The Good News about Inflammation

How could having Inflammation be good news

Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injuries or infections. The good news about inflammation is that if you are experiencing it, your body is providing you valuable intel of a problem and at the same time, working on a solution. Thats is pretty amazing when you think about it. At the very least, this is your early warning sign of a bigger condition, so act now! Some forms of inflammation can be protective such as a swelling of a sprained ankle to protect the bone. Other forms such as chronic inflammation can be progressive, severe, and play a role in chronic diseases and conditions.

More Good News about Inflammation
If you have been diagnosed with an inflammatory based condition, the other good news, changes to your eating habits may profoundly benefit you.
Many types of inflammation can affect us long-term but we can help to minimize inflammation within the body with our diet.

What to Eat
“”Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” –Michael Pollan. If we can begin here, in the garden, in the kitchen and at our family table, we are definitely headed in the best direction for health and well-being.

Let’s dive a little deeper
In general, foods that are nutrient dense and contain antioxidants can help reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods are those that many experts encourage us to eat. They include oodles of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, including beans, legumes nuts, fatty fish, and fresh herbs and spices. Now, let’s take a closer look.

Fruits and Veggies: The darker, more vibrant colors the better- Research tells us that vitamin K-rich leafy greens like spinach, lose leaf lettuce, broccoli and kale reduce inflammation. Cabbage, especially in a fermented state (think sauerkraut), is a valuable fighter of inflammation. Additionally, berries and stone fruits contain antioxidant properties, which are substances that prevent or delay some types of cell damage, and can reduce inflammation.

Whole Grains: Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and other unrefined grains are high in fiber, and that fiber thwarts inflammation.

Beans: They are high in fiber, loaded with antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory substances. Simple as that! Worried about the gassy affects? Try adding a piece of seaweed into the pot while cooking to reduce that gas.

Nuts: Healthy nuts are chock full of the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and do not contain many unhealthy saturated fat. As a result, nuts have major anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically and in small quantities,raw, unsalted almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, brazil nuts, cashews and hazelnuts

Fish: Put it on your plate at least twice a week. Salmon, tuna, and sardines all have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. If you are eating canned tuna, I suggest sticking with Safe Catch Tuna.

Herbs and spices: Numerous studies show the impact herbs and spices have on inflammation. The findings are promising. Add these to your diet- Ginger, Rosemary, marjoram, oregano, sage, cayenne, cinnamon and cloves.

Green Tea: There is no lack of evidence on the positive effects of green tea. My suggestion, look for an organic blend/brand. With so many good choices, this is not the place to cut corners.

Dark Chocolate: This one makes me especially giddy! A study at Louisiana State University found that gut microbes in our stomach ferment chocolate into heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory compounds that shut down genes linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. To bump up the benefits , pair dark chocolate with apple slices to speed up the probiotic fermentation process. This will lead to an even greater reduction in inflammation. Quality is king here- so make certain the cacao is at least 70 percent or above.

The Bottom Line
Have Love and Respect for your body- it is the only one you have in this life. Support your body by putting into it fuel and medicine in the form of good clean food.

Set up your Kitchen Coaching session Today:
Want to learn more? Drop me a line or give me a call. I am happy to meet with you to discuss your best solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER–The views and opinions expressed here are based solely on personal experience, research and my interactions other professionals in the field of health and wellness. This article is not a diagnose, or medically based advise. Your experiences and sentiments may differ from my own. If you are suffering from any serious medical condition, you should consult your doctor or naturopath for a diagnosis.

 

/by

Give Peas a Chance

Hippeas- Give Peas a Chance

One of my favorite things about being a food and fitness blogger is trying new products and sharing them with my peeps. Today, I invite you to “Give Peas a Chance!” More specifically, Hippeas™, a line of organic chickpea puffs that have me shouting “Power to the Peaple”.

Hippeas™organic chickpea puffs are absolutely delightful.  All six flavors are yummy with something for every taste bud. Flavors include: Far Out Fajita, Vegan White Cheddar, Maple Haze, Pepper Power, Sriracha Sunshine and Happenin’ Hickory. My favorites are the Far Out Fajita, Vegan White Cheddar and Sriracha Sunshine.

Bragging rights galore

Beyond being Certified Organic, these tasty little lovelies are gluten free, vegan, kosher, allergen free and non-GMO. Also, they have 3 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein and just 130 calories in a one ounce serving.  I am wowed and know you will be too.

So, Why Chickpeas 

According to many experts, plant-based products hold a huge spot in the current market and expected to grow tremendously.  Our friend the chickpea is one of the shining stars in the industry.

Did you know that Chickpeas release nitrogen back into the soil?

For Farmers, growing this legume is giving back to Mother Earth. They are more affordable to grow than many other plants, taking minimal water, care and they grow pretty quickly.

Perennial chickpeas are also a fundamental source of nutrition in animal feed as they are high sources of energy and protein for livestock.

How HIPPEAS pays it forward

HIPPEAS believes that “tastes good” and “do good” are two philosophies that should go hand in hand – that is why they’ve partnered with Farm Africa, a charity working to end hunger and bring wealth to rural eastern Africa. For each pack sold, the brand will donate a portion of sales to support farmers in eastern Africa to grow themselves out of poverty, helping them build a more prosperous life for themselves and their families.    Courtesy of HIPPEAS™ and prnewswire.com

READY TO ENTER  

Enter to win a Hippeas reusable gift bag filled to the brim with Hippeas delicious snacks. Get excited, this gift bag has plenty to share with friends.

Simply follow the rules to enter below.

