Sharp Curve Ahead
By Dr. Nikki
This afternoon, my co-pilot pup, Rocky, and I went out for a walk along the Trinity Trail. As we strolled along, we came across a sign that said “Sharp Curve Ahead”. I found myself thinking ”Wouldn’t it be nice if we had signs like that for life??” You know, signs that said “job loss ahead” or “cross-country move ahead” or even “illness ahead”. One of the biggest unexpected “sharp curves” that come up in life are health issues. I wonder if we knew ahead of time that a specific disease was headed our way, would we live our lives a little differently? Oftentimes, we spend the first half of our lives chasing wealth to then spend the second half of our lives chasing health.
The good news is that while we may not have a sign telling us what lies ahead in regards to our health, we can make decisions on a daily basis to prolong our years with a healthier life! Here are five basics that we can all implement right away. While they may seem simple, I find myself needing reminders on all of these at some point throughout a given day, week or month.
Get sleep! Sleep is imperative for our brain and body to heal. It also greatly impacts our immune function and cognitive ability. 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night is a great goal!
Hydrate! Our bodies are over 55% water and we use it in every single cell, organ and tissue. It is essential for the regulation of all bodily functions. Aim for 50% of your body weight in ounces of water per day!
Taste the Rainbow! Getting a variety of fruits and veggies in our diet is essential. By including a “rainbow” of colors in produce on our plate, we are increasing the amount and variety of vitamins and minerals that we are consuming.
Stay Active! Maybe crushing a workout at the gym isn’t your thing, that’s ok! Whether it’s going for a 20 minute walk, going for a bike ride, taking the stairs, trying a pilates or barre class or simply letting loose and dancing, movement is the key!
Find Your Tribe! As humans, we were created to be social. I know some of the introverts may be cringing right now, but it’s true! Make sure you have one or two people who you can bounce things off of and just do life with! It doesn’t need to be a quest for popularity, just a few people to hold one another accountable and lift each other up in times of need.
While I didn’t include chiropractic care in the 5 basic tips, regular chiropractic adjustments are extremely beneficial in maintaining proper function of the spine and nervous system. Since this is what allows our brain to talk to our body and our body to talk to our brain, it’s kind of important! To schedule your next appointment with Dr. Nikki, click here and if you have any questions about any of the other tips for staying healthy, we would love to hear from you!
Powerful Produce
By Dr. Nikki
Throughout any given day we are exposed to a plethora of toxins which result in oxidative stress within the body and cause bad molecules, known as free radicals, to form. These free radicals go around attacking and attaching to healthy atoms, causing damage to cells, proteins, and DNA! While you probably aren't looking for a chemistry lesson, I want to paint a picture of why it’s important that we do what we can to prevent and get rid of free radicals! This is where antioxidants enter the scene, preventing the free radicals from causing damage throughout the body.
So how do we get antioxidants? Antioxidants are not something that our bodies can make, but are found in a variety of foods!
A food that is seriously jam-packed with antioxidant power is turmeric! Widely known as an ingredient in Indian foods, turmeric is a root that looks similar to ginger but has a rich orange/yellow coloring to it. You can find turmeric in powder form in the spice aisle of your local grocery store or in whole-root form in the produce section of stores such as Whole Foods and Central Market.
The active compound found in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin is a very potent antioxidant that is extremely beneficial in preventing cellular damage as well as helping our bodies to detoxify. The only problem is that our bodies aren’t very good at absorbing curcumin by itself. Fortunately, adding a few ingredients to some turmeric and we’re able to enjoy ALL of the benefits of this antioxidant-rich root!
What are these three necessary ingredients? Great question! One of the elements necessary for us to absorb curcumin is called quercetin. Quercetin is a plant pigment found in red onions, capers, cranberries, kale, blueberries, romaine lettuce and apples (to list a few). Another element which increases the bioavailability of curcumin for our bodies is called piperine. Found in black pepper, piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin (turmeric) by 2000%!! No, that is not a typo, two thousand percent!! The final ingredient that is extremely helpful in our absorbing curcumin is a healthy fat. By consuming turmeric with a healthy fat we are able to absorb curcumin directly into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system, rather than having it filtered through the liver first!
