holistic health

Are you looking for a healthy snack for your kids that won't leave them feeling sluggish? Look no further! Plant-based snacks are the perfect way to fuel your little ones with all the nutrients they need. From fruits and veggies to nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains, there is something delicious and nutritious to suit every occasion. 

Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest snacks around. Their natural sweetness makes them a great alternative to sugary treats, while their high fiber content ensures your kids (and you!) will stay fuller for longer. Try incorporating colorful fruits like watermelon or oranges into your kid's snack time routine, or serve up veggie sticks with hummus or guacamole as an after school treat. These are the best fast foods and can be prepared the night before for easy grab & go snacks the next day.

Nuts and seeds are another great plant-based snack option. Not only are they packed with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and vitamin E; but they also contain healthy proteins & fats that can help support brain development in growing children. Try offering trail mix with nuts and seeds as a tasty snack on the go, or bake up some energy balls made from peanut or almond butter, oats and dried fruit for a sweet treat that won't leave your little one bouncing off the walls afterwards! 

  

Like nuts and seeds, beans provide plenty of essential vitamins and minerals but are also high in protein and fiber - making them an ideal snack choice for active children who need fuel throughout the day. Serve up some homemade bean dip with vegetable sticks or pita bread; make a batch of homemade hummus; or try out some quinoa bowls topped with roasted veggies! For an extra boost of nutrition, look out for whole grain options with brown rice or oatmeal instead of refined grains like white bread or pasta. 

With so many delicious plant-based snacks to choose from, it's never been easier to give your kids the nutrition they need without sacrificing taste! Whether you're looking for something quick on the go or something more substantial after school, there's sure to be something that suits their needs - not to mention yours! So take a break from processed snacks and try something new today - your kids will thank you later!

Have picky eaters?  Grab this guide:  7 Strategies to Help Picky Eaters Eat!

Do you want to get your daily dose of vitamin D without relying on fortified foods or supplements? If so, you’re in luck! There are plenty of natural ways to get your daily intake.  Obviously, getting out in the sun is a fabulous way to get Vitamin D; there are some foods you can eat to get it, too.  Read on for some tips and tricks to get the vitamin D you need straight from the source.

Cod liver oil is one of the best sources of natural vitamin D and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It can be taken orally in liquid form or as a capsule supplement. It also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for overall health and wellness.

Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies, all contain high levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these types of fish regularly will help you get your daily intake of both vitamins and minerals.  Make sure they are wild caught, as the farm raised fish have contamination. My favorite non-vegan Omega 3 supplement also has Vitamin D3 and CoQ10.

Egg yolks are also an excellent source of natural vitamin D and can be consumed raw or cooked in various dishes. Egg yolks are also rich in protein and other nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Aside from getting enough sun, these are just a few simple ways to get your daily dose of vitamin D naturally without having to rely on fortified foods or supplements. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is always a good idea, since they contain small amounts of natural Vitamin D that can add up over time if you’re consistent with it. Looking for Vegan Sources of Vitamin D?  I wrote about them here.  So keep these tips in mind when planning out your meals and snack times! Holistic moms everywhere will thank you for it down the line!

Inflammation. We’ve all heard the word, but do we really know what it means? For some, it conjures up images of red, swollen joints or area of skin that just won’t heal. However, inflammation is actually a much more complicated process than what you can see with your own two eyes. Let’s unpack this mysterious phenomenon and get to the bottom of what inflammation in your body is all about. 

Inflammation is an immune system response to foreign objects or injured tissue. It can take place anywhere in the body and can be triggered by a variety of sources, including infection, injury or even stress. When inflammation occurs, white blood cells rush to the affected area in order to fight off any potential pathogens or toxins. This influx of white blood cells causes swelling and increased warmth at the site due to increased circulation. 

There are two main types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is short-lived but intense—think sprained ankle or a cut finger that swells up quickly after being injured. Chronic inflammation is more subtle and long-lasting—think asthma or arthritis that may flare up from time to time over months or even years. Both types of inflammation can be detrimental if not properly managed, as they can cause serious damage to tissues over time if left untreated. 

Fortunately, there are several holistic methods you can use to manage both acute and chronic inflammation naturally. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon) can help reduce overall inflammation levels in your body over time. Eating antioxidants is another way to reduce inflammation - these are found in fresh fruits and vegetables.  Making sure your body gets enough rest is also important for reducing inflammation levels since fatigue weakens your immune system which makes it easier for bacteria and other pathogens to enter your body via cuts and scrapes on your skin or through breathing air particles into your lungs. Additionally, regular exercise helps keep your muscles strong which decreases joint pain associated with certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Finally, managing stress levels through stretching, meditation, simple breathing exercises, or essential oils helps prevent hormones associated with stress from flooding your system causing an inflammatory response from your immune system when unnecessary. 

Understanding how inflammation works within our bodies is essential for maintaining optimal health levels overtime and avoiding the damaging effects of uncontrolled chronic inflammation which has been linked with various diseases ranging from heart disease to cancer over recent years according to multiple studies conducted by medical professionals worldwide.. By following a few simple steps such as eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, getting enough rest each night and exercising regularly along with managing stress levels through relaxation techniques you can maintain healthy levels of both acute and chronic inflammation within your body helping you stay fit throughout life!

Inflammation is a natural process ...

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged state where the body's defense system attacks healthy tissues, causing damage over time...

To reduce chronic inflammation...

Holistic moms know that processed foods aren’t just bad for our waistlines, but also for our health. An important area of focus is inflammation, which has been linked to a variety of chronic illnesses. Let's take a look at what causes inflammation and how processed foods contribute to it. 

Blog Body: 

What is Inflammation? 

Inflammation is the body’s response to an injury, infection or allergy. It’s an important part of the healing process and helps protect us from further damage or infection. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Processed Foods and Inflammation 

Processed foods contain refined grains , added sugar, trans fats, and synthetic ingredients that can cause inflammation in the body. Refined grains are stripped of their fiber and other nutrients during processing, making them higher in calories but lower in nutritional value. Additionally, refined grains stimulate insulin production more than whole grains do—which can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels that trigger inflammation. When we indulge in sweets, our bodies break down glucose for energy. This process causes inflammation throughout our bodies, though this inflammation is usually too subtle to notice. In the long run, however, it can contribute to a host of serious health issues—including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Processed foods often contain trans fats (such as hydrogenated oils), artificial sweeteners and additives that all contribute to inflammation in the body as well.  These ingredients are low-cost fillers used by food manufacturers to give food a longer shelf life or enhance flavor—but they come with significant consequences for your health.  

Practical Tips for Avoiding Processed Foods 

The best way to avoid processed foods is by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables instead! Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides your body with the antioxidants it needs to reduce inflammation naturally. Additionally, avoiding sugars (especially added sugars) is one of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation since sugar increases insulin levels which leads to more inflammation. Lastly, try replacing processed snacks with healthier alternatives such as nuts or seeds for a quick dose of healthy fats which will help reduce inflammation even further!  For those who like dips, hummus or other bean dips are fantastic to dip veggies in.  If you are getting healthy nutrients from good whole foods, you won't be snacky and grabbing for the unhealthy options.

Conclusion:                                   

When it comes down to it, reducing consumption of processed foods is important if you want to reduce inflammation in the body over time. With so many healthy options available these days – such as fresh fruits & vegetables – there’s no excuse not make healthier choices! So grab some natural snacks today – your body will thank you tomorrow!