Food Cravings Exposed

Wouldn't it be nice to know what your body actually wants when it is craving chocolate, or Swiss rolls, or french fries? Who is in charge of this boat anyway, right? But, denying the body is like taking candy away from a baby. Not probably going to happen in this lifetime, unless it is not your baby.

So, what can we do about strong cravings? Find the source, the real need, that the body is crying for. Below is a chart that links a real need to a real craving. Look up your favorite food fetish, and experiment for two weeks by substituting "what to eat instead." Hmmm. Maybe all we had to do was learn a new language, the body's language of "feed me." :-)

So, experiment with just one craving for two weeks, let's say chocolate. A person craving chocolate is actually craving Magnesium. Of course, you can just take Magnesium in a vitamin, but to do it justice, a person really needs the mineral in balance with other minerals and vitamins that facilitate digestion and maximum utilization. Otherwise, you're just toileting your money. Sorry, folks.

Instead, for the next two weeks, eat nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits. Write down your success, how you feel, whether it "worked," and how many times you slipped. Remember, slipping up is normal. Don't beat yourself up. Just renew your determination, maybe get a friend on board, and keep going in the size of steps that is possible for your life. Happy, healthy eating! :-)

The Water Element

Did you know that our bodies are made up of 70 percent water? And decreasing water intake by only 1-3 percent can move us toward dehydration?

Have you ever felt tired, cloudy thinking, headaches, low energy? Most people have. But, how many people will think of drinking more water for a baseline of health? Certainly, see your doctor if you suspect something more wrong. But also consider the simplicity of water. Start each day by drinking two cups of cold water in the morning on an empty stomach, and you could have these amazing benefits:

1. Balance your lymph system. Your lymph system balances your body fluids, operates daily functions, and fights infection.

2. Glowing skin. Water flushes away toxins from the blood which keeps skin healthy and clear.

3. Weight loss. Drink 16 ounces of cold water in the morning to boost your metabolism by 24 percent.

4. Increase the production of new blood and muscle cells.

5. Cleanse the colon. Drink water on an empty stomach to purify and absorb nutrients easier.

Wow. With all of that goodness, who could resist? Such a simple solution to drink two cups of cold water in the morning for so much!

Here's the kicker. Do you have trouble remembering to drink water in the morning? Me too. So, try this idea: Post a picture of water, or print out the water poster on this page, and put it next to your water faucet, on your nightstand, or above your bed. Make it the first thing you see when you wake up for the next 30 days to get a good habit started. Remind yourself of the importance of the first thing you put into your mouth in the morning.



Thanks to www.undergroundhealthreporter.com for a great poster and timely information. Drinking enough clean water is an inexpensive, critical piece of the puzzle to stay healthy.

For more timely, inexpensive ideas to get healthy on a budget, see LowCostFood.net. Great ideas on a shoe string!

Starting with Raw Food

How hard could this be? Eat an apple, a banana, an orange. But, an hour later, I'm hungry again. I don't want yet another apple. Ugh. That pizza looks awfully good though, right?

At this moment, all three of my "boys" (loosely termed - they're in their early twenties) have either tried to eat a raw food diet, are trying to eat a raw food diet, or have been talking about the benefits of a proper "ph" diet. Wow. Seriously? I've tried to eat raw foods before, and it's not easy. The body cries for comfort foods like ... No. I won't go there.

So, here we are, wondering if anyone has successfully transitioned from a modern fast-food diet to a raw food diet and lived to tell about it. Apparently, a few courageous souls have not only succeeded, but were kind enough to show the way.

Introducing Esme Stevens, the president of Raw Food Europe with the number 1 website for starters of a raw food diet at http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/starting-a-raw-food-diet.html. What an incredible way to begin! Realistic support from the first day on, free materials to get started, what more could a busy family ask?

After reading Esme's website, the very first thing we are going to do is Start Juicing. Fruit and vegetable juices will jump start our raw food diet, helping us feel better sooner, and boosting energy and immune system.

First juice recipe? Carrot Juice:

Ingredients

1 lbs large carrots (washed and peeled)
1/2 lemon (peeled)
few green leafs such as red lettuce or carrot greens
1 apple

Directions

Put all ingredients in your juicer. (A centrifuge juicer is easiest for carrots.) Mix. Drink immediately.

I peel the carrot for taste (otherwise it tastes too earthy). I find this recipe sweet enough, but if you're a beginner juicer or have a sweet tooth, add an apple for extra sweetness.

The health benefits of carrot juice? It provides Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E and many minerals (including calcium). Great for pregnant and nursing mothers, eyesight, bones and teeth, liver and nails, skin and hair as well as helping in breast and skin cancer prevention.

- from http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/vegetable-juice-recipes.html

Thanks, Esme! We appreciate you! :-)

This is Day One. Let's see what tomorrow brings ... :-)