Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury

Healthy food helps us lead a luxury life

PESTICIDES IN PRODUCE

Summer is here.  Think of all those juicy fruits and vegetables that are available this time of year.  Of course, you’re not surprised that I advocate eating them….after all, I am a nutrition and health counselor and they’re packed with vitamins, anti-oxidants and fiber.  However, you might be taken slight aback when you read that I am going to recommend actually foregoing certain ones…that is, unless they are organic.

That’s because there are some fruits and veggies that are so contaminated with a pesticides, that the danger of ingesting these chemicals offsets the benefit of these otherwise nutritious foods.  Don’t be fooled, even (especially) the gorgeous looking, plump and colorful produce is often the most pesticide-filled.

Sure, it’s always better to eat organic than not, but I realize it’s not always realistic – they might not be readily available at the market or perhaps cost prohibitive to eat 100% organic, not to mention that most restaurants don’t even use organic products in their preparations.

How to choose?  Here’s a list of the “Dirty Dozen” or most chemically infused produce….try to buy these organic only.  On the other side is the list of the “Cleanest 12” which has the lowest pesticides, so you can feel a lot more comfortable buying/eating these from commercial sources.

LOWEST IN PESTICIDES
Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

DIRTY DOZEN
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
Source: Environmental Working Group

One final word of caution for another summer pleasure…shopping at the the farmer’s stand.  It’s wonderful to eat locally but, these too, might be infested with harmful pesticides.  On the other hand, while the farmer may not have an organic label, it is possible that they use natural pesticides and fertilizers. How to know?  ASK!

Here’s to your health!
Tricia
www.healthyliving-now.com

Travel tips from The Guru Of Luxury nutritionalist.

HEALTHY TRAVEL TIPS Memorial Day is just around the corner. That means summertime, which also means many of you will be taking one or more trips in the upcoming weeks and months. Such an enjoyable time to look forward to. Now you can maintain a health consciousness while still thoroughly enjoying your upcoming vacation. Here are some tips:

1. Buy and package snacks to eat during your trip –  Try gnu or protein bars (eating 1/2 bar often satisfies desire)  prepackaged healthy snacks – I like the nut and seed mixes by Eden Organics  pack raw almonds in little baggies  eat flax seeds – they’re great source of Omega 3 and very chewy

2. For flight:  Call airline in advance and order special meal (fresh fruit, low fat or vegetarian etc)  Opt for a grilled chicken on greens salad instead of airplane food – these are often avail at airport prepackaged  Pack the snacks listed above as well as bananas, apples, carrots/celery  Once through security, buy bottled water  If flying first class, try saying “no thank you” when the flight attendant asks to refill your cup of roasted/salted nuts or if you’d like a hot fudge sundae

3. Local Cuisine:  Do a little research on the local cuisine of your destination prior to your trip…while most places offer so much choice, it’s great to orient yourself and learn what type of cooking the region is known for-what’s healthy and not-so. Most places near the sea or ocean should have delicious fresh fish – enjoy it plentifully, grilled, broiled or baked.  Breakfast is often “continental style” in Western Europe…carb haven….be mindful…..enjoy fresh fruit and order eggs when available  Think about passing on the rolls/butter that are often placed on the tables in restaurants…save those carbs for delicious pastry you might want to try.  Potatoes, rather than vegetables, may accompany most main meals……rather than being tempted by these, try to order sides of vegetables or a delicious salad to start.

4. Eat ½ portion of really indulgent foods…you wont feel deprived but also won’t go overboard!

5. Find a market or grocery and stock up on fresh fruits/veggies and large bottles of water to keep in your hotel room

6. The mini-bar....best choice is to leave the mini-bar key with the front desk…unlikely you’ll get up in the middle of the night to retrieve for a midnight snack! Otherwise, you can take tempting items out of mini-bar (replace prior to check-out so you won’t be charged) and fill with your favorite healthy snacks and beverages, including low fat yogurts and other items that might need refrigeration.

7. Walk everywhere you can Most of all,,,,have an absolutely FABULOUS trip.

by: Tricia Frankel CHHC, RUT Healthy Living Now Wellness thru Nutrition & Yoga www.healthyliving-now.com tricia@healthyliving-now.com 917.853.2342

Sugar Blues?

Healthy living is luxury living. What's your relationship ti SUGAR?

I am thrilled to be part of the Luxury Guru Blog...special thanks to Lorre for this opportunity to contribute to and correspond with all those that follow her.  I hope you'll find my postings not only interesting but also helpful in your own quest for healthy living - discovering what nourishes you, balancing your diet, lifestyle and personal choices.  I'd like to invite those of you who will be in the New York City area on May 16 to a FREE lecture and discussion I am having on the topic of SUGAR! Targeted to those who crave sugar and want to understand why.  I will deconstruct these cravings, tell you how sugar affects not only blood sugar levels and puts you at risk of not only weight gain and Diabetes but other health concerns as well. Most importantly, I will help you change your relationship with sugar forever. Please see the flyer below for details.  Hope to see you there.

Tricia Frankel CHHC, RYT
Healthy Living Now
Wellness thru Nutrition & Yoga
tricia@healthyliving-now.com
917.853.2342

Lorre White The Luxury Guru introduces her new nutritionist blogger.

Biography Tricia is the Founder and Director of Healthy Living Now. Tricia’s father first brought her to his health club when she was 8 years old. By 10, she made TV appearances along with the then Mr. Minnesota promoting the benefits of physical fitness. Later, Tricia went on to become a Vikings NFL Cheerleader. Yet, over the years, Tricia faced her own weight and health issues, and her journey for wellness and restored energy led her to seek a holistic approach, including eating an abundance of whole foods, taking natural supplements and staying active. Tricia also found that yoga - a combination of a physical and spiritual practice - was a wonderful way to combat the effects of her high stress Wall Street banking career, as well as to enhance her strength and flexibility. Eventually, it became evident that Tricia’s quest for health and vitality was more than a mere interest…it was a true passion. She dramatically shifted her career path and now devotes her time to inspiring others and teaching and empowering them to achieve their own healthy practices and optimal health. Her approach is bio-individual, acknowledging that one solution does not fit all. Tricia sees clients a one-on-one or group basis, holds workshops and works with corporations to improve employee wellness. Tricia attended the Institute of Integrated Nutrition, affiliated with Columbia University, for integrative nutrition and holistic health counseling. She is board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Tricia is also a certified yoga instructor. She’s fascinated by the mind-body connection and incorporates vinyasa, with mindful awareness on alignment and pranayama (breathing). Additionally, she is well studied in the area of natural skin care. Tricia received her BA in marketing and an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin.