Healthy with Jodi

Benefits

Chocolate Iced Coffee Protein Shake

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    Chocolate Iced Coffee Protein Shake
    Dairy Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar Free
    Happily serves 1

    ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

    2 TBSP Raw Cacao powder
    2 TBSP Collagen Powder
    2 oz Coconut milk
    2 oz Cold brew (optional)
    2-6 oz Chai Tea or water
    Dash of cinnamon
    Stevia Powder if desired sweeter
    Ice

    You can use Chicory Herbal Roast in place of the cod brew if you don’t consume coffee or caffeine.  Great benefits of extras herbs and barley.

    Blend all ingredients in bullet/blender, transfer to shaker bottle.

    You can also quick steam this recipe for a hot “chocolate” protein drink

    ProOmega-CoQ10

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      ProOmega-CoQ10 1000mg
      Nordic Naturals
      60 softgels $38.95
      120 softgels $69.95


      -Double-strength EPA+DHA for more omega-3s in fewer soft gels plus 100mg 
ubiquinone-form CoQ10
-Synergistic heart support
-Promotes brain and neurological health
      ProOmega CoQ10 provides the same powerful EPA+DHA formula as our ProOmega, with 
the added heart health benefits of CoQ10. This formula helps supply the heart 
with the ATP it needs, and protects heart tissue from oxidative stress and 
damage.

      Servings Per Container: 30
      Two soft gels daily, with food, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.
      Serving Size: 2 soft gels
      Amount Per Serving: 
Calories …20
Calories from Fat …18
Total Fat …2.0g
Saturated Fat …0.1g
Trans Fat …0g
Coenzyme Q10 …100mg
      Total Omega-3s …1280mg
EPA …650mg
(Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
DHA …450mg
(Docosahexaenoic Acid) 
Other Omega-3s …180mg
      Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel 
capsule (gelatin, glycerin, purified water, caramel color, natural lemon flavor), coenzyme Q10, beeswax, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract (a natural 
preservative)
      No gluten, milk derivatives, or artificial colors or flavors. Non-GMO.

      Struggling with Depression??

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        Do you struggle with Depression or know someone who does? Tired of being pushed the drug route? Want to heal your body naturally?  Try a few of these herbs.  You  can take them in combinations in tea form or supplement form.  If you need help deciphering what you think you need first, let me help you sort it out before you spend extra money trying to experiement on your own.

        Herbs for depression
        Rhodiola rosea
        Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae) is a perennial plant that grows in cold, alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its roots contain a sap that has long been used to improve physical and mental endurance, relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, and even lift mood and alleviate depression symptoms. This is why it is considered to be an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps normalize the body’s response to stress, and maintain optimal homeostasis by balancing the immune system and endocrine hormones (http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/342/review45139.html).

        Numerous scientific studies, including research conducted and compiled by Dr. Zakir Ramazanov, a former Soviet soldier-turned-doctor, has revealed that rhodiola rosea can be safely used to reduce recovery time after workouts, improve attention span and memory, improve physical fitness and performance, enhance psychomotor function, and alleviate depression and anxiety (http://rhodiolarosea.org/rhodiola-benefits/).
        100mg of Rhodila a day (Dr.Weil.com)

        Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz3zjQgnxzR

        St. John’s Wort
        St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a plant native to temperate and subtropical regions of the world, has long been used in many cultures to treat depression. Numerous research studies, including a 2008 study published as part of the Cochrane Systematic Review, have found that St. John’s Wort is at least as effective as standard antidepressant drugs at treating mild to moderate depressive disorders, but with few potentially harmful side effects (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm).

        When taken as a whole extract, St. John’s Wort has also been shown to help naturally alleviate sleep disorders, promote relaxation, and boost energy levels in such a way that avoids the “spikes” and “plunges” typically associated with consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. St. John’s Wort is considered to be a safe, inexpensive herbal remedy that can help promote improved overall mental health.

        Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz3zjSFGRPF

        Camu Camu
        Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a tropical rainforest plant whose berries have the highest known levels of natural vitamin C in the world. The plant’s fruit, which is naturally tangy and sweet, contains a host of nutrients, including vitamin C, that fight the negative effects of the herpes virus, promote immune health, alleviate inflammation, and fight bacteria and viruses. Camu Camu also has adaptogenic properties that normalize bodily processes during stress, and help relieve symptoms of depression.

