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What Does Holistic Health Look Like?

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The moment “holistic” comes out of my mouth, I cringe…slightly. The understanding of holistic can be mysterious or a string of misconceptions. Then we begin the conversational tango of explanations. So, what does holistic health look like? Holistic in its root word literally means parts to a whole. As in each part is so interchangeably connected that it makes up a whole. In regards to our health, the holistic approach recognizes the importance of each bodily function as well as mental health, social effects, and other impacts.

Sooooooooo…What Does Holistic Health Look Like?

Seriously.

To get the benefits of our whole selves in holistic are yoga pants, veganism, and Om chants required? Not necessarily. Holistic health addresses three main areas, to quote a popular holistic phrase, “mind, body, and spirit.” You and your team of practitioners are looking at how you eat, what you do, how you think, your relationships, work environment, and the list goes on.

“Health is more than the absence of disease. Health is about jobs and employment, education, the environment, and all of those things that go into making us healthy.”

Jocelyn Elders

It sounds like a lot to take in and for practioners, it take experience to understand how important all these moving pieces are to a person. We are not created to be a series of cogs and wheels that can be solved with a simple equation. Holistic means lots of questions with targeted and individual plans to increase the quality of your living.

What Holistic Health Does NOT Look Like?

Debt inducing

Dismissive of your gut feelings

Demanding or demeaning of your response

Certainly, health is an investment we make- whether it’s organic or in the drive-through. So yes, finances are involved and we might need to give up particular habits is necessary to reinvest elsewhere for the better you. Yet, you look at your bottom line when deciding on that health “item” or “service,” remember that it should not put you into debt. A personal example, we shifted our finances to put our daughter on a well-researched and expert interrogated herbal supplement to help with her anxiety. Dee Dee Taylor, owner of 502 Hemp, and manager Laura worked with us to find that balance of bottom line and a better holistic health option. We had to financially shift with expert input to make the best decision for our daughter. I LOVE it when I hear nutritionists and health junkies rave about Aldi or cheap healthy meal ideas over the promotion of expensive memberships. This is core to your and mine success in improving health, we cannot afford to go broke.

No one. I mean NO ONE should ever tear you down or be aggressive concerning a health aspect. There are times a lovingly blunt conversation may need to be had, but you should never feel like less of a person or not enough due to a habit or look. This is a part of holistic health, valuing you as you with flaws and all. If a tactic is to demean you to make you purchase more of a person, company, or item- tell them “deuces” and walk your gorgeousness away. You deserve better. More than likely, your “gut” is giving you a ring so you know when something isn’t quite. Listen to what is being said. Not sure? Then wait. Unless you have a doctor saying it’s life and death, nothing else is has to be decided now. Take time to think, research, and ask questions.

This all said, cheap in holistic isn’t necessarily a bargain and could cost you dearly with your health. The next few articles in this series will break down the hacks, how-tos, and what to know about each area of holistic health. Look for what you need to know about your food relationship from this holistic nutrition coach with certified hacks on healthy eating with a limited wallet and time. We will come to a loving place with our food relationships.

I’m not your mama. So for the rest of this series to come to you- subscribe to the right. That’s right, no spam or a daily annoyance in your mailbox. Seriously, I hate spam.

holistic health articles

J. Riley

Certified Not Just a Health Nut

Top 5 Foods for Weight Loss is…

Top 5 Foods for Weight Loss is…

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Bullshit. Top 5 foods that help you lose weight is bullshit. Often the messages that is given to us for health and, specifically, weight loss is to count calories, go for a run, and eat these five foods. Then boom you look like a supermodel, instant squad, and tons of money. Has that worked for you? Has it worked for anyone? Beyond a January?! There are foods that boost metabolism. However, sustainable and healthy weight is impacted by many factors. Health is impacted by a variety of factors.

