Iced Turmeric Ginger Latte

June 30, 2016 admin Joyous Health

As you’ve probably noticed before, I get really excited when I have a new recipe to share that I am confident you’ll love. This latte is absolutely wonderful — it’s the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. And it is jam-packed with incredible healing goodness.

This latte is my current addiction!

I’ve been drinking it in the morning but it’s lovely as an afternoon snack too! Of course it’s a little more labour than your typical latte but if you’ve got 5 minutes to grate the turmeric and ginger fresh then you’re in for a real treat.

I strongly recommend you use fresh ingredients for both ginger and turmeric when you make this latte as opposed to powder form.

It simply won’t be as flavourful or health-promoting if you use powdered root, even if it’s organic.

Turmeric and ginger are at top the list for their anti-inflammatory action compared to other foods, herbs and spices. In fact, turmeric has over 3,000 studies proving it’s effective for a multitude of health concerns from inflammation to cancer so clearly modern medicine recognizes it’s value. Turmeric has been used as a healing food in many cultures dating back 4,000 years ago.

Despite popular belief, turmeric does NOT taste like curry. Although curry is delicious, this latte will not taste like curry. Turmeric is only one ingredient in curry. This latte is on the sweet side.

As I was writing this post, I got so excited about all the research I came across on turmeric. I spent hours reading it but I will keep my health benefit summary short and sweet 🙂

Here are some health benefits of turmeric root:

Detoxification: In animal studies, turmeric has the ability to increase two specific detoxification enzymes and enhance the elimination of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals via the liver. This may be why turmeric has been linked to a reduction in colon cancer.

Heart health: Turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6 which helps prevent an inflammatory chemical called homocysteine from getting too high. Homocysteine can be damaging to blood vessel walls. Turmeric may also prevent oxidation of cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol is what causes damage to blood vessels and can lead to heart disease.

Cancer prevention: There has been considerable research on turmeric’s affect on cancer cells. You just have to search PubMed and you’ll find hundreds of studies. One that caught my eye was the ability of turmeric to reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. If you follow me on snapchat you know that whenever Vienna has scrambled eggs I sprinkle turmeric on them!

As you might already have guessed, I’m a huge fan of “whole foods”. I recommend food before supplementation always. However, for many years I was recommending “curcumin” supplements for pain, inflammation, cancer prevention, detoxification and more. More recent research has indicated that curcumin is very poorly absorbed on it’s own. This is why I recommend the whole food (eat turmeric) because there are many phytonutrients that aid in the absorption of curcumin and contribute to the wide array of health benefits of turmeric.

An old saying comes to mind, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Vienna had a little sip of this latte when Walker was taking photos and she also loved it!

Even though the main ingredient was turmeric, I also used a good amount of fresh ginger as well. Turmeric and ginger are in the same family after all.

I use ginger in many recipes, as you probably have noticed. It has many anti-inflammatory benefits. It is wonderful for natural pain reduction, bloating and many digestive problems. You can read more about ginger’s health benefits here and get more recipes!

I recommend you make this latte with full fat coconut milk because it will be rich and creamy. If you use coconut milk from a carton, that’s fine too just make sure you purchase certified organic. Here’s this wonderfully flavourful, healing iced turmeric ginger latte recipe! I adapted this recipe from Bon Appetite.

Iced Turmeric & Ginger Latte

2016-06-29 21:37:00

Save Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk
4 tsp finely grated fresh turmeric root
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger root
1 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of ground cinnamon

Instructions

Combine coconut milk, turmeric and ginger root in a bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain through a wire mesh sieve or nut bag. Add maple syrup. Pour the strained liquid over a large glass full of ice. Sprinkle with cinnamon and ENJOY!!! It’s amazing!!

Notes

You can toss the leftover turmeric and ginger into a smoothie the next day.
Serves 1.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

And before I go, I thought I would share another photo having some fun with Vienna. She’s just the cutest!! Walker, you’re cute too

Have a joyous rest of your week!

Joy

Joy McCarthy

Joy McCarthy is the vibrant Holistic Nutritionist behind Joyous Health. Author of JOYOUS HEALTH: Eat & Live Well without Dieting, professional speaker, nutrition expert on Global’s Morning Show, Faculty Member at Institute of Holistic Nutrition and co-creator of Eat Well Feel Well. Read more…

The post Iced Turmeric Ginger Latte appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/296sqa5

Guest Post: DIY Saviours for Sun-Stressed Skin

June 25, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Had a little too much fun in the sun recently? Even though you try your best to protect yourself with SPF and shade it’s sometimes inevitable that the sun gets the best of you. The next time that happens, instead of reaching for a chemical-laden, artificially green-coloured “aloe vera” gel (which actually contains very little aloe), try these DIY recipes to cool, soothe, and hydrate your skin.

Honeydew and Raw Honey Hydrating Mask

Raw honey is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to itself. It’s also naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which makes it a perfect ingredient to treat sunburns.

Honeydew, besides being extremely cooling is high in vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant and combatant of sun damage. Even after sun damage has occurred, it’s not too late to recruit the work of antioxidants. Studies have shown that vitamin C applied topically to the skin 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure can prompt skin repair. As well, a number of studies have found that topical vitamin E can lessen sunburn and reduce UV-induced damage, including the occurrence of cancerous cells.

