7 Ways to Support Your Lymphatic System

Sep 23, 2020

If you’ve been around Raw Fitness and Nutrition for awhile, you know just how important proper detoxification is for optimal health. Supporting healthy detoxification and encouraging overall health requires participation from many bodily systems and organs. Today, we’re talking about the MVP of detoxification: the lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system is an essential part of your immune system that covers you from head-to-toe. It fights infection and protects you from pathogens. As you can see, keeping your lymphatic system in tip-top shape is a non-negotiable for ideal health. No matter who you are or the status of your health, supporting your lymphatic system is a smart idea. 

What is the Lymphatic System? 

Your lymphatic system is made up of several fundamental parts, including:

  • Lymph- Excess fluid that drains from tissue and cells
  • Lymph Nodes- Small glands that cleanse and filter lymph.
  • Lymph Vessels- Capillaries and tubes that carry lymph away from the...
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The #1 Fat Loss Mistake Youโ€™re Making

Sep 19, 2020

Losing excess fat in a healthy and sustainable way is easier said than done. It requires patience, consistency, and a little bit of science. However, there is one fat loss mistake that almost every weight-loss-hopeful makes during their weight loss journey and it might just catch you by surprise.

If you’ve ever tried to lose fat, your story might sound something like this:

You’ve decided to get healthy and drop the weight you’ve gained over the last couple of years.

To start, you eat “healthy” foods, cut down on portion sizes, and hit the gym almost every day.

After weeks of working so hard, you’re still not seeing results. Or, maybe you saw results almost immediately, but now… nothing! At this point, your progress has plateaued and you feel beyond frustrated. Eventually,  you just say “F*&$ IT!”

Now, your diet goes out the window and you opt for the couch over the gym.

If this sounds too familiar, know...

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4 Nutrition Books to Help You Live Healthier

Aug 31, 2020

Pursuing a healthy lifestyle can be confusing enough without all the conflicting information about fad diets and nutrition myths. To help clear any confusion and set you on a straight path to health, I’ve compiled and am sharing my favorite nutrition books. These books cover all bases, from what to eat, what not to eat, effective fat loss methods, and more.

 

“Food: What the Heck Should I Eat” by Mark Hyman

They typically say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but “Food: What the Heck Should I Eat” is just what it seems. It takes the guesswork out of nutrition confusion by sharing exactly what to eat. Even if you aren’t keen on reading, this well-organized and easy-to-read nutrition book is for you.

“Food: What the Heck Should I Eat” provides a clear, yet extensive layout of each primary food group (protein, carbohydrates, fats, etc). Hyman covers which foods we should be eating more of and those we should ...

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My Journey As a Holistic Health Practitioner

Aug 31, 2020

I’m frequently asked why I decided to pursue a career in holistic health and what it actually means to be a holistic health practitioner. My answer is never a short one. I’ve pursued extensive education as a Certified Personal Trainer, Integrative Health Coach, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and more. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a holistic health education for yourself or simply want to better understand my role as a holistic health practitioner, I hope my journey and experience serves as a guide for you!

 

Who Am I?

To start, I’m Amanda Carneiro. You can find me in the kitchen, creating tasty, nutrient-dense recipes and working one-on-one with clients, daily. I’m certified as a(n):

  • Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Women’s Fitness Specialist
  • Integrative Health Coach through The Institute for Integrative Nutrition
  • Functional Nutritional Therapy...
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Your Guide to Eating Healthy

Jul 30, 2020

Eating healthy can feel like a complete overhaul, and needless to say, it can be very overwhelming. On Instagram, I’m frequently asked about where to start when it comes to healthy eating, so consider this your step-by-step game plan for eating healthy. If you’re new to this healthy eating lifestyle, I hope this post provides answers your most burning questions. 

Before diving in, I want to make one thing crystal clear: change takes time and patience. Eating one salad won’t gift you complete health, just as enjoying one ice cream sundae won’t destroy your health. Have patience with yourself throughout this journey and trust the process. If you stay consistent, I’m confident you’ll succeed!

 

Step 1: Elimination

Elimination is a great first step. The goal is to eliminate all inflammatory foods, including gluten, soy, vegetables oils, pasteurized dairy, refined sugars, and any known food sensitivities/allergies from your...

