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latest news + articles

Health Tip of the Week: Alternatives to Coffee

7/26/2013

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PicturePhoto by SnapbyThree MY
If you rely on a cup of coffee to get you going every morning like I used to, you may want to start experimenting with some healthy coffee alternatives to give your overworked adrenals a much needed break.

As a student I used to drink about 2 double americanos everyday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, just to feel normal! If I missed one I would get such a bad headache. I slowly decreased the amount I was drinking and at the same time started having smoothies everyday, with maca for my adrenals, and blue-green algae for energy, and eventually was able to give up coffee all together.

Reasons to Decrease or Avoid Coffee:
  1. It is acid forming, and may contribute to issues with heartburn.
  2. Stresses your adrenals to the point of exhaustion.
  3. Irritates the stomach, causing the opening between the stomach and small intestine to open, releasing food into the small intestine that didn't have time to fully break down in the stomach, resulting in improper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
  4. Yes, it is true there are some antioxidants in coffee, but there are also harmful compounds formed since the beans are roasted at such high temperatures.
  5. Contributes to imbalances of hormones, especially cortisol and insulin. 
  6. Prevents body from properly absorbing minerals like calcium and iron.

Delicious Healthy Coffee Alternatives:
  1. Matcha Tea: Will provide longer lasting energy while still allowing you to remain calm, centred, and focused. No more jittery nervous energy!
  2. Raw Cacao Nibs: can be purchased pre-ground or can grind yourself in a coffee grinder, and then brew just like you would regular coffee. The taste is amazing and still provides a bit of caffeine but since the cacao beans have not been roasted you avoid the harmful compounds found in coffee.
  3. Teechino: made from a variety of roasted grains and herbs.
  4. Chaga/Mushroom Blends: This is the healthiest possible option! Even if you are not using it to quit coffee, this is a very beneficial drink to consume everyday. Just whisk up some mushroom powder with a bit of hot water and add your favourite dairy-free milk and sweetener. My favourites are the 14 Mushroom blend by Harmonic Arts, and the Cha Cha Chaga blend by Jump Up and Go Go. 

Contact Shawna today for Nutrition Consulting, if you would like support and information on quitting/reducing coffee, how to support your adrenals (especially important during perimenopause and menopause), or simply learning how to incorporate more superfoods into your life!

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Weekly Q & A: What are the best foods for cancer prevention?

7/19/2013

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PictureSource: The Angiogenesis Foundation
Question:

What are the best foods for cancer prevention?

Answer:

Foods high in antioxidants and foods that support the immune system are the best foods for cancer prevention. 


Try to eat a rainbow of colours everyday to get a wide variety of antioxidants. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, berries, onions, garlic, ginger, and turmeric.

Mushrooms seem to be particularly high in cancer-preventative properties; try adding shitake, maitake, chaga, reishi, and turkey tail to your daily diet and/or in supplement form.

There is also a group of foods that contain anti-angiogenic compounds. These foods prevent the growth of new blood vessels bringing oxygen and nutrients to tumours, therefore preventing them from increasing in size. 

We will all have microscopic cancer cells develop at some point in our lives, the key is to prevent them from increasing in size by having a strong immune system, exercise and stress management, eating protective foods, and having a balanced social, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

For more information on the exciting research involving anti-angiogenic foods please check out Dr. William Li's TED Talk. 

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Recipe of the Week: Walnut & Brazil Nut Brownie Bites

7/17/2013

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Picture
Brazil Nut Brownie Bites

Gourmet and guilt-free, these nutrient-dense brownies are delicious, rich in selenium, and ready in 5 minutes!






1 cup brazil nuts, raw
1 cup walnuts, raw
3/4 -1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla powder
pitch of sea salt


Garnish:
1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

1. In a food processor, process brazil nuts and walnuts until flour-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process as the mixture will become too oily.

2. Add remaining ingredients and process until mixture starts to form a ball, or sticks together when pinched. If too crumbly and dry add more dates. If too sticky and moist add more walnuts. 

3. Form mixture into 2-inch cubes. 

4. Toss cubes with shredded coconut and set in freezer for 5 mins.


You can substitute the Brazil nuts for almonds, cashews, hazelnuts. I like to use Brazil nuts to get my daily dose of selenium - 2 Brazil Nuts a day provides all your daily selenium needs!

Contact Shawna today for Nutrition Consulting or Raw Food Classes.

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    Shawna Barker BSc., RHN is a nutritionist, college instructor, and raw food educator.

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  • Welcome
  • About
    • Shawna Barker
    • Holistic Nutrition
    • Community
  • Events
    • Understanding Vegan Nutrition Workshop
    • Raw Chef Certification
    • Book A Nutrition Presentation
  • Services
    • Nutrition Coaching
    • Vegan Essentials
    • Online Programs >
      • Eating for Success
      • Vibrant Health Program
      • How to Shop GMO-Free
    • Meal Plans
    • Testimonials
  • Shop
    • Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby Guides
  • Blog
    • Recipes
    • Media
    • Health Tips
    • Featured Q&A
    • Featured Documentaries
  • Contact