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Monday: Mind/Spirit
Tuesday: Metabolic/Endocrine
Wednesday: Cardiovascular
Thursday: Women
Friday: Diet/Nutrition
Saturday: Leadership
Sunday: Superfoods

Quick Fix

6/17/2013

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What do you rely upon to cleanse, nourish, and revitalize your body. If after a long weekend, a short vacation, a business trip, or merely a full work week; what's are some of your reliable "go to" remedies?

My top ten: 1. Greens, greens, and more greens 2. Grapefruit 3. Cacao 4. Sea salt 5. Water with lemon 6. Probiotics 7. Lean,clean protein 8. Watermelon 9. Olive oil 10. Carrots

Simple, simple, simple. In this case it's more what you are NOT putting into your body. List yours below! Lets share ideas :)

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Spice That's Nice

4/10/2013

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Italian Market

Pick At Least One:

A simple goal for Thursday 4/11: Pick at least one spice from the list below and add to your food or drink. All of the spices listed aid in heart health and benefit circulation. Blood flow and metabolism will benefit and an anti-inflammatory effect may be seen. 

Figure out what works for you! Cinnamon on your oatmeal, ginger in your tea, cayenne in your soup, and tumeric in your smoothie>>>>A few ideas....Comment below and let others know how you incorporated one of these heart healthy spices into your day!

1. Cayenne
2. Cinnamon
3. Ginger
4. Tumeric

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Renew

3/20/2013

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Spring is Springing. Nature enters a time of rebirth and fortification. We should as well.

Start to transition your diet from winter foods. Spring is the time to plant seeds. Look for foods that contain seeds (figs, grapefruit, watermelon, olives, plums, etc.) to include in your diet. 

Look for foods that are cleansing. Those foods that wake the body from hibernation (green leafy vegetables, warm broth soups, lemon, flax, etc.). 

And lastly look for those foods that beautify. Once the seed is planted, growth is perpetuated, and beauty can endure. Eat for beauty (salmon, green tea, cacao, almonds, greens, olives, etc).  

I am vague here for a reason. Find these foods that speak to you in each category. Research what foods spark rebirth, rejuvenation, and fortification in the springtime. Investing time and energy into your renewal will fortify you :)

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Also, spend time in nature. Soak up the sun. Smell the crisp air. Walk on the green grass. Appreciate the living beauty around you that is hard at work creating a new season. Your surroundings will give you insight into your own lifestyle. 

Everything is a transformation. Be gentle with yourself. Love yourself. Slow down and know that all things take time. Time is rebirth and renewal. 

And don't forget every day offers a new beginning. Every season offers a transformation. It is up to you though....listen and you will find. 

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DIY 2-20

2/20/2013

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Yum!!! Nutribullet or powerful blender does the trick.
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54 Hours: 100% Raw

2/8/2013

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Consuming foods with intact enzymes is medicinal.  Flooding your body with enzymes from "live" (raw) food has numerous health benefits.  These intact enzymes help digest the food itself and also help heal and repair our bodies.  Just as enzymes exist in food, enzymes exist in vast amounts all over our bodies.  Our bodies utilize enzymes for almost every function.  Enzymes are life, vitality, and wellness; and longevity is based on enzymatic processes, chemical reactions that spawn protection and repair.  

When we continually eat foods lacking in enzymes (destroyed through heating to temperatures above 118•) our body has to supply the enzymes for digestion.  These body enzymes are then lost and cannot perform original functions, such as liver detoxification, kidney function, lung performance, and brain operation.  When raw foods are consumed the food's own enzymes power digestion and the body's own enzymes are spared to continue to support vital functions.  Eating live foods helps gives us energy.  In contrast eating predominantly cooked foods robs us of energy and may lead to feeling sluggish. This only makes sense as more energy is focused on digesting the food we eat, unlike the help raw food provides.   Once we "steal" these essential enzymes from the body for digestion we cannot get them back.  It is hypothesized that by the age of 70, someone who eats very little raw foods has only 30 % of the body's enzymes left.  Additionally, a mucous lining builds in the gut preventing the absorption of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. The inability to absorb the minerals we actually consume is a real issue for much of society, hence why many feel they are never full or satisfied from even large amounts of food.  Its not the food we need but the minerals in the food. 

