5 Tips for Eating Well During the Holidays

‘Tis the season for family, festivity, and food – lots of food. Temptations are everywhere, and parties and travel disrupt daily routines.

How do you stick to your healthy habits when everyone around you seems to be splurging? The short answer: holiday-proof your plan!

How to Holiday-Proof Your Plan

 

1. Make sure you’re getting nutrition

You don’t have to skip out on the meals you love, but adding a scoop of Greens Blend each morning can ensure that you’re getting proper nutrients in your diet each day. Just add this nutrient-dense blend of greens, fruits and veggies to water, a smoothie, or your favorite recipes.

 

2. Outsmart the buffet

Make healthier choices easier. Snack on vegetables to take the edge off your appetite, start off with just a small serving of your favorites, and eat slowly (it takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full).

 

3. Bake with us

Switch out flour with Plant Protein. It’s a tasty and delicious way to add extra protein and nutrition to your recipes. Each scoop has 20g of protein, 7 nutritious greens + 2 cups of fruits and veggies.

 

4. Bring a healthy dish

Invited to a party? Offer to bring a healthy dish along. That way you are more inclined to eat more of the good stuff.

 

5. Pay attention to what really matters

Although food is an integral part of the holidays, put the focus on family and friends, laughter and cheer. If balance and moderation are your usual guides, it’s okay to indulge once in a while.

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5 Easy Ways to Get More Greens Into Your Daily Diet

By Ashley Martens

Today, more than ever before, more people are adopting a plant-based diet. I may be stating the obvious here, but a plant-based diet consists of eating, you guessed it, mainly plants including fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if you aren’t fully focused on shifting your daily diet to mostly plants, it’s still important to enjoy a dose (or two) of daily greens and how a Super Greens Powder Blend can help.

 


 

The Importance of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are teeming with phytonutrients as well as fiber, minerals and vitamins, which help the body achieve optimal health. Here are a few of the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.

  • Antioxidants, Minerals and Vitamins. Plants are chock-full of minerals and vitamins. Dark leafy greens like broccoli, kale and spinach all contain Vitamins E and K and also have minerals like calcium and magnesium. Skip the multivitamin and grab some greens instead.
  • Fiber. Plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables, are full of fiber. Fiber helps keep you satiated and feeling satiated after meals could potentially decrease daily snack attacks. Enjoying quality sources of fiber from whole food sources, like fruits and vegetables, can also reduce the risk of chronic disease and can help control weight.
  • Phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are responsible for a plant’s bright color, smell and taste and plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables, are packed with them. Phytonutrients also help to fight free-radicals, to help prevent cell damage.

 


 

Easy Ways to Get More Fruits and Vegetables

Eating more fruits and vegetables may sound like a daunting task, but it can be easy. Here are five ways you can easily enjoy more fruits and vegetables every day.

5 easy ways to get more greens, fruits and veggies into your diet

#1 Add Fruits and Vegetables to Smoothies

  • Don’t enjoy the taste of vegetables? Sneak them into smoothies instead.  Add a cup of kale or a handful of spinach to a smoothie or smoothie bowl for an added dose of daily greens. Top with your favorite fresh fruits and enjoy all of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables all in one delicious dish.
  • In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, add a scoop of Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood The Original and enjoy an additional two full servings of fruit, greens and vegetables. Prefer something fruity? Add a burst of fresh flavor with a scoop of Greens Blend Superfood Berry and enjoy a punch of antioxidant-rich Acai berries, which are loaded with phytonutrients.

#2 Fill Up a Flatbread

  • A delicious way to enjoy more fruits and vegetables is by adding them to a favorite flatbread or pizza. Vegetables make an easy addition to flatbreads and pizzas, so whether you prefer mushrooms, onions, peppers or all three, layer on the vegetables and make that slice of pizza as unique as your tastes. Even pineapple is welcome. Hey, we don’t discriminate!

#3 Include Fruits and Vegetables in Sandwiches, Salads, Soups and Stir Frys

  • Eating more fruits and vegetables is easy when whipping up a handcrafted sandwich, salad, soup or stir fry. These meals are especially good if you have some leftover vegetables that you aren’t sure how to repurpose. Fill your salad with fresh farmers market vegetables, stack that handcrafted sandwich with luscious leafy greens and use leftover vegetable scraps in a homemade soup or stir fry.

