Healthy with Jodi

Dry Brushing..what is it and what are the benefits?

    I learned more about Dry Brushing when I enrolled in a continuing education class for Holistic Health.  It is one of the complimentary therapies you choose from to support the detoxification process. I learned that personally I love the physical touch so this process for me was very stimulating.  I could feel it way deeper than on the surface of my skin! I can feel the electrical charge run through my body, I could feel the nerves relax.  It helped with the “itch that never goes away”.

    We store electrical energy in our body and this is a great, and totally easy, cheap way to do that!  It’s my new favorite!  I start my morning while I’m still laying in bed and brush my legs, back and arms, it wakes me up!  I use it before bed, and it has a calming effect.  It releases stress and tension and allows my body to relax quickly and helps me fall asleep.

    If you want to learn more about complimentary therapies to aid in your weight loss, cleansing, detoxification, or holistic health program, call me, we can get you educated and going on the right path!

     

    Dry Brushing at a Glance:

    Your skin is a complex system and the largest organ of the body made up of nerves, glands, and cell layers.  When your skin is healthy it serves as a buffer that helps protect your body from extreme temperatures and chemicals.

    Dry skin brushing stimulates your lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification. If your lymphatic system is not properly eliminating waste and toxins can build up and cause sickness.

    Dry skin brushing stimulates your circulation, and stimulates your central nervous system so may offer both stress relief and invigoration.  Dry brushing can improve digestion and kidney function because the stimulation can go even deeper to support organ functions.

    Dry brushing exfoliates your skin, it may also reduce cellulite.

    Choose a dry skin brush with firm natural bristles and brush once or twice a day for optimal results.  You should use gentle pressure while brushing (toward your heart); your skin should be pink (but not red) after a session.

    Dr. Mercola says:  “Dry Brushing: How to Do It

    First you’ll need a high-quality dry brush. Look for one with bristles made from natural materials. They should feel stiff but not overly so. Ideally, choose a brush with a long handle so you can reach your entire back and other hard-to-reach spots.

    Dry skin brushing should be done daily for best results, or even twice a day if you like. Try incorporating it into your normal daily routine, such as doing your brushing before your morning shower and then again after work (avoid doing it too close to bedtime, as it may leave you feeling energized).

    When brushing, always brush toward your heart, which is best for circulation and your lymphatic system. You can brush your entire body (including the soles of your feet). Start at your feet and work your way up your legs to your arms, chest, back, and stomach. Avoid brushing your face (unless you have a special brush designed for this delicate skin), your genitals, or any areas with irritations or abrasions (including varicose veins).

    The pressure you apply while brushing your skin should be firm but not painful (avoid “scrubbing”). Your skin should be pink after a session (not red or irritated) and you can brush for as long (or as little) as you’d like. An average dry brushing session may last between two and 20 minutes.”

    https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/24/dry-skin-brushing.

    Mushrooms are in a kingdom all by themselves!

      Mushrooms…They are getting more widely recognized or maybe just more researched and talked about.  The use of Mushrooms in Chinese Medicine have been around for about 2,500 years.  They draw on the belief that Qi (translates to “vital energy”) is essential for overall health  and keeping all the systems of the body in balance.

      Meridians are utilized during treatments.  Meridian’s are connected to specific organs and if you focus on energy flow you can help resolve specific problems, restore balance and can prevent disease from developing.

      Chinese herbal remedies focus on bringing homeostasis (balance) to the body and restore proper energy flow.  Chinese herbs can hope lower inflammation and oxidative stress.  Medicinal mushrooms are an antioxidant and have anti inflammatory properties.  They also are antiapoptotic and help regulate autopahagic functions.

      Some main herbs Chinese Medicine uses are:

      Reisi & Cordyceps

      Alma Berry (Vitamin C) gooseberry

      Wormwood

      Green Tea

      Astragalus root

      Goji berry

      Ginko Biloba

      Ginseng

      The best feature is that these herbs are adaptogens that help fight stress, hormone regulation, fatigue, inflammation, less chronic pain. Adaptogen means they can change the way the nerves transmit messages to the brain.  This improves functions within the endocrine and central nervous system.  This helps promote healing within the body balancing hormones such as insulin, cortisol, estrogen and estrogen.