Factors that Impact Health & Weight

Sleep and rest

The biological processes your body goes through at night can be simply explained as your body is repairing itself. It’s a reset button for the physical parts of your body. Sleep gives your brain a break and a chance to dream. Dreaming, based on your belief, can be a time to work through psychological issues or make divine connections. When sleep is short, disrupted, or just not the quality we need- our health suffers. To maintain health, consequently weight, sleep needs to be a priority.

Rest is that sleep practice while awake. Rest involved less production and more play. More Netflix and chill or engaging in enjoyable activities. This gives our brains and souls a reminder to appreciate our lives and be more mindful of our environments. Rest connects us to our worlds and to those who matter to us better. Additionally, it’s a stress reducer.

Stress

Short term stress is a survival tool. Beyond a few hours, stress becomes long term and it’s a literal killer. Stress stops crucial biological chemical processes our bodies need to continue optimal health. Our mental health takes a hit too.

Planted based. Truly plant based

A growing craze of plant-based is blowing my mind. In some ways, it makes a lifetime diet choice much easier with more choices and convenience. It other ways, the plant-based label is becoming as much as bullshit as fad foods for weight loss. While I do love vegan junk food; however if we want our food relationship to be positive health impacting we need to get savvy. Reducing processed and packaged foods, even with a plant based claim. More produce section and whole grains. There is nothing wrong with a package of precut stir fry veggies and some whole grain noodles. As a matter of fact, its delicious.

Size does matter

When it comes to portions. Here’s the deal, prepared or prepackaged foods need to be taken in hand with appropriate portion sizes. If a fruit or vegetable, the more the merrier. Snacking on carrots all day long is completely acceptable. A plate full of lightly cooked veggies or double the portion of whole fruit, go for it. Don’t even count the calories.

Appropriate Physical Activity

We need to get moving. Moving looks different for everyone. Be willing to try new types of exercise and discover what you like. Physical activity depends on your preferences and physical ability. Chronic illness can impact what you do. If you feel tired or worn out, rest takes priority. Aim for a light walk or gentle activity such a stretching or yoga.

Stop taking the BS and take the reigns back for your health. Often, addressing these five health factors, make positive impacts on your weight. If it doesn’t, its time for a doctors appointment for a deeper dive. Health is complex but doesn’t have to be complicated. Look and adore the whole you in your health routine. Health is more than an image. Health is a state of being.

J.Riley

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Hit the Reset Button

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Feel like you’re losing your mind? Well. You might be. Constantly going negatively impacts our physical and mental health. Sanity goes to the wayside and exhaustion slams us into a wall. When we hit this point, we need to hit the reset button

Reset for Mental Health

Sleep

Our bodies require regular sleep. If you are not getting enough or constantly tired, seek medical help. There is a underlying cause. Stress can certainly start or continue the cycle of sleep issues. Consider de-stress techniques such as exercise, breathing exercises, and anti-inflammatory foods.

Relax and Play

We need non-productive times to be silly. Relax and play facilitates a connection with yourself and with others. Hobby and relax time are a must to your health routine

Cleanse and Gut Support

Your gut is a literal second brain that promotes chemical balances and a variety of essential biological processes. Fruits and veggies in a fresh or frozen form is a crucial part of your daily food relationship. Oats are excellent for cleansing guts and balancing chemicals within the body. Teas such as nettle, dandelion, and green tea are power cleansers from immune to blood. Take your food relationship seriously.

Connect with Nature

We need to immerse ourselves in creation. The elements of air, water, earth, and fire are core to our healing. Simply sitting by a fire or listening to water can do wonders to reset our minds. A simple outdoor walk or eating a meal work too.

One last thing…. for a daily reset…..

J.Riley

Play time is Vital to Your Health

Play time is Vital to Your Health

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Play for children is crucial in their development. Often, as adults, we forget that same time for play is just as vital for our health. Adulting in work, as caregivers, living responsibilities, etc can be daunting. Even when it’s not, we may absorb the daily grind with little to no breaks. Our body cycles require play-time investments to shift our minds to better perspectives, cultivate positive inner connections, and create more community.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

What is Play?

