Thursday, July 9, 2009

Top 10 Foods Women Should Eat More Often (Fruits, Veggies, Fats, Omegas, Nuts)

This evening I presented a free Seminar at the Healthy Being Wellness Boutique- the topic was: Top 10 Foods Women Should Eat More Often.

I'd like to share with you the major points of my presentation:

1. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement or wild salmon
The omega-3s in fish and quality fish oil help your body burn fat more efficiently, make your mind more focused and spiritually inclined, and improve your mood. Fish oil raises serotonin levels which is especially important for women because women have half the level of serotonin in their brains as compared to men. This explains why women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression. As a bonus, fish oil also makes your hair and skin healthy.

2. Old fashioned or steel cut oatmeal
In addition to being inexpensive, oats have a low glycemic index, are high in fiber, and contain GLA. GLA in the right amounts helps regulate female hormone levels.

Oats contain a lot of fiber, both insoluble and soluble, the latter has a beneficial effects on cholesterol. Without going into detailed mechanisms, oats lower cholesterol, and can lower blood pressure, which lowers the chances of cardiovascular disease. This soluble fiber (with other constituents) also helps to keep our blood sugar stable by releasing its energy slowly, preventing some of the complications associated with diabetes. Oats reduce our risk of getting cancer, help prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive function and keep us at a healthy weight. Oats are a good source of thiamine, folic acid and vitamin E. They contain zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium and have a higher concentration of well-balanced protein than any other cereal.


3. Berries

Berries contain huge amounts of anti oxidants and other phytochemicals (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and more) which help prevent cancer, aging, maintain healthy vision, lower cholesterol and total blood lipids and keep the circulatory system healthy. Berries may prevent and treat urinary tract infections, help age related cognitive decline and lower amounts of brain damage in strokes. They also contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber with very few calories and no fat.

Berries are easy to eat just as they are, add to yoghurt, muesli, make a smoothie, add to fruit salads and frozen are just as good for you as fresh - just get them down you!


Blueberries contain many antioxidants and have a very low glycemic index. I recommend buying large bags of frozen blueberries from Costco, since blueberries tend to be pricey. You can always enjoy fresh blueberries in season but buy them in small quantities because they are very perishable compared to frozen.

4. Organic sweet potatoes
The deep orange color of an organic sweet potato shouts vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The average commercial sweet potato grown in depleted soil are not so vibrant. I believe the best multivitamin is to have a sweet potato three to four times per week. Sweet potatoes are also low glycemic.

5. Nuts

There are so many types of nuts, each with their own unique health benefits so this one is a bit general. However all nuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Eating a wide variety of nuts is best and stick to the plain ones, roasting and salting make them much less healthy! Women in a Harvard School of Public Health study who reported eating 5 or more 1 ounce servings of nuts/peanuts per week reduced their risk of Type 2 diabetes by almost 30 percent compared to those who rarely or never ate nuts.

Almonds contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium.

Brazil nuts contain selenium and may protect against breast cancer. They are also high in zinc, which is a vital mineral for digestion and metabolism. People with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are often low in zinc and it is essential for immune system function.

Walnuts contain omega 3 (and 6) which prevent heart disease, maintain healthy joints and brain function and provide anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.

Cashews are lower in fat than most nuts and contain good levels of iron copper, magnesium, zinc which are essential for optimal bodily functioning.

Eating a variety of nuts can certainly help us keep healthy, do remember though, they are very nutrient dense so a couple of handfuls a day is plenty!

Cashews are a great source of monounsaturated fat and they are a nutrient-packed super food because they are grown in warm and humid environments close to the equator.

6. Avocados
These luscious green fruits are high in monounsaturated fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are good for your metabolism and for promoting vibrant skin.

Those on weight loss diets will often avoid avocados because of the fat content; but we must remember that is some fat is essential; some fats are actively good for us and actually help, rather than hinder weight loss. Monounsaturated fats can speed up metabolic rate, help us feel fuller for longer and prevent binges on high sugar or saturated fat foods. Its low sugar content and absence of starch make avocado an ideal food for diabetics.


Avocados have a high nutritional density, containing many vitamins and minerals, protein and fibre. They are very high in anti-oxidants so helping to prevent cancer, cataracts and aging. Some of the constituents have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. When eaten with other fruit and vegetables, avocados increase absorption of other nutrients.

They are perfect, mashed, for babies who are just starting on solids. Add to salads, pasta, prawns, tuna or just eat as they are! Avocados can also be used externally for skin complaints.


7. Farm raised eggs
Few foods can match the nutritional power of an egg yolk. The modern philosophy of balanced eating has overturned the fear of cholesterol because balanced insulin and blood sugar decreases cholesterol production in the body. People feed yolks to make their dogs coat healthy: eggs can do the same for human skin and hair. Plus, egg whites are an excellent source of protein.

