How to use Apple cider vinegar 

Bragg’s Apple cider vinegar is one of those products that has many uses. My family has greatly benefited from the use and I am a sold out believer in Apple cider vinegar.

I have had a lot of people ask questions on the ways to apply the many uses of the apple cider vinegar so I have created a video to cover some of the frequently asked questions.

Be sure to join in and comment by adding your personal testimonies on how you applied this information or new ideas that may not have been covered. It is always fascinating to me to hear of all the benefits people are receiving from using apple cider vinegar.

Pay it forward by sharing. To your health,

Jenay Green

Simple ways to add vegetables to your diet

For some this is easy and takes no creativity and for others finding ways to enjoy vegetables is a challenge. The first step is trying a variety of vegetables. Your taste buds do change and just because you did not enjoy a certain veggie as a kid does not mean you will not like it now.

Another way is to try several different ways of cooking a certain veggie. You may hate something raw and really enjoy it cooked or masked in a smoothie. For example the taste of kale is strong and bitter so many do not care for it raw, but if you mix it in a smoothie with fruit you do not taste it.

kale chips roasted with some olive oil and sea salt can satisfy your salty craving and give you a serving of a vegetable at the same time. If you are on the go and do not have the ability to cook or prepare anything taking fresh raw veggies and using hummus is another simple way to add vegetables to your diet.

Prepare ahead with baggies of vegetables for on the go and carry a cooler in your car. This way when you need a quick snack you can get your veggies and hummus. There are so many different varieties of hummus it is likely to find one that you will enjoy.

Another simple way to add vegetables to your diet is by juicing. I personally use the nutri-bullet for juicing and this way no food goes to waste. Refer to my articles on juicing and smoothies for further information on ways to use this method.

Salads seem to be the most obvious way to add vegetables,but if you pile on all the unhealthy foods they can have more calories than a cheeseburger. Finding a variety of ways to make salads is a simple way to add veggies.California grilled chicken is one of my personal favorites.

Look for the nutrient dense foods and be creative. A salad can be whatever you want. I always use lemon or lime,braggs apple cider vinegar, and olive oil for dressing. Adding nuts, jalapenos, fruit, avocados, etc can all change the flavor making salads much more tasty. 

Another way you can add taste is by soaking a vegetable in apple cider vinegar. I challenge you to add more vegetables to your diet. if you have any suggestions to add that have worked for you please join the conversation and help others.

Also share on the social media buttons below. To your health, Jenay Green

A staple in the Mediterranean diet for better health

With heart disease being the #1 cause of death in our country and cancer not far behind it is wise to take note of the differences in our diets in comparison to those countries who have far less incidences.

The people in countries consuming the Mediterranean diet are noted for lower heart disease and cancer death rates. A staple in the Mediterranean diet is olive oil.

Olive oil has been used for centuries with a track record that deserves recognition. The monosaturated fat found in olive oil can help control insulin and lower cholesterol. It also helps keep the arteries clear so the heart can receive oxygen and nutrients.

Polyphenols a type of antioxidant found in olive oil helps protects your cells from damage. Free radical damage is linked to increase risk of disease. Olive oil is known as a heart healthy food.

The use of olive oil is said to improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels. It is contributed to lowering blood pressure as well as preventing harmful blood clotting.

Olive oil is also a good diuretic and can help rid the body of kidney stones. It is good for intestinal inflammation and distress.

In addition to the amazing benefits for better health olive oil is a beauty secret for many. Sophia Lauren swears by an olive oil bath for the skin. It can be used topically for skin conditions.

I have even heard of warming and using it as a rub for pain relief. It makes a wonderful treatment for dry hair and scalp. You can use it for natural beauty products mixing with beeswax for chapstick.

Simple ways to add olive oil to your daily routine.

1. make a salad dressing (mix olive oil and raw apple cider vinegar, sea salt and lemon)

2. Substitute on veggies in place of butter

3. Use olive oil, oregano, pepper for a dipping oil or on pasta

4. put on pizza or any dish for adding flavor and nutrients

When buying olive oil make sure that you purchase extra virgin oil in a dark glass bottle protecting it from light. This way you have pure oil from the olives and all the health benefits.

My great grandfather was Greek and I saw him benefit from the every day use of olive oil. He had no heart disease, he had great skin, and lived to be 89.

Join the conversation by leaving a reply. Pay it forward by sharing! To your health,

Jenay Green

Simple step for better health and younger skin

Our bodies are made up of around 70% water. Water is essential to all life. Yet I hear so many people complain about not liking water.

Think about how blessed we are not only to have clean drinking water in this country, but to have as much as we want everyday. Use lemon, lime, or fruit to change up the flavor. You can come to love it and crave it. I prefer water and it is a habit I formed.

