Child Obesity

 

Child Obesity

It is very sad to see so much child obesity in the world, but it is unfortunately a reality. If there is no obesity in your own home, then it can easily be your neighbour’s child or even in their class.

As you can think, it will not only affect the child physically, but can have serious consequences on an emotional level as well. Peers and society might reject them in a way and their self-confidence might take a big knock.

With more and more children having access to cellphones and television, they are more likely to become stagnant, and their metabolism will also become stagnant. The child might also start withdrawing from social events, fellowship and relationship with others.

Junk food, highly processed food devoid of nutrients and food loaded with sugar and colourants, can all contribute to child obesity. With it being so accessible everywhere, I think it is your responsibility as the parent to keep those items out of your home as far as possible. Rather enjoy it as an occasional treat at a party.

Start looking for alternative food items that won’t make your child feel starved and rejected. They will feel like they are missing out at the beginning, but keep strong mommy, you are saving your child from sickness, disease and rejection in the long run.

Most people have an emotional relationship with food that creates a false sense of happiness that will be feeding the emotion. You need to help your child and yourself make a positive connection to healthy food. Healthy food does not mean being deprived by just living on salad and bland food.

Your child is already going through so many changes as they are growing up. Hormones can make them feel awkward and emotional at times, and they won’t always feel very comfortable or at home in their own bodies. Why make this process worse by giving them the wrong food to find comfort in?

Get them moving! Whether it is hiking, walking, cycling, running, swimming, dancing, soccer etc. It might be hard in the beginning, but once they start moving, they will start to feel better physically and emotionally due to all the feel-good hormones that are released and oxygen moving through their bodies.

Make changes by transitioning into a predominantly plant-based diet. Include more fruit and vegetables, brown rice, lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts and seeds.

Get creative! As soon as the wheel of creativity starts moving, they will feel inspired and will start looking at things a bit differently.

Drink BarleyLife by AIM. This is a concentrated barley grass powder that is packed with valuable vitamins, nutrients and amino acids. It also helps to detox the body and contributes to a more alkaline environment where pathogens have a hard time to thrive in. This product is crucial for development and nourishment of cells.

Drink AIMega oil capsules. This is an organic seed oil blend containing essential fatty acids necessary for normal growth and development. It also nourishes your hormonal system, hair, nails, skin and the brain. Great for better cell metabolism.

You can find BarleyLife, AIMega and other products mentioned in this article on my online shop;

 myaimstore.com/healthamplified

Teach your child to identify different feelings and emotions and why they are feeling like that.

Does the child have parents that have gone through a divorce? The trauma in the process could have taken root in their lives. Get to the root of the emotion if you can and get some help if you don’t personally know how to deal with it.

Your body has the ability to heal itself. Give your body the right fuel, and it will be able to transform itself. Give it the wrong fuel, and your body will just be trying to do damage control.

It is a very different story filling your stomach just to get it full in comparison to filling your stomach to fill it up AND TO NOURISH IT through intentional eating. It is a very different feeling or point of satiety. You can have a full meal and then still have a feeling of “hunger” afterwards. This feeling is because your body did not receive enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your cells can utilise. You will feel rejuvenated if you have the right fuel, instead of plumping down on the couch after every meal or wanting to have a nap. I’m not talking about your occasional afternoon nap.

Most children that are obese are also struggling with constipation. If the food transit time is much slower than what it should be, the food sits in your gut and can ferment. Toxic substances that were supposed to be removed by the body can be reabsorbed into the body leaving you with aches and pains and symptoms that don’t even look like it is coming from your gut.

You need plant-based fibre to move through the digestive tract, not a diet primarily consisting of meat, refined oils, processed food and refined carbohydrates, especially not served together in the same meal. That, my friends, is a recipe for constipation. The plant fibers act as brushes, gently pushing along the food and keeping the intestines clean. An excellent product that can assist your body in the removal of waste is Herbal Fibre Blend by AIM. A combination of psyllium husk and selected herbs that gently cleanses the intestines, killing off parasites and soothing the delicate membranes. Prepzymes by AIM is a combination of enzymes that help to break down food when your body needs a kickstart. Moving right along!

