Our Pre-workout Formula has a combination of creatin and citrulline that is a true benefit to a good workout. This mix helps the arteries open up more and makes your exercise time more efficient with increased bloodflow. The guarana gives your body more nitrus oxide, which is great for people who are doing any weight lifting and will increase your endurance.
Many other pre workout powders contain caffeine as an energy source, but not ours. We have a blend of other vitamins, minerals, and herbs in our formula so no jitters or post workout crash. Instead you'll remain refreshed from your routine and continue about your day. It is all natural, so no worry of manufactured chemicals getting into your body.
]]>The same chemical reactions that surround us every day also take place inside our bodies. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that creates rust, turns apple brown, and causes cellular stress and death in our bodies. It is caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that bind to surrounding molecules to achieve stability. Apples turn brown when exposed to air because their cells are oxidizing and dying. This same basic process takes place in our bodies.
Inside the human body, free radicals stabilize themselves by attaching to healthy cells. This reaction is normal, but when it occurs excessively it is called “oxidative stress” and kills healthy cells. Oxidative stress contributes to aging and many common diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants protect our bodies by attracting free radicals and providing them a place to react without damaging our cells.
Vitamin C is one of the world’s most popular vitamins for good reason. It is a powerful antioxidant and is essential to many functions in the body. It is important to supplement Vitamin C on a daily basis because the body cannot create or store it.
Ubiquinol is one of the antioxidant compounds that our bodies can naturally synthesize from other nutrients, but age and health complications greatly lessen this output.
Vitamin E protects cell membranes and DNA proteins from free-radicals.
Quercetin is a common flavonoid in fruits and veggies that protects cell from free radicals as well as providing anti-inflammatory effect to the body’s tissues.
Resveratrol has been shown to protect heart function and combat signs of “aging.”
Our Super Antioxidant Formula packs in awesome compounds like these for full-body support!
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Whey Protein is derived from milk and is one of the best sources of the 18 essential amino acids needed to rebuild muscle tissue. Our Whey Protein powder is sourced from New Zealand farms that never treat their cows with hormones or GMO feed. The process of isolating the protein compounds leaves behind the fat and cholesterol that is present in milk. It also mixes to a smooth texture.
For folks who are sensitive to dairy or avoid it for ethical reasons, we have harnessed the power of nature with our Plant Protein powder. The essential amino acids are provided by a blend of Pea Protein Isolate, Cranberry Seed and Sacha Inchi Seed. This formula also boasts Omega-3s, prebiotic Inulin and an enzyme blend to ensure that the protein is easily digested. This formula is the kindest to your stomach and to the planet.
In conclusion, both of these protein sources can be great as long as they are sourced cleanly. We hope this guide will help you make the best choice for your body.
]]>Let’s start with a little bit of science…
Collagen is a protein that is very abundant in our bodies. It is a major building block in skin, hair, nails, joint tissue and even intestinal lining. Over time our bodies begin to produce less and less collagen; this is the big culprit for the loss of skin elasticity and joint pain that we associate with aging. It has been shown that supplementing collagen could help preserve and strengthen these tissues over time.
As with any supplement, we know that not all collagen powder products are created equal.
Many companies on the market cut corners with the sourcing of their collagen peptides and this can result in unwanted chemicals and hormones making their way into your product. Our collagen is only sourced from cows that are grass-fed and raised in the US. No rGBH here!
The smoothie for smooth skin
Combine the following ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth:
6 ounces of Almond Milk (30 calories)
1 scoop of Chicago Health Foods Collagen Peptides Powder (70 calories)
1 cup of Raspberries, frozen or fresh (roughly 60 calories)
1 ripe Banana (roughly 100 calories)
1 tablespoon Peanut Butter (90 calories)
Half an Avocado (roughly 140 calories)
Ice as needed
This smoothie is under 500 calories and boasts a full 20g serving of protein! In addition to the collagen, avocados contain a high amount of the essential fatty acid Omega-3 which can also boost healthy skin cells and lower inflammation. Perfect to get your day started or to help recover and rebuild after a workout. Your body will thank you.