Honeydew and Raw Honey Hydrating Mask

2016-06-22 16:36:47

Save Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp of chilled, ripened honeydew (mashed)
1 Tbsp of raw honey
1-2 drops of vitamin E oil

Instructions

Mix ingredients together and use a cosmetic brush or your fingers to apply liberally onto freshly cleansed skin (face or body – but be warned it will be sticky!).
Let sit as a mask treatment for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse off with cool water and follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

Lemon Balm Cooling Mist

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is well known for its ability to treat various skin conditions and can speed the healing process of inflammatory conditions like burns and bacterial infections. Keep this in a cooler beside the pool to help your skin stay calm and hydrated.

Lemon Balm Cooling Mist

2016-06-22 16:39:43

Save Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of fresh, or ¼ cup of dried lemon balm
1 cup of boiling water

Instructions

In a glass jar, pour boiling water over lemon balm and let sit for 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
Strain the tea and pour liquid into a glass spray bottle.
Spray liberally on face or body to cool and soothe overheated skin.
Keep in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

Honourable Mentions

Coconut oil, which is rich is fatty acids, is healing and naturally cooling. Liberally apply this all over your body immediately after too much sun to hydrate and calm the skin (not recommended for the face if you are prone to breakouts).

Pure aloe vera pulp (from a plant) can be applied directly onto skin, or mixed with any oil to help calm and heal sunburns. If you’re looking for a store bought version, always check the ingredients to ensure you are getting pure aloe vera.

How do you keep things cool in the summer heat? Share with us in the comments below!

Seanna Cohen

Seanna is a certified skin care therapist and the founder of Elodie
Beauty, an online resource offering cosmetic reviews, DIY recipes, beauty
tips and ways to make informed decisions about personal care products.
Seanna empowers others to establish a more natural beauty routine through personal skincare coaching sessions, holistic facials, blog, and
workshops. Follow Seanna’s journey and get inspired to live a clean,
green, beautiful life at elodiebeauty.com

The post Guest Post: DIY Saviours for Sun-Stressed Skin appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/28TLYNG

How to Make Natural Dry Shampoo

June 23, 2016 admin Joyous Health

When I first got bangs cut several years ago, I immediately went to the drug store to buy some dry shampoo. I asked the sales associate at the beauty counter for her recommendation on the best brand. She gave me a couple of choices and 15 bucks later, I went home with a dry shampoo spray in hand. I’m actually embarrassed to admit I bought this stuff.

You might be wondering, what is dry shampoo? It’s a powder you put in your hair and it soaks up the oil. Sounds kinda gross but if you’re like me and don’t want to wash your hair every day, it’s a major time-saver.

The first time I tried the drug store dry shampoo I found the smell very strong. And you probably already know that I’m very anti-fragrance because anytime you see “fragrance” listed on the label means it can be full of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.

For some unknown reason, when I was at the drug store I didn’t even look at the ingredients list. So while I was standing in my bathroom after spraying this stuff in my bangs, I looked at the ingredients and was absolutely horrified!!! Propane? Isobutane? Parabens? Fragrance? WTF!?

I knew better. I guess the excitement of getting my new ‘do distracted me from using my lady smarts and reading the ingredients list. I was in a bang fog!

There was no way I was going to be spraying isobutane among other toxic chemicals in my bangs every morning to get rid of the grease.

Since I kept the receipt, I returned it with no issues and got my 15 bucks back thankfully.

The problem with these ingredients

Isobutane

It is rated a 7 on the Environmental Working Group‘s website. It is linked with organ toxicity and listed by the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List as “expected to be toxic or harmful.”

Propylparabens

This class of chemicals are known endocrine disrupters, human immune toxicants and animal studies show reproductive and developmental toxicity. They are rated a 7 on EWG.

Fragrance

Any time you see this listed, it can mean literally hundreds of chemical toxins. The problem is that we just don’t know what chemicals are hiding in the fragrance because Health Canada does not require manufacturers to disclose this information. Fragrance is associated with allergies, immunotoxicity, irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) and organ system toxicity. It is listed as an 8 on EWG.

Alcohol Denat

This chemical is linked with developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity and cancer, even though it’s rated a 4 on EWG.

These are only a few of the problematic ingredients in conventional dry shampoos. As I’ve talked about on my blog before, manufacturers of these products can basically put anything in their products they want. The government does not have a watchdog keeping these companies from putting toxic and harmful ingredients in products you could be using every single day. It is up to you, the consumer, to decide what toxins you want to expose yourself to. And let’s not forget about our environment. These chemicals get into our rivers, lakes, oceans and soil that our food is grown in.

Now you know what you need to avoid – most conventional products!

Here is my recipe for making your own dry shampoo that works like magic. And yes, you’ll smell like chocolate

The ingredients are probably ones you have in your kitchen pantry right now! You can watch the video here and the full recipe is below. As you will notice in my video and recipe, I don’t have a solution for redheads. But maybe ginger powder would work. Any suggestions for redheads, please post below!

This recipe is adapted from a the lovely Kathrin, the founder of For Love of Body.

