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2011 December

Fri, Dec. 30th
2011
Six Main Causes of Inflammation

Woman with Stomach PainThe following is a brief overview of the six main underlying causes of inflammation. I am a nutritionist, so my book focuses on healing with food, but the Meals That Heal Inflammation program works best in conjunction with other complementary therapies. No matter what, I always recommend that you consult a physician to ensure a proper diagnosis of your personal symptoms—especially for pain management. Also, consider seeking out the services of a trained physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, rehabilitation personal trainer and/or emotional therapist to get to the root of your pain.

TOXICITY
Cellular injury is caused by constant exposure to various irritants such as a chemical or physical agent (for example, radiation, cyanide, asbestos, pesticides, alcohol, drugs and tobacco smoke). Inflammation ensues to heal and protect cells from these toxins.

INFECTION
A pathogenic organism, such as a yeast, fungus, virus, bacterium or other parasite, attacks the body. The immune system responds with inflammation to fight the infection and heal infected tissues.

ALLERGY
During an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts to a substance that may be harmless (such as natural food) or potentially harmful (such as synthetic chemicals) and creates an inflammatory response to protect the body. Immune reactions range from mild rashes to anaphylaxis and, if left unchecked, can contribute to autoimmune diseases.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY OR EXCESS
Nutritional imbalances may lead to hormone disturbances, a strained immune system and chronic inflammation. A nutritional deficiency of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals deprives the body of the materials required for proper repair. On the other hand, an excess of certain compounds or nutrients can cause an imbalance, which stresses the organs and tissues. Cell injury can be caused by genetic factors, but nutrition and lifestyle choices, as well as other environmental factors, play a key role in determining if and when these factors are expressed.

INJURY
Inflammation is part of the natural process of repairing cell or tissue damage caused by a physical injury.

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
The body follows the mind: mental distress can affect human physiology. Elevated adrenaline and cortisol that are released during stress can lead to hormonal imbalance and unresolved inflammation.

Meals That Heal Inflammation

Excerpted from Meals That Heal Inflammation by Julie Daniluk, R.H.N. Copyright © 2011 by Daniluk Consulting. Photographs Copyright © 2011 by Julie Daniluk. Excerpted by permission of Random House Canada. All rights reserved.

 

 

(ebook also available)

 

JULIE DANILUK, RHN, hosts Healthy Gourmet, a reality cooking show that airs on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network). Julie has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, The Right Fit and The Marilyn Denis Show. Julie has been a co-operative owner of one of Canada’s largest health food stores, The Big Carrot. She creates one healthy recipe a week for Chatelaine.

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Thu, Dec. 29th
2011
Healing Berry Pie

Meals That Heal Inflammation - berry pieRaspberries and blueberries are loaded with salicylic acid—the same heart disease–fighting and pain–numbing compound found in aspirin. However, unlike aspirin, which can increase inflammation, berries are deliciously anti–inflammatory. I created this dish with my nephew Kaydn in mind, as he’s on kidney dialysis and must stay on a nourishing low–sodium diet.

Look for apple juice sold in a glass jar, as the canned juice often contains toxic heavy metals and plastics leached from the can.

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups (500 mL) apple juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) agar flakes
1/4 cup (60 mL) arrowroot flour or kudzu root powder
3/4 cup (185 mL) unpasteurized liquid honey
4 cups (1 L) blueberries
1 cup (250 mL) crushed pecans
1 cup (250 mL) raspberries

MORE…

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Wed, Dec. 28th
2011
Ezra’s Herbed Quinoa Risotto

Meals That Heal Inflammation - quinoa risottoAsparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, as well as numerous B vitamins, including folate, B1, B2, B3 and B6. It’s also high in vitamins A and C, iron, manganese, potassium and fiber. Quinoa and other whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co–factor for more than 300 enzymes including those involved in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. Spring garlic scapes are the flower stalks that spring out of the garlic bulb. They’re rich in allum, which can help protect against osteoarthritis.

Chef Ezra Title, my cohost on the TV show Healthy Gourmet, created this incredibly healthy recipe. To learn more about Ezra, visit his website at www.chezvousdining.ca.

MORE…

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Wed, Dec. 28th
2011
The Eight Most Common Fat-Packing Hormonal Imbalances

The Supercharged Hormone Diet by Natasha Tuner

If you have been unable to lose weight, even with diet and exercise, your hormones are very likely the reason you have not been successful. Many of us experience signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance every day. Recognizing and treating the subtle signs of hormonal imbalance is essential, yet so many of us have been out of balance for so many years that we don’t know how to recognize what “balance” is anymore.

