Optimum Wellness Spring 2018 by Alive Publishing Group

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SPRING 2018

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PG. 40

Recipe Contest

STRESS-BUSTING SUPPLEMENTS

PG. 4

PG. 53

HOW TO PICK A HEALTHY PROTEIN BAR PG. 11

nooASIAN dles WAY UDON NOODLES WITH CHICKEN, BOK CHOY AND ALMOND SAUCE PG. 35

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A handful of ingredients, a few quick steps and this reinvented potato salad will have you wondering why the rest of life isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this easy. And delicious. Grab some yellow potatoes from the produce department and get the Grilled Potato Salad with Feta Dressing recipe, plus hundreds more, at PotatoGoodness.com /easypotatosalad

FROM THE EDITOR

Diet Dilemma

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don’t know about you, but I often feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to trying to eat healthy. I call it my “diet dilemma.” At a recent local film festival, my husband and I saw a new documentary called “The Game Changers” about one man’s quest to understand whether meat is necessary for protein, strength and optimal health. A Special Forces trainer and winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” James Wilks (who in the film was recovering from a debilitating injury and considering changing his diet) meets with elite athletes—from a track runner to an ultrarunner, UFC fighters, bodybuilders, a number of NFL players, even the strongest man in the world—along with special ops soldiers, scientists and a group of New York City firefighters, to discuss the benefits of following a vegan diet. The film was eye-opening. As it interspersed scientific research with real-life stories of people feeling healthier and stronger—and performing better—on a vegan diet, I pondered whether I could—and should—go vegan. In the film, even Wilks started to feel better as he increasingly ate more vegan. I’m far from being an elite athlete, but I’m active and always on the lookout for the best foods to feel my best. My husband was thinking the same. I consider myself a “flexitarian,” eating mainly vegetarian with a bit of meat or fish here and there. My husband is a vegetarian. After the film, we challenged each other to go vegan. Meat hasn’t been a problem for me to give up; the stickler is dairy, and both of us LOVE cheese. Luckily, we live in a day and age when plant-based “meat” and nondairy cheese, milk and yogurt options abound. We had a fun outing to our local King Soopers, where we spent the bulk of our time at the “plantbased case,” with all kinds of vegan options, including cashew milk yogurt; a mozzarella made from coconut oil, cashews and tapioca that melts and browns just like the dairy version; and a mini wheat-gluten-based “roast” stuffed with squash, apples and mushrooms. All were yummy! I confess that I haven’t gone 100 percent vegan (it’s the dairy-cheese weakness), but I’m trying. I have become more aware of what I eat and how I plan our weekly menus. I’ve been referencing some

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wonderful sources, including vegan chef Mark Reinfeld’s cookbook, Healing the Vegan Way (De Capo Lifelong, 2016). I’m addicted to his Sesame Kale Salad recipe with Tahini Dijon Dressing. Speaking of Mark, we are excited to partner with him on a Vegan Recipe Contest. He and food-show personality and writer Ellie Krieger will be the judges, with a top prize of $1,000 for their favorite recipe, along with multiple runner-up prizes. I encourage you to enter at livenaturallymagazine. com/recipecontest. As our new tagline says, “Your healthy life starts here.” We want to be one of your go-to resources for natural, healthy eating and living. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, so if you’re having a diet dilemma, reach out with questions. We’re here to help!

Rebecca Heaton, Editor editor@livenaturallymagazine.com

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

CONTENTS SPRING 2018

ENTER YOUR BEST VEGAN RECIPE FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN $ 1,000! TURN TO PAGE 4

feature

THE BEAUTY OF SLEEP If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, there’s help to be had. And given the health consequences of not sleeping, doctors say it’s worth fighting for.

recipe index Asian Salad with Carrot Greens, Grilled Tofu and Carrot-Sesame Dressing 32 Candy-Apple Granola Bars 56

B Y N A N C Y C O U LT E R - PA R K E R

departments BEGIN 5

The Clean Protein Revolution PLUS How to shop for protein bars, liver health in spring, sustainable living and a different way to detox.

KITCHEN 17 Plant-Based Milks and Chips PLUS New cookbooks, fun kitchen gadgets, sprucing up veggies and foods with probiotics.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

Carrot Oatmeal Cookies 32

EAT 29 Dish It Up One of the world’s most versatile vegetables, carrots can be served savory to sweet. Try them in our medley of recipes, courtesy of the budding chefs at Johnson & Wales University. 35 Fast & Flavorful Broaden your noodle repertoire with four flavor-filled, Asian-inspired dishes that are a cinch to prepare—and some are gluten-free, too. BY GENEVIEVE DOLL

BOOST 51 Dill A popular herb with a potent health pedigree.

Chicken Chorizo Bowl with White Bean and Pumpkin Seed Pesto 42 Coconut-Ginger Fizz 43 Date Syrup 56

B Y K E L L E E K ATA G I

53 Stress-Busting Supplements Natural remedies to help kick stress to the curb.

Gluten-Free Brownie Tahini Waffles with Chocolate Tahini Sauce 40 Ramen with Steak and Shiitake Mushrooms 37 Rice Noodles with Baked Tofu and Broccoli 38

BY KAREN MORSE

TRY 56 Candy-Apple Granola Bars Date syrup is the binder in these yummy, easyto-make bars. BY DINA DELEASA-GONSAR

Roasted Carrot Baba Ghanoush with Pita Chips 32 Soba Noodle and Edamame Salad with Miso Dressing 36 Tea-Thyme Cider 40

40 Healthy Kitchen Who needs breakfast or lunch when you can have brunch? We’ve come up with easy-breezy ideas, each with a fun accompanying cocktail! B Y K I M B E R LY L O R D S T E WA R T

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLIST: NICOLE DOMINIC

Tropical Morning Muffins 41 AVAILABILITY OF PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE MAY VARY BY STORE LOCATION.

Turkish Cardamom Coffee Mocktail 41 Udon Noodles with Chicken, Bok Choy and Almond Sauce 35 Virgin Paloma 42

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Carrot and Kasha Kugel 32

ENTER YOUR BEST VEGAN RECIPE FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN $ 1,000!

Submit your best vegan/plant-based recipe for a chance to win $1,000, as well as runner-up prizes. Recipes that qualify as “vegan” or “plant-based” do not contain meat, fish, poultry or any animal products, such as dairy or eggs. Recipes must use 10 ingredients or fewer and incorporate a product from Kroger’s Simple Truth® line. Visit SimpleTruth.com for product ideas.

A 2017 inductee into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame, Mark is a multiaward-winning vegan chef and author of eight cookbooks, including the best-selling 30 Minute Vegan series and his latest book, Healing the Vegan Way. Mark has more than 20 years of experience preparing creative vegan and raw cuisine. Through his Vegan Fusion company, he offers consulting services, vegan and raw cooking workshops, a plantbased chef certification program, and chef trainings internationally. More at veganfusion.com.

SPRING 2018

optimumwellnessmagazine.com CO-FOUNDERS Drs. James and Debra Rouse V.P./GROUP PUBLISHER Deborah Juris EDITOR Rebecca Heaton ART DIRECTOR Lindsay Burke

MEET OUR JUDGES MARK REINFELD

Part of the Live Naturally family of Kroger magazines

ELLIE KRIEGER Ellie is host and executive producer of Ellie’s Real Good Food on Public Television and of the Food Network’s hit show Healthy Appetite. A registered dietitian and weekly columnist for The Washington Post, Ellie is also a New York Times best-selling, James Beard Foundation and IACP awardwinning author of five cookbooks. Her most recent book is You Have It Made: Delicious, Healthy Do-Ahead Meals. Learn more about her at elliekrieger.com.

HOW TO ENTER Visit LiveNaturallyMagazine.com/recipecontest for details and to share your recipe. Up to 3 submissions per person. Recipes are due no later than July 15, 2018.

DESIGNER/DIGITAL Shannon Moore ASSISTANT EDITOR Kellee Katagi DIGITAL EDITOR Jennifer Davis-Flynn COPY EDITOR Julie Van Keuren MARKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER Susan Humphrey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nancy Coulter-Parker, Dina Deleasa-Gonsar, Genevieve Doll, Kellee Katagi, Karen Morse, Suja Natarajan, Debra Rouse, James Rouse, Kimberly Lord Stewart CONTRIBUTING ARTIST AND STYLISTS Aaron Colussi, Eric Leskovar, Nicole Dominic ADVERTISING SALES Deborah Juris, Tracy McIlroy PUBLISHED BY

RUNNER-UP PRIZES FROM THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

www.hungryeyemedia.com 800.852.0857 PRESIDENT Brendan Harrington

BEGIN The Clean-Protein REVOLUTION In their new book, Kathy Freston and Bruce Friedrich bust myths about protein and give readers a roadmap showing how and why to kick-start a clean-protein lifestyle. B Y R E B E C C A H E AT O N

rotein is the building block of life. Every part of our body uses it to develop, grow and function properly. For many Americans, though, protein simply means meat. In Clean Protein: The Revolution That Will Reshape Your Body, Boost Your Energy—and Save Our Planet (Hachette, 2018) Kathy Freston, a best-selling author and wellness expert, and Bruce Friedrich, cofounder and executive director of The Good Food Institute, examine what kinds of proteins are best and why.

Why did you decide to write this book together?

KF: For the past eight years, I’ve been delving more deeply into the food I was consuming, where it comes from, and how it affects the body and environment. Over a meal, Bruce and I were discussing clean protein. I told him he should write a book, and he asked, “Why don’t you do it with me?” BF: I’ve been eating entirely plant-based for more than 30 years. There are so many false understandings about protein. This has been a personal passion of mine, and it animates many of the conversations I have with Kathy. So we decided to turn our conversations into book form.

HEIDI BASSETT BLAIR

What are some of the top myths about protein?

KF: The number-one myth is that most people think meat is protein and protein is meat. But it’s not the only source, and it’s not necessarily the cleanest. This goes for dairy and eggs, too. Another myth is

that meat alternatives aren’t real food; in reality, they are very clean and full of protein and fiber, with very little fat and zero cholesterol. BF: We know that 97 percent of Americans are getting plenty of daily protein; even vegetarians get 70 percent more than they need. But we also know that 98 percent of Americans are not getting the recommended daily amount of fiber. If more people consumed clean protein from plants, they would also be getting a lot of that needed fiber.

heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes. They are also often contaminated with bacteria, like salmonella. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tens of millions of people get sick from contaminated meat every single year, and tens of thousands end up in the hospital. Clean protein avoids all of that; it’s beans, whole grains, nuts and plant-based meat alternatives predominantly.

Your book title highlights saving our planet. How does our diet affect the environment? BF: According to the United Nations, animal agriculture is contributing to the most serious environmental problems, generating more global-warming gases than all transportation globally combined. So, shifting some

of our diet away from animal-based protein to clean, plant-based protein packs a real power punch on behalf of a host of environmental concerns.

What are your favorite forms of clean protein?

KF: I’m a big fan of beans. They are inexpensive, versatile and delicious. They’re high in protein, fiber, iron and antioxidants, with no saturated fats or toxins. They’re associated with lowering cholesterol and aiding digestion. I’m also a big fan of nuts and nut butters, which are packed with fiber and complex carbs. BF: Nuts certainly resonate with me. I enjoy tossing a half-cup of nuts like walnuts into smoothies, as well as flaxseed. I always travel with deluxe mixed nuts. I also enjoy a number of plant-based “meats,” such as Beyond Meat, Gardein, Tofurky and Lightlife products.

How would you define “clean protein”?

BF: It is protein that is clean for our bodies and clean for consciences. Basically, animal proteins are linked to

AUTHORS BRUCE FRIEDRICH & KATHY FRESTON

BEGI N | D ID YO U KN OW ?

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY WATER?