Dry Shampoo

2016-06-22 17:16:13

Save Recipe

Ingredients

1 part arrowroot powder
1 part raw cacao or cocoa powder (for brunettes)
10 drops of high quality essential oil (your choice)

Instructions

Combine arrowroot powder and cacao in a bowl and mix with a wire whisk. Add essential oils and mix. I suggest you drop the oil in all throughout the powder to evenly distribute the lovely scent.
If you have blonde hair simply omit the cacao powder.
Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a clean spice bottle. I just washed out my old Simply Organic glass bottles and used them.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

Be sure to watch the video because I give you tips on how to use it! This dry shampoo will come in handy if you don’t wash your hair every day. And I don’t recommend you wash every day. Washing daily dries out your scalp which makes your hair dull and dry.

Have a joyous day!

Joy McCarthy

The post How to Make Natural Dry Shampoo appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/28Pswjz

The Joyous Team’s Favourite Natural Beauty Products

June 22, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Hi everyone! Kate, here! I’m the editorial manager over at Joyous Health, and every once in a while, I like to give you guys a peek behind the scenes about what goes on behind the scenes, and what people who work in the wellness world really do, and the stuff they love.

Over here at Joyous HQ, we get a lot of questions about Joy’s favourite beauty and personal care products, but the whole team’s become expert at testing products and reading labels to check for the cleanest ingredients. (Protip: Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database is our go-to resource when we come up against ingredients and products we’re not sure about.) So I decided to go to all the team members and ask them what the one natural beauty or personal care product they can’t live without is.

Kate McDonald Walker – Editorial Manager

Let’s start with me! Sorry you can’t see me in the photo, but I lack Heather and Walker’s selfie-taking skills. I’m a big fan of sun protection; such a big fan, I devoted a whole post to my favourite sunscreens. I find a new one I love ever year (cough, Josie Maran’s Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 Protect and Perfect Tinted Warm Glow, cough), but we’ve got another team member who’s going to talk sunscreen in a moment, so I thought I’d focus on something slightly different.

Did you know your lips can get sun damaged too? It’s true! So you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got sun protection on your lips as well. I actually slather sunscreen all over my lips as well (just another reason to make sure your sunscreen has natural, non-toxic ingredients!), but I like to double up on the SPF with ILIA tinted lip conditioner SPF 15 in Bombora to make sure my lips don’t entirely disappear into the rest of my face due to tinted sunscreen. The shade is totally wearable for everyone, and this is one suncare product that is actually fun to reapply!

One final note, I had to throw my fave wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses into the photo, because there’s nothing more natural, non-toxic and effective than these important summer accessories!

Seanna Cohen – Beauty Contributor

Consonant Skincare’s The Perfect Sunscreen. It really is the perfect sunscreen, and I wear it every day. I always say that if you’re only going to use one product in the morning, use this! It’s protective, moisturizing, and has a slight tint, making it the ultimate multi-use product! No need to wear foundation (especially in the hot summer sun) when you’ve got this on.

Heather Allen – Community Manager

“The Putty Super Soothing Skin Cream by Graydon Clinical Luxury. This cream has worked wonders on my typically red, blotchy skin. I’m blessed with super sensitive skin that reacts to everything I put on it. With soothing ingredients like manuka honey, blue chamomile, lavender and calendula, this dreamy cream takes away redness and leaves me with a smooth like butter, baby soft face without any greasy residue (which I find shocking because of all the wonderfully healing and nourishing berry and seed oils that they have crammed into it). I’ve been using it for months now and it’s safe to say I’m hooked on my new blotch-free baby face. Cheers to you Graydon for helping me love the skin I’m in ”

Walker Jordan – Director of Operations

“I don’t always wash my face, but when I do I use Schaf’s White Lava Purifying Scrub. Given the infrequency of my beauty routine, I like to feel like things are getting done when I do, and the gritty texture of this scrub leaves me feeling free and clear from any dirt and grime. I can actually hear my pores cheering me on as I exfoliate in tiny little clockwise circles

This product is certified organic and definitely Joy-Approved.

Above all else, can anyone think of a more manly way to exfoliate than with lava?!? I think it’s pretty badass.”

Joy McCarthy – Y’all know who she is

“I literally slather my Smooth Like Butta body butter everywhere! On my arms and legs, feet, tummy … It makes my skin silky smooth and I feel good knowing it is made with 100% clean ingredients. In fact, there’s no ingredient you can’t actually eat! You can get some Smooth Like Butta of your very own in the Joyous Shop.”

Baby Vienna – Chief Officer in Charge of Being Cute and Chewing on Things

(Editor’s Note: Vienna’s too busy with being cute and making sure that everything gets properly chewed on to write me a blurb, so Joy wrote one for her.”

“Vienna knows a high quality product when she sniffs it! I slather her with organic coconut oil every time I change her diaper and after every bath. So far, she’s never had a diaper rash, yay! Lucky mama :)”

What’s the one natural beauty or personal care product you can’t live without? Share it with us in the comments below!

Kate McDonald Walker

Kate is our resident self-professed research nerd. Kate is a Toronto-based student of holistic nutrition, yoga teacher, and health and wellness writer. She is a passionate advocate of integrative approaches to wellness and believes in making the journey to lasting health and wellness as straightforward, sustainable and enjoyable an experience as possible.

The post The Joyous Team’s Favourite Natural Beauty Products appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/28PZfWg

The Problems with the Birth Control Pill

June 21, 2016 admin Joyous Health

This post is all about the problems associated with the birth control pill and more importantly, what you can do about some of the health issues it can cause, including digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies.