Play is open ended with two rules- it’s enjoyable and no harm done. Variety within play addresses the various sides of your well-being and all need to happen a few times per week.

Actively Play!

Gardening, car washing, swim, run, park, yoga, sport, or walk. As long as it’s an enjoyable activity and you’re moving- be in active play. Mind set is as important as what you are doing. Pick an activity and go.

Quietly Play …

As much as we need active play, we need quiet play too. This is an excellent time to get creative, read a book, write, or whatever you love to do, quietly. The goal is gently engage the mind while simultaneously calming the body.

Engage in Play-

Play with others! Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or community event- find a fun activity to do with others. We need to delightfully connect with others. It changes our perspective within our homes, our work, and community. Being together just for the sake of amusement cultivates better relationships and environments.

What happens in Play?

  • You disengage allostatic load: this means turning off the toxins long-term stress releases in your body.
  • You decrease tension in blood vessels to promote healthier blood pressure and more oxygen flow. When the oxygen flows your brain, mood, and physical body heals itself better.
  • You balance body chemicals better: relaxing engages the parasympathetic system which levels hormones, enzymes, and other biological chemicals that aid in healing. Plus it increases organ function.
  • You sleep better.
  • You help your brain. When you body calms and switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, it allow for more GABA. GABA slows brain electricity, that stress often increases, to allow healing, better concentration, and improved mood.
  • You connect with your SELF more.
  • You connect with your loved ones and community more.

In your daily health routine, make play an intention. We need to enjoy our life and the health investments we make. How we think or feel about an activity impacts its effectiveness- attitude directly affects your success. Love the space you’re in and engage in enjoying your life where ever you are.

Namaste, Juls

Health Foodie: Quick & Healthy Meal Ideas

Health Foodie: Quick & Healthy Meal Ideas

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I haven’t put out a recipe in a long time. Not from cooking slack, but more from needing quick meal ideas that improve health with minimal effort. What do you when life is insanely busy, need a quick meal, and please dear God, I need less salad in my life? K.I.S.S. it. The K.I.S.S (keep is simple silly/stupid) method has ruled in this household for months. Looks like it’s going to be for a couple more. In the craze, I don’t want to lose what fuels us and our minds in nutrition, but we can’t sacrifice sanity. This is part of my cheat list of quick meals. Some are grab and go while others take a bit of prep and cooking. Only two salads made the list ’cause we need a break. Real nutrition is in all of it.

Quick Healthy Meals:

Run In Store & Grab Ideas

  1. Veggie burger with fruit. Watch those healthy options. Many put gluten in and it’s more filler than nutrition. We opt for a burger with portabellos and veggies or use portabellos period.
  2. Rotisserie or baked chicken with grab a veggie tray or salad kit
  3. Baked beans and green beans or greens
  4. Cauliflower crust (pre-made) with pizza sauce, cheese, and veggies

A Little More Investment Meal Ideas

This downloadable comes with several healthy meal ideas centered around “latin” flavors. This is our family’s obsession and 90% crowd pleaser. When meals have common ingredients it requires less planning and easier meal creations.

latin-flavor-quick-healthy-meals-google-docsDownload

Healthy meals can be a valuable time investment of food relationship and mental wind down time. When there isn’t time or priorities bump cooking down the list, we don’t have to sacrifice wellness. Veggie forward, whole foods, whole grains are literal life savers from brain function to heart love. This makes healthy meals even more vital. Love the long and short of your food relationship. More quick and healthy meal ideas to come of different flavor varieties. Follow by clicking “Yes” to have them delivered to you.

  • Kids are not the only ones yelling for dinner

J.Riley

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The Problematic Resolution

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

There is a personal matter with one specific resolution. My goal in wellness coaching is to work with individuals towards their unique dreams while tacking specific hurdles to that person. However, I hear and see this resolution everywhere and with clarity: dieting and body perceptions. It’s the time of newness we are inundated with images of gyms, diets, shakes, scales, plans, and images. A lot is valuable and can be an asset, the danger lies in your why and body perception.