#4 Drink a Greens Powder

  • Not a fan of eating your greens, fruits & veggies? An easy and convenient way to add greens to your diet is to drink a green supplement powder. Green powders provide a wide variety of concentrated green vegetables. A great benefit to incorporating green powders into your diet is that they include hard to consume, nutritious greens like wheat grass and alfalfa and plant-algae like spirulina and chlorella. Better yet, a Daily Greens Powder Blend contains a variety of nutritious greens, PLUS a colorful assortment of fruits & vegetables, fiber, pre and probiotics & more!
  • Each scoop of Amazing Grass Greens Blend – Superfood has 7 nutritious greens, 2 servings of fruits and veggies and Vitamins C & K to help support health and immunity. Simply add one scoop to water and say “hello” to your new daily wellness routine.

#5 Sneak Fruits and Vegetables into Something Sweet

 


 

From fiber to phytonutrients, fruits and vegetables are absolutely amazing! Between their delicious taste, immune support and various vitamins and minerals, eating more fruits and vegetables are essential to optimal health. 

Remember to focus on bright colors, choose foods with ingredients you and your body can recognize and create recipes with more plant focused ingredients. When in doubt, include a scoop of Amazing Grass to ensure you are enjoying the many benefits fresh fruits and vegetables have to offer. Simple shifts like these can bring you one step closer to living an amazingly nourished life.

Follow us @amazinggrass and show us how you enjoy your daily dose of greens

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Why You Need A Greens Blend Superfood in Your Diet

By Ashley Martens

Food should give your body more of the good stuff. You know, food and ingredients you and your body can actually recognize.

 

That means focusing on real, whole foods like fresh fruits, high quality meats, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

Vegetables, especially greens, are one of the most nutrient-dense food categories. Think of all of those lovely, luscious leafy greens like arugula, kale and spinach. Plants like these deliver an array of antioxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and vitamins.

Although many of us may already make a conscious effort to include more greens into our daily meals and snacks, it’s probably safe to say we could all afford a little extra. I know I could!

Including leafy greens in homemade sandwiches, salads, smoothies and soups is an easy and delicious way to enjoy more greens throughout the day. A more convenient way is with a scoop of a high quality greens blend. This is especially convenient when calendars are crazy and schedules are busy. That’s why everyone needs a greens blend in their life.

 



Why Choose a Greens Blend? …Plus Greens Blend Benefits.

Greens are a great source of nutrition, containing antioxidants, minerals and nutritious fiber. Foods like alfalfa grass, barley grass, broccoli, spinach and wheatgrass all contain adequate amounts of fiber, which is good for gut health.

Dietary fiber is the part of plant-based food that mostly passes through the digestive system without breaking down or being digested. If you often find yourself wondering “What are ways to improve gut health” or “How can I improve gut health,” a simple solution is by adding more sources of quality fiber to your diet. A super easy way to do this is by including more of the good stuff in your day – enter greens blend, a powdered green superfood.

Packed with organic greens, nutrient-dense superfoods and wholesome fruits and vegetables, Amazing Grass Greens Blend is an incredibly convenient way to enjoy whole food nutrition the body needs in an easy and delicious powder that is super simple to incorporate into any lifestyle, especially a busy one! I’m pretty sure that applies to everyone reading this – yes, that means you!

 

 


Process

Greens Blend Growing Process

When selecting foods and supplements, I strongly believe in keeping things simple, just like Mother Nature intended it to be. That means choosing foods that my body and I can recognize. Let’s be real here folks, if I cannot recognize an ingredient, my body probably won’t know what it is either.

Besides keeping ingredient lists short, I prefer to select brands and companies that also respect the process of Mother Nature. After all, nothing good ever happens fast. Mother Nature knows that! Slow growth, deep roots and harvesting plants at peak nutrition are some of the finer details that make all the difference. This helps foods yield some of the highest quality foods and ingredients.

When it comes to quality, I want to provide my body and my health with the highest quality possible. That way, the maximum amount of nutrients can be passed on to me. This is one of the reasons why I opt for plant-based foods and supplements.

