Digestion is the process of metabolizing and translating the energy and information of food to our body.  Information is converted from the vital nutrients of foods categorized as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, other natural chemicals plus the energetic signature of the food itself.  When we choose the right constituents and our body is capable of extracting the energy and information we need, we create a healthy and vital body.

We become what we eat because that is how the body produces and reproduces itself.  Deepak Chopra says, “Eating is biological alchemy that transforms vegetables, lentils and grains into muscles, organs and bones.”   It’s important to fully understand and provide the body the proper energy and information to ensure proper digestion, health and well being.

Conscious Compassionate Choices:

We live in a time of information overload.  It becomes even more important to listen to our bodies, connect to our inner wisdom and make conscious compassionate choices.

Ayurvedic 'aa-yer-vay-dik' medicine is the ancient and original practice of naturopathy from India.  Ayurveda in sanskrit literally means the “knowledge of life”.  The primary aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to balance body, mind and spirit which will help prevent illness and promote wellness.  Health and wellbeing is dependent on our interconnectedness with people and the universe.

Industrialized animal production is not humane. In order to save time and money the rights and needs of animals are not generally considered.  The cruelty and experience the animals endure becomes part of the energy signature of the meat, fish, eggs and dairy we eat.  Many movies, documentaries and articles are coming forth with alarming facts and proof of what is and has been occurring.  In order to be conscious we must understand the conditions our food is grown, slaughtered and processed.  Please click on the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eKYyD14d_0

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/issues/factoryfarming/

http://www.polyfacefarms.com/default.aspx

Here are a few links to begin research in your area of farmers that provide not only conscious husbandry for animals but quality meats, fish, eggs and dairy.  As we start to make more and more conscious decisions our radar and awareness grow and we are able to taste the difference! 

http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/fwi/fwi.aspx 

http://www.sustainabletable.org/shop/guides/ 

Food is medicine!  Many spices, herbs and other foods have healing properties that Ayurveda and Naturopathy promotes as balancing to the body.  Dictionary.com says:  “Medicine is something, such as a ritual practice or sacred object, believed to control natural or supernatural powers or serve as a preventive or remedy.”   This definition shows that food has medicinal properties.  Food can heal and help balance the body in may ways.  Since food is medicine, we are the doctors of our nutrition.  What are you prescribing for yourself and family?  What choices are you making to bring balance to yourself, others and the universe? 

Any time we consciously choose to come from a place of compassion we bring knowledge, awareness, thoughtfulness and heart-centered connection to the forefront.  This allows us to realize we are one and how our actions and reactions impact others and the earth.

Choosing organics is about raising our awareness to make decisions that are sustainable, nutritious and healthy for ourselves, others and the earth.

Organic farming is a cycle of sustainability that starts and ends with the Earth.  The flow of life is from seed to food to compost and back to soil.  It is based upon practices that maintain soil fertility, while assisting nature’s balance through diversity and recycling of energy and nutrients.  It also avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pest controls.  Organic foods are processed, packaged, transported and stored to retain maximum nutritional value without the use of artificial preservatives, coloring, additives, genetically modified, irradiated or synthetic pesticides.

This process results in a fraction of the ground water pollution and topsoil depletion compared to conventional methods.  It’s also healthier for farm workers and food handlers!  By supporting organic farmers, we are supporting small, family farms that are better for everyone.  Here is a link that shows local support in finding affordable, seasonal and sustainable organic produce:  

http://www.localharvest.org/ 

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ 

Pesticides cause a multitude of problems and diseases:

• Infertility, low birth weight and birth defects
• Interfere with child development and cognitive ability
• Cause neurological problems
• Disrupt hormone function
• Cause a variety of cancers: leukemia, kidney cancer, brain cancer, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

There are 12 fruits and vegetables called the dirty dozen that have the highest risk of pesticide residue when consumed.  These foods still maintain a high risk for farm workers and food handlers.  You can also see a printable version to carry with you on the following link:  

http://on.fb.me/buytheseorganic 

1.  celery                         7.   bell peppers

2.  peaches                    8.   spinach

3.  strawberries                 9.   cherries

4.  apples                        10.  kale/collard greens

5.  blueberries                11.   potatoes

6.  nectarines                12.   grapes (imported)

Organic heirloom tomatoes have been abundantly local, seasonal and delicious right now.  

Here is a list of nutritional information for emphasis:  Tomatoes contain good amounts of Vit C, Vit A, (B9) folate, potassium, (B3) niacin, (B2) riboflavin, chromium and (B6) pyridoxine.  Tomatoes are rich in phytonutrients with the super star being lycopene.  These antioxidants help protect against heart disease, cancer (especially breast, prostate, pancreas and colon), inflammation, cholesterol, osteoporosis and diabetes. Lycopene is fat soluble; therefore, tomatoes wonderful qualities are easily absorbed when eaten with avocado, olive oil or nuts.  Click here more details World’s Healthiest Foods website on the nutrition of tomatoes and other foods.

Keep the above nutritional information in mind how food is medicine for our bodies when you enjoy the following recipe:

Lou’s Terrific Tomato Soup

Blend until smooth:

1 to 2 large heirloom tomato

1/2 c sun dried heirloom tomatoes

1/2 lemon squeezed

1 garlic clove

2 stalks of celery 

1/2 cucumber

handful of parsley

1 tsp fresh oregano or basil chopped

1/8 c soaked raw cashews or 1/2 avocado or 2 T hemp seeds

2 dates or 1 banana or 1/4 c grapes

dash of cayenne pepper

dash of celtic salt or to taste

Thinly slice and chop choice of veggies @ 1/2 cup

Add to blended soup prior to serving

What area could you transition your nutrition to be more consciously connected to the health of your body, others and the earth?  Coaching can help support you to make these changes.  Visit Heart Path Coach’s website for more information on coaching:  www.heartpathcoach.com 

Call today to schedule your complimentary coaching session!  501-805-2373