Skip to main content

February is American Heart Month

I cannot believe that January is almost over and that February is right around the corner! I always love the month of February, it is the month of love! My birthday as well as my father’s birthday both fall in the month of February as well… as of course… Valentine’s Day. <3 February is also American Heart Month and bringing awareness around the steps we need to help take care of our hearts >3 One of the first things I think about when I think about heart disease prevention is how we can improve what we put into our bodies. What are we currently doing now and how can we improve. Here are some things to think about: Are you adding enough fresh vegetables and fruits to you day and if not, how can you get more in? Are you consuming too many over -processed foods? Are you choosing lean meats and fish over more fatty meats and proteins? How are you preparing food? Are you using too much saturated fat and can you possibly substitute for more heart health plant based unsaturated fats? Are you getting Omega 3 Fatty acids into your day? Are you able to get more whole grains in vs processed grains in? Are you drinking enough water? Too much alcohol? Then some other factors to look at: Are you getting enough sleep? Are you able to exercise for 30-60 minutes at least 3-5 times per week? How about stress management? Are you taking time out of your day to practice things like breathing and meditation to help lower your stress level? All of these factors, plus more, are some great ways to honor your heart and your health. So start with February to get the ball rolling and see where your heart takes you… For more information on this topic and many others, contact me directly for a consultation today. www.nutritionbyellen.com Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy week!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to tell if you or someone you know has an Eating Disorder

Hi everyone, Wanted to share with you some common symptoms and what to look out for when it comes to determining if you or someone you know may have an eating disorder. Please contact me for more information or to make an appointment for you or a loved one at www.nutritionbyellen.com. I am here to help you :) Emotional and behavioral In general, behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.) Appears uncomfortable eating around others Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group [e.g. condiments], excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch) Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups
Post a Comment
Read more

Some of my new favorite raw food recipes

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Some of my new favorite raw food recipes Cauliflower Couscous 2 heads cauliflower, finely ground in a food processor 1/2 fresh cup lemon juice 1 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon black pepper pinch of sea salt 1 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed 1 bunch fresh mint, stems removed 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed 1 13oz jar pitted Greek olives In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix thoroughly Marinated Bok Choy Salad 5 heads baby bok choy 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup Nama Shoyu 4 cloves garlic, peeled Starting from the bottom of the plant, chop the bok choy stalks into half-inch pieces, leaving the leaves whole. In a blender, combine the olive oil, Nama Shoyu and garlic and blend thoroughly. Add to the bok choy, mix well and serve. Pesto Sauce 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled 1/2 fresh lemon juice pinch sea salt 1 cup raw pine nuts 1 cup fresh basil 2 tablespoons olive oil In a high speed blender, combine all the ingredients, and blend until smooth
1 comment
Read more

Important Lab Tests for PCOS

Many women who have PCOS have not had the correct blood work done or don't know what blood tests to ask to have done. I would like to post some important labs used to diagnose and monitor PCOS 1. Total testosterone (elevated levels are > 50ng/dl 2. Free testosterone 3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (plays a role in ovulation and egg development) 4. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (responsible for egg release from the ovaries) 5. LH/FSH ratio (results should be under 2) 6. DHEA-sulfate (this test tells how much androgens or "male hormones" your body is producing) DHEA sulfate converts into testosterone. 7. Prolactin 8. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) this test will help to rule out hypo or hyperthyroidism (slow vs fast metabolism issues) 9. Liver Function tests (LFT's). Important since medications pass through the liver, to check for possible damages. Checking every 3-6 months is recommended. 10. Fasting Lipid Profile: Total Cholesterol (< 200 mg/dl is ideal)
1 comment
Read more