A predominantly plant-based lifestyle does not have to be expensive. There is a misconception. Yes, “gluten-free” products are more expensive, but your focus must shift from gluten free to a predominantly plant-based lifestyle. Brown rice, beans, vegetables and fruit are not more expensive than meat. You won’t just be living on beans, but you will be incorporating beans, lentils and other legumes and pulses in your diet.

Make the shift for the entire family, not just the child. You might send them into binge eating and secret eating, feeling further rejection, shame and guilt. The whole family will benefit from it.

Eat enough fruit and you won’t crave sugar, eat enough plant oils in the form of avocado, corn, olives, cold pressed olive oil, nuts and seeds and you won’t crave so many salty and deep-fried food items. Remember, this is why AIMega cold pressed plant oil supplement can be to your benefit.

Don’t focus on the weight when making the transition. Focus on where you can incorporate wholefood, plant-based items and substitute the junk and items devoid of nutrients. You will feel more energised, have clearer thoughts and more stable moods. The weight will then start to drop.

Food Lover’s Market and any fruit and vegetable markets will become your new best friend. Get the kids and the rest of the family excited about healthier food. There are thousands of plant-based recipes on the internet. Get a few ideas and start planning where and how you can incorporate healthier food.

If you would like a personal consultation and would like me to walk a road with you, please contact me at info@healthamplified.co.za

You can also visit our website healthamplified.co.za

Happy transitioning!

Lizelle

 

 

Teenage hormones, depression and PMS

 

Teenage hormones, depression and PMS

I always tell our girls that a teenagers’ hormones can be like fireworks! Hormones fluctuate throughout the month and we need to try and keep it as stable as possible.

Sugar, caffeine and refined carbohydrates like cake, rusks, bread, white pasta and pizza can all put strain on the endocrine system. Please remember that 2minute wheat noodles are not their own food group and cannot be a staple diet, especially not in a teenager’s diet. It will only fill up their stomachs, but is empty and stripped of valuable nutrients that will also leave your teenager with a drop in blood sugar.

 A drop in their blood sugar means a terrible mood, fatigue, symptoms of depression and unnecessary conflict. Don’t forget that the little packet of flavouring is dynamite and will send your teenager deeper into space! It is filled with artificial flavouring and MSG (flavour enhancers), which is one recipe that can throw off your hormones. Please limit the noodles, throw
away the small packet of flavouring and use your own condiments and herbs the day that they can have those noodles.

Brain fog, lack of concentration, fatigue, lack of vision and tearfulness are all part of the package and negative side effects of sugar, caffeine and refined carbohydrates. They will not be able to cope as well with situations and challenges that they are facing. A false sense of loneliness, rejection, emotional lows and anger can set in. Please don’t let your child bombard her/his body in the process of teenage development.

You can just imagine what effects it can have on PMS. It might send your child’s hormones through the roof and everyone will be walking on egg shells. Her hormones are already trying to stabilise. Disrupt the hormones by eating a diet based on refined carbohydrates, sugar and caffeine, and she will be left with worse skin breakouts and low self-esteem. All of this will put extra strain on the body, stress on the immune system, and then they can be open to illnesses.

How can you help your teenager?

It is our responsibility as moms (and dads…) to teach your children about a healthy lifestyle. Yes, they are at the stage where they want to do everything themselves and are too cool to listen to your advice. They seem to be under the impression that we were only born yesterday. They might not take your advice, but what you can do is feed them nutritious food. Focus on adding nutritious food instead of placing focus on all the things that they cannot have.  Your general guideline should be in keeping sugar, refined carbohydrates and caffeine to a bare minimum. Try not to keep it in the house, but let them enjoy it on occasion.

Make sure that they are eating enough wholegrains. These contain B vitamins to help the body cope with stress and provides a slow release of energy. We need to try and stay away from the food that will spike their blood sugar, and then their emotions. Oats, brown rice, lentils, millet, buckwheat, sweet potatoes and baby potatoes will all provide a slow, continuous release of energy.

Don’t forget good fats and oils. Give them the right oils and they won’t crave comfort food so often. Their hormones need good oils and the oil won’t make their skin oily and lead to breakouts. Refined, processed and heated oils are the culprits. Avocadoes, nuts and seeds, olives, corn and olive oil are all examples of good oils. See it as salve for their hormones.

