Larabar Lemon - Add Zest To Your Life
What's Larabar?
Larabar was founded by Lara Merriken in May of 2000. She believed that food should be fun, enjoyable and good for you. She tinkered with recipes an d made her own Larabar bars. She discovered how natural foods enlivened her mind, body and spirit and wanted to share that with the world.
Trends have changed over the years and Larabar has become even more popular because people are actively seeking out foods that are not derived from artificial flavours, sugar or high sodium while they are still looking for great taste. The Lara bars are also gluten free, non-geo, dairy free, vegan and kosher! Each bar contains no more than 9 ingredients and they are minimally processes and as close to their natural state as possible.
I came home last week and to my surprise there was not 1 but 2 packages at my door. I was lucky enough to receive not only the new special edition flavour of Larabar Lemon, but a sample box of flavours including cashew, peanut butter, apple, coconut cream, peanut butter chocolate chip, cocoa coconut chew, chocolate chip, chocolate brownie and blueberry. On top of the samples I also got my very own lemons and tree! This was a little confusing. There also was a bag of dates, cashews and almonds in the box.
Why were all these things included in my package? Why to make my own bars! Thats how little additive ingredients there are in Larabars that I can literally make my own lemon bar with just a food processor, parchment paper, rolling pin and a knife! How cool is that!
There was a little instruction card telling me to place all of the ingredients provided in a food processor and pulse until blended. Once the dough is formed put it into a disc with my hands and roll out between two pieces of parchment paper to my desired thickness. Then cut off excess edges and slice them into bars!
Thank you Larabar for sending me this amazing package. My lemon tree is now soaking up the sun in my living room window and my boyfriend and I are going to enjoy the delicious bars and our homemade zesty lemon bars!
The lemon is available for a limited time only in local grocery stores and online. To find out more about Larabar visit www.larabar.ca
The folks over at Freeman Formula recently sent this Organic High Frequency Superfood for me to try out. Since super foods and greens are in my prep meal plan this was great for me. This formula is for the health conscience individual that is striving for optimal health according to them. And I couldn't agree more.
This high-frequency superfood is a combination of three of nutrient dense alkaline ingredients. It provides your body with over 96 ready to use powerful nutrients with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, plant proteins, carbohydrates, heart healthy fats, fibre. What a crazy combination! One of my favourite ingredients is chia seeds. Chia leaves you feeling full and is high in satiety. Thats great for me since I am on prep and am constantly feeling hunger. This actually prevents that.
Besides the chia which holds 9 times its weight in water to help with hydration. High Frequency Super Food Formula has 9x Protein of Yogurt 15x Potassium of Bananas 25x iron of spinach and 17x calcium of milk.
According to research the ingredients help improve immune function and are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial functions. They also are known to improve heart function, and circulation.
You can find out more information on their products and the superfood HERE. I really enjoyed the taste in my shakes and even mixed with just water!
Cubic Pharma’s Vitamin D For Indoor Lifestyles
Cubic Pharmaceuticals is a brand from the United Kingdom. They have recently made their Vitamin D supplements available across the United States. I was lucky enough to get sent some to try! I used them every day and felt an increase in my energy and alertness. The line of Cubicole Vitamin D3 came in a variety of strengths. I personally preferred the higher dosage for my active lifestyle. I actually just ran out of them and need more! I made them part of my supplement stack for all of my prep's.
“Vitamin D is well known for helping your body in a variety of ways... For example, it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus as well as support heart health.”
What I like the most is that all of the Cubic Pharmaceutical supplements are lactose, gluten, gelatin preservative, salt, and yeast free. It is also great for vegetarians and is Halal. Non of their products havebeen tested on animals.
For more about the brand, visit: http://www.cubicpharmaceuticals.co.uk. I personally can't wait to get my hands on some more of the D3!
Joy McCarthy is a certified Holistic Nutritionist and founder of the hugely popular healthy living blog www.joyoushealth.com . She is the author of the Canadian bestselling book Joyous Health: eat and Live well Without Dieting. Her second book, Joyous Detox, comes out in December 2016.
I recently was sent a copy of the salad guide from Joy. And since I am a figure athlete and I am in prep for a November show I have found it very useful in changing up my greens daily. The guide has beautiful pictures and the directions are easy to follow!