These may sound like some random ingredients to throw together in order to have better health, but a little concoction called a Turmeric Tonic (see recipe) does just the trick! In the video below, I show you how to make a turmeric tonic and the benefits of each ingredient that goes into it!
Turmeric Tonic Recipe:
2 cups of coconut water
2 inches of turmeric root
1 drop of food quality black pepper essential oil
1 inch of ginger root
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of local honey
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until the consistency of a juice. Pour and enjoy! Makes 2 servings.
Making a recipe that calls for turmeric? Throw in a dash of black pepper and you’re automatically making your meal a natural detoxifier! What are your favorite ways to cook with turmeric? We would love to hear how you integrate this power-house antioxidant into your daily routine!
I’ve Never Been to a Chiropractor… What should I expect on the first visit?
More often than not, patients are nervous about their first visit to a chiropractor. Today we will be covering all of the basics of what to expect during your first visit at Renew & Restore Wellness as well as addressing some frequently asked questions!
More often than not, I find that someone who has never been to a chiropractor is a little nervous or even apprehensive. The goal of this week’s post is to help put those nerves (no pun intended, ok maybe a little) at ease as best as possible!
First off, something unique about chiropractic that can be a blessing or a curse, is that every chiropractor is different! We each have a slightly different approach, technique, and touch. This can be frustrating for someone who has been very happy with their chiropractic care, but needs to switch providers due to a move or retirement. But it can also be great news, because if you’re not completely happy with the care you’re receiving, chances are pretty great that there is a chiropractor out there who you will like! With all of that being said, don’t let one experience paint the picture for the whole profession.
At Renew & Restore Wellness, we perform an exam on every new patient. We do this for a number of reasons… one, if you are experiencing pain or symptoms, an exam is going to allow us to determine what the root cause is of your issue rather than simply throwing something at you to temporarily cover up the symptom. Two, as with any medical treatment, there are contraindications (reasons not to treat) that would lead us to alter our technique or forgo treatment all together. Three, sometimes, a symptom such as a headache or back pain may not be caused by a musculoskeletal issue and may be something that requires the attention of a medical doctor or other specialist. By providing an exam we are able to provide the most effective care possible.
What does a chiropractic exam entail?
An exam at our office will be symptom-specific but will generally involve an assessment of range of motion, function of the nerve roots exiting the spine by checking sensation and motor strength, orthopedic tests which help to determine root cause, and palpation of the spine. After performing the initial exam we will explain our findings that we believe to be causing the problem as well as provide a thorough explanation of chiropractic, the adjustment and how it works to help you.
Will I be fully clothed?
Yes! While some techniques and practices prefer the patient wear a gown for the exam, at Renew & Restore Wellness, you will remain fully clothed the entire time. Some patients prefer to wear something more comfortable, like workout clothes, but rest assured that we are able to assess and treat regardless of what you’re wearing. We have patients pop in before and after work, as well as during their lunch break all of the time!
Will I get adjusted on the first visit?
After performing the exam, a majority of the time we have a good idea of what is going on and will provide an adjustment that same day. In some rare instances, our exam may lead us to obtain diagnostic imaging or refer out to another provider. In these cases, we would not adjust until this additional information/input has been received.
Will I get X-rays?
If someone has experienced a traumatic injury, such as a serious car accident or fall, and has not had X-rays taken, we will typically refer them to an imaging center for xrays before the first adjustment. Additionally, if we have performed several adjustments and are seeing no change in symptoms, we will refer out for diagnostic imaging such as Xray or MRI. We don’t do X-rays in the office, so we work with imaging centers with radiologists who are also chiropractors which gives us a report with chiropractic insight and allows us to provide extremely specific care!
What happens during an adjustment?
Essentially what an adjustment is, is mobilization of a specific joint in the spine or extremity. As we mentioned above, there are a wide variety of chiropractic techniques that can be used to make an adjustment. Dr. Nikki is primarily a Diversified, manual adjuster. What this means is that she does a majority of her adjusting with her hands to where you feel some sort of popping, stretching or movement. While this is Dr. Nikki’s primary technique, she does use an activator, pelvic blocks, or drop table based on patient needs and preference!
What is the popping noise?
