Drinking More Water

Each year roughly about 24,000 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed in the United States!  Wow that is a lot of cases to be popping up each year, what is even more staggering is about 100,000 people die each year due to the condition.  You may be asking how can you keep this from happening to you.  To start you need to cut the processed sodas and sugary drinks and drink more water. 

Your kidneys are working every minute of the day to help process out waste created by the body.

Metabolic Waste Excretions Using Kidneys

Ammonia- Removal of amino acids in the liver.
Uric Acid- Nucleotide breakdown from the liver.
Urochrome- Hemoglobin breakdown from liver.
Water- Food and waste breakdown along with inorganic food and water.

You kidneys are working to eliminate waste from the blood, which helps to regulate body water concentration, regulates blood pressure, and maintains a constant blood pH.  So much more is happening then just relieving your bladder.  You are constantly consuming food and beverages, while you digestion works to breakdown useable sources of nutrients, it separates what can be used and what is waste.  The waste then goes to its correct department to be eliminated through lungs, skin, liver, kidneys, or intestines. 

How does Urination Work?

Urine is produced by the kidneys and is stimulated by the bladder to be released.  You need about 200-300 milliliters to initiate the elimination process.  When the bladder fills it stretches and then sends messages via the spinal cord that cause the smooth muscles to contract in the bladder and to release.  These impulses also travel to the brain to give warning it time to go using neural pathways that allow us to suppress urination until we can get to a bathroom.  As a baby or small child this contraction happens naturally until we learn to suppress the impulses for only as long as we can make it to a bathroom. 
On a side note, the external sphincter can sometimes be damaged in both men and woman, during surgeries and childbirth.  This is why with some woman when we sneeze, cough, or do jumping jacks, we might leak.  This is actually very common and why exercise is so important before and after birth.  For men the condition can happen due to an injury from prostate surgery.  This condition is known as urinary incontinence, when the muscles are damaged or weakened. 

Foods that help keep the Kidneys healthy.

• Bananas
• Asparagus
• Garlic
• Papaya
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Parsley
• Potatoes
• Watercress
• Watermelon
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sprouts
• Green Vegetables
• Cranberries
• Legumes and seeds
• Limit processed foods and beverages, and reduce toxic chemicals by eating a organic diet. 

You should be drinking plenty of water every day, how much is plenty?  Take you weight divide it by 2 and drink that many ounces every day.  I like to break it up into 20 ounces at a time.  This helps your body to flush out the toxins and waste without getting too much or too little.  Too little water and the elimination process slow down and toxins build up.  This releases toxins back into the body and creates further illness.  Help your body stay in balance with getting enough water and less of the processed junk that increase the toll of waste and detoxification. 

What is Depression and Foods That Fight It

Have you ever been in a place in your life where things just are not as appealing as they once where?  Have you lost interested in things that wants brought you joy, like reading, writing, gardening, or even your daily walks?

Depression can come in many forms and you may not even know it’s creeping up on you until you’re fully into it.  So what can you do?  There are a few things I would like to suggest that you can try and see if they help you. 

First I want to say you are not alone, roughly 17 million Americans every year are affected by depression and seek to find a pill to help them feel better, making this one of the top medical problems in the US.  Worse, this is not just affecting adults but children and teens as well, woman and men alike. 

Depression affects the whole body.  When you are depressed or sad it affects your moods, the way we make decisions, the way we eat, our digestion, our health, and it’s a vicious cycle.  Say you are over whelmed at work or home, you start to skip meals, lose sleep, or maybe you start getting headaches.  Your body reacts to everything you experience every day.  If it feels threatened or anxiety it will store fat and slow down your metabolism.  Sometimes, digestion is thrown off causing pain and discomfort, which changes our eating habits.  This can last and continue for weeks, keeping your body in a stress state. 

This is why stress management is so important.  You don’t just wake up one day depressed, it is a reaction to your body being stressed for too long and the brain can no longer control its moods.  Most people can handle stress and get back to a relaxed state of mind, but if the stresses become too great, they may no longer be able to adjust responses and feeling from that part of the brain.  

While this is depressing, I have great news for you!  Food has a lot of influence on the brain’s behavior.  A poor diet; one with a lot of junk food, processed foods, GMO’s, chemicals, and other chemical additives, is a common cause of depression.  While I would like to say it’s easy to just cut these things out of your diet, I know it is not.  I think about my husband and his job.  He gets up goes to work, works on huge projects, has lots of responsibilities, and he has meetings where every day is a deadline or something due.  While he handles it all great, I make sure to pack him healthy lunches and breakfasts.  I know that he needs plenty of good foods to provide his body and brain with energy.  When you skip meals your brain is the very first organ to suffer.  This causes impulses and desires for sugary quick energy foods and drinks.  This is why I mention a vicious cycle.  You get stressed forget to eat, eat junk foods, the crash from that type of foods affects your moods, you reach for more quick energy comfort nonfoods, and affects your body and moods further.  It’s like a dog chasing after his own tail and once he gets it he just starts over again. 

