Did you know that you can make your own coconut milk in no more than a couple of minutes? I was buying organic coconut milk, both the tetra pack and canned (BPA-Free) versions, and  did some investigating into what was in the lining of BPA-Free cans.  I didn’t like what I found, but that’s a discussion for another blog post. I figured that it couldn’t be too hard to make myself, and I was right. This version isn’t thick like the canned variety. If I need a thicker version for recipes, I add more Coconut Manna (pureed coconut) to thicken the sauce.

Ingredients:
Coconut Manna (Coconut Butter/Pureed Coconut)
Water

Put 4 tablespoons of Coconut Manna per 1 cup of water in a blender. Blend for one minute. Strain the mixture using a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Voila! Your own coconut milk with only 2 ingredients!

Health and Juicing

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead - Inspirational Film!

Dave and I watched an inspirational video documentary last month called ‘Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead’.  It both inspired us and moved us to get juicing ASAP!

100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross (an Aussie with a great sense of humour!) is at the end of his rope and is looking to make some serious lifestyle changes. ‘Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead’ is an inspiring film that chronicles Joe’s personal mission to regain his health.

He leaves Australia, trades in his junk food and hits the road in the USA with a juicer and goes on a 60 day juicing tour, regaining his health and also educating people about food, health and longevity.  He comes across a amazing soul, Phil Staples, who is a truck driver suffering from the same rare condition.  It is an inspiring story of healing and human connection.

A truly uplifting story which I hope you all take the time to watch.  It is available on Netflix!  You may also check out the Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead website which has great juicing and health tips.

Joe Cross provides an excellent free 3-day Quick Start Reboot plan filled with all the details about a Reboot including a meal plan, juice recipes, exercise tips and more!

FYI, I wrote this while sipping on a big glass of fresh green juice….yes, I am definitely inspired and motivated to make juicing a daily part of my life!  Thank you to Joe and Phil for helping so many people get well and get many off their meds!!

Sooooo…get juicing!! :O)

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PS Stay tuned for a blog post on the health benefits of juicing!

I just discovered my new favourite ‘Greens’ product!  It is organic, Non-Gmo AND Gluten Free!

Sunwarrior Ormus SuperGreens
is a nutrient-dense greens product with ingredients sourced from ‘pristine ancient sea beds’ located in a volcanic region of Utah and Arizona.  They use a special cold-drying process which protects the phyto-nutrients making it a raw green super food drink that is both alive and bio-available. Sunwarrior adds their own probiotic culture making it easier to digest.


Not only is it healthy, but it is tasty!  The peppermint and dash of stevia makes this the best tasting greens drink I have tried to date.  That being said, I drink many not-so-great tasting greens drinks no problem, so if you are new to greens, you might want to ease into it and add it to freshly squeezed juice.

This is the ingredient list:

  • Probiotic Cultured Greens
  • Alfalfa
  • Barley
  • Wheat and Oat Grass
  • Spinach
  • Parsley
  • Yucca
  • Peppermint
  • Whole Leaf Stevia

And that is IT!  No fillers, additives etc.

It isn’t cheap but you get what you pay for!  This is a high quality product with locally (USA) grown, organic ingredients.  I found the lowest price on Live SuperFoods if looking to buy online.  Otherwise, you can check out your local health food store!

Enjoy going Green!

Kim

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You Be Healthy - pH Strips and Litmus Paper

pH Strips

Our body’s pH – is it acidic or alkaline –  seems to be the new catchword these days when it comes to health.  This is why the pH testing strips (litmus paper) caught my eye at a health food store.  I knew there was a healthy pH balance needed in our body for optimum health, so I thought it would be a great idea to keep an eye on it everyday!  If I find that my body is too acidic, I can do something about it and be proactive.  After doing some research, it appears that our blood should have a pH of 7.35 – 7.45 (1).

To perform this simple test, all you need is a roll of testing pH paper, a plastic spoon and some fresh saliva.

Step 1:

Wait until 2 hours after your last meal before testing.  Swallow a few times to stimulate new saliva.

Step 3:

Spit fresh saliva into a plastic spoon.  Don’t do as I did the first time and stick your tongue on the paper – it is covered in chemicals!

Step 2:

Tear off a strip of pH paper and dip into the saliva.  Compare the colour of your saliva pH paper with the colour coded chart (will come with the pH paper).  And you are done!

Happy pH testing! 🙂

Kim
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Resources:
(1)  http://www.naturalnews.com/027280_alkaline_body_balance.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/88456-test-body-ph-levels/

Disclaimer: Opinions about what is an ideal pH (acidic and alkaline) range vary and this is just one opinion.

13 Healing Powers of Lemons

by You Be Healthy

Lemon Benefits for HealthA great email came through today and I would like to share it with everyone!  It was from a wonderful company called ‘Conscious Planet‘.  Their products are fantastic – ranging from enzymes to hemp seed to probiotics – top notch! The email today was about the benefits of lemons.  I drink freshly squeezed organic lemon juice every morning and love the alkalizing effect it has.

Tip – drink with a straw to protect your teeth!  I use a metal or glass straw.