Not OK on K?

itamin K doesn’t get much press—especially compared with the buzz around vitamins C, D and the B’s—but perhaps it should. A 2017 Dutch study published in Nutrients found that nearly one-third of the general Dutch population was low in functional vitamin K. What’s more, 50 percent of those studied who were elderly or who had conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease were vitamin K deficient. More studies are needed to know if low K levels helped cause the diseases, but an association was clear, researchers concluded. Part of the problem might be the tricky nature of vitamin K. There are two kinds of K found in food: K1 and K2 (K3 is a synthetic form). But the dietary guidelines are based on K1, which is more prevalent—it’s abundant in many vegetables, especially leafy and cruciferous ones like kale, chard, brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus—and enables blood to clot. But scientists think K2 is more important than K1 for functions like bone metabolism and preventing hardened blood vessels. The catch: K2 is found almost exclusively in animal products—such as most meat (especially animal livers, but also poultry, pork and beef), cheese and egg yolks. The only plant source of K2 is natto, a fermented soybean dish popular in Japan. —Kellee Katagi

DID YOU KNOW? Vitamin K is an essential nutrient necessary for responding to injuries. Why? It regulates normal blood clotting for healing.

Get Savvy with SmartLabel

Want to learn more about what’s in a product? See if it has a SmartLabel. Launched in 2016, the program is gaining traction, with more than 40 major companies—including Unilever, General Mills, Barilla, Blue Diamond and Kellogg’s—using the technology on 22,000-plus food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products. If you find a SmartLabel QR code on a package, scan it with your smartphone or visit smartlabel.org and use the SmartLabel Product Search to access detailed product information that won’t fit on a product’s packaging. Possible info includes: nutritional specs, allergens, third-party certifications, social-compliance programs and company/brand details. Find out more at smartlabel.org.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

FROM TOP: COURTESY HYDROGEN WATER; SHUTTERSTOCK (2)

It’s a widespread trend in Japan—and it’s making its way stateside: hydrogen water. Numerous studies—mostly in Japan thus far—suggest that hydrogen may work as an antioxidant and reduce inflammation. A study with elite athletes revealed that drinking hydrogen water reduced lactic-acid buildup and decreased muscle fatigue. According to Cody Cook, Ph.D., president and chief medical scientist of HTWO Hydrogen Water, continued research is also indicating that molecular hydrogen gas (in hydrogen water) may slow the progression of aging disorders, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. “Since molecular hydrogen gas can generally and quickly reach all the cells of the human body, the benefits of hydrogen-infused water can be observed for a wide array of tissues and organs,” he says. Read more about it at htwo.com.

KING SOOPERS HIGHLIGHTS | BEGIN

Organic Instant Tea? You Bet

COURTESY CUSA TEA & PURELY ELIZABETH

On any given day, more than 159 million Americans are drinking tea, according to the Tea Association of the U.S.A. One of those people is Jim Lamancusa, the founder of Cusa Tea in Boulder. “I fell in love with tea and the Asian culture while studying abroad in Hong Kong,” Lamancusa says. An avid outdoorsman, he got the idea for Cusa Tea while on a backpacking trip when friends were breaking out instant coffee packets while he was dealing with soggy tea bags. Dehydrated tea existed, but it didn’t taste like a fresh-brewed cup of tea, says Lamancusa. He set out on a journey that would take many months and hundreds of tests with a team of botanical scientists to develop a unique cold-steep technology and vacuum crystallization process that produces a great-tasting, instantly dissolvable tea. Launched in May 2017, Cusa (Lamancusa’s nickname) Tea uses premium USDA-certified organic teas and fruits with no additives, fillers or sugar for its variety of teas that dissolve in either hot or cold water. One packet makes a 12–14-ounce cup. “I get so many great comments at demos; the number one reaction is that people cannot believe this is instant tea,” says Lamancusa. “I’m proud to share with them that this is the world’s first organic instant tea.” He is also proud of Cusa Tea winning two silver medals in the 2017 Global Tea Championship. Well done! More at cusatea.com.

Granola with Benefits

hen she started her holistic nutrition business in 2009, Elizabeth Stein of Boulder-based Purely Elizabeth wasn’t thinking about making granola. Muffins were her forte. “Many of my clients were gluten-free, and I wasn’t seeing healthy options for baked goods to recommend. So, I started to make my own,” she says. Her first recipe was a blueberry muffin mix. After a broader audience, as well as local media, discovered the muffins at her tent at a local triathlon—“More people were interested in my muffins than my nutrition services,” she laughs—Stein jumped into the muffin and pancake mix business. Fast-forward to 2011, when she was inspired to make a batch of granola. “My mom was visiting, and she’s a granola connoisseur,” says Stein. “When she tried my blend, she declared, ‘Oh my god, this is the best ever! This needs to be your next product’. ” That Original Ancient Grain Granola blend continues to be a best-seller. Today, Purely Elizabeth is focused solely on making nutrition-rich granolas, oatmeal and new grain-free superfood bars. “It’s all about creating better food for more people,” says Stein. Visit purelyelizabeth. com to learn more. Also check out Stein’s cookbook, Eating Purely (Skyhorse, 2015). OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

B E G I N | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

USE NATURAL CLEANERS.

Every April, people around the world celebrate Earth Day as an annual reminder of our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth. Here are five ways you can be greener and friendlier to the planet year-round.

Vinegar, baking soda and water can clean most surfaces. You can also buy environmentally friendly cleaners from brands such as Boulder Clean, Seventh Generation, ECOS and Simple Truth, all of which use naturally derived, nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients. Visit livenaturallymagazine.com for cleaning tips from Boulder Clean and other companies.

Improve energy efficiency in your home by turning down the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees; replace lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights; and clean or replace filters in your furnace, air conditioner and heat pump. Visit energy.gov/eere/ femp/home-energy-checklist for more tips.

It’s shocking: 40 percent of all food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, half of which happens at home. Action points: Take leftovers for lunch, or incorporate leftovers into a future meal, such as frittatas, soups or casseroles. Reuse food scraps in broths. Store food properly (visit stilltasty.com for tips). Recycle food scraps into compost.

GREEN YOUR HOME.

For 2018, Earth Day Network, the organization that leads Earth Day worldwide, is rallying the world to End Plastic Pollution. Join the charge by switching to a reusable, insulated bottle instead of buying bottled water. Bring reusable bags when shopping. And skip using straws—every day Americans use a whopping 500 million straws, which end up in landfills and the ocean.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

REDUCE FOOD WASTE.

KASHI. The company sources certified transitional ingredients, which supports farmers across 4,200 acres as they convert their land from conventional to organic certification. The latest product: Cinnamon French Toast cereal. KROGER. This year, the grocer is adding 10 new Fair Trade Certified products to its Simple Truth line. It already presently carries nearly 300 Fair Trade Certified products representing 60 brands. ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN.

DITCH THE PLASTIC.

It’s nice to know when companies are doing good things for people and the planet. Here are just a few of many wonderful examples, big and small.

PLANT A TREE. Trees filter the air, producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, which in turn cools the atmosphere and improves air quality. Don’t have a place to plant? Donate to the U.S. Forest Service’s Plant-A-Tree program to have a tree planted on national forestland in your name.

Partnering with farmers in Montana to produce an edition of Organic Mac & Cheese and Organic Bunny Grahams made with certified organic ingredients grown using regenerative farming practices. UNILEVER. The company—with natural lines including Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Knorr and Pure Leaf—follows the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, a blueprint for all brands to reduce the company’s overall environmental footprint and increase its positive social impact. For the seventh year in a row, Unilever ranked number one on the GlobeScan SustainAbility survey as a global leader on sustainability. 1908 BRANDS.

Representing seven natural product brands—including Boulder Clean and Schultz’s sauces—the company donates 1 percent of annual sales to support 1% for the Planet, which benefits nonprofit environmental organizations.

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Go Green

SUPPORT GOOD COMPANIES

POWER OF WE | BEGIN

A DIFFERENT WAY TO DETOX How to nurture your body, mind and spirit to flush anxiety and be brilliant. B Y D R . J A M E S R O U S E

friend recently shared that she was leaving Facebook. She didn’t have the strength or desire to read the daily barrage of posts any more. I understand where she’s coming from: I recently read a study that said that for many in the U.S., the new normal is a moderate grade of constant anxious feelings from a variety of elements. If you’re one of these people, how can you best deal with anxiety? By trying a different kind of detox for your body, mind and spirit.

BODY Look at detoxing your body as a form of spring cleaning. Start with food and what you put in your body. Think about what you put on your weekly shopping list. Take a scan of what’s in your refrigerator; look at your fridge as a medicine cabinet and ask: What is the ROI—return on ingestion and intention—I’m getting from its contents? I ngestion: Are you satisfied with the taste of the contents? Are the contents natural and healthy versus unhealthy and processed, giving you the ability to cleanse and detoxify?

SHUTTERSTOCK

I ntention: When you’re done eating the contents, do you feel more powerful? Everything you put through your teeth and across your tongue is a hormonal experience waiting to happen. Food impacts your neurochemistry and your physiology; there is a cause and effect. This spring, consider changing (detoxifying) your food consumption to give you a better ROI and foster greater vitality and courage.

MIND It can be difficult to find a place where you are not being met with toxicity, judgment, ideology and politics. You experience toxicity from media, from people, from your environment. What can you do for peace of mind? You must decide that you truly want to detoxify these negative things from your life by standing guard against the system of power and surround yourself with what you want to become. Remove any elements that bring toxicity to your mind. Tell yourself: “I’m going to stay off social media today. I’m not going to watch the news. I’m not going to engage with that person who pushes my buttons.” Focus your brain on positive elements to begin reaching peace and personal confidence. Research supports that by jotting down five things you are grateful for at the end of each day, you will be more apt to follow through on good intentions for self-care, build a positive and healthy neurochemistry, and enjoy deeper and better sleep.

SPIRIT Optimism is a spiritual practice. Feeling positive and inspired is one of the most powerful tools to fight inflammation and to make you feel stronger and live longer. Are you meeting every day with optimism? This is the real work. Your spirit is intertwined with your body and mind. When you follow through on good intentions to care for your body and mind, your optimism and spirit will thrive and flourish. It’s the ultimate detoxifying and empowering practice.

The cofounder of Optimum Wellness, Dr. James Rouse has a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. He is an inspirational speaker, personal coach, author and the cofounder of Skoop, a line of powdered superfoods.

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

B E G I N | P R O D U C T WAT C H

WHAT IS COLDPRESSED BABY FOOD? Once Upon a Farm uses highpressure processing (HPP), a technique that kills pathogens like listeria, salmonella, E. coli and other deadly bacteria, while maintaining nutritional value, flavors, aromas, colors and textures of the fresh ingredients, as well as extending shelf life. No chemicals. No heat. No additives.