      There is so much to learn in the ever changing world of functional medicine.  Hiring a Certified Nutritionist is a good idea if you want to learn more about your body and support your system as you improve your health status.  Call me if you are not sure where to start, I can get you going in the right direction so you are not overwhelmed.  I do the research so you don’t have too.  Know your source.  Trust the Process.  I’d love to help you with your supplements and herbs if you are tired of guess what’s good for you. Single nutrient supplements may be a waste of money because some of them need other vitamins and minerals and amino acids for uptake and potency.

       



      https://draxe.com/reishi-mushroom/

       

      Bentonite Clay-whole body care!

         

        Why Bentonite Clay?EAFA2F87-D874-442C-A557-AE0E3EC1BE2E

        Clean body and a clean mind.

        It is a powerful ADSORBER of Environmental pollutions that are found in our intestines.  It can effectively remove infections, and bind endotoxins, Aflatoxins (found in Peanut butter and some Legumes) so they cannot be reabsorbed into the body.

        A true cleansing program requires Bentonite clay to help clean the waters of the body, clean the bile, and clear the Digestive tract.

        It promotes wound healing and provides healing in the GI tract.

        Clay can also be used on the skin to draw out impurities.

        Call me if you are interested in cleansing and clearing the immune system, digestive system, and want to start your healing process.

        Lentil Mushroom Stew. Meatless meal idea

          Lentil Mushroom Stew

          Vegan, Gluten Free

          Happily serves 2-3

          ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

          3/4 Cup Lentils

          2 1/2 Cup Bone broth

          1/2 Yellow onion

          2 Garlic cloves

          1 Cup Mushrooms

          1/2 Cup Zucchini

          1/4 Cup Celery

          1 tsp Thyme

          1/2 tsp Sage

          3/4 tsp Sea Salt

          1/4 Cup Red Wine or 1 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar

          1 TBSP Coconut aminos

          Cut or mince garlic and set aside.

          Rinse Lentils well.

          Wash and Chop veggies.

          Cook lentils according to Package.

          Add bone broth, onion, celery, zucchini in a pan, simmer until cooked.

          Cook Mushrooms separate so you can drain off the water in the pan.

          Add cooked lentils and garlic and the spices.

          Add vinegar and coconut aminos, mix well and serve.

          Tips:

          Spices and herbs should not be cooked with the rest of the ingredients so you don’t lose the nutrients through heat.  Always finish your dish then add spice to remain freshness and get maximum nutrient density.

          Oil Pulling-Oral hygiene

            Ever heard of Oil Pulling?  Do you have cavities?  What happens when you leave that bacteria in your mouth?  It grows and creates more expensive dental work down the road.  If your mouth is less than healthy, that bacteria travels to your gut and can grown there as well, disturbing our gut microbiome.

            An easy at home remedy is oil pulling. Most of us have coconut oil in our cupboards, so pull it out, put some in a small jar and put it in your bathroom!  You use 1 TBSP and swish it around for as long as you can up to 10 minutes.  Spit it out and rinse.  Pretty dang simple!

            Since that coconut oil is in your bathroom now, you can use it as lotion. You can use it to take off your eye makeup.  You can use it on burns (curling iron or sunburns).  You can use it for massage oil.  You can take it when you get a pedicure and have your technician use that instead of their chemically laden lotions.  Oh the Possibilities!!

            If you are interested in learning more, call me!  I’d love to help you get help make your health a priority in your life.  Invest in health, not healthcare!

            https://draxe.com/oil-pulling-coconut-oil/

             

            Mac and Cheese!! Tasty, Vegan and Gluten Free!

              Mac and Cheese Cups
              Vegan, Gluten Free
              Happily Serves 2

              Articles Avocado oil

              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

              4 oz dry Gluten Free Pasta
              1/4 Cup Almond or Coconut Milk
              1/4 tsp Sea salt
              1 TBSP Nutritional Yeast (optional)
              1/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (SoDelicious brand)
              1 TBSP Butter

              Preheat oven to 400.
              Spray a mini muffin or cupcake tin with coconut or avocado oil. Set aside
              Cook Pasta according to instructions, drain completely.
              Add all other ingredients to the pot with the drained pasta.
              Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until cheese melts.