        In his Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Healing, Dr. Gary Null, Ph.D., critically-acclaimed nutritionist and researcher, lists Camu Camu as the second most potent known plant for containing natural antidepressant compounds — and best of all, eating camu camu has absolutely no know negative side effects
        Therapeutic Ranges for Vit C falls between 3000-5000mg day

        Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz3zjSTNQ4d

        Ashwagandha
        Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an Indian plant that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, contains powerful adaptogenic compounds that are known to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The plant is also known to help fight degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

        Several studies, including one published in the journal Phytomedicine back in 2000, have found that ashwagandha works as well as, or better than, antidepressant drugs at relieving anxiety and treating depression symptoms. And ashwagandha naturally prevents stress-induced free radical damage without causing harmful side effects (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jun2006_report_ashwa_01.htm).
        Ashwaganda can be up to 6000mg a day, suggesting to be taken in 3 doses divided.

        Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz3zjSWnAz2

        Maca
        Maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as “Peruvian ginseng,” is a root vegetable that is packed with amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Like the other herbs mentioned, it has long been used in traditional medicine to increase energy and stamina, enhance libido, and boost the immune, adrenal, and endocrine systems.

        In a 2008 study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that maca helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in women with menopause (http://drtorihudson.com). And in a 2006 study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that maca clearly exhibits general antidepressant activity in all people when consumed.
        Maca can be 500-2000mg a day. (macaextract.net)
        Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz3zjSfMG5m

        Anxiety Balance

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          Anxiety Balance
          Priority One

          $37.98

          NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
          Designed with the beneficial effects of Rhodiola rosea, and Ju Jube, Anxiety Control is perfect for those seeking natural relief from stress and anxiety.
          MAY BE HELPFUL for The nutrient deficient individual, who needs additional help for relaxation, including sleep disturbances, and stress management.

          Servings Per Container: 45
          RECOMMENDATIONS:
          One (1) capsule daily as a dietary supplement, or as directed by your physician.

          Serving Size: One (1) Vegetarian Capsule
          Amount Per Serving
          Magnesium …25mg / 6.25% DV
          (Amino Acid Chelate)
          Thiamine HCL …25mg / 1666% DV
          5-Hydroxy Tryptophan …75mg**
          Gamma Amino Butyric Acid …100mg**
          (GABA)
          Inositol …175mg**
          Lupulin …50mg**
          (Hops Pollen)
          Niacinamide …25mg**
          Glutamic Acid …25mg**
          Passion Flower …25mg**
          Rhodiola Rosea …50mg**
          (Standardized 4% Rosavins)
          Jujube …50mg**
          (Standardized 2% Jujuboside)
          ** US Daily Value not established
          Contains:
          Rice Powder, Magnesium Stearate
          Supplemental Facts:
          This product is encapsulated in a vegetarian capsule.
          Contains no preservatives.

          The differences between Green, Black, and Oolong Tea

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            Green tea is the least processed and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea. Green tea is made by briefly steaming the just harvested leaves, rendering them soft and pliable and preventing them from fermenting or changing color. After steaming, the leaves are rolled, then spread out and “fired” (dried with hot air or pan-fried in a wok) until they are crisp. The resulting greenish-yellow tea has a green, slightly astringent flavor close to the taste of the fresh leaf.

            In black tea production, the leaves are first spread on withering racks and air-blown, which removes about one-third of their moisture and renders them soft and pliable. Next, they are rolled to break their cell walls, releasing the juices essential to fermentation. Once again, they are spread out and kept under high humidity to promote fermentation, which turns the leaves a dark coppery color and develops black tea’s authoritative flavor. Finally, the leaves are “fired,” producing a brownish black tea whose immersion in hot water gives a reddish-brown brew with a stronger flavor than green or oolong teas.

            Oolong tea, which is made from leaves that are partially fermented before being fired, falls midway between green and black teas. Oolong is a greenish-brown tea whose flavor, color and aroma are richer than that of green tea, but more delicate than that of black.

            Green tea has always been, and remains today, the most popular type of tea from China where most historians and botanists believe the tea plant originated throughout all of Asia. Why is this so? Perhaps because green tea not only captures the taste, aroma and color of spring, but delivers this delightful bouquet along with the highest concentration of beneficial phytonutrients and the least caffeine of all the teas.