My own journey back to well after having my son started with weight loss then snowballed into aha moments of tackling mental wellness and all kinds of curve balls along the way. One simple resolve to set a goal in losing baby weight was what I needed. That all said. I didn’t diet. I changed it. I did shakes for nutrition but also love my chocolate and pizza. OMG olives and bacon. I work out but found being gentle is more important for my particular body capabilities. I “listened” with filters, figured out what works for me, found grace, and made permanent changes along the way. In the mix, it was a real fight to address body perceptions. At first, my victories were not happy. Because I wasn’t skinny. As my mental health rose with my physical health, I realized how unbelievably dumb this is. Then the step of anger came. It’s so frustrating being in an industry that bombards you with images of perfection and “how-tos.” The most pinned recipes I had for a long time had the word “skinny.” I had to step away and get perspective. Thankfully, changes in how health and wellness looks are happening. It’s imperative you understand that healthy looks different. Resentment for those who are “skinny” isn’t acceptable and those who may be slightly overweight or not have a certain look can be healthy too and it’s not your judgment call. Healthy has different forms and its an internal affair. As you navigate what is your highest wellness, please keep these few things in mind.

It’s an Internal Affair

Its how you love on your self and accept your creation. Its finding your value in your gifts and talents. It’s what you eat to healing and promote physical function. It’s discovering your favorite ways or may be tolerable ways to move to gear up your body and brain. It about you.

Fight the Expectation of Extremes, Un-realities, and Fads.

Dieting sucks. It rarely works. It’s often harmful. While there are common threads in nutrition, there are differences that work for everyone. If you want to lose weight- professionals and common sense eating. Nutritionist, health coach, wellness coach, doctors, or take a nutrition course yourself — I don’t care how. Just please, do not put your body, mind, and soul on that yo-yo or in potential harm. Look for meaningful change in your lifestyle. There are plans, points, and programs out there that can help. Know that whatever change you make, its a long term change. Then keep the scale in perspective. Your weight fluctuates naturally and it can stall out for a time being. Trust your process and listen when things aren’t working in over an extended period of time. A professional can help you guide this. In all this scale talk, muscle weighs more than fat. After I lost weight, I gained some back and still doing a little. My waistline and measurements are not going in a negative direction. I am strengthening and seeing those results. Scale, overall feeling, and all measurements should be taken into account. Make those changes stick. Stopping the yo-yo means cutting the cord to go back.

Work It Out For You

Rarely do I find going to the gym enjoyable. I love my personal yoga studio and going to yoga studios. I love being outside. I love joining others in their active passions every once and while. Wonderful people own and go to gyms. It’s their thing. Some its kickboxing. Just a walk. Refit. Zumba. Pilates. Be open to anything and get to know you. Someone’s passion may become a shared passion. Or it may be love from a distance. Do not feel you have to run or do extremes. I love challenging myself and working within limitations, aerial yoga is for me. Work it for you.

Have grace in those pitfalls and don’t let it stop you getting back on your path. Love yourself while you create a greater you.

Namaste, Juls

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I want to say this sharing is because of recent events.  In honesty, these losses are indicative of a pervasive reality.  Mental illness is tucked in many corners of humanity, no one is immune.   In a little more than a week I am sharing the story behind my tattoo.  My story has much to do with my mental illness and my victory in my journey.  However, yesterday in the physical pain, fatigue, and mental frustration, I know all too well how quickly I could slip.  Therapy, chemical stability aid, inspiration, and reminders are necessary.  My tattoo is my permanent reminder.

