Raising Healthy Children

I am very thankful that I understand the value of health, after all we only have one body and if we treat it right, our body will do us good, if we treat it wrong? Well... the same goes. The difference with internal vs. external is that years of abuse cannot be erased with plastic surgery when it comes to your internal organs or your immune system... it just won't happen. I am honestly baffled when I drop my kids off at school, when I go to the local mall, or the grocery store and see the amount of children; YOUNG children who are well on their way to morbid obesity. I often look at the parent wondering "what are you thinking?"  It is very hard to understand how they can look at their child and not at some point realize what is happening. Sometimes it's obvious that the parents are unhealthy while other times they are strutting their yoga pants; each of those scenarios tell a different story but the stories have the same ending; an unhealthy child with an unfair road ahead trying to erase the neglect of their parents. If that last sentence was too harsh for you, don't stop reading, because if it struck a chord perhaps this is just what you need to hear that nobody else will say to you, and since you don't know me it won't hurt as badly.

We have a responsibility as parents to teach our children. What we teach them becomes involuntarily "hereditary" and is passed down from generation to generation; yes, eating habits included. We use McDonald's as a "treat" when in reality its not a treat at all... it's an unhealthy decision that we should probably surpass, at maximum allow them to get the ice cream, not the entire meal. It's hard to do the right thing... it more expensive, it's inconvenient... I get it, but it all comes down to a few questions. What price do you put on your child's health... their life, their well being and their self esteem? What about your grandchildren? I am not fanatical...  I do allow my kids "treats" from time to time but I make sure that they are as healthy as possible simply because I care about their future... for the days when I won't be here to kiss their boo boo's or take care of them if they become sick. 

It is proven that artificial ingredients (aka chemicals) as well as petroleum based ingredients, GMO's, and parabens contribute to this epidemic we seem to have of cancer, they disrupt endocrine systems causing hormonal imbalances, they create erratic behavior and disrupt the brain's ability to focus on tasks, but the worst thing of all is that they break down our natural immunity which enables us to fight disease when it does come into play. Does any of this strike you as bad? 

I remember the day when school lunches were home cooked, and if you did not eat it you went hungry. There were no options other than to perhaps have fish instead of chicken. We did not have Dominos on demand in the cafeteria nor did we have french fries available every day. We got one meal and one meal only. We did not have an option to buy more if we had the money in our account. We had recess to burn calories and gym class for physical fitness... all of which has ended leaving an even bigger responsibility on us... the parents. 

In a way, I feel that I have been blessed with children who have dietary restrictions due to allergies and sensitivities, as well as my own sensitivities that have now been discovered, because it has made me even more aware than I already was. Not to say it's not frustrating and downright annoying at times... because it is, however when flu season rolls around, we don't have to get shots because our immune systems work VERYwell. We have had a few 24 hour stomach bugs and a handful of allergy scares but at the end of the day, out of all 4  of my 4 children the oldest being almost 21 years old, I can count on one hand how many times I have had antibiotics in this household. In this day and age... that feels pretty amazing, and I KNOW it has everything to do with what I allow them to eat. 

Do they feel deprived? No... perhaps at times my son wishes he could have the "made with real juice" artificially flavored and colored "fruit snacks" that they hand out at school... but it's more the  feeling of not being included instead of not being able to taste it. They have been raised on healthy, organic, naturally flavored and colored things that taste good so they really are okay with it. It's never too late to switch, and I will promise you that you will feel better inside knowing you are being a better, proactive parent. You are doing your child a HUGE favor, trust me.

I am going to share some of my kids favorite things... 

Instead of cheetos:

http://piratebrands.com/products/piratesbooty/agedwhitecheddar

Instead of Doritos:

http://www.foodshouldtastegood.com/

Skip the fruit juice: go for water with fresh lemon, lime or orange:
Myth vs. truth: http://www.topendsports.com/health/myth-fruit-juice.htm
A great thing to have: http://alturl.com/j8yqm

Skip the cow's milk AND the soy milk:
(Cow's milk can create respiratory issues by causing an overproduction of mucous, Soy mimics estrogen once it enters the body,  disrupting the endocrine system... too much estrogen=cancer)

http://www.tastethedream.com/products/rice_dream.php

No nut allergy? Then you have this option too:
http://silk.com/products?category=130&gclid=CP3AjK-OnrUCFQ0GnQodAyIA4A

Yes, they eat brownies, cupcakes and cookies: There are many pre-made mixes that are SOOO yummy! We use sunflower oil, agave nectar and Earth's balance butter when baking from scratch.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free-brownie-mix.html
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/gluten-free-chocolate-cupcakes/

