August Simple Pure Whole Favorites: Health | Lifestyle | Happiness

August has flown by and it is already time to share my favorite healthy recipes/foods/products/links/exercises/inspiration from the past month. In July I introduced this new Favorites feature to the updated Simple | Pure | Whole^TMBlog, and I have some great new-to-me healthy finds to share again this month to help you live a healthy life!

I only share resources that I have personal experience with and can therefore recommend without reservation. Remember that each person is unique so check with your health care provider before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle. This is not intended as medical advice. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices are the same for you and affiliate commission helps to support the maintenance of my blog so I can continue to bring you free, value-filled resources. Thank you for your support!

So without further ado, here are some of my Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Healthy Favorites for August!

Favorite Ingredient: Coconut Nectar

As I shared in last month’s favorites for a healthy life, I love coconuts and find them versatile and valuable in their many forms! This month, I was experimenting with low-glycemic natural sweetener options for my Gluten-Free Ginger Coconut Cashew Granola Bars and found that coconut nectar was a great fit for the flavor profile of these bars. 

Coconut nectar comes from the sap of the coconut tree which is naturally sweet and contains 17 amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, B vitamins and other phytonutrients. To make raw, virgin nectar, the sap is gently evaporated at low temperatures to remove excess moisture but maintain the raw state and active enzymes. 

This sweetener is low-glycemic (with an average GI of 35) and does not need refrigeration. Unlike agave nectar which contains a high percentage of metabolically-unfavorable fructose, coconut nectar is around 10-12% fructose, 10-12% glucose and around 74% sucrose. It is a thick syrup which is golden brown in color and sticky like molasses. I found the taste to be very mildly sweet with a smooth texture and no strong coconutty taste. 

Simple Pure Whole Solutions

• Choose a raw, organic coconut nectar like this one that has been minimally processed at low temperatures.
• Try coconut nectar in smoothies, baked goods or to top pancakes, waffles or oatmeal. 
• Remember that coconut nectar is still a processed, refined sweetener so use it in moderation as part of your healthy life. Studies suggest that eating healthy fats along with natural sweeteners can help further reduce the impact on blood sugar and insulin levels, although all sweeteners can impact blood sugar levels in sensitive individuals and those with insulin-resistance or diabetes. 

Favorite Health Article: When It Come to Fitness, One Size Doesn’t Fit All via The Huffington Post

While movement and physical activity are key components of a Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Lifestyle and an overall healthy life, there are no set in stone rules that work for everyone. I have recently become more mindful of how various types of exercise routines impact my energy, body and mood. While we often get sold the more pain more gain mantra when it comes to fitness, simple activity may bring even greater results for some people. As with nutrition, listening to your body’s needs is truly key!

I have seen it over and over again with my clients and patients as well as for my own body–crazy intense fitness routines do not always bring the fastest or most desirable results. According to Dr. Jackowski, each of us has a unique phenotype and therefore do best with different types of fitness routines. For some, running may be just what the doctor ordered, but others may thrive with yoga and walking. 

Simple Pure Whole Solutions

• When figuring out the best fitness routine for your unique body, keep these four components of fitness in mind–muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Experiment with different ways to fulfill these aspects of fitness in a way that makes you feel energized and balanced. 
• Remember that fitness can be fun! Fitting in daily activity does not have to be drudgery. Find the simple joy and freedom in playing and reap benefits for both your mind and body! Try these strategies to incorporate more play into your day and rediscover the magic of joyful play!
• Check out these varied workout ideas to find the best fit for your lifestyle, schedule and body!

Follow Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH MBE (www.JenniferWeinbergMD.com)’s board Workouts on Pinterest.

Favorite Farmer’s Market Find: Watermelon

This past month we celebrated National Farmer’s Market Week. Shopping from your local farmer’s market allows you to get the freshest, most vibrant food while supporting your neighbors and community. It is a great opportunity to experiment with new foods and try a variety of nourishing ingredients.

In addition to the beautiful eggplants (enjoy them in my Provencal Ratatouille Recipe here) I have been loving the refreshing watermelon from my local farmer’s market this month! Watermelon is low in calories and a delicious source of hydrating water along with vitamin C, copper, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. 

Lycopene is a carotenoid that helps keep the cardiovascular system healthy and protect us from free radical damage. Red/pink pigmented fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, guava and grapefruit are rich in lycopene which increases as the fruit ripens. Lycopene has also been shown to inhibit inflammation in the body including blocking the expression of enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase that are involved in inflammatory signaling and pain pathways. 

Watermelon also contains the amino acid citrulline which can be converted into arginine by the kidneys to improve blood flow and protect the cardiovascular system. 

Simple Pure Whole Solutions

• Make sure you choose a ripe, delicious watermelon every time with these tips from BonAppetit for How To Tell If a Watermelon is Really Ripe!
• Try this simple ingenious method from Sober Julie for the perfect way to cut up your watermelon for easy snacking! (photo source SoberJulie.com)

Try these refreshing summery recipes for some creative ways to enjoy watermelon:

• Watermelon Gazpacho from Nutrition Stripped makes a refreshing meal on a hot summer’s day
• Patriotic Fruit with Watermelon from Fork & Beans would be a festive, healthy dessert for Labor Day as well!
• Strawberry Chia Watermelon Smoothie from MimimalistBaker.com

Favorite Quotes:

      

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” Elizabeth Edwards 

 “A pure heart open to the light will be filled with the essence of Truth.” Rumi 

 

Which of these powerful quotes resonates the most with you?

This Months Features from The Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Blog

  

  

  

Have you tried coconut nectar?

What is your favorite way to enjoy watermelon?

Please let me know in the comments below or on Facebook or Instagram if you have tried any of these or if you find something new you love so I can check it out!

If you enjoyed these healthy tips, I welcome you to join my free Insider’s Community for special offers, members-only opportunities, wellness news, recipes and more! 

And be sure to check out my newest product, The Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Nourishment Journal and Guide to Intuitive Eating which helps you monitor, pay attention to and learn to utilize your cravings as wise messages and reconnect with an intuitive, balanced way of eating!

 

 

This post was shared with: Motivation Monday, Marvelous in my Monday, Monday Funday, Made by You Monday, Two Cup Tuesday, Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop, Fat Tuesday, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Create and Share, Tip Tuesday,  A Little Bird Told Me, Crafty & Delicious Party, Full Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Weekend Retreat, Friday’s Five Features

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this email and related resources is for informational purposes only. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes taking any medication or nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health issue.. Do not use this information provided for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you suspect you have a medical problem please contact your healthcare provider promptly and do not disregard professional medical advice based on anything in this email. This correspondence and related resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and do not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Jennifer Weinberg.

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