            Cacao Avocado Mousse

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              Cacao Avocado Mousse

              Gluten Free, Vegan

              Happily serves 4

              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

              3 Avocados

              1/3 Cup Coconut nectar

              1/2 Cup Raw cacao
              1 tsp ground cinnamon

              dash of allspice (optional)
              2 vanilla beans, split and seeded
              1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt

              Stevia drops if desired sweeter

              Mash all ingredients together and enjoy!

              Optional to add nut milk to thin out consistency.

              Fresh mint leaf for garnish or chopped for added flavor
              The Cacao is antioxidant rich, high in flavonoids, which are essential to a healthy cardiovascular system.  Cacao provides a natural form of iron for a natural energy boost.

              The avocado provides heart healthy monounsaturated fats as well as a good amount of vitamin B5 and Vitamin K.  Avocados are known for promoting heart health, regulating blood sugar and are believed to potentially offer anti-cancer benefits, specifically when it comes to cancer of the mouth, skin and prostate gland. Avocados are very alkalizing to the body.

              10 Reasons to Eat Clean

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                eat clean

                1. You’ll become more mindful.
                Which one takes longer and really makes you slow down? Eating clean also means eating with purpose and savoring food. That means a better relationship with everything from radishes and radicchio to red velvet cupcakes (which you’ll no longer crave).

                2. You’ll save money.
                Kiss sick days and medical bills goodbye when you get nutrients from eating clean, real food. Plus, shopping locally and in season makes sense– and cents. Planning clean meals for the week is cost-effective if you make a list and stick to it, as there’s no chance of overspending at the store.

                3. You’ll live longer.
                Study after study has shown that consuming these foods can lengthen your life-span. And in a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, European researchers have found that increasing your produce intake to more than 569 grams per day reduces your risk of mortality by 10 %.

                4. You’ll have better relationships.
                Preparing clean meals takes time, just the kind of time that allows for easy, relaxed conversations with your kids, spouse and other family members and friends. If they’re too busy with screen time to share stove-top time, point them to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2014 study, published in Public Health Nutrition, showing good health comes from home cooking.

                5. You’ll be smarter.
                Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts keep our minds sharper and our memories stronger by a whopping 24 %, proved a study published in spring 2015 in Neurology. Our brains also function better with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, as shown in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, while they slow and sputter down when we fill them with sugar (including alcohol), fast food and the wrong kinds of fats. If that’s all too much too think about, remember one point from the Nature Reviews Neuroscience report: A balanced diet means better brain health.

                See also 9 Amazing Brain Boosters to Add to Your Diet.

                6. You’ll have more energy.
                Adam and Eve were onto something when they bit into that apple: Fruit is just one of many clean foods that provide an instant dose of energy. High-fiber fruits like apples take longer to digest and can instantly stave off that afternoon slump while providing critical vitamins for the evening ahead. Other pick-me-ups include quinoa, almonds, eggs, kale, citrus fruit and a good-old-fashioned glass of water.

                7. You’ll be better in bed.
                Mamma mia! Women with metabolic function in Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean enjoy a healthier sex life than those in the US, thanks to the components of their diet– yep, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. That’s what researchers found in a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

                8. You’ll help the planet survive.
                There’s an oft-quoted statistic that food travels approximately 1,500 miles from farmer to consumer in the United States. By eating seasonal and local foods, as recommended by Clean Eating, you can help reduce your carbon footprint. As the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in 2003, “The major threat to future survival and to US natural resources is rapid population growth”and “the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is more sustainable than the average American meat-based diet.

                9. You’ll be stronger.
                The lean protein that comprises part of the clean-eating philosophy builds lean muscle mass and boosts metabolism, found a study presented at The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in 2014. Some mighty choices for your muscles (in addition to animal-based products like chicken, fish and lean beef) include quinoa, chickpeas, nuts, spinach and seeds.

                10. You’ll be happier.
                Food and mood go hand in hand. And the better the food, the better your mood. If you need to brighten your day, go for berries, bananas, coffee, lean proteins, chocolate, omega-3 and turmeric fatty acids, all proven to boost your mental state.

