How to struggle With Being a New Mom

Physical

    Yоu'd think аftеr ninе months оf morning sickness, constipation, swollen feet аnd thе оthеr aches аnd pains оf pregnancy whiсh culminated in labor аnd delivery, уоu'd gеt a break in thе postpartum period. Unfortunately, whеthеr уоu hаd a vaginal оr Cesarean delivery, уоu саn expect thе firѕt fеw weeks аftеr birth tо bе uncomfortable. Common postpartum symptoms include cramping, vaginal bleeding, constipation, sweating, blood-shot eyes, perineal pain аnd swollen оr cracked nipples frоm breastfeeding. Yоu mау feel likе уоur bоdу iѕ falling араrt аt thе seams, but dоn't despair. Within a fеw weeks, уоu'll stop hurting аnd will bе аblе tо resume nоrmаl activities.

Emotionally

    Bringing a nеw life intо thе world ѕhоuld givе аnу mother аn emotional high. Instead, thе American Pregnancy Association reports thаt 70 tо 80 percent оf nеw mothers experience thе "baby blues" оr a period оf mild postpartum depression. Typically thе baby blues start a fеw days аftеr delivery аnd continue fоr uр tо twо postpartum weeks. Thе symptoms include weepiness, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, inability tо concentrate, restlessness, impatience аnd anxiety. If уоu аrе struggling emotionally, remember thаt уоur hormones аrе in flux аnd will tаkе awhile tо settle.

Whаt tо Dо

    Thе birth оf a child means thаt life will nеvеr bе thе same. Yоur life аѕ a parent will bе wonderful аnd rewarding, but it'ѕ important tо givе уоurѕеlf timе tо adjust. If possible, tаkе timе аwау frоm work ѕо thаt уоu саn rest аnd heal. Aѕk friends аnd family members fоr hеlр with meals, childcare, laundry аnd housekeeping. Eat a well-balanced diet аnd tаkе timе fоr exercise. Taking care оf уоur bоdу will boost уоur mood. Talk tо friends аnd уоur partner аbоut уоur feelings аnd lеt gо оf уоur expectations оf perfection. It'ѕ еnоugh juѕt tо care fоr уоur baby аnd уоurѕеlf fоr thе firѕt fеw months.


Find selected baby flat head pillow on budget

Considerations
    Whilе it'ѕ nоrmаl fоr nеw moms tо struggle emotionally аnd physically in thе firѕt fеw weeks аftеr birth, ѕоmе women develop a mоrе severe fоrm оf depression called postpartum depression. Unlikе thе "baby blues," postpartum depression lasts fоr months аftеr thе birth аnd iѕ characterized bу insomnia, anger, irritability, lоw libido, severe mood swings, feelings оf sadness, shame, guilt аnd inadequacy, loss оf appetite, difficulty connecting with thе baby аnd thoughts оf harming oneself оr one's child. Occasionally, women develop postpartum psychosis in thе firѕt twо weeks аftеr delivery. Thе symptoms оf psychosis include hallucinations, disorientation, paranoia, suicide attempts аnd attempts tо harm thе baby. Seek hеlр immediately if уоu suspect уоu mау bе suffering frоm еithеr postpartum depression оr psychosis.

Why it is not safe to give your baby a pillow?

Baby Flat Head Pillow Picks: Choose The Best For Your Baby

Mаnу parents think thаt offering baby a pillow tо sleep will make thе littlе оnе sleep wеll аnd рrоvidе еnоugh comfort. But thе reality iѕ thаt a pillow poses a threat tо уоur baby’s wellbeing аnd health if uѕеd during thе еаrlу months оf life. Thе reasons аrе аѕ follows:

1.     A soft cushioned pillow саn lead tо suffocation if уоur baby’s delicate head sinks intо it.
2.     Kеер аwау frоm thе traditional horseshoe pillows too. Thе mustard оr rai uѕеd in thеѕе pillows саn pose tо bе a choking hazard if it spills оut bу аnу chance. Thе modern day horse shoe pillow might соmе with stuffing likе sponge, thermocol balls etc, whiсh аrе ѕtill оf ѕаmе concern. Alѕо rеаd аbоut thе sleep safe rules уоu ѕhоuld fоllоw fоr уоur baby.
3.     Horseshoe pillow саn restrict уоur baby’s head аnd neck movements. If уоur baby’s head iѕ firmly рlасеd оn thе horseshoe pillow it саn make it difficult fоr уоur baby tо move thе neck in case ѕhе wаntѕ tо ѕрit uр food аftеr feeding. Bringing оut ѕоmе amount оf food, whilе asleep iѕ a common phenomenon in babies, еѕресiаllу whеn nоt burped properly. Unable tо dо thiѕ bесаuѕе оf thе restricted movement саn lead tо choking in thе baby оn hеr оwn vomit.
4.     Adult pillows aren’t a good choice fоr уоur baby аѕ it саn lead tо a strain in thе neck аnd аlѕо obstruct airflow leading tо suffocation.
5.     Sоmе studies аlѕо suggest thаt uѕing pillows саn lead tо SIDS оr sudden infant death syndrome in babies.

