Glyphosate - proven cause of many health issues including obesity

In this video Stephanie Seneff, PhD presents data on glyphosate linked to many diseases such as ADHD, Parkinson's, abdominal obesity, cancer and more.  

Key words

Glyphosate is a dangerous herbicide used to kill weeds and grasses that compete with crops. 

Glyphosate was discovered by Monsanto chemist some time ago, in 1970. 

Farmers in US quickly adopted glyphosate to protect their crops not thinking of the long term consequences. 

In 2007, glyphosate was the most popular herbicite in the United States' agriculture sector and the second most used in homes and gardens. 

While glyphosate have been approved by regulatory bodies, concerns about their effects on humans and environment persist and becoming even stronger since few years. 

Dr. Stephanie Seneff logically explains the connection between glyphosate and human health. 

Glyphosate is used on wheat crops, corn, soy.

Here is what you can do:

Take control of your health - choose your foods wisely.

Be aware and informed what glyphosate does to us and our children. 

Eat local and organic foods as often as possible.

Now let me listen to your needs.

What is really important to you?

Let me help you create the customized dietary plan for you. The plan that is specific to your goals.

You can contact me by sending an e-mail to set up a consultation.

Follow me on Facebook for motivational tips, recipes and health informations.

https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyounutritionandlifestyle

To your health,

Maria Pawlicka MSc., BAA, CNP

Homemade Dark Chocolate Almond Cups - Recipe

Ingredients

Yields: 20

1 cup dark chocolate, 73% cocoa or higher, chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate, chopped

3 Tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 cup raw almond butter

Instructions

1.      Fill a skillet with an inch of water over medium heat. Place the chocolate pieces and coconut oil in a small saucepan and place the saucepan directly in the skillet. Stir often until the chocolate and coconut oil becomes fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

2.      Use a spoon to fill rubber ice-cube molds 1/3 full. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Carefully drop a small spoonful of almond butter in each mold, then top with melted chocolate to the top of the mold.

3.      Place back in the freezer for 20 minutes.

4.      Pop the chocolate candies out of the molds and enjoy.

5.      Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Please forward this recipe to anyone who would like to make a fun treat for Valentine’s!

If you have concerns related to your health or weight please e-mail me to book a consultation.

Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyounutritionandlifestyle 

for interesting articles and tips!

Happy Valentine's :) 

Maria 

Heal your gut

The new year can be overwhelming. It can feel like a long ride ahead.

The reality is it’s your decision, your choice how your ‘ride’ goes.

I suspect that many of us already envisioned one or more goals for this year. What are they? Do you think of being healthy, successful in business or personal life?

I like to focus on health.

If this is your goal, and I think it should be, do you have a strategy how to maintain or improve your health? Have you decided to walk often and drive less, perhaps limit sugar or alcohol? These steps would be for sure beneficial, but have you thought of your gut?

Do you know that all diseases begin in the gut? 

If you are struggling with chronic digestive problems, autoimmune disease or chronic inflammation then it is a high probability that your gut is inflamed. Consequently, if you suffer from joints pain, anxiety or depression, skin issues, migraine, Hashimoto’s (thyroiditis) or obesity, you first have to heal your gut.

Here are my recommendations to improve your health by healing your gut:

1.      Remove inflammatory foods such as processed grains, all kind of sugars, non-grass fed dairy, processed, and chemically loaded foods. Eat frequently Paleo friendly foods or whole plant-based foods that will heal your gut. Choose what works for you as there isn’t one universal ‘best’ diet that fits everyone.

2.      Eat organic, grass fed animal proteins. They contain amino-acids such as glutamine, glutamate and arginine that heal the intestinal wall and improve the immune receptors responses located in the intestines.

3.      Drink water with lemon in the morning. Astringent food like lemon stimulates bile production, necessary for proper digestion. In addition, lemon helps to detoxify the body.

4.      Add pineapple to your meal. This fruit is a fantastic source of enzyme – bromelain. This proteolytic enzyme breaks down and digests proteins you consume in your meal.

5.      Cook frequently with coconut oil. This ‘super fat’ has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Therefore supports the gut by destroying unfriendly microbes, including Candida. Coconut oil is my favorite item in the kitchen. I add coconut to my morning smoothie and use for stir frying veggies. I also drink my coffee with emulsified MCT vanilla made from coconut oil. It tastes delicious! 

6.      Don’t forget about turmeric. It is a very powerful food. Add turmeric to your food such as smoothies, soups, veggies, drinks or take in a form of capsules to control and lessens the inflammation in the gut or joints.

7.      Spice up your food by using herbs. Aromatic herbs such as ginger, oregano, cloves, rosemary, and cumin are great for proper digestion. Similarly like coconut, they possess anti-bacterial properties.

8.      Learn to enjoy fermented foods. They are a good source of friendly bacteria called probiotics. They support our immune system, promote regularity, and support enzymes production helping our gut and body to be healthy. Examples of fermented foods: sauerkraut, kimchy (Korean sauerkraut), tempeh (fermented tofu), organic yogurt or coconut version of yogurt.