                Healthy with Jodi

                How to Reduce Anxiety – Herbs for Anxiety Reduction – Reduce Anxiety with Herbs

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                  Herbs for Anxiety

                  Not looking to use Conventional Drugs to help ease Anxiety?  Try some of these herbs.

                  Licorice Root contains a natural hormone alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and can help to normalize blood sugar levels as well as your adrenal glands, providing you with the energy necessary to deal with the stressful situation at hand. Some claim licorice stimulates cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, thereby calming the mind.As a soothing tonic, drink it warm as in a tea.

                  Kava Kava, an herb from the South Pacific, is a powerful muscle relaxer and analgesic. Kava Kava is also effective at treating depression and anxiety associated with menopause. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-herbs-that-reduce-stress-and-anxiety.html#ixzz3zjWfhIxL

                  Valerian

                  Some herbal supplements reduce anxiety without making you sleepy (such as L-theanine), while others are sedatives. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is squarely in the second category. It is a sleep aid, for insomnia. It contains sedative compounds; the German government has approved it as a treatment for sleep problems.

                  Valerian smells kind of nasty, so most people take it as a capsule or tincture, rather than a tea. If you want to try it, take it in the evening—not before you go to work! Valerian is often combined with other sedative herbs such as hops, chamomile, and lemon balm.

                  Hops

                  Yes, it’s in beer, but you won’t get the tranquilizing benefits of the bitter herb hops (Humulus lupulus)from a brew. The sedative compound in hops is a volatile oil, so you get it in extracts and tinctures—and as aromatherapy in hops pillows.

                  “It’s very bitter, so you don’t see it in tea much, unless combined with chamomile or mint,” says Blumenthal. Hops is often used as a sedative, to promote sleep, often with another herb, valerian. Note: Don’t take sedative herbs if you are taking a prescription tranquilizer or sedative, and let your doctor know any supplements you are taking.

                  Chamomile

                  If you have a jittery moment, a cuppa chamomile tea might help calm you down. Some compounds in chamomile (Matricaria recutita) bind to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium.

                  You can also take it as a supplement, typically standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin (an active ingredient), along with dried chamomile flowers. In one study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients taking placebo.

                  Passion Flower

                  The University of Maryland Medical Center states that passionflower has shown in a few studies to work as well as some of the benzodiazepine medications that are usually prescribed for treating anxiety.

                  A four-week double-blind study, for example, compared passionflower with oxazepam. Results showed oxazepam worked more quickly, but by the end of the study period, both treatments were shown to be equally effective. Bonus—side effects like daytime drowsiness were fewer with passionflower.

                  A second study also showed that passionflower helped ease symptoms like anxiety, irritability, agitation, and depression in participants going through withdrawal from an opiate drug addiction.

                  Dosage: Try one cup of passionflower tea three times daily, 45 drops of liquid extract daily, or about 90 mg/day.

                  Lavendar

                  A 2010 multi-center, a double-blind randomized study of lavender oil compared to anti-anxiety medication lorazepam found that both were effective against generalized and persistent anxiety. Bonus — lavender had no sedative side effects.

                  “Since lavender oil showed no sedative effects,” researchers stated, it could be an effective and “well-tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines” to treat generalized anxiety. An earlier 2000 study found similar results.

                  Dosage: Try about 80 mg/day of the supplement, or use the oil as an aromatherapy solution.

                  Lemon Balm

                  Though usually found in combination with other herbs, lemon balm also has anti-anxiety powers on its own.

                  Research published in 2004, for instance, gave participants a single dose of lemon balm extract (300 mg or 600 mg) or a placebo, then measured their mood after one hour. The higher dose resulted in reduced stress and improved calmness and alertness. Even the lower dose helped participants do math problems more quickly.

                  Dosage: Use in aromatherapy, try 300-500 mg of dried lemon balm three times daily, 60 drops daily, or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm herb in hot water for a tea four times daily.

                  Ashwagandha

                  A 2012 double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave participants either placebo or a capsule containing 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha extract, twice a day. The study lasted for 60 days. Those taking the ashwagandha showed significant improvements. Even the levels of the stress hormone cortisol were substantially reduced in those taking the extract. And there were no serious side effects.

                  In an earlier 2000 study, ashwagandha had anxiety-relieving effects similar to those of lorazepam.