Other snacks:
Homemade Chex mix (recipes on box of chex)
Natural popcorn
Snyder's gluten free pretzels with hummus or for a sweet treat go for almond butter (unless there is a nut allergy)
Celery sticks with organic/natural salad dressing, hummus or almond butter (unless there is a nut allergy)
Carrots
Fruit ; but if you choose berries of any kind, go organic!!! The porous flesh absorbs the chemicals which won't come out with washing.
Smoothies made with fresh fruit, kale and rice milk (they will never taste the kale)
Black bean salsa with corn tortilla chips
Raw unsalted nuts for those without a nut allergy

The point is... do your homework, make it fun... explore new ideas. It does not have to cost a fortune, it just may take a bit more time to prepare.

Until next week!

STAY HEALTHY!

~Shelley Giard~

Recipes Yummy Recipes... GLUTEN FREE!

If you are gluten free for either a sensitivity,  an intolerance,(like me) an allergy, Celiac disease or simply because you know it's healthier and you want to be proactive about your health, it can be tough to find resources for good yummy gluten free recipes. I know... I have looked and being that I am also lactose intolerant it makes it even tougher. I wasn't always this way... so it was seriously learning to cook all over again. Finding substitutes, taste testing, price comparing... it can all be pretty daunting and very time consuming. HOWEVER... persistence always pays!

Luckily, there are a lot more companies catching on as they are jumping on the "gluten free fad wagon" and for those of us that have no choice in the matter I am for once THRILLED about a fad diet! It's making things more available for me. I have some plans in the pipeline for late 2013... which I am excited about and will share on a later date, however I was introduced to a FANTASTIC magazine recently called Delight Gluten Free  by a dear friend of mine who picked it up with me in mind. I was then led to the website www.delightglutenfree.com and it got me super excited, because although I love to cook and am pretty good at it, sometimes I am just too tired to THINK up my own recipes. Many of the ones I was finding had bizarre ingredients  that were hard to find or they were so bland blah and weird that I would not even attempt to eat  the stuff. This magazine ROCKS! And it covers meals, deserts and even drinks. AWESOME!

This is a simple blog tonight... simply to share some resources but I hope it can be helpful to you!

So... here are a few more...

http://www.livingwithout.com/topics/recipes.html

http://www.glutenfreeliving.com/recipes.php

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/healthy-recipes/special-diets/gluten-free/desserts/

http://www.celiac.com/

Until next week stay healthy!

Shelley Giard

My first recipe of 2013: Gluten and Dairy Free

HELLO everyone! Happy New Year! Can you believe a new year is upon us? I can't! I honestly feel like last year zoomed by without a wink because I was super busy. When I am busy and my "things to do plate" is really full, I find myself having to prioritize and sometimes that means putting things I love to do on the back burner. I have three kids at home, (2 are toddlers) a career as a stylist and makeup artist and I write a motivational/inspirational blog 3 times a week. Unfortunately, writing this blog was what ended up on that back burner during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The upside however is that because 2012 was my first year being gluten and dairy free, I had to plan all my holiday meals to fit into that new lifestyle and will be able to share what I did with you in a future blog post, or perhaps even something even cooler (hint hint... I have something up my sleeve this new year!)

Previously I have posted my blog on Mondays, however am finding that my audience is much heavier on the weekends. Therefore I have decided to publish the posts on Fridays from now on. (Or at least until I change my mind again; I am a woman ... I am allowed so I hear. HA!)

I am SO happy that I had some experience under my belt for having to approach the holidays gluten and dairy free... I could picture a nightmare of disappointment and stress if I had not. Needless to say that the meals came off without a hitch and none of my guests would have even known had I not opened my big mouth and told them. What can I say... I was proud to prove that this lifestyle is not tasteless and boring... in fact it can be tastier and exciting if you just think positive about it and stop feeling like a victim. (that last comment is for those of us who HAVE to do this because of sensitivities or allergies) Feeling victim to this really sucks.

So... this is my intro to 2013... short sweet and complete with a great recipe that I created by doing what I do best "winging it" . Here's to another year of being healthier, therefore happier! Guest blogger coming soon!

Okay so this is my recipe to share. I made this for our New Year's party to replace the all time favorite Taco dip traditionally made with beef, beans lettuce cheese and sour cream. It is always the first to go at every party I have been to. I made it simple by using canned vegetarian re-fried beans, black beans, and tomatoes but making it without the canned goods is certainly an option. PS> I forgot to take a picture of it before it was eaten, but I can tell you it is a pretty and colorful dish!



