The letter C for SpiCy!! by Liz Jones November 2013

Sometimes when you are trying to healthier, it can start to seem like all you are eating is chicken and broccoli over and over again. It’s important that food is still enjoyable when you are making clean eating a part of your lifestyle, so that it is something that is sustainable and to avoid an all-out meal mutiny one day while driving past the Dairy Queen. An easy way to do this is to try out new flavors, herbs and spices, adding both flavor and nutrition to your meals. There are many, many great flavors that taste great as well as have wellness benefits to eating them.
Cayenne pepper- known as one of the world’s healthiest foods. It is high in capsaicin content, which is well-known for its pain relieving property. It is said to help prevent ulcers, as well as being loaded with vitamins, such as beta-carotene, and fights inflammation, clears congestion, and can boost weight loss.
Cinnamon– was historically used as a medicine. It has microbial agents, as well as known to boost brain function and help control blood sugar levels.
Chinese 5 Spice– is one of my favorite blends to add to dishes. It contains anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel- all of which have great attributes on their own, and together make a unique tasting addition to most meats. My favorite way to use it is on sliced sweet potatoes along with a scoop of coconut oil, wrap in aluminum and put it on the grill.
Cilanto– is another one of my favorites that we add to many things in our house such as eggs, rice and quinoa, with meats and in sauces. Cilantro is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and has been shown to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
Cardamom– from the ginger family, is known for is digestive support. Cardamom is used for digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal gas, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. It is also used for common cold, cough, bronchitis, sore mouth and throat, and tendency toward infection. Some people use cardamom as a stimulant and for urinary problems.
**Always remember, if you are managing a medical condition to consult your health care provider and seek their input on any dietary changes.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].

Fight for Your Life by Being Fit for Your Life by Liz Jones November 2013

We all know someone who tragically has been diagnosed with a terrible disease such as diabetes, hardening of the arteries, cancer, or other serious ailments. Or even someone who has found out that they have high blood pressure or cholesterol issues. Maybe it is you. Or maybe you have a family history of disease that you hope not to inherit. For so many people it seems to take getting bad news before they find the motivation to fight for their life. My wish for these people is that they would start to fight for their life BEFORE it’s too late, before the verdict.
One of my favorite authors, Bernie Siegel, who wrote many books such as, “Peace, Love and Healing,” “Love, Medicine and Miracles,” is well-known for his writing on how we have control over our bodies and our health.

“It is astounding how much the immune system is strengthened by reducing daily mental stress levels with either visualization or meditation. The other great tonic for the immune system is love—loving ourselves as well as others.”
“The most powerful tool in the doctor’s “little black bag” to prevent or treat illness is the patient’s (your) own mind!”

Our thoughts and attitudes, as well as the actions that we take, are our first defense against disease and deterioration. Granted, we all will die of something and sometimes a disease is inevitable for some people due to a genetic or environmental factor, but if we can find ways to avoid disease, to prolong our lives and our quality of lives, shouldn’t we?
First, you need to know your family history if it’s available to you. Next you need to “know your numbers.” Get an annual exam and have your medical provider monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other vital blood work. Next, take action- whether you have already been diagnosed with something or whether you know you are at risk, get busy. You don’t wait to get fuel for your car until you run out of gas. It’s much easier to drive up to the pump while you’re still mobile. It’s also much easier to prevent disease than to reverse it once you become sick. Have a positive outlook on life, eat clean, be active, get enough quality sleep, drink enough water. Do what you can to protect your health before you have to fight for your life.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you will take time to be thankful for your own health and for the health of those you love. If you are managing a disease, I will hold you in my thoughts and I wish health and healing for you.

Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].