Neurotransmitters and how they are affected by food choices

Neurotransmitters regulate our behaviors and are controlled by what we eat or don’t eat.   Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, are most commonly associated with neurotransmitters.  I am sure you have heard or read about these and how they can affect your sleep, your moods, and anxiety.  When the brain produces serotonin we relax.  When it produces norepinephrine and dopamine we tend to think clearer and make quicker decisions.  These neurotransmitters are so important because they carry impulses between nerve cells.  With a decrease in serotonin you can experience a loss of sleep, appetite, and be more moody.  Studies have shown that low levels of serotonin leads to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.  The great news is that certain foods can aid your serotonin.  Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps process serotonin, and can be found in complex carbohydrates.  When you eat complex carbohydrates you can raise your serotonin production which will give you a calm feeling, while foods high in protein promote norepinephrine and dopamine which will promote alertness.

What to Avoid and What to Increase

Simple carbohydrates should be avoided that contain fructose, lactose, sucrose, and other processed forms of sugar.  Complex carbohydrates include beans, legumes, whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, preferably raw.  Eat good sources of protein that contain necessary fatty acids, like fish and nuts, salmon and turkey are particularly high is tryptophan.  Avoid sodas and other beverages that have artificial sweetener aspartame.  On a Side Note, if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep it may be caused by your soda intake.  Aspartame has been can be addictive and has been linked to blocking serotonin in your body.  This then affects areas above but especially can cause insomnia and headaches, best to reduce these beverages a.s.a.p.    Avoid saturated Fats that are found in fried foods.  Friend foods cause a blockage in the blood vessel which causes the blood cells to clump together and move slowly which can affect circulation, best to limit or avoid fried foods. 

Management

Find a daily routine that moves your body!  This is so important to help combat stress and anxiety form building up.  You can start as small as getting outside and take a walk after your lunch.  Walking before or after dinner, have a fitness routine you schedule at least 3 times a week.  Try Yoga!  I love yoga because it helps me relax and take deep cleaning breaths while stretching and working my muscles.  When you are combating depression and stress you have to work the whole body and eat cleaner more nutritious foods.  Plus think more positively about yourself, your work, and you’re surrounding.  Things get stressful, we get behind, things break, and kids get sick, having a positive outlook and being able to roll with things helps you manage your mind and body.  One thing I started to do was claim three things to be Happy about today.  Studies have shown that happy people have better health.  Be happy about something no matter how small.  Happy you did not have a flat tire to work, happy your kids made it to the bus, happy you had no drama this morning in your morning family routines, you get the idea.  Find 3 things every day to be happy about and claim them.  You might find you change them throughout the day and that’s great.  Managing how you handle change, problems, and a daily routine will greatly help manage your stress as an early defense.

What are some ways you fight depression?

 

National Walking Day- Are you Walking?

April 3rd is National Walking Day-Get Up and Move!

 

 

Let's face it, with work and family schedules we tend to forget about being active. Since today is National Walking Day, you will notice more people getting outside and taking a nice stroll of at least 30 minutes. I encourage you to get outside and take a walk as a by yourself, with a friend, or as a Family.  Also, take the time to talk to your kids about why being physically active is important for good health. I just read a recent study mentioned that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women are at risk for heart disease that is just crazy to me.  We need to become a more Health oriented Nation. 

 

One great benefit to Walking and Running is that is helps keep your heart pumping and lean.  We all want lean strong hearts as we age.  Plus, walking helps to banish the bulge.  A lot of Americans are struggling with weight and this can be reduced with a daily activity.  Start small.  Start with 30 minutes today and see where it takes you.

  

Many ways to enjoy your Walk

• Head to a museum.  Arizona residents head over to the Sonoran Desert Museum.  That is one of our FAVORITE places to walk.
• You can walk to work
• Walk on your lunch break
• Walk to the corner store
• Make a stroll around the Mall, just no stopping and shopping!

How are you going to Walk today?

Wellness Wednesday Cleansing Foods for Moving Into Spring

We are gradually starting to make our way into spring.  This is one of my favorite times of year.  I love to watch as plants start to wake up and grow new leaves and flowers.  I love to listen as birds are becoming more active.  I love the warmth of the Sun on my skin. 

Lots of wonderful things are happening as the temperatures start to warm up, but changes are not just happening to the weather, but our bodies too.  Spring is a time of cleansing and new growth.  We need to clean our bodies of the winter foods we tend to eat and lighten up our meals.  During the winter months we gravitate towards richer heartier meals, Fats, Grains, and Proteins.  These are foods that create more warmth and energy during those cold winter months.  Now the seasons are changing and we too much change our food choices.  These are more bitter herbs, salads, light oil dressings, and cleaning foods. 