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The largest part of my tattoo is a Lotus.  This flower is unlike many others, its survives in a wide range of temperatures and muddy waters.  I am a wife, mom, advocate, friend, artist, writer, sister, daughter.  Roles built over time and ones that I cherish.  With that I am a survivor of abuse and the social taboo it comes with.  I’ve been told that I shouldn’t share that part of my life because it would make others uncomfortable.  Then I became further isolated.  Anxiety and depression were the roller coasters of much of my life.  Panic attacks and withdrawn.  I felt voiceless.  I am a medical illness hurdle jumper with stumbles here and there.   I am an ADHDian.  It’s been a wide range in my life.  As a conqueror, I am not just blooming.  I am changing.  The butterfly right up on my shoulder symbolizes that crucial mindset of transformation.  I can and do choose to change how my past and current situations are used.  They do not wholly define me.  Written below all of this is 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Those are words I have held dear to for years.  Those words remind me that my Creator designed me for a great purpose and, like a lotus, my roots are deep to thrive despite the mud.  The act of creating is a process.  It takes time, effort, and there are mistakes.  Through the transformation and healing in mental illness, it is a similar process. My creation is flawed, but valuable all the same.

Here’s the thing.  There was a time the darkness was deep.  I didn’t believe in the value of my life and my silence festered the wounds.  It was baby steps, but I found that last shred of strength and sought help.  In the battle we need allies and professional ones.  If you are in that darkness, keep one foot in front of the other with hands out.  We need you.  There’s isn’t another you.  Seeking help isn’t weak, it’s boldness.  You have it in you.  To take it further, I have taken medication in the past to help me.  I found a natural path that works best for me.  It doesn’t matter the means: talking, breathing, medication, supplements, or do all of it.  Grab a hold of your life line.  My hope is that one day your story will become a tattoo, artwork, song, writing, oral story that will empower you and empower others.

Additionally, we need advocates.  Our perceptions on people with mental illness need to change. Perceptions on the illnesses themselves need to change.  The health care system needs to change.  Our interactions with each other needs change.  A simple start is giving grace, checking in with those around us, and be present.  Compassion and deeper connections are imperative.  Become aware of yourselves, others around you, and share resources for help. Be that shoulder.  Make that call.

As always, my soul honors your invaluable soul

Life Lines

National Suicide Hotline 

  • 1- 800- 273- 8255 Hotline
  • 1-800- 799- 4889 TTY Hotline
  • Suicide Prevention Website (online chat option and specific areas of help)

Crisis Text Line

  • Text Home to 741741

Domestic Violence

Sexual Assualt

Postpartum Support International

 

The Health Foodie: Coming to a Loving Place in Her Relationship with Food.

The Health Foodie: Coming to a Loving Place in Her Relationship with Food.

by JRiley ♥ 1 Comment

I am a girl who loves to eat.  Protein shakes are great for on the fly and nutrition punch in the gut/ for the gut. However, I want real food.  For so long I either mindlessly ate and neglected the attention it deserved or hated food because we didn’t understand each other and how to work together.  From leechy junk food who hangs around- in undesirable places- to that empty feeling calorie, I struggled.  After years of the love/hate tango we have finally come to healthy terms.

 

Our arrangements go like this:  I sit to eat and no longer eat on the run.  I was horrible about not taking my time and being thoughtless.   Now we have a time to be present in choices and time to be present at the meal.  This gives me the power to keep negative and unhealthy foods are under my control.   I have the right to be choosy in who shows up to dinner, lunch, breakfast, and in between. Especially salt and fats. I can say no and send them packing. Now herbs and spices provide the excitement in the relationship without the regret.  Protein, fruit, and veggies have an open door policy.  Except Brussels sprouts.  They are banned for life.  I won’t do it.  I just won’t.  No longer is the misguided goal to be skinny which brings resentment in my diet and to myself.  We agreed on nutrition with flavor to maintain a healthy body and mind, while feeding the soul.  Soul food is a real thing my friends. Cantina salsa and dark chocolate are what feeds mine.  Seriously, salsa on everything from taco to eggs.