Get your free copy of Joy McCarthy's latest ebook, the 7-Day Sensational Salad Guide. It features seven all-new, exclusive recipes chock-full of superfoods, plant-based nutrition and all-around goodness! Something I know you probably appreciate.
Download your free copy at http://www.joyoushealth.com/salad-guide/
CYREX ARRAY 2 PROVIDES CANADIAN CLINICIANS CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR ACCURATE
ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING OF INTESTINAL BARRIER FUNCTION
Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, offers Array 2, an intestinal antigenic permeability screen. The Array 2 is the most advanced test on the market to accurately measure intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” as well as assess systemic Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—a byproduct of bacteria. The Array 2 is unique among clinical testing in its ability to identify the route of damage occurring in the intestinal barrier.
Knowing the pathway of degeneration helps the practitioner narrow his/her focus in identifying the triggers causing damage and choose the most effective gut healing protocol for the patient. Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist and leader in preventative medicine who recently released the New York Times Best Seller Brain Maker, said, “I consider the Cyrex Array 2 to be the most effective laboratory study available for evaluating gut permeability.”
Array 2 is recommended for patients who have food sensitivities, abnormal immune cell count and function, or who present multiple symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disorders, such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, skin issues and/or cognitive impairment. Because of the significant correlation between the gut and brain barriers, Array 2 can also be used in combination with Cyrex’s Array 20, a potent tool for assessing permeability of the blood brain barrier.
"With gastrointestinal barrier integrity being a causal mechanism for so many autoimmune and metabolic diseases, there has never been a more important time for those practicing to quantify what is being observed clinically,” says Dr. Randall Gates, D.C, D.A.C.N.B. and Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Dr. Martin Rutherford, D.C., C.F.M.P and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. “Simply, the Cyrex Array 2 allows us as practitioners to ascertain and demonstrate to patients the problem at hand.”
Physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals, as well as patients, interested in learning more about Array 2, 20 or any of the Cyrex Arrays that are part of the Cyrex System, are encouraged to visit www.joincyrex.com for additional information.
About Cyrex Laboratories
Cyrex is a clinical immunology laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity. Cyrex offers multi-tissue antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions. Cyrex develops innovative testing arrays through continuous collaboration with leading experts in medical research and clinical practice. Cyrex technology is built on four pillars of excellence, including the antigen purification system, optimized antigen concentration, antigen-specific validation and parallel testing technology. Cyrex is a CLIA licensed laboratory based in Phoenix, Arizona and holds a Medical Device Establishment License in Canada.
Sleep Like A Champion - Sleep Tips For Athletes
Sleep is so important! I never realized just how important it was until I started taking my fitness and health more seriously in University as an athlete and then when I started working full time as a personal trainer (5 am wakeup). Then I realized just how awesome naps are during the day. Thank you so much @casper for letting me try your very comfortable mattress and catch up on some of those precious ZZZ’s in your #snoozeroom in Toronto yesterday. And thank you for helping me learn more about just how to get the sleep I need. Look out for this traveling sleep room around Toronto for the next few weeks.
The following are some great tips from the folks at Casper on how to sleep like a champion - Sleep tips for athletes.
HEALTHY GUMS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Study Shows Connection between Gum Disease and Pancreatic Cancer
A new study presented at the 2016 American Association for Cancer Research meeting points to a connection between gum disease as a potential early marker for pancreatic cancer. The study, from a group of researchers at New York University, could possibly pave the way for early detection of this deadly disease.
So, it’s more important than ever to keep our teeth and gums in good shape. And studies also show that smiles make us more attractive, lower stress, elevate our mood and make us look younger!
But, many of us don’ take good care of our gums. Nearly 50% of adults 30 years old or older have periodontal disease in the U.S., and that number spikes to 65% in adults 65 years old or older. Yet, it’s not a disease that’s readily discussed, despite the fact it’s 2.5 times more common than diabetes! But, there’s good news. Gum disease is preventable, or reversible, if you just “love the gums you’re with.”
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) encourages all Americans to understand the importance of periodontal health through its “Love The Gums You’re With” campaign. The AAP hopes to educate us on the importance of good oral hygiene, and the need to speak to a dental professional about periodontal health because we all love the thought of a sparkling smile and fresh breath.
“Taking care of your gums shouldn’t be an afterthought,” says AAP President Dr. Wayne Aldredge. “Gum disease is preventable, or reversible. You just need to follow a few simple tips to ensure a lifetime of healthy gums.”
