Thiamin - the superhero of B vitamins

This past week Arnel and I moved homes. With our two small children, it was something of a whirlwind! Needless to say, our daily B vitamins were our lifeline! Thiamin (B1), is not often given much attention, but it is truly a powerhouse vitamin. Here are some fun facts about B1:

- B1 is critical for energy production. Aerobic respiration cannot take place without sufficient B1.
- B1 is key in supporting the nervous system, in particular the development of the myelin sheaths, the coverings which surround most nerves.
- Foods high in B1 include asparagus, spinach, sunflower seeds, green peas, brussel sprouts and eggplant.
- Signs that you may be low in Vitamin B1 include 'Pins and needles' sensations, calf muscle tenderness and numbness in the legs.
- The leading risk factor for B1 deficiency is alcoholism, heavy coffee and tea drinking.

We couldn't have done it without you, B1!

It wouldn't be summer without popsicles!

What would summer be without Popsicles? Nearly every one of us ate Popsicles growing up, and as I recall most of them were a bright, neon color! Jammed pack full of sugar, artificial colors and flavors, they aren't exactly the kind of snack I want my family devouring on hot, summer days.

Wholesome and nutritious Popsicles are super easy to make and taste a lot better than those bought in the store. Coconut milk is the key ingredient to make 'creamsicles' without dairy.

This is a basic recipe, but feel free to get creative! Follow your taste buds....

Makes 8 Tropical Treats!

1 13.5oz can coconut milk (light or regular)
2 cups of fresh pineapple
1 banana

1. Pour ingredients into a blender and puree
2. Pour into molds and freeze for at least 4 hours
3. Serve.

Enjoy!!!

Dermatologist can't believe how awesome natural skin product works!

I always love when my conventional counterparts are impressed with natural products, so when a client of mine told me her story visiting her dermatologist, it certainly made me smile. After experiencing severe chloasma (pregnancy skin discoloration), my client was referred for a photo facial and manditory 3 microdermabrasion treatments. After her photo facial, she met with her practitioner to commence her microdermabrasion treatments. The doctor was literally speechless. Never in her practice had she seen an instance where microdermabrasion wasn't needed, there was nothing to be removed! My client is 36, and was told her skin was that of a women in her mid-20s. She was shocked to learn that for the last 6 months my client had been using a manual, at home microdermabrasion product (Epidermx), and that it was all natural! The dermatologist was so impressed, she has since switched all her patients over to using it. Let's spread the word that there is no need for women to use toxic, endocrine distrupting chemicals to have beautiful skin!

To learn more about Epidermx visit: http://www.realskintherapy.com/

The best salad of all time...Hail to the Kale!

The sun is shining and we're heading to a BBQ this evening, so I've decided to bring my all-time favorite salad, Hale -to-the-Kale. It is so delicious and packed full of nutrients. Whenever someone tries it for the first time they ALWAYS ask for the recipe. You'll love it, guaranteed! Give it a try....

The recipe is courtesy of Planet Organic...their cookbook is awesome!

Ingredients:
1 bunch Kale, chopped very fine
3 cups Carrots, grated
1/2 head Red cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Tamari pumpkin seeds (see method below)
1/2 cup Tamari sunflower seeds (see method below)
1/2 cup Flax or hemp or sunflower oil
1/3 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos (or 1/2 tsp. of salt)
5 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Oregano, dried

Method
Wash kale and chop. Be careful to rinse the leaves to remove dirt and grit.In a cast iron skillet over medium to high heat, stir sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Remove from heat when they’re toasted golden brown. While the skillet is hot, add in a few drops of tamari, which will sear onto the seeds. Remove and let cool.In a large bowl combine chopped kale, carrots, cabbage and seeds. Set aside.In a small bowl whisk together oil, Bragg Liquid Aminos, vinegar and oregano and pour over kale mixture. Toss until evenly coated and chill 2 hours before serving. This salad keeps well refrigerated 2-3 days.Yields 8 - 10 servings.

Are you waking up at the same time every night?

My sister in law phoned me yesterday, concerned as to why her toddler has recently started waking at 5am. Naturally, my interest is peaked when a particular symptom happens with regularity, at the same time everyday. The Chinese Body Clock system describes how energy peaks in each meridian (or organ function) throughout the day. 5am is the transition between lung (3-5am) and large intestine (5-7am) energy. The lungs govern our immunity, and sure enough my poor nephew is recovering slowly from a nasty chest infection. I gave her suggestions to boost his immunity and assured her that once his lung Qi healed, the early morning wake ups would be a thing of the past. Whew!

Tune into the subtle ways your body attempts to communicate with you. Do you have any symptoms that occur at the same time everyday?