Thursday Wellness:Why Vivix a Mixed Polyphenol Gets Health Results

There has been a lot of talk about Resveratrol. But if a person takes just resveratrol they are not getting the full benefit of a polyphenol. Resveratrol is only one polyphenol out of many.

Lets start with the top 2 ingredients in Shaklee’s Vivix a mixed polyphenol product that contains much more than resveratrol. Two of the several polyphenols that is used in Vivix is found in red wine and ellagic acid which comes from Muscadine grapes.

These aren’t the only beneficial ingredients in Vivix, but if we mentioned about all of the ingredients, this would be several pages long. Resveratrol and ellagic acid are both members of a naturally occurring class of compounds called polyphenols – found in fruits, green tea, coffee, chocolate and many other foods. They are excellent anti-oxidants & have a number of potential health benefits. So it is perhaps no surprise that almost any food containing polyphenols has been turned into a supplement by someone.

And most of these companies have a long list of supposed health benefits for their products. So what is the Vivix difference?

What makes Vivix different from all of these other polyphenol products?

• 1. There are over 3000 published scientific studies on the top two ingredients in Vivix (1800 on Resveratrol & 1200 on ellagic acid) compared to a handful for the other products on the market.

• 2. Resveratrol is the only polyphenol that has been shown to delay the aging process and lead to a longer, healthier life span. This has been demonstrated in every organism tested, from yeast to worms to fruit flies to mice.The anti-aging benefits of Resveratrol have nothing to do with its anti-oxidant potential because it binds to a protein that turns on the body’s anti-aging genes. That is why you shouldn’t pay any attention to the hype about the anti-oxidant potential of the other polyphenol products on the market.There is no proven link between anti-oxidants and longevity! Of course, anti-oxidants do play many useful roles in the body, but Vivix has a higher ORAC score (the standard measure of anti-oxidant potential) than most of those other products anyway. So to the extent that anti-oxidant potential is important, Vivix trumps the othe products.
• 3. The polyphenols in Shaklee’s patent-pending polyphenol blend have all been shown to activate the same anti-aging genes as Resveratrol. That is not true of the polyphenols found in many of the other products on the market.
• 4.The polyphenols in Shaklee’s polyphenol blend are ten times more effective than Resveratrol alone at preventing the formation of advanced glycation end (AGE) particles, a key mechanism of cellular aging.
• 5.Vivix increases cellular energy.

Here are just a few of the many testimonials we receive about Vivix

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: I have high blood pressure that is controlled by a diuretic and beta blocker combination. Usually even with medication, my systolic ranges between 129-138 and my diastolic between 75-83 and my pulse would range anywhere from 80-91 (rarely dropping below 80).

After five days on Vivix, my blood pressure was 111/69 and pulse 59. The only thing different that I have been doing prior to this low reading is Vivix. The past few days my BP seems to be consistently around 122/73 and pulse 70. That’s pretty pleasing to me. I hope to eventually be able to come off all medications.

I have not been on any other medications nor changed my diet any and my exercise level is still around 7500 steps a day, with some light resistance workouts with 5 lb. weights. Overall, I have more energy and am better able to concentrate.

I recommend taking Vivix in the morning so you can get the benefit of more energy throughout the day. - Genia -

ARTHRITIC KNEE: On day 10 of taking Vivix, I noticed quite a difference in the pain level of my knee that is swollen on the side from arthritis. I would say it was about 60 percent less painful and stiff.
It’s sore now because I had a marathon week of traveling and company, but the swelling is definitely down and I’m very excited.

I used to wake up in the night and dread having to move my knee and when I got up, my knee was very painful for many steps. Sometimes I would have to walk around at night to get my knee to feel a little better. Now I have even been able to walk better when I first get up and start walking. I don’t move like I’m 95. I’m very excited. - Pam -

MIGRAINE RELIEF: I just wanted to share with you that I’ve taken Vivix for about 2 weeks and noticed that I haven’t had to take my migraine medicine. I have been suffering with almost daily migraines for the past 6 years. I would even wake up around 3:00 a.m. and start throwing up. Often, I had to call my parents to care for my children as I was so sick with pain and nausea, even with the medications.