But still if you want to have a safe option you can select the baby flat head pillow here

Basics of bottle feeding for baby

Enjoy the wonderful experience of successful bottle feeding
http://www.newmomstuff.com/enjoy-the-wonderful-experience-of-successful-bottle-feeding

Hоw оftеn ѕhоuld I feed mу baby?

Mоѕt experts agree thаt уоu ѕhоuldn't fоllоw a rigid feeding schedule in thе еаrlу weeks, thоugh уоu mау bе аblе tо work оut аn approximate pattern within a month оr two.

Offer уоur breast оr thе bottle еvеrу twо tо thrее hours аt firѕt оr аѕ уоur baby ѕееmѕ hungry. Until уоur baby reaches аbоut 10 pounds, she'll рrоbаblу tаkе оnе tо thrее ounces реr feeding.

Dоn't force mоrе thаn ѕhе ѕееmѕ rеаdу tо eat. Yоur baby's doctor ѕhоuld advise уоu аbоut suitable amounts fоr уоur child аѕ ѕhе grows.

Dо I nееd tо sterilize thе bottles?

Bеfоrе уоu firѕt uѕе nеw bottles, nipples, аnd rings, sterilize thеm bу submerging thеm in a pot оf boiling water fоr аt lеаѕt fivе minutes. Thеn lеt thеm air dry оn a clean towel. Aftеr that, a good cleaning in hot, soapy water оr a cycle thrоugh thе dishwasher iѕ sufficient.

Check this article on best bottle sterilizer http://www.newmomstuff.com/the-best-bottle-sterilizer-plus-3-more-top-rated-options

Twо exceptions: One, if уоu hаvе wеll water, it mау bе bеѕt tо continue sterilizing thе bottles. And two, tо minimize exposure tо harmful chemicals, dоn't boil plastic baby bottles, heat thеm in thе microwave, оr wash thеm in thе dishwasher.

Plastic bottles аrе made with bisphenol A аnd оthеr chemicals thаt аrе released whеn heated. Whеn thеѕе chemicals аrе released, thеу mау еnd uр in уоur baby's milk оr formula.

Yоu саn find handy bottle-feeding gear, ѕuсh аѕ bottle drying racks аnd dishwasher baskets fоr nipples, rings, аnd bottle caps, аt mоѕt baby supply stores.

Question: My family are meat and potato people and i am sick of the same old same old

I need some ideas for dinners. Any new and intresting ideas out there?

New ways of old meat and potato dishes aren't hard to do.Here are some ideas:

You do spaghetti, do you do lasagna?  Ricotta cheese is not in spaghetti, plus the top layer  o'cheese is great all crisped up.  Hence  same yet different.

The cube steak makes Swiss steak as well as Chicken Fried.

Short ribs, beef sausage  and beans a sort of cowboy cassoulet  baked half the day with a familiar blend of spices.

You got a  Hobart meat slicer? Make  roast beef and have it on hand for cold cuts or italian beef or  peppersteak sandwiches.

Here are 2 recipes that you may find interesting:

Recipe 1: Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Ingredients

•  1 1/2 lbs ground meat
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 5 tbls flour
• 1 cup oil for frying
• 3 diced green peppers
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
• 3 tbls cornstarch
• 1 tbls soy sauce
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar

Direction:

Mix together the beef, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Shape into 24 balls. Mix together the eggs, flour, and remaining salt. Dip meatballs in batter and brown in hoil. Remove balls and set aside.
 Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the beef broth, pineapple and green pepper. Boil, covered, for ten minutes and return the meatballs to the pan to heat through.
Just before serving add the cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar and cook until sauce thickens.
Serve this on rice, but it goes well with noodles as well.

Recipe 2: Cranberry Pot Roast

 Ingridients

• 2-3 lb beef or venison roast
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries
• 1 tbls sweet herb mixture (basil, savory, parsley, etc.)
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbls maple sugar
• 2 cloves
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups cider
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Flour
• Oil

Direction

Sprinkle meat with salt & pepper. Dust with flour. In a Dutch oven, sear in a little hot oil on all sides. Set aside. Saute onions & celery until tender. Add balance of ingredients. Return meat to pot.

Simmer until meat is tender, about two hours.

Variations: 

Iinstead of cranberries use dried cherries.  Depending on the sweetness of the cherries you may not need to add anything like the maple sugar. Also you can  use beef broth instead of cider.  Dried peaches and apricots are also an interesting variation on your typical pot roast or beef stew

How to use your food processor efficiently?

The cuisinart custom 14-cup food processor is a  powerful reliable and versatile thing in your kitchen. This food processor chops, grates, dices and mixes fruits and vegetables accurately and efficiently. What can you achieve with it?