Good fats and oils are also essential for proper cell metabolism because it helps to nourish the cell membranes. It then allows good nutrition to reach at cellular level, and toxins to leave through the cell membranes. Your brain, hair, skin and nails all need good fats and oils. I would highly recommend my AIM product called AIMega. It is an organic seed oil blend containing essential fatty acids for necessary growth and development. You can find AIMega on my online shop,  www.myaimstore.com/healthamplified.

We all need fruit and vegetables and it is not even up for discussion with your teenager. They need the right kind of sugar in the form of fruit and dates. The brain needs glucose to function properly. All the vitamins and minerals help to keep the body and its immune system strong and heathy. Sweets and junk food cravings will decrease once they start eating fruit and dates.

We need to feed them vegetables to keep their cells clean and strong. The vitamins and minerals fight free radicals formed during stress and removes toxins and chemicals that entered the body. Green, red and orange-coloured vegetables are crucial in your diet. I can make your life a little easier for you by introducing you to AIM’s GardenTrio. Three products that work in synergy. This is BarleyLife, a green powder leaf concentrate, Redibeets which is a concentrated beetroot powder and JustCarrots, a concentrated carrot powder. These are all fresh green barley grass, beets and carrots that have been juiced and dried. Just mix the three powders together with water or juice in the morning and you are good to go. One less thing to worry about!

Protein helps to stabilise blood sugar levels and are building blocks for the body. These blocks are called amino acids. All these wild emotions that can be associated with teenagers can be pulled a bit closer together by incorporating protein. Protein also keeps you fuller for longer. We prefer a predominantly plant-based diet so we include plant-based protein where we can. Our digestion, sleep, energy levels and health are just so much better on a plant-based diet. Ingredients like beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, nuts and seeds (especially chia seeds), nut butter, green leafy vegetables, soya milk, tofu and brown rice are all staple foods in our home.

If you prefer to include meat, eggs and dairy as your protein sources, make sure that you don’t consume too much of it. It can be filled with growth hormones and antibiotics, which will then directly influence your own hormones. If you do include yoghurt, make sure that it is of good quality with no sugar and colourants. The growth hormones from the cow milk, the sugar and the colourants is a recipe for disaster. I suggest that you buy a plain yoghurt and then add your own fruit and some nuts. Please take note that dairy is one of the biggest instigators of pimples and acne and can worsen it.

If you feel that your teenager is not eating properly, I have a vegan pea protein powder that you can add to smoothies. It will help keep their blood sugar levels stable, it will keep them fuller for a bit longer and will help with muscle growth and development. You can order ProPeas on my online store www.myaimstore.com/healthamplified

Get them to start moving! Preferably away from the couch and cellphone and into nature and some fresh air. Feel good hormones get released and your teenager will feel happier and good about themselves, even if it is just 10% better at first.

If you can’t get your child to join sports or some kind of physical activity, take the family to a Saturday Park Run or find a nature trail to walk somewhere over the weekend. If all else fails, then take the family ice skating!

By eating the right foods, you will nourish your cells, have sustained energy, happier hormones and stabilised moods. Your child will be able to cope better in everyday challenges with the occasional tantrum or door slamming. A happy teenager is a happier family!

In ending off, if you have changed your diet and lifestyle for at least 3 months and you see that your child is still struggling with symptoms of depression and severe PMS, then you need to look for deeper emotional hurts and root causes that should be dealt with.

You can contact me at info@healthamplified.co.za to set up a consultation. We can advise you on meal plans, snack ideas, shopping lists etc. We also do counselling and emotion healing to help you on your journey to better health. Our website is www.healthamplified.co.za

Let’s get our teenagers back to earth!

Blessings.

Lizelle

 

 

 

Whole Food Concentrates vs. Supplements

 

  Whole Food Concentrates

vs.

             Supplements

It is exactly what it says it is; a whole food that has either been juiced or dried and then ground into a powder. This powder can then be taken in water or incorporated into a smoothie. Many of these powders are placed in capsules or made into tablets that you can then swallow with water.

Supplements and vitamins are mostly individual components or isolated elements that have been taken and placed into a capsule or manufactured into tablets. These are concentrates of individual components made into a highly potent or concentrated pill. This can place unnecessary strain on the body. Synthetic chemicals can then also be added, and can make it more difficult for the body to absorb. It does however help to extend the shelf life of the product as well as acting as a binder or filler.