 


Greens Blend Suggested Uses

One of the best parts about a greens blend is that it can be incorporated in practically any recipe no matter what your diet, goals or lifestyle. Conveniently add greens to your daily routine by simply adding a scoop to beverages, bake into favorite recipes or include in smoothies. If you have specific health and wellness goals, you can even combine your favorite recipes with a greens blend to match your mission. My favorite greens blend is made from Amazing Grass because they come in a variety of different functions.

Antioxidant
Interested in immune support? How about Antioxidant Sweet Berry, which really delivers a one-two punch.
Detox Digest
Down for a detox? Try Detox and Digest Clean Greens.
Watermelon
In need of energy? (Aren’t we all?). How about a refreshing blend?
Lemon-Lime
Okay, maybe something zestful instead? Try our Energy Lemon-Lime

Getting a daily dose of greens, fruits and veggies doesn’t have to be complicated. Choosing a Greens Blend that fits your diet, health and wellness goals and overall lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated either. Amazing Grass helps you to feel good knowing you are providing your body with the whole food nutrition you need to thrive each and every day.

*Always consult a doctor or primary care physician before undergoing any major diet or lifestyle changes.

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6 Ways to Practice Self Care

Self care sounds easy, but sometimes we just fail at making it a priority.

It’s time to take charge of your mental health. That doesn’t mean you have to restructure your entire, busy life. Small, simple changes can make a big impact. Here are some self care tips that are totally doable.


Stay Active

Exercise increases endorphins in your brain. Tip: Make your goals realistic. Commit to yoga a few times a week, running, walking, biking, or something that makes you happy. If you don’t enjoy it, you aren’t going to do it regularly.


Nourish Your Body

It is very easy to get lost in your routine and not have a well-balanced diet. A wholesome diet not only nourishes your body but your mind as well. Start your day with Greens Blend for an easy and delicious way to get your 2 servings of greens, fruits & veggies.


Take a Break

In a world that runs so fast, it is very easy to get wrapped up in your busy schedule and not take time out for yourself. Your body and mind both need some time to recover, so give yourself that much-needed break every so often.


Socialize

Although the pandemic has made this especially hard this past year, we can lean on the power of technology. Schedule a Face Time or even host a virtual dinner party. Remember, no matter how busy you are, friends & family will always prove to be your stress busters. 


Prioritize sleep

Not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling irritable and exhausted in the short term. In the longer term, it can lead to weight gain and serious health consequences. Your brain and body need time to rest. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night by setting an alarm an hour before you want to be asleep by.


Remember to Hydrate

Dehydration may lead to constipation, dizziness, confusion and low blood pressure. (Bonus points if you include a Fizzy Green Tablet!) Why? It’s filled with 1 full serving of greens & veggies in each tablet for an added nutrition boost.

 

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Can a Plant-Based Diet Support a Healthy Immune System?

By Dorothy Nakaggwa

The immune system can be influenced by the food you eat. Some foods contain essential components to help support your immune system, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be found in plant-based sources.

Over the past few years, there has been increased interest in plant-based diets. This is partly because of health reasons, since plant foods contain various nutrients. But can eating plant-based foods also be a factor in supporting a healthy immune system?

How does the immune system protect you?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues essential for your survival. It detects and responds to a variety of pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Supporting a healthy immune system can be complex, as there is not one single way to manage it. This is a system that requires a balance of making healthy food and lifestyle choices. Making positive choices such as practicing healthy personal hygiene, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep and exercise, managing stress, in addition to a healthy diet all play a role.

Smoking, chronic stress, excessive alcohol intake, inadequate sleep, consumption of foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats can all bog down your immune system.

So, how may a plant-based diet support your immune system?

About 70 percent of your immune system is in the gut. And both the gut microbiome and their metabolites influence its functioning. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is essential for supporting your immune system.

Foods that potentially support gut health can also support the immune system. Whole plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds are sources of various nutrients and components that can help support your overall wellness.

Here are some components of the plant-based diet that may help support a healthy immune system:

  • Fiber: Most plant-based foods contain in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber acts as food for the gut microbiome, increasing their number and variety. On the other hand, insoluble fiber helps in the elimination of waste.
  • Antioxidants: Many Fruits and vegetables are sources of antioxidants. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, selenium, and lycopene. Dietary antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals.

