Fermented Food. is it good for you?

What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is a way of preserving the flavor, texture, and quality of food as well as enhancing shelf-life. 

It’s a natural process through which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert complex molecules into simple ones; for example carbohydrates, like starch and sugar into alcohol or acids. Through the fermentation process, beneficial bacteria like probiotics are formed. 

While some fermented foods can have strong odors (think bleu cheese and sauerkraut), the process of fermentation is very different from rotting, which is an uncontrolled decomposition leading to the growth of dangerous bacteria and molds (and which, eventually, turns food into dirt). While rot makes foods break down quickly, fermentation preserves them.

Types of Fermented Foods

There are many fermented foods at the grocery store, many of which you’ve probably seen –

Some of the most common fermented foods include:

• Sauerkraut, which is a type of fermented cabbage

• Kombucha, a fermented, effervescent tea that is often flavored

• Miso, a salty paste, usually made from soy, which is often used for soup and flavoring bases

• Kimchi, a traditional spicy Korean food made with cabbage and other veggies

• Pickled vegetables, like carrots, green beans, or cucumbers (note that these are high in sodium)

• Yogurt, which can have probiotics added and be made from dairy or from non-dairy milks based on foods like cashews, almonds, coconut, peas, and soy (stick to unsweetened varieties to avoid the high added sugar content of many commercial yogurts)

• Natto, a sticky food made from fermented soybeans ( an acquired taste!)

• Cheese, a fermented dairy product that can also be made using non-dairy options like cashews or almonds (check the label to see if they contain probiotic strains)

• Kefir, a cultured probiotic food that can be made from dairy, coconut, or water bases.

For those with auto-Immune diseases from Lupus to HS, should proceed with caution, as much of the fermented foods have yeast and yeast is known to aggravate your condition and cause flare up. Fermentation also creates high acidity.

Fat burning foods?

There are countless claims of fat burning foods yet it’s simply not true. There are many scammers out there taking money from desperate people eager to lose weight and try anything. A large network of marketers selling miracle diets that simply do not work.

HOW OUR BODY BURNS FAT:

In order to breathe, think, and otherwise operate, the human body needs a constant supply of energy. Thanks to 3 meals a day, plus snacks, this is not a problem. Food has a combination of macronutrients - protein, carbs and fats, which contain energy (better known as calories), for the body to use.

Even if we stay in bed for 24 hours, our body still requires a minimal amount of energy per day, called the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). The more active we are, the more energy the body will use in addition to the BMR. For most people, the BMR accounts for 60 to 75 percent of the daily energy use!

Excess energy from meals is stored as fat, for use at a future date, perhaps when less food is available.
If food intake is insufficient, the body will start converting fat to energy. This is what people refer to as "fat burning". It can be the result of too little to eat, or a high amount of energy expenditure (running long distance), or a combination of both.

No food can directly burn body fat. However, some foods do have an effect on the body's metabolic rate. For example, caffeine has been shown to increase the BMR by a few percentage points. An increase in BMR means the body will need a refill of energy sooner, or alternatively start burning its fat stores. Before you rush out to order a tall latte, understand that the effects are not drastic.

To burn fat, you'll need to reduce your caloric intake and exercising regularly.

The Power of the Acorn

Acorns, among many other delicious and nutritious nuts, are yet another superfood discovery. Scientists have Found over 60 beneficial plant compounds in acorns, including catechins, resveratrol, quercetin, and gallic acid — potent antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. 

These antioxidants are linked to numerous health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. I stress eating Acorn roasted, in moderation and on a seasonable basis. Do not eat them raw, as their digestive power will work in reverse, (If you know what I mean?) You can find Acorns growing on oak trees. The downside is in the lengthy process of preparing the nut for human consumption. It takes a few hrs between cracking, boil and roasting to remove the bitter tannins.

Benefits of Avocado →

Avocado is a powerful savory fruit: it provides lush nutrient density and very versatile. High in Potassium, Monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and 20 different vitamins and minerals.

Raw pistachio has 25 grams of protein per cup, 104% of B6, 36% potassium, and high in fiber as well.
Medjool Dates are also high in Potassium, fiber, and magnesium to name a few.
please do not eat the whole cake in one sitting. Too much of anything is no good, regardless of nutrient density. After one serving, you will feel satisfied because of how nutrient dense this raw desert truly is. Follow up with 12ounces of water.

An exotic tasting orange blossom and pistachio raw vegan cake made with an avocado base. Oil-free.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

½ cup raw pistachios

6 soft medjool dates, pitted

1 tbsp maple syrup

⅛ tsp salt

Filling:

2 medium avocados, de-seeded and peeled

6 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp orange blossom water

⅛ tsp salt

¼ cup raw pistachios

Instructions:

Place all crust ingredients, except maple syrup, into a food processorand process into a crumble. Add maple syrup and process again into a sticky crumble. Transfer this mixture into a 5″ springform pan and press into a crust along the base and sides. Place in the freezer while working on the next step.

Blend all filling ingredients, except pistachios, in a power blender until a smooth mixture forms (you may need to pause and scrape down the sides, or use your Vitamix tamper). Add in pistachios and pulse or blend so that they are not fully blended and you can still see visible specs in the filling. Transfer the mixture into your prepared crust shell. Carefully smooth out the top to even it out. Sprinkle with any decorative toppings. Freeze for 4-5 hours or overnight. Enjoy! Keep leftovers frozen.