I haven’t had to take medicine in at least a week. I have tried numerous medicines for migraines and even have tried herbal remedies without any luck. Vivix is amazing. Hopefully it will greatly improve my fibromyalgia also. I am going to order some for a friend who suffers from cluster headaches. - Kristen -

For more information about Shaklee Vivix click here

Wellness Thought

Cut Back On the Amount Of Soda Your Family Drinks

You probably wouldn't offer a young child coffee, yet parents regularly serve their children soft drinks and sodas that contain caffeine. Adults should limit their own caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams daily. Although the U.S. hasn't developed caffeine guidelines for kids, Canadian guidelines suggest that preschool children consume no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine (one can of soda) daily.

Besides being devoid of nutrients, these beverages have negative effects on both children and adults, including jitteriness, nervousness, headaches, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and nausea. These effects are compounded even more in children because they're smaller. Because caffeine is also a diuretic, causing more frequent urination, too much can contribute to dehydration--especially on hot, humid days.

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

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“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”

~ Hippocrates ~

Meatless Monday: Cool Cucumbers

One Step At a Time...

You Can Go Meatless

For All Three Meals

The folklore. Of all the garden’s summertime offerings, none is quite so “cool” as a cucumber, a phrase coined in a 1732 English poem. Cultivated around the world for more than 3,000 years, the cucumber has gained a following for its simple, raw and sometimes pickled appeal. It is said that the Romans used artificial methods to grow cucumbers out of season so that Emperor Tiberius could eat them every day of the year. Today, this India native is the basis for favorite recipes, like raita and tzatziki, as well as its many pickled roles in relish and dips.

The facts. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) belong to the same family as melons and squash. Though we think of them as vegetables, they are technically fruits, classified either as slicing cucumbers or pickling cucumbers. Slicing “cukes” are thick-skinned and consumed in their fresh form, while the pickling variety are smaller and have thinner skins. The most familiar cucumbers are long, with smooth, dark-green skin, but there are hundreds of varieties that differ in size, shape and even color. With a 95-percent water content, cucumbers are hydrating, and have a very low calorie count. A one-cup serving has only 16 calories, yet packs 22% DV (Daily Value, recommended daily intake based on 2,000 calories per day) of bone-building vitamin K and 4% DV of cell-protecting vitamin C.

The findings. True to its reputation, cucumber juice soothes irritated and swollen skin, and even cools against the pain of sunburn, according to the January 2013 Fitoterapia, the journal from the School of Natural Product Studies in India. Cucumbers have a unique profile of plant compounds with health-promoting properties, including lignans, which have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, and flavonoid antioxidants, including quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol. Animal studies have shown that cucumber can reduce inflammation, a root of chronic disease. While promising, cucumber research is still in the preliminary stages.

The finer points. Generally, cucumbers are available fresh year round. They should be refrigerated both in the market and at home because they are heat-sensitive. Choose those that are firm, evenly colored, and without wrinkles. They will store for several days in the refrigerator, whole and, if cut, in a sealed container. Enjoy cucumbers—which are most nutritious eaten with skin and seeds—sliced in salads or sandwiches, dipped in dressings or hummus, diced into tuna or chicken salad, floating in iced tea, or pureed into a green smoothie or cool gazpacho soup. Remember one cup of raw, peeled cucumber is only 16 calories. What a great snack! They are so versatile; do a search and find many interesting cucumber recipes.

Healthy Meatless Recipe:

Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna

(Adapted from Meatless Mama)

This vegetarian lasagna uses strips of zucchini instead of noodles. Cut the zucchini into 1/4 " strips the long way, boiled them for about 3 minutes to soften them, and let them drain on paper towel. It is a great way to use up some of that overwhelming zucchini harvest.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4" strips, par-boiled for 3 min., let drain on paper towels
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 T. olive oil
• 8 oz. mini-bella mushrooms, chopped
• 2 c. spaghetti sauce

• 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 c. cottage cheese

• 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• additional 1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
• 1 T. flour
• 2 large handfuls spinach or kale coarsely chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• In saucepan cook onion and garlic in olive oil about 4 min., add mushrooms and cook additional 4-5 min. till tender.
• Add spaghetti sauce and tomato paste, heat through.
• In small bowl mix eggs, cottage cheese, 1/2 c. mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and flour.
• In lasagna pan place about 1/2 c. sauce on bottom of pan. Next place spinach or kale in pan, then a layer of zucchini strips.
• Spoon cheese mixture over this, spoon about 1/2 c. of sauce, then the remaining zucchini, and the rest of the sauce.
• Bake Uncovered 30-40 min., top with the other 1 c. of shredded mozzarella and bake 10 min. longer.
• Let stand 10-15 min. before serving.