Is diet enough to support a healthy immune system?

The answer is no. Although diet is very important, many factors play a critical role in ensuring that your immune system functions at its best. Other lifestyle modifications you should consider include:

  • Getting adequate and quality sleep
  • Incorporating stress management activities like yoga and meditation
  • Exercising
  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce alcohol intake

If your dietary intake isn’t enough through food alone, you may consider supplementation as a way to fill nutrient gaps. Amazing Grass Greens Blend is an easy and delicious-tasting way to add more immune-supporting, fruits, and veggies to your diet.

In conclusion, yes a plant-based diet can support a healthy immune system. Focus on consuming a variety of whole plant-based foods that can support immune function while promoting a balanced and healthy gut microbiome.

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How to Eat Less Meat & Still Get Enough Protein

By Dorothy Nakaggwa

Meat-LESS Does NOT Mean Protein-LESS

Going meatless, whether for environmental, cultural, or health reasons can be daunting, especially for meat lovers. The desire to consume nutritious foods without sacrificing taste is a top priority for most people. Although plant-based foods contain loads of nutrients, getting adequate protein can be a challenge for those on a plant-based diet.

Unlike animal proteins, most plant proteins are considered incomplete proteins because they lack one or more amino acids, the building blocks for proteins. However, eating a diverse whole food plant-based diet can provide your body with an adequate supply of all the essential amino acids for optimal health.

Want to stop running back to the meat aisle for lack of a good protein choice? Here are a few tips and strategies to help you eat less meat — and make your diet protein-rich.

Stock Up On Whole Grains

Whole grains are not only a great source of protein, they are also rich in fiber and other vital nutrients. The fiber component is essential because this gives you a satiety benefit- helping you feel full for longer hours. So you don’t have to worry about overeating.

Quinoa is a complete protein with all the essential amino acids. Other common whole grains include brown rice, oats, rye, buckwheat, and Kamut. You can also eat whole grain pasta, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pita.

On average, most whole grains provide you with six grams of protein per serving. Add whole grains such as quinoa to salads, to stews and soups, or use it as a base for breakfast porridge.

 

Eat More Pulses

In addition to grains, pulses can be a significant addition to your diet because they contain a lot of proteins. Pulses are the edible seeds of plants in the legume family. Commonly used pulses include chickpeas, lentils, peas, and beans.

Beans are a tasty substitute for some meat-centric recipes. For example, you can fill tacos with black beans instead of beef, add kidney or black beans on salads in place of chicken, or substitute lentils for ground beef when making pasta sauce.

You can also enjoy pluses as a snack, a side dish, a base for vegetables, or sprinkle them on salads.

 

Consider Nuts and seeds–and their butters

Whether you’re snacking on them or adding them into your recipes for a creamier flavor and texture, nuts and seeds are a great way to add more protein to your meatless diet.

Nuts and seeds that are high in protein include hemp, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, almonds, pistachio, walnuts, and cashew nuts. Not forgetting hummus, almond butter, cashew butter, and peanut butter.

Since nuts have a high-fat content — which equates to more calories, you should watch your portions. Eat about four to six servings of nuts and seeds a week. Always choose dry or roasted nuts over nuts cooked in oils.

You can bake the nuts and enjoy them as a snack, add them to a dessert dish, sprinkle them into a salad, or grind them and add to soups and sauces.

 

Embrace Soy proteins

Tempeh, tofu, and edamame are some of the richest sources of protein in a plant-based diet. They are loaded with essential omega-3 fatty acids, which offer several health benefits. It’s always better to go for organic non-GMO soy products.

Tofu and tempeh are pretty bland, and they can soak up the flavors of whatever they’re cooked with. This makes them very versatile, with lots of cooking options.

You can use both tempeh and tofu to make veggie burgers, layer them into sandwiches, or add them to your grain bowls.

 

Plant-based Protein Powders

Fundamentally, eating whole plant-based foods is the best way to get proteins. However, if you’re not getting adequate proteins, then adding a high quality plant-based protein powder to your diet can be very helpful.

Besides providing you with enough protein, plant-based protein powders offer other health benefits such as keeping you full for longer, improved gut and digestive health.