I spent well over a decade on different brands of oral contraceptives from Alesse to Ortho-Cyclen and more. And no, this wasn’t so I could avoid getting pregnant, instead, it was in an effort to “balance my hormones,” which unfortunately seems to be a standard practice in many western medical practices.

Guess where it got me? Feeling worse – the pills increased my incidence of headaches, anxiety, caused digestive problems and totally killed my sex drive. Of course, at the time I never in my wildest dreams thought the Pill and my health problems could possibly be linked, but they were.

Over 150 million women worldwide are on the birth control pill and many more are prescribed every single day as a way to relieve “symptoms.”

As you may have read on Joyous Health before, the Truth About The Birth Control Pill is not the first thing your doctor typically advises you. They also don’t tell you about the side effects (aka risks) that are symptomatic of hormonal imbalance, perhaps they just don’t know. Some common side effects of the pill include

Larger breasts and/or swollen and sore just before menstruation
Low or non-existent libido
Acne
Digestive problems worsened: bloating, constipation
Weight gain or loss
Mood swings and flat mood
Irregular bleeding
Nausea

More serious side effects …

(Note: Originally I was going to copy and paste the side effects from the FDA but it would have made this post way too long. So here is a summary.)

The pill puts you at an increased risk of breast cancer, liver disease, cervical cancer and mood disorders (including depression and mood swings). There are cardiovascular risks as well, such deep vein thrombosis (DVT = blood clot). Even though these risks are lower, I’ve had two girlfriends that have both had to go off the pill because they developed blood clots and no, they didn’t smoke, weren’t overweight and had NO pre-existing medical conditions.

Of course, every pill may have a slightly different list of side effects, depending on the amount of synthetic hormones, so these more serious side effects listed above are subject to change.

But what about the benefits, we should also look at those too, right?

There’s a 99.9% chance you won’t get pregnant when the Pill is taken correctly.
Your skin may improve if you have acne (but it may get worse).
You won’t ovulate – wait, is that even a benefit? Trick question. It’s NOT a benefit but many people believe it is.

If you were actually told by your medical doctor the risks vs the benefits of the birth control pill, you would probably say no thanks.

So just how does the Pill work?

First, it’s important to understand the natural harmony of the body without the pill. Every month you ovulate and an egg will either be fertilized and implant itself in your thickened uterine lining, or it will shed along with your uterine lining.

The birth control pill throws a wrench in those plans by stopping you from ovulating due to the presence of synthetic estrogen. Your uterus still thickens with the expectation of an egg coming down the fallopian tube, but as your progress through the sugar pills in your birth control package, estrogen levels drop dramatically and you get your period.

Now, I’m not even going to get in to how horrendous it is that some doctors suggest women only take the sugar pill for four days or worse, continually take the pill and only go off every three months to menstruate. This is just totally wrong. Every month when you shed your uterine lining, you are actually detoxifying your body. This is absolutely essential for hormonal harmony.

The Pill forces your body into a specific hormonal cycle and there’s nothing natural about it.

Don’t worry if you having been taking the Pill for years to suppress bad PMS or acne, or you’ve been doing the “four periods per year method” as mentioned above. No matter where you’re at, it’s never too late for positive change.

Before I share supplements you should consider if you are taking the Pill, let me first start off by saying if you went on the Pill to manage symptoms like myself, it’s important to address the root cause of those symptoms, which can be hard to identify if you don’t first get off the pill.

I have four posts on balancing hormones I recommend you read:

Correct nutritional deficiencies the Pill has caused in your body.

The World Health Organization has strongly advised healthcare practitioners to recommend natural health supplements to women taking the Pill. But has your doctor ever told you to take a vitamin or mineral supplement?

If you take the Pill or if you’ve recently come off it, here’s what you need to be taking. Of course, talk to your natural healthcare practitioner, such as a certified nutritionist or naturopathic doctor to get brand and dosage recommendations.

B-Complex Vitamins

The Pill depletes vitamins B2, B6, B12 and folic acid (folate). These nutrients have hundreds of functions in the body. The production of specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (your brains “happy hormones”) are dependent on adequate amounts of B6. B12 deficiency manifests as anxiety, nervousness and tension. Lack of folate is linked to depression and neurological birth defects.

While supplementation is often important when dealing with specific health concerns, such as Pill-induced nutrient deficiencies, it’s also important to eat lots of foods rich in the nutrients you might be missing. You can find folate in asparagus, as well as legumes like lentils and beans. You can get B6 in spinach, turkey and salmon and B12 in sardines, salmon and eggs.

The pill also depletes tyrosine, this amino acid and along with B vitamins are absolutely critical to prevent depression. The largest segment of the population who suffers from depression is of child-bearing age and millions upon millions of women of child-bearing age take the birth control pill. Coincidence? Perhaps not.

Magnesium

The pill depletes magnesium. Magnesium is needed for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. It maintains the nervous system function, keeps bones strong, supports a healthy immune system and the helps relax the heart muscle as it is the opposing mineral to calcium, which helps the heart contract. It is also essential for the production of energy and so much more. It’s no surprise that many women complain of low energy and fatigue when taking the pill. Magnesium is easy to supplement. Again, as mentioned above it’s best to talk to your natural healthcare practitioner regarding dosage and brand recommendations.

