Fight Cancer…with Vegetables!

Maia — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:36:55 +0000

There are many reasons to include locally grown produce in your healthy diet–from supporting your local economy to reducing your carbon footprint. And did you know that locally grown produce is also better for you? Vegetables and fruits are at their most nutritious when they’re allowed to ripen before harvesting, and because they’re not being shipped halfway across the country or around the world, they can be picked closer to their optimum harvest time and still be fresh when you pick them up at your local farmers’ market. Not to mention, the fresher they are the better they taste!

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale etc.) are fresh and plentiful this time of year–and these vegetables may help lower your risk for cancer. These vegetables are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as containing antioxidants beta carotene and sulforaphane, a phytochemical which stimulates the body to produce carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes.

Here are a few simple ways to add cruciferous vegetables to your diet. One great way is to add them in at breakfast by tossing some steamed broccoli or wilted kale into a healthy omelet. Broccoli or cauliflower added to any salad gives it a nice nutritional boost.

A Healthy Life is a Lush Life

Maia — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:21:12 +0000

You’ve heard the lament—or maybe you’ve even uttered it yourself, “Why is everything that’s good so bad for you?” So often when we talk about eating a healthy diet, we’re thinking about all the things we can’t have…we feel restricted, denied, deprived. In this way, we set ourselves up and make things harder than they have to be by introducing the Lure of the Forbidden Food.

Try this Nourishing Tip

Who says you have to start your journey toward good health by denying yourself anything? When you think of a beautiful garden, don’t you envision lush, healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers flourishing and abundant? You don’t think, “Huh, that must be some kind of restrictive regimen they’re on.” Of course not. They’re lush and beautiful because they’re being nourished—not denied. So here’s a healthy idea—put a positive spin on your approach to your own good health. Don’t start by giving up your favorite foods (thereby creating a mad, rebellious desire for them); begin by adding something you like that’s good for you.

Make Being Healthy Fun

Achieving good health and pursuing a healthy diet can be fun (that’s right—fun!) and an opportunity to be creative and explore healthy new foods. Who knows…you might just stumble across a few new favorites. Here’s one of mine that I love to have for any meal. It’s especially great for breakfast…or dessert!

Maia’s Favorite Fruity Salad

Ingredients

2 Anjou pears
1 C blueberries
1 stalk of celery
1/4 to 1/2 C walnuts
1/2 C organic vanilla yogurt
a smidge of nutmeg

Instructions:

Wash, peel and cube the pears. Combine all ingredients in a bowl (wash the fruit and celery) and mix together thoroughly. Add that smidge of nutmeg. Chill and serve.

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Fight Cancer…with Vegetables!

A Healthy Life is a Lush Life