Sunday, November 6, 2011

What CAN I eat on the RepairVite Program?

We realize that the RepairVite program is a very restrictive diet plan and we add to it your personal set of food sensitivities to make it even more difficult. If we did not have your health and wellness in mind, we definitely wouldn't ask you to follow this plan. However, it is our sincere desire to see YOU recover what you've lost and to get back in balance - a place where you belong. Nothing would make us happier to see you smiling again and able to do all you desire to do without pain, inflammation, and sickness.

Below is a list of foods which you can eat on the RepairVite program. Just keep in mind to adjust the list according to your list of food sensitivities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Most Vegetables (except tomatoes, potatoes, and mushrooms) including asparagus, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, carrots, celery, artichokes, garlic, onions, zucchini,
squash, rhubarb, cucumbers, turnips, watercress, etc.

Fermented Foods: sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled ginger, mixed pickle, coconut yogurt, kombucha tea, etc.

Meats: fish, chicken, beef, lamb, organ meats, etc.

Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, SunButter made from sunflower seeds, hemp, flax, chia, sesame, Tahini butter made from sesame seeds, and cacao.  Click here for additional seed butters.

Low Glycemic Fruits: apricots, plums, apples, peaches, pears, cherries, berries, cranberries, etc. (click for list)

Coconut: coconut oil, coconut butter, unsweetened yogurt, and coconut milk.

Herbal teas, olives, olive oil, Yacon syrup, stevia

*Remember: If you are allergic to any of these foods, avoid using those foods during this program

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fruits and Seeds

Fruits and Seeds


On the RepairVite and ClearVite Programs, it is recommended one eat low glycemic fruits. And while nuts are on the "Do not Eat" list (nuts are similar to legumes as they contain phytrates which inhibit nutrient absorption and cause inflammation - the very thing this Program is trying to eliminate. They also contain lectins which play a role with leaky gut, another health condition RepairVite is trying to help heal), most seeds are OK as long as they are not on your personal list of food sensitivities. But the 'vagueness' in this description leaves many wondering, "Just what exactly does that mean? Which fruits and foods can I eat and still stay on the Program?" We found this to be a very good question and this page was developed to help answer your questions.


According to the South Beach Diet's List, below is a list of fruits with their Glycemic Index. Please eat only the ones on the low-medium list:


Low Glycemic Index Fruit


Low Glycemic Index Fruit (under 20)



  • Cantaloupe

  • rhubarb


Medium Glycemic Index Fruit (20-60)



  • Apples

  • fresh apricots

  • bananas

  • blackberries

  • cherries

  • cranberries

  • grapefruit

  • guava

  • kiwis

  • lemons

  • limes

  • oranges

  • papayas

  • peaches

  • plums

  • raspberries

  • strawberries

  • tangerines

  • tomatoes.


High Glycemic Index Fruit (over 60)



  • watermelon. (however, has a low glycemic load)

  • Any dried fruit

  • blueberries

  • figs

  • grapes

  • kumquats

  • loganberries

  • mangoes

  • mulberries

  • pears

  • pineapple

  • pomegranates

  • prunes.
SEEDS



Seeds are a vital part of our diet. Seeds are high in fiber, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that can help keep our heart healthy and our body disease free.







Healthy seeds are also great sources of protein, minerals, zinc and other life-enhancing nutrients. Numerous studies have shown that different types of seeds can actually prevent weight gain, the development of heart disease and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.

If you are going to add seeds to your diet, I would recommend that you eat only organic seeds, in their raw state as much as possible. Here is my list of the five healthiest seeds you should add to your diet. (In no particular order)


1. Hemp Seeds


Hemp Seeds are healthyHemp seeds are truly a superfood, as they are packed with an impressive list of nutritional attributes. Perfectly balanced with a three to one omega-6 to omega-3 oil ratio, they are also an excellent source of gamma linoleic and stearidonic acid.

Containing 10 essential amino acids, hemp seeds are composed of over thirty percent pure protein, making them an excellent daily protein source. They are also composed of 40 percent fiber, the highest amount of any grain on earth! Also containing disease-fighting phytosterols, studies show that hemp seeds, or even hemp milk, may prevent heart disease, many forms of cancer, as well as inflammation-based diseases such as Alzheimer’s andParkinson’s.


2. Sunflower Seeds


Sunflower Seeds are healthyThe perfect phytochemical-rich seed for those of us looking to lose weight, as they promote healthy digestion and increase fiber intake.

Sunflower seeds are also extremely rich in folate, a very important nutrient for women. They are packed full of good fats, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, selenium and copper, all crucial elements in preventing heart disease, cancer, and other forms of troublesome cellular damage.


3. Sesame seeds


Traditional societies have touted the positive benefits of this seed for thousands of years.

Sesame Seeds are healthySesame seeds are very high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber, iron, B1 and phosphorus, sesame seeds are unique in their chemical structure. Possessing important cholesterol-fighting fibers known as lignans, studies show that these seeds can lower blood pressure, as well as protect the liver from damage. Sesame seeds also may help prevent Arthritis, asthma, migraine headaches, menopause, osteoporosis and PMS. Check out Tahini for a healthy alternative to nut butters

4. Pumpkin Seeds


Pumpkin Seeds are healthy

Some scientific studies have shown that the components ofpumpkin seeds may stop the triggering of cancerous behavior in male prostate cells.

