Plant-based nutrition (part 2)

 

Plant-based nutrition (part 2)

Many people say that you should eat the colours of the rainbow. I don’t know about you, but colour makes me happy! It brightens my day and uplifts my soul. And so it is that our cells give applause when coloured pigments from fruit and vegetables enter our bodies.

Today we will be discussing carotenoids. These are soluble pigments of orange, red, yellow and green that give colour to our fruit and vegetables. They are beneficial anti-oxidants that help protect us from disease and help build our immune systems.

Anti-oxidants basically mop up free radicals or scavengers in our bodies. The free radicals come into our bodies through toxins and chemicals, stress, pollution etc. Free radicals break down our cells, causing damage to the cells, proteins and DNA, leading to aging and diseases.

The bottom line is that by being on a predominantly plant-based diet, you will be consuming more fruit and vegetables. You will look and feel better in the long run by decreasing the oxidative stress that come from free radicals in your body.

Tomatoes are a great way to get some colour. Remember, lycopene in tomatoes is better utelised by the body when heated. Tomato soup, roasted cherry tomatoes… A great way to get in some anti-oxidants. Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, is also absorbed better if it is eaten together with a plant oil. Think olive oil drizzled over tomatoes after the cooking process, or avocados with your tomato soup. Even a tiny drizzle of cold pressed olive oil or coconut oil into your tomato soup before serving. You can easily include these into a midweek meal; light, nourishing, satisfying and budget friendly. (See tomato recipes below)

Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory properties. Free radicals contribute to inflammation. One of my favourite whole food products is a green powder or blend that contains green Barley Grass. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, calcium and enzymes. Enzymes are the the necessary regulators of the body. Without them our cells cannot function.

All green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll. These help to detoxify your body, support healthy blood and circulation. It is an all-round tonic to the body, and helps to give energy during the day. We need to increase our leafy green intake by including it in salads, smoothies, stir fries, wraps etc. If you are struggling with spinach or kale, then try some fresh baby spinach leaves.

Breastfeeding mommies will benefit tremendously from a Barley grass supplement and leafy green vegetables. It has an amazing effect on the quality and production of milk supply.

Beetroot has an abundance of dietary nitrate. It helps to relax blood vessels, increases blood flow and promotes oxygen uptake by the muscles. It is filled with beta-carotene, which is high in vit. A. Beetroot is also excellent for menstruating ladies by boosting iron levels and oxygen in the blood. How about some RediBeets powder by AIM that you can easily mix into water or smoothies everyday without the mess and the fuss of chopping and cooking? Go to 

https://www.theaimcompanies.com/products/6424E/RediBeets

Some fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids are beets, broccoli, leafy greens, blueberries, carrots, sweet potato, tomatoes, pink grapefruit and apricots. So even if you have picky eaters, you will still be able to bring a variety of carotenoids into your diet through such a variety being available to most of us. Make sure that you are eating the ripe fruit and fruits that are in season.

There are times when it is not always possible to get all the fruit and vegetables in that your body needs. You can get assistance by using a whole food plant-based supplement to help increase your anti-oxidant level. Some people don’t always have the time and energy to prepare the proper meal that your body needs, especially during times of illness or just when you need a boost.

Try the GardenTrio by AIM with BarleyLife, Just Carrots and RediBeets. https://www.theaimcompanies.com/products/5565E/GardenTrio

How about AIM’s LeafGreens? An anti-oxidant rich blend of barley leaves, spinach, kale, aragula and swiss chard.

https://www.theaimcompanies.com/products/6485E/LeafGreens

Sound a bit too medicinal for you? Then head over to Cocoa LeafGreens. The same blend, but with a smooth chocolate flavour and added broccoli sprout powder.

https://www.theaimcompanies.com/products/6397E/CoCoaLeafGreens

You can find the above products on my online shop: https://www.theaimcompanies.com/products/

Here are some easy ideas of where you can increase your fruit and vegetable intake:

·     Raw veggie sticks, hummus or bean dips

·     Wraps stuffed with an abundance of greens and colours of the rainbow.