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Healthy Weekly Motivator:

Sweat Away Your Stress

The rush of anxiety and pent-up energy that can result from stress is part of your body’s natural defense mechanisms. While the desire to fight or flee is helpful in emergencies, too much of this tension can negatively impact your health. Instead of bottling it up, get it out with exercise!

Releasing excess energy with physical activity is a healthy way to alleviate built-up muscle tension and other symptoms.

This week, after a tightly scheduled day of meetings, exams, or errands, get active and aim for moderate intensity exercise. It may seem counterintuitive, but moving more will help you relax!

Remember Green Goes With Everything

Check your toothpaste and see what harmful ingredients it may contain.Melaleuca, my other wellness company, makes an exclusive tooth polish blend of natural cleansers which gives you a whiter, healthier, fresher smile that ordinary toothpaste can't match. Melaleuca's dental care products contain no peroxide, no sugar, no harsh ingredients and that's clearly something to smile about. Contact me to learn more about this awesome “green” dental product.

Have a great week and remember a better tomorrow starts with what you eat today!

Do you have a favorite meatless recipe you would like to share with us? Send it my way!

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

“Healing is a matter of time, but it is also a matter of opportunity.”

~ Hippocrates ~

Thursday Wellness: Why You Shouldn’t Give Your Children Flinstone Vitamins

The #1 Children’s Vitamin Brand in the US contains ingredients that most parents would never intentionally expose their children to, so why aren’t more opting for healthier alternatives?

Kids vitamins are supposed to be healthy, right? Well then, what’s going on with Flintstones Vitamins, which proudly claims to be “Pediatricians’ #1 Choice”? Produced by the global pharmaceutical corporation Bayer, this wildly success brand features a shocking list of unhealthy ingredients, including:

Aspartame
Cupric Oxide
Coal tar artificial coloring agents (FD&C Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #6)
Zinc Oxide
Sorbitol
Ferrous Fumarate
Hydrogenated Oil (Soybean)
GMO Corn starch
On Bayer Health Science’s Flintstones product page designed for healthcare professionals they lead into the product description with the following tidbit of information:

82% of kids aren’t eating all of their veggies1. Without enough vegetables, kids may not be getting all of the nutrients they need.

References: 1. Lorson BA, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Taylor CA. Correlates of fruit and vegetable intakes in US children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(3):474-478.

The implication? That Flintstones vitamins somehow fill this nutritional void. But let’s look a little closer at some of these presumably healthy ingredients….

ASPARTAME

Aspartame is a synthetic combination of the amino acids aspartic acid and l-phenylalanine, and is known to convert into highly toxic methanol and formaldehyde in the body. Aspartame has been linked to over 40 adverse health effects in the biomedical literature, and has been shown to exhibit both neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity [1] What business does a chemical like this have doing in a children’s vitamin, especially when non-toxic, non-synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia already exist?

CUPRIC OXIDE

Next, let’s look closer at Cupric Oxide, 2mg of which is included in each serving of Flinstone’s Complete chewable vitamins as a presumably ‘nutritional’ source of ‘copper,’ supplying “100% of the Daily Value (Ages 4+), according to Flintstones Vitamins Web site’s Nutritional Info.[2]

But what is Cupric Oxide? A nutrient or a chemical?

According to the European Union’s Dangerous Substance Directive, one of the main EU laws concerning chemical safety, Cupric Oxide is listed as a Hazardous substance, classified as both “Harmful (XN)” and “Dangerous for the environment” (N). Consider that it has industrial applications as a pigment in ceramics, and as a chemical in the production of rayon fabric and dry cell batteries. In may be technically correct to call it a mineral, but should it be listed as a nutrient in a children’s vitamin? We think not.

COAL TAR ARTIFICIAL COLORING AGENTS

A well-known side effect of using synthetic dyes is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For direct access to study abstracts on this topic view our Food Coloring research page. There is also indication that the neurotoxicity of artificial food coloring agents increase when combined with aspartame,[3] making the combination of ingredients in Flintstones even more concerning.