To get magnesium right from its nutritional source, make sure you’re eating dark leafy greens like spinach and swiss chard, as well as seeds like pumpkin and sesame.

Selenium

Your body only needs trace amounts of selenium for healthy reproduction, thyroid health and to help make antioxidant enzymes that protect your cells from damage. Selenium is considered a nutrient very important for cancer prevention. Under normal conditions, if you eat a wide variety of plant foods you likely get enough selenium, however, this may not be the case if you’re taking the birth control pill. I would suggest taking a high-quality multivitamin to help fill in the nutrition gaps.

To get an extra daily dose of selenium, try eating mushrooms, salmon and eggs.

Zinc

Zinc is needed for the function of more than 100 enzymes and it’s involved in more body functions than any other mineral. It’s important for normal growth and development, the maintenance of body tissues, sexual function, the immune system, and detoxification. Carbohydrate metabolism is influenced by zinc, and zinc is needed for the synthesis of DNA, which aids our body’s healing process. It is also essential for taste. I don’t recommend supplementing zinc specifically because it can offset other minerals. However, due to mineral depletion in soil across the world, many experts believe that zinc deficiency is more common than once thought and therefore may be something to discuss with your health care practitioner.

Nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and cashews are rich sources of zinc, as are legumes like chickpeas and lentils.

Probiotics

The pill affects your good bacteria and this may be one of the many reasons women on the pill often experience digestive problems. I recommend eating fermented foods daily and taking a high-quality probiotic.

I hope this information helps you!

Joy McCarthy

The post The Problems with the Birth Control Pill appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/28M9rBm

Beet Cashew Dip Recipe

June 16, 2016 admin Joyous Health

As you may have noticed, I’ve been on a beet kick lately. Walker and I enjoyed the Beet Strawberry Muffins as a mid-afternoon powersnack last week. And this week we’ve been enjoying this incredibly delicious dip beet cashew dip. Vienna LOVES it too as you will see in my video.

The reason I decided to create this recipe (aside from my love affair with beets) is because the beet dip in my book Joyous Health has been such a hit. But the problem is that not everyone can enjoy it because it has dairy in it, goat cheese actually. This recipe is dairy-free. I simply replaced the goat cheese for cashews.

So my love affair with beets continues…

Since I love this recipe so much, we decided that we should make a recipe video for you. I’ve been slacking on the videos lately but it’s not as easy to find time to film these days as it was before Vienna. The plan was to film this video while Vienna was sleeping. However, that didn’t work out because she took a shorter nap than usual. So this is why there is a warning at the beginning of my video that you may hear baby screams, haha! It’s just the reality now, Vienna is always with us so she should might become a regular in my videos. 🙂

Back to this dang tasty dip…. This dip tastes lovely all on it’s own or with some sliced cucumber or crackers. Here’s the recipe video and the recipe ingredients and instructions are below. Remember, I warned you! This video contains baby content. lol.

Beet Cashew Dip

2016-06-15 17:14:18

Save Recipe

Ingredients

3 beets, unpeeled, cut into chunks
2 cups cashews, soaked in water for 3 hours or overnight
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (evoo)
1/2 tsp sea salt
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Place beets in a covered baking dish with 1/4 inch of water. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until beets are fork tender. Let cool slightly once cooked.
In a food processor, combine beets, cashews, garlic, evoo, sea salt and pepper. Blend until smooth or desired consistency.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

Makes 3 cups of beet cashew dip.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

I hope you enjoyed my recipe video!

Please comment and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you like my videos. Let me know what you think of this video and be sure to hashtag #joyoushealth to share it with me if you make it on instagram. Have a joyous week! Joy

Joy McCarthy

The post Beet Cashew Dip Recipe appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1ZSrZPF

Woman Crush Wednesday: Meet Shelby Kroach!

June 15, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Welcome to the newest regular feature on the Joyous Health blog! I’ve been totally inspired by the #WomenCrushWednesday hashtag that crops up all over social media, and I’m going to be celebrating some of my favourite ladies in the wellness world on my Instagram every Wednesday.

But sometimes, my friend crush of the week is just too awesome to be confined to an Instagram caption, so once a month I’ll be interviewing one of these fantastic ladies, because I want you to know all about them!

First up is Shelby Kroach, the nutritionista behind The Honest Leaf teas. I love Shelby’s teas because she puts so much thought into the herbal blends she makes and uses organic, all-natural ingredients. (It’s harder than you’d think these days to find teas without artificial flavours!) I love Shelby’s teas so much, I went straight to her to formulate my custom Joyous Tea Blend!

I sat down with Shelby to talk about what it’s like being an entrepreneur in the holistic health and food industry, work-life balance, and of course, tea!

Joy: What inspired you to start The Honest Leaf?

Shelby: I was inspired to start The Honest Leaf because of my love for both tea and health. I have always been fascinated by teas from various regions around the world. With the rise of blended loose leaf teas over the last few years, I noticed that a lot of them were made with ingredients that weren’t so great for your health. That got me thinking … why don’t I create blends that not only taste amazing, but also support a healthy body? After a year of product development, The Honest Leaf was born!

