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Your cravings might be killing you?

Scott Mathias - Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What is it you are really needing in your life to satisfy an ‘physio-emotional’ need.

Look at the foods, deficits and behaviors in your life that are the underlying causes of your cravings. Many people view cravings as weakness, but really they are important messages meant to assist you in maintaining balance. When you experience a craving, deconstruct it. Ask yourself, what does my body want and why?

The eight primary causes of cravings are:

 1. Lack of primary food. Being dissatisfied with a relationship or having an inappropriate exercise routine (too much, too little or the wrong type), being bored, stressed, uninspired by a job, or lacking a spiritual practice may all cause emotional eating.

  2. Water. Lack of water can send the message that you are thirsty and on the verge of dehydration. Dehydration can manifest as a mild hunger, so the first thing to do when you get a craving is drink a full glass of water.

 3. Yin/yang imbalance. Certain foods have more yin qualities (expansive) while other foods have more yang qualities (contractive).

 4. Inside coming out. Often times, cravings come from foods that we have recently eaten, foods eaten by our ancestors, or foods from our childhood.

 5. Seasons. Often the body craves foods that balance the elements of the season.                                            

6. Lack of nutrients. If the body has inadequate nutrients, it will produce odd cravings.

 7. Hormones. When women experience menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, fluctuating testosterone and estrogen levels may cause unique cravings.

 8. De-evolution. When things are going extremely well, sometimes a self-sabotage syndrome happens. We crave foods that throw us off, thus creating more cravings to balance ourselves.

From an integrative nutrition stand point the emotional relationship we have with food can either allow us to be fully rounded and satisfied human beings or ‘ humans going no-where’.

Sometimes too we might need to replace lost minerals from our biosystem too. For-instance a need for magnesium might be a craving for chocolate but rather than going down that slippery slope why not go after raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits which will not only meet the need for mag but also satisfy any sugar craving as well.

Phosphorous, sulfur, iron  and salt (NaCl) needs might send you off to coffee and tea yet a good and regular diet of chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes along with seaweed, greens, black cherries might just be the answer. Without doubt food and emotions are linked.

BUY iLifeFoods VEGESHOT Smoothie Booster for a complete smoothie or the ever popular and best seller
BUY VEGESHOT with Mango 30 single serve sachets delivery PURE CONCENTRATED NUTRIENTS providing balance for your body's biochemistry



Scott Mathias
is a Certified Integrative Nutritionist and Professional Health Coach. Based in Noosa, Queensland he consults to clients around Australia including conducting seminars, public speaking engagements and corporate health groups. His special area of interest is the digestive function and eating food which promotes LIFE!! He is also the creator of an all Australian range of 100% PURE Superfoods from www.ilifefoods.com.

Scott’s Health Coaching website is : http://scott-mathias.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com/  

Would you like a FREE INITIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT ?  Email now !!

The above is for information purposes only and is not designed to diagnose. Please consult your GP to become fully aware of your good health options.

You are invited to Regional Flavours this weekend in Brisbane!!

Scott Mathias - Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Regional Flavours this weekend in Brisbane around Little Stanley Street, South Bank.

You are invited to join us for tastings and talk on Stand 35 - Sat 30th July and Sun 31st July from 10am to 5.00pm..say you saw this invite on our website and get 10% off any purchase !!!


Why your gut absolutely needs fermented foods for building good bacteria and enzymes

Scott Mathias - Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Fermented Foods, or cultured foods, contain bacteria in the form of micro-organisms.  They are jam packed with beneficial enzymes and bacteria which assists in efficient food digestion. Fermented foods supply and nourish intestinal bacteria. 

  Fermented food, as it is broken down by the digestive process, produces enzymes, moulds, yeasts & lactic acid bacteria.These organisms predigest the foods, breaking down the complex proteins, carbohydrates and fats so the body can more easily assimilate amino acids, simple sugars & fatty acids for use. 

  The action of the culture organisms makes the minerals in fermented foods more easily available to the body.  The bacteria also produces B Vitamins – which we know are great for cell metabolism, immune & nervous system function & energy production!

 Fermented vegetables like kale & cabbage are a great source of Vitamin C.  Due to the vegetables being fermented, your body is able to absorb the vitamin C which will assist in adrenal & thyroid health! Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins are crucial to adrenal health. Being water-soluble vitamins, they are easily depleted and may need regular supplementation, making fermented foods a great choice.