Herbs are foods that build the health of various body systems and use for more than just medicinal purposes that correct a specific problem.   At one time or another, herbs have been uses in salads, seasons, spices, dressings, and teas.  Knowing how to best use your herbs can improve health, taste, and diversity of a meal.  It is important to know that any herb can be a common plant used for everyday food choices.  When you use it for a certain body system you can increase health and wellness. 

Now that we are in spring you can use certain foods, herbs, and spices that naturally and slowly detoxify the body.

Cleansing Foods

The Urinary System is made up of the Kidneys, Bladder, Ureters, and Urethra.  These parts work together to remove toxins from the blood and maintain proper fluid balances in the body.  If the body is imbalanced, than the urinary system can affect the glandular and circulatory systems affecting reproductive organs, major blood vessels, and adrenal glands.  It is important to occasionally detox this System so it can perform all metabolic needs. 

These are a few simple herbs that, detox the Urinary System.   I add to teas to have a cleansing purpose and as a bonus taste great!

Citrus peel- decreases thickness of mucus and helps stimulate production of fluids. 
Ginger root- increases digestive juices and enzymes.  (Lowers cholesterol, blood sugars, and blood pressure.)
Cinnamon twig- increases digestive juices, increases blood circulation, relieves smooth muscle spasms, and increases urinary flow. 
Cucumber ,Asparagus, Parsley, and Cilantro also cleanse the Urinary System and push out toxins.  Try adding these to your salads, juices, and snacks for the next few weeks. 

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoy bringing my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.  

The Sacred Science DVD Review

In this Documentary, The Sacred Science, 8 people go into the Amazon for 30 days to find healing for their diseases.  

 

Type II Diabetes

Alcoholism and Depression

Parkinson's disease

Prostate Cancer

IBS

Breast Cancer  

Eight brave people leave everything behind to find answers, healing, and direction.  They left the comforts of their homes with enclosed walls, roofs, ability to eat what you want, do as you wish.  They are given a strict diet and the "shamans", medicine men, give them specific herbs and tinctures throughout their treatment. 

While going through this process some are quite negative and hold to their "conditions", even though they want to be helped, it’s hard for their minds to allow them to.  This is one of the main points I find inspiring in the movie, positive affirmations.  While the Shamans used certain wording, chants, or songs in conjunction with the herbs, some of the patients were open to healing right away.  

It was mentioned a few times that the 30 days where extremely hard for most of them.  There were bugs crawling throughout the cabins, the cabins where spaced out, and you could hear the wild life walking around you in the dark.  I believe the diet they were given was another very tough obstacle for them.  The herbal mixtures looked to be distasteful at times, and in the beginning attitudes were very negative. I mention this because once the patients focused on their inner balance they took to the treatments better.  You could see the transformations happening and see the change in health and it started with the inner struggles being let go. 

I hate when I am reading a book or waiting to watch a movie and someone tells me the ending, "No Spoiler Alerts Here"!  I am not going to tell you how everything ends, because I think this is a Documentary worth watching!  I think we rely too much on a quick fix to most health problems and this movie shows that there can be two avenues to health.  So often we are only given one way, and I don’t think every person needs to head off to the Amazon, but the majority of the people came back in better health and had been transformed.  This is an eye opener to natural approaches to health and wellness. 

To me the movie is very inspiring because, in society today, we tend to hold a lot of negative emotions, painful memories, horrible diets, and look for quick fixes.  While these people where in the jungle they had no distractions but to evaluate themselves, their thoughts, and focus on healing.  I absolutely believe the herbs and natural medicines used by the modern shamans helped greatly.  I wonder what would have happened if they stayed an additional 30 days.  To have the healing and change in just thirty days makes me wonder if some of these conditions could have been completely reversed.  

I think every person should watch this movie to understand there are more options than taking a pill. Changing our lives, diet, and way of thinking are just the first, but most important steps, to prolonging our lives and increasing our wellness.  Also, we need to make efforts to preserve and save the Rain Forest for who knows what we are destroying in those natural resources. 

Watch the Movie Trailer here.

 

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Where to buy normally $29.95 NOW $19.95!

 

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoy bringing my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

Hoppin for Health Even When Faced with Obstacles

Welcome to the Hoppin For Health Blog Hop!
This is just a fun motivational hop with one common goal- Getting Healthier!
If you have any get fit tips, healthy recipes and eating tips, or on a weight loss journey of your own feel free to join us!
Check out the below blogs who are all on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle!    Hoppin for Health even when faced with Obstacles:  Week Two
Last week I mentioned I was going to be finishing up my 100 miles in February, I am happy to say I finished great and had a blast.  Here is my full post here.  I finished on a Tuesday and had planned to pull out a few more miles to go beyond the goal, but I experienced something every mom goes through, Obstacles.

