Anti-Inflammatory | Live Young

Douse the Inflamed Body with Whole Foods

December 22, 2014 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

Christmas VACATION week…woooot!! What a perfect time to start a 10 day whole foods detox right?

So off to Natural Grocers I go with my long grocery list in hand of yummy ingredients for salads, soups, snacks, protein and chicken recipes from the detox book.

Piled high on the counter were veggies, greens, spices, almond butter, miso paste and more. The store clerk was wondering what I was up to and I imagine you are too. She said, “You are doing a detox during the holidays? What about all those yummy holiday foods?”

Sure I do my best to eat clean but I do have a weakness for…fresh baked cookies especially Christmas cookies. I love love them times infinity! Yum sugar cookies…soft and chewy underbaked…straight out of the oven…breaking apart as you eat…sweet tasting sugar…oh sorry where was I?!

Back to the detox. It just seemed like an easier time to fit in during my vacation. So, let’s dig in and learn how to douse the inflamed body with whole foods!

Inflammation – Is It Acute or Chronic

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DNA of Longevity: Habits Matter

December 8, 2014 by Lou Ann Donovan 2 Comments

A recent Harvard Medical study posed the provocative question: can the Mediterranean diet affect longevity? Yes!

Wonder how it does that at the DNA level?

The ongoing question about whether it’s biology or habits has vexed mankind. Our destiny has some given limits without a doubt. Some people cannot ever hope to run a 4 minute mile because of body structure right?

Eat the right foods and run a 4 minute mile…NO! Use the right food habits and change YOUR DNA…YES! DNA is subject to our habits: it is directly affected by our dietary intake. The right habits via the Mediterranean diet slows the relentless effects of time. FACT.

Interested in maxing out your chances of living well and longer?

Highlights that caught my eye: [Read more…]

Spice Up Your Life with Turmeric

December 1, 2014 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

What food dish comes to mind when you hear the word turmeric? Or maybe you aren’t familiar with this Spice Up Your Life powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory compounds. It is made from the root of the tropical plant Curcuma longa and is a common ingredient in mustard and Indian food – it’s what makes curry bright yellow.

Simple tricks for getting turmeric past the stomach and into the small intestines where it can be absorbed into the blood are: [Read more…]

Benefits of Kale

May 30, 2013 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

Top 5 Healthy Foods series fourth article – Benefits of Kale. Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.

So have you wondered what all the fuss is about with kale? For starters, it has sustainability and can grow in most climates. Kale contains antioxidants known to reduce inflammation which can reduce chronic diseases. It’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, iron, calcium and healthy fats. Kale seems to be the “new beef” and the “king of leafy greens.”

Kale Salad and Chips

Reduces Carbon Footprint

Growing vegetables has a relatively low environmental impact. Leafy greens like kale, spinach and broccoli can grow in most climates helping to reduce the carbon footprint. Where animal agriculture has land degradation and a reduction in biodiversity. [Read more…]