Whole food concentrates are only the fruit/vegetables/grass/leaves/nuts/seeds/herbs that have been dried, juiced or ground into a fine powder and made into a concentrate. This process enables the body to digest and absorb it better. It can be taken on its own or added to a liquid or included in your food preparation to increase your nutritional intake. Supplements and vitamins on the other hand must be taken with food most of the time to help with better absorption, to prevent nausea and stomach aches.

Whole food powders or juice concentrates will give your body the basic building blocks to help sustain normal function, provide healthy growth and tissue repair, improve immune function and energy.

Products like AIM’s Barley Life that I often suggest to my clients, Just Carrots, RediBeets and Cocoa LeafGreens are all whole food concentrates that you can easily and conveniently mix into your water. Barley Life is also available in capsule form.

Barley Life:

This is an all-natural, green barley leaf juice powder concentrate that helps to provide the daily nutrition you need to develop a strong foundation for good health. It is abundant in enzymes, essential amino acids, and rich in its anti-oxidant ability. It has a high anti-inflammatory activity and gives immune support. Barley Life is a wonderful concentrate to help maintain the correct pH levels.

 

Just Carrots:

A carrot juice powder concentrate that contains important nutrients such as carotene, calcium, iron, B-vitamins, potassium and lutein.

RediBeets:

A concentrated beet juice concentrate that contains essential enzymes along with a natural form of betaine which aids in cleansing the liver. This is also an excellent iron concentrate and provides a wonderful boost and recovery to athletes and active people.

Cocoa LeafGreens:

AIM’s Cocoa LeafGreens delivers the nutrition of barley, spinach, kale, aragula, swiss chard and broccoli sprouts powder in a delicious cocoa beverage. Cocoa powder is not just included for taste, but also for its high anti- oxidant ability.

YOU CAN ORDER ANY OF THE ABOVE PRODUCTS FROM MY ONLINE SHOP AND HAVE THEM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR. www.myaimstore.com/healthamplified

 

In ending off, please remember to read your product labels. Avoid those hidden sugars, fillers, binders and strange chemical compositions that can affect the body negatively in the long run.

Holidays are coming up, try not to push your whole food powders and juice concentrates to the side. Holidays are to rest, refresh and rejuvenate. It is the ideal time for your body to utelise these wonderful products and give your body the lift that it deserves.

Happy holidays!

Lizelle

 

 

 

Nuts about nuts!

 

Nuts about nuts!

As far as my childhood memory stretches, there is not even a fague memory of nuts being a daily snack. Nuts weren’t on the shopping list, but were kept for special occasions. We often had peanut butter sandwiches, and salted cashews were off limits and belonged to my dad! He ate it very sparingly and it was something to be savoured.

I have fond memories of my gran setting out pecan halves before and during Christmas festivities, and having pecan nuts in her freezer that was kept for baking. I’m not even going to go into the bottle of Nutella that was always standing on the cupboard shelf oh so proudly.

Some of my best memories are of eating warm, caramelised almonds in an icy cold Germany. It was as if I had discovered a treasure. I found them on the streets of Boston a few years later. Aaah, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in Portugal that was served in a paper wrapper…

Now let’s fast forward to today. An assortment of nuts is widely available. If they are not found in your shops, then you can order them online from basically anywhere in the world. Nut milks, nut flours, in meal plans, as substitutes, in many recipes, in trail mixes.

I have yet to try the Barukas nut! This is seen as the super nut of the Savannah, and is found in a remote area of South America. Now every nut has its claim to fame. According to its nutritional chart it is seen as one of the healthiest nuts on the planet. It is very low in calories, very high in plant protein, high in fibre and with an extremely high anti-oxidant level. It apparently has the taste of between a peanut, almond and popcorn with a hint of sweetness in between.