The AAP just launched a new tumblr page called GUMBLR (Gumblr.org) to help you take better care of your gums. This engaging site is filled with valuable information to help you find a local periodontist, learn more about gum disease and take an interactive quiz. Check it out today!
To help us keep the gums we have for life, here are some fast facts from the AAP:
- There are two types of periodontal disease: gingivitis, the mildest form, and periodontitis, or advanced gum disease
- Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, and receive three additional years of training after dental school
- Symptoms of periodontal disease include red and swollen gums, receding gums, bleeding when flossing, loose teeth, mouth sores and persistent bad breath
- Gums may separate from teeth, forming pockets that become infected with bacteria
- Gum disease can lead to social anxiety and discomfort from loss of teeth and bad breath
- Here’s what helps according to AAP President, Dr. Wayne Aldredge: “brushing twice a day, regular flossing, regular dental checkups and discussing gum health with a periodontist. If needed, there are non-surgical therapies or more advanced procedures based on the severity of the disease.”
- In 2015, an AAP survey showed that 27% of U.S. adults lie to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth, with 15% saying they’d rather wash dirty dishes than floss.
New study shows higher levels of vitamin D can drastically lower risk of cancer by 67%
TORONTO, Ont. – Women with high concentrations of vitamin D have been found to have a much lower chance of developing cancer, according to a recently published study.
Published in the journal PLOS ONE and authored by a team from Creighton University, University of California, San Diego and GrassrootsHealth, the research found a 67% reduction in risk for all cancers in women with vitamin D levels > 100 nmol/L (40 ng/ml) compared to womenwith vitamin D levels < 50 nmol/L (20 ng/ml).
Drawing on results from one of Creighton’s past studies, Dr. Heaney and researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine worked with Dr. Lappe’s team and GrassrootsHealth to provide data from its members to aid in the study. Combining both pools of data, the researchers were able to create a larger overall cohort of 2,304 women with a broader range of serum levels for the analysis.
The resulting conclusion was that women with higher than 100 nmol/L (40 ng/ml) vitamin D levels were associated with substantial reduction in risk of all invasive cancers combined.
Dr. Heaney, one of the study’s authors, noted the importance of sunlight in vitamin D absorption. While ancestors spent a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight, today more time is spent indoors and behind computer screens.
“Be sure you’re getting as much vitamin D as nature would give you under natural circumstances and you were wandering around outdoors exposing a lot of skin in the summer,” said Heaney. “We have got to find a way to translate [these studies] into policy; public health policy.”
In Toronto, Dr. Reinhold Vieth, scientific advisor for the Vitamin D Society and professor at the University of Toronto, is encouraged by the results.
“This analysis provides more evidence that vitamin D plays an important role for cancer, and not just bone health,” said Dr. Vieth. “More vitamin D, or more sunshine, is related to lower cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis or death. Fortunately, taking advantage of the health benefits of vitamin D couldn’t be easier as it comes for free with spending time in the sun.”
Approximately 12 million Canadians (35%) fall below the minimum vitamin D blood level requirements of 50 nmol/L set by Health Canada and the Institute of Medicine and 90% of Canadians do not meet the 100 nmol/L recommended by this research study.
“The takeaway message from this study is clear,” said Perry Holman, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Society. “If you want to help prevent the risk of cancer for you and your family, ensure that your 25(OH)D vitamin D blood levels are greater than 100 nmol/L.”
About the Vitamin D Society:
The Vitamin D Society is a Canadian non-profit group organized to increase awareness of the many health conditions strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency; encourage people to be proactive in protecting their health and have their vitamin D levels tested annually; and help fund valuable vitamin D research. The Vitamin D Society recommends people achieve and maintain optimal 25(OH)D blood levels between 100 – 150 nmol/L (Can) or 40-60 ng/ml (USA).
References:
McDonnell SL, Baggerly C, French CB, Baggerly LL, Garland CF, Gorham ED, et al. (2016) Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations _40 ng/ml Are Associated with 65% Lower Cancer Risk: Pooled Analysis of Randomized Trial and Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS ONE 11(4): e0152441. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0152441
USING MILK TO REFUEL, REHYDRATE AND REPAIR A GREAT OPTION AFTER WORKING OUT
Sports dietician offers advice on why milk has so many benefits for athletes
Milk and chocolate milk have been getting increased attention as go-to recovery beverages of choice for those who workout, but are they really as great as so many people believe? St. Vincent Sports Performance sports dietician Sigornie Pfefferle says absolutely.
