5 Truths About Sugar

sugarHave you started our 30 Day Self Guided Whole Body Detox? If not, think about giving it a try. Sugar is everywhere, and it has harmful implications for our health. More and more research  is showing that sugar is a lot more than just empty calories. Some truths about sugar include the following.

1. Sugar is everywhere.  From yogurt to spaghetti sauce, sugar is put in just about anything processed. Be label savvy. Look at the ingredients. As ingredients are listed by weight, the higher up sugar is on the ingredient list, the more sugar that product contains. Sugar should not account for more than 5% (25 grams) of our daily caloric intake. Here is an example. Store-bought spaghetti sauce has about 1.5 tsp of sugar per serving! Picture sprinkling that over your spaghetti next time!

2. We are addicted to sugar. Americans, on average, consume almost 80 grams of added sugar per day (about 19 tsps). That is far above the goal of 25 grams or less! If you are curious to see what that looks like, get out your teaspoons and start scooping. Studies have also shown that sweet flavors can produce addictive-like behaviors, promoting changes in the reward system of the brain that help to drive over-consumption. So we end up eating more sugar!

3. Sugar is harmful to our health. Some of the health consequences of too much sugar aren’t overly surprising, such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. However, you may not know that too much sugar can also lead to fatty liver disease (no matter your weight) and even damaged memory. Recent studies have also shown that sugar may have more of an impact on blood pressure than salt! Continue reading “5 Truths About Sugar”

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30-Day Self-Guided Whole Body Detox

asparagus-saladIf you have been struggling with trying to kick bad food habits, experiencing annoying symptoms, or simply want to feel better, then consider doing a whole body detox. This can be a great way to jump-start your health and reboot your system. Detoxifying or cleansing your body involves reducing your toxin intake while replenishing your system with healthy nutrients.

We have created a 30-day detox program that is specifically designed to help you cut your sugar and carb cravings, for good. Sugar and flour are two of the most addictive substances in our diet and are linked to so many of our chronic health problems. By eliminating these destructive foods, you will be promoting better health on so many levels  weight loss, brain health, hormone balance, energy, inflammation support, digestive wellness, and greater vitality.

Our detox program outlines key foods to avoid, healthy must-have foods, supplement recommendations, as well as helpful detox tips. Click here for the full 30-Day Self-Guided Whole Body Detox, or to download a PDF.  As a special bonus, our top four recommended products outlined in the detox protocol are on sale through February 4.

Photo from here, with thanks.

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Spring Cleaning for Your Body

Spring is just around the corner and this may be a good time to start thinking of doing some spring cleaning… for your body. There are some great over-the-counter products that are gentle and effective. Of course, you should always consult with a health care professional to discuss what cleanse is best for you.

Here are some of my favorites.  Continue reading “Spring Cleaning for Your Body”

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Spring Cleaning for Your Body

April is around the corner and hopefully so is the nice weather! This is a great time do some spring cleaning for your body, and not just your house. Cleanses can be difficult and limiting, but there are simple things that anyone can do to feel more energized and healthy. By following a cleanse filled with high fiber and nutrient-dense foods, you give your body the opportunity to “clean out the pipes.”

Here are some tips to get you on your way:

1. Skip the caffeine: Coffee and sodas are acidic, as well as act as diuretics. Instead of coffee, I recommend drinking herbal tea, green tea or white tea for the antioxidant effect and to help you get rid of any coffee withdrawal headaches.

2. Eat lots of colorful foods: Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, filled with minerals, vitamins and plant chemicals called phytonutrients that prevent and even help treat disease. Continue reading “Spring Cleaning for Your Body”

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Body pH and Your Health

If you’re like most people reading this article, you’ve probably never thought about the pH (relative acidity or alkalinity) of a substance since you took chem 101 in high school.

And why would you? Generally pH is not something that comes up in casual conversation… unless you’re hanging out with other nutrition enthusiasts, in which case it’s a favorite topic!

It turns out that our bodies are designed to function within a very narrow pH range. In fact, a slightly alkaline pH (just above 7.0) is considered optimal for health. Believe it or not, just the simple process of bringing your blood to a higher (more alkaline) pH can actually correct for a large number of health conditions, including skin issues, heartburn, inflammation, arthritis, poor circulation, digestive complaints, fatigue, a weak immune system… the list goes on and on.

A proper pH of our fluids and tissues can mean the difference between happy, healthy cells, and cells that are constantly swimming in a too-acidic bath. Now I’m not talking about the pH of the stomach. That needs to be acidic to digest our food. That’s a separate topic. It is the pH of your blood that can dramatically impact your health status.

So, you might be wondering which foods help to create a more alkaline blood pH and which foods create a more acidic pH? Continue reading “Body pH and Your Health”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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