Directions to make: Use the cole slaw attachment on your blender and chop up half a cabbage, 6 carrots, handful of rehydrated wakame seaweed, 3 gloves of garlic and a 'clutch' of dill. Pack into a rubber-sealed-clip-down-top-jar. Add a weight to the top, clip dowm and leave in a warm spot for 7-10 days. When ready you will notice a strong fermenting aroma.This is GOOD!!  Use a tablespoon with each meal to add good bacteria and enzymes to your stomach.

Picture shows: Fermenting cabbage, carrot, seaweed, garlic and fresh dill

Vitamin C is stored in high concentrations in the adrenal glands, & as adrenal function assists in regulating hormone balance, it is important to ensure the adrenals are nourished.

Fermented foods are very rich in enzymes that are produced by the culture organisms and take part in the processes of fermentation. This means that eating fermented foods assists in the digestion of other foods by building up the enzyme supply. The more good bacteria in the gut, the more easily the body can produce enzymes.

There are more than 150,000 different types of enzymes in the human body and all functions of the body require them including neutralising toxins and downgrading hormones in the liver, removing waste products from cells, storing surplus nutrients in the liver and muscles and building mineral levels in nerves, bones and blood. The proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the food we eat must be broken down into simpler units to enable the body to absorb.

Here @ iLifeFoods we also ferment rehydrated green papaya flesh, skin  and seeds to great effect. The papain enzyme combined with the action of fermentation creates a very powerful digestive aid.

  Dried pieces of high grade Australian green papaya flesh, skin, leaf and seeds are now available in bulk 500g packs enabling you to ferment you own 'super enzyme rich' papaya. Note: we only use Australian grown green papaya. There is Indian grown product available but it is of inferior and suspect quality (watch out for rodent faecal matter!!)

Please email us directly for details of pricing and delivery for dried pieces of papaya flesh ready for fermenting CLICK HERE

150g jars of dried green papaya are now available which can be used either for further fermenting or for making a daily Green Papaya tea from.

CLICK HERE to buy Green Papaya Leaf/Stem and Flesh tea.


ZUMMY Beetroot and Sweet Potato Zoup for ZIP!!!

Scott Mathias - Friday, June 03, 2011

Here is a recipe from Carolina who lives on the Shinshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. If you are in need of an energy boost or some extra alkalinity from the Beetroot, at the same time some natural occuring sweetness from the Sweet Potato then do have a go at this really easy recipe. All ingredients are available fresh from your local farmers market.

You will need:

1 small white onion diced
3-4 large beetroots (250g)

1 large sweet potato
1-2 tsp cummin seeds
1.25l vegetable stock
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
3 tbsp sunflower oil
coriander (cilantro) as garnish
sour cream if desired

Preparation:

Gently heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions and sweat until tender (5 mins should do it). Add in the cumin seeds and allow to infuse for a minute.

Meanwhile, chop the beetroot and sweet potato into cubes. Add to the onions and stir briefly.

Add the stock and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes (until the beetroot is soft). Remove from the heat and blend with a hand held blender.

Return to the hob, add the apple cider vinegar and some chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately.

Now here is what it looks like:

Beetroot and Sweet Potato Soup with coriander and sourt cream (if desired) . Just beautiful and ideal at anytime of the year.

Would you like to know more about the nutritional and healing qualities of beetroot then READ MORE HERE

This is a fascinating piece I wrote last year about the amazing constituents in beetroot. ENJOY the recipe and the read!! Truly ZUMMY Beetroot and Sweet Potato Zoup for ZIP!!!

Want more information on what you have seen here then contact us directly by CLICKING HERE



The wonderful health giving power of the Green Paw Paw - Papaya

Scott Mathias - Thursday, May 05, 2011

You are warned that this information might drastically transform your personal health and well being!!!

The power of the tropical fruit can only be described as awesome!! The Green Papaya or Paw Paw contains very high levels of the enzyme called papain  - also known as papaya proteinase I .


Since time immemorial the Paw Paw, sometimes called Papaya (carica papaya), has been at the centre of options for healing solutions, but more importantly a staple diet for many of the planets tropical indigenous peoples. Papain is the living enzyme within the flesh of both a green and ripe Paw Paw, however the green paw paw is known to have higher amounts of papain and lower amounts of naturally occurring sugars where-as a ripe paw paw has the reverse.