No matter how an imbalance manifests on the outside, the internal reality remains the same—any and all hormonal imbalance leads to difficulty losing weight and increased risk of obesity. Unfortunately, the most common imbalances cannot be solved by dieting alone. In fact, they can prevent successful fat loss, even when great diet and exercise plans are in place. If you have not been successful in the past, one or more of the following hormonal imbalances could be the culprit:

Inflammation: Digestive disorders, allergies, autoimmune disease, arthritis, asthma, eczema, acne, abdominal fat, headaches, depression and sinus disorders are all associated with chronic inflammation, which has recently become recognized as the root cause of obesity and unhealthy aging. At the 2007 Postgraduate Nutrition Symposium at Harvard University, researchers revealed findings suggesting that inflammation and excess insulin are the major contributors to rising rates of type 2 diabetes and the overall fattening of North America.

MORE…

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Tue, Dec. 27th
2011
10 Low-Fat Flavour Boosters

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your food without adding a lot of extra calories and fat, here are ten ideas to try:

MARINADES Marinating meat, poultry, and fish not only adds flavor but also improves the texture, tenderizing meat and helping chicken, turkey, and fish stay moist during cooking. Follow this formula for making marinades: In a small bowl, whisk together an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar; some oil or liquid, such as buttermilk; and seasonings of your choice, such as garlic, salt, pepper, spices, or herbs. Marinate meat and poultry for at least 30 minutes at room temperature in a nonreactive baking dish or resealable plastic bag; if marinating longer (up to 24 hours), refrigerate, turning food occasionally. Seafood should be marinated for only 15 to 30 minutes. Because it’s not safe to consume marinades used on raw fish or meat, set some aside before marinating if you plan to baste food during cooking. Use a clean brush to apply.

dry_spice_rubDRY RUBS Spice rubs are mixtures of salt, sugar, spices, and dried herbs used to season meat, poultry, or seafood before cooking, especially when grilling. Rubs are quick and easy to assemble; they can also be more flavorful and economical than commercial blends. Unlike marinades, rubs can be applied just before cooking or up to several hours ahead. Use your fingers to rub the mixture on the meat, coating lightly—aim for about 1 teaspoon for every 3/4 pound.

VINAIGRETTES Store–bought salad dressings are often loaded with fat, salt, sugar, and preservatives; making your own enables you to control the fat and calories as well as the flavor.

When you use good–quality ingredients, you don’t need as much dressing to satisfy your taste buds. The best ratio of oil to vinegar for a lighter vinaigrette is two parts oil to one part vinegar; including Dijon, honey, and other thickeners means you can cut back on the oil. For low–fat creamy dressings, swap in low–fat yogurt or buttermilk for mayonnaise and sour cream.

MORE…

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Tue, Dec. 27th
2011
Raw Pad Thai

Meals That Heal Inflammation - raw pad thaiThis raw dish is packed with detoxifying vegetables. Zucchini makes a wonderful substitute for noodles and boasts only 25 calories per cup (250mL). Cabbage and cauliflower both contain indole–3–carbinol (I3C), which helps to balance hormones by reducing excess estrogen in the body.

Almonds are high in omega–9 and vitamin E, and make a great substitute for the typical peanut sauce.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium zucchini
1 large carrot
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded purple cabbage
1/2 cup (125 mL) cauliflower florets
1/2 cup (125 mL) mung bean sprouts or radish sprouts (spicy)

MORE…

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Tue, Dec. 27th
2011
Lighter Eggplant Parmesan

Everyday Food Light - Lighter Eggplant ParmesanWHY IT’S LIGHT This Italian restaurant standby turns virtuous with baked (instead of fried) eggplant and a healthier béchamel made from skim milk, which is then combined with some marinara sauce. Using less cheese also helps; here, the two cheeses are sprinkled only on top, rather than in each layer.

serves 4
prep time: 20 minutes
total time: 45 minutes

1 large Italian eggplant (2 pounds), sliced 1/2 inch thick crosswise
1 tablespoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup skim milk
3 tablespoons all–purpose flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup homemade or store–bought marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated part–skim mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Tue, Dec. 27th
2011
10 Golden Rules for Eating Light

Woman cooking with vegetablesRETHINK YOUR ROUTINE: Instead of frying or sautéing, try lower–fat techniques such as poaching, steaming, grilling, or roasting.