9.      Feed your good bacteria with pre-biotics. Examples of quality pre-biotics that you should include in your daily eating are: sweet potato, whole grains, zucchini, honey, squash, cantaloupe or artichokes.

Note – pre-biotics are not recommended for someone who suffers from SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth).

Now let me listen to your needs.

What you really want to achieve this year. What is really important to you?

Let me help you create the customized dietary plan for you. The plan that is specific to your goals.

You can contact me by sending an e-mail to set up a consultation.

Follow me on Facebook for motivational tips https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyounutritionandlifestyle

To your health,

Maria Pawlicka MSc., BAA, CNP

Certified and Registered Nutritional Practitioner

How to stay in shape during the holidays?

Holidays are only few days away!

Many of us already started preparation for the family parties. We know what this means - enormous amount of food!

Are you concerned about gaining weight?  

Have you lost several pounds last few months and now are you worried about gaining it back?

You are right to be concerned as temptations are everywhere.  

It gets worst! Our cold climate encourages you to bundle up on your couch and watch a movie. Almost no one wants to go to the fitness club. It’s no wonder so many people have such a difficult time to control the weight during the season of many festivities and parties.

Well, it doesn’t have to be that way!

I’ll be honest, even though it’s my job to encourage you to eat proteins, good fat, less carbs and stay fit all year around, I’m not a fan of depriving yourself during the holiday gathering or at least not completely. 

Below I’m showing you few simple tips how to eat during the holidays so you can still enjoy the seasonal goodies without feeling guilty. 

Here are my tips for being in control!

Eat regular meals

The first mistake, many people do, is avoiding eating all day because a huge holiday dinner will be served later in the afternoon or evening. On the contrary, you should eat regularly throughout the day.

Snacks

For those who are in charge of food preparation, do not forget to have ready snacks, such as crunchy veggies, nuts or my favourite, a hardboiled egg. Do not starve! You will eat less later – that is good.

Meals 

Have your breakfast smoothie, of course with proteins. Eat lunch smaller than usual but also include proteins, healthy fat and veggies.  These meals will help you to burn calories and prevent overeating in the evening time or extra snacking.

Watch these veggies

Eat first salad, meat and cooked vegetables. At the end try some potatoes or beets or squash. In this sequence of eating you will limit them.

Portions

Control your amount of eaten food.

Use rather a side plate than regular dinner plate. Do you know that in America we have much larger dinner plates than in Europe?! No wonder our waist line is expending!

Hydrate 

Have a glass of water handy. Remember for every alcoholic drink you should have a glass (250ml) of filtered water. You can squeeze some lemon or lime for a better taste.  Also drink water before your holiday meal.

Desserts
Enjoy your holiday desserts, but in moderation. Don’t restrict yourself. Have this cheat day on December 25th! One day of indulging is not going to break the results you're getting with your balanced nutrition and fitness plan, as long as you make sure a feast like this is a very rare occasion.

Importance of workout

Just make sure you will go to the gym the day after a holiday party for a super high intensity resistance training workout. In fact, training very hard with weights the day after festive eating will give you the best boost from the super-saturated muscle glycogen in your muscle cells.  

So there you have my best tips for the holidays.

If you like this article please forward it to your family and friends.

Want more tips on eating healthy or how to manage your weight and improve health, please contact me by sending an e-mail m.pawlicka.nutritionist@gmail.com. 

I am here to help YOU!

Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyounutritionandlifestyle 

for interesting articles and tips

Happy Holidays and all the best to you, your family and friends in the year to come!

Cheers!

Maria Pawlicka  M.Sc., BAA, CNP

Certified and Registered Nutritionist

Warming Italian Stew – Recipe

Food as Medicine

Tomatoes are rich source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene. When they are cooked and combined with a healthy fat, as in this recipe, lycopene is made even more bioavailable.

Note, the preventive effects of tomatoes against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are not due only to lycopene.

Few studies show that it is the “synergy” of nutrients in tomatoes that give them their health-promoting properties.

Ingredients

Serves 4

1/2 lb. eggplant, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
5 large cloves garlic, minced
1-2 stalk celery, thinly sliced
a large handful of fresh basil, stems removed, chopped
1 lb. ripe plum tomatoes, passed through a manual food mill, or peeled and chopped finely in the food processor (or use a 14-oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and processed)
3/4 lb. potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1×2-inch pieces
1/2 lb. zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 large or 2 small sweet red or yellow peppers, seeded and cut into 1×2-inch strips
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Instructions

1.    Toss the eggplant cubes in a colander with 2 teaspoons salt. Let it sit in the sink until it starts to sweat out the bitter juices. Rinse them, drain, them and pat dry, squeezing a little.

2.    In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and celery. Stir-cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, adding a little water as necessary to prevent sticking and burning. Add the basil and stir-cook for a minute, and then add the tomatoes. When it comes to a simmer, add the eggplant, potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir, bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the zucchini and peppers and simmer another 15 minutes more, or until all of the vegetables are tender.