A few things I want to mention first, is the energy and positive emotions I experienced during this month.  I felt like my body was tired and sore at times, but each week I grew stronger.  I found those days that I scheduled my exercise and told friends, I stuck to it.  My emotions where more balanced too.  I had a happy feeling every time I went running and I had a sense of accomplishment with every number that added up.

After the race was completed, I hit a few road blocks.  Wednesday I had my normal schedule of volunteering and then the kids’ activities.  Wednesdays are very busy and always have that as an off day.  Thursday is another big day for running, but my schedule was changed when family came into town earlier than planned.  Then Friday I had a ton of work to help my husband on, that I had not scheduled, but was needed.  Saturday came and went and never got to go for another run.  So I worked out only one day this week.  Weeks like this happen, but what I wanted to show was how we get trapped in responsibilities.  If I had a goal that needed meet I would have told my family, I needed to do this, I would have found the time to go, or I would have chosen a DVD workout to at least stay active.  So what happen?  I believe I felt comfortable and my goal was obtained so I did not stay true to the run.  Every day I had a deep desire to go running, even effect emotional from lack of activity, but the fire had been blown out.  I knew I was planning another 100 in March so I felt I had time to wait and catch-up.  This is where many fall off their program or diet, comfort and lack of fire.

While I made the same mistake many moms have made before I am happy to say I am back on my schedule.
Sunday: Run 6 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes )

This week’s Schedule
Mon:  Run 4 miles (40 minutes) and Cardio Axe and tummy tuck, From Brazil Beach-body.  Review is tomorrow!  If you have done heard of this work out.
Tues:  Bum Bum AM, run 10 miles PM
Wed:  Cardio Axe and tummy tuck
Thurs: Bum Bum AM and run 10 miles PM
Fri: Sculpt, Cardio Axe, and Tummy Tuck
Sat: Bum Bum AM, Run 6 miles PM
Sun:  Run 6 miles

It may seem like a lot but I have done the Brazilian workout three rounds now.  I am looking for toning and slimming so I have scheduled these in AM and PM slots.

I am making sure I track my water, at least 9-10 glasses a day.
If you are just starting, remember to take our pictures front, side, and back.  I could not believe the changes I saw in my own pictures from the beginning of the month.  Sometimes the scale and measurements don't show what pictures can!
 

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

Take Time To Relax

Today's Objective is to Relax

 

It is important to take some time for yourself and unwind.  I do this in a couple of ways, and like to still try new ways to relax. 
Here is a list of some of my favorite unwind moments.

Yoga
Not a power session but stretching and breathing.  You can find some great videos over at MyYogaOnline.com  If you are new to them you can sign up for 2 free weeks, and give it a try.

Find a comfortable place to sit.
This is one of my favorites because I just sit back, take deep breaths, and think.  I usually will prayer, read, or reflect on issues.  We call this area "The Nook".  There is no talking or rough housing here; it is a place for reading and relaxing. 

Get outside
I know in some places it is pretty cold still, but when the weather is nice, get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  This allows us to soak in some Vitamin D naturally, which can lighten our moods and de-stress us. 








Get your hand dirty.
Working in a garden can be very therapeutic and allows stress to roll right off us.  If you don't have a garden, then maybe make this your spring project.  Start small and call it your Calming Place.

What do you do to Relax?

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living. 

Ginger Tea Detox for Wellness Wednesday Ginger Root

Ginger Root

I don't know about you, but this year seems to be especially "Buggy"  Every time I turn around the kids are bring home "Someone In Your Childs Classroom has...."  While my children usually have very strong immune systems, they have been bombarded with germs in the classrooms.  We have had a very long two weeks of runny noses, fevers, coughs, and sleepless nights.  As a mom of four, I have to stay strong and healthy for my kids.  Eating healthy comes easy to me, but when you are going on a week of little sleep and no rest during the day, you need a little something more to keep your immune system strong.  I know most parts can agree with me this year has been rough in the cold and flu news.

History

Ginger has long been used as a cold and flu prevention of natural medicine. 
Ginger is Native to the coastal region of India and has been cultivated there since before written history, the first mention was some time around 400BC.  Now this root is cultivated all over the world and used in cooking, medicinally, and modern medicine. 
It was in China about 1280 AD when Marco Polo reported seeing the root.  This became a popular import to Europe in the 11-13 centuries.  This wonderful herb them was introduced to the West Indies from the Spaniards, around 1547.  The herb has then been sent and now grown throughout the world and widely used today. 
While the most popular use for ginger is in cooking, the food industry, we are starting to see more people use it for preventive purposes.  I know in my own house we tend to keep ginger on hand. 