Darin Olien, a superfood hunter and star of the Netflix series “Down to Earth” also starring Zac Efron, is the driving force behind this peculiar nut. Fires are purposefully lit in these areas where these Barucas grow, destroying these plantations, to make way for new agricultural farming practices. Now for every 5 pounds of Barukas nuts that you order from his online shop, they will be planting a tree in the wild. You can have a look at their short video on their website barukas.com

Peanuts:

These are actually a legume that originated in South America. They are rich in protein and fat, and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is fairly high in calories, but the combination of nutrients make you feel fuller for longer. Sugar free peanut butter is a staple in our house! It does however leave an acidic residue in the body. The peanut is definitely an affordable nut that can be incorporated in many dishes and sauces or enjoyed on its own.

Almonds:

Almonds have taken the world by storm. Almond milk, almond flour and almond butter are now freely available. We personally love to have a big bag in our cupboard to add to smoothies, chopped up in our Verlorenkloof yoghurt and to make milk when we want to. Shop bought milk cannot be compared to the creamy consistency and frothiness of this delicious homemade milk. We like to add a touch of pink salt and vanilla to ours.

The almond can be enjoyed raw or roasted. It helps to lower cholesterol, it is one of the best brain foods, it leaves an alkaline residue in the blood, improves memory, and is excellent for building strong bones and teeth. Topping it all off by saying that the vit. E content is good for your skin, that’s why the oil is added to many cosmetic products. The almond is seen as a symbol of hope in the Bible, as well as an object of value. No wonder it is on everyone’s lips!

Brazil nuts:

Brazil says ;“Go big or go home”! This is one of the biggest nuts that I have seen. It is primarily harvested in the wild by local people. This sweet and nutritious nut is topping the charts with its selenium and anti-oxidant levels. It is an excellent source of B-complex vitamins and also helps to balance hormones. The Brazil nut provides protein and calories for many tribal, rural and urban Brazilians. Ladies, take out your party dresses, this one’s for you!

Hazelnuts:

Hazelnuts can leave you dreamy and hazy. Think nut-filled chocolate slabs and Nutella. We make our own by roasting the nuts, then shelling them by rubbing them together in a clean dish towel. Process into a course meal. Add cocoa powder, a little plant-based milk, melted coconut oil and a sweetener of choice. Continue processing until thick and creamy.  These are packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidant compounds and healthy fats.

Macadamia nuts:

These beauties are my personal favourite! For the best vegan soft serve ice-cream made with macadamias and dates, go to Summerfields in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. https://summerfields.co.za

This nut is native to Australia, and is also grown in places such as Hawaii and Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is high in good fats which tells you why it makes such beautiful, buttery ice-cream. Macadamias are high in minerals and protein, which makes it excellent for blood sugar control. It has a good vitamin E content, helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Made for melting moments, don’t you think?

Chestnuts:

This nut is grown in Portugal and is as diverse as its culture. Boiled or roasted, savoury or sweet. The Chestnut can be whatever you want it to be. This nut can provide you with high levels of vitamin C, it helps to protect the heart and improves brain function. The Manganese helps to boost bone health. The Chestnut improves digestion and then promotes regularity. Don’t forget about its high anti-oxidant count. This nut is not to be confused with a water chestnut.

Pine nuts:

Dynamite comes in small packages, right?! This nut is well known for its elevation techniques. It can elevate any salad or roasted vegetable dish, and not to mention its power in pesto! This nut is also referred to as the Pignoli. It is known for its butter like texture because of its oil content, with a subtle yet powerful pine scent. Did you know that the Pineal gland in the brain is named after pinecones because of its shape?

This nut is a good source of vitamin B, vitamin K, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and protein.  These qualities help to boost energy levels and can reduce diabetes. I think the process of extracting the nut from the pine cone is what sends the prices rocketing.

Cashews:

These have a soft spot in my heart because it is my dad’s favourite! Soft enough to eat that it won’t send you to the dentist, and flavourful enough that it can be a substitute for cheese. These are low in sugar and rich in fibre, good fats and a good source of protein. It contains nutrients that are important for energy, brain health, immunity and bone health. Cashews are however acid forming in the body. A few of these do however leave you feeling satisfied!

Cashews can be a versatile cheese sauce replacer. Soak and blend with water, spices and salt, and voila, you have cheese sauce! Vegan cheese cakes made with cashews have taken over the food bloggers world. Ever heard of vegan Parmesan? Grind roasted cashews to a powder, add salt, garlic and onion powder. Nutritional yeast can up the flavour and nutritional content to make it more “stinky”. Use where you would use Parmesan.