A good plant-based protein powder should contain a blend of varied organic plant protein sources and be free from preservatives and fillers. Check out our Amazing Grass Plant Protein for an easy, and no-prep way to increase your daily protein intake.

Add your protein powder to a smoothie, oatmeal, pancake mix, or a homemade salad.

 

Simply reducing the amount of meat in our diet will have a significant impact, both for the environment and our health. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to start eating less meat and more plants, without cutting out meat entirely. By trying out some of these simple alternatives, you can easily shift the balance of your diet and start on a new you in 2023.

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How to Totally Rock Your Health Goals

By Caitlin Shoemaker of From My Bowl

There’s nothing wrong with having a New Year’s resolution, but it is a little strange how most of us fall off the bandwagon in a month or two. Here are 4 easy tips to help you accomplish (and totally rock) your health goals:

  1. Pick a sustainable goal
    If you order takeout every night or haven’t been to the gym in 5 months, odds are you aren’t going to start daily Meal Prepping and become an extreme fitness god(dess) overnight. Pick a realistic goal for yourself, otherwise, you’re much more likely to feel overwhelmed and give up. It’s okay to have larger long-term goals, but you’re much more likely to keep at it if you celebrate the baby steps along the way!

  2. There’s nothing wrong with a “Life Hack”
    Whether it’s a quick-and-dirty workout when you’re pressed for time or tossing a scoop of the new Amazing Grass Glow Protein (which has greens and supports collagen production) in your superfood smoothie – get it, girl! (or guy). We’re all busy people – if something helps you get to those goals faster, go for it! As long as it’s health-promoting, and not illegal, of course 😉

  3. Find an accountability buddy
    Things are always easier with a friend – health and fitness goals included! Whether it’s your bestie, your mom, or a public Facebook group, you’ll feel way more motivated to get things done when you have to report your progress to someone else. Plus, you and your buddy can help build each other up when the going gets tough!

  4. Determine your motivation
    A wise friend recently reminded me that most of our actions are driven by either fear or love. Do you want to hit the gym because you feel insecure, or because you find joy in your movement and want to celebrate your strength? Are you determined to eat healthier because you’re scared you won’t “look as great”, or because it helps you to feel your best and take on the day? While both roads may drive you to the same end result, your journey to get there will be far more enjoyable if you treat yourself with kindness. After all, you’re pretty great already!
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Self-Care During the Holidays

With the chaos of 2020 + holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to de-stress with a little self-care 101!

Leading up to the holidays is the perfect time to start prioritizing self-care. Once the craziness of holiday-prep gets underway, it’s hard to take time out to care for ourselves. We’re always so focused on taking care of others that our own self-care falls short. Before the holidays are in full swing, we recommend setting up a game plan to stay healthy and happy all winter long. Need some tips for how to put yourself first this holiday season? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite ideas for prioritizing self-care.

1 Hour of Me Time: It’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed these days and especially during all of the holiday hubbub. Even if you’re staying home for the holidays, plan ways to make space and time for yourself to decompress. Whether it’s a weekly at-home spa day, curling up on the couch with your favorite book or live-streaming a yoga class, make sure to carve out these 60 minutes each week where you are doing something special, just for you.

Meditation: Meditation can scare a lot of people away. But, it’s truly an exceptional way to reduce stress and bring clarity. Try apps like Headspace or Omva to get started. Each app uses guided meditation, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught up in your train of thought. Start with 5 minutes a day and gradually work your way up.

Nutrition: The holidays are always a time when our nutrition seems to go out the window. From parties to family get togethers, it seems like the temptations are everywhere. Instead of stressing about eating perfect all the time, keep some of our Green Superfood Original on hand. This way you can still indulge occasionally, while ensuring you’re getting the nutrients you need. Throw some of our organic wheatgrass powder or effervescent tabs into a small glass of water or smoothie for a delicious and convenient way to get your daily dose of green nutrition..

Have Tech-Free Time: Being connected to everyone all the time can be very overwhelming, so you should try having periods during your day where you put your phone down. If you’re deeply addicted to your phone, start by setting aside 10 minutes, setting a timer, and doing something that can be done completely tech-free, like cleaning or reading. Eventually, you can build up your tech-free tolerance and be able to set aside an hour or more to be away from your technology. If you’re seeing family over the holidays, make a pact to dedicate a full night or more to shutting off your devices and talking, playing a game or going for a walk!