Prevention

Ginger has been used for

Indigestion

Diarrhea

Gas

Loss of appetite

Fever

Coughs

Throats

Motion Sickness

Detox Ginger Tea

2 tbsp. crushed ginger root
juice of one lemon
1 cayenne pepper
hot water

I place all ingredients in my Libre Tea Glass, which is perfect because it keeps all the ingredients in the glass without having to strain anything. 
This Detox drink can be very spicy, so drink with care.  I started to have the symptoms and signs that I was getting the kids colds, and I started this drink right away.  I was able to keep the colds at bay and strengthen my immune system. 
The Cayenne Pepper helps to break up congestion and mucus and get things moving.  The pepper is anti-inflammatory, stimulates circulation, and helps relieve migraines.  So don't skip the pepper, it is important to the process. 

For Body Aches
Tea Bags
3 TBSP crushed ginger root
Hot Water

In a hot tub of water add in tea bag(s), and allow the aches of body pain to gently ease away.  I have done this when I am sore from running, working in the garden, and even the body ache of illness.  You can use powdered ginger as well, although I find fresh ginger to be more powerful.

 Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living. 

Free Shipping and Savings at The San Francisco Salt Company

Great News!  The San Francisco Salt Company  is doing FREE shipping for 2013!

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Why not take advantage right away of our FREE SHIPPING and stock up on our special Winter salts at 25% OFF?

My Visit to the New Whole Foods River Rd Tucson

Earlier this week I visited our new Whole Foods Store on River Rd Tucson.  While this location is a bit of a drive for me, I will be visiting it a lot more.  I like to buy Organic and GMO free products, and like to have options.  The store was busting with great support of local Tucson residents supporting healthy food and lifestyles. 

When we got there, they were handing out samples of organic pure granola bars, Zevia cola, hot roasted veggies, and all natural beef patties.  I then walked through the produce section grabbing some spinach, kale, collards, apples, and grapes, all organic and great prices. 

We first stopped by the bulk section and picked up some organic grains, granola, and flours.  We then stopped by the peanuts section and the hubby and kids made fresh peanut butter right there.  Whole foods have a cool machine that presses roasted peanuts right there for you.  The kids are hooked on this fresher nuttier taste. 

Then we walked through the aisles and I was both excited and frustrated by the many people shopping.  It's awesome to see so many wonderful residents supporting our new store, but as a family of six we had little opportunity to brows everything.  I decided to make it a short trip and come back when during the week when it would be less crowded.  We grabbed some more Coconut oil, Cold Pressed Olive Oil, Kale Chips, and a few other items.  I was like a kid in a candy store with the verity of GMO Free, Gluten Free, and Organic items! I did not get pictures of the great deli, seafood sections, bulk coffee and teas, and more.  I will be sure to next time!  I did grab this picture of the Bar and wines in the back.  This I can totally see the hubby walking over to watch the game and grab a beer while I play throughout the store.


The Kale Krunch was on sale and the kids and I love these, organic and GMO Free!

Before you head out be sure to check out that week's Sale Flyer and the weekly events

What is on sale this week Flyer! 

1/24-1/31 Just a few are Organic Green Kale $1.50, Organic Mangos $1.99, Organic Apples $1.99 lb, and more!

 

Check out Jan/Feb 2013

Start fresh with real savings! Let The Whole Deal value guide help you meet your fiscal and physical wellness resolutions with up to $53 in coupons, 18 Sure Deals, 10 new budget-friendly recipes, a daily meal planner and more than 50 money-saving tips.
Download The Whole Deal (USA) (Print it Here)
Lots of $1 off coupons of products you will love. 

Don't forget to check out the calendar of events. 

Friday 1/25

Today is Fit and Fabulous Fridays -Grab a group of friends and join us for a healthier happy hour. Meet us in the bar for a wine spritzer and grab a guilt free dinner from the salad bar where you will find a variety of different Health Starts Here dishes.  5:00 PM-7:00PM E. River Bar, $5 per plate.

 

Also Happening Tonight- Belgian Beer Tasting.  With over 450 varieties, many beer lovers consider Belgian’s the holy grail of beers. Join us as we explore a variety of Belgian and Belgian style beers and find your favorite. 5:00 PM -7:00 PM $5 person.

Saturday 1/26

Game time Grub- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM.  Visit our specialty department to sample a variety of dips paired with the perfect local beer for your game time party! FREE

 

SAT Cooking for your Health.  1:30 PM - 4:00 PM FREE but you need to RSVP!

"Have you resolved to eat healthier this year but don’t know where to start? Join us for a special class with certified health coach Rachael Laing as she teaches us how to make tasty & healthy dishes for the New Year. Rachael currently works as a coach for the Wellness Council of Southern Arizona. She also teaches private classes on whole-food plant-based nutrition and wellness, runs group yoga sessions at her home, and teaches workshops on incorporating yoga and nutrition. Rachael received her training from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and The California College of Natural Medicine. To learn more about Rachael and the classes she offers, visit www.embracingwellness.net. Please RSVP to sp.rrd.events@wholefoods.com."

