourself just wanting to get off.

The only way to escape the out of control roller coaster ride is to pull on the emergency brake and hop off. Then you need to find other forms of excitement so you can stay off for good.

You may be surprised to discover just how much control you have over your energy levels. Sure you have lots of demands on you—most of us do. It seems that there’s just never enough time to stop and enjoy yourself. There’s always one or more unfinished tasks waiting to get done. And by the time you make it to the end of the to do list, you’re likely to barely have enough energy to drag yourself to the couch almost pass out from exhaustion.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform your fatigue to vitality with these 4 simple tips.

Secret # 1: If you want to have energy, you need to supply your body with the proper building blocks. When you replace the trans fats, the hydrogenated vegetable oils and the saturated fats with heart healthy, immune supportive and energy producing omega 3 fats, from raw seeds and nuts, your sluggishness can be transformed to boundless energy, practically overnight. When you replace refined, processed grains like bread and pasta with whole fresh foods, preferably raw and living foods,  you get all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need to create energy at the cellular level.

Secret # 2: This method for increasing your energy may surprise you. Moderate aerobic exercise increases your circulation and helps your cells to be more effective at eliminating wastes and absorbing nutrients. This translates to increased metabolism and more energy. Keep this in mind the next time you’re tempted to rest rather than exercise when your energy is waning.

Secret # 3: Another simple way to increase your energy is to take a few refresh breaks throughout the day. Rather than plodding away at your tasks until complete, why not take a 2-3 minute pause and refresh? It is really simple to do. Simply get in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Focus your attention on your breathing. Breathe deeply, and as you do so, focus your attention on something you appreciate. Once you get the hang of it, you will find yourself feeling refreshed, alert and energetic in a very short while.

Secret # 4: Finally, most effective way I have found to boost energy quickly and easily is to drink what are known as green smoothies. These delicious smoothies are made by taking fresh, whole fruits and adding leafy greens, such as spinach, romaine lettuce, kale and other favorites. Everyone who follows my advice and drinks at least one 16 ounce serving of green smoothie each day joyfully tells me that their energy soars and lots of their aches and pains go away. Those who manage to drink at least 32 ounces a day also report changes in blood pressure, blood sugar and overall mood. You can add high omega 3 chia seeds to your smoothies for an extra energy boost. Did you know that chia seeds were called the running seed and were used in battles by the ancient Aztecs? Think of what they can do for you!

No matter how well you take care of yourself, chances are you’re missing one of these crucial steps to creating boundless energy. The good news is that you can put these powerful energy boosters to work right away. Challenge yourself. Work on one per week for the next month and see how much more energy you have.

Do you have a favorite way of increasing your energy?  Please comment below and share with us.

Ritamarie Loscalzo, M.S., D.C., D.A.C.B.N., C.C.N.

www.FreshnFunLiving.com

www.drritamarie.com

Health, Travel and Cancer Resources

I’ve been traveling and so busy that I couldn’t fit the time in to write a blog post until now.  I have a long list of topics to cover  and will be getting into a regular groove very soon.

I attended a very impactful business retreat this past week and the breakthroughs I had will be reflected in my writing, image and work over the months to come.  It’s very exciting.

My retreat was followed by delightful time with family.  One of my sisters and one of my brothers live here in Tucson and I have had a busy time visiting with them.  My 1 year old grand nephew Jason had a very healthful eating day as Aunt Ritamarie fed him a tropical green smoothie, almond milk and a sunflower seed veggie pate, kind of like a mock tuna salad.  He loved it.

My 10 year old nephew Anthony ate 2 helpings of salad, tried the tropical smoothie and got excited when I told him he could make spaghetti out of zucchini using the spiralizer I gave them as a Christmas gift.

Spiral Slicer Saladacco – Make Pasta out of Vegetables

I made a yummy sesame ginger kelp noodle dish for dinner.  It is a gluten free, raw food antidote for fatigue, with all of its minerals and phytochemicals.   I promise the recipe and others will be posted soon.

On a sad note, I’d like to pay tribute to our dear friend Noah, age 15, who left his worldly form behind yesterday after a  3 month battle with cancer.  Our hearts reach out to his grieving family as they feel the pain of  such a loss.

Cancer unfortunately effects 42 percent of the population.  I’ve read a couple of good books lately on cancer prevention and management.  These are listed below:
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