April Newsletter 2010                                                                       Volume 2, Issue 4

Contents of this newsletter are for information and educational purposes only and do not intend to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any diseases.
A La carte Wellness is an approved reseller of the Supplements and the Essential Oils and is not liable for any misuse of such products.

                            
                  A La Carte Wellness Celebrates 
         its 1 st. Anniversary!    

Can you believe it?

I cannot believe that one year has already passed since my first newsletter. I must say that I have made a lot of progress and changes throughout this past year and will continue to do so… as we experience change every single day, minute, seconds, nano seconds... even cells within our bodies degenerate and rejuvenate constantly so we have no choice but to embrace change. We apparently get a new seld every 7 years! Who said we can't change an old dog?

Transformation gives us the opportunity to improve on many levels of our lives. I have had some ups and down as every one has else I presume. The downs have helped me grow to be a better person, more understanding and more compassionate. Learning forgiveness is quite challenging but rewarding at the end.

A La Carte Wellness gets a facelift and gets its own store!

I have been working really hard to make this site more organized with a cleaner look. My hope is that you will find valuable information at your fingertips, savory recipes and you will be able to interact by posting information as well. I will continue to make the recipes gluten free as it is quite challenging to substitute product without compromising taste.
I hope you will invite friends and family to subscribe to the newsletters as the more people share, the healthier we will all become.

More is in store but I don’t want to share everything just yet!   Let me know what you think!

Spinach

I discovered that spinach originated in Iran and is often referred as the “Persian Green” in many other countries. While it has wonderful properties; because of its oxalic acid content, people suffering from kidney or bladder stones as well as rheumatoid arthritis need to consume it with moderation.
It is found to be:

• Anti cancer, particularly to lung, breast and cervix
• An antioxidant
• Antiviral
• Immuno-Stimulant.

It is known to be a good source of energy... Remember the cartoon Popeye’s!
Spinach helps against:

• heart disease 
• nerves
• skin
• blood
• muscles
• mucous membranes to stay in good condition.

Nutritional Properties:
“Vitality Foods for Health & Fitness” Pierre Jean Cousin & Kirsten Hartvig.

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Folate
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Carotenoids
• Oxalic Acid
• Fiber
• Protein
   

I usually like to steam my spinach but I dislike the coating on my teeth; mixing it with other greens seems to lessen the discomfort. Enjoy the recipe!

Recipe

Wilted Spinach & Bok Choy                                   Prep time: 10 mn Cooking Time : 5 mn

Ingredients:

• Count 1 to 1 1/2 cup per person of the green mixture
  (spinach & bok choy)
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 Tbs Sesame Oil

Steps:

• Wash and rinse well the spinach & bok choy. I usually roll the leaves and chop finely. for the bok choy, I cut the bottom and do chop up the white parts in smaller pieces.
• In a large pot, add the oil
• Add chopped green onions
• Add chopped bok choy and spinach and mix well
• Let cook for a few minutes.
• Season with salt & pepper

Serving Suggestions:

I like to serve the mixture with sautéed chicken or as a side to oven baked salmon.
Having the sesame oil gives it a different taste which I have found kids like. It gives it a different flair and adds a distinct flavor.
It is easily served with an accompaniment of quinoa or brown rice or a cup of cooked lentils if desired.
We can also add some slices of steamed carrots to the mix or slices of water chestnuts and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Add some pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch & protein.
 

 Are You Zinc Deficient?

Many Americans are zinc deficient according to a survey, especially individuals that follow a vegetarian diet, individuals who consume very little animal protein or people with Celiac Disease.
Zinc promotes a healthy immune system, helps with digestive function, helps with prostate health and sexual function. It also provides specific enzyme for detoxification of heavy metals in the cells.
Some characteristics of zinc deficiency are:

• Acne 
• Skin Rashes
• Brittle Nails 
• White Spots on Nails
• Poor Digestion
• Diarrhea
• Amnesia
• Memory Loss
• Frequent Infections
• Impaired Taste
• Night Blindness
• Poor Appetite
• Fatigue

Zinc has antioxidant properties and is needed in our bodies to maintain proper levels of Vitamin E in our blood and helps in the absorption of Vitamin A. It is also vital for normal growth.

Good Sources of Zinc

• Oysters is a good source of zinc however, they can be highly contaminated with heavy metals so consume with care.
• Red Meat ( + Liver)
• Shellfish
• Egg
• Kelp
• Brazil Nuts
• Split Peas

Read more < click here>

Detoxification

While everyone’s book, commercial ads or fitness experts talk about detoxification, I have not heard many talk about how not everyone is up for detoxifying their bodies.
While detoxifying can be a great tool to rid of toxins and purify our bodies, it can also be detrimental if we do not prepare our body for the cleansing.. With spring comes natural detoxification. Some of us may have more difficulties eliminating toxins because our internal system is not functioning to its optimal. The excess in sugar, or highly processed foods contribute to our toxicity as well as additives, food colorings, preservatives , and artificial sweeteners. By consuming wholesome foods, our bodies can function more to its natural rhythm because we put less strain on our organs. While detoxifying may be beneficial, there are also some side effects to the process such as muscle aches and pains, irritability, cravings…

Read more < click here>