Learn Eat Grow

Why Natural Skin Care Makes Sense

nutricia — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:26:53 +0000

Written By : Patricia Bardowell

I think, by now, most of us get the concept of eating a “clean” diet as a logical means to reduce our body’s exposure to toxins. If we are consuming foods that have been exposed to toxins, which can be anything from chemicals used to grow our food, to the ones that are added to preserve or flavour our foods, we are ingesting remanants of these toxins that our bodies must contend with and detoxify. However, we are also learning that toxins in our food are not the only toxins that are bodies have to learn to manage. There are the environmental ones, as well as, what we put onto our bodies. Our skin is like a sponge that absorbs numerous chemicals on a daily basis–everything from cosmetics, creams, sprays, rubs, to butters and soaps. While manufacturers of these highly-chemical laden products claim to be safe and approved by the government–the key is that they are looked at individually and by restricted doses. The concern, of course, is how certain chemical combinations interact with each other in our bodies, and not just the ones from one product, but the culmination of chemicals from numerous products that make up our daily regimen. Also, what is the cumulative effect of, albeit, small, daily doses of these products over weeks, months, years, and decades? We really have no way of knowing.

For me, cleaning up my diet was a first step towards a healthier lifestyle–and it is still an ongoing journey. However, it dawned on me that my efforts towards a “cleaner” diet were probably being somewhat countered by my daily beauty regimen. As someone who suffers from sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, I have spent many years looking for that “magical” product to solve my skin issues. I have been reeled into many marketing promises by skin-care manufacturers of healthy, vibrant, shining skin. I have always been careful to purchase gentle, “natural” skin-care products. But, it had also never really occurred to me to actually read the ingredient list of my facial creams, for instance. And when I started to do this, it begged the question of how “natural” my skin care products really were? It turns out, not so much. Many of my so-called “natural” beauty products still contained parabens, petrochemicals, fragrances and phthalates, to name a few. Upon further research, it turns out that the Eropean Union has a list of over 1,000 personal product ingredients it has banned due to health concerns, versus Canada’s 487 as of June 2010.

In all fairness, not all chemicals can be readily absorped into the body. The fact is, depending on what we apply to our skin, some chemicals may not actually have the ability to break the skin barrier and reach our bloodstream. Personally, my decision to find a high-quality, natural skin-care product stemmed from the logic that my skin would more likely thrive in a “real” natural environment. I figured since my body coped better on my cleaner diet, my skin would benefit from natural, external nourishment as well. Through a recommendation, I discovered the Pure + Simple product line. Founded by holistic nutritionist, Kristen Ma, it is a line that is based on Ayurvedic principles. Their products really helped soothe my skin during this really dry winter. Besides swapping out my chemical-based products, I actually felt like the creams were nourishing and “feeding” my skin from the outside in! I am grateful to have found a skin care line that I whole-heartedly trust and delivers results. However, no matter what skin care line you choose, make sure that you do read the ingredient list. The term “natural” (similar to food products) is unregulated and, therefore, can be used in a misleading manner. I truly believe that the less chemicals we can expose our bodies to, the better. So, do you body and your skin a favour, and start to slowly switch out your chemical-based skin care products for more natural and gentle options. This not only benefits your skin and body, but our planet too.

For more information on the Pure + Simple line, you can check out www.pureandsimple.ca.

Coconut Fruit Graham Squares

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:32:03 +0000

Recipe: Coconut Fruit Graham Squares

Ingredients

2 cups graham crackers, ground
2/3 cups coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup mixed berries
2 tbsp natural mixed berry jam
1 tbsp ground chia seeds
1 cup ground almonds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment.
In a large mixing bowl, combine graham crackers and melted coconut oil until well mixed. Press graham cracker mixture into lined baking pan.
Bring coconut milk to a boil in small pot and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour milk over graham cracker mixture.
In a small pot bring mixed berries, ground chia seeds and jam to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour jam mixture over the graham cracker. Top with ground almond. Bake for 30 minutes.
After cooled, freeze for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares.

