Are you stressed?

I had a reflexology session a couple days ago, and the therapist said that my adrenals were taxed. He said, “you are stressed”, as if I should feel some great big change in my life that I am aware of.  Nope, nothing, life is as usual. I searched deep into my being to find the source of stress, but I felt pretty normal. He pointed out how hard I have been working, and again, I thought, life as usual.  I shrugged my shoulders with an attitude of dismissal, I mean, if I were stressed, wouldn’t I know it?   The therapist then suggested I take Adaptogenic herbs to help my adrenals. Well, I sell such herbs, why have I not been taking them? I quickly re-introduced them into my daily routine, and proceed to research why I feel more grounded today then I did a few days ago.

What does stress look like?

If I am walking around in a constant state of stress, how do I recognize it, and how do I know to deal with it?  The feelings of irritability, anxiety, and impatience are all signs of stress that can cause distinct behavioral patterns in people. Stress can be caused by environmental or mental assaults, chemical toxins, lack of sleep, poor diet, or a mere survival technique that is embedded in our DNA.

Our bodies are at a constant state of readiness, this is due to our ancestry of once being regularly attacked by wild animals or hostile people. Although we have since evolved, our bodies still respond to threats by secreting hormones that change our physiology and enhance our ability to run and defend ourselves. This is called a “flight or fight” response that causes intense stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands. Signs of such responses are high blood pressure, increase in blood sugar levels, increased heart rate, and slowed digestive secretions. Cortisol is released and our lymphatic system swells to protect our organs from the poisons streaming in our body. At this point, illness and disease are eminent.

The calming of the nerves, can be as simple as adding adaptogenic herbs to our diets to reduce the impacts of stress on the body mind and spirit.

Adaptogenic herbs:

The term adaptogen is used by herbalists to refer to natural herb product that is proposed to increase the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.

The concept of adaptogens dates back thousands of years to ancient India and China, but modern study did not begin until the late 1940s. In 1947, Nikolai Lazarev defined an adaptogen as an agent that allows the body to counter adverse physical, chemical, or biological stressors by raising nonspecific resistance toward such stress, allowing the organism to “adapt” to the stressful circumstances.

Adaptogenic herbs demonstrate a nonspecific enhancement of the body’s ability to resist stress, by normalizing the over-stimulation that inhibits normal, or natural bodily functions. Adaptogenic herbs have a tonifying effect on such uphevels of stress related effects.

At the core of an adaptogen’s scope of actions is the ability to help the body cope more effectively with stress. Specifically, adaptogens recharge the adrenal glands, which are the body’s nominal mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes. The adrenals, which cover the upper surface of each kidney, synthesize and store dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These compounds are responsible for the changes that occur during the fight-or-flight reaction. The question is, if adaptogens normalize the body and enable energy to be used more productively when stressors are not physical threats, can they be used to enhance general health and performance? Several studies indicate they can.

The list of plants with Adaptogenic properties is large due to it’s broad definition (to name of few):

• Codonopsis is one of the most widely used Chinese tonic herbs. It is very mild yet it invigorates the spleen and lung function so that chi is replenished and it promotes the production of bodily fluids. It is also an excellent blood tonic and major immune system tonic
• Astragalus is said to tonify the blood and spleen and aid defensive chi. It is added in formulations to strengthen weak constitutions. It is used to enhance recovery following illness or prolonged stress and to boost vitality
• Licorice root is said to tonify the spleen and strengthen chi. Licorice is the only herb claimed to benefit 12 meridians.
• Ormalite opens the heart and nourishes the soul. It is a remarkable clay, straight from nature and is a secret to a calm state of well being. It contains a broad spectrum of macro minerals, trace minerals resulting in an overall balanced influence on the body
• Ashwaganda is often called Indian Ginseng, though unrelated, shares many of ginsengs properties. It is considered a tonic, an alterative, an astringent, a nervine and a sedative. It is an aid to soothe anxiety and psychological complaints
• Suma is relatively new to western medicine. Suma contains vitamins A, E, B1 and B12: 19 amino acids, including lysine, histidine, arginine, and glycine: along with small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and sodium
• Eleuthero Root, formerly known as Siberian Ginseng, it helps the body prevent “adrenal burnout”. It boosts concentration and focus along with immunity.
• Reishi Mushroom regulates the immunological responses, calms the mind and soothes nerves

Vitality Herbs and Clay is an exclusive product on my site that I am very proud to be carrying. I began taking the Adaptogen and Mushroom Blend herbal capsules the minute I arrived home from my reflexology appointment, and I am astounded at the balanced state of being that has overtaken me. I am able to cope with the demands of my life with calm and ease. Nothing has changed in my daily routine but the incorporation of these herbs.