              Portion into the muffin tins and press each down.
              Bake 20 minutes
              The cups should set up without falling apart.
              Let them cool at least 15 minutes before removing.


              https://amzn.to/2Gx6CRT

               

              Air Fryer Link! Not sure which one to get? I did the research for you…Amazon

                Cooking class today was on Air fryers.  We learned several things, fast and easy.  What’s also important is the quality of your cookware.  Try to avoid Teflon and heavy metals, so here is the link that I found that is used with stainless steel.

                I try and use as many different recipes with some of the same foods so there is no waste.  I got an 8 pack of zucchini and squash from Costco and we made Fried zucchini sticks, zucchini hot pockets, fried zucchini cheese sticks, Stuff bell peppers with egg and zucchini, and acorn squash with chicken sausage and zucchini.  There are many ways to change up recipes so you don’t get tired or bored with the same foods.  Herbs and Spices are the zest of life! I love watching everyone at class be amazed how Sea Salt can make or break a recipe.

                Join us at Family Fusion for my next class or schedule your own.  It can be a dinner party, themed, family cook night or date night for couples.  Topics are WHATEVER you want to learn, so just let me know how we can get you cooking fast and easy and Healthy with Jodi.

                Air fried Zucchini with Nutritional Yeast

                Acorn Squash stuff with Chicken Sausage, zucchini, parsley, green onion, sea salt, garlic, minced onion and Avocado oil

                Same green mix, added dairy free cheese and an egg to the yellow bell pepper

                Sliced zucchini sprayed with avocado oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Added same green mixture, topped with vegan coconut cheese.  Melts surprisingly well, and EVERYONE liked it!!

                And after all that cooking, this is the end result of how much waste there is.

                Easy Clean up!  Wipe with a paper towel, run it under hot soak your water and your ready to go for the next round.

                Cooking Class on Air Fryer

                  Such a fun Class! So simple, so easy, so Fast!  You really can make good food, that is healthy, that tastes better than you ever imagined!  I hold classes so you can taste and see how simple meal prep ideas can be.  You can cook.  You can reach your health goals without boring food.  Food is supposed to be enjoyed so let me teach you how to not be afraid of the kitchen!

                  Fried Zucchini spirals.  Slice them different and you have chips!

                  Spring rolls…keep it veggies or add meat.

                  Fried Bananas with Maple butter…endulgence dessert!

                  Honey Maple Carrot chips…with and without sugar.  Keep your carbs low by substituting carrots or root veggies for potatoes or startches.

                  Air frying is like convection oven cooking.  It blows the air around and evenly cooks your food.  The shorter the cook time, the least amount of nutrients lost.

                  Frying with oil destroys properties and turns to trans fats.  Use healthy  high heat oils such as Coconut oil and Avocado oil.

                  Costco has many Organic foods, the maple sausage with a pork free casing was a major hit!

                  Look under my recipe tab for individual recipes and click on the amazon link if you want to get an air fryer and get started cooking light and healthy!

                   


                  Thyroid Stimulating Smoothie

                    Who couldn’t use a boost in Energy?  When you are trying to stimulate the Thyroid, you must nourish your liver and adrenals.  Below is a great combination to start your day, full of nutrients, good fats and fiber.  Great detox for your liver and calming to the adrenals.  Your mind will start to clear, your energy pick up, and you will start making better decisions as the brain fog disappears.

                    Vegan, Gluten free
                    Happily serves 1-2

                    ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS 

                    1 cup mixed micro greens
                    1/4 cup lemon juice
                    1 avocado
                    1 stick celery
                    1 beet or 1 carrot (if you won’t try a beet)
                    1 cucumber
                    1 bunch of micro green basil leaves
                    1 tsp maca powder
                    1 Cup Coconut milk

                    1-2 oz Aloe Vera juice
                    Sea salt to taste
                    Optional: Stevia to taste

                    Combine all ingredients in a vitamix/blender and blend until smooth. If you want a thinner consistency add ice and extra lemon juice.

                    You can get full fast especially if you are not used to eating fiber.  Try to sip and enjoy, remembering that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to catch up to your stomach that you are satisfied not FULL.

                    I was able to drink half then when I was hungry again, my morning snack was the rest of it.  I was surprised that it kept well for a couple hours.

                    You have to eat 60% more “big” veggies to equal these mighty micro sprouts!  I know its a switch for most to eat a plant based diet, so this is a perfect way to introduce a salad a day into your meal plan.  Plus the flavors are bold and so flavorful, you just might develop a taste for what food is really meant to taste like! 😋