A common misconception is that the popping noise that occurs during a manual adjustment is the bones actually cracking! The noise is simply gas being released from the joint. The most common joints in the body have a capsule surrounding them that contains synovial fluid. This synovial fluid serves as a lubricant as well as contains nutrients and dissolved gases (oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) for the cells and joint tissue. When a joint is stretched and mobilized, it releases these gases, creating a bubble and popping noise/sensation! [1]
Does it hurt?
More often than not, patients tell us that their first adjustment simply “feels strange” because it’s something they’ve never felt before. In general, getting adjusted is not painful. There can be a split-second of discomfort, but that is immediately followed with some feel-good endorphins. Sometimes after the first adjustment, the surrounding muscles can feel a little achey, like you did a hard workout. This is completely normal and will typically only last for approximately 24 hours or less. Any soreness or achey muscles can be remedied with a heating pad, a hot bath or hot shower.
Will I feel better immediately?
While some patients do feel some pain relief immediately, that is not always the case. Most patients do feel some improvement in their range of motion, feel looser, or even lighter, but we often expect it to take multiple adjustments to see a major improvement in symptoms. Pain is typically the last thing to show up and the first thing to go away, so we don’t base our care on pain alone in order to ensure that we are treating the whole person, not just the symptom!
If you have additional questions about your first visit or would simply like to schedule an initial consultation with no treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out or make an appointment online! At Renew & Restore Wellness, we love working with chiropractic newbies!
Resources
1) October 26, 2001. What makes the sound when we crack our knuckles? (Retrieved October 19, 2020). https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-makes-the-sound-when/
Three Benefits to Eating Seasonally
With transportation and technology, here in the United States, we pretty much have access to any fruits or vegetables we want all year long. But there may something to the way our ancestors used to have to eat… seasonally! Today I want to talk about three benefits to eating a seasonally-based diet.
We just celebrated Labor Day, PSLs (pumpkin spiced latte’s) have been released, and come September 22nd, it will officially be Autumn! Not only does this mean a decline in temperatures outside, but it also means a change in the produce that is “in season”. With transportation and technology, here in the United States, we pretty much have access to any fruits or vegetables we want all year long. But there may something to the way our ancestors used to have to eat… seasonally! Today I want to talk about three benefits to eating a seasonally-based diet.
1. It’s healthier for you
Food that is grown and consumed during its appropriate season has actually been found to contain greater nutritional value! A study, looking at broccoli, actually found that broccoli grown during the fall (its peak season) actually contained twice as much vitamin C as broccoli grown during the spring. [1]
When food is grown year-round, some of the processes that naturally occur during one season of the year have to be artificially induced during “off-seasons”. This process of artificially ripening or growing vegetables and fruits typically involves chemicals in which we aren’t really sure of the long-term implications.
2. It is more cost effective
Often times, if you’re purchasing produce that is in season, it is probably local or didn’t travel overly far to get to your local grocery store. The less distance food has to travel, the lower the cost for transportation and that savings gets passed on to you, the consumer! Less travel time also means that fewer interventions are required to keep the fruit from ripening during transport. Not only is this better for your wallet, but it’s better for the environment too!
On top of transportation requirements, when a fruit or vegetable is in season, the crops are typically plentiful and so there’s a greater supply available. Based on the simple premise of “supply and demand” that we all learned in economics 101, if the supply is high, typically the cost is low and vice versa. That’s why you’ve probably noticed that strawberries are way more affordable in the summer than they are in the winter… because they’re naturally a summer crop! [2]
3. It tastes better
You may have been one of the many of us who took up gardening this year to maintain our sanity, and if you did, you’ve probably noticed that everything you’ve grown is much more juicy and delicious. While part of it may be that you did it yourself, when produce is able to go through the entire growth and ripening process on the tree, vine or plant, it is going to naturally have more flavor! In order to keep up with demand and transportation, often times produce is picked before it’s actually ready and then continues the ripening process en route to or at the grocery store. That’s also why fruits and veggies purchased at your local farmer’s market tend to taste so much better.
So now that the end of September is quickly approaching, what foods should you consider working into your seasonal meal plan?