A Fresh Start to Happily Ever After In time for Mother’s Day, Once Upon a Farm is launching a yummy line of farm-fresh, cold-pressed, organic baby food at your local King Soopers store. B Y R E B E C C A H E A T O N

alling new moms and dads: Who doesn’t want their baby to eat delicious and nutritious food? Once Upon a Farm is here to help. “Parents make an inherent promise to their baby when they’re born,” says company cofounder Jennifer Garner, a mother of three, as well as a child advocate and award-winning actress. When you have a newborn, “it’s hard to fit everything in and hard to find a balance—it doesn’t exist. In the middle of that, you are asking, ‘How am I going to make fresh, healthy food for my baby?’ Once Upon a Farm’s goal is to help moms and dads keep their promise.” So, what’s special about this product? Unlike most shelf-stable baby food in jars and pouches on grocery-store shelves, Once Upon a Farm’s certified-organic fruit and veggie blends and applesauce are cold-processed to preserve flavor and nutrition. “Our products are never heated, never messed with, so vitamins and nutrients in the ingredients are as fresh as when you pick them from a tree or harvest them,” says Garner. Flavors range from one-ingredient pouches for ages 5 months and older, to blends for kids 7-months-plus, 9-months-plus and 18-months-plus that include

nutrient-dense ingredients, such as avocado, coconut oil and hemp seed to support optimum nutrition for a child’s every stage of development. And every pouch is BPA-free, can be recycled via TerraCycle and features a clear window, so you can see what’s inside. “My mom grew up on a farm, and during my years growing up in West Virginia [where the family shopped at Kroger!] with my two sisters, my mom was always connecting us to what she was growing in the garden,” shares Garner. “She wanted to make sure we ate well, and Find these fun flavors at King Soopers in the she made everything we ate.” yogurt section: Now Garner is carrying on the tradition through Once Green Kale & Apples Upon a Farm, which sources Mama Bear Blueberry the bulk of its ingredients Wild Rumpus Avocado from organic farms across OhMyMega Veggie the U.S., plus a few abroad. “I am looking forward to Sun-Shiny helping moms pass along Strawberry Patch food as close to homemade All flavors are as possible,” she says. USDA-certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher. VISIT OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM FOR A FUN MOTHER’S DAY-INSPIRED RECIPE FROM ONCE UPON A FARM.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

HOW TO SHOP | BEGIN

Bar Exam What to look for in a protein bar. » B Y R E B E C C A H E AT O N

Protein

“I wouldn’t go lower than 4 grams of protein in a bar; closer to 6 is better,” says Taub-Dix. “I like to use the reference that 1 ounce of chicken, or about a half-cup of beans or a slice of cheese, contain 6 to 7 grams of protein.” Check the quality of the protein source, too. “Meat should be grass-fed or cage-free,” she says, adding that nuts are her top preferred protein source.

Sugar

“Sugar is not always listed as s-u-g-a-r on labels,” says Taub-Dix. “Look at the ingredient list: There could be dextrose, maltose, rice syrup or organic cane juice. ‘Organic’ may sound healthy, but it is still just sugar.” She notes that some companies are ahead of the curve in updating their labels to new standards, in which natural and added sugars are differentiated. “KIND bars are a great example, as they delineate between natural sugar from fruit and then added sugar,” she says.

rotein bars—they’re everywhere. So how do you know which are the healthiest options? We asked Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of betterthandieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It (CreateSpace, 2017), about how to decide. “A lot of people look for one nutrient over another in a bar versus looking for something that is balanced,” says Taub-Dix. She stresses choosing a bar with a balance of high-quality nutrients. “Do your homework. Read labels closely, and look for ingredients that are as recognizable as possible,” she says.

Fiber

“I like to see at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber in a bar, in particular coming from nuts,” says Taub-Dix, adding that some bars can have up to 12 grams of fiber. “If you choose a bar that’s higher in fiber, be sure to drink a lot of water or fluids to help your body digest it.”

Calories

If you’re trying to watch your weight, Taub-Dix recommends sticking to a bar with 100 to 200 calories. If you’re athletic and work out, 250 to 350 calories is acceptable. “If you’re eating a bar before a workout, I recommend eating it at least 30 minutes ahead,” she says.

Sodium

According to Taub-Dix, the recommended daily allowance for sodium is 2,300 mg. “Considering that so many foods we eat are processed, keep an eye on sodium in a bar versus what else you’re having during the day.”

SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY EPIC BAR, RX BAR, KIND SNACKS

3 BARS TO TRY

EPIC Bar Made with 100 percent humanely raised meat, poultry and fish, these bars (with 7 to 15 grams of protein, depending on flavor) are also host to wholesome fruit, nuts and seeds for added nutrition and taste. Glutenfree and low in sugar, too. epicbar.com

RX Bar Each whole-food bar is made with a few simple ingredients—egg whites, fruits and nuts—all listed right on front of the label. With 12 grams of protein plus natural flavors and spices, bars are also gluten-, dairy- and soy-free. rxbar.com

KIND Protein From Real Food The bulk of the protein (12 grams) in each of these nutrient-dense bars comes from either almonds or peanuts, with more goodness from seeds, whole grains and fruit. Other pluses: high in fiber, low in sodium and gluten-free. kindsnacks.com

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

BEGIN | LIVING WELL

DIGESTION

Love Your Liver

NUTRIENT STORAGE

METABOLISM UPKEEP

Recharge this workhorse organ with a clean and nourishing diet.

IMMUNITY

B Y S UJ A N ATA R A J A N

he liver may be the body’s most underrated organ. It’s the dedicated manager of up to 500 tasks, including nutrient storage, metabolism upkeep, immunity and digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is thought to regulate the smooth flow of qi, or the vital energy necessary for health and well-being, and spring is considered the season when the liver’s energy reaches its full height. That means it’s an ideal time to nourish and cleanse it with natural, detoxifying foods.

FRUITS

HEALTHY FATS

HERBS

“Cruciferous vegetables are good sources of fermentable fiber and polyphenols necessary for gut health, which in turn reduces one of the primary sources of liver inflammation,” says Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation and author of The Zone Diet series (zonediet.com). Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are high in fiber, and studies show that beets contain beneficial compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to liver disease. Beta-carotene-packed carrots also remove toxins and heavy metals from the liver, says Rebecca Lee, R.N., whose website, remediesforme.com, provides natural and holistic health remedies.

Numerous types of fruit are rich in antioxidants that nourish the liver. Lee recommends lemons, because they contain especially high levels of vitamin C, which elevates the body’s glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that, among its many functions, activates detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Lemons also decrease inflammation and help flush out uric acid and other buildups, Lee says. Dr. Sears suggests berries, particularly blueberries, because they contain the highest levels of antioxidant-like polyphenols and a minimal amount of natural sugar, supporting liver health.

Excess fat in the body exhausts the liver and impedes its performance. According to a study published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice, omega-3 fatty acids reduced liver fat in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Reduction of saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids will decrease the production of proinflammatory compounds, suggests Sears. Mackerel, salmon fish oil, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil and avocado are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Lee says you can also support your liver with herbs, including milk thistle, which several studies suggest may protect the liver from toxins, and dandelion root, a natural diuretic that helps flush toxins from organs, including the liver. The antioxidant properties of garlic keep toxic substances filtered by your liver from reaching other organs, and research has shown that turmeric can boost the liver’s protective and regenerative properties.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

SULFUR-RICH FOODS

The fermentable fiber in sulfur-rich foods provides gut microbiota nutrients to assist in repair of a leaky gut, thereby reducing liver inflammation, says Sears. Sulfur also facilitates conversion of water-soluble toxins for rapid elimination through bile or urine. Onion, garlic, artichokes, leeks and shallots are a few sulfur-rich foods.

DID YOU KNOW?. With the help of vitamin K, the liver produces proteins that are important in blood clotting. It is also one of the organs that break down old or damaged blood cells. The liver plays a central role in all metabolic processes in the body. In fat metabolism, the liver cells break down fats and produce energy.

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VEGETABLES

BEGIN | WOMEN’S WELLNESS

Embrace the Second Spring Experiencing menopause symptoms? Here are healthy ways to navigate this life change with grace. B Y D R . D E B R A R O U S E

pring signifies a time of transition. We often shift our diets from heavier roots and starches into lighter greens and berries emerging from their winter slumber. We begin to plan for warmer weather by storing away heavy coats and sweaters and bringing out lighter wear. Springtime is a lot like menopause. There can be frequent temperature changes: We’re hot, we’re cold, it’s sunny, it’s snowing. The season, like menopause, is a time of reflection, rejuvenation and liberation. It’s no wonder that Chinese culture refers to menopause as the “Second Spring.”

Navigating Menopause

A celebration of life experience and Without getting into a complex discuswisdom, the Second Spring is a time to sion about the pros and cons of hormone pursue self-discovery and new begintherapy (HT) during menopause, there nings. Many of us spend the first part of are some key factors to consider when you our lives in service to our body’s cycles. talk to your doctor about the best options Some of us feel a call and even a sense of to treat your particular symptoms. biological and social obligation to To start, ask your doctor to premotherhood. Menopause scribe a proper laboratory marks this beginning of evaluation to rule out possible MOST WOMEN midlife where opportunideficiencies or excesses. EXPERIENCE ties shift—maybe we’re Request a full (blood) MENOPAUSE AFTER empty nesters or we’re thyroid panel (including AGE 40 AND SPEND reinventing ourselves. It’s antibodies), a comprehenA THIRD OF THEIR a time to remember our LIVES IN THIS sive metabolic panel and PHASE. purpose and empower our complete blood count (CBC), pursuits of self-discovery. as well as numbers for vitamin But that can be challenging D, estradiol, progesterone, testoswhen we’re distracted by fluctuating terone, and (salivary) cortisol. Your hormones, which alter our physiology. results will help you and your doctor Night sweats and sleep disruption, weight choose the best course of action. gain, memory decline, dry skin, hair loss, The primary (but not the only) reasons decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness and to consider HT at perimenopause and/or hot flashes because of variable hormones menopause include: protecting your can interfere with the celebration of bones, connective tissues and brain; wisdom, creativity and freedom of the alleviating moderate to severe symptoms; Second Spring. and replacing deficiencies. However, if Thankfully, there are natural (and you have a personal or family history of pharmaceutical) strategies that can help breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer; you weather this time with ease and grace. smoking; stroke; or blood clots, you

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

usually are not a good candidate for HT. If you’re not bothered by symptoms of menopause or are not a candidate for HT, there are other ways to protect your body and brain, including daily moderately vigorous exercise, a clean and healthy diet that includes at least seven servings daily of fresh fruits and vegetables and phytonutrients like turmeric for age-related oxidative stress, meditation, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and herbal and dietary supplements. Depending on what symptoms are bothering you the most, determining the underlying cause of those symptoms will dictate the direction of your treatment. While you work with your doctor on options, ease symptoms like hot flashes by consuming more phytoestrogen (plantbased) foods, including fermented red clover; fermented, organic soy (tempeh, miso); oats; flaxseed; cherries; and garbanzo beans. For better sleep, try melatonin, magnolia or passionflower. Dr. Debra Rouse is a registered naturopathic doctor and member of the Institute for Functional Medicine. She is also cofounder of Optimum Wellness. drdebrarouse.com

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The Second Spring

At Boulder Clean, we are committed to protecting, preserving and celebrating home. Not just your home, but our home – the world we all share. That’s why we make powerful products that are safe for both your family and the planet. Through our 1% for the Planet membership, we give back to organizations that protect our home and create positive environmental change.

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nic, a g r o , h s â&#x201E;˘ e r n o f e e s l t t i l Farm r o f d cold o o f -pressed A fresh start to a happily ever after!

Find us in the refrigerated section next to yogurt.

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Plant-Powered Milks

Dive into the ever-deepening pool of nondairy options.

SO GREE The new So N. line of Organ Delicious ic A with Cashew lmondmilk is available in custom-d recyclable bo esigned, ttles that ar e at least 80 percen plant-based. t

B Y K E L L E E K ATA G I

ore millennials consume dairy alternatives than any other generation (double those in Gen X!), suggests recent research from Comax Flavors, a world leader in flavor technology. That means the trend toward plant-based milks is only bound to grow, with options becoming tastier, healthier and more creative. Already, you’ll find base ingredients, such as pea and quinoa, that weren’t available even a few years ago. Here are some of our favorites.

PEA

Type

ALMOND

RICE

SOY

COCONUT

Our pick

Ripple Original

Califia Farms Vanilla Almondmilk

Dream Blends Original Rice and Quinoa

Silk Unsweetened Soymilk

So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk Unsweetened

Why we like it

This smooth, pea-based beverage is nutritionally fairly similar to dairy milk. Peas are naturally high in protein, so each cup delivers 8 grams. Plus, it’s fortified with 45% of your RDA of calcium and 30% RDA of vitamin D per serving. The flavor is mildly sweet (6 grams of sugar), with just the faintest hint of peas.