]]>The answer is..."Pretty much everywhere." There is plant-based protein in broccoli, peas, corn, kale, beet greens, asparagus and mushrooms, to name a few that might surprise you. There is protein in grains like wheat and barley and seeds like amaranth and quinoa, chia, cranberry and flax. There is protein in the handful of nuts you grab for a snack. There is even protein in your glass of merlot!
Protein is one of the three macronutrients. The other two are carbohydrates and fats. You must consume enough protein each day because your body doesn't store protein like it does the other macronutrients, carbohydrates and fats.
Protein is important. It makes every cell in your body work. "Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood."
How much protein is enough? Nutritionists say 10-15% of your diet should be protein, about 46 grams per day for women and 56 grams per day for men -- yet the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that the average American male eats about 102 grams of protein per day and the average female about 70 grams.
We're getting too much! And for some, that can lead to problems. "Excess protein has been linked with osteoporosis, kidney disease, calcium stones in the urinary tract, and some cancers."
So although you may get less protein on a plant-based diet, you will easily get plenty of protein if you eat a variety of veggies, grains, seeds, beans, nuts and fruits every day -- and you will probably be healthier for it. In recent years, many doctors, nutritionists and government recommendations have changed their recommendations to favor more plant foods.
Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a physician who specializes in functional medicine, recommends what he calls a "Nutritarian Diet" for best health. The Nutritarian Diet emphasizes the nutrient density of foods, which Dr. Fuhrman captures in the formula, H=N/C, Health=Nutrients/Calories. The most nutrient dense foods are those that provide the most nutrition in the fewest calories. With this focus, kale and other greens are at the top of his ANDI table (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) with the maximum number of points, 1000. He describes the Nutritarian Food Pyramid like this: "By keeping low nutrient foods to a minimum and striving to eat at least 90% of calories from the unrefined plant foods that comprise the base of the pyramid each day, you construct a health-promoting, disease-preventing diet."
This plant-food based eating plan mirrors the diet that human evolution designed for us. We started out as plant-eaters. Our digestive system evolved to handle first meat, then cooked food, with teeth and jaws and our stomachs getting smaller. Even as hunter-gatherers, tho, which Paleo dieters claim as the foundation of their eating rules, meat was no more than 30% of the diet and that during only part of the year. The bulk of the diet came from foraging and consisted of plant foods.
Meat and dairy are dense forms of protein -- dense calorically as well, and that's where the problems develop. Our American diet is meat and dairy heavy, and much of the world is following our path. These concentrated proteins, while they might have worked well in another time that required tremendous physical exertion to get through the day are no longer beneficial.
The average American eats 3641 calories per day, which might have looked good on hunter-gatherers if they could find that much calorie-rich food to eat, but it doesn't do much for sedentary Americans. Where do all those calories come from? 13% meat, 14% dairy, which comes to 27%, and 37% from sugar and fats.
Excess fats go to...well, fat, along with all those added sugars we eat under 57 different names and all those highly refined flours and denatured veggies in commercial foods. While we excrete extra protein, it can be mischievous en route.
We are more likely to get just the amount of protein we need -- and lots of other great nutrients as well -- from whole, protein-rich plant foods like sprouted beans, lima beans, peas, succotash, kale, broccoli raab, mushrooms, edible pod peas, sweet corn, artichokes, spinach, collard greens, parsley, mustard greens, zucchini, cress, beet greens, arugula, Brussels sprouts, bamboo shoots, squash, asparagus, snap peas, cress, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage. It's easy to get plenty of protein from plant foods if you eat a wide variety of whole foods (veggies, fruits, seeds, nuts, grains, beans) every day.