Here are 13 amazing healing powers of lemons:

  1. Bowel-Cleansing: The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis pumping-motion in the bowels which helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
  2. Cancer: Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
  3. Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
  4. Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
  5. Nutrition: Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
  6. Balances Body Chemistry: While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH
  7. Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
  8. Brain and Nervous System Disorders: Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinsons disease.
  9. Eye Disorders: Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.
  10. Anti-Viral: In addition to being effective against cold and flu viruses, terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.
  11. Diabetes: In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels (when they are high).
  12. Gall and Kidney Stones: The citric acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.
  13. Anti-Aging: The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.

In health,

Kim
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Kim Duess uses the infrared sauna for detox and many other health benefits.

I use the infrared sauna for detox and many other health benefits.

My preventitive health doctor encourages routine body detoxing as we live in a toxic world and we’re all exposed to heavy metals and toxic chemicals.  He suggests using an infrared sauna at least twice a week to help with detoxification.

An infrared sauna is different to a dry sauna in that it uses the same rays which are emitted from the sun. Infrared frequencies are very long wavelengths which can penetrate deeper into the body.  The infrared sauna warms the body instead of the heating the surrounding air, like traditional saunas.  The deep penetration of the infrared energy allows the cells to eliminate better.

Benefits of Infrared Heat

  • Purification reduces stress
  • Boosts immunity
  • Removes toxins
  • Increases circulation
  • Burns calories
  • Pain and injury relief
  • Beneficial for low and high blood pressure
  • Skin purification
  • Relaxation
  • Helps balance body pH levels

I use the infrared sauna at my local yoga studio twice a week.  When I was doing rehab for my ACL knee surgery, I used the infrared sauna 4 times a week once my surgeon gave me the ‘a-ok’.  It really helped with my speedy recovery!

Wellness Centers in your area may have infrared saunas which you can pay per session or you can also buy your own personal sauna.  Sauna models are available in a wide range of sizes (some are closet size!) and within all price ranges.

Sauna Tips

Be sure to wait at least an hour after eating before entering the sauna.  Also drink lots of water before, during and after your session.  Pregnant women should avoid saunas.  My doctor recommends starting with short sessions to start and increase over days/weeks as your body adjusts to its tolerance level.  As always, consult with your health care provider before starting any new health program.

To your health,

Kim
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Resources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/026833_toxins_oxygen_sweating.html
http://www.theqewcentre.com/

FlorEssence Tea Cleanse

Tea Steeping and Sterilizing Jars

You probably all know of someone who has done a cleanse or have seen different cleanses advertised online or in health magazines.  There are so many out there, it can be hard to decide which cleanse to choose.  The big issue for me is being hungry when doing liquid type cleanses.  I do a lot of sports and am always out riding my bike, going to CrossFit, etc – I need calories!

I did one liquid cleanse (was supposed to be 12 days) and lasted a day and a half…I regularly do my own green veggie juice cleanse which I find works great for myself.  I’ll have a fresh green veggie juice first thing in the morning and eat my regular, healthy organic meals the rest of the day.

Floressence Tea

Straining Tea

That being said, I was excited to find the FlorEssence tea cleanse because you can still eat what you normally eat, you just add the tea to your routine.  I tried this cleanse for the first time last summer and really liked it.

This powerful Native American tea was a recommended treatment for decades by legendary Canadian nurse Rene Caisse, Dr. Charles Brusch, and health educator Elaine Alexander. It’s ingredients include certified organic Burdock root, Sheepshead sorrel, and Red Clover, as well as Slippery Elm, Watercress, Turkish Rhubarb, Kelp, and Blessed Thistle.

A tip from my local health food store was to buy the FlorEssence dry tea and brew it at home.  If you are tight on extra time, you can buy the tea already brewed and in a bottle although it is much more expensive to do this.  When brewing yourself, there are 3 packages of tea which brew 5 cups of Floressence per package.

Floressence Tea Healthy Cleanse

Final Product! Ready to Cleanse!

The instructions are in the box but the process basically goes like this:

  1. Add 5 cups of water and 1 packet to a big stainless steel pot.  Bring to boil, lower heat to medium and let boil for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and steep for 12 hours.
  3. Sterilize canning jars and lids in hot water.
  4. Heat the tea again.
  5. Strain tea into measuring cup and then pour into sterilized jars.
  6. Seal the jars, cool on counter and then keep in fridge.
  7. Write the date on top of jars.

I personally take 2 oz per day a half hour before eating or drinking anything else first thing in the morning.

You may buy in your local health food store on online. See links below to purchase online via eVitamins (they offer 20 – 70% off health products!):

Buy Flor-Essence Detox Formula, Dry Herbal Tea Blend 2.2 oz Buy Flor-Essence Detox Liquid Formula 17 oz
Flor-Essence Detox Formula,  Dry Herbal Tea Blend 2.2 oz Flor-Essence Detox Liquid Formula 17 oz

Always be sure to check with your health professional before doing a cleanse of any sort. Also be sure to read all instructions/precautions on label and in the box.

Happy Spring Cleansing!

In health,

Kim
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PS. I am doing a liver cleanse in a week or so…stay tuned!

