When you plan meatless meals, it’s important to get the proper balance of amino acids – the building blocks of protein. Here are some simple, delicious complex carbohydrate combos for lean protein.
1) Oatmeal, banana, and almonds
2) Caprese salad – Fresh mozzarella with tomato and basil
3) Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and sliced banana
4) Carrots and celery with hummus
5) Plain yogurt with berries and passion fruit
We all know that nutritionally, the best produce is the freshest produce around. For those of you planting your own gardens this year (and gardening is some of the best exercise out there), here are some helpful tips.
1) To keep pets and other animals out of your garden, insert 1/2 of a plastic fork, tines up, between rows of crops.
2) To protect your back while moving bags of mulch and soils, place the bags on a tarp or sheet and drag them along the ground.
3) To keep potted soil moist, cut off the elastic tabs of some diapers and lay them, absorbent side up, under the dirt.
4) Protect young seedlings by placing the top half of a milk jug over them. Voila, mini greenhouse.
5) Line flower pots with coffee filters to prevent the dirt from falling out.
6) Going out of town? Place a glass of water next to your garden, Twist a good length of paper towel, and insert one end into the glass. Lay the rest of the paper towel on the soil to keep your plants hydrated.
7) Pour part of a beer into a plastic cup that you bury in the dirt to keep slugs away. Drink the rest of the beer.
8) Lemongrass, lemon thyme, and catnip are all natural mosquito repellents.
9) Celery, basil, bok choi, onions, cabbage, sweet potato, romaine lettuce, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass can all grow from scraps planted in the garden.
10) Call us on Monday morning at 615-939-2787 for any sore muscles that weren’t used in the winter.
We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What you might not be aware of is that apple cider vinegar has some incredible benefits, as well.
1) It helps limit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, allowing the body to digest more sugars and starches. When these sugars and starches are not digested, it can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels.
2) It’s a great remedy for itchy skin caused by eczema, psoriasis, and even bug bites. Dilute 1/4 c ACV in 1 c water and apply with a cotton ball.
3) Blending equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritzing it on your scalp helps regulate the ph of the scalp and eliminate dandruff.
4) ACV boosts energy with potassium and enzymes. It also counters the build up of lactic acid caused by exercise and stress, which can cause fatigue.
5) A blend of 1 t ACV and 1/2 c water, applied to the skin with a cotton ball, helps reduce bacteria, exfoliate, and soften skin, reducing acne and rosacea.
6) Gargling with equal parts ACV and water can combat bad breath and relieve the pain of a sore throat.
7) Apple cider vinegar cleanses the lymph nodes and breaks up mucus in the body. This, in turn, can reduce sinus congestion and help the body defend against the flu virus.
8) The high levels of acetic and malic acid in ACV have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Balancing the intestinal flora helps strengthen the immune system.
9) When taken before meals, apple cider vinegar helps break protein into amino acids, such as tryptophan. This helps release seratonin and melatonin in the system, boosting the mood and improving the quality of sleep.
10) ACV balances the acidity in the stomach, helping the body absorb nutrients and combating heartburn and acid reflux.
Affinity Acupuncture is honored to receive the Angie’s List Super Service Award for the third year in a row. We are privileged to be part of your wellness journey, and thrilled that our clients are getting such positive results.
One of the big problems people run into when trying to stock their kitchens with fresh produce is keeping the food fresh until it can be eaten. This handy infographic provides great tips on where, how, and for how long certain foods can be stored.
