Keep Calm

Most likely you have been given the advice to ‘find balance in your life,’ or to ‘decrease stress in your every day.’  Many of us hear this advice and think “Yeah right, try living a day in my shoes and explain to me how in the world I can remove some of this stress?”  Well, one way to begin this de-stressing journey starts with confirming that you have a sufficient amount of magnesium in your body.

 In order for our bodies to function properly, we require 6 essential minerals; magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium.  Today we are focusing on magnesium, the one I refer to as the ‘calming mineral.’   Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is one of the leading nutrient deficiencies in adults

 If you have low levels of magnesium it can cause irritability, headaches, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, muscle spasms or twitches, constipation, and insomnia.  Not only does magnesium help to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, but it also helps to keep your heart rhythm steady and support a healthy immune system.   This essential mineral has a calming effect on your entire nervous system.

 There are many ways to increase your intake of magnesium.  My favorite and one that forces you to spoil yourself a bit is to enjoy a warm (not hot) Epson salt bath.  These amazing salts have been around for hundreds of years, and are actually not even a salt, but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium.  Indulging in an Epson salt bath not only calms you but will also help to ease all sorts of muscle aches and pains.  Also, be sure to include foods high in Magnesium into your everyday diet: spinach, Swiss chard, black beans, almonds, cashews, potatoes, pumpkin seeds, avocado, bananas, broccoli and brussels sprouts.

Although magnesium may not be the most abundant mineral present in our bodies, it certainly is an important one!  There are also some great options for magnesium supplements out there.  Just make sure you are getting a good quality supplement that your body will absorb effectively!

 Turkey Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

 

INGREDIENTS:

·       ½ pound sliced turkey bacon

·       ¼ cup coconut oil

·       2/3 cup pine nuts

·       2 pounds Brussels sprouts, cored and shredded

·       1 onion, chopped

·       3-4 garlic cloves, minced

·       Sea salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1.    Bake bacon in the oven until crispy. Drain, crumble and set aside.

2.    In a skillet, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Add pine nuts and stir until browned. Add Brussels sprouts, garlic and onions. Add the seasoning and cook until sprouts are tender (10-15 minutes).

3.    Stir in bacon just before serving.

With the holidays approaching, allow magnesium to be your best friend!  For many of us, the joy of the holiday can get lost with endless commitments, managing family dynamics and gift buying!  You will find yourself calmer, less stressed and you might possibly be able to enjoy the holidays this year!