For many of us, though, that's a big if, with our lifestyles. We don't have time to cook at home, and we're often on the run. Yet sufficient protein is critical to every cell and, along with vigorous exercise, is important for muscle mass. Protein supplements, like vitamin and mineral supplements, are an insurance policy for busy, health-minded people. Chicago Health Foods Plant Proteins include pea, cranberry seed, chia seed and Sacha Inchi seed, all from real, whole, protein-rich plant foods. Better yet, these plant proteins are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, non-gmo, and contain less than 1 gram of sugar and 9 grams of BCAAs and glutamine.
So get ready for the warmer season by getting into peak health condition. Build your muscle mass and strength with protein-rich plant foods and Chicago Health Foods Plant Proteins as an insurance policy. Get outdoors, get active, and have fun!
]]>Though researchers continue to study allergies, there is no definitive explanation for why some people develop allergies and others don't. There appears to be a genetic component, and allergies are more common in those who live in an industrialized or urban area. Unfortunately, there is no cure for seasonal allergies, but there are many ways to manage the symptoms. Experiment with these four methods of naturally treating seasonal allergy symptoms to see what works best for you.
Certain foods make your body more sensitive to allergens, while others do just the opposite. Changing your diet could dramatically reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. First, avoid raw fruits and vegetables that are related to pollens that cause your allergies. For example, watermelon and cantaloupe can affect individuals who are allergic to ragweed. You may also wish to avoid dairy products, which stimulate mucus production.
Add organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to your diet to reduce mucus production and cleanse the lymphatic system. Simply mix a teaspoon of the vinegar into a glass of water three times a day. Many individuals have also noticed significant improvement in their symptoms when they eat local honey every day. Patronize farmer's markets to find raw, unprocessed honey made close to your home, and enjoy at least a teaspoon a day.
Nutritional supplements are often effective in reducing allergy symptoms, because they work with your body to build up natural immunities. There are also supplements that combine several plant extracts to maximize effectiveness. Ingredients may include stinging nettles, feverfew leaf, turmeric and ginger. Aller-7 Support is our best selling allergy formula. The comprehensive vitamin and herb formula that works by building your resistance to a wide range of allergens: from pets to seasonal allergies such as mold, yeast and pollen. |
There are a number of essential oils that have specific application to allergy relief, including peppermint, lemon and lavender. These should be diffused in your home to cleanse the air and reduce pollens. Eucalyptus is an excellent topical remedy for allergic symptoms. Dilute in a carrier oil and apply to your chest and neck or the bottoms of your feet. You may also wish to add a few drops when you bathe, so that you can breathe in the aromatic benefits.
It is hard to avoid pollen altogether, but it is possible to limit outdoor activity during periods of peak pollen count. These include the evening hours in the spring and early summer, as well as the morning hours in the late summer and fall. Pollen counts are also high just after rainfall and on particularly windy days. During these times, you may wish to stay inside with the windows and doors closed to avoid exposure. When you do spend time outside, clear off the pollen as soon as you come in. Take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes to ensure minimal pollen in your home.
No one wants to be stuck inside when the weather is warm and adventures beckon from the great outdoors, but heavy doses of allergy medication are not always an ideal solution. Try these four natural methods of treating seasonal allergy symptoms, so you can experience relief quickly.]]>Servings: 1 bowl
Ingredients
1 scoop Chicago Health Foods Chocolate Plant or Whey Protein
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 bananas
½ cup non-dairy or Greek yogurt
1 cup pomegranate juice
½ cup water
1 cup ice
*Optional Toppings:
coconut flakes
sliced bananas
chia seeds
flax seeds
pomegranate seeds
blueberries
almond butter
honey
maca powder
bee pollen]]>Chicago Health Foods Super Stress Complex, Adrenal Support, Sleep Support, and L-Theanine provide a safe and natural path toward better stress management. Each complex is carefully designed by health specialists who understand how vitamins, minerals, herbs, and hormones affect the brain, nervous system, and muscles. A calm state of mind is probably the best gift you could give yourself, so take these tips with your supplements and enjoy the focus and concentration that comes with a more relaxed approach to daily life:
Create structure in your life by maintaining a regular schedule that allows ample time for sleep each night. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours for adults. If you have trouble getting to sleep, try turning down lights an hour before bed. Substitute television and the internet for a book, bath or cup of herbal tea. Try a Sleep Support Complex that contains essential B vitamins, the body-clock hormone melatonin, and the natural muscle relaxants passionflower and valerian.