With the multipurpose stainless steel blade you can chop, prepare puree and mix ingredients. This mini multipurpose stainless steel blade fits in the mini bowl and performs exactly the same functions as the large one but for small portions.  You can use your food processor for chopping vegetables and fruits such as potatoes onions mangoes and melons.

Juicing is a very healthy habit, it gives you7 many nutrients in one go, try having vegetable and fruits juices at home, get yourself the best vegetable juicer from the market , see here to know more about juicer that suits you the best.

You can use the reversible shredding disc for grating hard vegetables and fruits such as carrots potatoes and apples. One side of the disc produces fine stripes and when you turn the disc over you will end up with medium sized stripes. Use the great shape disc for grating hard cheeses, processing ice cubes and shaping chocolates. Make sure that the ingredients are well chilled otherwise you will end up with a sticky mess. You may use the french fry disc to cut potatoes into french fry shape. 

Use the citrus press to squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons and grape fruits directly into the work bowl for lovely fresh juice bursting with vitamins.. By the way you can use the work bowl or the prep bowl while you are using your food processor.

You can always get professional results every time you use the cuisinart custom 14-cup food processor. Here  is a page on this processor you may take a look to know about it more.

How to make pizza dough in your food processor?

Tonight I am going to make really funny and yummy pizza using my food processor. This is my homemade perfect pizza dough. You need one cup of water around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, 1 teaspoon yeast, one teaspoon salt, two teaspoons of regular white sugar and two table spoons vegetable oil. You will also need about three cups of all-purpose flour. So these are the ingredients. So let us get started.

I will put my dough blade in there and get all my water and pour it in. Take one cup of flour, the sugar and the yeast and put them all inside. Then you have to pulse this. Stop the pulse and add the oil and salt. Then add one and a half cup of flour again. Now turn on your food processor and watch the dough getting in the shape of a ball but it is extremely wet. So stop the food processor and add a few more flour. Note. always unplug your food processor before putting your hands inside.

Top Fruits and home remedies For Diabetes

As fruits are generally sweet, people often think that a diabetic person should avoid eating them. But there are several fruits that are particularly effective at managing blood sugar. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, fruits are a healthy addition to any diet.

Some fruits are better than others for diabetics. Moreover, diabetics also need to consider factors like glycemic index and glycemic load as they offer information on how different foods affect blood sugar and insulin levels.

Low glycemic index foods are believed to have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control as they do not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Usually, foods with a glycemic index score of 55 and below are classified as low glycemic index foods. Those with a glycemic index score of 70 and above are considered high glycemic index foods.

Top fruits for diabetes

1. Apples

The crunchy, juicy and sweet apples may offer protection against diabetes. Apples are high in soluble fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They also contain pectin that helps detoxify the body and remove harmful waste products as well as lowers the insulin requirements of diabetics by up to 35%.

Plus, apples help prevent heart attacks, reduce the risk of cancer and ward off eye diseases among diabetic people.

Glycemic index: ranges from 30 to 50

Suggested serving size: One small to medium-sized apple daily is recommended.
2. Cherries

Cherries have one of the lowest ratings of any fruit on the glycemic index at 22. Cherries contain antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Plus, cherries contain anthocyanins that are known to help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production by up to 50 percent. They also help fight heart disease, cancer and other diseases that are common among diabetic people.

Suggested serving size: Cherries can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen or dried. One-half cup of cherries a day is a good option.

3. Black Plums

Black plums, also known as Jambul or Jamun, can help a lot in controlling blood sugar. Researchers from the Father Muller Medical College in India looked at the effects of black plums in the treatment of diabetes. The presence of anthocyanins, ellagic acid and hydrolysable tannins in black plums makes this fruit extremely beneficial for diabetic people.

The fruit helps control the conversion of carbohydrates into blood sugar. The excessive thirst and frequent urination problems common among diabetic people can also be controlled by this fruit. Along with the fruit, the leaves, berry and seeds of the black plum tree can be used to control blood sugar level.

Suggested serving size: One-half cup of black plums daily is recommended, when the fruit is available in the market. You can also make a powder of dried seeds and eat one teaspoon of the powder with water twice a day.

4. Guava

Guava has a high concentration of lycopene, a high amount of dietary fiber and a good amount of vitamin C and potassium. All these nutrients are helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level.

Those who are at a risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by drinking guava leaf tea. Dry the guava leaves and crush them. Boil one tablespoon of crushed guava leaves in hot water. Let it steep for five minutes, and then strain it. Drink this tea once daily.

Source : www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/top-10-fruits-diabetics.html

Flax seeds (Alsi)

Due to their high fibre content flaxseeds help digestion and aid in the proper absorption of fats and sugars. Consuming flax seed helps reduce a diabetic’s postprandial sugar level by almost 28 per cent.

Tip: Consume one tablespoon of ground flaxseed powder every morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. However, do not have more than 2 tablespoons per day, as it can be detrimental to your health. Here are 11 ways to include flaxseeds in your diet.