Some of my favorite Autumn vegetables that can be found in Texas include okra, peas, leeks, green beans, bok choy, and mushrooms. For a delicious Whole 30 and Paleo Potato Leek Soup, check out this link. Some of my favorite Autumn fruits include persimmons, pears, apples, figs, and plums. I find a lot of people haven’t tried a persimmon before, so if that’s you, this is a great time to try something new! For an idea on how to throw together a tasty Autumn fruit salad check out this link. Some other great seasonal herbs include basil, lavender, green onion, chives, mint, oregano, and parsley. [3]
What are the easiest ways to get my hands on some local in-season produce?
Farmer’s Markets are always a good option, because you’ll have a decent selection to choose from. With Covid-19 restrictions, you may have a harder time finding one, but I have definitely been starting to see some farmer’s markets in my area pop up. To find a farmer’s market near you, click here.
Join a co-op. Food co-ops have been around for over 150 years and is basically a food distribution organization that partners with local famers to distribute local produce and meats to members of the community. Typically with a co-op, you’ll either pay a monthly membership which includes a certain amount of fresh and seasonal foods or you order select items in advance. With this option and a farmer’s market, you’re also supporting small business owners (local farmers) and you’re helping protect the environment.
Read signs and labels at your neighborhood grocery store. In most grocery stores, the signs in the produce section will tell you where that product is from. If the signs don’t tell you, the packaging and/or label will for sure. For example, Whole Foods will usually have mushrooms that are from Texas and mushrooms that are from Mexico… I tend to go with the ones grown in Texas since that is where I live.
Eating a seasonally-based diet is a fun and wonderful way to consume a variety of foods and nutrients! Every crop has a slightly different harvest time, so each month research which fruits and vegetables are readily available in your area and then work them into your meal plan! A great resource for this is https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org. See something you’ve never tried before? That’s a perfect opportunity to try a new recipe and introduce your family to a different food and flavor!
If you have specific questions about seasonal eating, feel free to reach out. We also have a continually updated page on our website of Dr. Nikki’s favorite recipes, so be sure to check back regularly!
Resources
February, 2008. Nutritional quality of organic, conventional, and seasonally grown broccoli using vitamin C as a marker. (Retrieved September 10, 2020). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17852499/
October 15, 2019. 4 Reasons To Eat By The Seasons + What Is In Season Right Now. (Retrieved September 10, 2020). https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4807/10-Reasons-To-Eat-Whats-In-Season.html
https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/texas/late-september
Why Microbes Are Our Friends
What if I told you that we actually NEED bacteria, like our lives depend on it? Our human cells are actually outnumbered 10:1! This prolific population of bacteria and microorganisms are known as our microbiome and today I want to share three reasons why they are actually our friends.
We are currently living in a world where bacteria and microorganisms tend to be associated with fear, sickness and even death. While these things may all be true on occasion, in reality they tend to be the exception, not the rule. What if I told you that we actually NEED bacteria, like our lives depend on it? While you gradually start unfurrowing your brow, let me explain. Researchers have found that pretty much every surface of our body contains microorganisms, to the point that our human cells are actually outnumbered 10:1! This prolific population of bacteria and microorganisms are known as our microbiome and today I want to share three reasons why they are actually our friends.
1) Bacteria allows us to digest and absorb nutrients from the food we eat.
When we consume a food, it’s actually the bacteria in our stomach and intestines that break those proteins, fats and carbohydrates into nutrients that our body is then able to use. The same goes for vitamins and anti-inflammatories found in the foods we eat. As humans, we don’t have all of the enzymes necessary to break these foods down, but fortunately these friendly microorganisms do! [1]
This is why supplements such as pre-biotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes provide so much relief when our gut flora is out of balance.
2) Bacteria help regulate our immune systems.
While we are babies in the womb, we have a naive immune system and are therefore dependent on our mother’s antibodies to protect us from disease. The immune cells we are born with must be educated in order to protect us from the outside world and it is bacteria that does the teaching! When a baby is born vaginally, they receive their first inoculation of bacteria as they travel through the birth canal and these bacteria are what begin to shape the makeup of a baby’s gut flora. Studies have shown that babies born via c-section are at higher risk for certain diseases and sickness because they haven’t received this initial mega-dose of bacteria. In addition to the birth process, breastfeeding also helps introduce bacteria into the baby’s system. These initial colonizing bacteria have come to be known as the “pioneer microbiome” and it is responsible for educating the developing immune system and provides a favorable environment for the colonization of other microbiomes. [2]
Since it’s National Breastfeeding Month I’ll share one of the most fascinating facts regarding breastfeeding and bacteria. When a baby latches to the mother’s breast to nurse, if a pathogenic bacteria in the baby’s mouth comes in contact with the mother’s areola then the mother’s areola signals her body to produce antibodies for whatever pathogen was detected! These antibodies are then delivered to the baby in the breastmilk! [3] Not only is this mother nature’s antibiotic but it is naturally strengthening and developing baby’s immune system.
