HealthyME Living

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It's a condition that can impact all aspects of a person's life, including their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Understanding depression is essential to helping those who suffer from it, as well as to reducing the stigma surrounding it.

Depression is a multifaceted disorder that can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It's characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness, as well as a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.

There are several types of depression, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. Each type has its own set of symptoms and can vary in severity.

Depression is a treatable condition, and there are several effective treatments available. The most common treatments include therapy and medication. Therapy, also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. Medication, such as antidepressants, can help balance the chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.

In addition to therapy and medication, there are several lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms of depression. These include regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.

It's important to note that depression is not a personal weakness or failure. It's a real and debilitating condition that requires proper treatment and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it's essential to seek help from a mental health professional.

In conclusion, understanding depression is crucial to helping those who suffer from it. It's a complex disorder that can be caused by a combination of factors, and there are several effective treatments available. By reducing the stigma surrounding depression and increasing awareness of the condition, we can help more people get the help they need and deserve.

As more people adopt a vegan lifestyle or seek alternatives to dairy milk, the demand for vegan milk options has increased. Fortunately, there are many plant-based alternatives to dairy milk available on the market, each with its own unique taste and nutritional profile. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular vegan milk options and provide tips on how to use them.

1. Soy Milk: Soy milk is made by soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans, then straining the resulting mixture. Soy milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and has a creamy texture that makes it a popular choice for coffee, tea, and baking.
2. Almond Milk: Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and straining the mixture. It has a nutty flavor and is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Almond milk is a great option for smoothies and baking.
3. Oat Milk: Oat milk is made by blending oats with water and straining the mixture. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. Oat milk is a good source of fiber, vitamin B12, and iron, making it a popular choice among vegans. It's also great for coffee and baking.
4. Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is made by blending coconut meat with water and straining the mixture. It has a sweet, tropical flavor and is a good source of medium-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Coconut milk is a great option for curries, soups, and baking.
5. Rice Milk: Rice milk is made by blending rice with water and straining the mixture. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a thin texture. Rice milk is a good source of vitamin B12 and is a great option for cereal and baking.
6. Cashew Milk: Cashew milk is made by blending cashews with water and straining the mixture. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Cashew milk is a good source of healthy fats, copper, and magnesium. It's a great option for smoothies and baking.

Tips for using vegan milk:

• When baking, substitute vegan milk for dairy milk at a 1:1 ratio.
• Some vegan milks, such as soy and oat milk, are great for frothing and making lattes.
• Store vegan milk in the refrigerator and use within 7-10 days after opening.
• Some vegan milks, such as almond and cashew milk, can be easily made at home using a blender and nut milk bag.
• Vegan milk can also be used in savory dishes, such as curries and soups, to add creaminess and flavor.

In conclusion, there are many vegan milk options available, each with its own unique taste and nutritional benefits. By experimenting with different types of vegan milk and using them in a variety of recipes, you can find the options that work best for you and your lifestyle.

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are crucial for maintaining good health. However, many people struggle to incorporate enough fruits and vegetables into their diet. Here are 13 ways to add fruits and vegetables to your diet:

1. Start your day with a smoothie: A smoothie is an excellent way to pack in fruits and vegetables at the start of the day. Blend together some spinach, kale, banana, and berries for a nutrient-rich breakfast.
2. Snack on fruits and veggies: Cut up some carrots, celery, and cucumbers and dip them in hummus or peanut butter for a healthy snack. You can also enjoy a piece of fruit, such as an apple or pear, for a quick and easy snack.
3. Add veggies to your eggs: Add some spinach, peppers, or mushrooms to your scrambled eggs or omelet for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
4. Make a veggie-packed salad: Add a variety of vegetables to your salad, such as leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Top it with a protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, for a complete meal.
5. Make veggie-based soups: Use vegetables as the base for your soup, such as tomato, butternut squash, or broccoli. This will add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
6. Use veggies as a pizza topping: Add a variety of vegetables to your pizza, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. This will add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
7. Make vegetable stir-fry: Stir-fry a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas, with some lean protein, such as chicken or tofu. Serve it over brown rice for a complete meal.
8. Make fruit-based desserts: Use fruits as the base for your desserts, such as apple crisp or berry cobbler. This will add sweetness and nutrition to your dessert.
9. Add veggies to your pasta: Add some vegetables, such as zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach, to your pasta dish. This will add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
10. Make fruit-infused water: Infuse your water with fruit, such as lemon, lime, strawberries, or oranges. This will add flavor and hydration to your drink.
11. Make veggie-based dips: Use vegetables as the base for your dips, such as roasted red pepper hummus or spinach dip. This will add nutrition to your snack.
12. Make a fruit salad: Combine a variety of fruits, such as berries, kiwi, and pineapple, for a delicious and nutritious dessert.
13. Use vegetables as a sandwich topping: Add some vegetables, such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, to your sandwich. This will add flavor and nutrition to your meal.