Using a mere 3 grams of sugar per serving, this milk offers just the right amount of sweet to complement its slightly nutty taste. It’s also fortified with 50% more calcium than you’ll find in a serving of cow’s milk. Bonus: Its package is BPA-free.

With an impressive 50% RDA of vitamin B12, 35% of vitamin E and 30% of calcium, this beverage delivers key nutrients for plantbased eaters. Its 7 grams of sugar per serving provides a pleasantly sweet flavor without too much guilt.

Soy milk is a longtimefavorite dairy alternative, because soy is one of the few non-animal sources of complete proteins. This drink contains 7 grams of heart-healthy soy protein per serving, along with 50% of your daily B12 needs and 45% of calcium. Best of all, it has none of the aftertaste that you get with some soy milks.

A coconut-cream base backs up the “delicious” claim of this 100% organic milk, while fortifications of 50% RDA of vitamin B12, 30% of vitamin D and 10% of magnesium makes it nutritious as well. Your taste buds will enjoy it, too.

Our tasters say

“Creamy, not chalky.”

“Very subtle almond flavor.”

“Earthy, subtly nutty.”

“Agreeable and mild flavor; smooth.”

“Just a touch of the tropics—yum!”

GF NG

Pacific Original Ultra Soy

Silk Original Coconut

Bonus points for Also try

NG NF

NG SF

NG O

SF Bolthouse Farms Original

B B CORP

LABEL CHECK

Silk Vanilla Unsweetened Almond

GF GLUTEN-FREE

K KOSHER

Rice Dream Organic Original Enriched Rice Drink

NG NON-GMO

SF SOY-FREE

NF NUT-FREE

O ORGANIC

Although we call dairy alternatives “milk,” most don’t naturally have much in common nutritionally with cows’ milk. If you use milk as a protein source, pea or soy beverages are a good bet. For calcium or vitamin D, look for fortified products. Some brands, such as Silk, are even adding prebiotics to select products. You may want to opt for unsweetened varieties to minimize added sugars, but the resulting flavors are often bland. OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

KITCHEN | GET SMART

Good for Your Gut

Four fermented foods with plentiful probiotics to keep your tummy happy.

he number is remarkable: In an average lifetime, more than 132,000 pounds of food pass through the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, along with an abundance of microorganisms that can negatively affect your gut health, according to an article in Gut, a journal of the British Society of Gastroenterology. Fortunately, research also shows that you can counter those harmful bacteria with the beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods, which aid digestion and immune function. Here are four fermented foods you should be eating more to enhance gut health.

A fermented milk drink—it tastes a bit like drinkable yogurt—kefir is full of protein, calcium and probiotics. Because it’s fermented, most people who are lactose-intolerant can drink kefir.

TRY Lifeway Strawberry Lowfat Organic Kefir: This USDA Organic kefir contains 12 probiotic cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which helps you absorb nutrients, and Bifidobacterium longum, which breaks down carbohydrates and neutralizes toxins.

Yogurt

Most yogurt brands in the U.S. contain probiotics. Those labeled with a Live & Active Culture (LAC) seal contain at least 100 million probiotic cultures per gram (about 17 billion cultures in a 6-ounce cup) at manufacturing time. TRY

Chobani A Hint of Gili Cherry: Protein-rich Greek yogurt, blended with a bit of sugar and natural fruits and flavors. Contains live and active cultures and three probiotics, including L. acidophilus.

MORE FERMENTED FOODS MISO KIMCHI SAUERKRAUT

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

Tempeh

Made from naturally fermented soybeans, tempeh has a slightly nutty flavor and is a good source of probiotics, as well as protein and essential amino acids. A 2013 study found that soy tempeh stimulates growth of Bifidobacterium, a probiotic strain that produces lactic acid, which in turn enhances cells that naturally protect the intestinal-wall lining. TRY Lightlife Three Grain Organic Tempeh: Made with a blend of brown rice, barley and millet, plus probiotic-laden cultured soybeans. This USDA Organic meat substitute is great baked, steamed or in stir-fries.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a tangy, effervescent tea made from a SCOBY (bacteria and yeast), sugar, tea and water, and often flavored with herbs or fruit. Along with B vitamins and natural acids, kombucha contains numerous strains of probiotics, such as Acetobacter, which produces acids to aid digestion, and Lactobacillus, which produces lactic acid. Because ingredients vary, not all kombucha will contain the same strains. TRY Simple Truth

Organic Blueberry Grape Kombucha: Fermented over four months per batch, this blend may remind you of drinking a healthy grape soda. One billion CFUs of probiotics are added to each USDA Organic bottle.

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Kefir

Just a hint of natural fruit in mild and creamy Greek Yogurt New

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12g protein

9g sugar

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K I T C H E N | F L AV O R S

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on’t let the unusual name intimidate you. Bok choy is a mild-tasting, leafy veggie that is simple to make and ridiculously good for you. In fact, it ranks number six out of all foods as having the most nutrients per calorie.

What’s in It?

What’s inside? One cup of bok choy delivers 63 percent of your daily vitamin A needs, 52 percent of vitamin C and 40 percent of vitamin K. It packs potassium, lutein, folate and 70 antioxidants, which makes it a candidate for cancer prevention, according to research. Bok choy loses a smidge of its nutrients when it’s cooked, but it’s also easier to eat more cooked than raw, so you’ll probably come out about even.

What do you do with tt? Eat it raw: Bok choy makes an excellent salad base or shell for lettuce wraps. Stir-fry it: Its Asian heritage means it’s a natural fit for stir-fries. Or try it as a side dish, lightly sautéed with a bit of oil, garlic and ginger. Add it in: Stir it into any soup that can accommodate leafy greens (don’t forget the stalks!), or sprinkle torn pieces of bok choy into your scrambled eggs in the last few moments of cooking. The mild flavor makes it a good choice for a smoothie mix-in, too. Grill it: Leave whole or cut in half lengthwise. Brush or toss with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic salt, and grill to desired charred-ness, 3–6 minutes per side. Or place in a grill basket and toss halfway through.

VISIT OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM FOR A YUMMY RECIPE FOR BOK CHOY POTSTICKERS.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

I SAY BOK CHOY; YOU SAY PAKCHOI Its Cantonese name means “white cabbage,” but the English spelling of bok choy can take many forms, including “bok choi,” “pakchoi,” “buk choy” and “pok choi.” It’s also known as Chinese white cabbage, celery cabbage, Chinese mustard and white celery mustard. It’s a close relative of napa cabbage, which, unlike bok choy, grows in a compact head.

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Bok choy is a cruciferous vegetable, which means some of its more common cousins include kale, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. In taste, it’s most similar to mustard greens (another fellow crucifer), although it’s much milder, with almost a sweet taste to it. In the produce aisle, you’ll also find baby bok choy, which is a less mature (and much cuter!) version of the regular variety with slightly more tender leaves.

K I T C H E N | H E A LT H Y P I C K S

Chips

AWAY The chip aisle harbors a rainbow of options using a variety of ingredients, oils and cooking styles to suit all tastes. Crunch down on some of our favorites.

Popchips Popchips are made via an oil-free method of heating the potatoes in a pressurized chamber until they “pop.” Chips are then coated with oleic oils, which various studies have shown support cardiovascular health, ease inflammation and help reduce appetite. FLAVOR PICK

Barbeque

Kettle Brand Potato Chips Cooked in 100% Almond Oil

The sweetness of sweet potato combines with the rich, buttery taste of avocado in these savory chips. While not as well-known as more traditional cooking oils, avocado oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.

These are the first potato chips to be cooked in 100 percent almond oil. A healthy alternative to many other cooking oils, almond oil has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in men and women, according to a University of California Davis study.

FLAVOR PICK

Sweet Chipotle

FLAVOR PICK

Wood Smoked Sea Salt

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Chips These always-dippable chips come from consciously sourced organic blue corn. They are made with expeller-pressed oils in a chemical-free process that can enhance flavor because the oil isn’t heated to a high temperature. FLAVOR PICK

Red Hot Blues

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Terra Real Vegetable Chips Made with Avocado Oil

Rhythm Superfoods Beet Chips

Food Should Taste Good Tortilla Chips

Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber for digestion and potassium for healthy nerve and muscle function. And they’re so much more fun to eat in a crunchy dehydrated (not fried) chip form.

This line is a healthy, taste bud-pleasing spin on traditional tortilla chips. Sturdy for dipping in salsa, guacamole or hummus, they’re also flavorful enough to munch on their own. FLAVOR PICK

FLAVOR PICK

Multigrain

Sea Salt

Boulder Canyon Olive Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips If you like the rich, aromatic taste of olive oil, with its healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, try these chips. They’re made the kettle-cooked way, in smaller batches, which results in a thicker chip with a slightly caramelized flavor. FLAVOR PICK

Sea Salt

save $1.0o off Any 3 (THREE) StonyfiEld® Organic PoucHEs or 1 (OnE) Multipack or LargE Cup (24-32oz)

Expiration Date: 7/15/18 Do Not Double

Available in select stores. NON GMO

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YoBaby® is the #1 pediatrician recommended yogurt for babies 6 months – 2 years among refrigerated yogurts (IQVIA ProVoice Survey, 12/01/15-08/31/17). Stonyfield® Organic Kids yogurts have 25% to 40% less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt with between 2.25g and 3g of sugar per oz compared to 4g per oz in the leading kids’ yogurt.

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KITCHEN | GADGETS

No Sticking

There’s a new nonstick cookware in town: HexClad. Each pan, from 8-inch to wok size, features a tri-ply layer of stainless steel, aluminum and stainless steel, coated with a patented hexagon-patterned, nonstick surface on both the inside and outside of the pan for easier cleaning. The PFOA-free combo offers durability and faster, even heat conductivity. And unlike other nonstick pans, you can use metal utensils on the surface. Starts at $89.99 for 8-inch pan. hexclad.com

Kitchen Toys Instant Pot

It’s a rice cooker, it’s a slow cooker, it’s a sauté pan, it’s a steamer, it’s a yogurt maker, and—perhaps most interestingly—it’s a pressure cooker, which means it can cut cooking times dramatically (30-minute baked potatoes, anyone?). The Instant Pot can revolutionize the way you cook. That said, it does demand a learning curve. Shorten that curve with How to Instant Pot (Workman, 2017) by Daniel Shumski, which also includes 100 Instant Pot recipes. Units start at $79.95. instantpot.com

Speedy Salads

The simple yet smart Websun Salad Cutter Bowl is a combo colander and cutting board that allows you to wash and chop your salad quickly, using just one dish. A bonus for kids and others still developing knife skills: The design makes it very hard to cut yourself as you chop. As for the directions on the box… let’s just say English may not be the first language of the person who wrote them, but fortunately the bowl is simple enough that directions aren’t really needed. $12.99, amazon.com

Cooking and entertaining are more fun with cool kitchen tools.

Belgian-Style Waffles Perfect Pizza

Craving some restaurantquality homemade pizza? The T-fal Airbake Nonstick 16-inch Copper Pizza Pan can help. Made from durable carbon steel for even heating and a copper nonstick coating to prevent burning, the pan is perforated to evenly release moisture for that perfect pie. For a crispier crust, roll out and bake dough solo 8 to 10 minutes before adding toppings. Pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees. $14.99, t-falusa.com

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

You’ll be a hit at breakfast or brunch with the Krups 4 Slice Belgian Waffle Maker. The unit features five adjustable browning settings, from light to dark, to suit your preferences. While you entertain guests, red and green indicator lights and audible beeps let you know when the waffle maker is on, when it’s ready to bake and when waffles are ready. Removable nonstick die-cast plates make cleaning easy. $59.99, krupsusa.com

COOKBOOKS | K ITCHEN

WHAT’S COOKING?

Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring with recipes from four new cookbooks.