Exercise: Speaking of walks, just like nutrition, physical activity often falls to the wayside during the holidays. Keep up with those quarantine walks and indoor workouts. Moving your body for just a few minutes each day can really help boost your mood and reduce your stress.

Have a Spa Day: Nothing says self-care like a spa day, 2020 style – from the comfort of your own home that is. Grab a face mask, book, glass of wine (or some greens!), and enjoy some relaxation in a hot bubble bath.

Web Story – How To Care For Yourself During The Holidays

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6 Foods That Support Your Immune System

By McKel Kooienga, MS, RDN, LDN Founder of Nutrition Stripped and creator of The Method

Registered Dietician, founder of Nutrition Stripped and leading wellness coach in mindful nutrition, McKel Kooienga believes that creating healthy eating habits is one of the most important skills you can give yourself for your overall well-being.    

Eating a diet rich in whole foods is the most important thing to support a healthy immune system. Health is a daily practice and taking those small actions every single day to nourish your body, mind, and spirit are so key to your health and longevity. 

That’s why we start with nutrition and making sure our bodies are given the best opportunity to function optimally because we’re feeding it the nutrients it needs to not just survive but to thrive. Incorporate these foods into your diet year-round to give your immune system the support it needs to function its best. 

 

SpirulinaSpirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae and it’s rich in plant-based protein! 

Protein is important for rebuilding lean body mass, keeping yourself full and satiated, and amino acids play a role in thousands of cellular functions in the body. In addition, eating enough protein specifically supports our immune health because our body needs protein to create antibodies, immune system cells which help our bodies repair and build tissue and fight viral and bacterial infections.

Some studies show eating a plant-based diet has lower markers of inflammation.

 

 

PineapplePineapple

Pineapple falls into the category of Starchy/Sugary Carbohydrates. Studies have shown a diet rich in refined sugars (i.e. highly processed carbohydrates and sugars) can suppress our immune system so now is the time to check in with what types of carbohydrates you’re consuming. Opt for whole food starchy carbohydrates that also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals along with potential additional macronutrients versus refined carbohydrates which are not as nutrient-dense.

Added bonus, pineapple is a great source of vitamin C, another important nutrient for supporting the immune system. 

 

Dark leafy GreensGreens

Greens like dark leafy greens, spinach, and wheatgrass all are considered non-starchy carbohydrates. 

These are your fiber-rich veggies such as dark leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, lettuce, artichokes, etc. These foods represent foods that contain a good amount of fiber which is essential in supporting our gut microbiota, which in turn supports our immune system.

Eat the rainbow when you’re considering this food group! The more color the better and try to consume a few cups or servings per meal, ideally as many vegetables as you can get into your diet is going to ensure you’re eating enough fiber, obtaining antioxidants, phytonutrients, and key vitamins and minerals that support overall immune health.

 

 

Rose HipsRose Hips, Cherries, and Acai Berry

These red-colored foods are rich in Vitamin C. 

Vitamin C is one of the most popular, marketed, and well-known vitamins with the cold and flu season approaching us. Vitamin C is one of many powerful antioxidants found within food sources and in supplements. It’s been used in clinical practice ranging from preventing (reducing the duration and severity) the common cold, flu, repairing oxidative stress and cell damage in smokers/ex-smokers, decreasing the risk and progression of cataracts, reducing certain types of cancer, reducing high blood pressure, enhancing non-heme iron, and nail health.

 

 

Flax SeedsFlax Seeds

Flax seeds are a great source of fiber, especially soluble fiber. Fiber is so important to any diet as it balanced cholesterol levels in the blood, regulates bowel movements, regulates blood sugar levels, regulates your satiety levels, lowers the risk of certain types of cancer, reduces the risk of diabetes, supports a diverse gut microbiota which supports immune health, and aids in digestion overall.

 

 

 

 

Probiotic Rich FoodsProbiotic Rich Foods 

Probiotics have the potential to improve your digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and mental health as well as your metabolism and skin. Having a good balance of gut microbiota (i.e. good bacteria in your digestive tract) is key for immune health and general wellbeing.

