Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2012 - (Page 76)

WELLNESS 10 Superfoods to Turbo Charge a Healthy Diet Yes, you’ve heard this eating advice before, but that’s the point: Juice cleanses may sound like the ultimate quick ﬁx, but maintaining health, losing weight and keeping yourself energized still come down to less pizza, more broccoli. This is especially true when traveling: No matter what country or culture, look for vegetables, wild-caught ﬁsh, and nutrient-rich snacks such as unprocessed nuts. Integrative medicine expert Frank Lipman, M.D., director of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City, has a similarly nuanced take. “I’m a big believer in cleanses,” he says, noting that he has done 30 or 40 juice cleanses himself. “But they should be a move into a healthier lifestyle” — or back into one — “not just something to feel good for a few days.” He cautions against cleanses that go heavy on fruit juice, which is high in sugar, and says to look for greens-centered versions. He also notes that it’s not wise to cleanse if you’re depleted, so if you’re feeling run-down after a decadent vacation or exhausting business trip, it’s better to eat wisely but hold off on the hardcore cleanse. Lipman points out that it’s hard to consume only juice for longer than ﬁve days (and none of the cleanse companies advocate that anyway). “Most people go back to their bad habits after a juice cleanse,” he says, as it takes closer to two weeks to banish food cravings. Such was the case for me. As much as I liked the way I felt on my Cooler Cleanse, I wanted chocolate and ice cream as much as ever when I was done. LE T T HE SE F R E S H N U GGETS O F NUTR I TI O N KN OW LE DGE I N F OR M YO UR H A B I TS F O R HE ALT HF U L E AT I N G Açaí These Brazilian berries pack an antioxidant punch similar to that of blueberries, plus healthy fats. Add the puréed fruit to cereal or smoothies, or stir the powdered form into water. Note: Steer clear of açaí products with added sugar. Chia Seeds These seeds (yes, same as in Chia Pets) are rich in omega-3s and protein. One tablespoon has as much protein as a cup of oatmeal, says registered dietitian Keri Glassman, founder of Nutritious Life. Sprinkle them on food. Goji Berries This Himalayan fruit is bursting with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which fight inflammation and bolster immunity. Snack on dried berries (sold in bags like raisins) or add to trail mix or oatmeal. Kefir A slightly sour dairy product (similar to yogurt) fermented with the kefir grain, it’s a combination of yeast and healthy bacteria that aids digestion, boosts immunity and may fight colon cancer. Mix it into salad dressings or smoothies. health. While plenty of people are brewing their own, you can find bottled kombucha at most grocery stores. Maca Root Grown in the Peruvian Andes, this root vegetable is a good source of amino acids, helps reduce cholesterol, and bolsters disease resistance. Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that it enhances energy, libido and fertility. In powder form, sprinkle over food. Nutritional Yeast One tablespoon has 9 grams of protein, is fortified with B vitamins and can serve as a vegan alternative to grated cheese. Sprinkle it on popcorn. Purple and Blue Potatoes All potatoes are rich in vitamin C and iodine, but the colorful ones are packed with anthocyanin (the antioxidant in blueberries and red wine), which is good for the brain, according to psychiatry professor Drew Ramsey, M.D., co-author of “The Happiness Diet.” Kelp and Nori These sea vegetables are loaded with vitamins A, C and E, and potassium and iron. Nori is the wrapper in sushi rolls, and you can add the dried leaves to soups or use powdered sea vegetables in meatballs. Turmeric Ramsey points to interesting data that show this rhizome (in the ginger family) lowers rates of depression and dementia and boosts a molecule in the brain that will be the “new serotonin.” It’s found in curry powder, but you can also grate or thinly slice the fresh root over fish. Discover other tips and treatments used at The Ritz-Carlton Spas, as well as recommended skincare products, online at . / Kombucha This beverage is made by adding yeast to tea, which causes the sugars to ferment, giving it probiotic properties that improve digestive 76 W W W. R I T Z C A R LT O N . C O M http://www.ritzcarlton.com/magazine http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2012

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2012
Table of Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With ... Boston
Technology
Design
On the Boulevards
Shopping
Jewelry
Watches
Family Travel
Wellness
Outdoors
Barcelona
Istanbul
Fashion
Culinary
Let Us Stay With You
Heritage

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Summer 2012