COLD SOUPS TO NOURISH (AND HYDRATE) YOU: While we often reach for a glass of water to stay hydrated, there's a delightful alternative that many overlook—hydrating with meals! Cold soups, especially those prepared with the right ingredients, can provide a significant boost in your daily water intake.
Read moreEAT COLORFULLY AND LIVE VIBRANTLY
Did you know that EVERY COLOR of the foods we eat in nature carries a code that unlocks levels of your health? Your body needs a variety of essential nutrients to feed specific organs, functions, and energy systems that give your brain, body, and beauty life. When you hear sayings like “eat the rainbow” or “eat vibrantly” to some that may be a bag of Skittles but at Whole Body Beautiful we take that to heart for your health. When you see our recipes, food choices, or ingredients on social media, we’re not just trying to make your plate look pretty, we are making sure that your plate of food is wholesome, delicious, energizing, and giving you everything you need to thrive!
THE YELLOW BAG OF CHIPS OR THE YELLOW BANANA? Which do you think your body would actually benefit from?
Ok, I know this may seem simplistic and obvious but it’s there to make you take stock of what you’re putting into your body. The nourishment in a yellow bag of chips is next to nothing compared to a yellow banana. Not only have I seen the yellow bag of chips cause inflammation, weight gain and constant hunger due to the empty calories, but the processing alone can send your body into a tailspin. A yellow banana on the other hand, can improve blood sugar levels, keep you satiated and feeling full, is great for gut and digestive health and most of all is full of essential nutrients your body can actually use.
You see, your brain will know what to do with that banana, trust me. It will immediately put those nutrients to work - efficiently. Whereas, with a bag of chips, your brain will have to study and look up the paragraph of ingredients and try to figure out how to best use those things it cannot pronounce and are foreign in nature. In the long run that stuff can really hurt your health!
When your eyes see a colorful plate of whole foods, your brain takes in so much information. It activates your taste buds anticipating a range of flavors, textures, and most of all nutrients. This sensory experience not only makes eating more enjoyable but also sends signals to your body that it's about to receive the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber, adaptogens, and so much more. Colors like that nourish everything in your entire body and over time it adapts accordingly. (Hopefully in the best way, if you’re doing it right!)
We all know what it’s like when someone we love experiences a major health crisis that could have been prevented with nutrition that works with your health rather than against it. Before that becomes a topic in our conversation, let’s explore the colors of real food and match them to your health needs. I promise you’ll think twice before reaching for the yellow bag of chips or the red wrapped candy bar when you see what these colors can do for you!
1. RED:
WHY IT’S VITAL FOR YOUR HEALTH: Red fruits and vegetables are not only visually appealing but they are packed with powerful antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, they promote healthy aging by protecting your cells from damage.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES RED: Red foods excite your taste buds, increase your appetite, and stimulate energy.
OUR FAVORITE RED FOODS: Tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries, watermelon, cherries, raspberries, beets, pomegranates.
2. ORANGE AND YELLOW:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: The vibrant colors of orange and yellow signify beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This essential nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health. Additionally, beta-carotene acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES ORANGE AND YELLOW: Orange and yellow foods evoke happiness, satisfaction and energizes your whole body.
OUR FAVORITE ORANGE AND YELLOW FOODS: Carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, apricots, yellow bell peppers, papaya.
3. GREEN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Green foods are synonymous with vitality and health. “Eat your greens”, is not an old wives’ tale. Greens are rich in chlorophyll, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for various bodily functions. Chlorophyll helps to detoxify your body, while fiber supports healthy digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. Additionally, the vitamins and minerals found in green foods contribute to strong bones, a robust immune system, and glowing skin.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES GREEN: Greens bring about a sense of serenity, balance, joy, and creates natural, wholesome energy.
OUR FAVORITE GREEN FOODS: Spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, avocado, kiwi, green apples, cucumber.
4. BLUE AND PURPLE:|
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: Blue and purple foods are not only visually beautiful, but they are also packed with potent antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. They support brain health, improve cognitive function, and promote longevity.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES BLUE AND PURPLE: Blue and purple bring about a sense of relaxation, a healthy decrease in appetite and peace, calm, and serenity.
OUR FAVORITE BLUE AND PURPLE FOODS: Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, plums, eggplant, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, figs.
5. WHITE AND TAN:
WHY IT’S VITAL TO YOUR HEALTH: While they may not be as colorful as other fruits and vegetables, believe it or not, white and tan foods offer BIG health benefits. They contain unique compounds such as allicin in garlic and quercetin in onions, which have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, white and tan foods provide essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which support immune function, bone health, and cardiovascular health.
WHEN YOUR BRAIN SEES WHITE AND TAN: These colors give you a sense of calm. It also evokes comfort, purity and hope.
OUR FAVORITE WHITE AND TAN FOODS: Garlic, onions, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, jicama, parsnips.
The next time you’re perusing the produce aisle, local farmers market, or planning your meals, remember to embrace the beauty of eating colorfully. Think of all the ways you can pack in the most nutrients in one bite so your body and brain will never have to worry about colorful wrappers with empty calories.
When you savor the full spectrum of what nature has to offer, you care for your whole body in a way that gives it life - FOR LIFE!