·     Rice wraps which you have to soften in water before wrapping with your favourite mix of veggies.

·     Stir fry and rice

·     Smoothies - add some green leaves and blueberries

·     Blueberries in oatmeal. (Check Food Lover’s Market in their frozen section for good priced berries)

·     Vegetable based soups and stews

·     Cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, blueberries, carrots and other fruit as snacks. (Add some nuts or seeds to get the good oils from the nuts to increase absorption of the carotenoids.)

Don’t focus too much on where you can reduce animal products right away which tend to increase inflammation in the body. Have a look at how you can increase your fruit and vegetable intake so that your day is filled with colour and joy as you reflect. Your focus will eventually change because there is life beyond just meat!

Blessings.

Lizelle

Easy Recipes:

Roasted cherry tomato and avo pasta

 

Penne corn pasta or any gluten free pasta

2 Small packets cherry tomatoes

Avo’s

Black pepper

Pink salt

Small tomato paste holder

Cold pressed olive oil

-Cook pasta according to package instructions.

-Roast cherry tomatoes in the oven until shriveled. (Don’t add oil for roasting)

-Blend avo’s with a little water for a creamier consistency, adding salt and pepper to taste.

-When tomatoes are roasted, remove from the oven and place in a serving bowl. Add the tomato paste and a little olive oil.

-Serve pasta with the roasted tomatoes and creamy avo.

-Add black pepper and pink salt to taste.

*Note: Don’t add lemon juice to your avo, because the tomatoes already have a slight sour tang.

Tomato and red pepper soup

 

 

I usually roast whole tomatoes in the oven, and then blend them in the blender. This is a shortcut for when you are short on time.

1 Onion

Garlic (half tsp chopped)

2 Red peppers

1 Bag chopped tomatoes

1 Small tomato paste holder

1 tsp miso paste

-Fry onion in a little oil until translucent.

-Add the garlic, fry for 1 minute.

-Add chopped tomatoes, simmer until soft.

-Add tomato puree, stir until well combined.

-Add the miso paste.

-Blend until creamy.

-Serve with slowly fermented sourdough bread and fresh avo.

Enjoy!

 

 

Plant based Nutrition - Part 1

 

Plant based nutrition (Part 1)

Since I can remember, I’ve been passionate about nutrition and health. Paging through magazines as a young girl, tearing out articles of home remedies, skin care products, nutrition, treatments and makeup. Some of these trends have come and gone, but a predominantly plant-based diet has stood the test of time.

Plant based nutrition is not just salad and nuts, but it is filled with a magnitude of choices and combinations, all to the benefit of your family. Time and time again I’ve seen that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, brown rice, millet, oats, buckwheat, seeds and nuts, herbs and spices, beans and lentils, can improve your health significantly. My digestive tract is also at its happiest when I have a varied plant-based diet. I have more energy, I feel lighter, have minimal aches and pains in comparison to a meat-based diet, have better sleep, a clearer mind and less sickness.

I’ve also read a few articles on the diet of professional athletes, as well as watched documentaries on the fast recovery of athletes after exercise or competing, all while being on a plant- based diet. These athletes are bulking up and getting their energy from the right combinations of plants, nuts, unrefined grains etc. A plant-based diet will increase performance, it will lower inflammation levels and then directly speed up recovery. There will be reduced muscle damage, and thus less muscle soreness.

 

The most commonly asked question is what about protein? Have you ever looked at an elephant or a rhino and asked if they are getting enough protein or amino acids and what their source is! The world has been indoctrinated into asking that question. Yes, we all need protein. If you eat meat, your protein will be in a more concentrated form. If you eat a varied plant-based diet, you will get enough protein in various amounts without putting extra strain on your body.

Protein is the main building block in the body, and helps to grow and repair tissue, it helps with immunity as well as hormones. The small building blocks are called amino acids, and the body requires roughly 20 of them. The body can make 11 of it, so 9 must come from your diet. Athletes need more protein than someone that does not exercise. Every single plant contains essential amino acids, just in different proportions. The right amount needs to be consumed across the board, with the right combinations.