ZINC OXIDE

Each serving of Flinstones Complete Chewable vitamins contain 12 mg of zinc oxide, which the manufacturer claims delivers 75% of the Daily Value to children 2 & 3 years of age. Widely used as a sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens, The EU’s Dangerous Substance Directive classifies it as an environmental Hazard, “Dangerous for the environment (N).” How it can be dangerous to the environment, but not for humans ingesting it, escapes me. One thing is for sure, if one is to ingest supplemental zinc, or market it for use by children, it makes much more sense using a form that is organically bound (i.e. ‘chelated’) to an amino acid like glycine, as it will be more bioavailable and less toxic.

SORBITOL

Sorbitol is a synthetic sugar substitute which is classified as a sugar alcohol. It can be argued that it has no place in the human diet, much less in a child’s. The ingestion of higher amounts have been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances from abdominal pain to more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.[4]

FERROUS FUMARATE

The one clear warning on the Flinstone’s Web site concerns this chemical. While it is impossible to die from consuming iron from food, e.g. spinach, ferrous fumarate is an industrial mineral and not found in nature as food. In fact, ferrous fumarate is so toxic that accidental overdose of products containing this form is “a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.” The manufacturer further warns:

Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL

Finding hydrogenated oil in anything marketed to children is absolutely unacceptable. These semi-synthetic fatty acids incorporate into our tissues and have been linked to over a dozen adverse health effects, from coronary artery disease to cancer, violent behavior to fatty liver disease.[5]

GMO CORN STARCH

While it can be argued that the amount of GMO corn starch in this product is negligible, even irrelevant, we disagree. It is important to hold accountable brands that refuse to label their products honestly, especially when they contain ingredients that have been produced through genetic modification. The ‘vitamin C’ listed as ascorbic acid in Flintstones is likely also produced from GMO corn. Let’s remember that Bayer’s Ag-biotech division, Bayer CropScience, poured $381,600 of cash into defeating the proposition 37 GMO labeling bill in California. Parents have a right to protect their children against the well-known dangers of genetically modified foods and the agrichemicals that contaminate them, don’t they? GMO corn starch is GMO, plain and simple. We’d appreciate it if Bayer would label their “vitamins” accordingly.

In summary, Bayer’s Flintstone’s vitamin brand is far from a natural product, and the consumer should be aware of the unintended, adverse health effects that may occur as a result of using it.

(Shared from Sayer Ji)

A balanced natural children’s Vitamin Incredivites and Vita Lea Ocean Wonders by Shaklee Corporation offers one of the most comprehensive complete multi vitamins for children without the additives and colorings.

Shakleekids Incredivites is the first children's chewable multivitamin in the U.S. with lactoferrin, which helps kids' immune systems stay supercharged. Packed with 23 essential nutrients, it's the world's best kids' supplement-with 600 IU of vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth, and 100% of the Daily Value of all eight B vitamins and vitamin C. Just two a day and off they play. Now that's incredible!

Vita-Lea Ocean Wonders is a kosher-certified chewable multivitamin for kids. It's packed with 19 essential nutrients and provides 100% of the Daily Value of vitamin C. Plus, Ocean Wonders now has more vitamin D - 600 IU per serving, that's 150% of the daily value! - as well as calcium, magnesium, and more to help support strong bones and a healthy body. With cool dolphin, sea horse, and fish designs in natural orange, grape, and mixed berry flavors, Vita-Lea Ocean Wonders is sure to be an ocean of fun. Just two a day and off they play!

Whatever your little superhero is up to, count on Shakleekids to deliver nutrition their growing bodies need. So they can out run and outshine.

Click here and go to Children's Health for more information.

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

“If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease.”

~Robert Ingersoll ~

Meatless Monday: Follow Health Guidelines and Live Longer

One Step At a Time...

