July & August Simple Pure Whole Favorites: Health | Lifestyle | Happiness {Carrot Seed Oil, Brain Benefits of Exercise, Zephyr Squash}
Things have been heating up in July and August! This summer on the blog I shared some hot and healthy topics: The dark and light side of sun exposure and how you can find a healthy balance to enjoy the benefits of time in the sun without feeling the burn; how to stay cool and avoid a meltdown using the wisdom of Ayurveda; my new favorite way to support my own healing and that of my clients–near infrared sauna therapy and a review of The Pocket Sauna; and a new look at the space between pain and suffering and emerging research about the link between gut health and chronic fatigue.
But you don’t have to deal with the heat to have a sweat healthy treat like my Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bites, a perfect snack to throw in the lunchbox! Simple Pure Whole Wellness is also preparing to give back as we head into the fall as I run in If Girls Ran the World to support Jill’s Wish Foundation to help women with breast cancer. I would love to have you get involved to help me help them!
Join me this September and October in one of my signature individual or online group coaching programs!
Build greater mindfulness into your life by joining us for the next The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation Mindset Module! This very special virtual group coaching program offers lasting transformation and meaningful stress management tools that can shift your entire life. Get exercises, workbooks, audio guided meditations, webinars and more! Learn more about this powerful online program and join us from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world! Commit to yourself now to get started September 18th!
So many issues stem from imbalances and inflammation. Learn the powerful methods and strategies I have used to heal, resolve inflammation and prevent chronic health issues like allergies, weight issues and chronic pain in my new Laser Reset Cleanse, available online this Fall!
Simple Pure Whole Opportunities!
To wrap up this month, check out my favorite healthy recipes/foods/products/links/exercises/inspiration from July. My Favorites feature is a regular part of the Simple | Pure | WholeTMBlog allowing me to share some great healthy solutions with you each month!
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!
Here are some of my Simple | Pure | WholeTM Healthy Favorites for July & August!
Favorite Ingredient: Carrot Seed Oil
As the summer heats up and we spend more time outdoors in the sun, it is important to be mindful of skin health. As I mentioned in my post on sun smarts, carrot seed oil has natural sun protection ability along with other skin benefits.
Carrot seed oil is derived from the seeds of the wild carrot plant (Daucus carota) also known as wild Queen Anne’s lace. It contains the pigment carotene which gives the carrot root its deep orange pigmentation, as well as several other constituents including luteolin. The fatty oil has an earthy, woody smell and is amber-colored and is different from the essential oil which is distilled and therefore has different properties.
Carrot seed oil has been traditionally used to nourish and rejuvenate the skin and to treat dysentery. While some studies suggest that sunscreens containing carrot seed oil may have a sun protection factor (SPF) up to 36-40, others have found that volatile oils ranged between 1 and 7 SPF and nonvolatile oils 2 to 8 SPF, although they did not specifically measure the SPF of carrot seed oil.
While we may not be able to rely solely on these oils to protect the skin from burning with prolonged sun exposure, phytonutrients including vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene and luteolin, have shown promise as photoprotectants in clinical, animal and cell culture studies.
Simple Pure Whole Solutions
- To keep skin healthy and prevent UV damage, include plenty of fresh, unprocessed, whole organic foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet, which provide a wealth of antioxidants, essential omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory compounds. Watermelon, brightly colored veggies and raspberries are all rich in antioxidants that help to combat free-radical damage.
- Consider adding a few drops of high-quality organic carrot seed oil to your normal skin oil or moisturizer to provide additional moisturizing and rejuvenatation of the skin.
Favorite Inspirational Article: How Exercise May Help the Brain Grow Stronger
A key step in The Simple Pure Whole Solution is incorporating balanced, enjoyable physical activity into your day!
Exercise makes us feel great, supports a healthy heart, keeps us agile and boosts mood, but emerging research also suggests that exercise does more than just strengthen our muscles. Physical activity also appears to strengthen the brain and boost neurological function.
A new study sheds light on why the brains of those who exercise regularly may work differently. Research in mice suggests that this may be due, at least in part, to the fact that strenuous exercise seems to increase the activity of a gene that creates BDNF, a protein that helps neurons grow. BDNF strengthens synapses that connect neurons, allowing the brain to function better.