Water is crucial in maintaining balance of body fluids for digestion, absorption, circulation, and creation of saliva. It transports nutrients and maintains body temperature.

Water is the best replacement for the high calorie drinks people intake daily filled with caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners. You can drastically reduce calories and therefore have weight loss.

Water helps the kidneys cleanse the body by transporting toxins out. Water can also lower the risk of kidney stones as well as urinary tract infections.

Water helps constipation which results in better health. Lubricating joints with proper hydration can improve joint and back pain. To alleviate headaches sometimes all you need is more water.

Muscles that have adequate fluids also function better. Before a workout drink plenty of water. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is another simple step for better health. Since they contain a lot of water they assist in keeping the body hydrated.

Eating fruits and vegetables provide cells with structured water that is very beneficial to your health. The brain needs water to focus and be more alert. When cooking vegetables steaming them is said to give the most health benefits.

Some of the fruits and vegetables that contain the most water are watermelon, papayas, and cucumbers. With the hot weather this is the perfect time of the year to add these hydrating foods to your daily diet.

Hydrated skin looks beautiful. There is less wrinkles, it is softer, and more supple looking. Water eliminates toxins that contribute to inflamed skin resulting in clearer skin.

You can also use cold water on your skin before applying makeup to shrink pores. Water may just be your best anti-aging secret. 

Plastic water bottles release a harmful toxin into water when it becomes hot. This has been said to be a contributor to breast cancer.  So make sure you do not use plastic water bottles that have been left in a car or in the sun. A glass water bottle would be the best option.

I challenge you to give thanks today for the clean drinking water you have access to and to increase your intake. Do your body good, drink water, and pass it on! SHARE because you care! To your health,

Jenay Green

Nutty idea for getting healthy

When it comes to getting healthy finding a variety of foods to include in your diet can be a challenge. A complaint I hear when helping women is that they are tired of eating the same things all the time.

Pine nuts are a great alternative to include when looking for new healthy food options. They have a buttery nutty flavor that is satisfying. Pine nuts can be a great addition to many recipes as well as eaten plain.

Simple ways to include them in your daily diet is by adding them to salads, pastas, trail mix or any dishes. You may grind them and add them to smoothies or your juicing recipes as well.

Pine nuts are a great source of healthy fats that are beneficial to your heart health. Another way to get healthy is reducing your waistline and pine nuts are known to assist in that.

They stimulate the body to produce a hormone that tells your brain your stomach is full. This reduces your appetite and keeps you satisfied without overeating.. Pine nuts also provide protein and a source of fiber which can help with those cravings as well.

Pine nuts also contain a source of iron that is good for your nervous and circulatory systems. They contain a great source of B-vitamins that can increase your energy level.

Pine nuts are also a gluten free food. Pine nuts can help improve immune function with the vitamin C and the antioxidants they provide.

Vitamin D in pine nuts play a vital role in the health of your bones and may help prevent osteoporosis. Many studies claim Americans are deficient in vitamin D.Pine nuts are a great source of many of the essential nutrients we lack in our standard american diet.

I have read that some of the nutrients that may assist in relief of problems associated with Endometriosis are contained in pine nuts. These include  B-vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and zinc.

If any of this information has been helpful please include a reply below this article. Also hit the buttons to share on all your social media to pay it forward. To your health,

Jenay Green

I am amazed by the benefits of the foods God created. If you really start paying attention to the long list of health benefits of food, then it should be no surprise what Hippocrates stated long ago ‘Let thy food be thy medicine’.

One of the amazing foods that I have added and benefited from is avocado.Now anytime I see green food, I think rich in health benefits. Avocados have a creamy buttery taste that make it pleasing to the palate and easy to add to your diet.

Avocados are low in carbs and low in sugar but high in valuable fatty acids. The fats are used as burned energy rather than stored. This may explain why people who consume avocados have lower BMI.

Avocados also help decrease appetite and give you that satisfied feeling for hours. When you consume nutrient rich foods you are more satisfied as your body is getting what it needs to function optimally.

Avocados can help you get healthy by providing 20 essential nutrients. They are rich in vitamin K, B-vitamins, C and E. Avocados help with the absorption of lycopene and beta-carotene. Add to salads and salsa to boost the absorption.

Avocados can also help with your heart health as it is a great source of potassium(more than bananas), Vitamin B-6, folic acid, helps with cholesterol, and is is an anti-inflammatory.

Which could be effective in helping reduce pain caused by inflammation.The high fiber content of avocados as well as a decent protein for a fruit may also be a factor in getting healthy and decreasing your appetite.