Enzymes are life and life is enzymes, the catalysts of chemical reactions. Do you want to maintain optimal energy, ensure longevity, tap into the world of anti-aging, and simply lose weight? Then eat more foods rich in enzymes (live/raw)!  Raw foods equate to foods as simple as a whole apple, carrot sticks, and romaine lettuce.  Don't let the term "raw" scare you.  It simply means just that, in its raw state.  My posts on Sundays talk of superfoods.  Most all of these fall in this category also!  Of course, the next question is, does organic matter or not? Yes and no. We will get into that topic next Friday! 

In the meantime, try 48 hours (or keep going!) of raw food; or simply incorporate more into every meal,  designate a meal as a "raw" meal, or dedicate certain days to live enzymes.   As I've stated before the beginning is the obstacle but the rewards lie in the journey.  You will find your balance.  Wait until you experience this phenomenal "live" energy.....you will not settle for anything less! 

Wellness is an art, a balancing act that is fueled by healthy choices and powered by options!  

Contact me with specific questions and please comment below. Others would love to hear your thoughts also! To your health!
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Take a Second

1/15/2013

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Ginger in your tea, cinnamon in your oatmeal, cayenne pepper on your eggs, turmeric in your soup, and garlic on your pasta. Herbs and spices have such great medicinal properties. Explore the ones listed above to help support metabolism and immunity. It only takes a second to make this minor tweak, but the key to success is your awareness. Find what works for YOU and what YOUR body may benefit from. I consume turmeric almost daily. Knowledge is power. To your health! <3
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Do you or someone you know take Warfarin?

1/9/2013

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If so, a few important tips:
  1. Do not miss a dose. If you do, do not double up your dose. Keep track of missed doses.
  2. Check your INR (International Normalized Ratio) as scheduled. This number tells you how thick or thin your blood is. Your physician will adjust your dose as necessary. This is why it's important to keep track of any missed doses.
  3. Keep your dietary vitamin K intake consistent day to day. Warfarin works on vitamin K to prevent clots. Vitamin K is found primarily in green leafy vegetables. Ask your physician or pharmacist for a list of vitamin K containing foods.
  4. Warfarin interacts with many things. Consult with your physician or pharmacy when making changes to vitamins, OTC items, diet, and other medications. Any changes made, let your physician know.
  5. Take warfarin with a full glass of water at the same time every day.
  6. Store your medication away from heat, light, and moisture.
  7. Make sure your physician knows of any upcoming surgeries, procedures, and especially dental work. (Let all of your providers know you take warfarin)
  8. Carry an ID card that states you take warfarin.
  9. If you take warfarin, it is for an important reason. Education is needed for friends and family also.
  10. Read your patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. It tells you a lot!
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Tired? Irritable? Cold?

1/2/2013

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Iron is necessary to ensure oxygen delivery to every cell in your body. Do you have low energy? Feel tired? Have trouble sleeping? Are you replenishing your iron stores to ensure you have oxygen for times of stress and illness? I do not have to explain why our bodies need oxygen. Low levels can manifest slowly as headaches, sexual dysfunction, irritability, swelling of the tongue, brittle nails, and lack luster hair to just name a few.

Iron can be obtained from your diet. Some examples of dietary sources include: red meat, lima beans, kale, spinach, watermelon, beets, prunes, clams, almonds, and chlorophyll. Check with your doctor if you need further supplementation.

Keep in mind just like any food you can consume it but are you absorbing the necessary nutrients? The tannins in tea, polyphenols on coffee, phosphates in soda, and calcium if taken within two hours of an iron supplement all impair iron absorption.

You subsequently can also increase iron absorption by combining foods rich in vitamin C (tomatoes, peppers, green veggies, citrus fruits) with iron rich foods.

I routinely boost my iron stores. Sometimes in the winter my lips crack in the corners. When I consciously increase my iron intake, I am able to avoid this. Women especially need to be aware of the benefits of iron very month. Your immune system will thank you. Prevention is the treatment!

