healthy body tips

How to avoid Flu? Flu, the most common way in which one gets sick. How can we avoid it? Here follows the tips to avoid flu.
a) Eat more vegetables : Body's immune system is the fighting mechanism agains the infections. So one should eat dark green, yellow, red vegetables and fruits to provide body with required vitamins, antioxidants and beta carotine.
b) Regular Exercise : Jogging or walking helps you boost your immune system.
c) Get required sleep : A sleep of 7 - 8 hours for adults, 9 hours for teens and more than 10 to 12 hours for kids is recommended.
d) Minimize Stress : Stress is one of the reason where your immune system works to the lowest of your ability. Try not to be stressed, learn to relax.

Best Diet Tip No. 4: Be choosy about nighttime snacks.
Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax.

"Sitting down with a bag of chips or cookies in front of the television is an example of eating amnesia, where you mindlessly eat without being hungry, but out of habit," says American Dietetic Association spokesperson Malena Perdomo, RD.

Either close down the kitchen after a certain hour, or allow yourself a low-calorie snack, like a 100-calorie pack of cookies or a half-cup scoop of low-fat ice cream. Once you find that you're usually satisfied with the low-cal snack, try a cup of zero-calorie tea, suggests Perdomo.

Best Diet Tip No. 5: Enjoy your favorite foods.
"I think putting your favorite foods off limits leads to weight gain because it triggers 'rebound' overeating," says Sass.

Instead of cutting out your favorite foods altogether, be a slim shopper. Buy one fresh bakery cookie instead of a box, or a small portion of candy from the bulk bins instead of a whole bag.

"You can enjoy your favorite foods, but you must do so in moderation," says Sass.

Best Diet Tip No. 6: Enjoy your treats away from home.
When you need a treat, Ellie Krieger, RD, host of Food Network’s Healthy Appetite, suggests taking a walk to your local ice cream parlor or planning a family outing.

"By making it into an adventure, you don’t have to worry about the temptation of having treats in the house, and it is a fun and pleasurable way to make it work when you are trying to lose weight," says Krieger.

And for those times you just can't get out? Krieger stocks her kitchen with fresh fruit, which she thinks can be every bit as delicious as any other dessert.

Best Diet Tip No. 7: Eat several mini-meals during the day.
If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. But when you're hungry all the time, eating fewer calories can be challenging.

"Studies show people who eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day are better able to control their appetite and weight," says obesity researcher Rebecca Reeves, DrPH, RD.

She recommends dividing your daily calories into smaller meals or snacks and enjoying as many of them as you can early in the day -- dinner should be the last time you eat.

Best Diet Tip No. 8: Eat protein at every meal.
Protein is more satisfying than carbohydrates or fats, and thus may be the new secret weapon in weight control.

"Diets higher in protein [and] moderate in carbs, along with a lifestyle of regular exercise, have an excellent potential to help weight loss," says University of Illinois protein researcher Donald Layman, PhD.

Getting enough protein helps preserve muscle mass and encourages fat burning while keeping you feeling full. So be sure to include healthy protein sources, like yogurt, cheese, nuts, or beans, at meals and snacks.

It has been some time, I have been reading some articles and came across a great one which enlists some of the mineral and vitamin provider chart. I am listing the chart for your use below.

Item	Provides	How much	Benefit
Yoghurt	Vitamin B, Calcium	2 cups/day	Boosts Immune System Reduces Diarrhoea
Spinach	Vitamin A, C and E Minerals. Phytonutrients Carotenoids	2 cups/day	Reduces the risk of Cancer Heart disease Stroke and Cataracts
Orange	Vitamin C Carotenoids, Minerals	3 oranges/week	Increases Immunity Reduces the risk of cancer, prevents stroke
Fish	Omega-3 fatty acids	2 or 3 times/week	Brain Development Regulating cellular harmones
Beans	Antioxidants	4 cups(cooked)/week	Control blood glucose level
Ash Gourd	----	100 gm/day	Must ingredient for diabetic and obese people Healing ulcer

We always try making our bedroom look good by using modern bedroom furniture, furniture sets and decorate our kids bedroom. But here are some beliefs about bed and our health.
Bedroom is one of the most important room of a house where we spend most of our time. So it is important to be known about the beliefs related to bed and health. It has been thought of for a long time that the bed holds the energy of the person who has slept on it and can be passed to a person who sleeps on it after.

