February Simple Pure Whole Favorites: Home Testing, Self-Compassion & Carrots + VIDEO!
Simple Pure Whole Opportunities!
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February can be a time of transition, as the seasons begin to show signs of shifting in many areas. It is also the month that we reflect on self-love and heart health.
Discover why I love these healthy favorites: home microbiome testing, meditation for self-compassion and forgiveness and vegan, gluten-free carrot recipes!
I only share resources that I have personal experience with and can therefore recommend without reservation. Remember that each person is unique so check with your health care provider before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle. This is not intended as medical advice. This post may contain affiliate links. Prices are the same for you and affiliate commission helps to support the maintenance of my blog so I can continue to bring you free, value-filled resources. Thank you for your support!
Here are some of my Simple | Pure | WholeTM Healthy Favorites for February!
Favorite Product: Home Testing
This month I shared an insightful look at the microbiome and how these bacteria and other microbes play essential roles in maintaining human physiology. Since these microbes influence everything from hormones to mood to metabolism to overall inflammation in the body, it is important to take care of them and encourage the proper balance of healthy bacteria.
One way to learn more about what is going on inside your body is to test your gut microflora. Like my experience with home heavy metal testing, I found home gut microbiome testing was simple and provided some useful information. I recently tried out this simple way to gain some insights into what is going on in the important community of microbes living within. After sending in a tiny simple stool sample, I received an analysis of the types of microbes found in my colon.
After sending in a tiny simple stool sample, I received an analysis of the types of microbes found in my colon. While this gives you some insights into how your sample compares to those of vegans, paleo diet followers and other groups, it is helpful to work with a knowledgeable provider to interpret the list of all of the bacteria found and what percentage of the population they are.
Simple Pure Whole Solutions
- If you would like to learn more about your own health you can order home test kits and save 15% (affiliate link)
- Include naturally fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut and kombucha to support a diverse microbiome in the gut
- Support digestion and help feed beneficial bacteria in the gut with prebiotic foods and fiber such as from artichokes, garlic, turmeric, leeks and asparagus
Favorite Inspirational Article: Self-compassion decreases acceptance of own immoral behaviors
Self-compassion is not selfish or a way of letting yourself off the hook when you did something hurtful or unethical and research is proving it!
In this recent study, researchers in China looked at how self-compassion relates to how people judge their own moral transgressions. They found that the more self-compassionate the subjects were, the less acceptable they rated the moral transgressions.
To go beyond this hypothetical scenario, the researchers conducted a second, experimental study to further investigate the connection. Participants were asked to choose between one of two tasks—an easy, fun one or a difficult, boring one—after being told the other task would be assigned to an unknown fellow participant. Those who chose the easier task for themselves were then selected to continue with the study.
Again, self-compassion seemed to increase rather than decrease people’s willingness to take responsibility for misbehavior. They reported that “…higher self-compassionate people endorse harsher moral judgment of themselves and accept their own moral violations less.”
Having self-compassion doesn’t make you lazy, weak, or selfish
Past research has also found that self-compassionate people tend to have a more stable sense of self-worth, and so they feel less threatened when considering their own shortcomings. This enhanced sense of self allows them to admit more readily when they have done something wrong and to consider forgiveness.
Simple Pure Whole Solutions:
Carrots are a kitchen stable and have been cultivated for centuries. Available in hues ranging from red, yellow, white and pink to the more common orange, carrots provide a wealth of antioxidants like carotenoids.
Classically known for their eye health benefits, carrots are high in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for vision.
Carrots also contain calcium, magnesium and phosphorous which help build strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Additional research has shown that phytonutrients in carrots may play a role in preventing certain cancers, including leukemia and bladder cancer.
Simple Pure Whole Solutions
- Gently cook carrots to enhance their antioxidants.
- Make your Easter or Passover treats healthier (and more delicious!) by adding some carrots. Try these simple egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan Carrot Cak Coconut Macaroons for a quick and allergy-friendly snack with carrots!
- Enjoy the rich color and flavor of carrots in this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Apple Soup with Turmeric
- Appreciate the simple color and flavor of carrots of any hue in this quick Braised Kale with Apples and Carrots side dish.
This Month’s Favorite Quotes:
February’s Features from The Simple | Pure | WholeTM Blog:
What is your favorite way to enjoy carrots?
Have you tested your microbiome?
Please let me know in the comments below or on Facebook or Instagram if you have tried any of these or if you find something new you love so I can check it out!
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Simple Pure Whole Opportunities!
Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this post and related resources is for informational purposes only. Jennifer Weinberg is not providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment information. The information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes taking any medication or nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health issue. Do not use this information provided for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you suspect you have a medical problem please contact your healthcare provider promptly and do not disregard professional medical advice based on anything on this website. This website and related resources are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and do not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Jennifer Weinberg. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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This post was shared with: Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Blog Hop, Recipe and DIY Party, Healthy Living Link Party, Thinking Out Loud with Running with Spoons
Comments
Runaway Bridal Planner
I forgot carrots had antioxidants, I didn’t know you could enhance them by cooking them.
I’ve got to go bak and read your past posts about microbiome testing. I’m right now looking at altering my diet significantly. My immune system has been so low I just catch everything that is in the air and I’m so tired of being sick, and I know better diets can help build immune systems!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you for stopping by! The gut microbiome has so many impacts on health, including influencing immunity. It can be really interesting to see how things measure up and what might help to make some healthy adjustments. I hope you find an immune-balancing routine that works for you!
Deborah Davis
I am so interested in learning more about the value of microbiome testing. Thank you so much for sharing your wise and wonderful February Simple Pure Whole Favorites at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you Deborah! I think that it is fascinating how much we are learning about the microbiome and how much we still have to understand. I appreciate you hosting and sharing!