Herbed Lamb Chops

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:27:11 +0000

Recipe: Herbed Lamb Chops

Ingredients

4 lamb chops
1 tsp majoram
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp corriander
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/2 tsp thyme
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro, minced

Instructions

In a small bowl combine all the spices, olive oil and cilantro until a paste forms.
Brush paste over lamb chops
Grill chops or fry lightly in pan over medium heat for 10 minutes until cooked to desired liking.
Enjoy with brown rice or roasted veggies.

Coconut Mousse with Baked Banana & Pecan Topping

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 15:12:36 +0000

Recipe: Coconut Mousse with Baked Banana & Pecan Topping

Ingredients

Mousse
1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
1 Tbsp. maple syrup or coconut nectar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Topping
2 ripe bananas, sliced
½ cup pecans, chopped or ground
1 Tbsp. coconut sugar or sucanat

Instructions

Prepare the Topping first:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Add banana slices to baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add the pecans on top of the bananas and sprinkle with the sugar.
Bake for 15 minutes.

Mousse

Store can of coconut milk in the fridge upside down for 1-2 days. Or a short cut is to put it in the freezer for 30 min and then the fridge for a couple hours.
Open the can upside down and drain the liquid and set aside. Take the coconut cream and scoop it into a medium bowl.
Add the maple syrup or coconut nectar and vanilla to the coconut cream.
Using an eclectic mixer, mix the coconut cream mixture until it starts to look like mousse.

Serve the mousse with the banana topping. Warning – the mousse will melt if you add the warm banana topping. If you prefer you can let the banana topping cool. I love the contrast between the warm banana topping and the cool mousse.

Almond Flatbread with Cashew Cream

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 15:04:37 +0000

Recipe: Almond Flatbread with Cashew Cream

Ingredients

Almond Flatbread :

1 cup almonds, ground
1/2 cup gluten free flour mix or spelt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
Juice from 1 lime
4 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup water

Cashew Cream:

1/2 cup raw split cashews
1/4 cup water
1 banana
1 tbsp maple syrup
1tsp cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl add the ground almonds, flour, baking soda, sea salt, vanilla, and maple syrup.
3. In a small bowl add the chia seeds and water. Let it sit for 2 minutes.
4. Add the chia mixture to the flour mixture and mix well. Best to use your hands.
5. Pour batter onto a baking dish lined with parchment paper and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool for 1 Hr., and then cut into 12 squares.

Cashew Cream

1. Soak the cashews for 2 hours prior to blending.
2. Add the cashews, water, maple syrup, banana and cocoa powder to a blender and blend until creamy.
Add the desired amount of cashew cream to flatbread squares. A great option is to add berries and/or granola.

Kathy Smart’s Gluten-Free Fudge

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 14:55:15 +0000

Written By : Patricia Bardowell

Enjoy this tasty gluten-free treat created by Kathy Smart of LiveTheSmartWay.com and co-founder of GlutenFreeSmartStore.com. It is super simple made with wholesome ingredients and is sure to be a hit with your family. Here is the recipe as featured on glutenfreefind.com.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter or natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients into a food processor and pulse a few times until blended. Do not over-pulse or it will become runny.

2. Line a muffin tray with liners and add 1 tablespoon of the mixture.

3. Place muffin tray in freezer for 10 minutes until firm.

Makes 18 servings.

Enjoy!