VERSATILE PESTO

NURTURE YOUR BRAIN

In her latest release, The Pesto Cookbook (Storey, 2018), Olwen Woodier, author of multiple cookbooks and owner of the Glenfiddich Farm Cookery School in Virginia, proves there’s more to pesto than just basil. Woodier shares 49 diverse and delicious pesto and sauce recipes using a range of fresh ingredients with flavors from around the globe, like Brazilian Tempero Puree; Peanut-Sesame Pesto; and Sweet Pepper, Almond and Chive Romesco. She also includes 67 creative recipes for cooking with pesto—in salads, snacks, entrées and even some desserts—to show the versatility of these simple sauces.

For 20 years, Delia McCabe has been researching how food influences brain function. In Feed Your Brain: The Cookbook (Exisle, 2017), she provides a collection of 100 quick, easy and delicious recipes to keep the brain in tip-top shape. “Your brain is your primary survival organ; therefore it is also the hungriest and most nutrient-demanding organ that you possess,” she writes. Recipes include top brain foods, such as nuts and legumes (Pecan and Bean Burgers), colorful fruits and vegetables (Green and White Salad), and even dark chocolate (Chocolate Clusters).

RESTORE HORMONAL BALANCE Millions of women suffer from symptoms caused by hormone imbalance, such as digestive issues, weight gain, anxiety and mood swings. In her new book Cooking for Hormone Balance (HarperOne, 2018), certified health coach and founder of Hormones & Balance (hormonesbalance.com) Magdalena Wszelaki provides a research-backed guide with detailed meal plans and 125 recipes full of hormone-supporting superfoods. Healing recipes include Zucchini Olive Muffins, Sweet Potato and Sage Pancakes, and a Decadent Chocolate Cherry Smoothie.

FEED THE FAMILY Food blogger and Today food contributor Siri Daly knows how hard it is to prepare healthy meals for a family. In her new cookbook, Siriously Delicious (Oxmoor House, 2018), the busy mother of three has created 100 easy-to-follow recipes with accessible ingredients and simple cooking tips to make recipes both kid- and parent-friendly. Notables include lighter, healthier Chicken Parmigiana Burgers, Greek Nachos and a family favorite, Bacon Pizzadillas. There’s even an adults-only, happy hourinspired section of fun mixed drinks.

VISIT OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM FOR RECIPES FROM EACH OF THESE BOOKS, INCLUDING CHICKEN PARMIGIANA BURGERS, PEANUT-SESAME PESTO, PECAN AND BEAN BURGERS, AND SWEET POTATO AND SAGE PANCAKES.

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

KITCHEN | TIPS

The Picky-Eater Cure Tempt foodies and veggie-phobes alike with these tasty ways to serve vegetables that are anything but garden variety. B Y K R I S T A C R A B T R E E

he USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults and kids (ages 8 and up) consume 2½ cups daily of a variety of vegetables. But a 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report revealed that fewer than 10 percent of Americans achieve this. According to the CDC, a plant-heavy diet has been shown to reduce the risk of everything from type 2 diabetes and obesity to cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. So how can you get your family to eat more veggies? Try these ideas to infuse your vegetable offerings with fun, flavor and flair.

When veggies, re cooking member th flavor ba e sour, bitte lance of sweet, salty r and uma mi [savory , says Da sous chef vid Fischer, a caree ],” Beard awaand protégé of Jam r e Garrelts. “Ird-winning chef Colbs f you hit th y re the five fla vor profiles e out of , yo mouth wil l water. ur

Brussels sprouts For full flavor, Fischer recommends cooking brussels sprouts the way his mom did: Roast sprouts until tender; then finish in a pan with butter or olive oil and Parmesan. For more umami, add bacon or crushed, toasted hazelnuts.

Brocollini Its long, thin stalks and small florets lend themselves well to roasting. For crispy broccolini, spread out stalks on a sheet pan, sprinkle with olive oil and salt, and roast until slightly brown.

Kale Aside from roasting crispy kale chips, Fischer’s favorite cooking method is to sauté the greens with butter, onions and garlic. At the end, add salt and pepper, plus a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to broaden the flavor profile.

Artichokes A tasty, hands-on treat. Steam artichokes for an hour, or until tender. Serve in a bowl, pull off leaves, and dip in melted, salted butter or mayo. Bite down on a leaf, and pull it through your closed teeth to remove the flesh. After you’ve finished the leaves, scrape off the choke, or the fuzzy part, to get to the heart.

Fries

Spaghetti Squash Swap out noodles for vegetables with spaghetti squash. Roast a spaghetti squash, scoop out the middle, and serve like a taco with beans, sautéed vegetables and cheese, or with a marinara sauce and fresh basil.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

STOCKFOOD

Polenta fries are a good french-fry alternative, says Fischer. Add milk or stock to finely ground cornmeal in a pot, and stir until thickened. Spread mixture on a sheet pan, and cool in the fridge. Cut into shapes, sprinkle with cornmeal, and fry in avocado oil. Serve with a roasted red pepper aioli, made by blending roasted red pepper, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

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EAT DISH IT UP P30

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An Eye on Carrots Slice ’em. Grate ’em. Julienne ’em. Sauté ’em. Bake ’em. Carrots are one of the world’s most versatile vegetables. HISTORY Carrots are a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes celery, parsnip, dill, fennel, coriander and cilantro. Carrots can be loosely divided into two types: Eastern and Western. Eastern carrots are closer to the original carrot domesticated in Persia more than 1,000 years ago and are usually purple or yellow. Western carrots first appeared in the Netherlands in the 17th century. The story goes that Dutch carrot growers invented the orange carrot in honor of the House of Orange, the Dutch royal family. Western types are generally classified by their root shapes into Chantenay, Danvers, Imperator and Nantes varieties. Although most carrots sold in the U.S. are orange, other colors such as white, red, yellow or purple can occasionally be found.

WHAT'S INSIDE Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, a carotenoid that gives the vegetable its orange color. Once ingested, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which supports vision, the immune system and reproduction. One cup of carrots contains 428 percent (21,383 IU) of the recommended daily value (DV). Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can cause chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

DID YOU KNOW? Carrots are popular in the food-coloring industry—they are one of the raw materials used by GNT, a global manufacturer of natural food colorings made exclusively from fruits, vegetables and other plants. The main carrotderived colors are orange and red, but they are often mixed with other raw materials for color variations.

SHUTTERSTOCK

OTHER NUTRIENTS IN 1 CUP OF CARROTS: Vitamin K

21% DV

16.9 mcg

Vitamin C

13% DV

7.6 mg

Potassium

12% DV

410 mg

Fiber

14% DV

3.6 grams OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

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Get Creative with Carrots

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CONSUMES 8.3 POUNDS OF CARROTS EACH YEAR. (VEGETABLE AND MELON OUTLOOK, 2016)

From savory to sweet, these fresh carrot recipes show innovative ways to prepare this healthy root veggie.

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DID YOU KNOW?. California produces more than 85 percent of all carrots grown in the United States. Michigan and Texas are other prolific carrotproducing states.

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

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“Baby carrots” are actually very young carrots harvested while the vegetables are still quite tiny. Baby-cut carrot products are among the most popular items in the produce section.

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STORAGE Carrots can be stored for one to two weeks. Store them in the coolest part of the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel to reduce condensation.

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Keep them away from apples, pears, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas; it will cause them to become bitter. Don’t store on the counter at room temperature.

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

E AT | DISH IT UP

Roasted Carrot Baba Ghanoush SERVES 6-8

Olive oil, for grilling and garnish 2 large eggplants 3 large carrots, peeled 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon cumin 4 tablespoons tahini 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 4 cloves garlic Juice from 1 lemon Salt and pepper, to taste Chopped pistachios, for garnish Smoked paprika, for garnish DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat grill to medium high and oil. 2. Lightly coat eggplants and carrots with olive oil. Grill covered, about 10 minutes. Turn vegetables; then continue to roast another 12–15 minutes, turning both eggplants and carrots every few minutes.* 3. Once veggies are charred and beginning to soften, remove from grill and place in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and allow to steam 15 minutes.

Asian Salad with Carrot Greens, Grilled Tofu and Carrot-Sesame Dressing SERVES 6-8

TOFU 1 (14-ounce) package firm or extra-firm tofu 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil ¼ cup tamari 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger CARROT-SESAME DRESSING 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon white miso paste 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1 ⁄8 cup peeled, finely grated carrot ASIAN SALAD 1 bunch carrots, with greens on 1 bunch lacinato kale 1 small head napa cabbage 1 medium-sized zucchini 1 large watermelon radish 2 tablespoons toasted white and black sesame seeds, for garnish

4. Remove skin from eggplants; squeeze a bit of water out of eggplants. Place eggplants DIRECTIONS and carrots in a food pro1. Slice tofu into cessor along with re½-inch slices. maining ingredients, Brown Sugar 2. Whisk remainCarrot Blintzes except garnishes. ing tofu ingrediwith Berry Sauce Pulse until smooth; ents in a bowl. Find online at season to taste. optimumwellness3. Cover tofu 5. Place dip in a shalmagazine.com with marinade. low bowl; refrigerate Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Gar15 minutes, or up to 24 nish with a drizzle of olive hours. oil, chopped pistachios and a dusting of smoked paprika. Serve 4. For dressing, place all ingrediwith pita chips and fresh veggies. ents in a sealable container and PER SERVING: 260 CAL; 9G PROTEIN; 13G FAT; shake vigorously. 34G CARB (7G SUGARS); 320MG SODIUM; 5G FIBER

*If no grill is available, place rack in middle of oven, and turn broiler on high. Line baking sheet with foil. Pierce eggplants and place on baking sheet with carrots; broil 2 minutes on all sides, until skins darken. Turn off broiler; turn oven to 375˚, and roast veggies until very soft: carrots 15–20 minutes, eggplants 25–30. Allow to cool. Proceed with step 4. FOR A PITA CHIPS RECIPE, VISIT OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

5. Preheat grill to medium high. If no grill, preheat broiler on medium heat with rack 6 inches from the top. 6. For salad, remove greens from carrots; chop greens into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop kale and cabbage into ¼-inch shreds. Place all greens in a mixing bowl. 7. Peel carrots. Use a spiralizer to spiral-cut carrots and zucchini. Add to mixing bowl with greens.

8. Using a chef's knife or a slicing blade on a food processor, slice radish paper-thin. Place in salad bowl with greens and vegetables.

7. In a large mixing bowl, beat remaining five eggs. Mix with kasha, shredded carrots, onions and salt, until well combined.

9. Grill tofu, 1½ to 2 minutes per side. Cut into thinner slices or cubes. If no grill, place tofu in a 9x13-inch baking dish and broil, flipping once, until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes.

8. Fill cupcake tins ¾ full, and bake until firm and golden brown, 35–40 minutes. Remove from tins, and serve warm with yogurt.

10. Toss greens and vegetables with dressing; disperse among 6–8 salad bowls. Top with tofu; garnish with sesame seeds. PER SERVING: 190 CAL; 9G PROTEIN; 11G FAT; 16G CARB (8G SUGARS); 590MG SODIUM; 3G FIBER

Carrot and Kasha Kugel SERVES 6-8

6 large eggs, divided 1 cup kasha 2 cups vegetable stock Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 pound carrots, peeled 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 small yellow onion, finely diced ¼ teaspoon salt Plain Greek yogurt, for garnish DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°; lightly grease cupcake tin. Bring stock to a simmer on stove. 2. Meanwhile, beat one egg in a small bowl. Add kasha, and stir until well-coated. 3. Place egg and kasha mix in a saucepan over medium heat; stir constantly with a wooden spoon until egg begins to dry. 4. Pour stock over kasha, and stir thoroughly. Cover and cook over low heat 10–15 minutes, or until kasha has absorbed all liquid. Remove from heat, fluff, and season with salt and pepper. 5. Shred carrots in a food processor or with a cheese grater. 6. In a small frying pan, heat oil over medium-high, and sauté onion until translucent and fragrant.