Pistachios:

These make my husband happy! No wonder they are called the “happy” nut in China. They look as if they are smiling! This nut has a ritual to it. The process of breaking open the shell and trying to get the nut out with its characteristic green tinge can be quite therapeutic to some people. The Pistachio is a great source of protein and fibre, is high in B6 vitamins, high in ant oxidants, helps lower blood pressure, lowers your chances of cardiovascular disease and is high in unsaturated fats. This nut has the same amount of protein as an egg!

Walnuts:

They look like a brain and they are good for the brain. It decreases inflammation, helps lower blood pressure and is high in anti-oxidants. What’s not to love about them except maybe having a slight bitter after taste?

I’m sure that all this talk about nuts has made you feel a bit nutty and conjured up images of squirrels that are collecting nuts for the winter! I’m sure that you will find a nut to suit your budget and occasion for a heart healthy snack.

From one health nut to another…

Lizelle

Healthamplified.co.za

 

Meal planning 101

 

Transitioning to a predominantly plant-based lifestyle can feel overwhelming and a bit daunting at first. The key word here is “transitioning.” Small steps taken daily into a certain direction that will bring big change to your health in the long run.

 

Focus on feeding your cells. Are you giving your body nutritious food that your cells can utelise, or are you feeding your body sugar laden, overprocessed, stripped of valuable nutrients meals?

 

I’m not saying that you must cut out all animal products, but a “predominantly” wholegrain, fruit and vegetable plan means that your focus must be on increasing your fruit and vegetables intake, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, legumes and pulses. This must be your bulk.

 

I know meal planning sounds like a tedious job at the beginning, but you will have a plan to work from and you have a plan to fall back on. If you have 3 weeks of menu plans, then you can swop them around and use it as a basic plan. I’ve included a 1 week menu plan that you can follow or use as a general guide.

 

You don’t have to stick to every ingredient, so you can omit or substitute. We choose plant milk for our family and will have a specific type of plain yoghurt as an occasional treat. Our choice is Verlorenkloof yoghurt. It is a rich, creamy and decadent yoghurt that gives us the least amount of allergy type symptoms. We’ll only have a small amount at a time and then load it with chopped fruit, cinnamon,seeds or chopped almonds. I enjoy mine with fruit, cinnamon and ground pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and sunflower seeds.

 Our kids enjoy adding raw oats in addition to fruit. They also add raw oats to smoothies and have oats with chopped apple, cinnamon and plant milk as snacks.

The aim is not to starve yourself, but to discover that an abundance of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, legumes and pulses will help you to have more energy, a clearer mind, less health issues and you weight will stabilize.

Cut out the table sugar and processed sugar goods as far as possible. By having more fruit and dates, you will be getting that sugar that you need for energy and for your brain to function optimally. You will also experience reduced sweet cravings.

Cut out the empty, stripped carbohydrates and add oats, brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa and polenta to your meals. Your body needs these grains for valuable B vitamins, sustained energy and fibre.

Reduce your dairy intake and you will have clearer skin, less phlegm and sinus issues, less sweating and more balanced hormones.

Your body needs the right kind of oils. These are found in nuts, seeds, avocadoes, coconut, olives and corn. Whether you take it in its raw state or prefer coconut oil, cold pressed olive oil, nut butter or in supplement form, make sure that you are getting it in your body. Without these oils, your cells can’t have proper metabolism because it helps to nourish the walls of the cells, thus making it more supple. If they are rigid, toxins struggle to exit and the nutrients struggle to enter. You will also experience reduced salt cravings when you increase your healthy oil intake.

Cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and it is wonderful for digestion and to boost immunity. I personally love the taste and fragrance and add it wherever I can!

Steer away from sugar laden breakfast cereals. If you have been having it every single day, try cutting it down to having a handful as an occasional treat on a Friday or Saturday. This is just until your sweet cravings have calmed down a bit and you have transitioned fully. By eating it as a snack rather than a bowl full, you will immediately be getting in less sugar than normal. Rather start making the effort by giving your family oatmeal with some variations.