After reading ‘Breakthrough – 8 Steps to Wellness’, I was inspired to find my own Preventive/Anti-Aging Doctor. And I found the best in my city. He’s full of incredible cutting-edge health ideas and an all-round great guy which is a bonus.

I am so excited with the results that I’ve seen in the last year by following my ‘preventive health program’. I’ll share the info I learn – tips, product recommendations etc.

Here are 5 tips to get you going!

My Preventive Health Doctor Tips:

1) Hot water and lemon in morning activate the GI enzymatic function. Energy increases will occur! Take through the day too.

2) Regular bedtimes around 10 pm is ideal & important. Attempt 8-8.5 hours of sleep.

3) Use branched chain amino acid supplements immediately after exercise.

4) Avoid trans fats – emphatically!!!!

5) Follow a Mediterranean Diet.

To your health,

You Be Healthy
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I Am Addicted To CrossFit!

by You Be Healthy

If you told me a year ago that I would be doing Olympic Weightlifting and gymnastics and loving it, I would have told you were a bit crazy! 🙂

I love to play outdoors.  I love to backcountry ski, downhill ski, trail run, hike, mountain bike, sail, kite surf, dirt bike, snowshoe…you get the picture!

Going to the gym is not one of my favourite activites so when a friend suggested I check out CrossFit, I resisted.  After doing some research on this CrossFit business, I decided to give it a go as this  type of training would help increase my growth hormone which, after being tested, is quite low due to the concussions I had when I ski raced.

I went to the first free intro which was great!  I then signed up for the CrossFit Fundamentals Classes where I learned all the CrossFit techniques.  I will back up and explain what Crossfit is!  Here we go…

What Is CrossFit?

CrossFit combines weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. CrossFit says that proficiency is required in each of ten fitness domains: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.  Workouts include kettlebell swings, rope climbs, pull ups, jump rope, row, run, Olympic Weightlifting and much more!

Each workout consists of a warm up, skill development, and a WOD (Work Out Of The Day). What I love the best is that everyday is completely different!  Trust me, you will never get bored.  Plus there is a real community in all Crossfit gyms.  Everyone is so friendly so it makes working out fun.  I love the gang at my gym!

The Results

As mentioned above, I had my own reason for going to CrossFit.  Well, the results came in and my HGH (Growth Hormone) is heading upwards!  My preventive health doctor says this is definitely due to the CrossFit training, along with other things that I’ve implemented such as having a whey protein shake every morning and melatonin at night.

This wasn’t the only positive result.  My percentage of body fat is going down and muscle mass is going up!  I am much stronger now so when I head out skiing, ski touring, hiking, dirtbiking etc, I can go for much longer than my pre-CrossFit days which is fantastic!

Listen To Your Body

I have a few friends who stopped going to CrossFit because they hurt themselves.  I know that there are many people who hear of these stories and, therefore, don’t give CrossFit a chance.  Always remember that YOU know your body best.  If you feel like something is too heavy for you or an exercise is hurting you – don’t do it!  You ultimately know what your body can do – not someone else.  Always emphasize technique over weight.  Once you get the technique down, you’ll notice your weight/strength goes up.  And as hard as this may be, be competitive with yourself when it comes to weights.

You also need to remember that you have to stretch after these workouts and to rest when you feel your body needs it.  CrossFit recommends supplementing with Fish Oil to help with a faster recovery as Fish Oil is an anti-inflammatory.

CrossFit On Vacation

We go to a warm kite surfing destination every fall and last year was Maui.  My CrossFit addiction was in full swing by this point so I hunted down a Crossfit gym in Maui.  It turns out I had more fun going to Crossfit Maui Upcountry than I did kiting on this trip (the wind wasn’t great)!  It was great to workout with a local group and meet new friends.  Doing WODs in sugar cane fields is pretty cool too.  So there you go, you can take CrossFit on the road!

Of course, it is not for everyone.  But if you are so inclined, check out your local gym and do the 1 free intro.

If you want to learn more about Crossfit, check out the main Crossfit Website.

Have fun!
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Kim DuessI love yoga.  I love going to my local yoga studio.  I am not sure why it is so hard for me to get my butt out the door and into the yoga studio!  But it is a challenge.  I don’t have any problem going to CrossFit classes.  It is a strange phenomenon!

I was talking to a friend about this and she has the same issue.  She told me she now does yoga classes at home in her living room using YogaToday.com.  She said that the classes are great and there were many to choose from, plus the yearly membership is only $85.95 which is less than a 1 month membership at most yoga studios.  They also offer 1 free class per week to non-members. It all sounded great to me!

I signed up for the 2 week free-trial and did a few classes in the comfort of my living room.  I couldn’t believe the huge selection of classes!  You can choose classes based on skill level, instructor, and focus.  The videos are high quality and the streaming works perfectly.

I signed up for a year membership and will combine my home practice with my visits to my favourite yoga studio.  For me, it is the perfect combo!  Plus I can take YogaToday.com with me when I am traveling.

If you want to try yoga at home, check out their 2 week free-trial and see how you like it!

To your health,

Kim
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