raw beet slaw

This is the beet salad I mentioned in yesterday’s post.  Warning…it is highly addictive!

raw beet slaw

Beets are on my “Superfood List” because of their phytonutrient called betalains.  This phytonutrient is essential for the detoxification process and quenches inflammation in the body.  Research is showing that these powerful red pigments may also slow tumor growth…exciting stuff!   Beets are also great for pregnant women thanks to the B vitamins and iron essential to cell development and replenishing the body!

All the nutrition facts aside, beets just make you feel vibrant and alive!  In the Yogic world beets are said to support the first chakra or the “root” chakra, which keeps us grounded, energized and secure.  The root chakra is red, and beets are a red root…maybe there’s a connection here?

My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me.  She is studying nutrition at Bauman College in Northern California.  Once again, I modified the recipe a tad and this is what I came up with…

 raw beet slaw

Raw Beet Slaw

2 raw beets, shredded (I used a mandolin)

2 carrots, grated

1 apple, diced

2 scallions, chopped

½ cup pecans

½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes

juice of 1 orange

juice of 1 lemon

drizzle of olive oil

salt to taste

raw beet slaw

Mix all the ingredients up in a large bowl, chill for at least an hour (if you can wait that long, I couldn’t) to let flavors blend.

Raw Beet Slaw

Enjoy!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

vitamin “sunshine” for a healthy pregnancy

Hey Ladies,

Recent studies show that vitamin D aka the “sunshine” vitamin is essential for a healthy pregnancy.

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According to the following article, women who do not have sufficient levels of vitamin D throughout their pregnancies may be at risk for developing gestational diabetes and preeclampisia.

Read article here:

Vitamin D insufficiency linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

What is vitamin D and why is it important?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is essential for a number of reasons.  It is mostly recognized as being important for building strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium.  It’s also been linked to decreasing incidences of cancer, MS and depression to name a few.  And, it’s essential for boosting our immune systems.

Where do I find vitamin D?

SUNSHINE!!!  Beautiful and radiant sunshine!  No wonder it feels so good to be warmed up by the sun!  Our perfectly designed bodies are made to take the sun’s rays and turn it into vitamin D.  Today so many of us are stuck inside at desk jobs and rarely see the sun.  It’s no wonder that 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from vitamin D insufficiency.

Very few foods naturally have vitamin D.  Foods that do contain vitamin D are dairy products, egg yolks, fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and fortified soy milk.  However, the levels found in these foods are rather low.

How do I get adequate amounts of vitamin D?

It’s simple:

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According to the National Institute of Health, 10-15 minutes of sunshine 3 times per week should do it!  That is 10-15 minutes of sunshine WITHOUT sunscreen.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women need 600 IU per day.  So get outside and turn your face to the sun!