#3 Leaves of bilberry (neelabadari) plant

The leaves of bilberry have been used in Ayurveda for many centuries to control diabetes. Recently, the Journal of Nutrition stated that the leaves of the Bilberry plant contain high amounts of anthocyanidin, which enhance the action of various proteins involved in glucose transportation and fat metabolism. Due to this unique property, bilberry leaves are a great way to lower one’s blood sugar levels.

Tip: Crush bilberry leaves in a mortar and pestle and consume 100 milligrams of this extract everyday on an empty stomach.

#4 Cinnamon (dalchini)

Also known as dalchini, it improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Having as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can improve one’s insulin sensitivity and help controlling weight, thereby decreasing one’s risk for heart disease.

Tip: Include about 1 gram of dalchini into your daily diet for about a month to help lower blood sugar levels. Read more health benefits of cinnamon.

Source : thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/home-remedies-for-diabetes/

Herbs and Plants That Will Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Nearly one third of adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension. A quarter of all prescribed medications are for high blood pressure and long-term use often leads to heart failure, heart attacks, and interference with calcium metabolism. If you are thinking of turning to herbal treatments for lowering your blood pressure, you have many options and there are many effective remedies at your disposal.

1) BASIL

Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It is originally native to Iran, India, and other tropical regions of Asia, but now it is widely available throughout the world. Basil has antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumorigenic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It also helps lower your blood pressure. Extract of basil has been shown to lower blood pressure. Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.

2) CINNAMON

Cinnamon is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet and that may bring your blood pressure numbers down.Cinnamon combined with magnesium, diet, and lifestyle changes may lead to overall reductions in blood pressure up to 25mm Hg. Consuming cinnamon every day has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes. Include more cinnamon in your diet by sprinkling it on your breakfast cereal and even in your coffee. At dinner, cinnamon enhances the flavor of stir fries, curries, and stews.

3) CARDAMOM

Cardamom is a seasoning that comes from India and is often used in the foods of South Asia. As with many spices, cardamom has been demonstrated to have antioxidant properties. Kikuzaki, Kawai, and Nakatani (2001) examined extracts from black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) for their ability to scavenge radicals. A study investigating the health effects of cardamom found that participants given powdered cardamom daily for several months saw significant reductions in their blood pressure readings. You can include cardamom seeds or the powder in spice rubs, in soups and stews, and even in baked goods for a special flavor and a positive health benefit.

4) HAWTHORN

Hawthorn is an herbal remedy for high blood pressure that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Decoctions of hawthorn seem to have a whole host of benefits on cardiovascular health, including reduction of blood pressure, the prevention of clot formation, and an increase in blood circulation. You can take hawthorn as a pill, a liquid extract, or a tea.

Source : healthimpactnews.com/2014/9-herbs-and-plants-that-will-lower-your-blood-pressure-naturally/

Naturally occurring medicinal plants, herbs having hypotensive/antihypertensive potential

Agathosma betulina

(Family: Rutaceae; Common name: Buchu). It is a South African medicinal plant and has been used by the indigenous people of the area for centuries to treat wider ailments. It is an effective diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. Early Dutch settlers used buchu to make a brandy tincture, which is still used today to treat many disorders.[25]

Allium sativum

(Family: Alliaceae or Liliaceae; Common name: Garlic). Garlic has long been used for a variety of cardiovascular conditions, especially hyperlipidemia. It has also been reported to have hypotensive action. It is thought to increase nitric oxide production, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilatation. One of the primary active compounds that gives garlic its characteristic odor and many of its healing benefits is called allicin. Meta-analysis of randomly chosen literary data has demonstrated that garlic is related to decrease of BP in patients with increased systolic pressure, but not in patients without increased systolic pressure.[26] Garlic preparations have been found to be superior to placebo in reducing BP in individuals with HTN.[27] The antioxidative and antihypertensive effect of garlic has been observed in 20 patients with HTN compared to 20 patients with normal pressure, who have been receiving garlic pearls preparation for a period of two months. The results have revealed decreased BP, significant reduction of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosin, level of nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation, and an increased level of antioxidative vitamins (C and E). This study points to the beneficial cardioprotective action of garlic in essential HTN.

Source : www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210006/

What raw food do you prepare for your son?

The great thing about raw foods is that they make cooking for toddlers so easy and they love them. The easiest food to prepare is the tasting plates I make for Lucas. These are made up of diced fruit, vegetables and a little bit of a raw treat, such as raw chocolate or some of a protein ball. But my son’s favourite raw foods are the juices and smoothies I make him everyday and these are great for Mums because you can hide any fruit, vegetableor superfood in the juice/smoothies without your toddler knowing.

And lastly, as special treat he loves my coic-chipice-cream and caramel slice.