So it is important to place your bed in a power position! Power Position? What does it mean. Power position of the bed is related to the location of door and bed.

1) Your bed should be placed at such a position that it should have a clear view of the door.
Belief : It will keep you safe from unwanted surprises.
2) Generally bed should be placed diagonally opposite to door.
Belief: The more of the room you can see, the more control over the life you feel.
3) The bed should not be placed so that the bedroom door and the bed are in line.
Belief: Energy coming through door can cause bad health or even split relationship. Never let your bed position to be such that your foot points towards the door. This is considered as the worst case.

So when would be it ideal to buy a new bed and start fresh with new energy, leaving behind the old one? If one of your bed mates have been ill, or you are moving to a new house or you want to start a new relationship is the answer.

Tips: Never buy a second hand bed as it will possess the energy of all the previous sleepers.

Experts share their top tips for weight loss success.
By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD


Everyone knows the keys to losing weight: Eat less and exercise more. Sounds simple enough, but in the context of real life and its demands, it can be anything but simple. So how do successful losers do it? To find out, WebMD asked experts across the country for their best diet tips.

Here's what they said:
Best Diet Tip No. 1: Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages.

People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. So you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really what you need.

"If you don’t like plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of juice, or brew infused teas like mango or peach, which have lots of flavor but no calories," says Cynthia Sass, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
Best Diet Tip No. 2: Think about what you can add to your diet, not what you should take away.

Start by focusing on getting the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

"It sounds like a lot, but it is well worth it, because at the same time you are meeting your fiber goals and feeling more satisfied from the volume of food," says chef Laura Pansiero, RD.

You're also less likely to overeat because fruits and vegetables displace fat in the diet. And that's not to mention the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. More than 200 studies have documented the disease-preventing qualities of phytochemicals found in produce, says Pansiero.

Her suggestion for getting more: Work vegetables into meals instead of just serving them as sides on a plate.

"I love to take seasonal vegetables and make stir-fries, frittatas, risotto, pilafs, soups, or layer on sandwiches," Pansiero says. "It is so easy to buy a variety of vegetables and incorporate them into dishes."
Best Diet Tip No. 3: Consider whether you're really hungry.

Whenever you feel like eating, look for physical signs of hunger, suggests Michelle May, MD, author of Am I Hungry?

"Hunger is your body’s way of telling you that you need fuel, so when a craving doesn’t come from hunger, eating will never satisfy it," she says.

When you're done eating, you should feel better -- not stuffed, bloated, or tired.

"Your stomach is only the size of your fist, so it takes just a handful of food to fill it comfortably," says May.

Keeping your portions reasonable will help you get more in touch with your feelings of hunger and fullness.

WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Recently, I ran into an article stating the power of gems/gem stones. I would like to place an extract in my own words. For long time people have always believed in the healing power of Gems. Even today astrologers or numerologists are very much in favor of miraculous results of gems. Saphire gems and Ruby gems are the most known of this lot. Here are some of the beliefs of specific gems.

Ruby Gem Stone

• Improves general stamina, immunity power.
• Helps in blood related diseases.
• Strenghtens heart.
• It is also said that ruby wearer has tremendous power to fight any health problem.

Pearl

• Stengthens mental faculties.
• Calms emotions.
• Increase peace of mind.
• A big sized pearl is believed to help with menstrual disorders.
• A perl with a red coral works against piles.

