Sweet Potato Fries

Was one of your new years resolutions to ear healthier? Start by taking small steps in your diet, like replacing sweet potatoes for russet potatoes when making homemade french fries. Sweet potatoes have more fiber, tons of Vitamin A, and over 50% more Vitamin C! YES!

Here's a fun recipe to try:

Baked Sweet Potato Fries
2 large sweet potatoes (washed, skins on, cut into sticks)
3 large egg whites
1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
Parchment paper

Whisk egg whites and spices until frothy
Doing batches at a time, toss sweet potatoes in seasoned egg whites (allow excess liquid to drip off) & place in a single layer on baking sheets with parchment paper on them
Bake @ 450 for 10 minutes, flip with a spatula, and continue baking until golden brown (about 15 minutes)

Yum!

Healthy Joints

Arthritis is something that plagues many of us, both old and young. There's a few things that you can do (other than acupuncture, of course!!) to help ease the pain naturally.

GLUCOSAMINE/CHRONDROITIN SULFATE- Used to fight osteoarthritis and joint pain. Glucosamine is a building block of cartilage and Chrondroitin helps to draw water into your cartilage to make it more elastic.

FISH OIL- The Omega-3's in fish oil can also help to lessen inflammation.

TUMERIC- Many herbalists and natropaths consider tumeric to be one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, those on blood thinners should not take tumeric, as it may increase the action of these medications.

CAPSAICIN CREAM- Yes, hot pepper! Rub capsaicin cream onto sore joints.

Acupuncture, massage, and exercise like walking, swimming, and yoga are also great ways to improve your joint health!

Beat the blues with supplements

This time of year can be quite difficult for many people. The thrill of the holidays is behind us, our wallets are drained, and our pants may be fitting a little bit more snug. I see a lot of people in my practice who just get "blue" this time of year. Cold weather & short days can lead many to feel a bit depressed. Here are a few suggestions of some supplements that can help beat the blues:

Multivitamins: Look for a multi that's high in B vitamins and depression easing minerals like chromium, magnesium, and selenium.

Omega 3s: Doses of 3,000mg a day can improve the function of brain cells. Think fish oil capsules or flax seeds/oil.

Tryptophan, 5HTP & SAM-e: These neurotransmitter boosters can increase the same positive brain chemicals as some antidepressants with fewer side effects. These should be used with guidance from your physician, naturopath, or of course acupuncturist.

Quick Breakfat Idea

Many of us are too rushed in the morning to make a nice, healthy breakfast, BUT breakfast is, in my opinion, *the* most important meal of the day! Even if you're not hungry you should eat breakfast. It will keep your energy up and lead to better overall health. Here's a idea that you can make on a Sunday & have a ready made breakfast to take with you if you're on the go...

Mini Frittatas
Beat 7 eggs, 2 diced tomatoes, 1/2 diced onion, 1/2 feta or any cheese you like, & 5 slices of bacon/turkey bacon/veggie bacon + a little salt and pepper
Pour mixture into greased muffin cups (fill 2/3 full) and bake @ 375 until golden, about 12 minutes.
You can store cooled frittatas in little containers in your fridge and take one or two with you in the morning.

Happy Eating!

New Year, New You?

Happy New Year! Ah, the time of re-newal and hope for a brighter and more optomistic year ahead. Do you make new years resolutions? Do you keep them? That is the question. Here's a thought...do you remember last year's resolution?

My suggestion for making a new years resolution is to make it as specific as possible. Instead of "I will eat more vegetables" think" I will try one new veggie recipe a month in 2009". Instead of "I will exercise more", try "I will walk/swim/play tennis/whatever two times a week" The more specific you can be with a goal the better!

Here's a couple of ideas for a healthier 2009:
Try to go to bed a little earlier -- a little bit of extra sleep goes a long way!
Get out in the fresh air and exercise!
Think about cutting back on your soda intake.
Try swapping one of your cups of coffee with a cup of green tea.
Love sweets? Eat more dark chocolate!

Here's to a 2009 full of good health and happiness!