Teach your kids how to make their own smoothies. Use ingredients like bananas, paw paws, pineapple, berries, oats, coconut oil, peanut butter and plant milk. Add a handful of baby spinach once they have mastered it. The taste won’t be influenced by the extra nutrient intake that you will be getting. You don’t have to add all of the above, try different combinations with the ingredients that you have on hand and see what works for your taste and budget. Remember, your focus must be on feeding your cells so that regeneration, rejuvenation and fueling can take place.

When you are cooking rice, lentils, soups and polenta, make sure that you cook enough so that you can include it somewhere within the next 2 days. Try to buy these items as well as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds in bulk.

Spice up your food with fresh or dried herbs and spices, masala, lemon juice and zest, garlic, red onions, ginger, olive oil and pink salt. If you want to buy sauces, look out for Nando’s lemon and herb sauce, Chipotle sauce and sweet chilli sauce (Simple Truth brand Checkers), pesto’s, vegan mayo’s that you can dilute with some water or plant milk, tomato puree that you can also dilute. A really tasty combination is the Chipotle sauce mixed with tomato puree. We love having it with potato wedges. You can even add a little mayo to it.

Once you start to discover what you can do, then you won’t feel like you are missing out on the things that are bad for you.

If all else fails, have oats for breakfast, wraps or sourdough bread stuffed or loaded with salad/veg, chickpeas and a sauce/dressing for lunch. You can have rice, vegetables and beans with a different sauce or herbs and spices for dinners. Fill in the gaps with fruit and smoothies!

I have included breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks in this 7 day meal plan. Spice it up or tone it down as you feel inspired and as your budget allows you. If this can work for our family, then I am sure that it will work for you! Please contact us for an A3 high resolution quality printable version.

I haven’t included recipes, but you will figure it out as you go along. Maybe you have a similar recipe or go to Google. I will be sending you some recipes over the next few weeks.

You also don’t have to add a ton of supplements to this menu plan because your food is your medicine and prevention. I will be giving a more specific supplementation plan in the next weeks meal plans. We always have Barley Life or a green powder blend or tablets everyday, along with Frankincense resin. After that is targeted nutrition. You can find these products on my website, and you can read up on them in some of my previous blogs. Go to http//:healthamplified.co.za

Blessings.

Lizelle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits of essential oils (Part 2)

 

Benefits of essential oils

(Part 2)

Now that you have been introduced to the wonderful world of essential oils, we are going to zoom in on the health and emotional benefits of essential oils.

 

The first thing that you need to ask yourself is why do you want to use the oils? Is it on an emotional level where you need to uplift, energise, ground or relax yourself? Do you need to concentrate when using the oils or are you on your way to dreamland?

 

Do you need to target a specific symptom in your body, or are you looking for a general tonic? I think you are getting the point.

 

If you’ve never worked with essential oils before, I would recommend investing in a bottle of Lavender oil as well as Tea tree oil. These two oils can be used straight on the skin without a carrier oil. If you have more sensitive skin, mix into a little coconut oil or almond oil.

 

Lavender oil is excellent for scars, scratches, bruises, aches and pains. It works brilliantly for acne or pimples by helping to kill the bacteria, then soothing and calming any redness, inflammation and swelling.

Lavender is a natural sleeping aid, so when used on its own, it might relax you so much that you will be looking for the closest bed!

 

Remember that a few drops can provide maximum impact. How about using it in a diffuser early evening to help relax the family? Just make sure that you have a well-ventilated area.

 

How about relaxing baby before bedtime by adding a drop into the baby cream or massage oil?  A restless baby recovers so well when using Lavender oil. Rub a drop in coconut oil over tummy for any cramps or winds. Mommy can also benefit by keeping her calm and relaxed.

 

Dad can have a neck, scalp and shoulder massage after work. Get the kids to take turns massaging every few nights. It is a wonderful bonding session for them and dad and kids will relax, which automatically creates a more peaceful atmosphere.

Lavender oil is the perfect “go to” for sunburn and any burn wounds.

Don’t forget you dogs! When dogs are stressed, overly excited or restless, rub one drop of Lavender essential oil underneath the flaps of their ears. It will help to calm them down and they might even fall asleep.

 

Lavender oil rubbed over a tight chest when coughing helps to relax the muscles and open the irritated airways. Rub a drop in front of and behind the ear if you have ear aches or infection. It provides pain relief and helps your body heal the infection.