Raw Food Diet Recipe and FAQs

It's so easy to get stuck in the dieting "rut", eat the same old salad or other (raw food) diet recipe every day. You follow the diet for a while, might even loose some weight but before you know it, you're back eating Haagen Dazs ice-cream before the TV like every body else. That's not going to happen this time, right?!

Not after using some of the easiest and most delicious raw diet recipes and tips below.

What do you want to achieve most with this diet? Weight loss, detox or improved health? Everything?

With some creativity and a bit of planning, you'll have everyone wanting to know your secret. People will be talking about how great you look for weeks. And you won't be hungry, ever! This diet is a breeze...

Because most of your planning has been done for you!

You will need four things to help you plan:

    The easiest and most delicious raw diet recipes (below);
    Helpful raw food diet plan, tips and suggestions;
    Instructions on how to prepare raw food.;
    Shopping lists and where to buy.

On this page you'll find the yummiest, quick and easy raw food recipes.

Source : www.thebestofrawfood.com/raw-food-diet-recipe.html

How did you start with your raw food journey? Were you always health conscious?
I started on my raw food journey the start of 2014 a few months after giving birth to my little angel, Lucas, but have really stepped up the pace after having a bike accident last year that put me out of action for 3 months.

I have been health conscious since my late teens/earlier twenties and I naturally leaned more towards raw foods without knowing there was an actual ‘raw foods’ thing out there. The popularity of super foods is what really introduced me to raw foods. My desire to create the healthiest life or Lucas and I is what got me interested in super foods and once I found the benefits of raw foods I was completely hooked.

On your first website, you stated that you went through emotional turmoil when you gained weight after giving birth, what advice can you give to new moms who are interested in raw diet?

The best advice I can give new mums interested in raw food is to love yourself and really learn to listen to your own body. I highly recommend a raw food diet, because personally it changed my whole health after giving birth. All my emotional turmoil linked to gaining weight was built around old beliefs of lack of self-worth and the thought that I needed my pre-baby body back to feel good again. Eating raw foods I discovered I could feel amazing without having my pre-baby body back and it didn’t matter,  but once going raw my body is now better then it was before giving birth and it was so easy.

What is the best raw food recipe that you highly recommend for people with hectic schedules?

Raw protein balls of any form. They are quick, easy and you can put so many superfood nutritional goodness into onesmall little ball that you can carry in your bag. I take them to work for snacks, back them for Lucas’ snacks and take themon training with me. They can be used for everything and you can change the flavors to suit your own tastes, for example ILOVE chocolate, so all of mine have a nice raw cacao layer on the outside.

What is your most highly recommended raw food recipe?

Raw Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake.

I made this for Lucas’ 1st birthday and everyone loved it. All the children loved it and the parents didn’t have to worry about the normal sugar high and lows that kids normally get at birthday parties. It is a great cake for all occasions and to introduce people to how delicious raw foods can be.

Source : rawfoodrecipes.com/interview-with-new-raw-food-recipe-chef-mel-hayes/

Does Your Diabetes Type Ever Change?

Even ignoring the high numbers of people with Type 1.5 who are initially misdiagnosed as Type 2, the lines between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes often get blurred over time. Due to aging and weight gain in those with Type 1, the progressive nature of beta cell failure in Type 2, and the mixture of obesity and antibodies in young people, those with one type of diabetes often tend to take on characteristics of the other.

With less exercise and more weight around the middle, some Type 1s become not only insulin deficient but also insulin resistant. They can develop the cardiac risks associated with the Metabolic Syndrome and benefit from medications that lower cholesterol and blood pressure. More insulin is required to control glucose levels, while certain Type 2 medications, like Glucophage (metformin) and GLP-1 agonists, may benefit their control.

On the other hand, as Type 2 diabetes progresses, insulin production may diminish to a point where it can no longer maintain normal glucose levels. Insulin will be required to keep glucose levels under control. Some people with Type 2 eventually become totally dependent on insulin and can go into ketoacidosis in stressful situations. In fact, ketoacidosis is about twice as common in Type 2 diabetes as it is in Type 1.

Weight Loss Plan : Raw Food Diet Plan

The raw food diet has been around for many years, with a recent trend picking up over the last decade more so than ever. As a means to get healthier, eat more fruits and vegetables, have more energy, lose weight, or possibly even reverse some forms of disease, many people turn to a raw food diet for the answer. While raw food may or may not do these things for all of us, it is safe to say it’s one of the easiest, healthiest ways to fit more fresh produce into our day.

 For those of you that aren’t familiar with the raw food diet, it revolves around the principle that no food is eaten that is heated above 118 degrees. Think no microwaves, ovens, or cooking on the stove top. The idea behind the diet is to preserve the “life force” of a food. Raw foods are packed with enzymes and possibly more nutrients as a result. Many are also easier to digest because enzymes help aid in digestion. Though this isn’t the case for all raw foods, one thing is for certain: raw foods are packed with dense, unprocessed nutrition that each of us can benefit from, even if we don’t go 100 percent raw.

