"I love food and I love eating. But, I don’t love dieting."

I highly recommend this read! Great inspiration for your summer weight loss goal! 

http://carrotsncake.com/weight-loss 

Organic VS Non-Organic

     When you go to the grocery store, do you check the label of your food to see if it is organic or non-organic? 

     Organic food is classified as meat, dairy products, poultry and eggs that are given zero growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic produce is grown without using pesticides and other harsh chemicals. 

    With that being said, some produce contains higher levels of pesticides and chemicals than others. Experts have created two lists- the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen" to help us out. The Dirty Dozen are the top twelve foods you should purchase organic because they contain extremely high levels of pesticides. It's counterpart, Clean Fifteen are the top fifteen foods that contain low levels of pesticides and don't necessarily need to be purchased organic.

    Dirty Dozen 

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Cherries
8. Grapes
9. Celery
10. Tomatoes
11. Sweet Bell Peppers
12. Potatoes  

   Clean Fifteen 

1. Sweet Corn
2. Avocados
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Onions 
6. Frozen Sweet Peas
7. Papayas 
8. Asparagus 
9. Mangoes
10. Eggplant
11. Honeydew Melon
12. Kiwi
13. Cantaloupe 
14. Cauliflower 
15. Grapefruit   

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list.php  https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean_fifteen_list.php  https://draxe.com/dirty-dozen/  http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural/15_foods_you_dont_need_to_buy_organic  

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/health/the-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-of-produce/616/ 

http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-organic-food-healthier-than-non-organic-foods 

http://www.organic.org/home/faq#faq1 

Protect Your Skin From The Summer Heat

Your skin is the largest organ on the human body. During summer months, harmful UV rays can damage your skin and cause serious health issues. Protect your skin by using these helpful tips. 

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every couple of hours
• Wear protective clothing that covers the skin
• Use sunglasses and hats to protect your face
• Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated
• Limit the amount of sun exposure you receive 

Superfoods we all need!

  We've all heard since we were kids to eat our fruits and veggies. Now, it is a well known fact that a serving of fruits or vegetables is key in a healthy diet. But, most of us were never told about a thing called a Superfood!

     So, what exactly is a Superfood? A Superfood is a nutrient-rich food which is said to be extremely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. These items tend to have higher levels of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that we need maintain a healthy functioning body! 

    For example, just one medium sized orange contains your ENTIRE recommended daily intake for Vitamin C. Isn't that crazy? Plus, Vitamin C is vital to keep your immune system running smoothly. 

    Here are some of the top Superfoods you need to add to your everyday diet: 

• Kale 

This green veggie is not only versatile in the many ways you can prepare it, but it is packed full of antioxidants; more than most other vegetables. It is also a great source of iron, calcium and fiber. It can be added to salad, steamed or even turned into a crunch snack!  

• Pineapple 

This sweet fruit is not only delicious, but can help reduce bloating and help break down food easier due to being high in the enzyme bromelain. 

• Apples 

The saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" was no joke! This classic favorite is packed full of fiber and multiple B Vitamins. But, what most don't know is the skin of an apple contains high levels of quercetin. Quercetin is an antixoidant with antihistamines and strong anti-inflammatory powers. 

• Cauliflower 

Cauliflower, although lacking popularity, should not be looked over! This vegetable has tons of benefits. It is full of glucosinolates which are said to help prevent and fight certain cancers. The phytochemicals, which sometimes gives cauliflower a bitter taste, protects the lungs and stomach from carcinogens. 

• Watermelon 

This summertime favorite is high in lycopene, which protects your body from harmful chemicals sometimes found in pesticides on foods and is a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. 

• Lentils 

Lentils are not only easy to prepare and cook, but they are full of protein, fiber and iron. The iron in lentils is said to help fight off anemia which a lot of vegans or vegetarians suffer from. It is also low on the glycemic index which will prevent blood sugar from rising like many other starches.

• Cherries

These little guys are not one to be looked over. The deep red color found in cherries is plentiful in an antioxadant called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin helps reduce inflammation, muscle pain and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. They also contain melatonin which can help you fall asleep easier. 

• Spinach

It's no wonder Popeye absolutely loved spinach! Spinach is full with antioxidants to help support bone health and vision. 

• Blackberries 

These berries are some of the most impressive Super-Fruits out there! They have some of the highest levels of antioxidants in fruit you can find. They are also rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are said to help prevent cardiovasular disease, cancers and osteoporosis. 

"Let food be thy medicine

and medicine be thy food"

• managing chronic disease

• medications are strongly recommended

• diabetes

• cardiovascular problems

• high blood pressure

• digestive issues or IBS

• food allergies or sensitivities

• when weight loss surgeries seem like your only option.

• you're pregnant.....breastfeeding

• you need to gain or lose weight

• you need improved sports performance

• you need more energy!

• you want to feed your family healthy meals

• someone you love has an eating disorder