Apples & Sweet Potato Breakfast Squares

nutricia — Mon, 27 May 2013 14:15:04 +0000

Recipe: Apple & Sweet Potato Breakfast Squares

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, grated
2 apples, grated
1 cup almonds or hazelnuts, ground
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. sea salt
3 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 cup water
4 dates, de-pitted and chopped
2-3 Tbsp. coconut sugar or maple syrup
Topping
1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Mix the sweet potatoes, apples, almonds or hazelnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a large bowl.
Add the water, chia seeds, dates, and sugar or maple syrup to a blender and blend together.
Add the chia mixture to the apple and sweet potato mixture and mix thoroughly.
Add the mixture to a 12 x9 baking dish and flatten completely.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Remove from oven and add the chopped pecan topping. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Once it is baked, let is cool for 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Kellog’s Muslix Almond and Raisin Cereal

nutricia — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:59:16 +0000

Whole wheat, rolled barley, raisins, rolled oats, dates, milled corn, sugar, almonds, rice, wheat bran, vegetable, coconut and palm kernel oil, fancy molasses, salt, barley malt syrup, honey, dextrose, malt (corn flour, malted barley), hydrogenated vegetable oil, soy lecithin, bht, Vitamins and minerals : iron, zinc oxide, niacinamide, thiamine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid.

	NUTRITION FACTS
	Amount per 54 g	% Daily Value
	Calories 210
	Fat 4g	6%
	Saturated 0.3g	2%
	+ Trans 0g
	Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
	Sodium 135 mg	6%
	Carbohydrate 40g	13%
	Fibre 4g	16%
	Sugars 15g (50% from fruit)
	Protein 5g
	Vitamin A	0%
	Vitamin C	0%
	Calcium	2%
	Iron	40%

Ever wonder what is dextrose?

Dextrose is sugar. It is commercially available in liquid or powder form. The primary ingredient for making dextrose is corn. Dextrose extends the shelf life of foods and helps processed foods to maintain their color.

Ever wonder what is BHT?

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is added to most foods to preserve fats. It is primarily made from the chemicals p-cresol & isobutylene. It is considered a “moderate human health priority” on the basiss of carcinogenicity.

Ever wonder what is hydrogenated vegetable oil?

Hydrogenation of oils produces saturated fatty acids as well as trans fatty acids. A great deal of research shows that trans fats are extremely harmful to the body. Any hydrogenated oil does not contain the benefits of the natural oil.

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Kellog’s Mini-Wheats Original Frosted Cereal

nutricia — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:42:46 +0000

	NUTRITION FACTS
	Amount per 54 g	% Daily Value
	Calories 190
	Fat 1g	2%
	Saturated 0g	0%
	+ Trans 0g
	Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
	Sodium 0 mg	0%
	Carbohydrate 45g	15%
	Fibre 6g	24%
	Sugars 10g
	Protein 5g
	Vitamin A	0%
	Vitamin C	0%
	Calcium	2%
	Iron	50%

INGREDIENTS
Whole grain wheat, icing sugar, glycerin, gelatin, bht.

Ever wonder what is glycerin?

Glycerin comes from animal or vegetable fats and is a by-product of soap manufacturing. Glycerin is typically used in the food industry as a food preservative as it has a moisture-absorbing property.

Ever wonder what is BHT?

High in sugar, no sodium

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Kellog’s Corn Flakes

nutricia — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:27:10 +0000

	NUTRITION FACTS
	Amount per 30 g	% Daily Value
	Calories 110
	Fat 0g	0%
	Saturated 0g	0%
	+ Trans 0g
	Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
	Sodium 190 mg	8%
	Carbohydrate 25g	8%
	Fibre 0%	0%
	Sugars 3g
	Protein 2g
	Vitamin A	0%
	Vitamin C	0%
	Calcium	%
	Iron	30%

INGREDIENTS
Flaked milled corn, sugar, malt (corn flour, malted barley), salt, colour, bht.

Ever wonder what is the deal with corn?

One of the main concerns with corn is that it is in everything. It is a cheap, mass grown crop that can be found in some form in almost every processed food. On top of the amounts of corn in an average diet is also the fact that most corn today is genetically modified. GMO corn has been modified to resist pesticides and herbicides that have been shown to damage the liver and kidney of animals fed a corn-based diet.

Ever wonder what is BHT?

Ever wonder what is malt?

Malt is cereal grains that have been germinated and dried. Typically barley is used and is soaked in water then dried in hot air. Malting allows the starches in the grains to change into sugars, such as glucose and fructose.

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