 

 

 

Salsa and chocolate aside, one of my food loves is lo mien. Unfortunately, gluten and I are no longer are on speaking terms.  A lot of my favorites had to be re-imagined.  Thus pork with veggie lo mien is born.  Simple and flavored pack protein and veggies. Warning: soy sauce is involved.  It’s that salt thing. Low sodium is on the invitation list.

 

 

Ingredients and prep

 

 

Pork: lean/low fat cuts, about 4-5 ounces per adult person

Cabbage (green and purple): sliced or buy pre shredded

Carrots: diced or if you do it like I do, it comes with the pre shredded cabbage

Onions: sweet/vidalia- sliced thin   OR Green onions chopped small

Mushrooms: sliced thin

Ginger: powdered

Soy: remember, low sodium

Canola oil or extra virgin olive oil

Minced garlic: pre-bought or DIY

Optional: bok choy diced, kale sliced

 

 

 
We are totally normal.  No fancy kitchen and short staff.
Get cooking:
1. Get a skillet and turn the stove onto a medium heat.  Add a tablespoon of canola oil or extra virgin olive oil (either oil in a spray works too).  Lightly sprinkle ginger and minced garlic on one side of the pork.  Cook the pork in the pan.  I am looking for browning on the outside and no pink showing.  About 10-15 mins on each side- the thinner the cut the less amount of time each side takes.  Suggested inside temp for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit if you have a meat thermometer handy. Let it rest 3-5 minutes and you can slice and dice it how you want.
2. While the pork is cooking-  add a tablespoon of canola oil or evoo (thank you Rachel Ray) to a wok, skillet, or whatever will hold the veggies.  Some of us lack the gourmet kitchen but make it work.  Not all veggies cook equally.  Start mushrooms and onions (not green onions).  If you are cooking bok choy, add it in with the mushroom and onions.  Cook for 10 minutes or so.  Then add carrots, cabbage or that bag of pre shredded stuff and if you are doing kale or green onions, throw it in too.  I usually find the total cooking time for veggies is twenty minutes. Slightly soft veggies is the goal.   Those last couple of minutes sprinkle some low sodium soy sauce and some ginger powder to taste.  If you like a lot of either, let someone else add and taste it.  Keep it light.

 

Pork and Veggie Lo Mein

 

 

That’s it. Step one and pork done.  Step two and veggie lo mein done.  Constructive suggestions in how to improve our relationships in this specific area are welcomed.  Raving reviews are encouraged. You know, for the the food.
 

 

Namaste and nourish love

*originally published on September 17, 2017

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Food Relationship: What You can Eat to Hydrate

by JRiley ♥ 2 Comments

It’s 3:00 PM in the afternoon and I look down at my water bottle. The day is almost done and I’ve only drank half the my minimal of what is needed to be hydrated. Unfortunately, coffee doesn’t count. Why on earth would I add hydration count to my endless daily check-list? From brain function, gut function, adrenal function- hydration is the everything in biological function.

How much water should you drink? National Academy of Science Engineering Medicine   gives guidelines on the minimal fluids you should take daily. According to the site, I need to take in around twelve eight ounces per day, water as a safety blanket it is!! Some conditions require more fluid intake such as activity and heat,  Center for Disease, Control, and Prevention outlines other reasons.  Know and watch your fluid intake.

What about what you drink?  There are drinks you need to limit or completely avoid.  Sugary drinks such as juices and sodas needs to be limited.  This goes for caffeine and alcohol too. It is thought that caffeine intake can cause dehydration, a quick run through studies on coffee. Mild coffee drinking is fine and not known to impact hydration ability.   Sugar and too much sodium are the top dehydrators you can drink.

What Should You Drink?

  • Water
  • Green Tea
  • Herbal Teas
  • Non synthetic dye or natural drink
  • Water with fruit and vegetables

Your food life is two fold on hydration.  Drinking is the primary way to obtain and maintain hydration. However, eating certain whole foods (not cooked or lightly cooked) contains significant portions of water in them.

