Bleeding H2O

It's uncomfortably hot and humid right now in NYC. It's the type of hot that makes you walk at a slow pace with your arms held slightly away from your body in fear of breaking a clothes drenching sweat.

I arrived home the other day to find a block party had broken out on my street and all of the neighborhood kids were cooling off in the fully open fire hydrant. There were gallons of water flooding down the street as far as 6 blocks away.

Everyone was having a great time. Music was blasting, kids were laughing, and adults were lazily conversing in the shade. I can't default them for enjoying a miserably hot afternoon.

I was however horrified at the 12ft high rupture of water freely spewing from the hydrant at 1000 gallons of water/min (I did the research). And I know for a fact that it was open for at least 12 hrs because it didn't get shut off until I called 311 to report it at 11pm. That's 720,000 gallons of wasted water! That day, I saw at least 6 other hydrants open in Brooklyn alone bringing my neighborhood total to at LEAST 4,320,000 gallons of wasted water.

This is one of the most disturbing things that I have ever witnessed. It amazes me that people can be so disrespectful towards nature. The National Geographic website has some great interactive features and quizzes on water. Get informed and you'll be less likely to make wasteful choices. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater

If you see an open hydrant in NYC, give 311 a call. You're probably going to be on hold for 20 min but think of all the gallons of water you'll be saving.

Stay cool! (just don't open a hydrant)


In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

What's that floating around your head?

Have you ever taken the time to glance around and take notice of how many electronic devices are close by? According to a recent (slightly scary) study, our bodies are subject to a high amount of electromagnetic radiation and it's leading to many widespread diseases like heart conditions, cancers, tumors and what they are now calling type 3 Diabetes. If you have a chance to check out the article, it's worth the read. http://www.naturalnews.com/028967_electropollution_diabetes.html

Even if you don't agree with all of it, I hope it will at least make you think about what you are exposing your body to.

Some of the common culprits :cell phones, Wifi, hair dyers, wireless routers, computers, TV's, basically anything with an electric current. The article stated a statistic from a study in 2008 saying that people who start using cell phones before age 20 increase their chances of a brain tumor by 500%!

There is no doubt in my mind that all the EMF pollution floating around our heads is bound to have some type of effect on the body. I'll be plugging my cell phone in to charge across the room at night in the very least.

Just something for you to ponder....


In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

MOVE!

Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic. More than 12 million kids are obese, over 23 million are overweight and these figures are increasing at an alarming rate.

One out of every 3 kids born today will develop diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes used to be considered an adult illness and is now commonly found in children. We've also reached a new low with cardiovascular disease occurring in teenagers.

All of this has happened in the last 30 years with (if you ask me) the help of our food industry, the corrupt, industry influenced USDA, and the "convenience" of fast and packaged foods.

I can remember getting home from school and not even taking the time to drop my backback before running off to fall out of a tree or permanently grass stain my school clothes! I had to be dragged into the house kicking and screaming to eat dinner. Snacking or sitting in front of the TV was never an issue. If the weather wasn't nice, I was sent to the playroom to rip and tear. I realize that I was probably a bit of an overactive child, I tend to a bit of an overactive adult, but I feel that our culture is becoming more stationary and it effects every age group.

I currently teach dance and movement to over 200 kids across NYC each week. I have children who become concerned when they begin to sweat and are winded after a 10 min warm up. Some times they are exhausted to the point of having to sit down and rest. I even had a little girl tell me she was having a heart attack the other day because she could feel her heart beating!

All of this saddens me deeply.

I love the new "Let's Move" initiative that Michelle Obama has started nation wide. I'm currently doing some research because I'm inspired to find a way to get involved. Here's the link. Check it out! Give me a "holla" if you want to brainstorm with me on how to jump in!

In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

Quinoa Score!

I scored a yummy quinoa recipe on the back of the Trader Joe's box yesterday. If you haven't yet added this nutritional powerhouse into your diet, it's time. Quinoa is close to one of the most complete foods that you can find in nature. It's contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. It's also a complete protein for all my veggie loving friends out there. It contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body.

Here's a delicious and easy way to give it a try.

Garlic Tofu Stir Fry with Quinoa, Peppers and Basil

1 C Quinoa prepared with 2C Veggie Stock
1 Package of Firm Tofu
4 TBS of Olive Oil
1 Small Onion
2 Peppers (any color)
5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic
20 leaves of fresh sweet basil
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Cut Tofu into 1 inch pieces. Heat oil in a Large skillet. Add tofu and saute until golden brown on all sides.
Add onions, peppers and saute for 1-2 min; add garlic and saute an additional 1-2 min; season with salt and pepper
Remove pan from heat; add basil and quinoa. Toss until basil wilts; garnish with Parmesan Cheese.


Be sure to let us know if you have any great quinoa recipes to share!



In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

"Diet Soda is the cure for Kidney Stones!"

A study was published by the Journal of Urology and claims that drinking diet soda may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.

Here's the link.

Here's the summary

-Kidney stones are formed when urine contains high levels of calcium, uric acid and a compound called oxalate.
-A compound called citrate is known to inhibite the formation of kidney stones.
-Diet citrus flavored sodas contain citrate

The study says that it is still unknown if these diet sodas will help prevent kidney stones, just that they contain high levels of citrate. They are not advocating the consumption of soda. What DOES upset me is that the doctor from the study says that patients need to be drinking 2-3 litters of water or other fluids a day and that if soda helps reach that goal, it's a good thing!

Perhaps if we pushed whole foods and drinking water (instead of soda) these ailments wouldn't develop in the first place. I see studies published everyday, in mainstream media, offering new, quick, convenient fixes for all of our maladies. These doctors and studies aren't necessarily advocating these fixes, but the media is presenting them in a way that is making it unclear to the consumer. How many of you would have read this article and then said, "Diet soda is the cure for kidney stones!"? That's the kind of excuse that most Americans are looking for. We all want "facts" and "science" to support our unhealthy habits.

In this society, people aren't willing to read all of the information and are only catching highlights and blurbs. It's vital that you learn to read thoroughly and always be skeptical of what's being "fed" to you.

Happy Researching!


In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

Food Funnies

If you've been receiving the Motivated Nutrition newsletter, you've read a few of my childhood food stories. I'm curious to hear a few of your own and use them in the June issue. Dig deep to remember any funny food experience from your life and email it to me at joanie@motivatednutrition.net.

I'll notify you if you are chosen and you'll be featured (anonymously or not) in next month's newsletter.

If you aren't signed up for the newsletter yet, what are you waiting for?

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net

Anchor enhancing/washboard Ab class!

Hi all!

Motivated Nutrition is going to be holding it's first fitness event on Sunday, May 23 from 12:30-1:30 in Chinatown. Clink above for more details and to register!

Hope to see you there!


In health,

Joanie


Joanie Johnson, HC
joanie@motivatednutrition.net
www.motivatednutrition.net