 

5555 E. River Road

Tucson  Arizona  85750-1949

United States

Seven days a week 8am - 10pm

P: 520.461.1300
F: 520.461.1326 

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New Video with Joe on Reboot with Joe

The Joe Show

 

Looking for some fun inspiration for this new year?  I Love Joe's movie "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead".  He has been an inspiration to many to get their health back and live .  He is doing something new with a new TV series called The Joe Show that you can see on Reboot with Joe.  Here is a little you will see in episode 1

Joe sharing his success tips for achieving health and wellness

  Chef Matteo Silverman making a delicious Winter Kale Salad. Get the recipe.

  Magen Banwart with easy exercises you can do from home.

  Joe's Mean Green Recipe- his favorite raw juice that saved his life.

  His 5 favorite foods.

Getting healthy is fun and healthy food should taste great!  I hope you enjoy. 

What Organ is Most Affected by Skipping Breakfast?

Most of us are always on the go which might make this week revamping your Breakfast a little more difficult than those that stay at home.  That said, stay at home moms seem to have little time to sit down and have a relaxing and nourishing breakfast too.  I would like to challenge you to really work on this.  You owe it to yourself to start and set the pace for a stress free day.  This falls into the positive affirmations.  When we think "I don't have time to sit and eat Breakfast", "can't take the time" "I'm running behind", these are all negative thoughts that stick with us and carry into our day. 

What is the one area of your body that is affected by malnutrition?  First, let me explain that someone can be affected by malnutrition even if they are eating three square meals a day.  Malnutrition is a lack of nutrients and the body is essentially starving.  You can be 400 lbs and be malnourished.  They have not lacked in foods, but they are starving their body none the less with less nourishing foods.  Foods that have vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and so forth, your live foods that are unprocessed will keep you from starving your body with empty calorie foods.

Answer: The BRAIN! 

You may think that feelings come from the heart, hunger from the stomach, and thinking with the brain, but really the brain is responsible for all three.  Your behaviors, moods, and memory are all affected by the brain not to mention over 1000 metabolic processes.  Your brain uses up 20% of your bodies energy sources.  The ability to think clearly, stay calm, make decisions, are running on 20% of your fuel you are providing.  No other organ is as demanding as your brain, yes important and affected but not as much.  Think about this next time you want to skip Breakfast and you have a meeting, driving, paying bills, studying for a test, deciding on a house, you get the idea. 


For some people we run out of time or get behind because of certain morning routines.  My husband likes to wake up to reading the news and emails.  This causes him to skip breakfast most mornings.  While he is getting ready I am making the kids breakfast and lunches.  I have to make my husband's breakfast and lunches for him to take to work.  He is someone that cannot eat breakfast that early in the morning.  To balance this I send him with a mid-morning breakfast, which he usually has sometime around 10 am.  I pack him, egg burritos, yogurt, mixed fruits, cereal bars, smoothies, and protein bars, because I like to change it up through the week.  You can have breakfast on the go and it can still be healthful.  It takes planning and follow-through to make this happen. 
You can be "eating" foods that may be satisfying your craving, but is it nourishing your body.  Remember we said that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you have been fasting and you need to fill up.  Think of your body as a car and your stomach as the gas tank.  What happens when we run out of car?  You'll need to put something in it, right?  What if you just add enough to get you from point A to B, although you will eventually have up to 15-20 stops through the day.  Your gas tank needs to have the right fuel and the right amount.  You don't want to have to keep filling up at gas stations all day long that would just be frustrating.  It sounds ridicules, but that is what we do when we don't take the time to eat a regular meal and just provide our body with quick energy snacks.  Maybe it's a donut, a slice of toast, a granola bar, or a small bowl of cereal , the list can go on with the variety of processed foods we have available for us.  We have engrained in our heads that we have so much to do with little time to do it.  We have a ton of convenience foods that boast about eating on the go, no more running behind, but are these processed foods or live foods.  I think of sugary donuts, candy bars, chips, anything you grab from the vending machines as diesel fuel for your unleaded tank.  Your car is eventually going to shut down.  It may take you a little ways, but it will stop working.  Why add a few dollars of gas instead of filling up the tank?  You will eventually need and burn that gas, but we keep only adding just enough to get us to one point or the next.  Treat your body like you want it to stay in good condition instead of needing a expensive tune up in a short time.  When the car needs to have work done on it, it can be expensive and takes away from time you need in other areas.  When we get a cold that knocks us out for a week, or a trip to the doctors off, everything gets off schedule.  I like to use the mental vision of a car because most people take better care of their cars than they do themselves. 

Where can you make more time in your morning? 

Wake up just 15 minutes earlier.
Precut fruits ready.
Have oatmeal and spices in a container ready to cook.
Make you egg burritos the night before and add some hot sauce.
Make muffins the night before and make enough for a few days that week.
Have veggies cut and ready for an omelet.
The emails and news can wait to read when you're done eating.
Iron you cloths the night before and set out to have ready.
Think of breakfast as family dinner, everyone starting the morning together.  If you have children this is the time to help train them to understand the importance of breakfast. 