PER SERVING: 170 CAL; 8G PROTEIN; 5G FAT; 24G CARB (5G SUGARS); 260MG SODIUM; 4G FIBER

Carrot Oatmeal Breakfast Biscuits MAKES 16 COOKIES

1 cup instant oats ¾ cup whole-wheat flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons Earth Balance Spread (or unsalted butter), melted and cooled slightly 1 large egg white, room temp ¼ cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 tablespoons almond or soy milk, room temp 1 medium carrot, peeled, grated 1 ⁄8 cup raw pumpkin seeds Brown sugar, for garnish DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325°; line baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, egg white, honey and vanilla. Stir in milk. Add in flour mixture. Gently fold in carrots and pumpkin seeds. Chill dough in refrigerator 30 minutes. 4. Place scoops of cookie dough onto sheet; flatten with a spatula. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake 10–13 minutes. Cool on pan before transferring to a wire rack. PER SERVING: 160 CAL; 4G PROTEIN; 5G FAT; 27G CARB (10G SUGARS); 110MG SODIUM; 3G FIBER

Optimum Wellness is excited to partner with Johnson & Wales University. Natavia Cook, Chloe Rothschild and Chef Adam Sacks (l to r) developed these recipes. Known as a recognized leader in culinary education, JWU is changing the way the world eats. For info, visit jwu.edu/denver.

First Cereal to Contain Amazing Grain Berry Onyx® Sorghum™; an ancient grain that provides more natural plant fiber, more powerful antioxidants to protect your body from harmful free radicals and helps slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream. A healthy cereal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor!

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Retailer: Silver Palate Kitchens, Inc. will redeem this coupon for face value

plus .08¢ 811010086341000580310011011031706284170428 handling provided coupon is redeemed in accordance with our offer. Encode: Customer pays any sales tax. NBAR Void if 0.0104 reproduced or -0.0020 where prohibited by law. SYMBOL HEIGHT 0.8576 BWA $1.00 any Grain Berry ofCereal Invoicesoff proving purchase sufficient stock to cover redemptions must be

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Retailer: Silver Palate Kitchens, Inc. will redeem this coupon for face value

plus .08¢ 811010086341000580310011011031706284170428 handling provided coupon is redeemed in accordance with our offer. Encode: Customer pays any sales tax. NBAR Void if 0.0104 reproduced or -0.0020 where prohibited by law. SYMBOL HEIGHT 0.8576 BWA $1.00 any Grain BerryofCereal Invoicesoffproving purchase sufficient stock to cover redemptions must be

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FA S T & F L AV O R F U L | E A T

Noodles from the East

Broaden your noodle repertoire with these four flavor-filled, Asian-inspired dishes that are a cinch to prepare—and some are gluten-free, too! B Y G E N E V I E V E D O L L

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

USE ANY EXTRA SAUCE AS A DIP FOR RAW VEGETABLES, OR WHISK IN ADDITIONAL SESAME OIL AND USE AS A SALAD DRESSING.

Udon Noodles with Chicken, Bok Choy and Almond Sauce Soft and chewy, udon is a Japanese wheat noodle, neutral in flavor. It makes an excellent blank canvas to showcase this rich, umami almond sauce. SERVES 4 SAUCE ¾ cup almond butter ¼ cup tamari ¼ cup lime juice ¼ cup water 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons minced ginger 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 teaspoon maple syrup

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes ¼ cup sesame oil 1 (13-ounce) bag udon noodles 1½ tablespoons coconut oil 1 pound boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced (about ¼ inch) ½ teaspoon salt 1 pound baby bok choy, 1-inch slices

DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients with exception of ¼ cup sesame oil, until smooth. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in sesame oil to emulsify. Season to taste. 2. Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add udon noodles; stir to separate. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, until tender. 3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt coconut oil. Add chicken and salt; sauté 5–7 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through. Add bok choy, and sauté about 4 minutes, until softened. 4. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. 5. Serve chicken and bok choy over a mound of noodles; drizzle generously with almond sauce. PER SERVING: 844 CAL; 30G PROTEIN; 47G FAT; 88G CARB (6G SUGARS); 2,013MG SODIUM; 6G FIBER

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Soba Noodle and Edamame Salad with Miso Dressing Soba noodles are made with buckwheat, which is gluten-free, but they also often include wheat, so be sure to check the package if you don’t eat gluten. For optimal texture, soba noodles are best served immediately after cooking. SERVES 6

1 pound frozen, shelled edamame 1 (13-ounce) bag soba noodles 1 ⁄3 cup rice wine vinegar 3 tablespoons yellow miso 2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons honey 1 ⁄8 teaspoon cayenne ¼ cup sesame oil 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 medium cucumber, medium dice 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into ribbons with a peeler ½ bunch cilantro, roughly chopped Sesame seeds, for garnish DIRECTIONS 1. Bring 1 cup of water to boil in a medium pot; add edamame. Return water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 2–3 minutes, until beans are hot. Strain, and rinse with cold water. Transfer edamame to a large bowl. 2. Fill the same pot with water, and bring to a boil. Add noodles, return water to a boil, stirring to separate noodles. Reduce heat to low, and simmer about 3 minutes, until tender. Strain, and rinse with cold water. Add to bowl with edamame. 3. In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, miso, ginger, honey and cayenne. Drizzle in sesame oils, and whisk to emulsify. 4. Add to noodles, along with cucumber, carrots and cilantro. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds. PER SERVING: 430 CAL; 19G PROTEIN; 14G FAT; 70G CARB (5G SUGARS); 797MG SODIUM; 5G FIBER

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

NOODLES MAY BE WRAPPED WITH THIN PAPER TAPE WITHIN PACKAGING. DOUBLE-CHECK BEFORE PLACING IN WATER.

FA S T & F L AV O R F U L | E A T

SIMMER AROMATICS SUCH AS FRESH GINGER, GARLIC AND LEMONGRASS IN BROTH TO INFUSE ADDITIONAL LAYERS OF FLAVOR.

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

Ramen with Steak and Shiitake Mushrooms How to poach an egg In a shallow saucepan over medium heat, bring a couple of inches of water and 1 teaspoon white vinegar to a simmer. Crack an egg into a small dish. Carefully swirl water to create a vortex, and pour egg into center of pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place in soup.

Ramen is a Japanese dish of noodles and flavorful broth. This recipe features steak and shiitake mushrooms, though the variations are endless. Top with a poached egg for added flavor and sophistication. SERVES 6 2 tablespoons coconut oil 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon ground ginger 10 cups unsalted vegetable stock 2 blocks ramen rice noodles 8 ounces sirloin steak, very thinly sliced (about 1⁄8 inch) 2 medium carrots, shredded ¼ cup tamari 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 teaspoons salt 3 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal; for garnish Red pepper flakes, for garnish

DIRECTIONS 1. Melt coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cabbage, onion, mushrooms, red pepper and a pinch of salt. Sauté about 5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in ginger. 2. Add vegetable stock, cover, and bring to a simmer. Simmer about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. 3. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add noodles, and cook for 1 minute. When noodles begin to unfold, separate with a fork and reduce heat to a low boil. Simmer 3–4 minutes, until soft. Strain, and rinse with cold water. 4. Add noodles to soup, and stir in steak, carrots, tamari, lime juice and salt. Cook steak about 2 minutes, until no longer pink. Season to taste. Garnish with scallions and red pepper flakes. PER SERVING: 406 CAL; 23G PROTEIN; 19G FAT; 37G CARB (10G SUGARS); 2,131MG SODIUM; 3G FIBER

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E A T | FA S T & F L AV O R F U L

USE CRUNCHY INTERIOR OF BROCCOLI STALKS IN ADDITION TO FLORETS BY SIMPLY STANDING STALKS ON END AND SLICING DOWN TO REMOVE FIBROUS OUTER LAYER.

Rice Noodles with Baked Tofu and Broccoli Tofu is a versatile ingredient easily transformed from bland to flavorful. Pressing tofu releases excess water, resulting in a crispier final product. Wait to cook noodles until tofu and broccoli are almost finished; they typically cook in 2–3 minutes. 14 ounces extra-firm tofu ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided 3 tablespoons tamari, plus more for serving 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, divided 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1½ pounds broccoli 1 teaspoon rice vinegar ½ teaspoon salt 1 (8-ounce) box rice noodles Sesame seeds, for garnish Lime wedges, for garnish Red pepper flakes, optional DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Press tofu by placing on a paper towel– lined plate. Lay another paper towel over tofu; cover with a plate and an object such as a can, for weight. 3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup sesame oil, tamari, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, garlic, lime juice and ginger.

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

4. Remove tofu from press, and dry one last time with paper towel. Cut tofu into ½-inch cubes. Add to bowl with marinade; stir to coat. 5. Slice broccoli into florets. Add to tofu, and stir to combine. Transfer to baking sheet. Roast about 20 minutes, until tofu and broccoli begin to crisp. 6. While tofu and broccoli are roasting, in a small bowl whisk together remaining tablespoon sesame oil, remaining teaspoon toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar and salt.

7. Bring a medium pot of water to boil, and add rice noodles; cook 2–3 minutes, until soft. Drain, and rinse briefly with cold water. Return to pot, and stir in sesame oil dressing. 8. Serve tofu and broccoli over a bed of noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and a lime wedge. Serve with additional tamari and red pepper flakes on the side. PER SERVING: 537 CAL; 23G PROTEIN; 23G FAT; 64G CARB (3G SUGARS); 1,213MG SODIUM; 7G FIBER NUTRITIONAL VALUES CALCULATED AT NUTRITIONDATA.SELF.COM

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

SERVES 4

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0656490-012470 RETAILER: WishGarden Herbs will reimburse you the face value of this coupon plus 8 cents handling in accordance with our redemption policy (copy available upon request). Consumer must pay any sales tax. Send all redeemed coupons to WishGarden Herbs, Madlik & Rhodes, PO Box 490, Dept. #1532, Tecate, CA 91980. Failure to produce invoices on request providing purchase of stock covering coupons may void all coupons submitted. Void if copied, reproduced, altered, transferred, sold or exchanged. Cash value: 1/100¢. © 2018 WishGarden Herbs, All Rights Reserved.

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Experience Your Future Now OptimumWellnessAd_Nov2016.indd 1

11/21/2016 9:04:45 AM

E AT | X X X X X X X

brunch time Avoid the weekend wait times—and keep your slippers and pajamas on—with these better-than-restaurant recipes. B Y K I M B E R LY L O R D S T E W A R T

Brownie Tahini Waffles with Chocolate Tahini Sauce Even sleepyheads will come out from under the covers for these dark-chocolate waffles with a nutty richness from tahini, a Middle Eastern paste made from ground sesame seeds. SERVES 2–4* 1½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 ⁄3 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 3 ounces 85% dark baking chocolate 6 tablespoons tahini

2 eggs, beaten 1 cup milk or milk substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla Oil for waffle iron SAUCE: 4 ounces 85% dark baking chocolate 2 tablespoons tahini

GARNISH: 1 cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon sugar; whipped together Shaved chocolate (optional)

Tea-Thyme Cider Place 6 sprigs of fresh thyme in a pitcher. Pour 12 ounces freshly brewed hot black tea over the herbs. Let steep 15 minutes. Cool, and remove sprigs. Fill each glass with ice. Add one-third tea, onethird apple cider, one-third soda water. Garnish with lemon and apple slice. (Want a spirit? Add 1 shot of bourbon.)

DIRECTIONS 1. Place flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir well. 2. Melt 3 ounces chocolate and 6 tablespoons tahini in the microwave for 30 seconds, then in 10-second intervals if needed. Stir well each time. 3. Whisk eggs with milk and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients. Add chocolate and tahini, and stir well. 4. Oil waffle iron well; heat iron to medium. Spoon up to 1 cup of batter on waffle iron (will depend on size). Cook until done. Do not overcook; waffles should be crisp just on the outside edges. Keep warm, and continue in batches until done. 5. Melt 4 ounces chocolate and 2 tablespoons tahini in microwave for 30 seconds, then in 10-second intervals if needed. Stir well each time.