Yellow Saphire

• Yellow saphire worn in combination with red coral helps combat arthritis, diabetes and gout (rheumatism).
• If worn along with an emerald and a blue sapphire it helps control high blood pressure.
• If worn along with emerald and a moonstone it helps deal with insomnia and typhoid.

Hessonite

• Averts stomach ailments.
• If worn with red coral helps those with constipation problems.

Emerald

• Improves memory, communication, intuition.
• Sharpens the intellect and ability to learn.
• Best gem for eyes and nervous system.
• When wore in combination with a red coral, reduces chances of miscarriages and paralysis.
  

Diamond

• Improves sexual power.
• If worn with red coral helps with impotency.

Blue Saphire

• Helps combat asthma

Red Coral

• Helps in curing skin related diseases.
• If worn with Moonstone helps with hysteria.
• A white coral with an emerald protects from leucoderma.

Tis the season for great holiday baking and cooking organic cookies. My organic christmas cookie recipe was such a hit; I had quite a few requests for more recipes. So, I've dug up another great recipe for your enjoyment.


Organic Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies:

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups organic whole wheat flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup organic butter

3 tbsp unsweetened organic apple sauce

¼ cup organic skim milk

2 tbsp organic cocoa powder

2 large omega rich organic eggs

2 cups old-fashioned organic rolled oats

Prepartion:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

1. Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon together in s small bowl. Set aside.

2. Cream the butter, Add skim milk. Add cocoa powder. Add the eggs. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat until combined. Add the rolled oats and continue beating. (If you are adding chips or nuts, add them now.)

4. Place rounded teaspoons of dough on a lightly greased baking sheet. The resulting mounds of dough should be no large than walnuts.

5. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until done. Let sit on the cookie sheet for two minutes and then remove them to a wire rack to completely cool.

You can add a tsp of ginger to the mix or more cocoa or cinnamon, if you desire, that is all up to you. Whatever you decide to do, the end result is a healthy snack that can help you get your day going or give you a bit of a lift during the morning or afternoon break at work.

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(mercola)True Cancer Prevention Means Giving Your Body a Fighting Chance to Heal.

These are my 12 risk reduction strategies that can optimize your health and aid in your natural self-healing process.

1. Reduce your processed food, sugar and grain carbohydrate intake

Yes, this is even true for whole unprocessed organic grains as they tend to rapidly break down and drive your insulin and leptin levels up, which is the last thing you need to have happening if you are seeking to resolve a cancer.


2. Control your fasting insulin and leptin levels: This is the end result, and can be easily monitored with the use of simple and relatively inexpensive blood tests.

3. Normalize your ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats by taking a high-quality krill oil or fish oil and reducing your intake of most processed vegetable oils.

4. Get regular exercise. One of the primary reasons exercise works is that it drives your insulin levels down. Controlling insulin levels is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risks.

5. Normalize your vitamin D levels and vitamin A levels by getting plenty of sunlight exposure and consider careful supplementation when this is not possible. If you take oral vitamin D and have a cancer it would be very prudent to monitor your vitamin D blood levels regularly.

6. Get a good night's sleep.

7. Eat according to your nutritional type. The potent anti-cancer effects of this principle are very much underappreciated. When we treat cancer patients in our clinic this is one of the most powerful anti-cancer strategies we have.

8. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, household chemical cleaners, synthetic air fresheners and air pollution.

9. Limit your exposure and provide protection for yourself from information carrying radio waves produced by cell phone towers, base stations, phones and WiFi stations.

10. Avoid frying or charbroiling your food. Boil, poach or steam your foods instead .

11. Have a tool to permanently reprogram the neurological short-circuiting that can activate cancer genes. Even the CDC states that 85 percent of disease is caused by emotions. It is likely that this factor may be more important than all the other physical ones listed here, so make sure this is addressed. Energy psychology seems to be one of the best approaches and my particular favorite tool, as you may know, is the Emotional Freedom Technique. German New Medicine is another powerful tool.

