So, what exactly is a Holistic Health Counselor??

As many of you may know 3 Healthy Chicks, Lauren Forney, Terra Pfund and Jill Rizzi are graduates of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Board certified Holistic Health Counselors. That sounds very healthy and impressive, but what is the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and what exactly is a Board certified Health Counselor?

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the only nutrition school in the world that integrates all the different dietary theories—combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts like the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods.

There are big differences between a traditional dietitian or nutritionist and Holistic Health Counselors. While nutrition is an extremely large component to Holistic Health Counseling, it is not the only aspect. Integrative nutrition and holistic health embraces as philosophy and a practical approach to well-being, that food is a secondary source of nourishment, while relationships, career, spirituality, and exercise are primary nourishments that sustain us more deeply.

Founder and director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Joshua Rosenthal states, “You can eat all the broccoli in the world and still be unhappy and unhealthy because other aspects of your life aren’t balanced. When you are satisfied with your career, in a loving relationship, have a spiritual practice, and exercise on a regular basis, you will be more likely to make better decisions about the foods you eat.”

One of the most important aspects of holistic health counseling that 3 Healthy Chicks embrace is the concept of bioindividuality. 3 Healthy Chicks strongly believe that no one diet works for everyone. We take a yogic view to our counseling practice, in that we believe balance is the key to health and happiness. In each of our practices, Center Your Health, Sprouting Wellness and Keola Wellness we individually assist our clients in taking small, but proactive steps to create lasting changes.

As your Holistic Health Counselor 3 Healthy Chicks will work one on one with you to:

~ Set and accomplish goals
~ Explore new foods
~ Understand and reduce cravings
~ Increase your energy
~ Feel better in your body
~ Improve personal relationships
~ Follow your bliss!
~ Learn to love the life you live~

Imagine what your life would be like if you had clear thinking, energy and excitement every day! When was the last time you talked with someone about your health, or that of your child, and received the personal attention you deserve? It’s rare for anyone to get an hour to work on their nutrition and goals with a trained professional. As Holistic Health Counselors, 3 Healthy Chicks are here to create a supportive environment while we explore what really works for you.

Email us today at 3healthychicks@gmail.com to schedule your free health consultation and to find out more about taking small steps to lasting change.

Keep it Fresh!
3HC

An apple a day...

Apples are good for you. You've heard it from the time you were a tiny kid... "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". But how do apples actually benefit your health?

Apples are a fat free, cholesterol free food, as well as a source of fiber. They are also a natural source of vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. But it doesn’t stop there. Apples have also been shown to deliver antioxidants.

In addition to making a quick and easy snack, an apple is a great choice for providing fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals into your diet. Its filling-but-not-fattening properties make it great for people of all ages, especially when grabbing a snack on-the-go is all you have time for.

Apples...

1. Boost your immunity. Apples contain Vitamin C, which helps your immune system. People who lack Vitamin C in their diet have poor healing, bruise easily and may have bleeding gums.

2. Help prevent heart disease. Apples can prevent coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease because they are rich in flavonoids., which are known for their antioxidant effects.

3. Make a great portable snack. Eating an apple when craving for candy or chocolate can make the desire disappear since apples in itself contain sugar, but gives you only a fraction of the calories from say, a packaged and processed snack.

4. Are cancer fighting! Apples help to prevent ALL cancers. Yay!

5. Lower cholesterol. Apples contain phenols, which have a double effect on cholesterol by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. Apples prevent LDL cholesterol from turning into oxidized LDL, a very dangerous form of bad cholesterol, which can be deadly.

6. Keep your teeth healthy. Apples prevent tooth decay, which is an infection that seriously damages the structure of your teeth caused primarily by bacteria. The juice of the apples has properties that can kill up to 80% of bacteria. The tough skin also cleans your teeth by scraping away plaque!

7. Contain 20% of your daily fiber. Apples are high in fiber, which help to keep your colon healthy along with keeping you "regular."

Keep it Fresh!

- Lauren

Tulsi Tea - Holy Basil

During my first trip to India in 2009, I was introduced to Tulsi tea, also known as 'holy basil' tea. I was told to drink it each day I was there to keep my immune system strong. Apparently, it worked because I remained healthy throughout and following my trip. I brought some back with me and have been hooked ever since! Luckily, Organic India makes a delicious line of Tulsi tea's that you can find here at all health food stores, and even in some supermarkets. I swear by the original flavor, but they have many different kinds. My favorite flavor is the Honey Chamomile all summer long, then I fall in love with the Orange Mint during the Fall and enjoy the Vanilla Creme when it's colder. My tastes clearly change with the seasons! If you see a box the next time you're food shopping, give it a try! Read below for all of the wonderful health benefits of this holy basil tea.

About Tulsi Tea

Tulsi tea, which originated in India thousands of years ago, is known for its rich antioxidant and adaptogenic properties that are known to promote wellness by building the body’s immune system, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. It is recognized as one of India's most sacred herbs because of its health benefits and healing properties. Tulsi Tea's antioxidants protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals that facilitate the cause and progression of various types of diseases. Also referred to as holy basil tea, this herbal brew’s adaptogens serve as powerful anti-stress agents that protect your body from a wide range of health concerns. The adaptogens guard against and deal with physical, chemical, environmental, and emotional factors that produce high levels of stress that compromise physical and mental health.

Potential Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea

· Strengthens the immune system, promotes longevity and enhances well-being.

· Promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.

· Reduces the negative physical and psychological effects of stress.

· Increases the body’s efficiency in using oxygen, which improves stamina, strength and endurance.

· Promotes respiratory health.

· Helps with digestion and gastrointestinal problems.

· Neutralizes dangerous biochemicals that contribute to cancer, degenerative diseases and premature aging.

· Facilitates healthy liver function.

· Reduces cell and tissue damage from sun rays, radiation therapy and other radiation sources.

· Relieves inflammation from arthritis and other diseases.

· Helps fight infections.

Keep it fresh!

- Lauren

A Healthy Chick Moment of Yoga: Four Paths of Yoga

Yoga means Union. Union between the individual self and the Universal Self; union between Body-Mind-Spirit. Yoga is not just a system of physical exercises. It is a classical system of personal development of body, mind, spirit. There are four main paths to attain this Union which brings health, happiness and peace of mind: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga (Hatha Yoga) and Jnana Yoga. Each path is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same goal. The lessons of each path need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained.

1. Karma Yoga, The Path of Action

By acting selflessly, without thought of personal gain or reward, and by detaching from the fruits of actions and instead offering them to God, the Karma Yogi purifies the heart and sublimates the ego.

2. Bhakti Yoga, The Path of Devotion

Through prayer, worship and ritual, the Bhakti Yogi surrenders to God, channeling and transmuting emotions into unconditional love or devotion. Chanting or singing the praises of God form a substantial part of Bhakti Yoga.

3. Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga

This path is often called Ashtanga, or eight-limbed yoga. It is the path of body, breath and mind control, and meditation. Hatha yoga is part of Raja yoga. It offers a systematic method for controlling the waves of thought. The chief practice of Raja Yoga is meditation. When body and energy are under control, meditation comes naturally.

4. Jnana Yoga, The Yoga of Knowledge

This is vedantic meditation and self-enquiry. Requiring tremendous strength of will and intellect, the Jnana Yogi uses intellect to inquire into his or her own true nature and into the nature of reality. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths - for without selflessness and love of God, strength of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation.

Keep it Fresh!

- Lauren