3.    Taste for salt and pepper, transfer to a warm serving bowl, and allow to stand about 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

1.      Instead of zucchini, you can use any summer squash, or cauliflower or fennel root.

2.      Instead of eggplant, you can use mushrooms.

Please forward this recipe to anyone who would like to try it for dinner!

If you have some concerns related to your health or weight please e-mail me to book a consultation.

Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyounutritionandlifestyle 

for interesting articles and tips

To your health!

Maria Pawlicka, Msc., BAA, CNP

References

Recipe adapted from “Nonna’s Italian Kitchen” by Bryanna Clark Grogan, The Book Publishing Company, 1998

Few tricky symptoms of high blood sugar

Have you been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes?

If yes, then you know that diabetes can be called a ‘silent killer’ because it happens slowly, over time. You probably even didn’t notice it until your doctor checked your blood glucose, correct? How could this happen? Well, few reasons that I’m explaining below.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:

High carbohydrates diet – even if you think you avoid added sugars.

I’ve observed that the food industry blends in sugar everywhere (!), therefore the average consumer has a really difficult time to avoid this ‘sweet’ ingredient. To make even more difficult, often sugar is not even labeled as sugar. How smart!

·       Overweight – even if you carry only extra 5-10Lb.

·       So called ‘healthy foods or drinks’ – such as energy drinks, fruit juices or healthy foods with added tons of sugar!

·       Age – the average age is 45+, however some children are victims of this disease. Why adults are not teaching them healthy habits?

·       Family history - diabetes tends to run in family. Why? We eat the same food.

·       Ethnic background – such as African, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian.

·       Gestational diabetes.

·       High or borderline blood pressure.

·       Low HDL and high triglycerides TG.

Diabetes or pre-diabetes should not to be ignored. Risk of a heart attack, stroke or even cancer, increases with any rise of blood glucose!

Therefore I’d like to warn you, if you already suffer from pre-diabetes, don’t think there isn’t anything to worry about until you develop actual diabetes.

Diabetes has many of early signs, but they are often so weak you may not even notice. Sneaky!

Check these signs, learn and assess if you have some of them:

Lack of energy

Blood sugar fluctuations, up and down, can create a serious lack of energy. Starchy foods and sugar may give you a temporary lift, but over time this can contribute to the body’s inability to process energy from foods you are eating. Lack of energy contributes to sedentary lifestyle, possibly causing weight gain and heart disease.

Hunger

A spike in blood sugar levels tends to be followed by shakiness, hunger or irritability. This often causes cravings for carbs and sugary foods. Many people believe that eating more carbs is the best way to lessen their blood sugar crash. This habit creates a vicious cycle that will raise blood sugar over time.

In fact the best way to stabilize blood sugar is to eat low carbs food, high in proteins and healthy fat.

Thirst and frequent urination 

When the body is unable to lower blood sugar effectively, a higher level than normal of sugar (glucose) circulates in the system. However, your body will help you to decrease glucose by flushing it through urine. Frequent urination will cause thirst.

Irritable, Anxious

Do you consume starchy foods, sugar or pastries? How many times a day?  If you consume these foods few times a day, your blood sugar will fluctuate, ups and downs, and this physiological effect can contribute to anxiety or irritability.

Urinary tract and yeast infections

Elevated levels of sugar in the body will feed yeast, called Candida. Therefore, what you eat and drink can encourage Candida to spread in the system.

Normally Candida lives in a person’s digestive tract and in the vagina. Presence of glucose in the urine feeds bacteria and yeast that can spread in the body. Out of control Candida will weaken the immune system causing frequent infections. Repetitive urinary tract infection should be definitely checked by a medical practitioner.

Fuzzy vision

In early stages of diabetes or pre-diabetes, higher than normal levels of glucose can cause blood to thicken that can build up in the eye vessels, making harder to see. In some cases the blurriness can be resolved once blood sugar is stabilized, but it can take few months to see improvement.

Tingling in hands or feet

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause issues much earlier, before you are diagnosed with diabetes as I said previously. Numbness in your feet or hands can be the effect of mild nerve damage. Because elevated blood glucose damages small peripheral capillaries in the hands and feet, nerve damage results from the lack of blood flow and oxygen. If blood sugar is out of control, the next step would be the loss of sensation in hands or feet, and eventfully even amputation.

Bleeding gums

Higher than normal blood sugar levels can also encourage bacteria to live in the mouth and gums. This bacteria cause swollen and inflamed gums that will bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. 

If the above symptoms are persistent, I recommend that it’s time to check your blood. Your doctor will refer you to check A1C levels (blood sugar levels over three months). In my opinion, you should also request a test for insulin (hormone) level, as insulin starts to rise and stay higher than normal before blood glucose goes up.

What you can do right now?

I suggest diet and lifestyle changes as they can reverse or prevent diabetes type 2. A diet high in vegetables, protein from grass fed animals, poultry, wild fishes and healthy fat usually brings very positive results.

If you have questions regarding your eating, weight or health, please contact me and I will be happy to work with you.

Please also share this article with your family and friends who would enjoy reading it!

To your health,

Maria Pawlicka M.Sc., BAA, CNP