*Serves 2–4, depending on waffle iron (consider doubling the recipe for larger appliances). PER SERVING: 732 CAL; 17G PROTEIN; 32G FAT; 95G CARB (44G SUGARS); 936MG SODIUM; 8G FIBER

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

PHOTO CREDIT

6. Top warm waffles with whipped cream, chocolate tahini sauce and shaved chocolate.

H E A LT H Y K I T C H E N | E A T

Tropical Morning Muffins

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

A coconut trilogy adds high fiber and an intense tropical vibe to these pineapple–macadamia nut muffins. SERVES 8 ½ cup palm coconut shortening, or softened butter (such as Nutiva) ¼ cup honey 1 cup mashed bananas (2–3 ripened bananas) 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup white wholewheat flour

¼ cup coconut flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ⁄3 cup shredded coconut ¼ cup macadamia nuts, chopped ½ cup dried pineapple, diced

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line muffin tins with paper liners. 2. Cream shortening or butter with honey, bananas, egg and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer until soft and well-blended. 3. Add flours, baking powder and salt; stir until combined. Mix in coconut, nuts and pineapple. 4. Fill muffin liners ¾ full with batter. Bake 15 minutes, until tester toothpick comes out clean. PER SERVING: 300 CAL; 5G PROTEIN; 16G FAT; 38G CARB (19G SUGARS); 184MG SODIUM; 5G FIBER

SERVE HOT OR COLD, WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL.

Turkish Cardamom Coffee Mocktail Place 5 heaping tablespoons strong ground coffee and ½ teaspoon ground cardamom in a French press or drip coffee maker filter. Add hot or cold water accordingly—5 cups boiling water if using a French press, 5 cups cold if using a drip coffee maker. Allow to sit 5 minutes in French press before pushing plunger down. If hot: Serve with warm vanilla almond milk and sweetener, if desired. If desired, add coffee liquor to taste. If serving cold: pour coffee over ice halfway up a tall glass. Add one ounce of coffee liquor, if desired. Top with soda water and serve with lemon. Nondairy creamers and coffee drinks have come a long way as well. TRY So Delicious French Vanilla Coconutmilk Coffee Creamer, Ripple Half-and-Half or Califia Double Espresso Cold Coffee.

OPTIMUMWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

Chicken Chorizo Bowl with White Bean and Pumpkin Seed Pesto To take the stress off your morning, all but the poached eggs in this pictureperfect dish can be made ahead of time. Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you off; most of it is blended in the food processor. SERVES 4 DIRECTIONS 1. Place all chorizo ingredients, except oil, in a food processor. Pulse until completely mixed. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add poultry mixture, and sauté until well-browned. Add more oil if it sticks to pan. 3. While chorizo is cooking, prepare white bean pesto. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat in a small skillet; add scallions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until soft. 4. Wash out food processor well. Add in all pesto ingredients, except beans, with onion-garlic mixture. Pulse in short bursts, until finely chopped. Place beans in a bowl, add pesto, and stir. Set aside.

PESTO: 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 scallions, sliced with half the green stems 1 clove garlic, minced ½ bunch cilantro ½ bunch Italian parsley ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt Juice of ½ lemon 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained 4–8 eggs (1 or 2 per person) 2 avocados, mashed (or prepared guacamole) 1 cup prepared salsa 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes Ground cumin, for garnish Salt and pepper 4 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed

SPRING 2018 | OPTIMUM WELLNESS

Virgin Paloma Rim a glass with salt, and fill with ice. Pour over ice ½ ounce lime juice and 6 ounces grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit slice. (Want a spirit? Add 1 shot of tequila.)

5. Prepare poached eggs to your liking (3 minutes for soft yolks, 4 minutes for medium, 5 minutes for hard). 6. In shallow individual serving bowls, spoon warm chorizo, white bean pesto, mashed avocado, salsa and tomatoes in a circular pattern. Repeat for each serving bowl. Top each bowl with poached egg(s). Season with cumin, salt and pepper. Serve with tortillas. PER SERVING: 962 CAL; 59G PROTEIN; 60G FAT; 53G CARB (5G SUGARS); 1,527MG SODIUM; 15G FIBER

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

CHORIZO: 1 pound antibiotic-free ground chicken or turkey 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 3 tablespoons cider vinegar Hefty pinch cayenne (optional) 2–4 tablespoons olive oil (may need more if poultry is lean)

H E A LT H Y K I T C H E N | E A T

No-Fail Spinach and Swiss Soufflé This no-fail soufflé recipe means you won’t have to tiptoe around the kitchen. The bread cubes give it enough structure that you can even open the oven for a peek as it bakes. SERVES 6 Soufflé dish, 8-to-10-cup size 10 ounces baby spinach 6 cups ½-inch artisan whole-grain bread cubes 8 ounces semi-skim Swiss or Jarlsberg cheese, grated 6 eggs, divided 3½ cups milk or milk substitute ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon ground pepper ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Grease soufflé dish well. 2. Place spinach in a large skillet with ¼ cup water. Steam until spinach is wilted. Drain, and chop finely. Set aside. 3. Toss bread cubes and cheese in a large bowl. 4. Divide 2 eggs into whites and yolks. Whisk the 2 yolks with 4 whole eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, pepper and spinach. Pour over bread, and let sit 30 minutes. 5. When a half-hour has passed, gently stir bread and egg mixture. Whip 2 egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. 6. Fold in 1⁄3 of egg whites into bread mixture. Gently fold in remaining egg whites until all whites are incorporated. 7. Pour into greased baking dish. Bake 1 hour, plus 10–15 minutes until the center is just set. If top browns too much, cover with a loose foil tent. 8. Serve immediately. PER SERVING: 430 CAL; 30G PROTEIN; 19G FAT; 35G CARB (12G SUGARS); 1,052MG SODIUM; 5G FIBER NUTRITIONAL VALUES CALCULATED AT NUTRITIONDATA.SELF.COM

Coconut-Ginger Fizz In a jar or shaker, add ½ cup coconut water, ½ cup nonalcoholic ginger beer, ½ cup soda water. Shake, and strain over crushed ice. Add fresh mint. (Want a spirit? Add 1 shot of St-Germain.)

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IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, THERE’S HELP TO BE HAD. AND GIVEN THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF NOT SLEEPING, DOCTORS SAY IT’S WORTH FIGHTING FOR. BY NANCY COULTER-PARKER

Sleep. It’s one of the three pillars of health—along with exercise and diet—that we crave to get more of. Yet when it comes to priorities, we seem to constantly shortchange getting our Zzs. When we do finally pay attention, some find that sleep doesn’t come

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as easily as we would like it to. Like any relationship in life, it’s one that needs nurturing.

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WE NEED SLEEP Why is sleep so important? The first thing to know is that when we sleep, our brains don’t. Parts of the brain are in fact very active, even more so than while we are awake. “Sleep is not a uniform state. Sleep is an umbrella term for the cycles of stages of sleep that occur throughout the night,” says Michael Scullin, Ph.D., director of the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory at Baylor University. To get a good night’s sleep, we cycle through stages. The first four are non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The first two of these are quite light, lulling us into deeper sleep. If you were to take a nap, ideally you would take one for 30 minutes and wake up before you hit stage three of non-REM sleep. Stages three and four take you into deeper, more restorative sleep. This is when your body gets to work repairing muscles and tissues, boosting your immune function, building up energy and, in kids and teenagers, stimulating growth and development. The final stage of the sleep cycle is REM sleep. This is when you dream. It’s also when your brain gets more active and memories consolidate, as your brain processes information from the day. It’s in this stage that your brain decides what to discard and what to store as memory. More recently, this phase has also been associated with clearing our brains of metabolites, a buildup of which has recently been associated with Alzheimer’s, says Scullin. “During the day, our brain engine is running, and as an engine runs it gives off exhaust and needs maintenance. Non-REM sleep is important to that maintenance. As neurons fire during the day, we put off metabolites, but if left unchecked, they can make us really ill,” explains Scullin. Alzheimer’s isn’t the only possible health consequence of poor sleep. People who don’t sleep enough put themselves at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and diminished cognitive function. Not to mention sleep deprivation, which can speed up the aging process, shortening our lives. In fact, if we didn’t sleep, we would very quickly die. There’s a lot to this sleep thing. Although it has

often been in vogue to brag about how little sleep you could survive on, the reality is that not getting enough sleep can take an immense toll on your health. You think this would be enough to get us to bed, but still the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that we are experiencing a sleep crisis, with one-third of U.S. adults getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. Sleep experts recommend on average that adults get between seven to nine hours each night. Our adherence to this affects our creativity, emotional control and ability to learn, among other things. One of the problems, says sleep expert Mathias Basner, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, is that our bodies adjust to sleep deprivation and even feeling bad. “We habituate to feeling sleepy,” he says. “It becomes the new normal, and that could be one reason our society is chronically sleep-depriving itself. We don’t know how well we could feel if we did sleep.” The good news: Regardless of how you’ve shunned sleep in the past, you can benefit from embracing sleep now. “What if I said today is the first day you had ever heard that aerobic exercise is good for you, and you have this opportunity to engage beginning today in aerobic exercise? It’s the same with sleep. Just because we only recently discovered how important it is across our life span, it doesn’t mean we can’t change things moving forward and benefit from it.” Time to get sleeping.

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FOR BETTER SLEEP There are basic things we can do to sleep better, says Mathias Basner of the University of Pennsylvania. In analyzing sleep habits from 2003 to 2016, he and his colleagues recently discovered that we are in fact sleeping incrementally longer each night than in years past. He chalks this up to people becoming more aware of the importance of sleep and possibly to having more time, thanks to being able to order groceries or bank online. Although the changes he and his colleagues noted don’t seem like much—an extra 17 minutes more sleep per night for the average American—that equates to a full four days more sleep per year. That adds up. Referred to as sleep hygiene, this list of practices to get a good night’s sleep is straightforward— but can be surprisingly hard to follow.

ESTABLISH A BEDTIME RITUAL

Establish a routine—reading, stretching or meditating—and a regular bedtime that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep.

2 MINIMIZE LIGHT EXPOSURE If you expose yourself to bright light before bedtime, it will signal to your body that it’s still early in the day. The blue light emitted from screens, such as computers and phones, is a particular culprit. “Try not to expose yourself to bright blue light in the evening. Start switching off lights in the house, and don’t take your phone or computer to bed,” says Basner. He notes that some cell phones can now change the screen color to a more reddish spectrum composition at night. Even so, experts suggest buying an alarm clock and checking your cell phone and computer at the bedroom door.

3 KEEP THE HOUSE COOL, BUT NOT TOO COOL “As you fall asleep, the body dumps a lot of heat. If the room is too warm, it is harder for the body to do this,” says Basner. Consider a room temperature of approximately 60 to 67 degrees.

4 EXERCISE DURING THE DAY Exercise has been tied to a better night’s sleep. However, do it earlier in the day, not too close to bedtime, or you may be too revved up to sleep.

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5 TIME MANAGEMENT Try working your schedule around getting enough sleep. “We have to manage our time better during the day. And what people find is if they get better sleep, they are more efficient the next day, and this feeds back into a positive cycle rather than a negative one,” says Michael Scullin of Baylor University.

6 LIMIT CAFFEINE It’s OK to drink coffee, but cut it off at least six hours before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.

FOR SLEEP Hungry before bed? Have a snack, but don’t eat too much too close to bedtime or digestion will interfere with your sleep. “Don’t go to bed full or famished, because being hungry will throw off blood sugar and cause you to wake,” says sleep psychologist Rubin Naiman, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor of medicine at The University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. If you must snack, focus on complex carbs with a little protein and a little fat.