If you think that you are not getting in enough protein, then why not look at a vegan protein powder like ProPeas by Aim? This protein powder made of field peas contains 12g of protein per serving. Add it to smoothies or porridge. Find it on myaimstore.com/healthamplified

Meat does not contain the fibre and anti-oxidants that our body needs. Meat also takes much longer to digest. Carnivores have a shorter digestive tract than humans, so meat digests differently to plants and plant material breaks down quicker in order to be utilised.

Plant based nutrition does not mean having lots of sugar, refined carbohydrates and dairy to fill up your day, and having vegetables and a salad for supper. Plant fats and oils combined with plant protein and vegetables will satisfy your hunger and fill you up, leaving fruit, raw honey and dates to satisfy your sweet tooth. By giving your meals substance and adding flavour, you can turn it into a hearty meal with a little bit of planning. So much so that you don’t necessarily miss the meat on your plate.

I know many people and campaigns go for “Meatless Mondays” and think that it will do the trick. It might soothe the conscience a little, But I don’t think that it will bring rewards in the long run. Instead of having one day without meat, try flipping it around to “Meaty Mondays”, or save the meat for the weekend.

What about starting a “Mushroom Monday”? It sounds really corny, but mushrooms can be meaty and fleshy, savoury and saucy, which tick all the boxes in the meat category. With mushrooms being so freely available, as well as having the choice of having exotic mushrooms, you can add it to many dishes or make it the star of the show.

My mom used to tell me that my parents used to go to a particular restaurant in the city before they had children. You know what they always ordered? Mushrooms on toast! Mushrooms weren’t freely available then, and was only for the more distinguished or elite.

I watched a French movie a long time ago, about a lady chef that was hired to cook for the French president. One of his favourite things to do, was to go to the kitchen after hours, and have the chef make him truffle mushrooms on toast!

I know that truffles are rare and expensive, but my point is that we have such a variety of fruit and vegetables at our disposal. You can prepare it as basic or extravagant as you want, even if it is mushrooms on freshly baked sourdough bread. You’re probably thinking that mushrooms are expensive. Is it more expensive than meat? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a predominantly plant-based diet, it does take a little more planning and initiative at the beginning, until you get the hang of it. I will be writing a series on plant-based nutrition and going into more detail, to help teach and guide you in the right direction in the next few blogs.

Many blessings.

Lizelle

 

Recipe:

Mushrooms on toast

 

This makes a great Saturday lunch or Sunday dinner. We used exotic mushrooms, but you can use what’s available in your area. Brown mushrooms are meatier than button mushrooms, with more depth in flavour.

Slowly fermented sourdough bread (or any wholegrain bread)

1 Packet mushrooms

1 tsp miso paste (or half tsp Marmite)

Olive oil

Rosemary herbs

Lemon juice

*We used rosemary and lemon natural seasoning this time.

-Slice mushrooms.

-Fry in a little olive oil, or saute in a little water until just softened.(Mushrooms make their own liquid as it cooks)

-Add miso paste and herbs.

-Saute 1 minute, remove from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice.

-Top sourdough toast with mushrooms. Add course black pepper and sliced spring onions.

-Enjoy!

 

 

 

Fresh

 

Fresh!

Aaaaaah, the smell of a freshly cleaned house, powder fresh clothing, and sea breeze air freshener. How about all those whiffs that you take in the supermarket when deciding on a fabric softener, toilet cleaner or air freshener?

Many people are unaware that it takes just a few seconds for the toxic ingredients that our skin comes in contact with to be absorbed and enter into our blood streams.

Chemicals in conventional laundry products are linked to a variety of diseases ranging from eczema, allergies, to cancer. Many of the ingredients are toxic and hazardous to your health. Our clothing, bedding, towels and wash cloths all have constant contact with our skin. Remember that our skins can absorb these chemicals leading to chemical overload.

What is hiding in your cleaning products that can be a cause of your allergies or ailments? You may be scrubbing away and killing all the germs, but what effect do these chemicals have on your family’s health?