You Can Go Meatless

For All Three Meals

Compared to the latest fad diets that boast amazing results, experts’ healthy eating advice doesn’t seem very exciting—or promising. However, it’s important to be aware that many health and government organizations, such as the American Institute for Cancer Research and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines Committee bring together panels of scientists and experts to review hundreds—sometimes thousands—of studies before they issue diet and lifestyle guidelines. And this advice actually may be worth something, according to a landmark study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May 2013. The study investigated the diets and lifestyles of about 380,000 people in nine European countries over 12 years, finding that people who adhered to health guidelines issued by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reduced their risk of death from respiratory disease by 50 percent, from circulatory disease by 44 percent, and from cancer by 20 percent, compared with people who were the least compliant. The WCRF-AICR guidelines, which include being physically active, eating foods mostly of plant origin, cutting back on red and processed meats, and maintaining a healthy weight, may be viewed at www.dietandcancerreport.org.

Healthy Meatless Recipe:

Roasted Garbanzo and Vegetable Salad with Garlic, Feta, Olives, and Basil

(Adapted from Kalyn's Kitchen)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz.) garbanzo beans, rinsed well with cold water and drained
• 2 large red bell peppers, seeds and stem removed and chopped into pieces about 3/4 inch square
• 1 large red onion, peeled and chopped into pieces about 3/4 inch square
• 2 T olive oil (plus more for brushing roasting sheet if you don't use non-stick spray)
• 1 T minced garlic
• salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled Feta
• 1 can (6 oz. drained weight) black olives, drained and cut in half
• 3/4 cup sliced fresh basil leaves (or use 1/2 cup chopped parsley if you don't have basil)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 T red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 T olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F. Put garbanzo beans in a colander placed in the sink and rinse well with cold water until no more foam appears, then let drain well. (You can blot dry with paper towels if you need to speed up the draining step.)

While garbanzos drain, chop red bell peppers and red onion. Toss drained garbanzos, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and olive oil and spread out on a baking sheet that you've sprayed with olive oil or non-stick spray. Season to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Roast the beans and vegetables about 20 minutes, or until vegetables are starting to soften.

While garbanzos and vegetables roast, crumble the feta, drain the olives and slice in half, and wash the basil, spin dry, and slice into strips.

When garbanzos and vegetables are done, put back into the bowl and toss with dressing, then let cool for about 10-15 minutes. When cooled, stir in the Feta and sliced olives. Add the strips of basil (or chopped parsley) and stir gently to combine. Season again with salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste; I don't add much salt). Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Healthy Weekly Motivator:

No Competition Required

You don’t need athletic prowess to be active! There are plenty of solo and team activities that emphasize fun and fitness, rather than competition or scoring points.


Try playing games with like- minded friends, taking a class, or going for a run, bike ride, or swim.

Find your personal motivation this week and try an activity that reflects your interests. Instead of keeping score, consider the physical and mental benefits of your new activity.

Remember Green Goes With Everything

This week go into your bathroom and take stock of all your lotions and potions. Read the labels. Start with shampoo, makeup, or moisturizer. Notice how much fragrance is in your products, and ask yourself, “Do I really need scent in these products?” Pick one product a week to replace with a safer, greener choice, or make a clean sweep. Look in the mirror and see yourself glow... just not from harmful chemicals. If you need help in selecting safer products please contact me.

Have a great week and remember a better tomorrow starts with what you eat today!

Do you have a favorite meatless recipe you would like to share with us? Send it my way!

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

"Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.”

~ Mark Twain ~

Meatless Monday: A Whole Foods Lifestyle Can Be Affordable

One Step At a Time...

You Can Go Meatless

For All Three Meals

A whole-foods lifestyle is possible for low-income individuals and families. Good health, vibrant health, begins with whole foods. Most of our grandparents cooked, gardened, and ate what was available. They didn't cook meals to satisfy each person in the family. Their children ate what was prepared.

So many things are tied to vibrant nutrition. Children do better at school. Adults do better at work. A whole host of medical conditions (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, etc.), which often plague the poor, are positively impacted by a whole-foods diet, but we have to want it. We have to want it for ourselves and for our families. We have to want change. Change that incorporates mostly whole foods will change lives.

Cost-wise, we are negatively affected if we buy convenience foods, eat out a lot, don't cook from scratch, don't plan meals, don't garden, and don't have a mindful food practice in place. Eating anything that has been boxed, packaged, cooked, or served to you or for you hikes up the price of our food costs. Period. Avoid this option whenever possible if money is an issue. Eating out is an obvious source of hiked-up food costs. If we're really trying to keep a lid on those costs, this should be used as a rare treat.