The papaya (from Carib via Spanish), papaw or pawpaw is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, in the genus Carica. It is native to the tropics of the Americas, and was first cultivated in Mexico several centuries before the emergence of the Mesoamerican classic cultures.

Carica papaya was the first fruit tree to have its genome deciphered.


         Paw Paw -Papaya Tree                 Mature Green Papaya showing white seeds

Papain is also known as a proteolytic enzyme- a protein scavenger and is being used for both internal and external healing purposes. Internally as a food supplement to aid in the process of digestion and 'protein breakdown' in the stomach prior to the chyme (food slurry) entering the small intestine - and externally as a paste or lotion to assist in the healing of skin affected by burns, septic ruptures or infected sores.

Without doubt this has to be the 'fruit of the moment' - I estimate 1 in every 2 people - perhaps more than 50% of the entire population experience digestion problems arising from an over consumption of protein - too much red meat, pork, chicken and heavy proteins like cheeses etc. This can bring about gastric reflux, heartburn, indigestion and general digestive discomfort. Introducing a small amount of green papaya powder seems to aid in the break down of difficult to digest foodtypes
.

In my own case, 40 years of chronic gastric reflux was relieved the very first night I began taking  green papaya powder so much so that after a while I began to feel normal again. I did however recognise that a diet of dairy products whilst growing up in New Zealand did not help my digestion. I no  longer need dairy products nor heavy red meat proteins, but the effects of taking green papaya have been immeasurable largely because all my food now is fully broken down thus my asorption levels have increased. This means my body is being 'fed' efficiently by the nutrients my intestine is now absorbing. My kidneys, liver and cardiovascular functions are great and I have so much more energy. I have no aches or pains in my muscles or joints because there is no acid build up any longer.


See what others are saying about the iLifeFoods Green Papaya Powder.

Check out the iLifeFoods Green Papaya Powder which is 100% Australian and pesticide free. We use the green skin, flesh and seeds in our product. We also add 5% of the Australian Rain Plum which adds a small antioxidant boost to the powder. You can take it any time but it seems to work better with the main meal of the day - ususally dinner time which means the stress comes out of your digestive metabolism, food is digested and nutrients absorbed better during sleeping hours.

 
BUY HERE !!     and if you have any further questions about the roll green papaya powder can play in your life and good health, please don't hesitate to send me a message.

Back by popular demand is the link from the previous iLifeFoods eNews for the download of the acid/alkaline chart. This is a guide only to more alkaline or neutral foods. DOWNLOAD HERE Once you have downloaded this, .pdf file, open it up, print it out and have it laminated and stick it you fridge door.

This blog piece is from our latest iLifeFoods eNews. If you would like to subscribe to our eNews then SUBSCRIBE HERE
The above is for information purposes only and is not designed to diagnose. Please consult your GP to become fully aware of your good health options.

Become Food Empowered!

Scott Mathias - Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Our April newsletter which has just gone off to our data base...if you are not already signed up then do by all means Subscribe!!

In this newsletter : Become Food Empowered!!

Discover the benefits of Greens, enjoy an
exciting recipe & get a FREE acid/alkaline food chart!

When did you last look at exactly what you were eating and what is motivating you to eat? Are you  being enticed by the colourful advertising by the major supermarkets and perhaps choosing foods that aren’t in your best interest?

There certainly is a lot of ‘food confusion’ existing right now and in our busy life it is probably a good time to stop and ask yourself some questions about food and your lifestyle..

   Can you eat out less and prepare more of your own food ?

   Can  you be sharing more food in a 'sit-down' environment with friends or family?

   Are you eating to support your immediate and long-term health needs?

These may appear basic questions to some of you but for others this 'food confusion' exists.

For instance mainstream media does not promote an awareness around the need to take in a range of 'leafy green vegetables' daily.

The whole idea of raw food, light on protein ie. less heavy red meats, pork and cheeses, along with a mix of healthy grains ie. more wheat free!! is abhorrent to mainstream media because of the need to continue to support an industry and an agenda based food pyramid.

So its time now to step into your own 'food power' and maybe say 'enough is enough'!!!