With a fun weekend of snowboarding ahead of me, I had to plan my meals in advance.  I checked into a hotel, bought a cutting board, a knife, and picked up some veggies from the local market.

Dried Pears, Apples and Plums

The planning was in the packing.  I packed a boat load of dehydrated fruits, nuts and seeds.  Diana is always giving me her dehydrated treats, as she has an amazing organic garden and two Excalibur dehydrators that are going at all times. This time she loaded me up on dehydrated plums, apples, figs, persimmons, bananas and pears (thanks and praise to her mom’s garden, as well). I like to dehydrate my own fruits, but this weekend I was being gifted.

I tried something new this trip and only ate RAW food. Usually when I go snowboarding, I get caught up on the mountain, with no thought to when, where, or  what I will eat.  I come down, load my gear in the car, and realize that I am starving.  I generally succumb to something easy and not so good for me.  ”Pizza is always the first thing to cross my mind, and after a long day of exercise I rationalize it’s value”.

Benjamin racing #70

I started my morning with some fresh sliced oranges. Fruit is a slow digesting carb  that  I will eat before a workout for increased energy. I carried the dried fruits in my pant pockets and snacked on them all day long.  When you eat a handful of dried fruit, you are consuming more calories than you would if you ate that same amount of fresh fruit. Dried fruits have higher carbohydrate count per serving increasing a sustainable energy for excercise  throughout the day. I made sure to stay hydrated, as dried foods can dehydrate when they reconstitute in the body.  3 gallons of water was packed in my car -athletes need to stay hydrated for optimal performance. Studies have found that a loss of two or more percent of one’s body weight due to sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume. When this occurs, the heart works harder to move blood through the bloodstream. This can cause muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue.

My secret weapon on this trip was a package of Raw Nori (seaweed) that I brought from home. After a long day on the mountain I got back to my hotel, showered and immediately replenished my system. I  laid out the cutting board, sliced some cucumbers, avocado, red peppers and lettuce, then laid a bit of each vegetable over a sheet of Nori and rolled into vegetable hand rolls.  I cannot tell you how delicious and satisfying these were.  I ate 3 of them, and was content, re-energized and relaxed.  The minerals and salt in the seaweed nourished my muscles and recovered my fatigue. Ocean vegetables are the most natural way for us to re-mineralize and replenish any depleted nutrients and rebalance internally.

Raw Nori, avocado and sweet bell pepper

I am a bit of a detox junkie, and this weekend was about purifying and cleansing.  Even in the coldest climate, a hotel room, and a hard day of exercise, I was able to GO RAW!

The key to eating well and traveling is to transform your mind and plan ahead, preparing for the journey where by you’ll eat what’s closest when hunger strikes.

Healthy Kids

When raising our children, we want to do the best for them, that means, of course providing  for them the healthiest and most promising future. Nutrition is one of the best ways to ensure that your child will develop into a strong healthy and happy child. Some parents get overly protective, and tend to go overboard on a theory while not necessarily paying attention to the signs of development. Since science is relatively new and constantly changing it is important that we don’t get stuck on a philosophy and be versatile with our children’s needs.

While raw plant food is certainly the most effective way to get ultimate nutrition into the body, we must not forget the need for fats in brain development.

Most children do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, nuts (or fish) and way too much processed foods, they are not getting enough Omega 3′s which without the brain cells cannot communicate or work properly as the brain is trying to form new neural pathways during the learning process. Foods with Omega 3′s fatty acids help improve brain functioning and restore memory:

Hemp, chia, flaxseed, walnuts, broccoli, squash walnuts and beans (and of course salmon, mackerel, sardines  and herring if you are so inclined)

Antioxidants help clean up the brain, they are like rust cleaners, they keep the rust off the brain- foods high in Vitamin E, vitamin C and alpha lipoic acids  are good examples of antioxidant foods that children should be consuming.Vitamin E provides good blood circulation to the brain which enables good brain functioning.

High antioxidant Berries

High antioxidant foods  keep the brain free and clear of free radicals-

raisins,

berries,

apples,

grapes,

cherries,

prunes

and spinach

High Sugar “cheap” foods are harming our children’s brains. With eating simple carbohydrates, a rise in blood sugar can be dangerous to brain development and the body- Complex Carbohydrates digests well and lower blood sugar.  Carbohydrates also have been said to “fuel ” the brain:

Buckwheaties

Buckwheat,

quinoa,

oats,

lentils,

chick peas

and bananas

Buckwheaties Recipe found on my Website.

