Apple Cider Vinegar Cure - Relieved My Allergies & Lowered My Cholesterol

As a chronic allergy sufferer for over fifteen years, having relied on expensive prescription medicine to control my symptoms, I was searching for something more natural to help alleviate all the itching, sneezing and stuffiness I was experiencing. I had read about the miracles of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and it's ability to help with seasonal and perrenial allergies and honestly, I was a bit skeptical, but willing to give it a try.

Apple cider vinegar has been highly regarded throughout history, dating back to 400 BC when Hippocrates used it for its amazing health qualities. ACV is rich in enzymes, supports a healthy immune system, helps control weight, promotes digestion, helps soothe sore throats and aids in removing toxins from the body.

I had learned from the research I had done that it is imperative to use the type of ACV that has a brown sediment at the bottom of the bottle, which is called "the mother". Only raw, organic, apple cider vinegar has "the mother of vinegar" that makes it so beneficial. The "mother" is made up of living nutrients and bacteria, so it is actually alive, compared to clear vinegar, which has gone through processing and distilling and is actually dead.

So, for the past year I have used the recommended daily dose of ACV, which is two tablespoons, mixed with 1/2 packet of steviaa and eight ounces of water. Since it is too strong to drink on its own, ACV should be mixed with a bit of juice and water or the water and stevia combo that I use. It took about a week of continuous use for my body to feel the effects, but I am proud to say that I am now naturally free from allergies, thanks to apple cider vinegar! I also noticed an added benefit to my new regime - my cholesterol dropped twenty five points without changing anything else in my diet or routine. If you would like to try ACV for whatever's ailing you, I would highly recommend the Bragg's brand, as it is made from organically grown apples, processed in accordance with USDA guidelines and is certified organic.

Would love to hear if you have experienced similar positive results - please let me know if you end up trying out apple cider vinegar and what conditions it has helped.

Finally, A Great New Pasta Alternative!

I am often asked by family, friends and clients, who are looking to reduce sugar and processed carbohydrates in their diets, what would be an alternative to to the high glycemic pasta that many eat in abundance. My answer was usually to have them try making zucchini noodles by peeling the raw vegetable, heating it in the microwave and topping with their favorite sauce. It's a great way to add more vegetables, fiber and vitamins, but for most it didn't quite scratch that pasta itch - up until now. I am so excited to have discovered this amazing pasta alternative called Shirataki Noodles, made by House Foods Corporation. Shirataki Noodles are made from blending the root of the Konnyaku (a member of the yam family) with non genetically modified soybeans. The result is a low carbohydrate, high fiber, low calorie, fat free noodle that takes on the flavor of whatever you decide to combine it with. Last week I topped the Shirataki with homemade meat sauce and fresh parmesan cheese, for a totally authentic Italian dish. Tonight I am combining the noodles with broccoli, chicken and cashews for an Asian stir-fry. These gluten free, vegan noodles come pre-cooked in 8 ounces bags and are packed in liquid, so all you need to do is give them a quick rinse and add to a hot sauce. They can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores and you can see if they are available in your area by going to the House Foods site (click here). So, give Shirataki Noodles a try - would love to hear your comments!

Loving My Sketchers Shape Ups

Last week I went to the mall and picked up an early Valentine's Day gift for myself - a pair of Sketcher's Shape Ups. I had been eyeing these and the similarly designed MBT sneakers that promise firmer thighs and a shapelier backside just from wearing them while you walk. Although I do engage in a regular fitness routine that consists of power yoga, cycling and resistance training, I thought that these might be a welcome addition, just to make sure I don't succumb to the dreaded, "blogger butt", as my friend and fellow blogger, Dawn Sandomeno at partybluprintsblog.com lovingly refers to the affliction.

