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Dandelion Season Is Here

Most of us have been waging war against these pesky weeds. But I’ve started looking at dandelions differently.

Did you know that dandelion (taraxacum officinalis) has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-rheumatic and choleretic properties (increases bile)?

For those of you that feel like eating dandelion is a bit too out there, check out the references below.

Dandelion has been used in traditional and natural medicine systems worldwide for hundreds of years. In the folk medicine of many countries, dandelion is regarded as a liver tonic.

All parts of the plant can be used. The leaves are one of the best sources of beta carotene and also feature vitamins C, D, E and B, minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron and silicon.

The root of the dandelion contains inulin. Inulin is a type of dietary fiber that has been linked to improving digestive health, helping control diabetes and aiding weight loss. It is also a great prebiotic which means it feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut such as bifido bacteria.

Check out this great natural coffee substitute that tastes delicious and features roasted dandelion root.

Dandelion leaves can be enjoyed mixed into salads, stir fries, soups, stews or smoothies. Harvest young tender leaves before the flower appears.

Dandelion greens

Try this fun green sorbet recipe as a palate cleanser or intermezzo. It pairs especially well with fatty cheese meals such as cheese fondue or raclette. The dandelion will help with the natural secretion of bile which will help your body digest the fats from the meal.

Even if you draw the line at eating weeds, the message I’m trying to get across is that food is powerful and it doesn’t have to complicated or expensive. In this case it’s likely right in your back yard.

If you’d like to learn how you can use food to improve your health, contact me.

Cheers,

Kim

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5553762/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302959005_Hepatoprotective_properties_of_Dandelion_Recent_update
https://www.wnyurology.com/content.aspx?chunkiid=21667
https://www.rxlist.com/dandelion/supplements.htm

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What Happens When I Drop The Ball

A few things happened recently that made me realize the importance of diet and lifestyle and …ahem listening to my own advice.

So like most folks, the pandemic and winter took its toll and I put on a bit of weight, nothing critical, but a few pounds from my happy weight.

My happy weight is when my underwear or jeans don’t dig in by the way.

As a health coach, I encourage clients to tune in and pay attention.

Having done the work myself, I knew exactly what I did to put the weight on and I knew exactly what I had to do to get it off.

Except… this time it wasn’t quite working as it always had. For some reason, despite my best efforts, the scale wasn’t budging. My body wasn’t responding the same as it usually did.

That’s when I realized I’d dropped not just one but a couple of balls.

The key is to juggle and keep as many balls in the air as you can. It’s normal and human (and even desirable) to drop a couple of balls from time to time… The key is to remember to pick them up again.

Those of you that have worked with me know what all the balls are; nutrient dense foods, probiotic or naturally fermented foods, healthy fats, fiber, enough water, good quality sleep, regular movement, stress management, self-kindness…

I dropped the exercise ball.

My dog Frieda has been my faithful walking partner for almost 15 years. On several cold damp days instead of giving me her familiar nudge that it was time for a walk, she chose to stay in her cozy bed . And so I went from computer to couch to bed, not good.

The other realization was a red flag my body gave me in the form of cold sores. Not just one little blister – my mouth exploded into a horrid mass of painful blisters.

I can go years without getting cold sores because I’ve pretty much figured out what I need to do to keep my immune system strong. I try to manage stress, I work at getting enough sleep and of course, nutrient-dense wholesome food.

When I thought back, I realized I haven’t been quite as diligent as I could have been.

I got a little lazy and dropped the nutrition ball (embarrassing).

My go-to when I want to super nourish myself are smoothies

therapeutic smoothie

therapeutic smoothie

Smoothies are the easiest way I’ve found to maximize my nutrition and to get a wide variety of nutrient-dense vegetables in at breakfast.

Let’s face it; it takes dedication to eat greens at breakfast.

Something I hadn’t done in a while, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d pulled out my blender to make a smoothie.

After just a few days of more conscious nourishment, and picking up the balls, my body responded.

The weight started dropping off again, the cold sores cleared up and my energy returned.

The moral of this story is that there is no magic bullet. There’s no magic food or exercise or meditation.

For those of you that haven’t worked with me yet, I challenge you to try just one week of superfood smoothies  and just see how you feel.

Pay attention to your energy, your sleep, your weight, your bowels, your skin…

Will I make smoothies everyday for the rest of my life – No! But hopefully I’ll wake up a little sooner the next time my body starts giving me signs.

Just because food and lifestyle are not patentable does not mean they aren’t powerful tools to ensure resilience and vitality.

You have a lot of power and control when it comes to your health and preventing disease and infection. You don’t have to be a victim of your genes or of whatever infection is going around.

It’s up to you to pick up the balls.

Share this with someone you love.

Stay strong,

Kim

Presented by Kim L’Ecuyer Bsc, R.H.N.

As a Registered Holistic Nutrition consultant and certified Metabolic Balance coach, Kim is passionate about food, health and prevention. She particularly loves inspiring folks to love the foods that will love them back.

450-601-4188 | [email protected]
www.nutritionlecuyer.ca

 

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