Diary of a Nutritionist

We have been talking a lot about pH, and how a healthy internal pH (neutral being 7.0 and slightly alkaline being above that) affects the whole body, including the beauty of our skin.  Start at this article to catch up.

However, eating an alkaline diet does not mean sacrificing the treats we love. Here is one recipe that I whipped this morning, while I was looking for the comfort of my childhood favorite– chocolate pudding.

So creamy. I chose raw carob because it is a caffeine free and more alkaline-forming food than cocoa.

Save Your Skin Carob Pudding Recipe: “pH estimate is bolded”

• Meat of 1 young thai coconut (aprx 1/2 cup)    (slightly alkaline-forming)
• 1/2 ripe avocado  (moderately alkaline-forming)
• 5 tbsp of warm water  (N/A)
• 7 drops of Vanilla NuNaturals NuStevia (you may use more for extra sweetness) (According to the books I am utilizing, it explains that Stevia is (moderately alkaline-forming) but that is brand dependent.  Sugar, on the other hand, is listed as being extremely acid-forming and artificial sweeteners– even worse!!!).  So once again, I vote Stevia!
• 1 squirt agave nectar (optional)  (N/A –but probably slightly acid-forming)
• 1 tbsp and 1 tsp carob powder  (slightly alkaline-forming)
• 1 pinch sea salt (slightly alkaline-forming)

*These pH estimates were taken from the book entitled “Alkalize or Die” by Dr. Theodore A. Baroody.  In the book, Baroody assigns pH values to each food.  Considering it would be hard for us to depict the pH value of our organic/non-organic/etc. avocado, I made it simpler by correlating the given pH numbers assigned by the Dr. to their level of acidity/alkalinity.

The above recipe seems relatively alkaline-forming*.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Being that other chocolate flavored puddings contain artificial ingredients, pasteurized milks and creams, white sugar, and cocoa, which are all very acid-forming… the above Carob pudding wins by a landslide.  Even if you choose to add raw cocoa over the raw carob powder.

“Alkalize or Die” is quite interesting.  I would not walk away from it accepting all of the pH estimates as “absolute,”  but the information is right on, in theory-  and I guarantee that you would notice a difference in your overall health, if you followed his food pH guide.  Another book I use often is entitled “Home Test pH Kit” by Deborah Page Johnson, BFA.  Her book comes with litmus paper which lets you actually test your own pH.  Her findings are very similar to the findings of Dr. Baroody AND! You can see the results of your alkalinity or acidity on the paper. Pretty cool stuff, eh?

In addition, young thai coconuts and avocados are a wonderful source of digestible* fat.  ”Good” fats, like these (that are raw and not processed), are great for the body and skin.  They are extremely nourishing, which is why both ingredients are often present in natural facial creams and face washes.  *Even though this pudding is technically high in fat, when eaten in the right combination (see My Philosophy), you should not have any trouble digesting it.

Do you make any special foods or natural remedies/nourishment for your skin?

This little guy could be yours! Thanks to the amazing folks at NuNaturals!!

Remember!!!!  Don’t forget about the contest that ends on Monday the 11th at Midnight, for your chance to win Vanilla NuStevia by NuNaturals.  See contest rules here!!

What creative recipe would you make if you won?