12. Use broccoli sprouts as an adjunct to everything above unless you simply do not like broccoli.

I had a session today on quit smoking and came across the following real life stories.

The guy who took the session had been smoking for last 22 years and suddenly one day he left smoking why? It happened. He and his daughter were watching TV and the serial running on TV was showing how the father of the fiancee takes her daughter to the altar and suddenly her 7 year daughter asks him to practice it with him. Only one thing started rolling in this man’s mind, “Will I make it till her wedding ”. Will a man smoking 30+ cigarettes a day for 22 years make it till the wedding of his daughter and he left smoking at that very moment.

Another experience came from delivery manager of the company I work for. His sister and brother in law Amit who stayed in Australia had a happy going life. Amit was a chronic smoker for almost 26 years. But after marriage it was 10 long years and still the couple was unable to conceive. So they thought of adopting. They went through all the hassles of Australian and Indian law to adopt a child from Bombay orphanage to take her to Australia. The Adoption cost was soaring and in the end when in Australia the medical checkup revealed that the adopted baby girl had a hole in the heart. There was always a option of changing the child. But Amit was so shocked with the incidence of a 3 year old baby having a hole on heart. He decided to adopt the child and take care of her in all terms, of which quitting the smoking was genuine part for his memory rolled in future for "if something happens to him what would be happen to the baby girl and his sweet wife whom he loved so much".

I myself had tried to quit smoking a couple of times but failed after 45 days of no cigarette. In my case it happened that I was told by one of my senior that "If you can't control smoking how can you ever have control of your life" When I thought this sentence had a much deeper meaning in it. After that I was determined to leave the white two inch thing. Unfortunately after 45 days a situation came where nothing was under control and I was a looser again.

I would like to suggest don't wait for a incidence to happen in your life. Please quit smoking now.

Related Article:
Hookah Smoking Health Risks
Effects of Second Hand Smoke On Children
Second Hand Smoke and Stroke

New Years is right around the corner as is the party, amazing alcoholic beverages and the next day hangover. On occasion, I like to have a few martinis and since I don't drink frequently, I tend to feel them more now than ever. I have a simple, easy and pain free natural cure to a hangover.

What is a Hangover?
That headache, nausea, thirst and fatigue you feel are all symptoms of dehydration. Follow these steps to eliminate those symptoms and get back to feeling your best.


Things You'll Need to Beat a Hangover

* Aspirins
* Ibuprofen
* Multivitamins- B Complex, Vitamin C
* Sports Drinks like Pediolite
* Banana
* Saltine Crackers


Day Before Drinking: Prevention of Hangover tips

Step One
Drink water all day long. Stay well hydrated.

Step Two
Take Vitamin C and B Complex at breakfast as well as before you go out drinking. These vitamins are the first to be depleted when out drinking. Keep their levels even and you will not have the headache or pains associated with a hangover.

Step Three
Eat a hearty, starchy meal before you drink. Breads, rice, pasta will help absorb the liquor and alcohol.


Step Four
Drink a glass per each alcoholic beverage while you are out.


Step Five
Drink a large glass of pedialyte before bed and follow up with an aspirin, b complex , vitamin c and a snack of crackers.



Steps to Cure a Hangover Naturally the Day After:


Step One
Drink water as soon as you get up in the morning to rehydrate yourself. If possible, have a sports drink. I have found that pedialyte is chuck full of electrolytes without the sugar. The electrolytes and nutrients in a sports drink can replenish your body's depleted reserves. Eat a banana.


Step Two
Avoid coffee. Caffeine is a mild diuretic and can contribute to dehydration.


Step Three
Stick to liquids that are at room temperature. Drinks that are excessively hot or cold will be even more of a shock to your struggling stomach.

Step Four
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve a pounding headache or body aches. Also, take Vitamin C and B Complex with food in the morning. Take another dose mid afternoon.