“Complex carbs help evenly run our ‘engines’ without the spikes and roller coaster of simple sugars.”

While I cannot answer the question, how smart are raw kids?, I can tell you that children are what they eat.  And, they deserve to be given the finest food and nutrition during their most rapid growth period.  It is important to consider that when we reach for quick snacks or “cheap” foods on the go.  Our children are our future, and their health and happiness is counting on the proper brain nutrition for them to thrive.  I can promise you that my children are normal, they eat their fair share of “junk” food.  But, with their awareness of food, and the dedication I have to serving them the best food when they are home will outweigh their desire for a SAD (Standard American Diet) life.

My recipe file is loaded with kale recipes,

Lemony Kale Pesto

In fact, I have two more that I want to upload, but I’m thinking you may not understand what all the fuss is with Kale.

-What if I told you that Kale is the Ultimate Superfood-packed full of Phytonutrients, with bio-available calcium and proteins?

-What if I shared with you that eating kale in the Raw would benefit your hair, skin and nails?

-How about if I expressed Kales amazing detoxifying qualities?

Lacinato (Dinosaur)Kale

Would that excite you into  trying new recipes with

RAW KALE?

WHAT is Kale?

Kale is a green, leafy vegetable in the Brassica family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and collard greens. There are multiple types of kale, including red Russian kale, curly kale, ornamental kale, and dinosaur kale.  The most widely available are Curly Kale (green and purple) and Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale.  They can be found in most markets. The biggest difference between the types of kale is in it’s appearance : Curly Kale has a wider, more ruffled leaf and thick, fibrous stalk, and is usually a brighter shade of green than the other varieties. It has a slightly more pungent and bitter taste than other types of kale. Lacinato kale, also known as Dinosaur kale, has narrower, darker leaves that are almost blue-green in color and has an embossed texture. It has a bit of a sweeter, more delicate taste than curly kale.

Curly Kale

Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is very high in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. It has also been found to have sulfur-containing phytonutrients that help prevent cancer.

Vitamin A-Protects skin against sun damage and acne. Reverses signs of aging.

Vitamin K- Is a critical nutrient for Bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis

Vitamin C -Protects against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

ONE cup of Kale provides all the daily requirements for vitamins A and C, containing only 36 calories.

It is also a great source of calcium and fiber.

FUN FACTS:

+ Kale is considered a poor man’s food.

+ Kale grown in colder temperatures actually helps produce  sweeter leaves.

+ Kale should be stored, wrapped in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.  It can last several days, but will become more bitter over time.

Cheesy kale Chips

Don’t forget to watch my You Tube Channel -Diana Stobo Live for archived videos:

“The Daily Juice” where you will find many fun and delicious recipes.

Ingredients

• A bunch of Bananas
• Popsicle sticks (Or Bamboo Chopsticks)

Directions

1. Peel and cut bananas in half.  Place popsicle stick up through center of the banana until secure, but enough room to hold the stick.
2. Holding stick, dip banana in chocolate sauce, using a twirling motion to coat the entire banana.
3. Place Buckwheaties on a flat plate and lay the chocolate-coated banana on the surface of cereal.  Roll gently across the plate, allowing Buckwheaties to coat completely.
4. Place on tray lined with wax paper and cover.
5. Place in freezer until solid.
6. Store in Airtight container in Freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate Sauce

• 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup agave nectar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Directions

Set coconut oil jar in a warm bath to melt.  Place, cacao, agave and vanilla in small mixing bowl, add melted coconut oil and whisk together until smooth. Pour into a flat serving dish.  Extra sauce may be stored in airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups buckwheat, soaked and sprouted
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

In a metal or glass bowl, soak Buckwheat groats for 12 hours in pure water.  Drain and rinse in a fine mesh strainer.  Lay strainer on top of a fitted bowl for run off. Sprout buckwheat groats by rinsing under cool water 4-5 times a day until little tails develop. (appx 24-48 hours)  Rinse one last time, place in a clean bowl, season with maple syrup, agave, and sea salt.  Mix gently and lay evenly on paraflexx sheet in Excalibur dehydrator, and dehydrate for 12-24 hours at 110 degrees. Remove and store in airtight container.

*For a morning cereal, add Almond Milk and Berries.

My little secret for keeping up with my electrolytes when I am on a long ride sweating and burning fuel is a pinch of Himalayan sea salt every half hour while I hydrate with coconut water or fresh water. I find that it keeps me from dehydration and exhaustion, increasing optimal performance.