In conclusion, adding fruits and vegetables to your diet doesn't have to be difficult. With these 13 ways, you can easily incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet for a healthier and happier you.

Almonds are a popular and nutritious snack that can provide a range of health benefits, including heart health. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, while high levels of HDL cholesterol can help protect against it.

Studies have found that eating almonds as part of a healthy diet can help lower the risk of heart disease. A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that eating nuts, including almonds, was associated with a 29% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Another study found that eating almonds daily for four weeks reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 5.3 mg/dL, which is significant considering that a reduction of just 1 mg/dL can reduce the risk of heart disease by 2%.

In addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, almonds are also rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood. When LDL cholesterol oxidizes, it can become more harmful to the body and increase the risk of heart disease. The vitamin E in almonds can help prevent this process and protect against heart disease.

Almonds are also a good source of magnesium, which is a mineral that plays an important role in heart health. Magnesium can help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have found that low magnesium levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, and that increasing magnesium intake can help reduce the risk.

Overall, incorporating almonds into a healthy diet can be beneficial for heart health. Almonds are a nutritious and convenient snack that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, increase HDL cholesterol levels, and provide other heart-healthy nutrients such as vitamin E and magnesium. Adding a handful of almonds to your diet each day can be a simple and tasty way to support your heart health.

Diabetes and heart disease are closely related, with diabetes being a major risk factor for the development of heart disease. Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin, which leads to high levels of sugar in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels, including those that supply the heart. This damage can increase the risk of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.

One of the major ways in which diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease is through the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of a heart attack. People with diabetes are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, as high blood sugar levels can damage the lining of the blood vessels, making it easier for plaque to accumulate.

Another way in which diabetes can lead to heart disease is through the development of high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common complication of diabetes, and it can put extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this strain can increase the risk of heart disease, as well as other complications such as kidney disease and vision problems.

In addition to these direct effects, diabetes can also increase the risk of heart disease through other factors. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can also increase the risk of heart disease. They may also have high levels of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Overall, the relationship between diabetes and heart disease is complex and multifaceted. However, it is clear that diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, and people with diabetes need to take extra care to manage their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other factors that can increase their risk. By doing so, they can help to reduce their risk of developing heart disease and other complications associated with diabetes.

Smiling...

Smiling is the most beautiful thing any of us can where and as a woman it is the best curve on my body. It doesn’t stop there though smiling improves health that’s right here are some great health benefits of smiling. 1-Smiling lowers stress and anxiety by lowering the heart rate, 2- Smiling releases endorphins and when this happens we can feel happier and more positive, 3- makes you more approachable and most of us enjoy socializing except when extroverted this is healthy, 4- Smiles are contagious and we tend to mimic them which stimulates happy emotions, 5- Smiles boost productivity, 6- Smiling can kill pain through the release of endorphins this hormone is known as a natural painkillers, and 7- Smiling makes you look younger; more smiles less frowns. Remember smiling is part of being a HealthyME(You).