No Joke Tasty Layered Taco Dip
(gluten and dairy free) 

What you will need:

Re-fried Bean Layer:
1 can vegetarian re-fried beans
1 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chili's (mild) 

1 Tbs chili powder
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs garlic powder
1 Tsp kosher salt
Black pepper to taste



For Guacamole layer:
2 Avocado's 
1Tbs. minced garlic (fresh chopped or jarred)
2tsp. Cilantro Paste (typically found in refrigerated produce section)

1 Tsp kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1tsp. Lime juice (fresh for best taste)
1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chili's (mild)


Top Layer:
1 can sweet kernel corn 
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs garlic powder
1 Tsp kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
1 can black beans (unseasoned)


Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350º

Bean Layer: 
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and spread into the bottom of a glass baking dish or shallow trifle bowl.

Guacamole layer:
Cut avocados lengthwise to split. Remove seeds and scoop out flesh with a spoon into a small bowl. Mix in and mash minced garlic, cilantro paste, salt, pepper and lime juice into the meat of the avocado with a fork leaving somewhat chunky for better texture and taste. Fold in (think of gently folding a sheet) 1 cup of the Rotel tomatoes with green chili's with a mixing spatula so you don't crush tomatoes. Pour onto the bean layer, spread lightly and evenly without mixing into bean layer.

Top Layer: 
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well to distribute seasonings. Gently pour on top of guacamole layer  again, without mixing the two layers. 

Bake in oven for 25 minutes. Finish with fresh chopped or freeze dried parsley (found in refrigerated produce section) for added color just before serving. Serve immediately with Gluten free corn tortilla chips. Is also great cold.Trust me it's a hit! And a much healthier, more filling version than the traditional one not to mention that your digestive system will be much happier as well!

Until next week! Stay Healthy!

~Shelley~

The Beauty Nerd /Wellness Geek

"Ready Set Cupcake" ... a gluten free happy moment

It has been several weeks since I last blogged. Life has been a whirlwind of things both good and bad from my first book coming out to a nasty respiratory virus battle for my two youngest children landing one of them in the hospital for a couple of days. On November 1st... however all the bad vibes were overtaken by joy when Whole Foods opened 15 minutes away from my house! YAYYYY!!!! Grand Opening day of any place like this is a recipe for chaos and I never go! So... there I was on opening day pushing my cart with three kids in tow because I was ELATED that my gluten-free dairy-free lifestyle just got easier and happier knowing the selections there would be glorious and bountiful!! (I think I heard angels singing in the background.)

 It's hard... or should I rephrase "challenging" to find stores that have a good selection. Having three children attached to my hip not to mention a full time career, grocery shopping can be a daunting task. It can take forever to get what I need in between the "I want this and I want that's" leaking from the mouths of my 3 adorable babes.  Having to go to 3 (sometimes 4) stores to get what's on my list makes it no less daunting.

As I was dodging what resembled human bullets with carts up and down the crowded, chaotic, isles of the store, I came to the end of an isle where there was a lady packing up her "demo" table. Being that it was grand opening day, there were demo's and tasty goodies being sampled all over the store making store traffic even more ridiculous to swerve through. As soon as this kind lady saw the kids, she sadly said, "awww, you JUST missed it!" To which I said, "missed what?"

She proceeded to tell me that they had just run out of cupcakes to which I gratefully said, "that's okay, we are gluten and dairy free anyway" Her face lit up (not the typical response I get when I say that) and she said, "WOW! Our cupcakes ARE gluten AND dairy free!" We ended up in a conversation and my standing in the way of traffic did not phase me a bit. After a few moments of hearing about her product I told her that I would definitely check it out on my next visit, and mentioned being an author of a health and wellness blog. As soon as she heard about the blog, she summoned for her assistant to fetch a box of this secret cake mix for me out of the cooler in their car. A few moments later he came back with a typical cake box that was frozen and handed it to me free of charge.

She explained her product in more detail, and I agreed to review the cupcakes on my blog, both of us were excited! I was the FIRST person to get her product... it had not even hit the shelves yet; how exciting to be the first one! I went home and made cupcakes that night... and with much delight they were amazing! They were so rich and chocolaty that I would have sworn it was devils food cake. I did not even frost them. I simply sprinkled a few dairy-free soy-free chocolate chips on the tops halfway through the baking. The brilliant packaging made for an effortless clean up because the batter is frozen until you are ready to use it. You simply thaw the batter which is conveniently and cleverly packaged in a pastry bag ready to whip out, just trim the end and pipe into cupcake pans. BRILLIANT I said! Impressed! All the way around.