Joy: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Shelby: I have to say, taste testing all kinds of tea is pretty awesome! But the best part of my job is honestly meeting my customers and sharing our love for tea and health together. I learn so much from chatting with people at demos and trade shows and have built some pretty amazing relationships along the way!

Joy: You’re a successful entrepreneur, how do you find time for balance?

Shelby: Both my mother and father are entrepreneurs, so I get a lot of my entrepreneurial spirit from them. They have always instilled great values in me and my siblings and put family before anything else. I’ve never been one to work 24-7 (hence why I decided to take a path where I’m my own boss!) and I believe that if you make time for the things you love, it will only enhance your work life. It’s about working smart.

Joy: What has been the hardest part about having your own business?

Shelby: I would say the hardest part about having my own business is that everything falls back on me. I feel like I’m on a teeter-totter when I launch something new or get into a new store; will it be positive or am I going to fall flat? I’ve learned that you just need to go with your gut. Sometimes you’re going to fail, but those failures are actually positive learning experiences that will allow you to grow and be successful down the road.

Joy: You recently got married! What’s the best part about married life?

Shelby: Our wedding day was absolutely amazing! Ben and I have been together for over eight years, and he probably knows me better than I know myself. While married life isn’t a whole lot different from life before marriage, I can honestly say it makes me smile knowing that I will get to wake up next to him each morning, learn from him each day, and enjoy every adventure life throws our way.

Joy: You and your hubs Ben work at shows selling tea together quite often, what’s it like working with your husband? Although we know you’re the boss

Shelby: Yes, I am definitely the boss although he would use the word “partners.” We work really well together, give or take a few hiccups from time to time (we’re human!). I love having him around. He has such a great energy and our customers love chatting with him. He’s definitely a people person! Without Ben, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.

Joy: What advice do you have for other women wanting to start a business?

Shelby: As Nike puts it: “JUST DO IT.” You don’t have to go full-throttle out of the gate, but if you have a great idea, don’t be afraid to put it out there. Chat with friends and family and take everything with a grain of salt. Some people will cheer you on and some people will tell you you’re crazy. But if you believe in yourself, others will too!

Joy: What does it take to be successful like yourself?

Shelby: Firstly, theres a lot more in store for me to reach that level of success I’m striving for. I truly believe that you need to understand how to stand up after being knocked down. I have been down plenty in the last few years, but I always manage to pick myself back up and keep going. I will never forget when a store owner told me my teas would not sell in his store and that my packaging wasn’t strong enough. Three years later, he’s one of my biggest customers! Building a strong network around you will make it a lot easier to get through those bad days and kick the s*** out of the good days.

Joy: What do you for fun?

Shelby: I love being up at my cottage. It’s so relaxing and a place where I get to hang out with family, friends and lots of nature. I also love to travel and have a long bucket list of places to visit … in due time!

Joy: What’s next for the Honest Leaf?

Shelby: My goal for The Honest Leaf is to expand the line across Canada and into the United States. I want to be known not only as a tea company but also as a lifestyle brand … I’ll leave it at that for now :).

Who’s your #WomanCrushWednesday this week? Share her with us in the comments below!

Joy McCarthy

The post Woman Crush Wednesday: Meet Shelby Kroach! appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1sGk9hh

Guest Post: Safe, Effective Alternatives to the Birth Control Pill

June 14, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Ten years ago, I quit the birth control pill. Like some of my clients, I had little choice in the matter, since the side effects at the time were just not something I could live with (in this case, increasing my milk supply to the point where my newborn daughter was choking). While I’ve had a few clients who came off hormonal birth control due to life-threatening side effects like stroke, most people who come off it fall into one of three camps – they either can’t bear the side effects (like depression, moodiness or low libido), the pill no longer fits with their organic healthful lifestyle, or they are hoping to conceive in the near future and are concerned about their fertility. Whatever the reason, the logical next question is “what now?”

In a society where the Pill and contraception have become synonymous, it can feel like there are no other options. Or at the very least, no other options that actually work. So it usually comes as a surprise that there are, in fact, healthy natural alternatives to hormonal birth control.

Here are five options along with instructions (where relevant) on how to enhance the efficacy of each:

Copper IUD

If you’re looking for something as effective as the Pill that requires little-to-no hassle, the copper IUD is a great bet. It’s over 99% effective, lasts for twelve years and, once inserted, requires no maintenance or action on your part. The down sides: insertion hurts, it can cause spotting for up to six months, and it isn’t appropriate for those with a history of severe menstrual cramps. In rare cases, it can also be expelled and some partners can feel the IUD strings during penetration. For more info about the IUD check out this YouTube video.

Fertility Awareness Method

This is my birth control method of choice. It uses proven physiological signs of fertility to help a person track when they’re fertile. When done correctly it is 99.4% effective. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find typical use statistics since FAM is often lumped in with the rhythm method and calendar method, which are definitely not effective! The benefits of FAM are that it is completely natural, it can be used in conjunction with other birth control methods, and it is great for monitoring hormonal health. The downsides are that it requires an initial investment to learn the method and gain proficiency, and it requires abstinence from vaginal sex on fertile days of the cycle (on average about seven days) in order to be most effective. This is the method I have been using for the last ten years and teaching for the last eight years. To learn more about the specific method I teach – the Justisse Method – you can check out this YouTube video called “What is the Justisse Method?”