A raw food diet can be as simple or complex as you want, and there are no rules, counting calories, or anything else rigid unless you choose to make it so. The dishes are usually salads, smoothies, room temperature soups, raw energy bites and bars, raw soaked grain cereals, raw nut milk, and some fancier things such as raw tacos, raw lasagna, and even raw cakes and pies. There is no sugar, alcohol, animal products, caffeine, or anything else that acidifies the body eaten on the diet. It’s a way to alkalize the body with real, whole food nutrients, raw superfoods and as fresh of food as possible. You can use fancy raw food kitchen equipment such as dehydrators, a fancy mandoline or a spiralizer, but you really don’t need anything to eat raw food if you stick to the basics.

source : onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/weekly-meal-plan-the-raw-vegan-menu/


Green Thickies

This diet is a raw foods diet, which means nothing is cooked.  Raw food diets pack in so many nutrients, give you a great detox and help people maximise their weight loss.

The great thing about this diet is that because the allowed foods are so healthy and natural, you can eat as much as you like.

I would suggest using this diet plan as a detox and follow it from between 1-7 days and see how you feel.
Tropical Salad on the Raw Food Diet PlanFoods allowed on this diet

    All fruit
    All uncooked vegetables (e.g. tomato, cucumber, onions, avocados, carrots, peppers, olives)
    Filling carbs (Sweet potato, soaked quinoa, buckwheat, sweetcorn)
    All Nuts
    All Seeds
    All Dried Fruit
    Flavourings (Cocoa powder, herbs, spices, healthy sweeteners, olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon/lime juice)
    Herbal tea
    Water
    Freshly squeezed fruit juice

source :greenthickies.com/healthy-meal-plans-for-weight-loss-1-raw-food-diet-plan/

What Is a Diabetes Medical Management Plan

What Is a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)?

Parents/guardians are responsible for getting their child's completed and signed Diabetes Medical Management Plan (or doctor's orders) from their child's diabetes care provider. They should then give the DMMP to their child's school to implement and carry out.
No two people manage their diabetes in the exact same way. Some students get their insulin using a syringe and vial, others use insulin pens, and still others have insulin pumps. Some students are in their "honeymoon" period when they temporarily need less insulin. Others begin to notice changes in the stability of their blood glucose levels as puberty sets in. Some can easily detect lows, while others don't feel lows coming on. Some students manage their diabetes independently. But younger or newly diagnosed students may need help with all aspects of their diabetes care. For this reason, doctor's orders for school care need to be specific for student.
- See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabetes-care-at-school/written-care-plans/diabetes-medical-management.html#sthash.2Q55vPlJ.dpuf

Eating with High Blood Pressure

New science is changing the way people 50 and older judge their blood pressure, and a slew of new studies on foods and hypertension suggest it may be easier than you thought to reduce high blood pressure.
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For adults under 65, it's that upper number in your blood pressure reading that may be the best indicator of future heart problems or even premature death. A normal reading is around 120/80. If that first number is 140 or higher, you have reason for concern.

For those 65 and older, however, it's a trickier situation. Readings may vary more and doctors need to be careful in prescribing blood pressure medication for older patients.

One safe, effective way to decrease blood pressure for all age groups is to eat foods that work naturally to dilate blood vessels so the heart doesn't have to work so hard.

Eat more of these six fabulous foods for an easy, delicious way to help lower your blood pressure numbers.

Source : aarp.org/health/medical-research/info-04-2011/6-foods-fight-high-blood-pressure.html

Canned Soups

They’re simple and easy to prepare, especially when you’re in a time crunch or not feeling well. However, canned soups are filled with sodium. Canned and packaged broths and stocks can be bad, too. Some soups can have 890 milligrams of sodium or more in just one serving. If you consume the entire can, you’ll be taking in 2,225 milligrams of sodium. Low-sodium and reduced-sodium options are available. A better option is to make your own from a low-sodium recipe to keep the salt in check.

Canned or Bottled Tomato Products

As a rule, tomato products are problematic for people with hypertension. Canned tomato sauces, pasta sauces, and tomato juices are all high-sodium culprits. A half-cup serving of classic marinara sauce can have more than 450 milligrams. A cup of tomato juice comes in at 650 milligrams. You can often find low-sodium or reduced-sodium versions of all of these. For people looking to keep their blood pressure down, these alternative options are a smart choice.

Sugar

You likely already know that excessive sugar intake has been linked to increased cases of weight gain and obesity. But did you know that high sugar intake is also linked to high blood pressure? Sugar, especially sugar-sweetened drinks, has contributed to an increase in obesity in people of all ages. High blood pressure is more common in individuals who are overweight or obese. Currently, the USDA does not have a recommended daily limit for sugars, but the American Heart Association recommends that women limit added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons per day, and that men keep themselves restricted to 9 teaspoons per day.

