The long weekend is coming so hopefully that means you need a great new book for the plane or car ride to Thanksgiving dinner! I've recently read, Chill Out & Get Healthy and came face to face with some really important facts about living the best life possible. The author is my client - Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist Aimee Raupp - and I think she may really help make a difference in your lifestyle. Some of the information was really shocking (like the dangers of eating soy) and other facts made me realize just how unhealthy I was living!
Aimee understands how impossible it would be to never eat another piece of chocolate again or to hit the gym everyday. -- she does not try to sell you on being granola, green and healthy every moment of your life. Her prescription for health is to live in moderation and the book teaches us how to do that without feeling overwhelmed. After reading, you will have learned great ways to help maintain good health and prevent disease. I asked Aimee a few questions about the book and her lifestyle.
Q: What are three easy things people can change in their diet TODAY to be more healthy and clean?
A: Well, the most important thing is to ONE, begin reading all the labels of your foods. TWO steer clear of packaged and processed foods containing high fructose corn syrup (or crystalline fructose, sugar, or any other chemically-laded sweetener) and any soy (including soy protein isolate, soy flour, soy oil, soy lecithin, etc). THREE eat foods as close to their natural state as possible (meaning wholesome, nutrient rich foods like humanely raised animal products, organic fruits, veggies and whole grains.)
Q: Ok, soy! I'm sure so many people are shocked to hear you say that - especially because soy is generally known to be healthy. So, why NO SOY?
A: Soy started off with the best of intentions, but has unfortunately suffered at the hands of modern processing techniques. Soy products, and all of its derivatives (soy lecithin, soy flour, soy protein isolate, soy oil, etc) --organic or not-- are processed at such high temperatures that the enzymes our bodies require to digest the soy have been denatured causing soy to actually be an "anti-nutrient" to our bodies--it actually depletes nutrients from our bodies and causes toxic buildup that can disrupt hormones.
Q: Do you have any favorite books that you would suggest as “must reads” for people looking to improve their health?
A: Michael Pollan's, In Defense of Food. I also really like Alejandro Junger's book Clean. Both are great, super informative reads.
Q: In your book, you talk a lot about probiotics. You are a huge fan! Can you explain why?
A: I'm a hug fan of probiotics period. They are specifically important for women because they introduce good, healthy flora (naturally occurring bacteria that should be present in our bodies--but often get run down by poor diet and stress) into our bodies and not only keep our digestive tract and immune system's healthy but they also help prevent and treat common female issues as acne, urinary tract infections and yeast infections.
Q: So many people (like me!) struggle with seasonal allergies and bad sinus pain these days. What tips can you share that might help control them?
A: My favorite is the Neti Pot. Every person-especially those with seasonal allergies- should own one. It's a several thousand year old nasal irrigation system that helps keep pollen, bacteria and mucus out of the sinus cavity and therefore really helps treat seasonal allergies and sinus infections. As well, I always recommend that allergy and sinus pain sufferers avoid dairy as it is very mucus forming and often contributes to symptoms.
Q: Everyone is on the go these days - some people even forget to eat! How can we all chill out more?
A: I recommend trying to set aside just five minutes a day for yourself where you can chill out and check in. Check in with yourself, that is. You do this by setting an alarm for five minutes and just sitting back (or lying down if you have the space) and taking some deep breaths, relaxing your tense muscles and checking in with yourself. Ask yourself questions like: am I hungry, do I have a headache, am I happy or sad? You get it. Just chill out and check in five minutes a day, it can make all the difference in alleviating the stress in your stressful day.
Q: Can you share some natural healthy holiday tips?
A: Don't over eat! Try and fill up on good foods - vegetables and proteins - this way you only have little room for the carbs and sweets. If you feel bloated and have indigestion, chew on a cinnamon stick or parsley sprigs. Both aid with digestion. If you can't sleep from all the commotion, rub lavender oil on your temples. If you feel under the weather, eat garlic - either in its natural state or drop in a mug of hot water with lemon. Garlic is a great anti-viral agent. If you are cooking, make sure to use organic meats, veges, dairy and fruits! And lastly, if you need a break from the family banter, slip away for a five minute "chill out" time to check in with yourself.
Got a question for Aimee or want to follow her blog - visit www.aimeeraupp.com. She will gladly answer questions from spirited woman looking to improve their health!
- Elaine La Personerie - www.winkpr.com
Click here for more of Elaine's posts.
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