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Winter Skin Help

11/25/2017

Winter skin preparation may seem silly, but healing chapped and chafed skin may be more painful and a pain in the butt. So to heal and also help prevent the dry winter skin blues, I use the following remedies.

As an author and workshop facilitator of natural methods of self-care, I have researched and experimented with all sorts of skin care products over the years. I have found the most effective deep moisturizer and cold weather protectors are coconut oil, grape seed oil, and almond oil. I use them on my skin and hair, year round actually. The oils are easily absorbed into the skin and mix well as a carrier for essential oils.The coconut oil turns solid at room temperature, so mix well if using with essential oils. Remember to rub into the skin vigorously so there's no stained clothing. Sometimes I wear old clothing and slather on my skin, hair, and nails for a head-to-toe spa experience. I light candles, wrap up my oily hair in a towel and catch up on saved tv shows!

A few drops of geranium essential oil and lavender oil works great for chapped and dry skin caused by cold weather and the indoor heating systems. The thickness of the coconut oil when it is cool is soothing to the skin as well. I put some in the refrigerator to soothe redness. Coconut oil is great for removing makeup in a gentle manner. The almond oil is great for calluses on heels and palms. When buying the oils, look at ethnic grocery stores. They may be less expensive there than health food stores or upscale grocery stores.

I hope this helps you!
Blessings,
KJ Landis

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Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables

11/20/2017

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I’m working on an intergenerational cookbook with my daughter, who is 13. We have been working on this project for two years.

Getting kids to eat a variety of vegetables starts with “thank you bites.” When tasting new foods for the first time, whether we are at a restaurant or at home, I always told my children they had to take a few thank you bites.

The vegetables and seasonings maybe different than junk food or what they desire initially, but we had discussions about thanking the farmer who grew the food, thanking the sun, rain, and insects for feeding the plants, thanking the earth for providing the minerals for the vegetables and fruits, thanking the truck drivers who brought the food to the grocery store or farmers market, thanking the people who work at the grocery store, thanking mom and dad for buying the vegetables, bringing them home, and preparing it deliciously. If at a restaurant, we are thanking the folks who cut, chop, and cook the food with love and passion.

Having consistent conversations about being grateful takes the food in a new direction. A few thank you bites may introduce new flavor profiles in vegetables that the kids never would have considered eating before.

I encourage my kids to pick out vegetables they haven’t seen before. They use the internet to find out how to prepare a recipe for the unfamiliar items.. Living in San Francisco, we have many ethnic grocery stores to experiment in! The kids are more open to trying and enjoying a variety of vegetables if the meal is kid-led and directed. I let my kids take the reigns and see what happens. Usually they are successful with expanding their horizons in food.

I hope this helps your families too.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
-Author and Creator of the Superior Self series

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Ginger

11/13/2017

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Ginger has been used for thousands of years in the Asian cultures. Food is medicine if we learn about it as our ancestors did! Hippocrates stated, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

Ginger is an antibacterial and that’s why it’s used with fish dishes in the Asian culture. If there is a slight chance that the fish may be “off” the ginger prevents the diner from getting sick. Have you eaten sushi and sashimi? There is fermented pickled ginger sliced and served on the side. It is also a great digestive when eaten with raw fish. The added benefit of fermented and pickled ginger is that there are probiotics in the root which then plant themselves in the intestines. We need a variety of fermented foods in order to keep our intestinal garden happy and healthy.

Ginger helps digestion and is full of fiber. I make ginger tea by boiling chopped ginger in water and adding lemon. If my family has a cold, I add honey. The ginger helps with sore throats and breaks up chest congestion. The fiber in ginger cannot be digested by our body, but it helps with elimination.

Ginger also helps with nausea. When I was pregnant I ate crystallized dehydrated ginger and lemon wedges to keep nausea at bay. My kids eat crystallized ginger as a dessert in their lunch bags. They love it and know it is good for them. Ginger is relatively cheap too. Enjoy your ginger in a variety of ways!

Blessings,
KJ Landis
Author and Creator of the Superior Self series

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Snacks for Post Workout

11/6/2017

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I think I may be able to help you all out with your hunger and cravings. Anybody else hungry after a heavy lifting session, a long hike, or a sweaty hot yoga class?

I’m a personal trainer, author, nutritionist, and life coach. I guide my clients to reach for protein and fat (healthy dietary fat) after a workout because we need to fuel the muscles we just exercised. In order for muscles to grow, we need to feed them protein during the recovery phase. The healthy fats keep us full longer so we do not reach for the candy bar or cheese puffs or any (fake) junk foods.

Most folks are hungry after a workout with weights or when using the heart, such as a cardio workout like hiking, running, dancing, etc. Rather than processed foods which may have lots of refined carbs and sugar, I tend to guide my clients towards chicken, fish, seafood, or naturally cured jerky from those animals. Protein keeps us full longer than toast or cereal, and the energy levels stay consistent through the day. Adding healthy dietary fats and greens means the digestion will move smoothly and nutrients will evenly absorb as well. Try raw nuts and seeds and their butters with some Greek yogurt. Add cinnamon or Lakanto. Try butter and dried fruits rolled into balls with coconut flakes and dates. How about trying some raw cheeses and veggies?

I suggest 30 grams of protein at each meal. If you are like me and don’t eat breakfast because you like to exercise in a fasted state, you can double up on protein at a later meal. Cravings seem to fade after eating protein and fats as well. Lucky me! Lucky you!

I hope this helps you on your journey.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
Author and Creator of the Superior Self series
Visit me at www.superiorselfwithkjlandis.com

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Winter Skin Help

Getting Kids to Eat Vegetables

Ginger

Snacks for Post Workout

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