Monday, January 7, 2008

What's in your Cupboard?

I feel like when I write a healthy blog entry, people must think I am this super Health Freak that restricts my children from all food fun. Well it is not true. We do our fair share of splurging on sugar and junk. We purchase the occasional Happy Meal. Have Sunday popcorn/movie night. Bake and decorate sugar cookies for each and every holiday. OK. That was my little "We are normal" (whatever normal is) disclaimer. On to the good stuff. There are so many exciting products that can be easily added in our diets. They are simple and helpful to our health. Wheat Germ. Flax Seed. Vegenaise. Vitamins. Cod Fish Liver Oil. Apple Cider Vinegar. Green drinks. Coconut oil. Xylotol. The list is endless. I am still learning all sorts of new yummy ideas. Knowledge is power. I thought I would write a little something about a few of my favorite products.
Vegenaise. Love using this product on my tuna sandwiches. This is straight from the bottle. "Vegenaise is a premium quality dressing and sandwich spread which delivers all the taste of real mayonnaise, but without the usually eggs, dairy products, and refined sugars, fillers, or preservatives. Our unique process controls the quality and refrigeration maintains the fresh flavor. Veganaise is low in sodium and contains no gluten, hydrogenated oil, trans-fatty acids, animal-derived or genetically engineered ingredients." Yes, there is fat, but not all fats are a like. I love healthy fats.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar has been highly regarded throughout history. In 400 B.C. the great Hippocrates, Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing health qualities. Some of the amazing benefits of this product are. . rich in enzymes and potassium. . .supports a healthy immune system. . helps control weight . . promotes digestion and ph Balance. . .helps soothe dry throats. . . . helps remove body sledge toxins. . . helps maintain healthy skin. . helps promotes youthful healthy bodies . . . soothes irritated skin. . .and. . . relieves muscle pain from exercise. I love this gift from nature. If you don't use it ~ you got to give it a go.
Coconut Oil. Not only is coconut oil one of the best oil options to cook with it offers benefits for oral use as well. Have a rash? Use coconut oil. What about a pimple that you can't get rid of? Use coconut oil. I can not tell you all the amazing benefits of coconut oil they are endless. I use it for everything. I butter the children’s toast, pancakes, and waffles with it. I put it in warm milk. I substitute coconut oil for butter whenever I can. I love cooking with it. There is just something about knowing that I am not damaging a product or the healthy fats because of high heats.

I am serious when I write that I could write a book on any one of these products and their benefits. I feel so passionate about healthy living and wanted so share with you some interesting products that are easy to add to your lifestyle and very beneficial. I hope you find something that will work for you. Happy Healthy Eating.

11 comments:

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

Thanks for sharing some of your favs, I will have to try Vegenaise.

We just bought a juicer, and I have been juicing up a storm, so fun! :)

Tom and Kassie said...

I am so jealous of your collection. I used to eat really healthy...then when I was pregnant and nursing, I went WILD!! Now I am neither of those and I want to get back on track. I just wish I had a Whole Foods of Trader Joe's out here in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for all the great ideas! You are my inspiration:)

Liz E said...

Hey Shauna-
You got me thinking about healthy stuff with this entry. Quick question, how do you incorporate the apple cider vinegar into your diet. The thought of taking a swish of it makes my stomach twist. One of my goals for the new year is incorporating some more good healthy items into both mine and the kids diet. keep sharing ideas! Give my hubby a big hug for me! Liz

MaDeb or Deb said...

Thanks for sharing your great ideas. One step at a time I'm getting healthy. I can actually swish down the apple cider vinegar but not the cod liver oil yet.(lol), Kinda a slim whimp! It's great having my own personal health trainer. Thanks so much for sharing and keeping a healthy household! Love you...Mom

Laura Lee said...

Shauna I love this post. I think my fav is the coconut oil and of course I know the cod-liver will do me some good.

Becca said...

Interesting...I think I may try the coconut oil. Thanks for sharing a bit of your wisdom with us. :)

Holly said...

Last night I was telling Damon that we need to make up a meal plan. What great products you've shared! Where do you buy coconut oil? And...how do you use the apple cider vinegar???

Shauna said...

Apple Cider Vinegar ~ I know that there are creative ways to incorporate ACV than just taking a swig. But honestly that is just what I do. I take 1tbs 2-3 times a day. Usually before Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. My sister can not stand the taste. She mixes it with Sugar free apple cider. I have heard of people that mix it with Water and honey. I am going to look at others way to use it. I have read that there are benefits of this procduct for children 4 and older. I just know there is no way in this world that my children would stomach the taste. :)
Coconut oil ~ I love this stuff. :) I think just about any health food store would carry Coconut oil. I purchase mine from either good earth or real foods. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Shauna - I don't care what you say - it's just like living with your grandfather again!!! "OK guys, NEW DEAL!!!" ... and then would roll forth the new plan for eternal youth and vitality. I shouldn't mock. He's as healthy as the proverbial horse (much more so than myself) and has promised to dance on my grave; a promise I have no doubt that he can keep. I'm only planning on 85 years or less and he's gunna push 100 or better!!! You should consult with your grandfather on some of these health ideas... as he's used most of them!

Barrett Bunch said...

Wow, thanks for sharing all that, I use coconut oil for cooking and have been for awhile since Ella had such bad allergies, but I didn't realize how healthy it was for you! Love that I am already kinda on board!

Anonymous said...

ok... so I've been reading eat clean I'm going to start soon and I want to talk to you about it... plus I want to see your kids. We need to get together! I'll call you