SLEEP SHOPPING LIST Complex carbohydrates Think vegetables, legumes or whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa. Avoid refined or processed carbs, such as bagels, white bread or rice, which will spike your blood sugar.

Healthy fats Salmon, avocados, eggs, dairy and nuts all contain healthy or unsaturated fats, as well as a good dose of protein.

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L-tryptophan Wild-caught seafood, grass-fed beef, seeds and nuts, whole grains, dairy and legumes all contain the amino acid L-tryptophan, which synthesizes the sleep-inducing hormones serotonin and melatonin.

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SLEEP “There is an interesting culture-wide presumption that you can swallow sleep— that somehow sleep can secretly be contained in a supplement or medication or turkey drumstick and a glass of milk,” says University of Arizona’s Rubin Naiman. Although he suggests sleep aids to patients, he emphasizes, “By no way do we want to convey to people that a supplement can displace their sleep. People should think about supplements as an appetizer. It can remind them of the taste of sleep, and that can be positive.” Sleeping pills, says Naiman, actually damage REM sleep and suppress deep sleep. “Sleeping pills cause counterfeit sleep. It looks like sleep, but it’s not. There is no known medication that replicates normal sleep. “To sleep well, it is important to have good health. It’s fine to use supplements intelligently, but always couple the use with a behavioral- or lifestyle-change program. You don’t want to be patching something up without addressing the original cause.” Naiman adds that it’s important not to undermine sleep self-efficacy and have people lose faith in themselves that they can’t sleep. “Everyone can sleep.”

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VALERIAN In small doses, valerian is used to reduce anxiety; in larger doses it is used for sleep, says Naiman. “Studies show that in contrast to sleeping pills, it does not suppress REM sleep, nor does it suppress deep sleep.” The catch, he says, is that it can take a week or two for it to take effect, but once it does, it will keep working. Naiman recommends trying 500 milligrams of the whole ground root to reduce anxiety. For sleep, you can take up to 800 to 1,200 milligrams. This, he says, can also help people come off other medications. Yet he suggests using this for only a short time, until your body gets the hang of sleeping again. Then use it only occasionally, as needed.

L-THEANINE Like tryptophan, L-theanine is an amino acid, which can offset anxiety before bed. Sometimes fending off anxiety is all people need to sleep, says Naiman. He recommends 150 to 200 milligrams, and a maximum of 300 milligrams, before bed.

Be sur consult e to a speciali sleep ph y s i c st o r a ia taking n before an medica y sleep tions.

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MELATONIN Although we naturally produce this hormone, which is involved in the sleep cycle, we tend to take it to help us fall asleep and feel rested when waking. But, Naiman says, too often people take too high of a dose. “Generally, less is more. Smaller doses are actually more effective.” He also suggests taking a time-released formulation. “Melatonin normally rises very slowly in the blood and peaks out in the last third of the night. When you take a large, regular dose, you get a release pattern that is opposite of what nature does.” Naiman recommends taking 1/2 milligram to 1 milligram from a reputable brand. “Good quality, low dose, time release.”

Higher potency fast-acting liquid soft-gels For over 20 years, Irwin Naturals has formulated “best-in-class” supplements that address a wide spectrum of health needs. Our extensive line uses an all-liquid soft-gel delivery that offers superior advantages over hard-to-digest tablets and capsules. Plus, our signature BioPerine Complex enhances nutrient absorption and potency. If you are not yet familiar with the entire breadth of this amazing health-conscious brand, check us out at www.IrwinNaturals.com, and put yourself on the path to better health.

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Available in stores with Optimum Wellness Centers is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

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BOOST Dill

Science suggests it might fight cancer and lower blood sugar. But even if it doesn’t, it’s been used for centuries to squelch flatulence, which may be reason enough to try it. B Y K E L L E E K ATA G I

WHAT IS IT?. This tasty herb from the celery family is native to Western Africa, southern Russia and the Mediterranean region. Its seeds and spidery leaves are widely used for culinary purposes in these areas and beyond, especially Scandinavia. It’s also long been valued for various medicinal purposes—for example, Hippocrates employed it in a mouthwash recipe, and Charlemagne reportedly served the seeds at his banquet tables as a flatulence antidote for those who ate too much.

USE IT FOR. Easing digestive issues, reducing gas, neutralizing carcinogens, managing blood sugar, encouraging menstruation, improving sleep

THE SCIENCE. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that 12 weeks of dill supplementation balanced participants’ cholesterol levels and lowered their triglycerides, but didn’t significantly improve overall metabolic-syndrome markers. Another study, in The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, found that dill supplements improved insulin sensitivity and improved cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Various animal and in vitro studies have shown dill to regulate menstruation, inhibit cancer cells, and act as an antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

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HOW TO TAKE IT. Dill comes in capsules, tablets, powders and teas. It’s also available as an extract and essential oil, and is sometimes used as a skin-care ingredient.

CAUTION IN MEDICINAL DOSES (NOT IN FOOD), DILL MAY BE UNSAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, BECAUSE IT COULD TRIGGER MENSTRUATION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A MISCARRIAGE.

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UNIQUE. POWERFUL. PROBIOTIC SUPPORT. Daily Digestive & Immune Health *

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Stress-Busting Supplements Kick stress to the curb with these natural remedies. B Y K A R E N M O R S E , M . P . H .

tressors such as money and work keep more than 60 percent of Americans up at night, according to the 2017 Stress in America survey conducted by the American Psychological Association. The survey also revealed a new source of significant stress: 63 percent of respondents worried about the future of the nation. Survey participants also reported anxiety, anger and fatigue as common stress symptoms. Experts at the National Institute of Mental Health caution that long-term stress can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Lifestyle changes, such as incorporating practices such as yoga and meditation or bouts of exercise to get the endorphins flowing, can help you de-stress and boost your well-being, as can optimizing your nutrition and including supplements. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the scoop on several supplements known for their stress-busting abilities.

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L-THEANINE

STRESS IS NOT ALWAYS HARMFUL. STUDIES SHOW THAT INCREASED STRESS RESULTS IN INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY.

Research has shown that L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea leaves, increases alpha wave activity in the brain, relaxing your body and mind without creating drowsiness. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that L-theanine reduced symptoms of anxiety and lowered blood pressure in adults with high stress levels. This natural stress reducer reportedly begins to work in as little as 30 minutes. Experts recommend between 50â&#x20AC;&#x201C;200 milligrams daily; effective doses vary from person to person.

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B O O S T | S U P P L E M E N TA L H E A LT H C A R E

HERBAL REMEDIES Ashwagandha

This natural herb has been well-documented in several clinical studies for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha root extract improved stress resistance when taken in doses of 300 milligrams twice daily.

Echinacea angustifolia

Ocimum sanctum

Also known as holy basil, this adaptogenic herb is heralded for its ability to relieve stress symptoms and support adrenal gland health. Experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center who produce the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide recommend 400 milligrams daily to diminish stress symptoms. If you use a blood-thinning medication, talk to your doctor before taking holy basil.

B-COMPLEX VITAMINS

The eight B vitamins in a B-complex work with one another to support a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is one of these essential B vitamins used to produce energy and synthesize neurotransmitters needed for normal brain functioning. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are linked to mood, and research has shown that higher levels of vitamin B6 status can lead to improved mood. Folate, or folic acid, is another B vitamin linked to mood. People with low folate levels often experience depression and irritability, which can increase stress. A good B-complex vitamin contains these and all the essential water-soluble B vitamins your body needs for a healthy brain and improved mental health. Look for a B-complex that includes at least 400 micrograms of folate and 50 milligrams of B6.

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MAGNESIUM

According to a Gallup survey, four out of five American adults aren’t consuming the recommended dietary allowance of magnesium. A magnesium deficiency can lead to low serotonin levels, which can depress your mood. Increased magnesium levels, on the other hand, have been linked to improved relaxation levels and fewer stress symptoms. The National Institutes of Health recommend a magnesium intake of 400–420 milligrams daily for adult men and 310–320 milligrams daily for adult women.

PROBIOTICS

The latest research on probiotics shows that in addition to optimizing gut health, a daily probiotic enhances immune system health, reduces the body’s inflammatory response and even impacts mood. In a review and meta-analysis of clinical trials studying the effect of probiotics on depression published in Nutrients, researchers found supporting evidence that taking probiotics could reduce the risk of depression and its symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability. In another study out of the University of Missouri, researchers concluded that the common probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum could decrease stress-related behavior and anxiety. Although this study was not conducted on humans, the research corroborates other evidence of links between a healthy gut and a healthy central nervous system. Experts recommend taking a probiotic with 1 billion–15 billion CFUs daily to encourage gut health.

Essential Oils for Stress Certain scents can powerfully affect our minds and bodies. The practice of aromatherapy employs the healing powers of scents from essential oils to enhance well-being. Lavender essential oil is well known for its ability to promote relaxation through inhalation and when used in massage. A study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand found that subjects who inhaled the scent of lavender oil had decreased blood pressure and heart rate, indicators of a more relaxed state. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that the sweet, floral scent of ylang-ylang oil calmed the nervous system by reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

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This extract, from one of the species of the Echinacea plant, has been noted for its stress-reducing properties. Several studies, including one published in Phytotherapy Research, have shown that use of this herbal ingredient can reduce anxiety, a common stress symptom.

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Sweeten the Deal with Dates

TRY FOR BAKING, USE 2⁄3 CUP DATE SYRUP FOR EVERY 1 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR, AND REDUCE LIQUID IN RECIPE.

Date syrup is a great natural-sugar alternative in these yummy, easy-to-make granola bars. B Y D I N A D E L E A S A - G O N S A R Turn healthy dates into a sweetener. Date syrup is easy to make, and is a great binder for granola bars. It contains about 33 percent less sugar than table sugar, and adds a caramel flavor to recipes.

MAKES 2 CUPS

2 pounds dried dates, pitted 8 cups water DIRECTIONS 1. Chop dates using kitchen shears. Place dates and water in a saucepan, simmer 30 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cool, and then transfer to blender or food processor; blend until smooth. 3. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth. Pour date puree through. Pull sides of cheesecloth together, and twist to press out as much liquid as possible. 4. Put liquid back into saucepan, and simmer until it thickens, about 20 minutes. Cool before using. Date syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few weeks.

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Candy-Apple Granola Bars SERVES 12–15

2 cups old-fashioned oats ¾ cup walnuts, chopped ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds ¼ cup ground flaxseed 4 tablespoons coconut oil

¼ cup honey 1½ cups date syrup ½ cup dried apples, chopped (use kitchen shears to cut into pieces)

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over sides for easy removal later. Also line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Spread oats, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed on baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes, or until oats begin to brown. Remove from oven, let cool, and add to a large mixing bowl. 3. In a small saucepan, combine coconut oil, honey and date syrup. Simmer 2–4 minutes. Let mixture cool. 4. Add apples, goji berries, cinnamon and salt to mixing bowl with oats. Stir ingredients together.

¼ cup dried goji berries 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ cup almond butter

Add almond butter and date-syrup mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated. You may need to get your hands in there! 5. Press into prepared baking dish. Use another piece of parchment paper on top to pack mixture down, and press it into the corners. 6. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour before removing from baking dish to cut into bars. PER BAR: 260 CAL; 6G PROTEIN; 13G FAT; 34G CARB (15G SUGARS); 81MG SODIUM; 5G FIBER NUTRITIONAL VALUES CALCULATED AT NUTRITIONDATA.SELF.COM

Dina Deleasa-Gonsar loves to create recipes and, in particular, experiment with ingredients. See more of her creations at dishitgirl.com.

AARON COLUSSI; FOOD STYLING: ERIC LESKOVAR; PROP STYLING: NICOLE DOMINIC

Date Syrup