As we embark upon the Holiday Season, there are Many Rich, Fatty, Decadent Foods & Treats to be had. However, We at ROOTS Wellness have decided to cut back on the Starch laden entrees & opt for some lighter fare. I Love to Spend Time with the Fam, but Truthfully speaking I can't do another "bloaty" meal & feel good about myself. So, if You're feeling something a bit different, (yet Still Tasty)I would like to Share this List of Healthier Alternatives to Add to Your Holiday grub. Check Out these 7 Swap Ideas below.

http://uprootfromoregon.com/…/7-swaps-for-a-healthier-holi…/

Steps To Cut Out Processed FoodsPosted on May 23, 2013 by DanielleSometimes it’s good for our bodies to cut out processed foods every once in awhile. It’s easier to take small steps rather than doing it all at once. Here are some great tips by Lisa Leake to cut out processed foods in weeks.
Week one: Eat a minimum of two different fruits or vegetables (preferably organic) with every breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal.
Week two: Beverages will be limited to coffee, tea, water, and milk (only naturally sweetened with a little honey or 100% pure maple syrup)
Week three: All meat consumed this week will be locally raised and will be limited to 3-4 times per week
Week four: No fast food or any foods that have been deep-fried in oil.
Week five: Try a minimum of two new whole foods that you’ve never had before.
Week six: Do not eat any food products that are labeled as “low-fat,” “lite,” “light,” “reduced fat,” or “nonfat.”
Week seven: All grains consumed must be 100% whole-grain.
Week eight: Listen to your internal cues and stop eating when you feel full.
Week nine: No refined or artificial sweeteners.
Week ten: No refined or hydrogenated oil
Week eleven: Eat at least 1 locally grown or raised food at each meal.
Week twelve: Avoid all added sweeteners.
Week thirteen: Avoid any and all packaged food products that contain more than five ingredients no matter what ingredients


Author: Lisa Leake– Lisa Leake is a wife, mother, foodie, and blogger who chronicles her family’s journey on 100daysofrealfood.com as they seek out the real food in our processed food world. Projects include a 100-day pledge to avoid all processed foods and refined ingredients as well as another 100-day pledge on a food stamp budget. Leake’s award-winning blog is receiving national attention from big names like Rachael Ray, Jamie Oliver, and Yahoo! and has also been turned into a nationally syndicated newspaper column.
For more information: http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/steps-to-cut-processed-food.html

_

What Are the Benefits of Alkaline in the Body?Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013 | By Kathryn Flynn, M.P.H.
Eating alkalizing foods like carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes have benefits ranging from clear skin to cancer prevention. Photo Creditvegetables image by Edvin selimovic from Fotolia.comWhen your body is in an alkaline state, you are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. The foods and beverages you consume each day have a direct impact on the acid and alkaline balance in your body. This balance is measured by determining your pH value, which tells you if your body's fluids and tissues are more acidic or alkaline. On a pH scale of negative 4.5, which is very acidic, to positive 9.5, which is highly alkaline, your body is considered healthy and alkaline if you have a pH level of 7.0 or above.
The Little ThingsIf you have a slight pH fluctuation, and your body becomes more acidic than it should be, your body immediately begins to exhibit symptoms of an imbalance. These symptoms may be considered little things, like a runny nose, fatigue, a skin breakout, or a slight case of irritable bowel syndrome. However, these minor health issues are actually the first sign that your body might be too acidic and needs to reach a more alkaline state. Although exposure to germs and contaminants, stress and other external life factors can cause all of these symptoms too, you are more likely to have clearer skin, better digestion, more energy, and a nose that runs less often when your body is alkaline.
Fewer Colds
An acidic environment promotes the growth of bad bacteria, yeast and fungi. The imbalance of your body's good bacteria makes you more prone to getting infections. You will be less likely to suffer from the common cold when your body is alkaline.

Cancer Prevention
A major benefit of having an alkaline body state is that you might reduce your risk for developing cancer. When your body is too acidic, oxygen levels are lowered and cellular metabolism stops. This can lead to the growth of cancer cells. Maintaining an alkaline state helps encourage healthy cell turnover, which is key in the prevention of cancer.
Healthy WeightFruits and vegetables make your body more alkaline, while processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol make you more acidic. By eating alkalizing foods, you are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. The frequent consumption of acid-producing foods is more likely to contribute to a weight problem.

- See more at: http://www.livestrong.com/article/444199-what-are-the-benefits-of-alkaline-in-the-body/#sthash.Lm7b8SvT.dpuf

​