Every day we are exposed to potentially harmful pathogens, additives, non-harmful bacteria and allergens in the environment. It is vital that our bodies are able to determine when to react and when to tolerate these “intruders” or else we would have a severe response or illness to every new interaction. The diverse population of microorganisms that develops in the gut early on is what teaches our immune system that not everything is bad. [4]
3) Microbes keep us healthy.
Microbes maintain a sterile mucus layer between the intestinal cells and the bacteria-rich gut, creating a bacteria-free zone that protects us from continuous immune system activation and inflammation. The microbiome lining our digestive tract also prevents pathogenic microorganisms from attaching to the intestine or colon walls. [2]
In higher-income countries there has been an exponential rise in the use of antibiotics, number of non-emergent c-sections, dietary changes, and excessive cleaning and sterilization. While these procedures may kill pathogenic microorganisms, they also kill the good bacteria that our body is dependent on! With this, we are seeing an increase in auto-immune and inflammatory diseases. The top three common auto-immune conditions we are seeing in the United States include Crohn’s, Type 1 Diabetes and Multiple Sclerosis.
Clearly these friendly microbes are important, so it is vital that we are intentional in keeping them healthy and balanced. Here are some simple tips to do just that:
Wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible. While hand-sanitizer is convenient and quick, most of them kill all bacteria rather than just the bad. In addition to it’s non-selective destruction, many hand-sanitizers have been found to contain toxic ingredients such as methanol and 1-propanol. [5]
Eat foods that are rich in prebiotics and probiotics. A few common prebiotic-loaded foods include garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, and bananas. Some common probiotic-loaded foods include kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and yogurt.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. There is a time and a place for antibiotics, but if you’re being prescribed an antibiotic for an illness that is typically caused by a virus (think flu) then you might want to think twice or at least get a second opinion. In the event that an antibiotic is necessary, be sure to load up on a probiotic during and after!
If you have further questions about supporting your microbiome or are needing recommendations for probiotic or prebiotic supplements, be sure to reach out! Renew & Restore Wellness is more than just a chiropractic office, we are here to support your overall health and well-being!
Resources
June 13, 2012. NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body. (Retrieved August 12, 2020). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-human-microbiome-project-defines-normal-bacterial-makeup-body
March, 2015. Why is initial bacterial colonization of the intestine important to the infant’s and child’s health? (Retrieved August 12, 2020). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4340742/
January 28, 2020. Contributions to human breast milk microbiome and enteromammary transfer of Bifidobacterium breve. (Retrieved August 12, 2020). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6986747/
March 27, 2014. Role of the Microbiota in Immunity and inflammation. (Retrieved August 12, 2020). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4056765/
August 13, 2020. FDA Warns of New Hand Sanitizer Ingredient as List of Dangerous Products Grows. (Retrieved August 13, 2020). https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/health/fda-warns-of-new-hand-sanitizer-ingredient-as-list-of-dangerous-products-grows/2318431/
You can go with this, or you can go with that!
It can sometimes feel overwhelming to attempt a meal that is healthy but also tastes good and still allows you to feel like you are indulging rather than punishing yourself. That is why I thought it might be helpful to share some of my simple substitutes that I use with everyday recipes to make them a little bit healthier without feeling like I’m totally depriving myself.
One of my favorite ways to unwind and relax is cooking. There’s something therapeutic about creating a meal from scratch while listening to music and maybe enjoying a glass of wine! But what I’m even more passionate about is creating healthy meals that are full of life-giving nutrients. I think that it can sometimes feel overwhelming to attempt a meal that is healthy but also tastes good and still allows you to feel like you are indulging rather than punishing yourself. That is why I thought it might be helpful to share some of my simple substitutes that I use with everyday recipes to make them a little bit healthier without feeling like I’m totally depriving myself.
