You may or may not have heard to “shop the perimeter of the grocery store,” and you may or may not know the reasoning as to why this is recommended. If you think about your local grocery store, you’ll notice that produce, the deli, meat, dairy, and frozen foods surround the center aisles of the store. You’ll also notice that these items are not processed to minimally processed foods, and this is why it is recommended to “shop the perimeter of the grocery store” first, saving the shopping for more processed foods for last. Typically a person who has already filled up their cart with healthier options is less likely to add a lot of unhealthy, highly processed food to their carts. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, it’s best to spend your money on foods that will nourish your body, and adding those foods to your cart first will save you from wasting your money on foods full of empty calories.
While this suggestion holds some truth – that most of the minimally process foods are found around the perimeter of the store – that doesn’t mean EVERYTHING found there is healthy, nor does it mean EVERYTHING that is found within the inner aisles is unhealthy. For example, lunch meat, hot dogs, and bacon are highly process foods that are located along the perimeter of the store, while dry and canned beans, canned fruit, and canned vegetables – minimally processed, healthy food options, are located within the center aisles. While grocery shopping, I would suggest shopping around the perimeter of the store first and using your best judgement when it comes to the choices you make. Choose minimally processed, locally grown, organic foods when possible. To better understand the various levels of the processing of foods, you can check out my blog post “What’s in a Bite – the Basics” from February 2017. Planning out meals for the week and making a list of what you’ll need, as well as avoiding grocery shopping while hungry, can also help you sidestep making unnecessary and possibly unhealthy purchases. I know a lot of people, myself included, hate grocery shopping, but planning out your trip and shopping the perimeter of the store will save you a lot of hassle. I know the grocery stores are quite daunting this time of year with the holidays quickly approaching, so good lunch, and Godspeed! Think positive, stay active, and smile. -A #healthyliving#healthylifestyle#nutritioncoach#werresnutrition#eatrealfood#nutrition#healthyeating
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Chances are you’ve heard or seen something about Himalayan salt lamps in social media, on TV, or from chatter from friends, but if you’re like me, you’re asking yourself, “Do these salt lamps REALLY work?” I’ve been wondering this myself, and recently a dear friend asked if I would do a blog post on the validity of said lamps – so here we are!
I’ve been doing a lot of research, and here’s what I’ve found. Himalayan salt lamps claim to purify air, reduce electromagnetic radiation and airborne infections, ease asthma and allergy symptoms, reduce anxiety and boost mood, and promote sleep. The lamps help purify air and ease asthma and allergy symptoms by attracting water molecules, trapping pollutants, and releasing water vapor back into the air. Salt therapy is now being used to treat COPD and is even being used in inhalers to help those with asthma and allergies. Salt lamps emit negative ions to combat positive ions released by cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, reducing electromagnetic radiation and producing biochemical reactions that increase serotonin in the bloodstream helping to improve mood and increase energy. The natural properties from the salt and the glow from the lamp also provide a calm and happy atmosphere, boosting mood and decreasing anxiety. These claims all have very little evidence to back them up, and there has been little to no scientific research conducted on Himalayan salt lamps. If these lamps do provide said benefits, you’ll need more than one to get the job done. It is suggested to place a few lamps in the room in which you and/or your family spend the most time. If you choose to purchase a Himalayan salt lamp, be on the lookout for fakes. Dr. Axe advises to be on the lookout for poor return policy, a highly durable item, a very bright light, inexpensive white crystal, no mention of Pakistan (where true Himalayan salt is mined), and is listed as a moisture-resistant item. These all point towards a salt imposter, and unless it’s just a nightlight you’re after, you should keep shopping around to maximize the benefits from your lamp. I was gifted a salt lamp a couple of months ago and have been using it regularly. Because I know what these lamps are supposed to do, I’m not sure that I can provide an unbiased opinion on whether or not the lamp is doing what it claims to do. I turn the lamp on almost every afternoon that I’m home, and if I’m sitting right next to it, I do feel that it helps some with my allergies (less sneezing, sniffling, nose blowing). This could be a placebo effect, or perhaps my salt lamp really is purifying the air around me and trapping the pollutants and allergens. I have not noticed a change in my sleep habits or my mood. Whether or not you choose to believe that Himalayan salt lamps work, they certainly won’t hurt, as long as you use caution during use, as with any other lamp. At the very least, you’ll be able to enjoy the soft, warm glow of the lamp, will add to your home’s décor, and can provide a great conversation piece when friends and family visit! Think positive, stay active, and smile. –A. https://draxe.com/himalayan-salt-lamp/ https://www.livescience.com/59328-himalayan-salt-lamp-faq.html #wellness #blog #nutrition #blogger #nutritioncoach #werresnutrition #healthyeating #healthylifestyle #healthychoices #HimalayanSaltLamp Hey guys! I just made one of my favorite snacks, and I wanted to share it with you! Maybe you've made kale chips before, and if you have, you know how easy - and tasty - they are! The ingredients are simple enough - a bunch of kale, olive oil, sea salt, and any of your other favorite seasonings. Preheat the oven to 350°F, trim kale leaves from the stems, tear into small pieces, and wash and dry (in a salad spinner or pat dry). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and spread kale evenly over pan. Coat kale evenly with about one tablespoon of olive oil (or coconut oil). I like to use a silicone baster to spread the olive oil evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt and/or any other seasoning(s) you love. I used sea salt and Cayenne pepper because I like it spicy! Once the oven is preheated, put the kale into the oven for 10-15 minutes. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and let your kale chips bake! I baked my chips for 15 minutes, which was a little too long, but 10 minutes wasn't long enough. I'd say shoot for 12-13 minutes, but every oven is different, so just keep an eye on your kale. Once you've removed the kale chips from the oven, let them cool for a minute or two before digging in! Enjoy!
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Allison WerresWife, nutrition coach, dog mom Archives
May 2018
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