Healthy Living Pittsburgh

Being the awesome naturopathic intern that I am, I have spent the last 4 years adeptly avoiding the 'Oz' of naturopathic medicine: the Elim Diet.

A term familiar to all naturopathic students and a concept repelling to patients, the 'elim diet' (a.k.a. the hypoallergenic or elimination diet) is used by NDs to identify food sensitivities.

While food allergies are more easily identified (eat a peanut, throat closes) food sensitivities are less obvious because of the delayed and more subtle symptoms that follow (eat toast, stomach bloats 30 minutes later).

1 ripe banana
2c baby spinach
1 1/2c nut milk
1-2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
2 tsp flaxseed
1/2 c filtered water
2 tbsp maple syrup
ice as desired

I use a Vita Mix to blend until creamy. If you do not have a high powered blender...you can mix the ingredients 2-3 at a time and adding as you go...ice last.
Enjoy!!!

YUM!

Check out the Recipe:  No-Cook Tomato and Watermelon Soup  (147 calories per serving).  Especially good in the summer when it's just too darn hot to stand over the stove.  But delicious any time of the year.  Try it - you'll be surprised at how it tastes!

Do you have a "tastes better than it sounds" recipe that is good for you? 

Thursday - March 7, 2013

Strength Building Yoga - Rodney Yee - Prepare for Yoga Headstand

 I have been doing yoga for about 3 years now and consider myself an advanced beginner. I understand all of the basic moves and have been strengthen my core by doing a lot of plank exercises over the past month.

I feel I am now ready to take my practice to the next level and learn how to do a headstand.

Don't be restrictive!

Don't be restrictive with your diet or lifestyle, that is when people start giving up or giving in to cravings. A well rounded diet should have things you enjoy to keep you interested and motivated. Just because its healthy doesn't mean it has to be plain and boring! There are always healthy alternatives to your favourites, just need some imagination and will power to find or create them!

1 head broccoli, chopped
1 head cauliflower, chopped
1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (you can use canned)
1 tbsp. melted coconut oil
Salt

For the dressing:
½ cup cashews, soaked
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. tahini
1 large garlic clove
¼ tsp. sea salt
6 tbsp. water, or as needed to thin out

1. Soak cashews in a bowl of water overnight or for 8 hours.

General
• Limit frequency of restaurant dining and fast food
• Limit frequency and portion size of desserts
• Drink 8-11 cups of water daily
• Avoid or limit all beverages with calories
• Make slow, gradual changes to nutrition plan

Vegetables
• Eat a variety of vegetables as frequently as possible
• Try to include all colors throughout the week (red, orange, green, yellow, purple)