 

 

Contest Rules:

  • Follow us to Instagram http://bit.ly/2syUmXX
  • Like this photo on our page
  • Follow our page @mysagegourmet
  • Comment on this pic and tag a Friend
  • Use hashtags #mysagegourmet  and #hippeas_snacks

Easy chick-peasy. Winner will be announced on July 10th, Good luck from My Sage Gourmet

DISCLAIMER–As a food and fitness blogger, I often receive free samples to review but I am never paid for my opinions. The views expressed here are based solely on personal experience with the products and my interactions with the company’s staff. Your experiences and sentiments may differ from my own.

 

/by

Don’t miss this Cool Café-Cafe Nouveau

Café Nouveau- a delicious spot!

The next time you head up the coast, do not miss a meal at this cool café! From the beautiful atmosphere to the delicious food, Café Nouveau is a one of my favorite spots in Ventura.       Located on E. Thompson, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for its Spanish bungalow style with the lovely metallic sunflowers out front. Both indoors and out are an enchanting experience. Indoors, enjoy the artistic flair with its 1920’s art deco glam decor. The patio is casual and inviting with water features and the lush Mediterranean garden lining the outdoor space. By the way, your pooch is welcome to join you on the dog-friendly patio.

The Menu-While everything I have tried is delicious, I Love the breakfast, which is served all day. Some of my favorites include the fluffy omelets, au gratin potatoes and the chili verde and eggs. For lunch or dinner you can’t go wrong with the chevre enchiladas, portabella burger or shrimp and avocado martinis (appetizer).

Noteworthy-In 2016, Cafe Nouveau won the Ventura County Star Readers’ Choice award in the categories of best outdoor patio dining and  best brunch  A Wine Spectator award winner, check out their formidable selection of  wines. The food portions are very generous and the prices are average for the area. Although they do get pretty busy, this cool little café is well worth the wait!

Enjoy

Café Nouveau

1497 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001
(805) 648-1422

http://www.cafenouveau.net/

/by

Are you running on empty? Discover the Power of Pickle Juice

If you’ve ever suffered through a muscle cramp, you know how painful they can be. It just so happens I have more than a few yogis in my class that get muscle cramps, and they’ve all tried the usual remedies but not always with success. Even so, the first time I offered a shot of Pickle Juice to a client for relief, she looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Until I explained the benefits, that is, at which point she couldn’t wait to try it.

If you’ve ever experienced a workout that induces a lot of sweat, or been outside in the heat for any length of time, you know how it feels when your electrolytes are low, a result of fluctuating fluid levels in the body.

Common symptoms of an electrolyte disorder include:

  • irregular heartbeat
  • fast heart rate
  • fatigue
  • lethargy
  • convulsions or seizures
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • abdominal cramping
  • muscle weakness
  • muscle cramping
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • headaches

Pickle Juice by The Pickle Juice Company has an ultra-high sodium content that helps replenish the key electrolyte eliminated by sweat and is rich in vinegar which is reputed to decrease muscle inflammation.

It was an instant hit in my yoga class. One client said, “I drank Pickle Juice just before Yoga class and right away my foot cramping was reduced.”

Yup, it works that fast. And no wonder, Pickle Juice provides 10x more electrolytes than other sports drinks.

Friends who do long distance treks as cyclists and runners tell me this product is the number-one choice for en route hydration. I sometimes use it myself before an intense workout, or after a long hike or bike ride.

You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate the benefits, however. My dear old dad swears by the stuff. He keeps it on hand for long car trips and middle-of-the-night leg cramps. He still can’t believe how quickly it works.

If you’re looking for a natural fuel alternative with no chemical preservatives or GMOs, you may have just met your best workout buddy!

Discover the power of Pickle Juice today.

To learn more, visit The Pickle Juice Company web site

Also available on Amazon

DISCLAIMER–As a food and fitness blogger, I often receive free samples to review but I am never paid for my opinions. The views expressed here are based solely on personal experience with the products and my interactions with the company’s staff. Your experiences and sentiments may differ from my own.

/by

Food Forward Fights Food Insecurity

Did you know that California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 8 Californians currently struggle with food insecurity?

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life.

In California, the child food insecurity rate hovers dangerously at 22.9%, meaning approximately one in four children go to bed hungry every night. This places California at the 19th highest child food insecurity rate in the nation, a statistic that really upsets me.

Food Forward to the rescue

I’m not the only one upset by these statistics. I recently came across Food Forward, an organization based here in Southern California that offers a simple, yet brilliant solution to this rising epidemic.

Every week, Food Forward staff and volunteers rescue 300,000 pounds of surplus produce. They then distribute 100% of that produce to over 300 hunger relief agencies across 8 counties.

How do they source their produce?

Some of the produce comes from fruit trees that no one is harvesting. We’ve all seen them, fruit-laden trees that no one seems to have the time or inclination to pick. Unfortunately, an all-too common sight here in Southern California. Produce is also sourced from local Farmer’s Markets and the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market.

You can make a difference

If you’re someone who enjoys helping others and loves being outdoors, you can participate in the Food Forward program by assisting in the harvest.

I recently took advantage of that opportunity and what an extraordinary experience it was. I spent a beautiful sunny day picking oranges and tangerines from an orchard brimming with ripe fruit. Fruit that otherwise would have ended up falling to the ground and being wasted.  And I wasn’t alone. I worked alongside the nicest group of people, all motivated by the same goal. It was such a rewarding experience,

I intend to continue signing up and hope you’ll feel inspired to join us! It’s a great way to spend the day. Bring your friends and make it a group outing. It’s a wonderful example of how people can come together in simple ways and collectively have a huge impact! A fruitful endeavor, you might even say.

I believe in the work that Food Forward is doing and fully support this amazing organization.

Food resources impact our communities in more ways than one. Do you know what a Food Desert is? Read here

Watch and Learn More 

For more information

visit  Food Forward.org

 

 

 

 

/by