Step Five
Eat easily digestible foods when you're ready. Fresh fruit, toast and water-based soups are all easy on the stomach. Harder-to-digest foods such as eggs and milk can cause stomach problems.

Step Six
Relax, rest or go back to bed. Allow some time for your body to feel positive effects from your treatments.

Tips & Warnings for a Hangover

* Take preventive measures beforehand: Drink responsibly and in moderation. If you've drunk in excess and suspect you'll be hung over the next morning, drink a few glasses of water right before you go to bed.
* Rehydrate yourself with liquids that are at room temperature. Drinks that are excessively hot or cold will make your struggling stomach work even more.
* Do not take an acetaminophen-based painkiller to relieve symptoms. Combining acetaminophen and alcohol can damage your liver. Consider ibuprofen instead.
* If you are an excessive drinker, use caution when taking any over-the-counter painkillers.
* This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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(NewsTarget) The Hershey Company recently announced its new line of Cacao Reserve all-natural chocolate products made with real cacao.

The Cacao Reserve products include a chocolate bars, drinking cocoa and truffles with different concentrations of cacao. The chocolate bars are available in milk chocolate and milk chocolate with hazelnuts (35 percent cacao), extra dark chocolate (65 percent cacao) and extra dark with nibs -- the "heart" of the cacao bean -- with 65 percent cacao concentration.

Hershey's line of Cacao Reserve bars will eventually expand to include four additional "Country of Origin" bars, including the "Java, Indonesian" milk chocolate bar with 32 percent cacao and caramel flavors, the "Arriba" bar with 50 percent cacao and herbal flavors, the "Santo Domingo" bar with 67 percent cacao and spice and wine flavors, and the "Sao Tome" bar with 70 percent cacao.

The line includes two flavors of drinking cocoa -- the "Classic Mayan" blend and the "Mildly Spiced Aztec" blend -- that are both made with milk chocolate and natural cocoa, offering natural flavanol antioxidants.

Cacao Reserve also features milk and dark truffles made with real cacao. The bars will retail for $0.99 to $3.29, and boxes of drinking cocoa will sell for $1.98 to $2.49.

"While it's good to see the Hershey Company finally using real cacao in a line of chocolate products, consumers should be warned to watch out for other ingredients that may be present," explained Mike Adams, a consumer health advocate and author of The Seven Laws of Nutrition. "Eating a chocolate bar containing milk fats and refined sugars may nullify any health benefits provided by cacao," he said.

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For obtaining stress relief, meditation as an alternative is gaining in popularity.

I remember seeing comedy shows or skits when I was young where someone is practicing meditation. There was usually one person closing his eyes while the other person tried to imitate him or simply made snide remarks. While we used to look upon meditation as being funny, ridiculous, or just plain odd; we now know about all the benefits it has to offer.

Originally, meditation was used to focus and gain religious knowledge. Now, it is commonly used to reduce stress and live longer, happier, healthier lives.

So, for stress relief, why is mediation so helpful?

First of all, it helps focus the mind on something that is deeply and spiritually rooted. By focusing on one thing, you’re forced to forget the world around you and all the stressors that come with it. By closing your eyes and sitting in a quiet room, you also filter out the sights and sounds that may stress you.

Meditation also helps repair the physical and mental damage caused by stress. The chemicals present in your body actually change during meditation making you more relaxed and peaceful.

For getting more in-depth information on stress and stress relief, you should visit www.stress-and-relaxation.com.

Today I'm dealing with what I consider to be a massive, offensive and very painful cold sore on my lower lip. It is very puffy and unsightly. Ever since I was little, when I get super stressed I get what appears to be a very large fever blister or cold sore. Clearly my body is giving me a sign to slow down and pay attention to my immune system. So, I decided to take action and figure out how I can remedy the cold sore and decrease the likelihood of having another cold sore or herpes simplex outbreak. What I found was interesting and I think helpful for my readers since 9 out of 10 of you will have suffered as I do now.