Are Tattoos safe? →

I have tattoos and wondered how safe they were. There are risks to almost everything we do, from walking down the street to climbing a mountain. In today’s tattoo business, most body art studios practice very good hygiene, single use needles and non toxic ink. What I have found is that the after effects differ with each person. I would not suggest covering your body with Ink as it can affect lymph vessel function, or even infection if not properly cared for in the healing process. A variety of stresses and toxins we expose ourselves to can determine the end result. Tattoo needles breach the skin and inject ink into the dermal layer causing keloid scarring, so it’s very important to follow instructions on how to care for them. The long term affects of tattoos are unknown, but it’s important to be in a clean safe environment when receiving this type of art. I have found a unique catharsis when receiving ink myself. It’s very calming and mildly painful at the same time.
For more info try this reference article

SUGAR ADDICT

There are dozens of different sugars, derivatives and additives and they began in the science lab and into all the packaged food Americans purchase and consume everyday. The grocery store shelves are filled with creative packaging and buzz words to entice the consumer and tug at their cravings. The truth is, Sugar in almost all forms is poison to humans. The taste is lovely but the impact is deadly. Sugar can be as addictive as any street drug from Alcohol to Heroine. I had a serious addiction to sweets over the years and it made me sluggish and ill to a degree that I had to do something to stop. My diet needed more work than I had thought. Since processed sugar is considered a toxin, I couldn’t figure out why, that no matter how healthy I ate, that I was still reaching for something sweet. I did all the necessary cleansing, fasting and food consumptions needed to feel better, but what I failed to consider is muscle memory. Our bodies are great at adapting and learning. The programming was a simple habit of “what’s next” rather than recognizing nutritional satisfaction, out of pure habit, i would reach for sugar. The re-programming didn’t happen overnight, but once it did, the need for sugar stopped and I completely forgot. If I have anything sweet today, it comes only from whole seasonal fruits and berries full of soluble fiber and antioxidants.

Watch this video that explains the biochemical affects of sugar and alcohol.

A matter of Nutrition and choices

The picture above is of the fruits and vegetables I purchased here in NYC at a local farmers market in Union Square. They are all pesticide free and 100% organic. Nutrient rich food like this might appear boring to some, but once you get in the habit of feeding your body the colorful vital nutrients it requires, packaged and convenience food of any kind no longer look appealing. Speaking from experience, I can say that whenever I see a box of anything on a grocery shelf or at a food truck street corner, my programming tells me its not food. This re-programming does not happen overnight, but I can assure you, that once you commit to eating healthy consistently and the body feels satiated, new habits take a strong hold and it feel incredible.

The concept of real food has gotten away from us. We have gotten so caught up with saving time and money, that auto immune disfunction and diseases like cancer are happening at an alarming rate. Food mapping is one way to help you understand the path of what, where and how to eat, that best fits your biological makeup.

In no particular order, here is the food list pictured above:

Brussel Sprouts, Cucumber, Apples, Watermelon Radish, Squash, Spinach, carrots, Romaine lettuce.

Vegan does not equal health.

There is a profound misuse of the word “Vegan” It is presumed that to be vegan is to be healthy because you are not eating meat or any food that is derived from animals. This food item, or should I say “non food” item called The “Impossible Burger,” is misleading the public into thinking that it’s a wise alternative to eating meat. Which is better? Food created in a science lab? Or food that is grown organically in soil?

Here is a full list of the ingredients. You decide and tell me if you think this is quality healthy food?

Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, 2% or less of: Potato Protein, Methylcellulose, Yeast Extract, Cultured Dextrose, Food Starch Modified, Soy Leghemoglobin, Salt, Soy Protein Isolate, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Zinc Gluconate, Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Sodium.

The importance of Muscle density.

As we age, each decade our bodies drastically change; sending messages to let us know of imbalances it is struggling with. Variety truly is the spice of life! But change can be scary, that goes for exercise and nutrition. I understand how working out can seem like too much effort, until I discovered Gyrotonic.
what the hell is that?? Gyrotonic is a full body workout that addresses the smaller control muscle groups, increases full mobility and muscle balance like no other. It’s fairly low impact and although complex, it teaches you how to move the way our body can naturally. Since the boom of technology and the need for desk jobs with long hours in front of a computer, there is no better time than now to start a new exercise.
watch this video to get a view of this life changing movement system.

This is where we begin.

Most Americans are dehydrated and loose the ability to absorb food nutrients. it is important to understand just how small tasks like drinking water can make such a positive impact on your health. When a person goes for long periods of time without water, their electrolyte balance changes, making it harder for the body to absorb water molecules at which the electrolytes provide at a faster rate. It is also important to drink from non porous materials, such as glass or stainless steel. Plastic in all forms is highly toxic, why? due to a natural process called leaching, which is caused by chlorides that are present in ground water (potassium, calcium, magnesium) Plastics are also a petroleum product, made of materials such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt and of course, crude oil. Crude oil is a complex mixture of thousands of compounds and needs to be processed before it can be used.

WATCH THIS INFORMATIVE VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE RISKS OF DRINKING FROM PLASTIC

Please leave your comments below.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts as you can guess, are another nutrient dense veggie with massive levels of phytochemicals and dietary fiber. They are resilient and can be grown just about anywhere. Peak season is September thru February. I like to salt and pepper them with some fresh garlic and a bit of maple syrup and Olive oil and bake them in the oven.
health benefits: antioxidants, cancer killer, anti-inflammatory, controls blood sugar.