Tiring out your muscles is the best way to tire your brain, and researchers consistently report that exercise reduces stress by increasing the body's levels of serotonin. Unfortunately, it's impossible to exercise regularly if fatigue is bringing you down. Consider an Adrenal Support Complex for a balance of B vitamins, exotic root extracts, pantothenic acid and vitamin C to knock out the stress that's holding you back. If you aren't athletically inclined, try a class in yoga, aerobics, line dancing, Pilates or kick-boxing. Eventually, you'll find a form of activity you like and enjoy enough to continue.
If you're an animal lover, a pet could become your best friend and stress remedy. Walk a dog for a dose of Vitamin D, fresh air and the chance to meet neighbors and make new friends. A purring cat has a way of putting problems into perspective, and even a fish or reptile helps alleviate loneliness when no one is around. Researchers claim the bond you form with a pet is healthy and good for you. If animals make you anxious or you can't afford to care for one, however, it's better to remain pet-free.
The therapeutic benefits of massage are well documented. An ongoing appointment with a massage therapist is ideal but not always possible, so invest in a shiatsu massage cushion with heat, foot bath, jacuzzi or another at-home system that will knead your tight muscles after a tough day. Enhance the experience with calming music, aromatherapeutic candles and closed eyes for maximum benefit.
A cup of chamomile tea before bed is a time-honored remedy for relaxation but isn't the only plant-based supplement that combats stress. The past few decades of research have identified a variety of natural, effective stress-reducing agents, some of which are available in health food stores. Try L-theanine, a safe stress-reducing compound found in green tea. 100 milligrams an hour before bedtime can lead to deep sleep and peaceful dreams.
Integrate the concepts behind meditation into everything you do and achieve calmness in taxing situations. Breathe deeply, close your eyes and focus inward. Look for a quiet and serene spot at your workplace -- maybe a water fountain or peaceful bench -- and eat lunch there. Spend a few minutes stretching out instead of impulsively checking social media. Hum to yourself, keep a journal, buy a beautiful coloring book and enjoy the mindlessness of filling the pages.
Subtracting stress is possible with the methods that work best for you, so keep experimenting. A Super Stress Complex that provides important B vitamins is the best place to start. Don't forget to include antioxidants and healthy fats in your daily diet. Dark greens, bright vegetables and rich proteins are required to keep stress on the shelf and better enjoy your life and those around you. Namaste!
]]>Sweat the winter weight out
It's no secret that exercise aids in weight loss, but how much will help you reach your goals? Well, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity in a week, along with strength training twice a week with a routine strenuous enough to make your muscles tire--about 12-15 repetitions. The Mayo Clinic suggests upping the number to 300 minutes for those wanting to lose weight.
If this seems like a lot, try to make it fun with different activities so it's something you can look forward to. Try stand up paddle boarding, yoga, barre class, spinning, or a group fitness class with friends. Whatever you choose, just put your best effort into it and make time for it each week.
Fill-in the gaps with supplements
Each person is different, so if you are not getting the results you were hoping for, then maybe adding a supplement to your healthy lifestyle would give you the jump-start you need! Here are a few options to check out before you pick one.
Don't dread the diet
You don't have to live your life a slave to the diet. Instead of thinking about all of the foods you need to cut out, think about how many foods you can add to your diet, and all the different ways you can use them. Make eating healthy a lifestyle, not a chore. Focus on eating healthier on a daily basis, but take a cheat day if you need! If you are looking for specific foods to kick-start your metabolism, then take a look at this list:
Have fun with eating healthy. Try new health conscious restaurants that are experimenting with different spices and flavors. It can be tasty and fun to be healthy, you just need to know where to go! This may even be a good opportunity to take someone to a healthy cooking class with you.