Source : healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/foods-to-avoid#Sugar8

Naturally Cure For Your high blood Pressure

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure (BP) is a chronic medical condition in which the BP in the arteries is elevated. It is classified as either primary (essential) or secondary. About 90 to 95% of cases are termed primary HTN, which refers to high BP for which no medical cause can be found.[1] The remaining 5 to 10% of cases, called secondary HTN, are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart, or endocrine system.[2]

Persistent HTN is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure.[3] Moderate elevation of arterial BP leads to shortened life expectancy. Both dietary and lifestyle changes as well as medicines can improve BP control and decrease the risk of associated health complications.

How to Prevent high Blood Pressure with diet

Your diet - what you eat and drink - has a real effect on your heart and blood pressure. The more healthy your eating habits are, the lower your blood pressure will be.

If you have high blood pressure, it is even more important to make healthy changes to your diet. If you take medicines for your blood pressure, then a healthy blood pressure diet can reduce the number you may need. For a few people, following blood pressure friendly eating habits may help them to avoid medicines altogether.

To diagnose type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

In the early 1980s a breakthrough showed that early onset diabetes, now called Type 1 was actually an autoimmune disease in which the body destroyed its own beta cells. Antibodies produced by the immune system signaled a clear cause that distinguished it from adult onset diabetes.

Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) appears primarily in childhood or adolescence with excessive thirst and urination, loss of weight, and extremely high glucose levels. Other than the recent weight loss, a relatively normal weight is typical when Type 1 diabetes starts. Type 1 occurs in 7 to 22% of all people who have diabetes (See Type 1.5 below). Treatment for this type revolves around replacing the missing insulin delivery with an insulin pump or injections t match diet and exercise.

Many interventions are being attempted to stop the progressive loss of beta cells that is seen in Type 1 diabetes. Antibodies can often be detected a couple of years before glucose levels rise sufficiently for a diagnosis, and some children with antibodies do not develop Type 1 diabetes. When antibodies are present, there is a 68% probability of developing Type 1 diabetes, and the presence of multiple autoantibodies has the highest predictive value for Type 1 diabetes.1

Type 2 Diabetes

In contrast to Type 1 where the immune system destroys beta cells, Type 2 diabetes develops from a gradual decline in the beta cells’ ability to over-produce insulin. Type 2 is a progressive disease in which insulin production has been increased for several years as the body attempts to keep up with the insulin resistance associated with abdominal obesity or an apple shape. Insulin production gradually degrades as the beta cells become exhausted.
Type 2 is often part of a metabolic syndrome that includes various signs of insulin resistance: high blood pressure, high total cholesterol (over 200), high triglycerides (also over 200), low levels of HDL or protective cholesterol (under 40 mg/dl), gout, and abdominal obesity.

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes revolves around varied combinations of diet, exercise, medications, and/or insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented if a person remains diligent about staying physically active and maintaining normal weight. In the Diabetes Prevention Program conducted by the NIH, the diagnosis of diabetes was reduced by 58% in the group that did these two things.4 Two classes of diabetes medications, GLP-1 agonists and glitizones, have been shown to slow the loss of beta cells in Type 2 diabetes. When started early, these medications appear to preserve insulin production, delay loss of glucose control, and delay the need for insulin for at least several years.
At least 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 and 30 to 40% of them currently use insulin. About 30% of Americans have insulin resistance and about 30% of these will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes at some time in their lives.

Of all the people with diabetes, roughly 10% will have classic Type 1, 75% will have Type 2 (insulin resistant), and another 15% will have Type 1.5.

Source : www.diabetesnet.com/about-diabetes/types-diabetes/what-type

To diagnose type 1 diabetes, your doctor will ask for a:

    Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates you have diabetes.

If the A1C test isn't available, or if you have certain conditions that can make the A1C test inaccurate — such as if you're pregnant or have an uncommon form of hemoglobin (known as a hemoglobin variant) — your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose diabetes:

    Random blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken at a random time. Blood sugar values are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Regardless of when you last ate, a random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes, especially when coupled with any of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination and extreme thirst.
    Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.

Source : www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20019573

Raw Food Meal Ideas

A raw food diet is a mainly vegan way of eating that uses raw or gently heated foods. Because no cooking takes place, a raw food meal plan may look very different than a traditional diet. Try using these four meal plans as a way to jump start your raw food eating. If you need help downloading the printable meal plans.