It might smell clean and sterile, but what fumes are you inhaling in the process while cleaning? What about the lingering smell that you are then exposed to? If you are not doing the cleaning yourselves, then think of your domestic cleaner’s health and wellbeing.

Do you know that bleach irritates the lungs, skin and delicate eye area? It can damage the mucous membranes and contribute to headaches.

There is absolutely nothing “fresh” about air fresheners or room sprays. Do yourselves a favour and read the ingredients on yours. Are there chemical and artificial fragrances that can influence your hormonal system by disrupting the delicate balance?

Cleaning products are not required to provide a full list of ingredients on their labels. They are apparently only required to list the chemicals that are active disinfectants.

What now??

There ARE ways to have a clean and fresh home without using harmful chemicals to help eliminate bacteria, viruses and odours. Vinegar, water, bicarbonate of soda, lemons and citrus peels are all natural cleansers and can even kill mould.

You can make your own air fresheners and room sprays by mixing distilled water (or cooled down boiled water), witch hazel or alcohol and essential oils. Maybe it is time for you to invest in a good diffuser or air purifier using water and essential oils instead of artificial fragrances.

What would you think if I told you that a bacteria called Bacillicus can clean your home? It sounds ridiculous, right? Well, I’ve got news for you! This special strain creates enzymes that then destroy bad bacteria by eating them. This in turn helps to remove dirt grime, stains, mal odours and organic substances. These enzymes work with us, not against us.

The different beneficial enzymes that are produced then target different areas;

*Lipase breaks down fats and grease.

*Amalase breaks down starch which acts as glue for dirt to stick to.

*Protease breaks down protein such as meat.

*Cellulase breaks down food texturisers and thickeners.

*Pectinase breaks down fruit and juice-based stains.

Now these enzymes break down these different components into smaller particles which makes it easier to remove. It’s a double win! The biological population of good bacteria is restored, and the good bacteria eats away the bad bacteria, without leaving harmful chemicals behind.

These enzyme-based cleaners by GreenWorx Bio Cleaning Solutions are useful for biofilm removal. This is a “hood” that bad bacteria hide under which chemicals and medication then struggle to penetrate.  Enzyme cleaners are more effective on biofilms.

Enough of the technical and biological info! GreenWorx enzymatic washing powder is  by far the best I’ve used, leaving colours brighter and more vibrant. Clothes literally feel cleaner without being stripped.

I personally don’t use a fabric softener. I use GreenWorx ‘s washing powder and add a few drops essential oils like Lavender into the fabric softener area of my machine. I use Tea Tree Oil for dog blankets instead of Lavender oil.

Their dishwashing soap is non-drying on hands (For those that don’t use gloves). The enzymes will help soften your skin while washing.

GreenWorx hand sanitiser is non-drying on hands putting good bacteria on your skin while killing off the bad bacteria, without stripping your skin.

Most of their products come in handy spray bottles which make it easy to handle. These can also be refilled. I suggest making a concerted effort to try these amazing products before making your own conclusion.

You can go to the links below to browse their catalogue to find your preferred products.

https://greenworx-mpu.co.za/catalogue

https://greenworx-mpu.co.za

info@greenworx-mpu.co.za

Remember, their bugs eat yours!

Blessings.

Lizelle

 

The Gift of Frankincense

 

The Gift of Frankincense

Frankincense truly is a gift. When I think of all the wonderful benefits that it has, then it almost doesn’t make “cense” not to have it in your home. It really does help with almost any ailment, bump, scratch and symptom.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were gifts to Jesus from the wise men when He was born. Surely gifts to the King from wise men must carry some significant weight? Now whether it was the oil or the resin it doesn’t matter, because this unique, woody, spicy and earthy gift can definitely make a positive impact on anyone’s health.

Frankincense oil is also known as Olibanum and is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Resin is a gum-like tree sap that has dried to an almost crystal-like substance. The oil comes from the sap.