Pumpkin seeds are high in a form of antioxidant known as carotenoids, a special plant derivative that enhances immune activity and disease fighting capacities. These seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, two important nutrients that may play a role in warding off inflammation, arthritis and osteoporosis. Finally, pumpkin seed are high in phytosterols, plant components that aid in keeping stable levels of cholesterol, enhanced immune response, as well as cancer-fighting attributes


5. Chia seeds


Chia Seeds are healthyYes, just like the seeds you used for sprouting your Chia pet, these seeds are from the mint family. Extremely tiny, yet extremely potent, these small seeds are packed full of fiber, protein, nutrient oils, various antioxidants and even calcium.

Studies show that chia seeds stabilize the blood sugar, lower our risks for cardiovascular disease, as well as increase weight loss. These amazing little seeds are an excellent source of high-quality fats, as they are made up of a whopping 34% pure omega-3 oils.

The Benefits of Eating Seeds


I personally love to eat raw seeds and nuts. I eat them on a daily basis and they give me more natural energy than any other food. They’re great if you want a quick, healthy snack that is still low in calories. Obviously, there are many types of seeds that I left off this list, like flax seeds (great addition to smoothies), but the seeds listed above are my personal favorites. And Click here for seed butters which taste equally delicious.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Going Dairy Free

So, you are not just gluten-free, but dairy-free, too




"What?! First, no gluten and now no dairy, either?" You may be asking in tears and frustration. If this is the case, don't worry. I'm here to help. So, take a deep breath and exhale knowing that there are now plenty of great-tasting dairy-free alternatives on the market and going dairy free may be the next best thing for your health since going gluten free. A casein-free diet (casein is the protein found in milk and is also used as a binding agent in some cosmetics, paints, and nail polish) has been found to be very beneficial for a number of reasons - from those with autism to anyone with an auto-immune disorder or wishing to avoid one.

Below is a list of foods that contain casein taken from Living Without magazine:


  • All bovine milk products

  • Milk - White or chocolate

  • Cream

  • Half & half

  • Yogurt

  • Sour Cream

  • Cheese

  • Butter

  • Sherbet

  • Ice Cream

  • Ice Milk

  • Creamed Soups and Veggies

  • Soup Bases

  • Puddings

  • Custard

  • Whey

Casein-Free Alternatives



  • Rice Milk

  • Soy Milk (not a fan of soy personally)

  • Hemp Milk

  • Coconut Milk

  • Any nut milk - almond, cashew - especially homemade

  • Pareve Creams and Creamers

  • Sorbet

  • Italian Ices

  • Ghee (ensure it says Casein Free as not all brands are - see www.spunkycoconut.com to learn how to make your own)

  • Coconut Butter

  • Coconut Milk

  • Earth Balance "Butter" Spreads - also in soy free

  • kosher pareve foods

  • Foods certified as kosher non-dairy or pareve

  • Note: for a non-dairy alternative to powdered milk, there are rice, goat, and coconut milk options available. You just might have to purchase on-line as it's a difficult item to find

Foods/Items that MAY contain casein


  • Margarine

  • Tuna fish

  • Dairy-Free Cheese (most brands)

  • Cosmetics

  • Medicines

  • Nail polish

  • Paints

  • Lactic Acid

  • Artifical Flavorings

  • Semi-sweet Chocolate

  • Hot Dogs

  • Lunch Meats

  • Sausage

  • Ghee

See our blog www.g-freeliving.blogspot.com for more information. Thanks!


Friday, March 25, 2011

Removing Gluten

Wheat, rye, barely, and oats are difficult to digest and, in many people, they cause inflammation. Research has also found there are toxic amino acid sequences found in these gluten-containing food often create negative health conditions. And when one consumes gluten-containing foods, damage to the villi in the digestive system can occur. Once your villi are impaired, food is able to "leak" out of the intestines and into the blood stream. This condition is commonly known as 'leaky gut.'

If you are suffering from intestinal problems, muscle or joint pain, headaches or migrains, skin rashes, loss of tooth enamel, depression or anxiety, fatigue or even neurological problems such as loss of balance or forgetfulness you could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. And based on the fact gluten increases inflammation, anyone suffering from an auto-immune condition should definitely be gluten free.

Below is a list of items containing wheat and gluten. Please note that there are many delicious gluten-free versions available and g-free living can be quite tasty and enjoyable. So do not see this as a "death sentence," but rather a "life sentence." For more information, please check out our other blogs on living g-free and recipes.

www.g-freeliving.blogspot.com and www.n8wellnessrecipes.com.


Foods to Avoid:

  • Bread and biscuits
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Cake flour and mixes
  • Cake, brownies and cookies
  • Coffee creamers
  • Chow mein noodles
  • Doughnuts
  • Flavored rice and pasta mixes
  • Flavored instant coffee and teas
  • Ice cream cones
  • Pasta
  • Pizza
  • Pretzels
Flours to Avoid:
  • Barley
  • Bleached All-Purpose Flour
  • Brown
  • Bread
  • Durum
  • Enriched
  • Graham
  • Granary
  • High Gluten
  • High Protein Gluten
  • Oat
  • Wheat
  • White
Everyday Products to Avoid:
  • Lip stick
  • Chapstick (some flavors contain vitamin E which contain gluten)
  • Children's stickers
  • Playdough
  • Stamps and envelopes
  • Soap, shampoos, and conditioners
  • Hairspray and gels
  • Toothpaste
  • Cosmetics
  • Medications
  • Household appliances - toasters, ovens, waffle irons (use separate ones for GF)
  • Kitchen utensils (use separate ones)