Butter. While it’s absolutely delicious, it also contains dairy. Many people experience digestive problems when consuming dairy products and often times eczema and other skin problems as well as allergies and sinus congestion can be exacerbated by dairy. If you’re really looking for that buttery flavor without the lactose, ghee is a great option. Ghee is also known as clarified butter, which basically means that butter is heated until the water in it evaporates and the milk solids separate from the fat by either floating to the top or sinking to the bottom. Those milk solids, which contain lactose, are removed and you’re left with ghee, a nutty and tasty butter alternative. [1] If you don’t care about the butter-flavor factor or you’re wanting to avoid lactose-free dairy product all together, then coconut oil is a great option! Simply replace the called-for butter with the same amount of coconut oil and keep on cookin.
Milk/Cream. As I mentioned above, dairy seems to be a problem child for a lot of people these days. Two of my go-to’s when a recipe calls for milk are almond milk or coconut milk. I typically look for an almond milk that doesn’t have any added preservatives or gums. Malk is a brand that I grab often, but there are a few options out there! Canned coconut milk is another solid option when you’re looking for something a little more creamy. I should mention that coconut milk may have a slightly “coconuty” flavor so if that is going to mess with your palate then you may want to consider another nut milk such as cashew.
Rice. While it is a gluten free complex carbohydrate, it is a grain and may be hard for some people to digest. Other people may looking to cut out high carb foods or simply get more veggies in their diet. Cauliflower rice is a wonderful alternative! You can make it using a head of fresh cauliflower and a food processor or you can buy it pre-made in the freezer section of your local grocery store. If I’m making a dish that is typically served over rice, I’ll simply substitute the cauliflower rice for regular rice. The addition of cauliflower rice to a meal is a great way to load up on antioxidants and fiber! [2]
Pasta. Often times pasta is one of the major foods that are mourned when someone is deciding to cut gluten and/or other processed carbs out of their diet. The good news is there are several plant-based options! Zucchini noodles (also known as Zoodles) are one of my favorites. You can make them yourself using a spiralizer and fresh zucchini or you can purchase them pre-made in the produce section at most major grocery stores. Along the same lines, you can also spiralize sweet potatoes, butternut squash or beets. If you’re not up for spiralizing or paying the extra money to purchase pre-spiralized veggies, another option is spaghetti squash. Simply cut the spaghetti squash in half and roast in the oven until soft. Scrape the inside out with a fork and it will somewhat resemble angel hair pasta. If a recipe involves serving something over pasta, give one of these veggie options a try!
Sugar. It’s one of the most addictive food items in the American diet and you’ll find it hidden in things you would never suspect! Linked with obesity, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, it’s something I like to avoid whenever possible. Luckily there are some great alternatives to sugar. Honey and maple syrup are probably my favorites. Not only are they full of minerals and antioxidants but you are able to achieve the same amount of sweetness you would with sugar, but using less! [3] If you’re looking for something that is granulated rather than liquid, monk fruit is a great option. Something unique about monk fruit sweetener is that is doesn’t contain fructose or glucose because the sweetness actually comes from an antioxidant in the fruit rather than the fruit itself. [4] Monkfruit sweetener is typically sweeter than sugar so be sure to add to taste when using it!
As you can see, once you have a toolbox of healthy alternatives it is fairly easy to make substitutions while cooking. If you’re apprehensive, it’s easiest to make one change at a time rather than switching everything at once!
We really just scratched the surface of healthy cooking so, if you have a favorite food or meal that you would like to make healthier, we would love to hear about it and give you guidance and possibly include it in part 2 of this blog post. Leave a comment below or message us on social media with any requests or questions.
Resources
1) Is Ghee Dairy-Free? What to Know About This Butter Alternative (Retrieved July 8, 2020) https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/is-ghee-dairy-free
2) April 14, 2017. The Top 8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower (Retrieved July 8, 2020) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cauliflower#section2
3) June 24, 2019. Are Sugar Substitutes Like Honey And Maple Syrup Actually Healthier Than The Real Deal? (Retrieved July 9, 2020) https://www.chatelaine.com/health/healthiest-sugar-substitutes/
4) June 14, 2019. Monk Fruit Sweetener: Good or Bad? (Retrieved July 9, 2020) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/monk-fruit-sweetener#benefits