Health PinUp™, Issue 9, Vol. 1: Spring Awakenings, March 2011
Spring Cleaning
How can you start? Join the Spring Cleaning™ Cleanse and begin to restore your health, vitality, and peace of mind. The effect is transformative: nagging health problems will diminish, extra weight will drop away, and for the first time you will experience what it truly means to feel healthy. What better way to welcome 2011. Call me 917.250.0267 to reserve your spot today!! If you are not in the mood for a cleanse, there are plenty of other wonderful coaching options available for you.
Health By Chocolate
"Life is short, eat dessert first", says Jacques Torres. Little did he know that it is actually beneficial. For those of you who know me well, this is something that I do often. What I didn't realize until recently, is that it actually allows me to eat less during my meal. And if you pick the right dessert, like chocolate, then there is a double benefit..cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain relatively high concentrations of epicatechin, a group of heart-healthy compounds known as flavanols, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Surprisingly, compared to other fruits, dark chocolate and natural cocoa powder contain more antioxidants than blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates.
Flavanols are what give cocoa its strong, pungent taste. Because people prefer their chocolates on the sweeter side, the bitter taste of cocoa is frequently reduced through processes such as fermentation, alkalizing, and roasting. Therefore, less processed, or darker chocolates tend to have higher levels of flavonoids. So if choosing a cocoa powder, the healthiest is unsweetened, followed by bittersweet, and then semisweet. If choosing a chocolate bar, go for the one with at least 70% cocoa (that leaves only 30% space for added sugars, emulsifiers, etc.). One to try - Chocolate Love XOXO Organic 73% - it is absolutely delicious and it is one of the only ones that does not contain soy lecithin.
Some studies show that dark chocolate (the right kind described above) may play a role in lowering blood pressure, combatting cell damage, and protecting the brain after stroke.
Some studies show that dark chocolate (the right kind described above) may play a role in lowering blood pressure, combatting cell damage, and protecting the brain after stroke.
ENJOY!
Recipe of the Month: Prep Once, Eat Multiple Times
Chocolate Coverred Berries:
Take some of that dark chocolate that you buy and make chocolate covered berries. This provides double antioxidant power and it is so quick and easy. Melt the chocolate using a double burner, dip the berries, place on a tray and store in the fridge for an hour. You now have desert for the whole week. Absolutely delicious.
Get Active
Looking for new activities in 2011? Call me at 917.250.0267 to get started with IMX Pilates. Other fun conditioning workouts include Barre Burn and TRX. If you are looking to get outdoors -- enjoy a run, hike, or ski lesson. The important message is to be safe in whatever activity you choose. Always carry an ICE Card: http://www.medids.com/free-id.php .