So what makes milk so great? It's all about refueling, rehydrating and repairing:
Refuel
"During a workout, our muscles primarily use carbohydrates, which are stored in our bodies as glycogen, as a fuel source," Pfefferle says. "Well, just like gas for a car, as you work, those fuel stores get burned leaving you on empty at the end of a workout. In order to recover quickly, you have to refuel/refill the tank with carbs, and milk, especially chocolate milk is a great source of carbs."
Rehydrate
"It is essential to replace the fluids and electrolytes, primarily sodium, lost via sweat post-exercise," Pfefferle says. "Milk not only helps replace the fluid lost, but, because it contains about 150mg/cup of sodium, it can help replace some of the electrolytes lost in your sweat, too."
Repair
"Intense, long workouts break down muscle; in order to repair muscle, you need protein," Pfefferle says. "Milk is an excellent source of high quality protein needed to repair and rebuild muscle. In fact, research has shown that consuming protein and carbs, both of which are contained in milk, immediately post workout leads to a six times greater rate of protein synthesis vs. waiting 3 hours to refuel."
Pfefferle says milk not only covers the three R's of recovery, but it's also packed with other vitamins and minerals essential to everyday health, most notable are calcium and vitamin D, both essential to bone health.
"So next time you are looking for a post workout recovery option, go for a tall glass of milk," Pfefferle says.
About St. Vincent Sports Performance
St. Vincent Sports Performance has supported and helped develop world-class athletes since 1987. The first and largest hospital-based program of its kind in the United States, St. Vincent Sports Performance employs over 60 Certified Athletic Trainers, sports medicine physicians, certified strength and conditioning specialists, licensed sports psychologists and registered sports dietitians. Together they have trained athletes at every level from middle school, to Olympians, to the NFL and NBA, to Motorsports and NCAA athletes. Learn more at
definingsportsperformance.com.
Inflammation: Why Food Matters
Did you know that inflammation is a component of the vast majority of diseases? It originates in the gut with an autoimmune reaction that advances into systemic inflammation. Examples of chronic inflammation diseases include cancer, arthritis, heart disease, chronic peptic ulcer, and Crohn’s.
Unfortunately, doctors have a tendency to prescribe medication instead of figuring out the original source of the problem. Why is this an issue? Because taking medications only blocks the inflammation, it doesn’t quell the disease process. Inflammation is the body’s way of defending itself, and for acute diseases it is beneficial, but for chronic diseases it exacerbates the problem.
Dr. Lanae Mullane, the Director of Nutrition at LifeSpan medicine is a huge proponent of helping treat inflammation by changing one’s diet. That’s correct, food matters. Everyone reacts to food differently, so why do doctors give blanketed statements about what to eat? To put it bluntly, they shouldn’t.
When clients come to see Dr. Mullane, blood is drawn to see which foods cause that specific person inflammation. Foods are then put into three categories: green, yellow, and red.
Green foods are what the client should focus on eating, yellow are neutral, and red are foods that should be avoided. Dr. Mullane always suggests strictly eating what’s on the green card for 4 weeks, and then slowly (one by one) incorporating foods on their yellow card to see if it causes inflammation.
For more information on inflammation and why food matters please visit www.lifespanmedicine.com. If you would like to speak with expert nutritionist Dr. Mullane and for all press inquiries contact Brooke Cockrell at brooke@kipmorrison.com or 818.209.3800.
ABOUT LIFESPAN MEDICINE
LifeSpan medicine is an integrative, functional medical practice with a team of doctors that offer the most advanced technology for non-invasive medicine. The practice has two locations in Santa Monica and Dallas. Clients range from the average person looking to be healthier to NFL, NBA, and Olympic athletes to movie stars and Fortune 500 executives.
ABOUT DR. LANAE MULLANE
Dr. Lanae Mullane conducts individual consultations and assessments to identify deficiencies and imbalances and customizes plans involving lifestyle modifications, diet, supplementation and exercise. Her clients include families, executives, athletes and young professionals looking to perform and be their best. She helps each client reach any nutrition or health goal they may have from weight loss, to more energy, less inflammation or just feeling and looking better overall. She utilizes her expertise in the kitchen to provide specialized menus and recipes to fit each clients’ individual preferences, food sensitivities, biochemistry, and overall lifestyle.