It’s important to note, that along with probiotics we should also talk about prebiotics which feed probiotics. Examples of prebiotics are a common food in food sources you may already be enjoying such as garlic, bananas, artichokes, onions, and oatmeal.

 

    If you’re able to add these foods to your diet daily or weekly along with other lifestyle factors such as getting enough sleep, rest, movement, and stress management, these practices can support immune health. If you’re on the go and need a boost, try our protein and greens powder, Green Superfood® Original by Amazing Grass®  which contains all of these incredible immune-supportive foods listed above in an easy to scoop and sip style. 

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4 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress

By Isabella Lovett

Americans are among the most stressed populations in the world, with a 2019 Gallup poll indicating that around 55% experience stress on a daily basis. In the short term, stress can cause everything from digestive upset to a panic attack, but in the long term, it can lead to a host of physical and mental issues – including anxiety and depression. It is important for individuals to tackle stress proactively everyday, with a view to avoiding its slow but steady consequences. The good news is that if you are ready to take the stress busting challenge, there are many ways to do so – including taking part in holistic activities, spending time in nature, being physically active, and embracing a plant-based diet. For the latter, green superfood powder, blended with fruits and vegetables can help ensure that the gut-mind connection is optimal.

Yoga, Mindfulness And Tai Chi

Over the past decade, countless studies have been undertaken on the power of holistic activities such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and Tai Chi to lower stress levels. One study, published by researchers at Coventry University, showed how these activities can have stress-relieving effects that can last long-term. The study showed that yoga and Tai Chi don’t just relax the mind and body; they actually ‘reverse’ the molecular reactions that cause illness and depression over time. The researchers stated, “These activities are leaving what we call a molecular signature in our cells, which reverses the effect that stress or anxiety would have on the body by changing how our genes are expressed.”

Nature As A Healer

University of East Anglia researchers have found that spending just a few minutes in a natural area every day can significantly reduce stress and long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even preterm birth. This was the case for various reasons – including the fact that spending time outside provided more opportunities for socializing. Researchers added that exposure to a wide range of bacteria present in natural areas could benefit human immunity and reduce inflammation. Finally, organic compounds released by trees could boost health and well-being. Green time also reduces levels of stress hormone, cortisol. When present chronically, cortisol can harm human health in many ways, promoting conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

Embracing An Active Lifestyle

If mindfulness-based activities like yoga and meditation are not your cup of tea, then you may prefer to battle stress via traditional aerobics and strength workouts. A University of Maryland study showed that even moderate exercise can help people cope with anxiety stress for a period that extends beyond the immediate post-workout time frame. The researchers reported, “If you exercise, you’ll not only reduce your anxiety, but you’ll be better able to maintain that reduced anxiety when confronted with emotional events.” In the study, researchers compared the effects of exercise and quiet rest on stress. The findings showed that the group that simply rested returned to initial stress levels when they were emotionally stimulated, while those who had exercised maintained lower stress levels.

Adopting A Plant-Based Diet

If you really want to boost your mental health, try embracing a plant-based diet that includes Greens Blend Superfoods and antioxidants. Studies have shown that poor gut health often accompanies depression. They have also found that people with depression tend to have low levels of two types of gut bacteria – dialister and coprococcus. To boost the number of healthy bacteria in your gut, consuming a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables can help. This is because these healthy bacteria thrive on fiber-rich foods once they are digested. If you are too busy to chop and prepare fruit every day for work, Amazing Grass Greens Blend Superfood powder is an easy and convenient way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Just add a scoop to your favorite beverage or smoothie. There are many flavors to choose from, including chocolate, berry, lemon lime, watermelon and more. The selection of powders target different goals – including energy, immunity, and cleansing and detox.

Stress should be tackled on a daily basis to stave off its long-term effects. Chronic stress is linked not only to anxiety and depression but also to a host of physical ailments – including heart disease. Try to include a number of anti-stress activities in your life, including mindfulness, spending time in nature, exercising, and consuming a healthy diet that will improve your gut health. You may find that not all of these activities are possible or of interest; it may take time until you find the perfect combination for the type (and intensity) of stress you are battling. Whatever small changes you make, however, will be worth it for your long term stress levels.

Web Story – 4 Simple Ways To Reduce Stress

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