I had been comparing the Sketchers Shape Ups and the MBT sneakers, both of which are designed with a rolling sole, giving wearers the feeling of walking on sand. This revolutionary technology helps to strengthen muscles, improve posture, promote weight loss and reduce stress on knee and ankle joints. I decided to go with the Sketchers rather than the much higher priced MBT's after finding similar online reviews for both brands. I immediately felt comfortable in the lightweight shoe, which really cushioned both my bunions and flat feet and the rolling heel made me feel as if I was walking uphill even when on flat ground. I have been wearing my Sketchers Shape Ups daily for over a week now and feel a tightening in my thighs and backside, as I am probably working some different muscles, which is always a good thing. I will continue to wear these cute and functional sneakers and give you all a full report in a few months to see what changes, if any, I notice. Would love to hear any feedback from readers who have had experience with this funky fitness footwear.

Transforming the Morning Rush

Trying to get the kids ready for school and getting yourself out the door for work can be enough of a challenge, never mind making a healthy, satisfying breakfast to jump start your day. Most of us just end up grabbing a coffee drink at the local drive-thru window, which ends up wreaking havoc on our waistlines and hampers our ability to focus and concentrate because of the high amount of sugar most of these coffee concoctions contain. As I wrote about in last weeks post, "Fat Does Not Make You Fat", I discussed how controlling sugar intake can really be the driving force in weight control and many health issues. So, how can you create a quick, easy, good for you morning meal that will get you and your family out the door in record time? The solution - a delicious shake that contains protein, fruit, fiber and healthy fats to give you a natural energy boost from nutrients, not stimulants, keep you satiated and help keep blood sugar levels balanced - which is really the key to maintaining healthy body fat levels. So, here's one of my favorite adult and kid-friendly protein shake recipes that helps give me the energy to power through my morning workout and get myself, my husband and my kids going on a healthy note, really setting the tone for our day. You can either make this in a blender or use my favorite - The Cuisinart Smart Stick. Feel free to use this recipe as a base, coming up with your own favorite additions and creating your own unique signature shake. Would love to hear about what interesting combinations you come up with!

Chocolate-Banana Butter Shake

1/2 cup hormone free skim milk

1/2 cup water

1 packet SweetLeaf Stevia (optional)

1/3 piece of banana

1 scoop Colonix fiber powder (drnatura.com) - optional

1 tablespoon raw almond butter ( I use Trader Joe's brand)

1 scoop Jay Robb chocolate egg white protein powder

Mix all ingredients in blender or Cuisinart Smart Stick and enjoy!

Fat Does Not Make You Fat

Contrary to popular belief, it's not fat that makes us fat, it's actually sugar. We have been bombarded by fat free products for years - fat free ice cream, fat free cookies and more, making us all think it was okay to eat these foods because they didn't contain any fat, which we all thought was the culprit in our ever expanding waistlines. According to bestselling author, Jorge Cruise, as he writes in his new book, "The Belly Fat Cure", he has discovered, after more than 10 years of research that, "there is only one critical key to getting rid of fat forever, and that is to lower insulin, the scientifically proven hormone that pushes fat into cells. You can't get fat or stay overweight without insulin. This is a biological fact that was proven in multiple research studies over the past 60 years that have appeared in such respected publications as The British Journal of Nutrition and The Journal of the American Medical Association. Unfortunately, this critical idea that insulin is essential for storing fat - and lowering your insulin is essential for releasing fat - has been buried under the conventional medical community's message that it's all about calories in, calories out; that all you have to do is exercise more and eat less to lose weight. It's a broken theory". So, according to Cruise, in order to lose weight, it is essential to lower our consumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates (white flour products) to insure that our blood sugar levels remain balanced and insulin levels stay in check.

Cruise's discovery has been backed by some very well known and respected top docs - namely Andrew Weil and David Katz, both at the head of the list in the Integrative Medicine field. Katz, who wrote the foreward of Jorge's book, states that, "excess sugar in our diets is among the most important factors conspiring against our waistlines and our health. Too much sugar means increased risk of weight gain, obesity, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer".