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6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Digestion

Jun 17, 2020

In today’s busy and stressful world, our digestion is often less than optimal. Luckily, there are simple ways to improve your digestion on a foundational level.

Your digestion needs improvement if you frequently experience: bloating, heartburn, gas, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea. However, poor digestion doesn’t end there.  Poor digestion can also result in environmental or food allergies, brain fog, eczema, weight gain, and more.

So, how can you support your digestive system?  Here are several tactical tips you can use to improve your digestion right now:

 

1. Reduce Fiber

While fiber can sometimes boost digestion, it’s important to remember that too much of a good thing can turn bad. In regards to digestion, too much fiber can actually inhibit digestive function. If you eat a high fiber diet and experience digestive distress, consider reducing your fiber intake. 

Additionally, fermentable carbohydrates can cause...

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Gut Health 101: Nutrition Tips

May 27, 2020

Our gut health is impacted by every part of our daily lives, including diet, sleep, exercise, toxins, and more. However, the foods we eat are arguably the most influential factor.

Every aspect of life affects our gut health, just as the gut affects every other aspect of our health. It’s a two-way street. The health of our gut impacts everything from our skin to our immune system to our digestion.  While it’s essential to recognize the importance of a healthy gut, be wary of quick fixes, trendy products, and fad diets. As you know, the wellness world is full of these promising magic pills, that at best don’t deliver, and at worst, can be dangerous to your overall health.

At the end of the day, the best way to optimize your gut health is to get back to the basics. And let me tell you, the basics are very effective!

 

Signs of an Impaired Gut

Is your gut health in tip top shape or could it use some help?  Let’s take inventory!  Here are some...

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Gut Healing Marshmallows

May 18, 2020
 
 

These gut-healing marshmallows (unlike the store-bought ones) are free of artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and common allergens. They’re fluffy, delicious, and surprisingly good-for-you!

 

These gut-healing marshmallows have been my go-to, guilt-free treat for the last several weeks. I’ve practically made them every day since I first created the recipe. They’re just too good to pass up!

 

Not only are these marshmallows delicious and gut-healing, they’re also anti-aging, good for fat loss AND so easy and quick to make. Seriously, my little nephew could make them without any help!

 

So, if you typically stick to tossing cereal in a bowl or cooking boxed mac ‘n cheese, you’re in luck. These gut-healing marshmallows are fail-proof, even for the rookie chef!

 

This paleo-approved and SIBO-friendly recipe is tasty way to add some extra gut-healing gelatin into your diet, which I’m all about and we all could use!...

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The One Ingredient Waffle

Apr 29, 2020

 

Have you ever heard of such a thing, like The One Ingredient Waffle? It might sound too good to be true,   but I promise it’s not. This recipe is the real deal! And better yet, it’s approved for:

  • Gut health
  • Carnivores
  • Paleo diet
  • Keto diet
  • SIBO
  • Candida protocols
  • Whole 30 diet

 

Yep, it’s a true! This waffle is a treat that basically everyone can eat!  After all, when you’re healing your gut, your diet can easily feel restrictive. The best way to beat feelings of defeat and restriction is to get creative. Try experimenting, test new ingredients, opt for nutrient-dense foods, let go of the pity party, and make the one ingredient waffle! 

the One Ingredient Waffle

The Magic Ingredient 

So, what is this magic ingredient? Wouldn’t you like to know.. I’ll give you a few hints:

1. It’s used in most baking recipes.  Any guesses? No, none? Alright, clue #2:

2. It’s filled with healthy fats and protein.  Still stumped?...

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Is Oat Milk Healthy or Stealthy?

Apr 15, 2020

Dairy free milk alternatives are quickly gaining traction in the health community. While nut milk has been around for years, other milk alternatives, like oat milk, are now becoming increasingly popular. While some options are “healthier” than others, how do we know which ones are healthy or stealthy? 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but more often than not, oat milk is a stealthy substitute. Despite common belief, this milk alternative is not the healthiest option available. But, why?

 

Why Oat Milk isn’t Necessarily Healthy

Sure, most oat milks are free of dairy, gluten, and sugar, but many are packed with ingredients that are anything-but-nutritious. And there is one highly inflammatory ingredient that stands out above the rest: canola oil. First and foremost, canola oil is a genetically modified product. It’s a man-made replacement for natural oils, like olive or coconut. This hydrogenated oil is known to increase overall...

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