REAL PEEL TIP #10- Remember Himalayan salt is still SALT

I say "REAL PEEL TIP #9- Substitute table salt for pink Himalayan salt." with caution.

If you are a salt lover this is for you. The substitution from table salt to pink Himalayan salt is a good swap for people who often use/add salt to meals/ recipes because it will provide additional minerals. That being said it doesn't make sodium, the primary component of Himalayan salt, any better for you. Sodium is sodium regardless of the other minerals found in the fancy salt. Longterm excess sodium intake can cause a number of health effects such as heart disease, hypertension and high blood pressure.

Take away message: If you don't use salt there is no need to start adding Himalayan salt to your meals. The additional minerals in pink Himalayan salt can be found in other healthy delicious foods. 

REAL PEEL TIP #9- Sub table salt for pink Himalayan salt

Substitute regular table salt for pink Himalayan salt. Himalayan salt will not only make you feel a little fancy, but it also provides a variety of minerals that are responsible for normal body functioning. The minerals found in Himalayan salt other than sodium are iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and chloride.  Boron, fluoride, iodine, zinc, selenium and copper are also found in smaller trace amounts.

REAL PEEL TIP #8- Learn to Love Lentils

Lentils are high in protein and dietary fiber so they keep you fuller longer. They also provide a number of essential nutrients and minerals, like iron. They can be easily hidden in pasta sauces, bruschetta mix, salsas mix, "burger" patties, breakfast skillets.. the options are endless! 

REAL PEEL TIP #7- Add Avocado to Your Smoothie

Adding 1/4- 1/2 of an avocado to your smoothie will provide healthy fats and vitamins while giving it a creamy smooth texture.

REAL PEEL TIP #6- Check the Sugar Content in Your Yogurt

Yogurt has made a stamp in most peoples minds to be a "healthy" food, but I want to warn you that it's not always the case. So before diving into your big bowl of yogurt check the nutrition facts table. You may be surprised to find that many delicious flavoured yogurts contain as much sugar as a serving of ice cream (about 20 grams or more). 

You might as well indulge and treat yourself to a cold treat rather than perceive you ate a healthy snack and continue to crave a sweet treat.

My advice is opt for plain yogurt and flavour it yourself. You can add cinnamon, fresh fruit, vanilla extract, honey, nut butter, nuts, seeds etc. This way you can get the probiotic benefits, proteins and fat from the yogurt while getting added nutritional value from the ingredients you add without the hidden sugars. 

Also watch for artificial sweeteners in flavoured yogurts with a low sugar content they are typical sweetened with an artificial sweetener. 

REAL PEEL TIP #5- Avoid Bleached Flour

Bleached white flour is refined flour that has been whitened with a whitening agent.

See REAL PEEL TIP #4 to learn more about refined flour. 

REAL PEEL TIP #4- 'Refined Flour' is Stripped of the Nutritious Component

White flour typically used in baking is considered “refined flour”. Refined flour is made of grains that have been stripped of the nutritious germ and bran component. Refined flour can be bleached or unbleached.

REAL PEEL TIP #3- Homemade > Store Bought

Before reaching for premade products at the grocery store try making them yourself. Homemade dips, spreads, muffins, oatmeal etc. contain less additives, sodium, sugar and saturated fats

REAL PEEL TIP #2- Store Ground Flax in the Fridge or Freezer

Store your ground flax in the fridge or freezer right after you grind it. Grinding flax seeds as needed and storing the ground flax in the freezer or fridge helps prevent oxidization and loss of nutritional value.

REAL PEEL TIP #1 - Grind Your Flax Seeds

Flax seed provides plant based omega-3 essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre. In order for your body to digest and absorb these nutrients to must be ground. Buy whole flaxseed and grind it as needed.