Diving Into Cleansing Foods for a Radiant Y-O-U!
Is your body telling you that it’s ready for spring? As the world awakens from its winter slumber and the blossoms are beginning to sprout, spring offers us a beautiful opportunity to refresh and renew our bodies and minds. It's the perfect time for rejuvenation. A time to cleanse out the old and kickstart your new path towards vibrant health and vitality.
WHY A SPRING RENEWAL:
Spring renewal and “detoxing” is more than just a trend; it's a natural response to the changing seasons. During winter, our bodies tend to accumulate toxins from hearty comfort foods, reduced physical activity, and exposure to indoor pollutants. Springtime cleansing allows us to shed those toxins, boost our energy levels, and revitalize our overall well-being.
BENEFITS OF A SPRING RENEWAL:
Increased Energy: Experience a surge of vitality as you release what no longer serves you and weighs you down. Let's pave the way for a more vibrant life.
Enhanced Well-being: Improve your overall sense of wellness by nurturing your body with fresh, nourishing foods and mindful practices.
Clarity of Mind: Clear away brain fog and enhance focus and mental acuity for a sharper mind and focus to approach life with renewed vigor.
Glowing Radiance: Start to discover your natural radiance again as you support your body's ability to thrive, resulting in a healthier and natural glow.
Balanced Body: Achieve a sense of balance within your body, supporting a healthy weight, digestive function, and reducing cravings for unhealthy foods.
MOVE FROM WINTER TO SPRING HEALTHILY::
Approaching a spring renewal with gentle care and attention to your body's needs is important. Just as moving from summer to winter took time to settle in, so does pulling out of winter's grasp and emerging into spring.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to support your body's natural hydration processes which helps flush out any stagnant toxins.
Eat Clean and Nourish:. Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your body with vitality. Minimize processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. (See list below.)
Move Your Body: Engage in exercise and joyful movement. A walk in nature, dancing to your favorite music, practicing yoga or swimming.This also stimulates circulation and promotes the body's natural cleansing mechanisms.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling to support your body's transition as well as reconnecting with yourself and the world around you.
Get Adequate Sleep: Always rest and recharge! Prioritize sleep to allow your body enough time for repair and regeneration.
REGENERATIVE + DETOXIFYING FOODS FOR YOUR SPRING RENEWAL PLAN:
Leafy Greens: Load up on nutrient-rich leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula. These greens are packed with chlorophyll, which helps to cleanse and oxygenate the blood.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are excellent choices for supporting liver detoxification. They're rich in sulfur compounds that aid in the body's natural detox processes.
Citrus Fruits: Incorporate citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits into your diet. They're high in vitamin C, which supports the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant involved in detoxification.
Berries: Enjoy a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These colorful fruits are loaded with antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals and support cellular detoxification.
Herbs and Spices: Add flavor and detoxifying benefits to your meals with herbs and spices like cilantro, parsley, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. These culinary treasures are known for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Green Tea: Swap your usual cup of coffee for green tea, which is rich in catechins, antioxidants that support liver function and promote detoxification.
Artichokes: Incorporate artichokes into your meals to support liver health and bile production, which aids in the digestion and elimination of toxins from the body.
Asparagus: This spring vegetable is not only delicious but also a natural diuretic, helping to flush excess fluids and toxins from the body.
Seeds: Snack on seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds. They're rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which promote bowel regularity and support detoxification.
Probiotic-Rich Foods: Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet. These probiotic-rich foods help to support gut health and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.
READY TO EMBRACE YOUR SPRING RENEWAL?
I'm here to support you in creating a personalized renewal plan tailored to YOUR needs, goals, and preferences. Reach out to schedule your FREE 20-minute spring wellness consultation and let's get you renewed with vitality and radiance! Remember nothing happens overnight so be kind to yourself. Your spring path to renewal is a unique one. Just like YOU!
Happy and Healthy Spring,
Lisa
Unlock Your Brain's Potential With These Brain Optimizing Rituals
Learn how to nourish your neurons and unlock the full potential of your amazing brain!
Read moreGratitude
Gratitude is one of the simplest, yet immensley powerful emotions that will not only transform your life, but also your health.
We all have so much to be thankful for and equally as much to look forward to!
In gratitude,
Lisa
Tips to help you be more grateful
Live in the moment
Don't just go through the motions, relish the feeling and the moment you are in.Savor it.
Be content and don't compare
The happiest people are those who are appreciative with what they have now and not comparing themselves to others. It is not easy at times because that is what we are programed to do, but that is a sure way to rob you of your self worth.
Use your words
By using positive, enlightening, and motivating words you will feel more grateful.Even mentally, stop the negative chatter. Negativity or stressful words trigger a feeling of worthlessness and should be avoided.
Helping others
Helping others not only makes us feel good but it also shows us the value in our own lives. Donating your time, energy, education, money, whatever it takes, big or small will make an impact not only to someone's life but to your own.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
A simple word or two a day for what you are grateful for is all that's needed. It will keep you aware and present on the positive. You can even create a board of people and experiences that you find you are grateful for.
Share your gratitude
"Feeling your gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it" - William Arthur Ward
Gratefully yours,
Lisa Fallon Mindel, CHHP