The lesson in this story is this... sometimes, when we change our lifestyle for one reason or another we are reluctant to share what we have changed in fear of being thought of as weird, neurotic or overly cautious with what we eat. I know that when I first had to make this change I felt like a nuisance when I had to ask for the gluten free menus at restaurants, I hated feeling like a pain in the butt, like I am picky or like I was only asking to be "trendy".  However I have quickly learned to accept my new lifestyle with pride, I have made positive changes to prolong my life and make my everyday better... there is certainly NO shame in that! Not to mention I got a free box of VERY yummy cupcakes!

A big thanks to Carolyn Shulevitz for creating this clever yummy cupcake batter for those of us who need the simple pleasures in life and don't always have time to slave in the kitchen with our busy lives! I appreciate your generosity in allowing me to be the first consumer ever to receive this product. I enjoyed every bite! :)

Available at Whole Foods  

Visit the website www.readysetcupcake 

"like" them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Ready.Set.Cupcake

Toxic Truths part #3

A few months back when I first started this blog I decided to begin analyzing what made a more successful blog. I wanted to get into the mind of my readers and see what it was that they wanted to read about. It's psychology and well... I am good at that stuff. I have been posting different kinds of things on different kinds of topics to see what is read the most, what titles catch people eyes etc. I have learned that people are liking the more controversial posts. The ones that "blame" someone for something that is hurting us, killing us, making us wrinkly and overweight. It's been interesting, exciting and sad.

It's been interesting simply because I  like to see how people think, it's been exciting because it has taught me more about what is going to help me in my writing career, and sad because it says that people like controversy... not harmony; and that is TOXIC; one of the worst kinds of toxin you can absorb. MENTAL toxins. But the right kind of mental information will help you. Things that make your heart pound are better for you as long as it's the truth and about something that will make you life better and more fulfilling.

Appreciate and absorb the good in things instead of the bad, the happy things, not the angry... the things that make your heart come out of your chest with compassion... not the ones that bring you feelings of animosity, jealousy or bitterness.

THAT's mental health and wellness. Unhealthy surroundings are unhealthy... period. Yeah, things may be harder, if you change your scenario, but you are better off in the long run. TRUST me.

I hope that you get this message tonight. I know it's short, it may not have any yummy meals attached that you can cook for yourself or your family, but it definitely has something you need to bite off and chew.

See you next Monday! Until them GET healthy!

Shelley Giard

What Happens in your Colon STAYS in your Colon...

That's why you have to do something about it!

There are not many people who openly talk about their "poop habits"... although I have heard that Dr. Oz talks about them all the time (I've never seen the show.) The truth of the matter is we SHOULD be talking about and thinking about it more often if being healthy and disease free is what we hope for our futures. I am not here to gross you out with gory details of what your "dirty business" should look like, smell like or if it should sink or float... what I am here to share is how often you should be going and if you are not, what can help. Let's just say I have been there.

After my gallbladder surgery in Sept. of 2011, my digestive system drastically changed and because of that I have since changed my lifestyle... although at first it seemed a negative thing not being able to have some of my favorite foods, I am now quite happy that it led me to becoming more knowledgeable about nutrition, how we digest things and how we eliminate what our bodies don't use; and I have found new favorite foods. I talk about this gallbladder experience in a previous blog post, so if you want the whole scoop find the blog posts titled "How I became Gluten and Dairy Free parts 1 & 2" in my archives.)

I was fully aware that going regularly was the goal; and remember when I used to eliminate 3-4 times a day and people thought I was abnormal because of that. I have now learned that if you are not eliminating for every meal you eat, you are clinically constipated; turns out I WAS normal after all; it was everyone else who was abnormal. Are you eating three meals a day? Then you should be eliminating three times a day. Pretty crazy you think? Well... it's a fact. If you compound that mathematical equation  in your head for a minute chances are you will realize that you are pretty backed up. I am basing that assumption on conversations I have had with my clients and finding out that the average person sitting in my chair to get their hair done goes once a day if they are having a good week. I was baffled!!

So... I did some research; of course, because that is what I do when I want to learn. (Google is my "school" of choice.) What I found did not surprise me... but it validated what I have preached for years. CHEMICALS in our products and food are causing most of our diseases and illness's. We cannot digest this stuff! Our bodies cannot process chemicals, so they slow us down, make us sick, cause diseases that cannot be cured, and sludge up our systems because they wreck havoc on our colon. All disease starts in the colon... fact#1. All disease can be prevented with a healthy working colon... fact #2. The question lies in what you can do if proper "movement" is not happening. Whether it's too much or too little... either way it's a problem.

