May 2013 – Irene Pastore Fitness

Spelt: A Healthy Wheat Alternative

May 16, 2013

What Is Spelt?

Spelt is an ancient grain, with a nutty flavor. It looks just like wheat, but it’s much easier to digest. Spelt is high in manganese, fiber, phosphorus, vitamin B3, magnesium and protein.

There are two types of spelt flour: whole grain, and unbleached all-purpose. The former being more nutritious and higher in fiber, but also has a somewhat bitter taste.

If you’re accustomed to baking with wheat flour, especially working with pie dough, spelt flour will be a challenge, because it tends to crumble.

Where To Buy Spelt Bread

Local health food stores, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s sell spelt bread. Spelt products are not likely to be found on standard supermarket shelves.

Why Should You Eat Spelt Bread

Spelt is easier to digest than common wheat. People who suffer from wheat allergies tend to tolerate spelt, and don’t experience reactions.

Spelt contains gluten. However, celiacs who cannot tolerate gluten have had success consuming spelt.

Where To Buy Spelt Flour and Spelt Products

Bulk spelt flour is sold in local health food stores, and co-op food markets. Whole Foods Market sells packaged Arrowhead Mills whole spelt flour.

Other than bread, spelt is used to make pasta, pretzels, cookies, bagels, hamburger and hot dog buns. These products are more costly than standard wheat pasta, snacks and breads.

Spelt Brand Name Products

These brands are sold in many health food stores. Whole Foods Market carries them as well.

Rudi’s Bakery
Vita-Spelt
Bread Alone
Berlin Natural Bakery

Angelina Jolie: Preventive Double Mastectomy

May 15, 2013

**Exercise and a healthy diet are best defenses against breast cancer.**

Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. As a high profile figure, it’s a good bet that other women will follow her example.

Pulling all your teeth to prevent tooth decay, or removing your colon to prevent colon cancer seems as radical as Jolie’s decision to remove her breasts before she has cancer.

There are other, more natural ways for women to prevent the development of breast cancer, than having to remove both breasts.

Natural Breast Cancer Prevention Methods

Do not smoke. Medline Plus, an online source for medical news, published a February 2013 article, “More evidence that smoking raises breast cancer risk.“
Maintain a healthy weight. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer risk is higher among overweight and obese women. An article in the August 2012 issue of Medical News Today, reports, “Breast cancer recurrance is higher among overweight women.”
Exercise regularly. Couch potato syndrome is worldwide. Too much sitting, and not enough exercise is a risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer. A July 2012 article in Time Health & Family reports, “Lack of Exercise as Deadly as Smoking, Study Finds.” , and a May 2013 Medical News Today article, “Physical Activity Reduces Breast Cancer Risk.“
Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Breast and ovarian cancer are associated with hormone replacement. WebMD, presents the evidence in an article, “Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk.” According to a a May 15, 2013 article in Reuters Health, “Ovarian Cancer Fall Sped Up, As HormoneUse Dropped.”

Alternative Opinions

In the May 15, 2013 issue of Natural News.com, Mike Adams writes, “Angelie Jolie inspires women to maim themselves by celebrating medically perverted double mastectomies.”

Gary Null, alternative medicine author, and radio talk show host, interviews Christiane Northrup, MD, “How wise was Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a radical mastectomy?”

Recommended Product: Autobiography of a Yogi

May 13, 2013

First published in 1946, by the Self Realization Fellowship, Autobiography of a Yogi, is the life story of Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the world’s most well-known teachers of Yoga science. Since its first printing, the book has sold over 4 million copies.

Autobiography of a Yogi describes Yogananda’s spiritual journey, and his search for enlightenment. He was born in India in 1893, and in 1915 became a monastic. Yogananda moved to the United States in 1920, where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to disseminate his teachings.

Autobiography of a Yogi is an inspiration for anyone considering the spiritual path, or for those already on their way. It will make an excellent gift for Yoga lovers.

Visit the Self Realization Fellowship website to read more about Yogananda’s teaching. The SRF web bookstore sells his books and CDs.

Cookin’ Healthy With One Foot Out The Door: Quick Meals For Fast Times

May 12, 2013

Recommended Product

Vegan authors, Polly Pitchford and Delia Quigley call themselves the “bad girls of natural foods.”

There’s nothing bad about this terrific little cookbook that gives time-saving, healthy recipes for hurried, health food fans.

Get recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, salads, sides and desserts. Prep times average between 5 to 10 minutes, and cook times from 6 to 20 minutes.

Packed with easy recipes, this little book is fun to read, has gotten great reviews on Amazon, and won’t take up much space on your cookbook shelf. Buy it at amazon.com for only $9.95 new.

The Lunge Stretch for Tight Hips

May 11, 2013

The Lunge Stretch

This is an excellent basic stretch to help open the hips. If you practice Yoga and have difficulty with hip openers, make the Lunge Stretch part of your regular stretching routine. This stretch targets the iliopsoas muscle.

How To Do the Lunge Stretch

Get onto all fours.
Bring your right leg forward within your ability. You may have to align your right knee directly under your right hip, unless you have more flexibility, and can bring your leg further back.
Place your hands on either side of your right foot.
Hold the Lunge Stretch for 15 to 20 seconds.
Repeat the stretch on the left side.

How To Modify the Lunch Stretch

If you have difficulty reaching the mat, place a Yoga block under each hand.
Place a folded towel under your knee for added cushioning.

Irene Pastore Fitness