FOOD IS MEDICINE: NATURAL REMEDIES

MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF FRESH FOOD:

NATURAL REMEDIES

So... I recently have been discussing on Facebook my personal evolution during my quest for wellness. I grew up on a traditional Italian-American diet; TONS of artery-clogging meats such as; sausage, beef, pork, prosciutto, capicola etc. Then TONS of refined and processed semolina-based pasta. Bread, Heavy Cream-based sauces, Sweets! -The list goes on and on! Not that it didn't taste phenomenal but I never thought about what an impact this kind of diet made on my overall well-being health, and mental.

I then moved to New York City where my daily activity and cardio was heavily increased beings you have to walk everywhere! I started exploring health, nutrition, and wellness. As I began to incorporate a healthy diet into my life the difference was LIFE CHANGING! I dramatically felt a difference mentally; I was more alert, had more energy, more focused. My body followed suit and I became more healthy, ripped, and fit. Don't be fooled, I also was heavily into my OVERALL fitness, I worked out in the gym a TON and did a lot of yoga, and cardio. But I realized that the food we eat plays a HEAVY role in how we feel, and look.

I started at about 170 pounds, through exercise, diet (NOW VEGAN plant-based) I am now at 140 pounds, I eventually want to bulk up to 160 through all natural and all vegan gains. Which is possible! Look it up there are plenty of vegan bodybuilders, athletes, etc. All doing impeccably well.

But what I never realized until exploring nutrition is that EACH natural food holds health benefits and properties. Look at it as medicine! Each food we consume will nourish and uplift the health of our bodies! For instance, just eating garlic alone comes along with natural anti-inflammatory properties. So whether you choose a bowl full of medicine (A kale salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, lentil beans, quinoa) or a value meal at McDonald's with absolutely no health benefit whatsoever! The choice is yours. You will see and feel the impact depending on what you decide to put in your body.

That being said, I decided to enlighten my readers into exactly what health benefits these foods, spices, and herbs hold for you. This isn't a post to make you become vegan. More of just to tell you the benefits of eating these kinds of foods! I did all the research for you, so you don't have to. But before you eat something look up what it does to and for your body. Is it working for you? Or against you?

FRUITS

Health benefits of fruits guarantee you optimum health and a well-built body in the long run. Fruits benefit your body immensely as they are natural sources of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for proper functioning of the body. Rich in dietary fiber, fruits also help to improve the functioning of the digestive tract. Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet for those who want to lose weight; they give ample energy and nearly every nutrient that your body needs to curb weight gain, without adding any unnecessary fats.

Moreover, fruits help you to stay away from health complications like heat stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, heart ailments, and diabetes. Fruits effectively fight skin disorders and promote healthy hair growth. It is always suggested to eat raw, fresh and ripe fruits because then you experience the real health benefits, rather than consuming them after processing or cooking.

VEGETABLES & ROOTS

Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

• Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
• Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
• Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
• Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

HERBS & FLOWERS

SPICES

NUTS & BEANS

MUSHROOMS:

WHEAT, RICE & GRAINS

NOTICE A TREND?

All of these foods are natural, grown from the earth, and can potentially protect and rid you from any ailments, illnesses, and diseases. OUR FOOD IS OUR MEDICINE PEOPLE!!! I didn't even cover all the foods, but just gave many good examples upon the basics. Our body is our temple. What we knowingly choose to put it in will lead to an outcome that is of your choosing, whether you know it or not. You've heard we are what we eat!? We all know that we are supposed to be eating more fruits, and vegetables without really knowing WHY! Well, I just spelled it all out for you. When consuming this kind of diet in abundance, and with the variety, you will be able to THRIVE and feel better than you ever have in your entire life! That is what I have noticed since practicing healthy eating, and nutrition which had led me to become vegan. I am a prior AVID meat and dairy lover! But once I transitioned it wasn't that hard. Especially beings they have equally tasty vegan options now! Vegan cheese (made from nuts), vegetable-based burgers, sausage, and meats usually derived from mushrooms, beans, and tofu. 

SO WHY ARE VEGANS SO ANNOYING!? 

It is a common and true stereotype that vegans will NOT SHUT UP about being vegan, and continually and obsessively try to get others to do the same. The reason is ONCE YOU GO VEGAN you realize how amazing you feel! You start to appreciate the health benefits behind the foods we eat, and then knowingly choose not to clutter our health with junk. Once we reap the benefits we want EVERYONE TO KNOW THE SECRET! It feels like we have found the abundant fountain of youth and health! Then looking around and realizing that EVERYONE is eating nothing but burgers, hot dogs, cheese, and fried sides. Mostly JUNK.

You don't have to go Vegan. I would suggest trying it for at least a week, and you will realize it is not as bad, hard, tasteless, or lacking as you may think. You would also feel outstanding! But what I HIGHLY suggest no matter what!? Is to incorporate an abundant amount and variety of fruits, and vegetables into your daily diet.

Don't think of this as a diet. Think of it as a choice, making the choice to eat a well-balanced healthy consumption of foods daily.  

REMEMBER... EAT YOUR VEGETABLES FIRST!!!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

NAMASTE

#STAYWOKE

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