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits may help with cancer prevention. Consuming avocado daily also has a wonderful effect on your skin. It improves skin tone, helps maintain good moisture levels, and leaves skin feeling softer and healthier.

 5 ways to add avocado to your diet to get healthy and decrease appetite

1. Guacamole( I make mine with fresh onion, fresh garlic, sea salt, tomatoes, and lime)

2.Garnish for black beans

3. Add half to your juicing recipes and smoothies( when I do this for breakfast I am super satisfied for hours)

4. sandwich(replace mayo)

5. Add to a hamburger patty (grass fed beef)

As you can see adding avocado is a simple way to receive health benefits and tastes great as well! If you have found other ways to enjoy avocado please share. The photo above is credited to avocadocentral.com and they have a wealth of information.

Please join in on the conversation by leaving a reply below this article and sharing any benefits you have enjoyed. Also pay it forward by sharing on all social media.Bless others with helpful information. To your health,

Jenay Green

How to improve health by adding black rice

Black rice could be considered a super food for the wide range of nutrients it contains. When it comes to a food that you can have many different uses for black rice would be on that list.

It can be used similar to brown rice as a side dish to any meal. It contains more fiber and protein than other rice.This is a great addition for those looking to improve health by losing access weight. Black rice is filling and low in fat.

It is a whole grain that contains a healthy source of vitamins and minerals. Black rice is high in iron for those looking to add iron rich foods to your diet. It is a good source of potassium as well.

Black rice contains a large amount of anthocyanins which is noted to help with controlling cholesterol. It is high in vitamin E as well so may strengthen immune function. Black rice has more antioxidants than blueberries.

The great source of antioxidants are similar to that of berries and lower in sugar. I believe you should have a wide variety of nutrient rich foods in your diet to receive the most benefits for your health.

Foods high in antioxidants may improve health by possibly reducing the risk of heart disease and cancers. Memory improvement is also listed as a possible benefit of black rice.

Another way to add black rice to dishes is by using a coffee grinder to make a powder out of the dry rice. Then you can add this bran powder to baked goods, cereals, salads, or any foods you would like to add health benefits.

In Thailand they use it for dessert recipes adding coconut milk and palm sugar. For a recipe containing sticky black rice click on this link..

Be sure to leave a reply below if you found this information helpful, have any questions, or would like to add any helpful tips.

Share on all your social media sites to pay it forward. You never know who may benefit from this information!  To your health,

Jenay Green

How to benefit from aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for natural healing. Aloe vera has been hailed as a natural anti-inflammatory. This is great news for those who have pain in their bodies caused from inflammation.

Aloe has a great source of  B-vitamins along with several of the minerals that we lack in our diets. Some of the minerals include calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, and potassium.

Another way to benefit from aloe vera is it helps the body absorb more vitamins and minerals. Aloe also is high in antioxidants that can help protect against disease and ageing. Aloe also strengthens immune function.

Aloe is a source of amino acids and helps accelerate skin repair. Aloe boosts oxygenation of blood so may protect against heart disease. It also helps alkalize the body. I have always read that disease can not thrive in that alkaline environment.

I have personally used aloe to help with an intestinal issue I was dealing with and it relieved the issue. Aloe has been know for its healing effect on our digestive tract.

Another way to benefit from aloe vera is by using it to detox. It is said to lubricate the digestive tract and rid the body of intestinal worms. It also deceases the unfriendly bacteria and balances intestinal flora.

I have always read that you need a healthy gut to be healthy. For those looking for weight loss when you eliminate properly and rid the body of toxins you will lose weight.

I have read that it is not safe to use when pregnant and you only need around 2-4 ounces a day for health benefits. It is a powerful plant and a little goes a long way. I have only used it for a few weeks at a time and not as a daily routine.

I do use it topically though as often as needed and it works great. I just used it for sunburn and I find it to be the most effective thing I have used for burns.

I buy a plant and cut it open and apply the gel directly to my skin. I also put it on my scalp and it helped the sunburn. I heard it works great as a natural hair gel also. It is so soothing on the skin. The photo credit goes to plant care today.

Be sure to reply below if you found this information helpful. Also use the buttons below to share on your social media. You never know who may benefit.

To your health,

Jenay Green

Create simple healthy recipes by adding this one tiny seed!

You can create several simple healthy recipes by adding flaxseeds. Don’t let the size of these tiny seeds fool you, they deliver a powerhouse of nutrition to your diet.

Flax seeds are easy to find and are not expensive. Flaxseeds are the best source of omega 3 fatty acids. The lack of the omega-3 fatty acids in our diet has been correlated with a host of illnesses.

So adding these omega-3’s to our diet could help prevent or possibly reverse these conditions. Omega-3’s have also been called brain food. I don’t know about you, but I need all the food for my brain I can get! The chronic digestive issues in this country have had a negative effect on out health.