One other tidbit I wish I knew earlier is if you aren't ensuring oxygen stores you will burn carbohydrates first instead of fat during exercise as it takes less oxygen to burn carbs. If you are exercising for weight loss ensure your body has plenty of iron.

Oxygen, oxygen, oxygen! The key to optimal wellness :)

A bit of information, to your health! Explore Iron! Questions welcome!

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Quick Detox

1/1/2013

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Eliminate all aluminum from your diet and lifestyle!!!

Read Labels:
Salt 
Baking Powder
Cake Mixes
Antacids
Soda Drinks
Pickled Foods
Processed Cheeses
Deodorant
To name a few!

Avoid cooking with aluminum foil or using as a wrapping for food.  Avoid drinking out of aluminum bottles or cans (beer/water).

Aluminum is a heavy metal that leaches into food and settles in the kidneys, brain, and intestines. I won't begin to explain what these three organ systems do for your body and mind. 

Aluminum has been associated with Alzheimer's and interferes with the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus, two essential components for almost every body function.  

A Quick and Easy Detox: Reduce and Eliminate Aluminum in your Diet/Lifestyle.

There are options!!!!  Read labels and educate yourself.  Prevention is the treatment.

Your body will love you for it!

To your health 

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Loving 12-31-12

12/31/2012

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Lets make some changes that affect others as well. See beyond exercise, food, and external issues; and just maybe the pieces will fall into place.  Start with basics of loving more, listening more, helping more, and life becomes easier.  Attitude is everything!  How will you start 2013? Be present and let's see what happens.  All the best to all of you! 

I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.--Albert Einstein
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Can't sleep?

12/29/2012

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Can't sleep, try a handful of raw pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotoninin in our brains resulting in increased mood, decreased stress/anxiety, and insomnia relief. Pumpkin seeds are also high in magnesium and zinc. Try soaking the seeds in water for half a day for easier digestion. Pumpkin seed butter is also delicious! Keep in mind tryptophan is considered to be the least abundant amino acid in people's diets. Maybe this is why Ambien is one of the most commonly prescribed medications. Something to chew on... tryptophan= pumpkin seeds :) To your health!
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Arugula: A Beautifying food

12/23/2012

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 "Queen of the Cruciferous Vegetables" 

Why? 
  • Eaten by more women than men.
  • Strong and spicy
  • Beautifying food!

Source of:
  • Beta-carotene
         1. Protects cells from sun damage
         2. Inhibits acne
         3. Promotes healthy hair
         4. Fights cancer and infection
  • Antioxidants
  • Sulfur
         1. Internal skin cleanser
         2. Liver detoxification
         3. Beautifying!

Beautifying foods, in general, have a high concentration of minerals and antioxidants, increase alkalinity, reduce inflammation, and cleanse the body internally. Arugula is at the top of its class. 

Add Arugula to your salads.  Combine with avocado and olive oil to cut the spiciness of the vegetable.  

Healthy is Beautiful! 



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Primary Food

12/21/2012

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Get your daily dose of love today. And don't forget to dispense a little also! Happy 12-21-12! <3
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Do you choose to...

12/16/2012

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What are the side effects? Are there drug interactions? Do I take this with food? Do I refrigerate? How do I tell if I'm allergic? How does it work? Can I drink alcohol? Where can you find all this information? On that leaflet we give you with your medication at the pharmacy. Look for it. Do you read it? Or do you choose to throw it away? Don't ask me to discard the packaging and leaflets because I won't. I choose to empower you. We give it to you for a reason. Afterall, it's your body. Take a moment to read that leaflet. It just may save your life.

"You never see a crash till its head on..."
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Foods of Love

12/12/2012

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Dark chocolate and Red Wine: How do you feel when you hear this? Does the thought alone make you smile, happy, and relaxed?

The resveratrol found in both dark chocolate and red wine lowers blood sugar, ultimately making these heart healthy choices. Our senses respond to sound, sight, and smells in a way to increase endorphins, also lowering blood pressure. 

Healthy and Happy: Two words that belong together for many reasons, just like dark chocolate and red wine!

Eat Healthy and HAPPY!

 Foods of Love! <3


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