I have timed my breakfast items. 

These are meals I can make in less than 5 minutes. 

• Scrambled, boiled, or poached eggs and toast
• Mixed fruits, bowl
• Omelet's, when the veggies are cut the night before.
• Parfee's
• French toast
• Yogurt and fruits.
• Smoothies
• Breakfast wraps or burritos
• Oatmeal

Changing up the fruits, vegetables, sides, spices, and these can go on for months with a different breakfast meals using similar bases. 

What are some ways you can make more time to sit, chew, and eat breakfast without the rush?

Breakfast Get Creative, Keep it Fresh, and Make it Enjoyable.
Goals and Making Rewards That Help and Not Become an Obstacle
New Year's Resolutions That Work

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

Natural Remedies for Colds Natural Living Carnival

Welcome to the December 2012 Natural Living Blog Carnival: Natural Remedies. This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Natural Living Blog Carnival hosted by Happy Mothering and The Pistachio Project through the Green Moms Network. This month our members have written posts about how they use natural remedies in their homes.

 

It never fails.  Sometimes you can have a super clean diet, stay away from the processed foods, try and do everything right and your or a family member gets sick.  It's OK, the body is just working out something that is out of balance.  Sometimes what we eat is to blame, but other times its just natural eliminations of toxins built up and needing to be released. 

 

In our house we like to take a Natural approach to allowing and assisting the body to rid itself of any imbalance.  Whether it's a fever, sniffles, sore throat, or throwing up, we take a step back and think about what the body is trying to tell us.  Our bodies are masterfully designed to heal and rebuild.  The body is constantly at work to keep in a balance of homeostasis, and the illness is a message that something is off balance.  When we get an illness, before rushing off to the Doctors to get a script we can allow and assist our body to heal naturally.  YES, there are times when a Doctor is needed and why they are there to help when natural approaches are not enough.  With that said, try these natural approaches I will be sharing with you, but know when it is time to see a physician if needed. 

 

When one of us gets a runny nose we make an Ayurvedic Drink.  Ayurveda is a type of Indian Nutrition using herbs to heal the body.  They break it up in to wet, dry, hot, cold, and so on.  You can use certain herbs that have specific benefits to dry out, increase heat, decrease heat, and naturally heal.  When we get a runny nose we like to allow the body to detox what is going on and assist in drying it up. The first thing I tell my kids is when we are sick, we need to slow down, rest, and allow the body to heal.  At the first sign of a runny nose we make a Turmeric Warm Milk. 

Turmeric Warm Milk

1 cup of Milk warmed slightly over the stove, NEVER in the microwave.

1 tsp of yellow turmeric spice, powder

1/2 tsp of cinnamon spice. 

The milk is warmed, not heated or scalded.  Remove and placed in a tea cup, then add in both spices.  Turmeric is used to remove excess mucus in the body.  We usually will drink this in the morning and before bed, when the sinuses can be most bothersome.  The cinnamon is used to warm the body, it has a heating quality.  I love this drink and find wonderful relief from an stuffy or runny noses. 

 

Ear Infections and Pain

2 tbsp. of coconut oil

1 clove garlic chopped, crushed

For painful earaches take a small sauce pan and add about 2 tbsp of coconut oil, or Olive Oil, to the pan and just heat until warm, remove from heat. And 1 clove of chopped or minced garlic to the warm oil and allow to cool enough that it does not burn, but still warm (Test against you wrist).  Strain the garlic out.  You can drop a few drops of the oil into the ear and lay on your side to allow the oil to flow slowly down the canal.  Then gently message the outer ear area.   I then place a cotton ball in the oil and saturate it, then squeeze the oil out.  Then place the oiled ball in the ear. The cotton ball keeps the oil in the ear and blocks any cold wind from annoying the sensitive ear canal.  I will make balls and place in a plastic baggy for the kids to take to school. It provides a great deal of comfort and healing power from the garlic oil.  This was a remedy my grandmother shared with me and was passed from hers.

When colds set in with little ones it is important to keep their hands clean.  Not only from keeping the germs from spreading to others around the house or classroom, but to keep from an eye infection.  Pink Eye tends to always rear its ugly head around cold and flu season.  This is because kids rub their noses with their hands and then later rub their itchy watery eyes.  The germs get in the eyes and now we have pink eye as well. 

 

Ginger root for the throat.

When I have a sore throat one of the first things I pick up is fresh ginger root.  I sometimes will make a soft cough drop if my throat is dry, sore, or tickles.  On one spoon I add half a tsp of raw honey and then juice of ginger.  I have a press I use to juice the ginger right onto the spoon and then swallow.  This is thick and coats my throat while the ginger cleans it. 

 

Have a cold? Make a Tea with a purpose. 