What I never realized was that there were two types of cold sores: those from herpes simples type I(HSV-1) and others from Herpes simples type II (HSV-2).

What Causes Cold Sores?

These very frustrating and painful blisters are caused by the herpes virus. HSV-1 is so common that 90% of adults will have blistery cold sores appear on their lips or near their noses.

The other type of blisters are HSV-2 a sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes.

After the first episode of the disease, the virus lies dormant in the nerves or skin around the original area until something sets the virus off into another eruption. Colds, flu, and even stress can cause you to have an outbreak of cold sores. Why you have an outbreak at one time of life and not another is not clearly understood.

Cold Sore Symptoms

* The first symptom that may appear during an outbreak of cold sores may include tingling, burning, or itching in the area around the mouth or nose. This first portion of the outbreak is known as the prodromal stage or period.

* Within a few hours to days, the area may become reddened and develop small fluid-filled blisters. Several of these small blisters may even come together and form one large blister.

I love what our friends at Alternative Medicine and Health have put together for natural remedies to treat and prevent cold sores as well as impact of diet on cold sores. I follow what they have put forth and feel that this blister is definitely going to be going away faster than normal.


There is no effective drug therapy that will cure cold sores, but the good news is that there are a number of very safe and effective natural remedies.

Two particular treatments have given my patients great relief and also act as a preventive: Lactobacillus addophilus and Lysine. In addition, zinc, used topically and as a supplement, can give immediate relief.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is the living culture that is used to make yogurt. You may have heard that yogurt can be beneficial for intestinal and digestive problems, and it's this connection that led to the discovery that acidophitus can help cold sores. A doctor using acidophilus to treat patients with severe diarrhea discovered that two of his patients suffering from cold sores found dramatic improvement in their sores as well as their diarrhea. Further research found that acidophilus capsules can not only help relieve existing cold sores but also help prevent new ones. You can buy acidophilus capsules at health food stores, but be sure that the tablets you buy contain living bacteria; they're usually kept refrigerated. Eating yogurt might be of some help, but there's no evidence that it can have the dramatic effect of the capsules.

Another aid in the relief of cold sores is the amino acid L-lysine, which is particularly effective in preventing recurrence. There is a hypothesis that lysine inhibits herpes activity, while another amino acid, arginine, promotes it. And studies have demonstrated that lysine treatment can be very beneficial to cold sore sufferers. In one study, forty-five patients who took lysine supplements were followed for two years. Forty-two of these patients had a dramatic reduction of cold sores. For most, pain disappeared overnight, and the initial sore did not spread, but the infection returned one to four weeks after stopping lysine.

The most effective pattern for taking lysine to prevent cold sores is to take a maintenance dosage as a preventive and then increase this dosage if you experience an outbreak of the infection. Be sure if you take lysine supplements that you watch your cholesterol levels, as there's some evidence that lysine may stimulate the liver to increase cholesterol production.

In addition to taking lysine as a supplement, it can be applied topically in the form of lysine cream, available in health food stores. I usually advise applying it topically twice a day, but check the directions on the label. I've been using a lysine cold stick for cold sores that has a variety of antiviral properties as well as an SPF of 21.

Since cold sores are stimulated by the imbalance of the amino acids arginine and lysine, it can also be beneficial to avoid arginine-containing foods. These foods include chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, seeds, and cereal grains.

Zinc used topically can help to heal cold sores. Zinc oxide--the stuff lifeguards used to put on their noses--won't work because it doesn't deliver the zinc. Instead, use a zinc lozenge--the kind used for sore throats--and let it dissolve on the lesions.

Both vitamin C with bioflavonoids and zinc supplements, particularly when taken in conjunction, can help cure cold sores. As with lysine, it's best to take a maintenance dosage and increase it in the event of an outbreak.

Click here for more information about Natural Treatment for Herpes and specific dosage and treatment information.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Have a question about using lysine to treat cold sores and herpes?