MAKE SIMPLE SUBSTITUTIONS: Use yogurt instead of sour cream; instead of the full- fat versions, use reduced- fat cream cheese and mayonnaise, and part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

PAY ATTENTION TO PORTIONS: A serving of protein should be the size of a deck of cards, and a serving of starchy foods (like pasta and rice) should be the size of a tennis ball.

GO EASY ON THE OIL: Rather than pouring oil straight into a pan when cooking, parcel it out with a measuring spoon. Or use a pastry brush to lightly coat the pan (and food) with oil before roasting.

UP YOUR VEGETABLES: Increasing the number of vegetables on your plate and reducing the amount of meat is an easy way to cut out fat and add nutrients.

OPT FOR LEAN PROTEIN: Opt for lower- fat meats, such as skinless chicken and turkey breast, or beef and pork tenderloin (instead of rib eye and Porterhouse), and eat more fish and meatless proteins like beans and tofu.

SLIM DOWN YOUR SALADS: To keep your salad more healthful, make your own vinaigrette using less oil than store-bought versions, or use low- fat buttermilk in creamy dressings. Toss the salad with just enough dressing to coat, and cut down on fatty additions such as cheese and croutons.

ADD FAT- FREE FLAVOR: Instead of relying on fats like butter and oil, enhance your dishes with vinegar, citrus, spices, and fresh or dried herbs.

FILL UP ON FIBER: Beans, whole grains, and legumes are relatively low in calories yet packed with fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller longer.

CHOOSE SWEETS WISELY: Make a low- fat treat for dessert, such as angel food cake or granita, or enjoy just a few squares of bittersweet chocolate.

 

Everyday Food LightExcerpted from Everyday Food: Light by From the Kitchens of Martha Stewart Living Copyright © 2011 by Martha Stewart Living. Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

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Sun, Dec. 25th
2011
So You’ve Been Given an eReader…

It is Christmas morning, the gifts unwrapped, stockings unhung, turkey ready for the oven, a sigh of relief fills the room. You turn to the pile of thoughtful gifts amassed on your lap. What to do with this eReader that everyone has been recommending you try for so long? It can’t possibly be that light can it? Hmm…

Presumably, you are a reader, the kind of person for whom reading is a big enough part of their life that your friends and family take notice… Let me guess… overflowing bookshelves? The occasional hardcover avalanche?

Welcome to the world of eBooks! You have quite the next month in store for you, building your digital library book by book (or as it were in my case, books by books by books). Soon enough, you will be converting your lists of “BOOKS TO READ SOMEDAY” into eBooks on your device, patiently awaiting a line up, or a hockey practice or that elusive distraction-free afternoon in which to dig in. So let me give you a preview of what you are in for…

Doorstoppers No More!

1Q84Perhaps you are a fan of Haruki Murakami and have been eyeing up 1Q84 every time you have been in a book store. Take it easy on your triceps and read it digitally. The latest Murakami masterpiece tips the scales at almost three pounds in hardcover versus the eight to fifteen ounces from your favourite eReader. 1Q84 is not the only book that benefits from being read digitally, all of these amazing reads are slightly on the plump side and work really well as eBooks. No longer must you choose between your lunch and your book.

  1. 1Q84 – Haruki Murakami
  2. Into the Silence – Wade Davis
  3. The Scottish Prisoner – Diana Gabaldon
  4. The Passage – Justin Cronin
  5. Inheritance – Christopher Paolini

MORE…

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Tue, Dec. 20th
2011
Introducing the 2012 Random Reader Challenge

Psst. We’ve been keeping a little secret and we just can’t wait to let you in on it!

 

RandomReader Banner 350x90

 

We are bursting to announce a new series of blogger reading challenges. There will be themes. There will be discussions. There will be books. There will be PRIZES. Yes, that’s right! By participating in each challenge, you will have a chance to win a little (or big) something.

But wait – there’s more! At the end of the year, if you have participated in ALL of the challenges, you will be entered to win the super-mega-awesome-we-don’t-know-what-it-is-yet-but-it-will-ROCK grand prize!

So stay tuned, and tell your blogging friends to join the fun. Our first challenge details will be posted on January 1, and it will literally transport you back in time. (Did you catch that hint?)

From our House to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with friends, family and good reads.

 

Cheers to 2012!

 

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