I challenge you to make a tick next to the star where your family’s needs are;

*Nasal congestion

*Sore throat

*Anti-inflammatory

*Asthma, bronchitis, mucus buildup

*Anxiety, stress, tension

*Helps clear up colds and flu

*Effective cancer fighting substance

*Decreases fine lines and wrinkles

*Heals scars and wounds

*Helps with feelings of depression, anxiety and tension

*Calming and grounding

*Hay fever

*Pain relief

*Fights tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath

*Osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis relief

*Helps the brain with memory and Dementia

*Headache and migraine relief

I know! I told you that it helps for a myriad of complaints! We have been using Frankincense oil and resin for a few years now, and I really can’t see how we lived without it. We take a piece of resin everyday along with some kind of green powder such as BarleyLife. Click on the link to order BarleyLife powder or capsules here; myaimstore.com/healthamplified

Sometimes we suck and chew on the resin or we swallow it with some water. You start with a match stick tip size and can work your way up to 1 cm piece. I suggest sucking your resin if you suffer from sinus issues, hay fever, tooth decay or gum disease, sore or scratchy throat and blocked or painful ears.

The Ancient Biblical Oil that I prefer is their Frankincense Oil Blend that is a 3% blend in cold pressed olive oil. It is easy to use without prior blending, and kids can also use it straight away. The oils also come in concentrate that still needs to be blended in a carrier oil if you prefer to mix your own.

A very interesting study was done to prove that Frankincense has such strong anti-bacterial properties. A piece of resin was chewed, saliva samples then indicated reduced numbers of microbes. Amazing!

Best of all, it helps to balance hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS, reducing menstrual cramping, nausea, headaches and mood swings. And definitely not just for the ladies if you know what I mean…

For those struggling to break free from the grips of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and any inflammatory gut conditions, this will assist your body on its way to recovery.  

Yes, the Frankincense oil blend is safe to use during pregnancy. A wonderful gift from above for mommies to be. There are quite a few testimonies where it helped ladies with their labour management. Rub over hip and pelvic joints and bones, lower back, stomach and the temples.

Remember to make full use of the oil by cupping your hands and inhaling deeply after an oil application.

I strongly recommend using your Frankincense resin in the morning and applying the oil at night. It will assist you in having a good night’s sleep. If you have a sore throat or some underlying issue, I suggest taking the resin twice a day.

Don’t forget your beauty routine ladies. With its anti-aging benefits and anxiety, stress and tension fighting properties, you’ll definitely be treated from the inside and out. Resin from the inside and a little oil on your face at night. It sounds like a win win to me!

You can order your Frankincense Oil and Resin here:

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

Many blessings.

Lizelle

Recipe:

Millionaire squares:

Base:

2 cups ground oatmeal

Half cup raw honey

1 cup unsweetened peanut butter

1tsp vanilla

-Mix well in food processor or by hand, press into a lined pan, 1cm in thickness.

Caramel:

1 block pressed dates

Half tin coconut cream

Half tsp cinnamon

-Soak cut up pressed dates in warm water for 15 minutes.

-Discard water.

Place in a small saucepan with the coconut cream.

-Simmer, stir often and mash until smooth.

-Add cinnamon.

-Cool slightly, pour over the base and place in the fridge or freezer.

Topping:

1 Large slab dark chocolate. (We used Bournville.)

1 Tbsp coconut oil

-Melt the chocolate, add in coconut oil and melt.

-Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer.

-Place back in the fridge until just set.

-Carefully slice into squares and place back into the fridge until 15 minutes before serving.

*You can also freeze these in an airtight container.

You’ll feel like a millionaire, fit for a king!!

 

 

 

Sugar Addiction

 

        Sugar Addiction

Yes, yes, we all know by now that we must cut down on sugar because you are already sweet enough… Some live by the motto that you only live once, so indulge in every occasion. Others say when it’s your time to go then it’s your time to go. But there is a difference in living a life where you have energy or when life is literally a drag, doesn’t matter how much time you have.