Cooking meals from scratch is the best thing we can do. These meals are more flavorful. They have a better chance of including the whole family in the process of meal planning. Cooking from scratch helps to ground the idea that good food and good food preparation matter. We get to experiment with taste, color, texture, spices, seasonings. More than anything else, if we want to change how we and our families view food, we'll need to be hands-on as often as possible. It matters.

Planning meals helps us incorporate healthful tips and foods. It helps us be more mindful about what we are trying to do for ourselves. For our families. Meal plans also help us cut down on costs. If we know ahead of time what we want, we can compare prices, adjust our lists, take advantage of great deals. Meal plans can also help us create healthy versions of fast food (convenience eating).

Everyone can garden. I think everyone should garden. If we choose to garden, we can. The cost savings is ridiculous. Cornell Cooperative Extension has a program through which we can exchange seeds, save seeds, or access free seeds. Buying packets of seeds costs very little compared to what we get in return. Need land ... a little plot of dirt? Ithaca has a community garden. We can pay $40 annually (and scholarships are available if that amount is unaffordable); after that, cash outlay is for seeds only. The garden provides tools and everything else we need to make our garden grow. It's great exercise, you get gobs of great veggies for a minimal cash outlay, and your neighbors will love you because there is usually plenty of extra. There are also small strips of land around apartments; there is container gardening and community-supported agriculture. Possibilities abound for lowering costs and changing lives. We have to be willing to do what is necessary.

Mindful planning. Mindful cooking. Mindful living. We spend purposeful time thinking about what we want for ourselves and our families. We make a plan. We think about our impact on the Earth and each other and we decide to act differently. We find out what whole foods are. We incorporate them into our diets. We do it in such a way that it saves money. We garden because it's good for ourselves, our families, our spirits. We garden because it's possible and it helps make our lives better. And because the food that graces our tables from the garden is so incredibly tasty.

We can save ourselves. We are unnecessarily afflicted by diseases and unhealthful conditions. A whole-foods dietary practice can and will change that. Let's get with the program. It is not only cost-effective, but could help put money in savings. Be willing to cook, experiment, try. Be willing to do what is necessary to change your life. It's a journey. I'm right there on the journey with you and so is LQ Wellness.

Shared from Patrice Lockert Anthony

Healthy Meatless Recipe:

Spinach, Artichoke, & Feta Strata with Fresh Greek Salsa

(Adated from EA Stewart )

Ingrediendts:

Strata

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing pan

1 large sweet onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

18 ounces jarred or canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3 cups baby spinach, chopped

6 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

8 ounces feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

5 cups cubed bread {regular or gluten-free}

Salsa

2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9 x 13 baking pan, or a 10 x 14 oval baking dish, with olive oil.
2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat, and add olive oil and onions. Saute for 1-2 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, oregano, and artichoke hearts, and stir for another 1 -2 minutes. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Remove veggies from heat. and set aside.
3. Combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, and whisk until well blended. Stir in feta cheese and set aside.
4. Add cubed bread to veggies and pour mixture in to greased pan, then pour egg and cheese mixture on top, and bake for 40 minutes.
5. While the strata is baking, make the salsa by combining the tomatoes,olives, oregano, and olive oil in a bowl. You can also make this ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
6. To serve, portion out a piece of strata, and place salsa on top.
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Healthy Weekly Motivator:

Fit In Your Favorite Foods

You shouldn’t have to deprive yourself of comfort foods to stay healthy! It’s important to incorporate healthier versions of your favorites into your lifestyle. It can be as easy as changing an ingredient or using a different cooking method.

You can use applesauce when baking, try whole grain flour and pasta, replace salt with spices, or grill your veggies with olive oil instead of cooking them in butter.

This week prepare your usual recipes with a twist! If you’re having guests over, get them to try the updated dishes and add their favorites to your rotation.As you celebrate July Fourth you can eat healthy and still enjoy the day!

Have a great week and Happy July Fourth everyone! Remember a better tomorrow starts with what you eat today!

Do you have a favorite meatless recipe you would like to share with us? Send it my way!

Wishing you health and wellness from the inside out,

Lisa

LQ WELLNESS

Professional Wellness Coach

973-383-0955

lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com

Interested in Optimal Wellness? Take a look at products available here!

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @lq_wellness

Like me on Facebook

Follow me on Pinterest

“Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all it’s flavour.”

~William Cowper~