This tip of the month is provided by Linda Hellman of Hellman Health & Wellness.  Linda specializes in Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling.  To visit her website please click on http://www.hellmanhealth.com/. 

The hormones in your Endocrine System control fat and sugar cravings. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, Leptin, the satiety hormone, and Cortisol, the stress hormone must stay in balance in order to control cravings and maintain optimum weight & energy level.  These hormones are deeply affected by the foods and beverages you consume on a daily basis. Simple carbohydrates and sugars throw off the balance and add excess yeast (Candida) in your body causing weight gain, fatigue, and restless sleep patterns.

Candida live in the digestive system, but can break through the wall of the intestine, get into the bloodstream, and spread throughout the body. When this happens, a toxic by-product called acetaldehyde begins to cause free radical damage to your body’s cells.  That is one of the culprits of disease and aging. To slow down the aging process, fight diseases, and look your best each day, you need to take care of your body from within.

Probiotic foods like yogurt conquer the excess yeast and help rebalance your Endocrine system; thereby avoiding free radical damage, weight gain, and early aging.

Try this Probiotic Protein Shake to start your day off in the best possible way:

• 1/2 Cup Almond Milk

• 1/4 Cup Berries

• 1/4 Cup Pineapple

• 1/2 Banana

• 1/4 Cup Spinach (or Kale)

• 2 Tablespoons Yogurt with live cultures

• 1 Tablespoon pea protein powder

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth; double ingredients for two people or two days’ worth.

Make "Yogurt Poppers" ahead for a quick and healthy snack: 

• 2 Cups Yogurt with live cultures

• 3 Drops of Vanilla or Almond extract or 2 Teaspoons of Honey

• (always warm honey before adding)

• 1/4 Cup Dried Fruit

• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Slivered Almonds

Line a 12 cup muffin pan with small paper cupcake liners. Spoon the yogurt into a mixing bowl, add the extract or honey & dried fruit choice and stir well. Spoon the mixture into the paper liners and top with choice of nuts. Freeze and serve.