 

Tea tree oil is more of a medicinal oil by being antiseptic. It is drying, healing and antibacterial. It can also assist the body when fighting viruses and disease. Tea tree oil helps to clear and dry up phlegm and chest infections and blocked sinuses. It kills bacteria in cuts, scrapes and wounds.

 

Tea tree oil makes a wonderful spot treatment for teenagers due to the fact that it contains such strong anti-bacterial properties. By applying a drop to blocked sinus passages you will also experience relief in a few minutes.

This oil’s antifungal properties make it a hit amongst athletes and active sporting people. it works wonders for athlete’s foot, toenail fungus as well as any mouldy conditions.

 You will be left with cleaner, fresher bathrooms if you include it in your household cleaning products. With its antibacterial properties, it works great as a natural laundry refresher for towels, dog blankets and bathrooms mats. It deodorizes and kills germs, mounds and viruses.

 

Our house feels cleaner when I diffuse tea tree oil during the day, especially with dogs running around and those misty days.

3 Drops tea tree oil in your bath helps your body to deal with any bladder or vaginal infections. Steam mixed with the oil is also wonderful for chest infections and sinus congestion.

 

Don’t forget to use it as a bug and mosquito repellent! Mosquitos can’t stand tea tree oil. Apply to ankles, behind the knees, wrists and neck before going to bed or going walking or camping in the bushes.

 

That is all for today, but it might be enough to start off with! Don’t be afraid to buy your first bottle of Lavender and Tea tree oil, trust me on this, you won’t regret it.

 

Lots of blessings

 

Lizelle

http://ancientbiblicaloils.co.za?ref=lizellecillie

(Look under “I love Chai” oils in my ancient biblical oils store)

 

Scent and Sensibility

 

Scent and Sensibility

Welcome to the wonderful world of essential oils! Each unique in its properties and function, helping to restore life to your cells. Let me explain a bit so that it makes more sense...

 

Did you know that perfume is loaded with chemical fragrances that are not compatible to your cells? Our skin is the biggest organ and absorbs these chemicals and wreaks havoc on your hormones. These can lead to headaches, hormonal imbalances, nausea, rashes, and asthma.

 

The first documented perfumes were essential oils dissolved in lard or another oil of some sort and resulted in ointments.

 

The definition of an essential oil is a natural oil that is typically obtained by steam distillation or extraction and having the characteristic odour of the plant or other source from which it is extracted.

Essential oils are very powerful in the sense that it is a pure, concentrated oil. A few kg of flowers, citrus peels, bark or leaves are needed to be able to fill a small bottle of essential oil. You only need a few drops to make an impact and to achieve optimal results.

 Remember that you need to be cautious when using oils. Because they are so concentrated, it can burn your skin if not used correctly. Most of your oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil. These are also known as base or vegetable oils, and are used to dilute essential oils. They are named carrier oils because they literally carry the concentrated oil onto the skin. This also makes application easier, especially if you are planning to massage with your blend. Examples are sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or cold pressed coconut oil. A carrier oil does not usually have a very strong smell which helps to not overpower the essential oils.

 

If you had to have a trip back in history, you will find many cultures that used essential oils for beauty care, wellness, enhancing the mood, for ceremonies, culinary uses and including it in religious or spiritual practices.

 

Essential oils work in a few different ways. It gets absorbed into the skin and then eventually ends up in the blood stream. It also works through the olfactory system or your sense of smell. When inhaled, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the omygdala, which is the emotional centre of the brain. That is why when you smell something delicious, it can trigger an emotion and it makes you feel good! It also plays a big role in your emotional behaviour as well as motivational levels.

 

You can either use one oil at a time, and then you can start experimenting by mixing 2 or 3 oils in a carrier oil. You can even mix these oils into a little shea butter or coconut oil and use this as your perfume, rather than loading your system with all these fake chemicals. Apply on pulse points or where the skin is a little thinner for better absorption, like the inside wrists and neck. How about adding a few drops to your body cream or face cream? Think of it as perfume with health benefits!

 

One of my favourite movies is “Scent and Sensibility.”  Yes, it is a play on words! It has a lovely story line and explains a lot about essential oils. It will inspire you to create!!In my next blog I will go into the health and emotional benefits of different oils.

Blessings.

Lizelle