You can get the recommended doses of daily fiber by adding 2/3 a cup to your daily diet.
Flaxseeds support intestinal health by acting as a broom and cleaning out the toxins, mucous,and parasites. The antioxidant benefits of flaxseeds is more powerful than that of blueberries.

Antioxidants benefits have been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease,cancer,and diabetes. I have read that flaxseeds may protect against breast,prostate, and colon cancers.

The phytonutrients in flaxseeds are associated with regulating menstrual cycles, eliminating menopausal symptoms, and may help lower cholesterol.

I have found adding flaxseeds to my diet is a simple way to create simple healthy recipes.

10 ways to create simple healthy recipes adding flaxseeds

1. add to smoothies ( have a mild taste so they still taste great)
2. add when juicing
3. add to slow cooked oatmeal
4. add to salad
5. add to pancake mix
6. add to muffin mix
7 add to cookie mix
8. add to cereals
9. add to homemade salad dressing
10. add to soups.

A lot of nutrients are lost when foods are heated above certain temperatures and with flaxseeds it retains the nutritional value. I personally have seen flaxseeds help me with digestive issues.

I get mine at the health food section at Kroger. I use a coffee grinder to break open the seeds and it makes a powder that is simple to add to any recipe.

Be sure to let me know by leaving a reply below this article if you have benefited in any way. Also below use the button to share on all your social media sites so others have the opportunity to benefit as well!

To your health,

Jenay Green

Would you like simple delicious healthy smoothie recipes?

I get a lot of people asking me for healthy recipes. People want variety and great taste when it comes to their food. I know from experience when I first began this journey for a healthier lifestyle that simple and delicious seemed to have NOTHING to do with healthy food. I thought more like a pizza from Dominoes. LOL. I have come a long way since that time.

Now I realize that simple and delicious can be healthy as well.  With that said we have no excuse not to do our body good!The great thing about today is that there is a wealth of information available to make it simpler than ever to implement healthy eating habits. I will share today some of my favorite simple delicious healthy smoothie recipes.

With a family of six I need to make the most of my time so the simpler the better for me. I enjoy being creative and working with what I already have available so I am not spending extra money. I usually peel my bananas and freeze them for my smoothies I like the consistency better.

I use strawberries, blueberries,or whatever fresh fruit I have in season. I use the unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I also like to add cinnamon and flax seeds to some of my smoothies.

I sometimes add a protein powder to my smoothies and my favorite one is listed in the Pina colada smoothie This is so delicious, simple, and nutritious!

Pina Colada
1 scoop of Active protein
1 small frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple(you can freeze it)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk vanilla
optional add coconut

Bluberry Surprise

1 frozen banana/ 1 avocado/1 serving of Active Protein/ 1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk, 2 tbsp flaxseed, 1/2 cup frozen bluberries

Tropical Goodness

1 frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp of ground flaxseed
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Berry Good

I cup frozen strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup raspberries
2 tbsp raw honey
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Please comment if you find this info helpful and pay it forward by sharing!

To your health,

Jenay Green

I know from personal experience the challenges of healthy eating on a budget. With our family of six and four growing boys it has been a challege at times. I believe in the benefits of healthy eating and have seen the positive affects it has had on my family.

One of the first things I hear people often say is that” I can’t afford to eat healthy”. Then my response is always the same you can’t afford not to. We make choices everyday about how we spend our money and it is truly a reflection of what is important to us.

I have never had any regrets about investing into my families health.It may mean having to do without in other areas, but I believe it will be worth it. After all can you really put a price on good health? So you will have to make that decision.

I would suggest beginning by cutting out bad habits. If you make a trip through a fast food restaurant, coffee shop, or even a gas station for a coke and a candy bar these can be easily traded for extra grocery money and it does add up! Also cutting out junk food at grocery store trips will leave extra room in your grocery budget.

When I buy junk food it goes faster because we overeat and then we run out of food faster.  I have found that when my diet is packed with fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains, lean proteins that I am much more satisfied and do not overeat as often.

  Have you ever overeaten vegetables? I believe you will save money for better food choices by eating less when you cut junk food out of your diet.

I also have become a fan of Aldi. Aldi has a good selection of organic foods at a fiar price.I also love Kroger. Their selection, closeouts, and mark downs of natural foods make it worth the trip. I also just have smaller portion sizes when it comes to natural meats.

We overeat in this country anyway. I would rather have smaller portions of the healthy foods than an abundance of packaged,processed,and chemical laden food. These are some of the ways I have been able to have healthy eating habits on a budget. I hope these ideas help and be sure to comment below and pass the information on.

To your health,

Jenay Green