Condoms

Everyone knows about condoms as a birth control option, but a lot of people shy away from using them as their primary form of birth control. This is partly because their efficacy is lower compared to other methods (82% with typical use and 98% in perfect use). But they can also reduce sensation for both partners and require pre-planning. However, I like to help my clients reduce the impact of points one and two by having them combine condoms with FAM (above). If STI protection is not an issue, then you can enjoy certain times of your cycle condom-free. If you are using condoms for STI protection, then at least if the condom breaks or slips off you’ll have a good idea of whether you are fertile and need to consider emergency contraception. For help choosing the right condom (that won’t cause irritation and will maximize sensation) check out this blog post and video.

Cervical Caps or Diaphragms

Although cervical barriers have gone out of fashion in the past few decades, they are one of the oldest forms of birth control and do provide a reasonably effective alternative to hormonal contraception (88% with typical use and 94% in perfect use). Like condoms, I encourage people to pair cervical caps and diaphragms with FAM to enhance their efficacy. I recommend doubling up on two methods (like condoms plus cervical caps) during the seven or so days per cycle when you are fertile, and then either using nothing or using just one of those two methods during your infertile days (depending on your proficiency and confidence with using FAM). Because they’re not very popular, anymore it can be hard to find a doctor to fit you for a cervical cap or diaphragm, but there are now models like the Caya, which are a “one-size-fits-most” and are available online.

Withdrawal (a.k.a. the “Pull-Out Method”)

Okay, before you cringe, hear me out. Recent research has shown that when done correctly, withdrawal can be 96% effective (almost as high as condoms). However, in typical use it can be as low as 73%, making it the least effective of any of the methods listed above. The challenges with this method are ensuring good communication between partners and feeling confident that a partner will let you know if they didn’t successfully withdraw in time so that you can take alternate measures (such as emergency contraception). This method, like the two above, is one that I encourage my clients to use in conjunction with FAM and potentially in conjunction with another birth control method. For more information on how to use withdrawal responsibly, click here.

I hope this has been helpful! Every client I work with who chooses to ditch the Pill in favour of FAM reports that it is an empowering experience. The process helps demystify how the body works and unravels the fearful “contraceptive mentality” that is installed in us from middle school on. You can only actually conceive on one day per cycle, so there is no need to be constantly frightened that your body will betray you with an unplanned pregnancy. Knowledge is power, but unfortunately we are not equipped with much of it on this topic while growing up. However, we can work to change that by challenging the status quo and embracing natural contraceptive options that work with our bodies instead of against them.

For more information and support, download our free guide to ditching the pill.

Amy Sedgwick

Amy is the resident fertility expert at Red Tent Sisters. She’s an education junkie who’s never happier than when she’s immersed in learning something new (seriously, she gets nearly orgasmic at the sight of binders and highlighters).

While many would stop at a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto, Amy went on to become certified as a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner and a practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy. She’s also completed the Access Intuition training with renowned channeller and Medical Intuitive Lori Wilson, as well as taken courses in therapeutic nutrition and supplements. And trust us, she won’t stop there (you should see her workshop “wishlist”). This unique background in traditional medicine and alternative health allows Amy to support her clients wherever they are on their journey.

The post Guest Post: Safe, Effective Alternatives to the Birth Control Pill appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/21k2yqm

Chocolate Breakfast Bark

June 11, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Chocolate at breakfast? Say what?!?! OH yeahhhh. This chocolate bark is the perfect replacement for your morning coffee.

If you’ve been a joyous reader for a while you likely already know that breakfast is my favourite time to enjoy chocolate. This is because it’s the best time of day to eat something as energizing and stimulating as chocolate.

This chocolate bark will give you a nice boost of clean energy! And it’s completely guilt-free.

It is made with 100% whole ingredients, including:

Hemp hearts: Fantastic source of complete plant-based protein, fiber and good fat — plus they are darn tasty! I’ve got many more hemp heart recipes on the blog. This is a kitchen staple for me.
Pumpkin Seeds: Great source of protein, vitamin E and minerals such as zinc and iron. They add a nice crunch.
Goji Berries: Rich in amino acids, vitamin C and fiber.

I love making this recipe because it is oh-so-easy. You literally melt the coconut oil and mix in the raw cacao and maple syrup. Then top with your fave superfoods. Yes, that easy folks.

It’s almost like making a chocolate pizza. Decorating the chocolate bark is the fun part (so is licking the spoon).

Chocolate Breakfast Bark

2016-06-09 22:04:29

Save Recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup coconut oil (measured when solid but soft)
3/4 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup hemp hearts
3 tbsp goji berries
3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Instructions

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt coconut oil. Slowly stir in cacao powder and maple syrup. When fully combined, remove from heat. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Pour chocolate bark mixture on to parchment paper.
Sprinkle with hemp hearts, goji berries and pumpkin seeds. Freeze for a few hours. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

Caution: I actually recommend against eating this in the evening, it might actually keep you awake at night. As mentioned above, it’s stimulating — in a good way!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I love it.

Have a joyous weekend!