The answer is SEVERAL things can be done! The obvious of course is a healthier diet/lifestyle. I choose to be gluten and dairy free; utilize the ability to go organic where it matters, and steer clear of as many chemical ingredients as possible by staying away from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives toxic perfumes and detergents in all of my food and personal care. In my profession as a stylist/makeup artist it's especially hard... but the difference in cost is well worth my own health as well as the health of my children and my clients. Some people choose to go vegetarian, vegan and even practice raw food lifestyles. I say whatever works for you... I chose what worked for me.

Fiber is very important when it comes to colon health, the interesting thing is that there are certain types of fiber that are wrong for certain issues. For example... I used to take psyllium fiber (found in most over the counter products) once I began having issues with constipation only to find out that it is a binding fiber, hence defeating my purpose! Flax fiber helps you GO psyllium fiber helps you STOP; if you have IBS this should be a helpful tip. Other than your diet... and exercise (housework and chasing around your crazy children counts ladies and gents), you can make eliminating easier by getting into the right "position" to do your business. Who would have thought that toilets do not put us in the the right position? Clearly the engineers in charge of designing the lovely "thrones" did not do their homework. Click here Squatty Potty to get the scoop on this, you will be amazed, and perhaps upset at whoever manufactured your toilet.

Colon treatments such as colon hydrotherapy are also a great way to start fresh and maintain colon health. Many traditional doctors do not endorse this, but if you do your homework and find someone who knows their "SH**, then you are doing your body good. I found a great one in Tampa Bay, http://www.renewlifewellness.com/about-us.html she was truly a God send and she is also the one that taught me about the "position" the toilet puts us in. There is no room for modesty with this treatment,  however if you have the right therapist, you feel at ease. The way I look at it, it's no different than stripping down for your yearly exam, or having your boob squashed by a machine, or "coughing " while being cupped. I promise there is no pain involved!

Many things can be done to promote a healthy colon... thus improving your overall health; but the first step is knowing that you have to do something different to get better results. Be proactive to stay healthy, fit, and looking young. Our bodies are only here once... it's up to us to do them good, so take control! If you are wondering how in the world I can talk about this and splatter it on the internet... the answer is this; I am a hair stylist... I hear it all, nothing really phases me anymore and I figure if I can share this with people so that they can live a better life then I will talk about pooping anytime! :)

A few of my favorite supplemental products that promote a healthy colon can be found here,  www.beautynerdwellnessgeek.myarbonne.com  

You will find these under the Health and Wellness Category under Daily Essentials.   

*My favorites are*

  Herbal Colon Cleanse 

Antioxidant and Immunity Booster

Omega 3 Plus

Digestion Plus

Until next week... stay healthy!
Shelley Giard

The WRONG kind of fixes

I am baffled at how many people, both men and women have given in to "fast fixes" trying to hold onto their youth, trying to "look the part" and trying to boost their self-esteem. Fad diets, botox, surgeries for bigger boobs and smaller butts. People are trying to get rid of what unhealthy living caused instead of living healthy because it's "right now" and does not require long term effort. It's all fine and dandy until you realize that fast fixes, don't last and there are not many of them that are good for your health in the long run.

 I get it... there is a lot of pressure to look good especially when magazines are graced with pictures of perfect people, but the reality is these people are not perfect... they are Photoshopped to LOOK perfect.  The fact is that because of this, many people are left feeling imperfect, tossing thousands of dollars onto credit cards and getting into debt to alter their appearance so that they are "socially" acceptable and well... it really bothers me.  I am sure it seems a bit of an oxymoron hearing this from someone who does makeup and hair for a living; but what I do is temporary and it's not harmful to your health. When your hair is a mess and your makeup is off you are still the same person you were before.

My message today is simple... don't forget to work on who you are internally; whether it be through motivational books and articles, the bible or church. Don't forget to eat healthy, pay attention to ingredients in your products, use sunscreen, relax, get enough sleep, have fun and laugh. Most of all, wake up every day and decide to be happy with what you have and set goals to achieve if you want more. In the end, despite everything else in life... the thing we should all want the most is to be remembered as a good person with a big heart; not a so-so person with big boobs, six pack abs, perfect teeth, and pretty clothes.

And that's my wellness blurb for today! 

See you next Monday, until then... Stay healthy!

www.beautynerdwellnessgeek.myarbonne.com