When we have colds we literally drink them away.  I love the quality of herbal teas and think we should hydrate and pushes these toxins out.  Why not enjoy and great tasting and comforting tea to help that?

Thyme: Thyme is an internal remedy for inflammations and infections.  A cup of Thyme tea will ease headaches, nervousness, and helps with queasy stomachs. While a great spice it is also antiseptic.  Whenever I make a soup or stew I throw some thyme in and when we have a cold I make a tea out of it.  You can also gargle with the Thyme when you have Strep Throat and sore throat. 

Ginger:  Ginger has been used in folk medicine to aid in digestion, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.  It is also used to purify the liver and blood which helps to rid the body of illness and toxins. 

Pine:  I love making this tea.  We have grabbed fresh pine right from the trees and made a steam for congestion and then drink the tea to give our bodies a higher dose of Vitamin A and C.  To make the tea or steam, just boil a quart of water and add in a handful of pine needles.  Remove from heat.  Grab a towel to place over your head and breathe in the vapors deeply.  The vapors will break up any congestion fairly quickly.  Don't waste the tea!  When you are done breathing in the steam, strain the needles and then drink it down.  You can add in some lemon and honey to sweeten, if needed. 

 

Have some Yogurt!  Yogurt helps produce antibodies to kill invading organisms.  This makes a great tasteful snack to build the immune system, but also a great preventative choice.  I use only organic variety and plain.  If you need to add some flavor that reach for fruits to sweeten.

 

Cold and flues will come and go, but try and be as preventive as possible.  Stay clear of processed foods, sugars, additives, and increase your vitamin rich fruits and vegetables.  Increase your good fats for a full belly and add in a few more hearty vegetable stews and soups.  Remember to cover your ears and head on windy days to keep from aggravating your ears or catching head colds.  

 

These natural approaches have been used for ages and passed down from generation to generation.  We have unfortunately become a society of "give me a pill and make it all go away", as soon as we are sick we head to the Doctor for a script.  Allowing your body to heal naturally makes it stronger in the long run, and not as likely to develop a dependency for meds.  Although there is always a time and need for Doctors, if fevers rise, or symptoms continue seek the advice of your Doctor, you never want an infection to set in.  The best way to avoid illnesses is to be proactive in your health, and then use natural methods at the start of a cold. 

 

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

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Visit Happy Mothering and The Pistachio Project to learn more about participating in next month’s Natural Living Blog Carnival! Please take some time to enjoy the posts our other carnival participants have contributed:

Eating Well During The Holidays Contributor

When we make changes to eat a more healthier life we tend to "take a break" during the Holidays.  This makes no sense to me, its like falling off the wagon and then your body feels horrible and you have to restart New Years Resolutions. 

During the Holidays we tend to make a lot of festive foods and celebration items.  It’s a wonderful time of year to celebrate one another and look forward to what 2013 has to offer.  While celebrating let me try to give you a few tips that will keep down the weight, keep kids healthy, and decrease your stress.

In my Monthly Contributor Post on Happy Mothering I talk about how to eat well during the holidays.

• First step is to examine your food traditions.
• What consequences can happen after one holiday party?
• What are some ideas to be festive & avoid offending foods?
• Recipe:  Cranberry Almond Upside Down Bars (Gluten Free)

The plans do not have to start out perfect. This is a journey for better health and we make mistakes along the way. The key is to continually move towards your ultimate goals, happiness and better health. 
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.

Free App Pink Pad

Ladies you are going to love this App!  I have never before had an App like this, where everything is in one convenient place.

I think this app is perfect for all women, young and older.  Whether you are a young girl understanding her cycles and her changes, a woman wanting to conceive, a woman delaying conception, or experiencing menopause, you can use this app. 

App Features: Pink Pad

• Lets you Track and Estimate when menstrual happens.
• Tracks and Estimates Flow, which is your heavy, medium, light, and spotting days.
• Tracks you Intimacy if you are trying to conceive or abstain.
• Tracks your moods so you can look at past history.  This I personally loved because your moods can subjected to your nutrition.  See Post Here for more information.
• Symptoms: acne, backache, Anxiety, breast tenderness bloating, cramps, constipation, and more.  This I find also beneficial, because if you are tracking it you can see what foods are offensive to your PMS. 
• Tracks Fertility
• Tracks your weight
• Tracks your Basal Body Temperatures.  For anyone that has tracked temperatures to help you conceive or avoid conception, you know how confusing those charts can be. 
• Notes to track any additional information you want to impute this ay.  I recommend and use as a food diary.  This allows me to look at what I ate and how it affects my symptoms and moods.
• You have forums that allows you to talk about specific topic on woman's health.  This you can have public or private.   
• You can change Themes for your backgrounds, I am on Fall right now. 

It is FREE on iPhone and iPads. 

When you know more about your body and how food affects it in good and bad choices you can make better daily decisions.   


How would this app best help you?

 

 Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living.