Joy

Joy McCarthy

The post Chocolate Breakfast Bark appeared first on Joyous Health.

from Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1U5EGYS

How to Make a Simple Natural Toothpaste

June 8, 2016 admin Joyous Health

Do you use natural toothpaste yet? For many, going natural with toothpaste is usually the last item of their personal care products to change. I think it’s because many people are worried it won’t clean their teeth as well, or perhaps their dentist wants them to use fluoridated toothpaste. I’m here to convince you otherwise

As you might have guessed, I’m all about the natural toothpaste! And I’m proof it works. I’ve only ever had one cavity in my adult life (none as a child/teen) and that cavity happened when I was using toxic, chemical-filled toothpaste. I’ve been using natural toothpaste for years. My teeth aren’t yellow (as you’ve probably noticed) and I never ever have issues with my teeth or gums at the dentist (other than when I was pregnant, more on that below). I could tell you story after story of others I know personally with similar experiences to mine.

And did you know that cavities can actually heal themselves? Not on a diet of sugar, grains and fast food of course. You can read more about that here. Be sure to check out the information on oil pulling below.

I made the switch about 8 years ago and I’ve never looked back. Recently however, I had to use chemical-filled toothpaste one night staying in a hotel while on vacation because I forgot my toothpaste at home. It was so gross and tasted like chemicals. You’ll know what I mean when you make the switch. You don’t really realize it until you’ve been using clean toothpaste for a while how terrible conventional toothpaste tastes.

There’s a reason it says “do not ingest” on the tube. Do you really want to put something in your mouth which you WILL swallow small amounts every single time you brush, but you’re advised not to? How does this even make sense.

Furthermore, toothpaste is actually considered a drug so all the ingredients do not have to be disclosed other than the “active” ingredients, usually that means fluoride. Which not surprisingly I don’t recommend either. We have a filter that removes all the fluoride from our water. Now that Vienna is drinking water to practice with a sippy cup, I’m not about to give her city tap water. You can learn more about fluoride in this article.

These are typical ingredients in conventional toothpaste: Fluoride, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-6, Water, Zinc Lactate, Trisodium Phosphate, Flavor, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Gluconate, Carrageenan, Sodium Saccharin, Xanthan Gum, Polyethylene, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1.

I have many concerns with these ingredients. Many of these ingredients are on the Dirty Dozen list and linked to hormonal imbalance problems such as infertility and reproductive challenges and may even be contaminated with other compounds known to cause cancer. Why oh why you might be thinking does the government allow these products to be on the market?

According to Dr. Mark Burhenne, here are some of the problems with ingredients in conventional toothpaste:

Triclosan, a pesticide and hormone disruptor.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which causes canker sores for many people. (myself included!)
Artificial colorings linked to ADHD and hyperactivity in children. Toothpaste does not need to be blue!
Fluoride, which can be toxic if swallowed and doesn’t even work in toothpaste.
Titanium dioxide, which is added to make a toothpaste white. Most of the data shows it’s safe and is not absorbed by the skin, but I have yet to find a study done to measure absorption by oral tissues. The EWG has a good list of safety concerns around titanium dioxide, but the take-home message: it’s just there to make toothpaste white, not improve your health. So why bother with it?
Glycerin, which isn’t toxic, but has no place in the mouth as it’s a soap that strips your body’s natural oral mucosa and leaves a film. This film could coat the teeth, messing with the structure of the biofilm which could alter the microbiome in the mouth and impact the natural remineralization process — your body’s natural cavity-fighting mechanism.
Highly abrasive ingredients, which damage enamel, making teeth sensitive and more prone to gum recession and cavities. Toothpaste should be only a little bit abrasive — this graininess aids the brushing motion to remove the biofilm of the tooth.

These are the ingredients in this homemade toothpaste.

See? Nothing to worry about with these ingredients.

Here’s the recipe for my simple natural toothpaste.

Simple Minty Toothpaste Recipe

2016-06-06 16:38:59

Save Recipe

Ingredients

2 tbsp raw organic coconut oil
2 tbsp baking soda
1 tsp Himalayan or sea salt
a couple of drops of peppermint oil*

Instructions

Combine all ingredients until well-blended.
Store in a glass jar in a cool, dry place.

Notes

*This is not entirely necessary. It just makes it taste better.

Joyous Health http://ift.tt/1E7MdOg

About the ingredients:

Coconut oil is one of the main ingredients in this toothpaste. Coconut oil is anti-fungal (candida-fighter), anti-bacterial and incredible for reducing inflammation of the gums.
Baking soda has a positive effect on the pH in your mouth and helps to neutralize acids and it is a very mild abrasive
Sea or rock salt helps to remineralize your teeth.
Peppermint oil helps to freshen up your breath.

I know you’re probably going to ask me what essential oil brand do I recommend. I suggest you go to your local health food store and buy some peppermint oil there. Let the sales associate know you are using it for toothpaste. If you are pregnant and concerned about using any essential oil, then you can simply omit it.

When I was pregnant with Vienna my gums got inflamed. I was really worried because I’ve never had issues with my gums or teeth. I went for a teeth cleaning in my second trimester and it was like a blood bath. Sorry! I know… super gross. But this is apparently extremely common when you’re pregnant. Anyhow, after the dental cleaning I thought to myself I really need to do something. So, I started oil pulling again. Within less than two weeks, my gums totally healed and looked healthy. You can learn more about oil pulling in this article.

If you don’t want to make your own toothpaste, and I get it… most people don’t then I have a natural toothpaste I sell in the Joyous Shop.