What Can You Eat to Boost Hydration?

All of these contain at least 90% of water and tons of nutrition. Food relationship multitasking at its best.

  • Canteloupe
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon
  • Lettuce
  • Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Spinach
  • Pickles
  • Yogurt
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Carrots
  • Pears
  • Pineapple

The Exceptions

Broccoli and squash contain more water when cooked.

sliced fruits on tray
Photo by Trang Doan on Pexels.com

Sports drinks are known to help with hydration and keeping hydration in short periods.  They should only be consumed when significant water loss is involved or recommended by doctor. The main reason are electrolytes.  In a simplistic term, electrolytes are salts in the form of minerals that help with hydration and cleanse your bodily systems.  The electrolytes you need are sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, phosphates.  You can eat these easily all the time.

Foods Rich in Electrolytes

  • White beans
  • Dairy- yogurt/ kefir particularly
  • Fish- especially salmon
  • Dark chocolate
  • Whole grains
  • Seeds
  • Nuts- especially almonds and walnuts
  • Dark greens- notably kale, broccoli, edamame, bok choy, spinach, chard
  • Tofu
  • Baked goods with baking soda
  • Fruids: Bananas, water melons,
  • Avocado
  • Sweet potato
  • Coconut water
  • Tomato
  • Egg plant

Each of these foods offer it’s unique contribution.  A rotation/combination of each offers the best impact in your food relationship. I am going to grab more of my lemon & lime water. Gotta catch up!

Namaste and be fluid

Juls

close up photography of eyeglasses on pineapple
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

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Health Foodie: Lower Acid and Vegetarian Pasta Sauce

by JRiley ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Simply because cannot take “no” for an answer- I had to find answer to my pasta dilemma Largely, due to the sauce, a lower acid pasta sauce. So what’s wrong with the sauce? Too much acid producing agents like tomatoes and meat. Meat? Yes, digesting meats requires more stomach acid production. My stomach gets all dramatic and I end up in pain. My solution was Puttenesca. Puttenesca is a tomato sauce with a specific combinations of plants, veggies, and (most of time) anchovies.  I HATE anchovies. If I had a choice between those greasy, tiny fish and bugs.  I choose bugs. We will say no to the anchovies this time. And every time.

This sauce still carries the problematic acidic tomato.  I opted for campari tomatoes as they are sweeter with lower acid.  To reduce acid more, you can add in some carrot puree.  The tomatoes didn’t irritate my reflux.  Since the anchovies got to go- I went with capers to give that briny, salty taste.  Best part, is more concentrated veggies means more nutrition.  The instructions are for the sauce, your base is dealer’s choice. As complex carbs can help absorb stomach acid, I opted for a brown rice/ quinoa gluten free pasta but zoodles are just a good. 

Lower Acid Pasta Sauce

Ingredients and Prep

  • 3 Garlic cloves, diced
  • Oregano 1 tablespoon dried
  • Olive Oil 1 tablespoon
  • Campari tomatoes, 16 oz, quartered
  • Green or black olives sliced (2.25 oz can or I eat a specific green type, about 10 olives)
  • Capers 1-2 tablespoons
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon of carrot pure

Cooking

  1. Put in diced garlic and olive oil and gentle stir for about 5-7 minutes on medium.
  2. Still on medium heat, place in diced tomatoes and oregano and cook until tomatoes have broken down plus a few minutes (25 minutes). In the last 5 minutes you can put in optional carrot puree to lower the pH level.  
  3. Put in olives and capers for additional ten minutes.  1 1/2 tablespoon of capers is enough for me. Start with 1 tablespoon and add to taste.  Do let it cook for a minute before adding. 

With a few quick switch outs with some veggies, I have a delicious alternative.  Plus its a graduation from my dorm room ragu phase. There is nothing wrong with an occasional jar sauce on some veggies every once and while. However, there is more flavor and nutritional punch in this bowl. Love your food relationship and show it how to love you back.

J.Riley