I do not know about you, but I don’t like to feel unwell, weary, exhausted and on medication. Take responsibility and ownership of your health today and move a few steps closer to abundant energy, clear thinking and stable hormones.

In my previous blog I spoke about sugar, sugar addiction and the negative impact that it has on your physical and emotional state. We need to take action and make changes where we can, without living in further denial and postponing divine health. Be kind to your immune system today.

Are you addicted to sugar? Do some introspection over the next week or so and take notice of where you are consuming sugar, how much of it you are getting in, how it makes you feel and why you are using it. Is it the sweet taste, the temporary sugar high, or are you trying to numb emotional pain and heartache or just plain old boredom? It will help you to keep a food journal for a week or two and writing down when you are having sugar and why. The sugar really does add up.

Are you feeling sad, lonely, angry, frustrated or guilty? It is time to control these emotions and sort them out. Forgiveness is one of the biggest keys to optimal health. Firstly, we need to forgive ourselves for mistakes we’ve made, doesn’t matter how big or small. Then we need to start walking through the process of forgiving others. You will be turning the key that leads to a door of freedom. Where do you think your addiction came in?

Where did your addiction begin? If you start dealing with the emotions then you won’t have to constantly fight the battle inside of you that is the driving force in the first place. We need to take authority over our health and empower yourself by walking through the process. Once you start dealing with this, excess weight will start dropping, cravings will subside and energy levels will increase.

Your body does need refined sugar to make energy, but the correct sugar. Delicious fruit, sweet dates, coconut, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, millet, buckwheat, corn. Start incorporating these ingredients into your lifestyle. The correct carbohydrates will be changed to energy. Then slowly remove all the breads, cakes, biscuits, sugary cereals, refined pastas, chocolates and sweets. Enjoy a good piece of bread now and again, and have some dark chocolate when the craving is overwhelming. (See recipe below.)

Look sugar addiction in the eye and say, no more, your time is up.

If you would like to order whole plant food concentrate powders to help you in your healing process, then you can go to my online AIM shop;

myaimstore.com/healthamplified

For Essential oils and resins you can click on the following link;

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

 

Recipe:

Fudgy pecan medjool dates:

Medjool dates

Pecan halves

Melted dark chocolate

Coconut oil

Toothpicks

-Slice your dates in halve without cutting right through.

-Place 1 or 2 pecan halves in the centre and close the date.

-Melt the chocolate in a deep bowl and add a few drops melted coconut oil to the chocolate to give it a nice sheen look.

-Place a toothpick into the date to make handling a little easier.

-Dip the date into the melted chocolate. You can use a spoon to help in covering the date.

-Place on a wired rack that has baking paper underneath.

-Remove the toothpicks when the chocolate has set.

-Place in an airtight container.

Blessings

Lizelle

Sugar & Spice

 

Sugar & Spice

Sugar and spice and all things nice! Don’t these words conjure up images of cinnamon sugar pancakes, doughnuts and Christmas cookies!?

Most people naturally gravitate towards sweeter things and it brings joy to most faces. But the joy can be short lived when it turns into rollercoaster emotions, tantrums, lack of concentration and decreased performance levels. Never mind the exhaustion, feelings of depression, muscle pain and cravings the next day.

Most people think twice before they pay for a ripe, juicy mango or paw-paw. How many of you put the same thought into it when buying a chocolate? Society has moulded us and taught us to have sugar from as young as toddler age. It is a mindset. We grow up on rewards of sweets, prizes are chocolates, special occasions are cakes. What about not totally removing it from your diet and being left with feelings of deprivation and rather looking at healthier alternatives or substituting ingredients?

I’m aware of many adults that enjoy treating children and grandchildren with sugary treats. Why not change the treat to a heathier alternative, a day out somewhere or a saltier snack?

The sad part for me is that many adults and grandparents don’t even eat the sugary treats themselves, but give it to those little ones. What they don’t realise, is that they are doing more damage than harm, creating addiction and associating love with sugar.

