Thursday, February 18, 2016

Get your greens


It's time to think further than the lettuce!

When it comes to salads, for me anything goes.  Steak and ground sausage are two of my favorite toppings for a dark green bed of spinach.  If you're trying to add more vegetables to your diet, making a salad into a meal can be as simple as reaching for leftovers.  

Chicken is a common addition for salads, but don't get stuck in only one type of preparation.  Leftover chicken breast from dinner the night before?  Cube it, toss it with your favorite seasoning (garlic, lemon pepper, etc), and a drizzle of olive oil.

One of my favorite salad creations as of late has been a southwestern inspired theme.  I take cooked ground sausage, bell pepper, corn, avocado, and put it with organic spinach.  I use orange juice (yes, juice) as the dressing, and finish it with a sprinkle of garlic and cilantro.  I'm hungry just thinking about it!  I will often crumble corn tortilla chips on top for a little salty crunch.  This salad came about by assessing the leftovers in my refrigerator and getting inspired.   I've used juice and fruit in other salad concoctions before with great results.  Pineapple chunks with spinach, dried cranberries, and almond slices is another favorite of mine.  

I encourage people in my nutrition lectures to take ingredients (preferably low fat, high nutrient content) that they like and mix and match to make their perfect combo.  If you feel like you need a protein to make a meal, add it to the salad.  You'll feel fuller sooner, allowing you to eat less, than if you had eaten the protein by itself.  Plus you'll be getting all of the added benefits of the vitamins and minerals in the vegetables

Here are a few guidelines you should follow:

- Choose organic produce based off of the Dirty Dozen list.  Read more here
- Avoid dressings, including low fat dressings.  Try olive oil, juice, or vinegar instead.
- Avoid loading the cheese on your green salad.  It adds fat, and can block some of the absorption of the vitamins in the greens.
- Don't add your dressing until you're ready to consume the salad.

If you would be interested in attending a nutritional lecture at no cost to you, or if you have any questions email me, drtharnish@gmail.com.  

Yours in health and wellness,

Dr. Angela Tharnish
www.charlestonpainreliefcenter.com
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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Headaches



Pain in the temple area.  Throbbing that effects your concentration.  A dull ache that slows your thinking and annoys you all day.  Do any of these sound familiar?  If not, chances are you have someone in your life, that knows these symptoms all too well.  Millions of Americans suffer on a regular basis with an assortment of different types of headaches.  Many people have resolved to live with the headaches, but there might yet be something to try.

Research dating back nearly 20 years, has shown that treatment of the neck helps in decreasing the frequency and intensity of most headaches.  Read a summary here.  The research has been clear that drug therapy for the treatment of headaches is 70% more likely to cause an unwanted side effect.

In our office, with proper treatment, we've had so many success stories of people who have been given their lives back.  Read one of our most recent success story here.

If you are suffering with headaches, or know someone who is, please call for a free consultation to find out if you would qualify for treatment in our office.  843-225-2550.

Wishing you all a healthful day!

Dr. Angela