What is beauty…

Well beauty is defined as that which pleases the intellect, moral sense, or aesthetic senses, especially the sight. When we see, hear something or someone we have already decided in our minds if it is beautiful. It is that idea (Your Idea) of beauty that causes you to turn away, tune out and/or turn off. Why because based on our idea of beauty something or someone can be intoxicating or rather repulsive. With that said beauty has always been defined by society and in this day and age it’s defined by social media and its influencers. In short if we are being honest beauty is truly defined by the beholder. Everything and everyone is beautiful to someone. We as individuals define beauty not the masses, we do most importantly define what is beautiful to SELF. The way in which you see beauty has been based as well as shaped by a combination of how you were raised, who told you, you’re beautiful/handsome or perhaps didn’t. Beauty is an experience, a feeling, an idea and again I’ll say only you can define it. It is no different than when someone choses to purchase a piece of art each piece appeals to someone differently and in various ways. What one person sees as beautiful the person to your left or right may oppose this view. Define your own definition for beauty. For me beauty is simply a healthyme mind, body, and spirit. It's defined by my ability to move, act, speak, and eat like I love myself.

Benefits:

• Energy
• Respiratory system
• Recovery
• Detox
• Boost Metabolism
• Immune support
• Digestive support
• Thyroid support
• Libido
• Improves Hair/Skin/Nail health
• Eyes
• Strengthens Joints
• Muscles
• Arthritis
• Natural Botox
• Brain health
• High in minerals and vitamins (92 out of 102)
• Clears Mucus
• AND MORE...

DISCLAIMER:
I am not a Physician, I do not diagnose, prescribe, treat, cure any illnesses or disease. The information here is based on my personal research, experience and the experience of my clients used as healthy strategies. If you are under the care of a physician that should be your point of contact for consulting about your health care needs. 

If I’m honest my journey began long before I had a choice in the matter. I can remember my mother having in and out ventures where we’d be on this health kick then on whatever again. We were the kids who’d be eating sugar-free candy and our friend would be looking at us like we had cooties.

By the time I became a teen my mother was introducing us to holistic medicine here and there little did I realize at the time the impact it would have on my life. By the time I’d had my first child I began learning to survive on my own. I still called mom when baby became ill and she’d always encouraged I first try a holistic approach before resorting to modern medicine. Fast forward to my 4th child and kick it up a notch by now we’ve omitted pork our diet.

Once I got pregnant with my daughter and what would be my last child everything would evolve from that moment and time moving forward. It would be important to not just be mindful of what I was eating but listening to, learn and everything I’d do. I no longer permed my hair well at least not while I was pregnant as this was a constant battle of the kinks after giving birth. I was conscious enough that it was an important step in teaching my daughter to love her hair as well as her black features the most high had blessed her with.

Let’s fast forward again, lol! I began to explore cooking more from scratch so I’d know the ingredients in the foods I was feeding my family and I even began making skincare products to solve her dry, itchy and sensitive skin needs. Now I’m on a new journey I’ve almost eliminated meat from my diet and am now working on diary! Yay sometimes you must be your own cheerleader. Can I get a rah, rah, lol. Well I hope you will stick around; be it to encourage, be encouraged or for all the resources you’ll find here as the site grows. I want you to know I appreciate you for stopping by and I look forward to next time!

This recipe feeds 4 people and takes about 30 minutes.

Ingedients:

• 8 oz. grape tomatoes, sliced in half the long way
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 17.6 oz. Gnocchi
• 1/8 cup veggie stock
• 8 Tbsp. cream cheese
• 10 oz. baby spinach
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 1 Tbsp. "Anything Goes" 7-Blend Seasoning

Directions:

1. Bowl water in medium pot be sure to add salt to water.
2. Wash and cut all produce.
3. Melt butter in large pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumb; make sure to toss/stir them till golden.
4. stir in 1 tsp of garlic powder
5. Turn off heat and transfer to another dish to use later.
6. By now water should be boiling so add gnocchi to pot. Cook about 5 minutes or until tender.
7. Meanwhile melt remaining butter in same pan used for breadcrumbs. Add shallots cooking till slightly softened. Stir in remaining garlic powder and 1/2 cup of water, stock, and cream cheese. Bring to a simmer stirring till creamy and season to taste using "Anything Goes" .
8. Add spinach and tomatoes cooking till wilted about 5 minutes.
9. Add gnocchi coating with sauce.
10. Put in/on serving dish. Add parmesan and breadcrumbs.
11. Enjoy!!!