Our nation is addicted to processed, refined sugar. What example are you setting as parent and grandparent for the younger generations? Look at all the tv commercials and marketing strategies, who is their target market? I’m not talking about the odd indulgence here and there, I’m talking about cereals, snacks, lunch boxes, milky drinks, toys in the sweets etc.

What many people don’t realise, is that you can re-train your tastebuds into not wanting the same amount of sweetness as usual. Instead of replacing sugar with 1:1 ratio sugar alternative, try to reduce the level of sweetness in order to re-train your tastebuds. Change 3 tsp of sugar in your tea, coffee or breakfast to 2 tsp. You can reduce it to 1 tsp the following week. Things might taste bitter or bland the first week or so, until you realise that you were actually after the sugar and not the food or tea in the first place.

By enjoying whole fruit and increasing your fruit intake, you will be getting the right kind of sugar for your brain. Yes, your brain needs the sugar, but in the correct form. Whole fruit also contains fibre, which helps to fill you up, and it acts as a slow release for the sugar. Remember that different fruit have different sugar levels.

Did you know that refined, processed sugar temporarily disrupts your white blood cells that must fight off sickness and disease?

Did you know that sugar disrupts your hormonal system, which is in charge of most functions and systems in your body? Never mind the havoc that it creates on your emotions.

Did you know that disrupted hormones contribute to bad PMS, skin breakouts, weight gain, aggression, irritation, exhaustion and short temper?

Did you know that Candida overgrowth increases with sugar consumption?

What is the SUGAR ADDICTION CYCLE?

*The sugar in your blood spikes.

*Then you feel good, have energy, speak more than usual, feel confident and have a wonderful time.

*The downer sets in. You feel emotional, tantrums start manifesting, you become demanding.

*Exhaustion sets in, short temper and irritation sets in, a feeling of being “hung over”.

*You need more sugar to feel good and capable again.

A must read is a book called “Sugar Shock” by Connie Bennet. It is such an eye opener and you will be able to identify with it in more than one way.

Cinnamon is warming, comforting and a natural sweetener. Cinnamon is my favourite spice, and is not just made for pancakes and Christmas! It can kick a punch in many areas of the body. The oil can be a very potent oil, so use it wisely.

What can cinnamon oil do for you?

*Anti-inflammatory, eases joint pains

*Anti-microbial

*Cleansing

*Helps with neurological disorders

*Helps to regulate blood sugar levels

*Fights parasites

*Stimulates the immune system

*Alleviates menstrual cramps

*Helps with blood circulation

*Warms the body

*Natural acne treatment

*Natural aphrodisiac

A had a Russian friend in a previous town where we stayed who taught me to drink Cinnamon tea. You place cinnamon sticks in a flask and then cover it with boiling water. You then enjoy it a few hours later. Now I have tweaked it a bit. I use 2 Rooibos tea bags with 2 cinnamon sticks in a litre flask. Let everything infuse and steep for at least 2 hours. Enjoy a quarter to half a cup every now and again. If you have too much at a time, it can dry out your mucous membranes. You won’t believe how sweet it tastes!!

Sugar is addictive, and advertising campaigns are fuel on an existing fire. Break the cycle and don’t let sugar break you. In my next blog, I will be helping you to transition to a sweeter life, without sugar.

If you would like to order my favourite essential oil, you can go to my Ancient Biblical Oils link:

Ancientbiblicaloils.co.za?ref=lizellecillie

AIM’s GlucoChrom helps to support healthy blood sugar levels. This is a unique combination of chromium, bitter melon etc, to alleviate fatigue, irritability and cravings. These natural ingredients make cells more receptive to insulin improving the overall processing of insulin.

AIM’s Barleylife, Just Carrots and Redibeets are all-natural plant powder concentrates packed with enzymes, essential amino acids, anti-inflammatory support, immune boosting to give you a good foundation, especially when transitioning to a healthier lifestyle.

You can order the above AIM products from my AIM store here:

www.myaimstore.com/healthamplified

If you would like to ask me any questions, need advice, would like to book a consultation privately or online, you are welcome to send me an email at healthamplified@outlook.com

Many blessings.

Lizelle