One mechanism behind this effect seemed to be greater concentrations of ketones, a byproduct of fat burning, in the running mice. It appears that ketones inhibit molecules which normally block the BDNF gene.
While this research was conducted in mice, it is interesting to begin to understand the many ways in which exercise likely alters our brains!
Simple Pure Whole Solutions:
- Incorporate more activity into your day with walking meetings, getting a workout in during your lunch break and taking small active breaks.
- The next time you are preparing for a big presentation or studying for an exam, hit the trail or gym. Studies show that those who move while learning absorb more information.
- Try active work solutions for incorporating more activity into your day such as the Desk Cycle.
Favorite Farmer’s Market Find: Zephyr Squash
One of my all-time favorite farmer’s market finds is summer squash! While I enjoy zucchini and summer squash of all varieties, one of my favorites is zephyr squash!
This stratightneck summer squash has a yellow stem with a pale green blossom end, giving it a vibrant, beautiful color. It is a hybrid that was formed by a cross between a yellow crookneck, Delicata and yellow Acorn squash, giving it a slightly nutty, sweet flavor and firm flesh that is perfect for many dishes!
Summer squashes belong to the Cucurbitaceae family along with cucumbers, so they are technically a fruit. Carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in summer squash are key antioxidants that protect our cells from free radical damage. The skin is especially rich in these nutrients and can be eaten intact.
Simple Pure Whole Solutions
- I love grating zucchini for muffins and quick breads. The sweet nutty flavor of zephyr squash is perfect in this Gluten Free Vegan Zucchini Date Bread from The Full Helping.
- Zoodles or spiralized zucchini noodles are versatile gluten-free, grain-free noodle substitutes which are delicious raw or lightly cooked with a variety of sauces. I have pinned many of my favorite ways to enjoy zoodles on my Vegan Entrees Pinterest Board!
- As conventional summer squash is frequently genetically-modified (GMO) and sprayed heavily with pesticides and herbicides, be sure to choose organically-grown squash whenever possible.
- For a quick summer recipe, try these Zephyr Squash Refrigerator Pickles from Lemony Thyme.
This Month’s Favorite Quote:
July and August Features from The Simple | Pure | WholeTM Blog:
What is your favorite way to enjoy summer squash?
What are your favorite benefits of exercise?
Have you tried carrot seed oil?
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!
Your Simple Pure Whole Wellness Plan!
- Since inflammation plays such an important role in so many chronic issues, it can be helpful to take time to cleanse and start anew. I am offering an affordable, to-the-point program to help you find balance, heal chronic illness, get to a healthy weight and revitalize! The Simple | Pure | Whole Laser Reset Cleanse will jumpstart the transformation of your lifestyle, diet and body to leave you feeling better than you have in years! Enroll now for our fall Reset!
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Glorious Greens for Great Health Virtual Workshop and Cookbook: This virtual workshop will introduce you to the facts and science about leafy green vegetables and provide simple and nutritious recipe ideas to help you easily incorporate these nutritional powerhouses into your diet. You will discover vibrant health through knowledge and flavorful real food recipes!
Breathe: Guided Relaxation & Breathing Exercises to Help You Find Your Whole Cure is now available! This special resource will support you in bringing The Whole Cure to life! The individually-available breathing exercises and guided relaxation experiences (starting at $0.99!) can be used anywhere, at any time of day. Try using them when you feel panic, stress, anxiety or just want a few moments of calm in your day. They are also helpful for coping with pain and helping the body prepare for rest and relaxation.
- 3-Month Simple | Pure | WholeTM Wellness Solution Essential Lifestyle Coaching Program! Get personalized one-on-one attention and transformational coaching to address your physical and emotional body, lifestyle and habits with customized virtual transformational wellness coaching!
- The Whole Cure: 52 Essential Prescriptions for Overcoming Overwhelm, Reclaiming Balance and Reconnecting with a Life You Love! Commit to yourself with 52 simple yet profound stress management techniques that you can work on throughout the year to change your mindset and find greater peace, calm and balance!
Simple Pure Whole Opportunities!
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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