                  Dosage: Typical dosage is 300 mg standardized to at least one to five percent withanolides, once or twice a day.

                  L-Theanine

                  This one isn’t really a herb — it’s a water-soluble amino acid,  but it’s gotten such good research behind it, we had to include it here. It’s found mainly in green tea and black tea and is also available as a supplement.

                  Studies have found that it acts directly on the brain, helping to reduce stress and anxiety—without causing drowsiness.

                  Research from 2008, for example, found that those participants taking 50 mg of L-theanine a day had a greater increase in alpha (relaxed brain waves) activity than those who took a placebo.

                  An earlier 1998 study found that 200 mg a day leads to increased alpha brain waves and a relaxed, yet alert, a state of mind.

                  A later 2011 study found that it was also associated with reduced anxiety, and was well tolerated and safe for participants.

                  Dosage: A typical cup of black tea contains only about 25 mg of l-theanine and green tea only about 8 mg. While a cup of tea may be calming, if you want more potent effects, try a supplement, about 200 mg a day.

                  Digital Detox- A detox without Food!

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                    Turn it OFF

                    digital detox

                    The digital detox is nothing more than taking a break from your devices. While on vacation, we are constantly connected over social media, email, and by using our devices to find the best restaurant on Yelp or the best route on maps. “Some of the changes I’ve noticed in clients after they’ve taken a digital detox are that they are more balanced and calmer in their lives due to periodically stopping the continual digital exposure throughout their day.”Try to have at least one hour before bedtime where there is no digital stimulation so you can unwind. Don’t let digital devices stay on at night next to you unless it’s mandatory.

                    And although others take a more hardcore approach with week-long ‘summer camps’ or designated holidays, pledging to take just one day offline while you travel means you can reap the benefits of a detox, without sacrificing the joy of staying connected to your family and friends or taking the perfect Instagram or Snapchat shot.

                    Some suggest that the discipline in these smaller detoxes can be hugely beneficial to your mental state, and you can implement them on a smaller scale in your everyday routine.

                    This video points out the daily grind, and why we could all use a break.

                    This concept can be difficult at first, the benefits are real. Many detoxers find a real world connectedness that enriches and enhances our lives in a way no Wi-Fi connection can.

                    These short-term benefits are just part of the story. Mentally, even a short break from electronics can have long-term benefits that can make you happier and more successful in every aspect of your life.

                    Today, in a world where the average user logs almost 2 hours per day on social media alone, this idea is somewhat terrifying.  Dr. Yvonne Thomas, a psychologist and therapist based in Los Angeles, puts it simply: “You can be so preoccupied with your digital devices that it’s all too easy to inadvertently sacrifice time, relationships, sleep, focus, productivity and balance in your life. Many people are not even aware of the toll their extensive usage of digital devices costs them until they have suffered a loss or upset because of this.”.

                    digital detox

                    Could this cure-all of the tech world provide more benefits to the humans using the tech than the devices themselves? Digital detox devotees think so, and they’ve started a movement that seems to grow louder and larger with every tech announcement or app update.

                    Not convinced? Try it for one week.

                    How to detox without losing your job or social life.

                    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to detoxing. Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, believes in a ‘digital sabbath’, while Google chairman Eric Schmidt believes in scheduled ‘on’ and ‘off’ times, and commits to gadget-free meals.

                    digital detox

                    When traveling and taking a vacation, every notification you receive– emails, instant messages, text messages, social media notifications– takes a moment to acknowledge, another to process and another (or a few depending on how soon that deadline really is) to forget. Suddenly the notification, even if you neglected to react or respond to it, is a significant distraction from what should be a chance to explore another culture and enjoy some time away from the screen. Multiply this by the 50+ notifications many of us will receive in a day, and you can start to get a sense of what you’re losing to your device.

                    Dr. Thomas has seen first-hand how deep the benefits can be. “Some of the changes I’ve noticed in clients after they’ve taken a digital detox are that they are more balanced and calmer in their lives due to periodically stopping the continual digital exposure throughout their day.

                    “Try to have at least one hour before bedtime where there is no digital stimulation so you can unwind. During this digital-free time period, try to connect with yourself through meditation, reflection or awareness. Don’t let digital devices stay on at night next to you unless it’s mandatory.