There are so many types of foods, exercises, and supplements to help you become the best you can be! Adventure out into the unknown and try a combination of these things. If you need help picking out the right foods and products for you, then make a stop at Chicago Health Foods. We are more than happy to assist you in meeting your goals!
]]>Servings: 1 serving
5 minute prep time
Ingredients
1 scoop Chicago Health Foods Vanilla Plant Protein
1 1/2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
1 cup baby spinach, fresh
1 banana
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, pure
1/4 cup chia seeds
Preparation
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Servings: 1 smoothie
5 minute prep time
Ingredients
2 kiwi fruits, peeled and chopped
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup coconut yogurt
1 1/2 cup water
1 scoop Chicago Health Foods Vanilla Whey Protein
Preparation
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Run for your life!
Alright, so maybe you don't like to run. That's okay, find another way to get cardio in. Go swimming, cycling, biking, walking, rowing, or jump rope. Whatever it is, try to get at least 30 minutes of it in a day to keep your heart happy! Cardio improves your blood circulation by moving blood from areas that aren't using as much, to muscle areas that need it. This increases the amount of blood flow to your heart which strengthens it. But don't stop there, this level of activity requires significant nutritional support which can be obtained through both food and natural supplements. A supplement like Cardio Support can complement a healthy lifestyle by helping to maintain the proper calcium levels, platelet aggregation, and nourish the heart muscles and layers. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, this type of support may be a good fit for your heart's health!
Omega-3's are Super
The most recent studies have found that Omega-3 fatty acids found in food or supplements like Super Omega-3 can lower your risk for heart disease by 16 percent! EPA and DHA, both of which are in Super Omega-3, are specifically proven to reduce the factor for heart disease for patients who had high triglycerides and high low-density lipoproteing (LDL's). These fatty acids can be tough to get in the daily recommended value, so don't be discouraged if you can't squeeze in a piece of fish everyday, there are other ways to get your Omega'-3's!
Ubiquinol to fuel your heart
Your heart is an organ that requires a lot of energy, so if your body isn't producing the amount of energy it needs, your health could suffer. One option to get more natural energy is through Ubiquinol. It's another form of CoQ10, but it is easier for your body to process. Ubiquinol also contains properties that can help lower cholesterol, further preventing heart disease. The best natural ways to get this is by eating broccoli, oranges, strawberries, nuts, and trout. If supplements are easier for you, Chicago Health Foods has what you need!
Control your blood pressure before it controls you
When it comes to heart disease, having a blood pressure within normal limits is a must! If it begins to creep up on you, your heart might suffer. Fortunately, blood pressure often times can be lowered by eating the right food or supplements. Besides Ubiquinol--which also aids in lowering blood pressure--there are many more sources that will help you keep those numbers down! Here are a few of them:
As you can see there are many sources to improve your blood pressure health. Nutritional support can be used on it's own, but best results may also come from making both diet and lifestyle changes. A natural Blood Pressure Support supplement may also help supply potent nutrients and herbs to help maintain normal, healthy blood pressure.
Can't have one without the other
Eating vitamins, whether through food or supplements, has a monumental impact on preventing heart disease, but you can't truly lower your risk factor for it until you pair it with exercise. A healthy lifestyle must exist to prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that when you pair exercise and a healthy lifestyle with vitamins and supplements, you can lower your odds of developing heart disease by 80 percent.
Come check us out to find what you need for your heart health. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you to the right vitamins for your lifestyle if you have questions about which foods and supplements are best for you!
]]>Many of us want to look and feel our best, but that is tough when dealing with symptoms from bad gut-health. Surprisingly, it can affect immune and nervous systems, and can also cause hormone imbalances. That could lead to mood swings, possible weight-gain and so much more. Research is even discovering links between poor gut-health and Parkinson's disease! These issues are increasing the popularity and the demand for probiotics and digestive enzymes. Are you looking for ways to improve your gut health? Here are a few things to consider:
Probiotics versus digestive enzymes
Probiotics and digestive enzymes both help with the digestive process, so they are basically the same thing, right? Not quite! You shouldn't have one without the other because their work complements the others' duties. So, what is the difference between probiotics and digestive enzymes? Let's compare the two!