8. Stem, stalk and leafy vegetables
Greens, such as broccoli, kale, spinach and other leafy greens offer roughage, water, and many essential phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.

9. Raw cacao
Women usually crave chocolate during the menstrual cycle to escape the hormonal storm. Raw cacao contains anandamide, a substance that mimics marijuana, thus giving women a sensation of bliss. (10 tips to prevent PMS - naturally)

10. Organic yogurt
Yogurt has probiotics for good digestive health and calcium for strong bones. It is also quite versatile and can be eaten for any meal of the day.

Bonus: 11. Olive oil and sesame oil
These delicious unsaturated fats are heart-healthy and can reduce your cholesterol levels as well as reduce inflammation. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamin E and other nutrients, these healthy oils can be used in many cooking applications.

Olive oil Olive oil has been around for 1000's of years and is one of the main components of a Mediterranean diet which is widely thought of as one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fats (like avocados) which help prevent heart disease by lowering bad' cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good' cholesterol (HDL). It can lower blood pressure, possibly due to constituents called Phenols, and one study shows regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the need for hypertensive medication by 48%.

Olive oil is also high in Vitamin E, a powerful anti oxidant which protects the heart, slows down the aging process (hurrah!!) and is even considered an aphrodisiac!

A US study has found olive oil may act in a similar way to painkillers such as ibuprofen which are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation has been linked with a wide range of diseases from cancer to heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact studies have shown that regular consumption of olive oil lowers the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in later life.

Extra virgin olive oil is best and as we only use small quantities it is worth the extra money.

Use for stir fries, as a dip with balsamic vinegar for ciabatta or granary bread, pour over salads, vegetables or pasta, add to sauces, just have a bit of olive oil every day!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Free Health Seminar Schedule - July 2009 @ Healthy Being Wellness Boutique & Natural Health Services

Greetings!

July is going to be a FABULOUS Month here at Healthy Being Wellness Boutique! We've got a line up of amazing wellness seminars, packed full of educational materials and life changing information. We invite you, your family, friends and folks in your network to join us for our free seminars. We're also introducing our Grocery Shopping Tours to groups of 7 individuals-- is an hour worth your time - and there are great takeaway materials that you'll use every time you plan your shopping list and visit your grocer.

Wednesday, July 8
7-8pm Nutrition for Women: 10 Foods Women Should Be Eating More Often. This thought-provoking seminar will examine the nutritional health of women and discuss dietary strategies for optimal health. Melissa will tell you about today's top 10 nutrition superstars, how they work to keep women healthy, and how to incorporate them into your diet.

Saturday, July 11
2-3pm ABCs of Autism: Allergies, Behavior & Chemicals. Vida Gomez, Florida State Special Educator & Autism specialist, will address biomedical needs of autistic children & adults as well as diet and detox therapies to treat autism.

Monday, July 13
7-8pm Wellness Tips for the Busy Professional. Learn quick, easy & inexpensive ways to stay healthy and energized at work, on the road and at business meetings.

Wednesday, July 15
7-9pm. $25 CPR Class. All proceeds go to local organizations dedicated to the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest to buy an AED machine for a local sports facility. RSVP necessary. Limited to 10 participants

Saturday, July 18
1-2pm. Acupuncture Face-lift Facials. Acupuncture Physician, Lisa Rathgeb will discuss and demonstrate facial rejuvenation. Learn how to tackle wrinkles, muscle tension that may be causing unsightly lines, as well as systematic issues standing between you and glowing skin.

Sunday, July 19
2-3pm Healthy Grocery Shopping Tour. This fun and informative seminar translates nutrition information into practice. As you tour the aisles of the supermarket, you'll learn how to read nutrition labels, select lower fat products, choose the heart healthiest oils, and much, much more. $25 per person, RSVP required. Max 7 participants.

Tuesday, July 21
5-8pm Free Networking & Business Showcase - Health & Wellness focused. Mix mingle & network with local healthcare providers, wellness practitioners and abundance minded professionals and community members. Enjoy complimentary wine & healthy treats.

Wednesday, July 22
6:30-7:30pm Relax Your Neck & Shoulders! Let Aradia Scott, massage therapist & upper torso pain specialist, show you how to use massage to loosen your tight muscles.

Thursday, July 23
7-8pm Healing Yourself with Body Talk. Harvey Pearlman, Certified Body Talk Practitioner, presents this self empowering, self healing, holistic therapy.

Saturday, July 25
2-3pm Bioavailability of Supplementation. Bay Area Nutraceutical Consultant, Kristina Smith, presents how isotonics work to nourish and heal the body.