Here are some great ways to become really empowered around your immediate and long term health.
  • Reach out and ask more questions of your friends and family, read more, sign up for food newsletters or online blogs.
  • When in doubt 'Google' for information which sits right for you.
  • Download the 80/20 Alkaline/Acid Food Chart at the bottom of the page.
  • Also consider spending a couple of hours either a Saturday or Sunday morning shopping at your local farmer's or producer markets

Food Focus: Greens 

Leafy greens are some of the easiest and most beneficial vegetables to incorporate into your daily routine. Densely packed with energy and nutrients, they grow upward to the sky, absorbing the sun’s light while producing oxygen. Members of this royal green family include kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, watercress, beet greens, bok choy, green cabbage, spinach and broccoli. Right now at your local farmers market crinkly leaf green kale is available. In fact you might be interested in knowing that kale is number 2 after garlic in the antioxidant stakes!!!

 How do greens benefit our bodies? They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous and zinc, and are a powerhouse for vitamins A, C, E and K. They are crammed full of fibre, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. Their green colour is because of chlorophyll levels - sometimes known as liquid sunshine.

In traditional Asian medicine, the color green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity. Greens aid in purifying the blood, strengthening the immune system, improving liver, gall bladder and kidney function, fighting depression, clearing congestion, improving circulation and keeping your skin clear and blemish free.

Leafy greens are the vegetables most missing from the average diet, and now you can  learn how to prepare them. Start with the very simple recipe below. Then each time you go to the market, pick up a new green to try. Soon you’ll find your favorite greens and wonder how you ever lived without them.

Exciting Recipe: Shiitake and Kale

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients : 300gms shiitake mushrooms, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1-2 cloves crushed garlic, 1 bunch kale, sprinkle of pine nuts, a  pinch of Australian Desert Lake Salt and carrot to garnish.

 Directions: 1.  Warm oil in pan on medium heat with minced garlic until aromas of garlic are released, about 2-3 minutes.    2.      Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, stir-fry for 5 minutes.  3.     Add chopped kale, stir-fry for a couple of minutes. 4.     Add a splash of water and pinch of salt to pan, cover and let steam for 4 minutes.

This is a really simple stir fry that is not only quick  to prepare but provides the body with so many benefits.

This is so delicious and so so amazingly healthy and above all - so simple.


ALKALINE VERSES ACID FOODS CHART- FREE DOWNLOAD

I have been asked by many people for a list of alkaline and acid foods. So here is a list which will act as a guideline for you !!!  This is such a fabulous chart to help you make really great food choices enabling you to learn to know the difference between certain food types which may or may not be beneficial to your body. The secret is an 80/20 balance between alkaline and acid in your body. Eating the appropriate food types can help promote this.

CLICK HERE to download a coloured .pdf chart which you can print off, get laminated and stick onto the fridge door. I will write more on the relationship of alkaline and acid foods in the coming months.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH : pro-TOM lycopene rich tomato crystal .

Now recognised for its ability to counter the affects of radiation READ MORE about the amazing qualities of this antioxidant.
Or BUY NOW!!

Subscribe to the iLifeFoods eNews NOW!!

All information on this site or page is of a general nature and is ‘for information only’. No medical claims are made or inferred and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner should any prevailing medical condition exist. Above all seek out your options.

Create radiant health with the medicinal advantages of papaya (reposting a link)

Scott Mathias - Monday, March 28, 2011
Its is great to see Mike Adams from www.natural news.com talk about the virtues of the green papaya or green paw paw.

This artcicle vindicates a decision we made some time ago to support the virtues of the humble papaya - paw paw - with the creation of a green papaya powder, which is safe to use with all sort of internal issues AND the papaya leaf and stem tea.

Here is the amazing natural news LINK

Please take a moment to find out about the amazing attributes of this humble ' fruit of the angels' and here are the links to our products which feature the use of the papaya - paw paw. In our product we have also added a few percent of the amazing Australian Rain Plum!!

If you would like to BUY two wonderful papaya - paw paw products then find out more by CLICKING HERE !!!



To learn more Google with the following key words starting with Papaya Powder: reflux, heartburn, digestive discomfort, indigestion, parasites,cancer

All information on this site or page is of a general nature and is ‘for information only’. No medical claims are made and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner should any prevailing medical condition exist. Above all seek out your options.


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