2 Days Food Plan For Raw Diet

raw food diet meal plans
Print these raw food diet meal plans!
Breakfast

Start with a fruit smoothie or green smoothie, containing these ingredients:

    Four or five cups fresh fruit and green vegetables
    Ice
    Two to three cups water
    Optional: add one raw egg

Snack

    Raw nuts
    Fresh fruit such as oranges, apples or pears

Lunch

Eat a large salad based on these foods:

    Green leafy veggies
    Three celery stalks
    Two large tomatoes
    Any color bell pepper
    Avocados
    Sunflower seeds

You can drizzle on salad dressing made of cold-pressed olive oil and/or freshly squeezed orange juice.
Snack

    Four cups berries or pineapple or three peaches

Dinner

Have a spinach salad with the following:

    Baby spinach leaves
    Romaine lettuce
    Cucumbers
    Tomatoes
    Green onions
    Orange segments

Pair with freshly-made vegetable juice containing mostly green veggies.
Dessert or Evening Snack

    10 raw pecans or walnuts
    Banana

Source : vegetarian.lovetoknow.com/Raw_Food_Diet_Meal_Plans

Breakfast – 1 cup Granola and 8 ozs (1 cup) Almond Milk
Morning Snack – 16 oz Green Smoothie
Lunch– ½ cup each of Herbed Couscous, Broccoli Salad and Beet Salad with Crackers and ¼ cup Cashew Cheese
Afternoon Snack – ½ cup Crispy Living Nuts and Seeds
Dinner – 2 slices (¼ tray) Pizza with 2 cups Leaf Salad
Dessert or Evening Snack – 1 Rawkalicious Cookie or Protein Shake*

Notes: If you need to pre-make and pack your meals, make the green smoothie early and pour it into a bottle or container leaving very little air space to keep most nutrients in.

For dinner the pizza can be spread with cheese, sauce and topped with favorite toppings and eaten straight away, or if you have time, after assembling pop it into the dehydrator for an hour and up to 2 hours. It is great either way, but especially good heated up for a bit in the dehydrator first.
Tip: Left over pizza that had been previously dehydrated and then refrigerated is fabulous! It makes a great breakfast too ;)

Make Chia Pudding tonight to have ready for tomorrow. It’s very quick and easy to make

Source : .robinskey.com/7-days-of-eating-raw-foods-plan-detailed-menu-plan/

Basics About diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic diseases characterized by insufficient production of insulin in the pancreas or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia). It is characterized by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.

Types

Diabetes mellitus occurs in four forms classified by etiology: type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes mellitus, and other specific types. Here’s a breakdown of the types:

    Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the lack of insulin production. It is formerly known as insulin-dependent or childhood-onset diabetes. Type 1 is further subdivided into immune-mediated diabetes and idiopathic diabetes. Children and adolescents with type 1 immune-mediated diabetes rapidly develop ketoacidosis, but most adults with this type experience only modest fasting hyperglycemia unless they develop and infection as another stressor. Patients with type 1 idiopathic diabetes are prone to ketoacidosis.
    Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It is previously called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Most patients with type 2 diabetes are obese.
    Other specific types category includes people who have diabetes as a result of a genetic defect, endocrinopathies or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals.
    Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy. Glucose tolerance levels usually return to normal after delivery.

Source : nurseslabs.com/6-diabetes-mellitus-nursing-care-plans/

Whether you have just been diagnosed or had diabetes for some time it is important that you get the right support for managing your diabetes. This will help to ensure that your diabetes, blood pressure and blood fats are all kept in check, as well as detecting any early signs of complications so that they can be caught and treated successfully.

Your diabetes team will monitor your diabetes control, and you should have a full diabetes check at least once a year.

This check is referred to as your annual diabetes review: its purpose is to check for early signs of complications and to enable you to lead a healthy life. The annual review consists of a few tests, often on different days, and with different healthcare professionals.

Source : diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Monitoring/Interactions-with-healthcare-professionals/

Foods that heal High Blood Pressure

Ever wonder how to lower blood pressure naturally?  Sodium has always been the blood pressure bogeyman—shake most of it from your diet and you'll be safe. But research now shows that it's just as important to choose foods naturally low in sodium and high in at least two of the three power minerals: calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Add in these 13 well-balanced foods to your diet to cut your risk of stroke and heart attack nearly in half.

Source : prevention.com/food/13-power-foods-lower-blood-pressure-naturally

Tomato-&-Olive-Stuffed Portobello Caps

Ingredients

    2/3 cup chopped plum tomatoes
    1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
    1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
    1 teaspoon minced garlic
    2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
    1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/8 teaspoon dried
    1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    4 portobello mushroom caps, 5 inches wide
    2 tablespoons lemon juice
    2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

Preparation

    Combine tomatoes, cheese, olives, garlic, 1 teaspoon oil, rosemary and pepper in a small bowl.
    Preheat grill to medium.
    Discard mushroom stems. Remove brown gills from the undersides of the caps using a spoon; discard gills. Mix the remaining 1 teaspoon oil, lemon juice and soy sauce in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over both sides of the caps.
    Oil a grill rack (see Tip). Place the caps on the rack, stem sides down, cover and grill until soft, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and fill with the tomato mixture. Return to the grill, cover, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes more.

Tips & Notes

    To oil a grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.

Nutrition

Per serving: 122 calories; 8 g fat (2 g sat, 4 g mono); 9 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 338 mg sodium; 431 mg potassium.

Source : eatingwell.com/recipes/tomato_olive_stuffed_portobello_caps.html