Sunday, July 26
2-3pm Healthy Grocery Shopping Tour. $25 per person, RSVP required. Max 7 participants.

Monday, July 27
7-8pm. Detoxify Your Body! Toxins are all around us & are stored in excess body fat. These toxins create dis-ease. Come see how we determine if toxic chemicals or metals are a hidden cause of your health problem and learn if a detox program is right for you.

Wednesday, July 29
5-8pm. Wellness Wednesday. On the last Wednesday of the Month we host a Healthy Neighborhood round up - meet, mingle, network and relax with fellow neighbors. Enjoy complimentary healthy snacks & organic wines.

Thursday, July 30
7-8pm Center of Gravity. Dr Rubin, a local Chiropractor will discuss structural management and wants to minimize aging and joint degeneration.

Please feel free to share our calendar with your friends, family and folks in your network. These are great ways to gain important wellness information and presents the ability to meet great health and wellness professionals.

TO RSVP for the CPR class or Grocery Shopping Tour- call us: 727-502-3464.
All seminars are held at:

Healthy Being Wellness Boutique & Natural Health Services
425 33rd Ave N.
St. Petersburg, Fl 33704
(off 4th st, behind subway)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Saw Palmetto: Fact or Fiction- Increases Breast Size Naturally

We've all heard the hype and with all the supplements and products on the market that claim to be the next best latest thing to help address some ailment or vanity issue. But, I decided to give one a whirl.

I went to a natural health seminar about a month ago and one of the many topics was about natural hormone therapies and protocols surrounding female health concerns. I was particularly interested in trying out one particular protocol that is said to have a positive impact on the growth and enlargement of the female breast.

It is widely known that one of the best natural herbs for men is saw palmetto. Well, while this helps shrink the size of the prostate, it has the reverse affect on breasts.

SO I decided to give it a whirl. For me, such a change would be dramatic and the instructor of the seminar reported that the potential increase could be a full cup size. The dasage was non descript so I bought a bottle of saw palmetto and have been diligently taking 4 pills in the am and 4 pills in the evening.

I can honestly say that I have seen a marked change in the shape of my breasts. It may not be hype after all.


If you are interested in the exact dosage, let me know and I'd be more than willing to share my story and doage schedule with you. Feel free to call me in my office or email me: 727-50-BEING or Melissa@HealthyBeingLLC.com

New Healthy Being Service: Ionized Detox Foot Baths

For the past 5 years, I have been a huge fan of the detox foot baths.

Ionic Detoxification Footbaths are the most relaxing way to get rid of the toxins present in the body. You just have to sit on the chair, with your feet dipped into a warm water bath. Our detox clients love the experience we have created - our clients relax on a comfortable chair, dip their feet into a warm water bath, relax with some soothing and detoxing aromatherapy which is applied on their temples, throat chakra and on their wrists. We offer cool cleansing cucumber water that is enhanced with chlorophyll and they listen to chakra clearing CDs and slip into a calm and sedate state.. Each session is 24 minutes in length

For some of our stay at home moms, busy tampa bay executives and teens find this a great 24 minute spa without the spa prices that also cleanses and supports their body.

For first timers, we also recommend they start the treatment with a 30 minute lymphatic drainage therapy which will increase their "feel good" experience and remedy any colds, headaches or inflammation that they may be experiencing.

Detox Foot Bath is an all natural way to detox the inside of your body through your foot in a relaxing bath. Detoxification begins the moment you place your foot into the foot bath. Detoxification benefits your health and can help the aging process.

Reported Benefits:

* Detoxification of Your Entire Body
* Heavy Metals Removed
* Increase Your Energy
* Help With Faster Disease and Injury Recovery Time
* Increased Oxygen in Your Body
* Help Pain Relief
* Improved Your Sleep
* Reduced Unwanted Fluid Retention
* Headache Relief
* Immune System Booster
* and many more

The biggest question I hear is : How often should I do a detox foot bath?

Every body is different and the amount of environmental, physical and emotional toxins vary. If you are on a detox program, I recommend 2 or 3 x a week, allowing a day in between the detox and hydrating before, during and after. Then gradually moving to 1x a week and then into a maintenance phase.

If you are seeking maintenance, 1 or 2x monthly is a good time span to repeat your detox foot bath.

Scheduling a detox foot bath session also works well if you are feeling the onset of a flu or cold - it can help your body manage the illness and eradicate it before it becomes full blown .

If you think this might benefit you or your family member, please give us a call and we'll answer any questions you might have.

*Mention you read this article and receive $5 off your first foot bath.

Healthy Being Wellness Boutique & Natural Health Services
425 33rd Ave N
St. Petersburg, Fl 33704
727-50-BEING
www.HealthyBeingLLC.com
Melissa@HealthyBeingLLC.com