So, does this give us license to eat all fats with abandon and gorge on artifically sweetened foods and drinks? No, we need to be smart about what we are putting in our mouths. The best fats to consume are heart healthy omega 3 fats such as avocados, almonds, walnuts, olive oil and salmon to keep us satiated, help recapture radiance and aid us in keeping blood sugar at balanced levels, so that insulin stays in check. That means sticking with quality proteins such as eggs, lean meats and fish, unprocessed carbohydrates which include plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding artificially sweetened foods that could cause cancer and tumors and actually increase sugar craving and hinder weight loss.

This low sugar/low processed carbohydrate plan is one of the best, most delicious, very satisfying and healthful ways to eat to avoid disease and naturally manage your weight. You will soon discover that after adopting this lifestyle that sugar cravings will disappear, energy will soar, hormone fluctuations will cease, mood will be lifted and you will be living your best, most dynamic life imaginable. It has certainly worked for me - for the past 25 years of my life and I highly recommend it to you - you won't be disappointed!

Biggest Loser Northboro/Southboro

I am so excited to be involved with the first ever, dual town "Biggest Loser Competition", sponsored by the Northboro and Southboro Massachusetts Rotary Clubs and UMASS Medical Center. This twelve week program starts this Wednesday, January 20 and runs through Wednesday, April 7. As a Certified Nutrition Consultant with my own private practice, I am able to provide my knowledge, support, guidance and encouragement to contestants looking to lose weight and reclaim their health and vitality. I understand the confusion and frustration many face as they try time and time again to lose weight once and for all, disappointed when they aren't able to maintain the lost pounds and eventually gain the weight back, sometimes ending up heavier than when they started. I personally struggled with weight issues and have been successful in maintaining my weight loss for more than twenty years. I'll be on hand every Wednesday night from 6-8pm at Algonquin Regional High School in Northboro, Massachusetts to share my tips for success, offer easy, family friendly recipes and provide individual and small group coaching. I will also be speaking about what to eat to generate weight loss, banish cravings, improve mood, lift depression, boost energy, balance hormones, sharpen focus, and help you look and feel fabulous. As host of "Dee-Lish Nutrish" Cooking Show, that airs on Northboro Cable Television, I'll also be demonstrating how to prepare healthy, delicious recipes and offering ideas for quick and easy snacks to help jump start your efforts and get you on your way to losing the weight for good! For more information about the Biggest Loser Northboro/Southboro Program go to http://www.northboroughrotary.org/ - it's not too late to join! For more information about individual and small group nutrition coaching send me an email at Dee@nutritionalmerritt.com. You do not need to be a part of the Biggest Loser Program to be eligible for coaching. What are you waiting for - this is your chance to make your weight loss dreams a reality!

Nourishing Yourself First

The decorations are down, the house is back in order (somewhat) and the kids are back at school (woohoo) after a full twelve days of family togetherness. Our family togetherness primarily consisted of both kids getting sick, one right after the other, which resulted in an adult getaway weekend being sidelined. It did make for some good family bonding, though, with some relaxing movie days on the couch in our PJ's while the dog tried to eat used, stray tissues. I don't know about you, but I could use a vacation right about now. Since that is not possible, the next best thing is to get back to a routine and focus on nourishing from the inside out. Taking care of yourself first so that you can feel renewed and ready to nurture your family and those you care about. For me, that means starting the day with my favorite hot beverage (click to learn more), doing some writing on the computer, getting in a good workout, fixing a delicious protein shake (click for recipe) for a late morning breakfast, doing some errands and then creating a yummy salad for a nourishing lunch (pictured above). Good food really helps me get through the day. Tonight I'm planning a delicious meal, my "Zucchini Noodle and Turkey Meat Sauce"(click for recipe) and a green salad with avocado and cucumber. I'm looking forward to connecting with my family at the dinner table and hearing about their day. Now, some days don't always work out as planned, they end up being crazy and you're just trying to make it all work in the midst of the chaos and that's okay. For me, just getting in a quick workout helps me to recharge and be prepared for the day of dealing with teens, work and life's ups and downs. Taking just a little bit of guilt-free time for myself helps me to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, business owner, etc. that I can be. What nourishes you and helps you get through the day? Just leave a comment below - would love to hear from you!