So, now that you know what they are, you can see that digestive enzymes lay the groundwork for probiotics by breaking the food down small enough for the probiotics to absorb. If you are missing one or the other, your gut-health may not be optimal.
How to get probiotics
Probiotics are naturally occurring in the body, but sometimes they need help being replenished. Lifestyle issues such as being overweight, taking antibiotics, poor diet, lack of exercise, and not staying hydrated can affect the amount of probiotics in our bodies, so often times, there is not enough for proper absorption during the digestive process. For this reason, ingesting probiotics through food or supplements is beneficial to digestion for those with poor gut-health. Supplements such as 35 Billion Probiotic and 100 Billion Probiotic are designed to help increase the amount of probiotics in the body, but you can also get them by eating foods like the following:
How to increase digestive enzymes
Now that you know how to increase gut absorption, it's time to work on breaking down your food by increasing digestive enzymes, or making use of the ones you do have. This can be done through a combination of things. Check out the list to see how many you are doing?
Keep in mind that different foods have different enzymes, so find out what your body needs and eat accordingly. Because that takes a lot of time and research, there are also supplements like Superzymes that help to digest an array of different food types to help aid in digestion if that is your preference.
What to look for before you buy
Like anything else you buy, it's important to make sure you are getting the best quality. Run through this checklist to make sure your probiotic and enzyme supplements are the best:
Don't forget to check the manufacturer's date on the package to make sure you are getting a quality product.
Whether you want to eat your way to better gut-health, or pick-up a supplement, Chicago Health Foods has what you need. Come visit us, or visit our online store!
]]>Servings: 1 smoothie
5 minute prep time
Ingredients
1 scoop Chicago Health Foods Vanilla Plant Protein
1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup frozen or fresh kale
1 teaspoon coconut nectar
1/4 cup almond butter
Preparation
The cold and flu season is upon us and our customers are starting to look for natural ways to boost their immune system.
]]>The cold and flu season is upon us and our customers are starting to look for natural ways to boost their immune system. Tried and true remedies like Echinacea, Goldenseal and Vitamin C are still very effective in increasing your body’s natural immune defenses.
The question I’m being asked more and more is: “Are they the best natural remedies to take once you’ve started to feel under the weather?”
My answer is that although I’ve seen Echinacea, Goldenseal and Vitamin C do wonders in making me feel better fast, I’ve found a even more effective and faster protocol to recover.
The protocol consists of three all natural supplements: Elderberry, Pelargonium Sidoides and Vitamin C. The supplement potency and purity are just as important for successful results as is the regimen.
Chicago Health’s Elderberry: Elderberry contains antioxidant flavonoids that protect cell walls against foreign substances – cold causing virus in our case.
Take 1 tablespoon every 3 hours. This interval is critical for quick recovery.
Pelargonium Sidoides: Clinically proven to relieve the cold symptoms and speed up recovery time by restoring mucus membranes to their healthy state.
Take 2 chewable tablets every 3 hours. This interval is critical for quick recovery.
Chicago Health’s Vitamin C with Rose Hips: Clinical studies show that intake greater than 200 mg. vitamin C per day reduced the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Furthermore, separate clinical studies show that taking 500 mg. vitamin C per day reduces chances of getting a common cold by 50%.
Take 3 tablets per day during the cold and 1 per day as prevention.
The above regimen has become my default protocol every time I feel the first signs of a cold – sniffle, scratchy throat or a cough. If I start the regimen immediately after the first sign of a cold, adhere to taking above supplements every three hours, most often than not I feel back to normal within 24 hours. Nothing else I tried has worked with such certainty and speed.
I should also mention that I take our Chicago Health’s 35 billion probiotic religiously every night. More on probiotic benefits and choosing the right one for you in one of the next blogs.
Until then, stay healthy and if you have any questions, please email or call me; I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading.
Sinisa
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