A friend of mine is going through some very strange health challenges right now that resemble allergic reactions. Besides a whole slew of symptoms, his eyes puffed up a few weeks ago. They have since gotten better – unfortunately the swelling has moved down to his tongue! Obviously, he now has difficulty eating, which I said may not be such a bad thing.

According to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition:

“Fasting is recommended for any illness, as it gives the body the rest it needs to recover. Acute illnesses, colon disorders, allergies, and respiratory diseases are most responsive to fasting, while chronic degenerative diseases are least responsive. By relieving the body of the work of digesting foods, fasting permits the system to rid itself of toxins while facilitating healing.

But fasting is helpful not just in times of poor health or during the body’s low cycles [natural detoxification ]. By fasting regularly, you give all of your organs a rest, and thus help reverse the aging process and live a longer and healthier life.”

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Many people arriving here on the Live Lighter blog have come in search for detox drink recipes . It seems as if people all over the world are realizing the immediate and future health benefits of eating a diet high in veggies.

What are some of these benefits, again?

Veggies are nutrient-rich and calorie-deficient, which means they will help you lose weight and also help you maintain a healthy weight. We also learned a few days ago about how nutrition is integral to stress management . A few months back we found out how true the statement is, “we are what we eat ” in 8 Foods to Grow Yourself a Younger Bod . And what about their enormous cancer-fighting properties: phytochemicals (with antioxidant capabilities)?

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The easiest ways to beat stress is exactly the same way you can grow yourself a younger bod : with NUTRITIOUS FOOD!

A balanced diet directly influences stress since nutrition controls total body functioning, from the central nervous system and immune system to hormone production and all our major organs. In fact, vitamins like magnesium actually relax muscles but a diet in high fats inhibits the absorption of this very important vitamin, leading to muscle tension.

Furthermore, stress depletes vitamins! So it’s a vicious cycle that may start off with nutrient deficiencies, but each stressful event exacerbates the problem. The unfortunate part is that it doesn’t seem that much of a problem at the time. You can easily live with nutrient deficiencies and not realize it. But people with nutrient deficiencies are operating at a sub-par level and are more prone to stress.

When your body is functioning optimally, life is easier! Stress is a natural and necessary part of life, so why not consider doing the easiest and kindest thing you can do for yourself: eat a more nutritious diet?

If you have time, check out this 15 minute video about vitamin deficiencies and stress, “Nutrition by Natalie”.

If you don’t have time to watch the video, follow this link to find out which vitamins and minerals stress sucks out of you. This way, you know which ones to consume to help you control your stress.

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This article was submitted by friend, health nut and reader, Denise. It is the first installment of her “Local, Seasonal and Organic Food” column, exclusive to Live Lighter! Enjoy.

The sun is shining, our moods are better, we are spring cleaning and it’s time to discuss getting out there and exploring our local universe of food! Middle of May through June is my favorite time of year! First of all, the first crops are up, and I’m done with the preserves from last year… Second of all, it’s asparagus and rhubarb season. (yummy tummy!)

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This smoothie was created out of necessity: ran out of protein powder yesterday and my pineapple was on its last skin knuckles. Try using mixed berries, rice milk and vanilla protein powder for your next “Country, Meet the Tropics” smoothie. Yum.

½ cup – Walnuts, chopped
1 cup - Blueberries, frozen
1 medium - Kiwi Fruit, without skin
1 cup - fresh Pineapple, chopped
1 cup - Soy Milk
1 medium - Mango, peeled and sliced

Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Makes 2 servings, about 24 oz.

Want this smoothie’s nutrition facts? Follow the link…

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Last week, Metro News published a great article submitted by the editors of alive.com . Covering the most popular workout faux pas, here they are compliments of Alive Magazine (topped with Live Lighter commentary:

1. Talking while working out . This is true for medium to intense workouts. Your heart rate should be at a level where your breathing is somewhat laboured and conversation difficult to maintain. However, for your light workout days, grab a buddy and yap till you come home!

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Here’s a little health humour for the long weekend here in Canada !

Beware insane rationalizations like these; this woman was last spotted wearing a straight jacket crying out for more “lettuce”.

Oh, wow. Me next, please.

Anyone have any massage tips to add?

Feeling stressed? Uncomfortable, especially in the digestive area? These might be signs of toxicity or side effects of extra seasonal detoxing. Try a gentle cleansing but if you’re looking for something quick to make you feel better, replace a few meals during the week with green detox juice recipes.

There are a few green juice recipes floating out there that are perfect for juicing in a juicer. But the more I use my blender, the more I’m convinced that it is a better choice rather than just a substitute. Blending maintains the insoluble fiber in the greens (great for gently scraping your intestines clean), plus you can add tasty nuts to the green detox blender recipes for added flavour, substance and muscle building protein.

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This weekend I visited my cousin and we were doing what most women do when they get together: discuss their problems. Well, shortly into the conversation she turned to me and said she recently had an epiphany. Freeing a torn sheet of scribbled-on paper from her desk, she began to read out loud a short list of questions that once answered, will certainly solve any problem.

These brilliant questions are penetrating and highly intuitive. Giving credit where credit is due, my cousin revealed that this list was a mish-mash of questions previously posed by some of the greatest self-help gurus of our time that were left floating around in her brain.

If you have a problem, cover every angle by answering these 5 questions:
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