Want to recommend a great natural remedy for cold sores?

For a free health consultation feel free to email (wellness@healthybeingproducts.com) or call
Melissa Gallagher at 727-954-8968.

Visit our On-Line Store to save over 65% and get free shipping on Vitamins and Supplements at theHealthy Being Products Store

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Balanced, healthy eating is based on the "Food Pyramid" which contains six main food groups. Eating a balanced diet means eating foods from each of the six main food groups, each day and excluding fats, oils & sweets.
The Food Pyramid (6 Food Groups)

1. Fats, Oils, Sweets: Use Sparingly
2. Milk, Yogurt & Cheese: 2-3 Servings
3. Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, Nuts: 2-3 Servings
4. Vegetables: 3-5 Servings
5. Fruits: 2-4 Servings
6. Bread, Cereal, Rice, Pasta: 6-11 Servings

If you follow the recommended servings for each of the six food groups (Fats, Milk, Vegetables, Meat/eggs, Fruit, Bread/pasta etc.) each day, and choose lower-fat, lower sugar brands, you are sure to get sufficient nutrients like: protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

By choosing the lower number of servings from each group your calorie intake should add up to about 1600 calories, per day. If you choose the highest number from each group, your calorie intake should be about 2800-2900 calories, per day.
Food Pyramid Serving Sizes
Food Group Serving Size
Bread, Cereal, Rice, Pasta, Noodles 1 slice bread; 1/2 hamburger bun or English muffin; 1 small roll, muffin, or biscuit; 5-6 small crackers; 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice, pasta, noodles; 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal.
Vegetables 1/2 cup cooked/raw vegetables; 1 cup leafy raw vegetables; 1/2 cup cooked peas, beans, other legumes; 3/4 cup vegetable juice.
Fruit 1 medium apple, banana, orange; 1/2 grapefruit; melon wedge; 3/4 cup fruit juice; 1/2 cup chopped fresh, cooked, canned fruit (in juice); 1/4 cup dried fruit;
Milk, Yogurt, Cheese 1 cup milk; 8 ounces yogurt; 1.5 ounces natural cheese; 2 ounces processed cheese.
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and Nuts In this group 2-3 servings equals 5-7 ounces of cooked lean meat, or poultry without skin, or fish. Note: 1 egg (or 2 egg whites), 1 tbsp nuts, or 1/2 cup cooked peas, beans count as 1 ounce of meat.
Fats, Oils and Sweets Use sparingly. Note: Use fats/oils low in saturated fat. Unprocessed vegetable oils are best. Avoid fats with hydrogenated fat or trans-fatty acids.

Alcohol is not included in the Food Guide Pyramid. But official advice is to limit consumption to two drinks a day (male) or one drink a day, (female). [One drink = 12oz beer; or 1.5oz spirits; or 5oz wine.]

There are a lot of medical problems that are signaled by hair loss, and anaemia can be one of the culprit if a person is loosing hair at an alarming rate. However this post will concentrate on hair loss related to anaemia.

What is Anaemia? A Condition caused by less number of RBC's (Red Blood Cells) or insufficient haemoglobin which eventually results in less oxygen and energy in body.

Type of Anaemia related to hair loss

1) Iron Deficiency Anaemia causes rapid hair loss, change of hair colour to a lighter shade and overall dryness of hair. Hair loss is triggered by both less and well as excess quantity of irons.
Causes of Iron Deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency, consuming caffeine rich coffee and tea, alcohol abuse.
Iron Sources: Rice , bread, broccoli and beans

2) Copper Deficiency Anaemia: Copper is important in formation of melanin pigment which is important in giving the hair, its colour. Thus it affects the hair colour when it is insufficient.
Copper Sources: Mushrooms, grains, nuts , beans.

3) Pernicious Anaemia (B12 deficieny) causes rapid hair loss, hair colour shade changes, dryness of hair with diffuse hair loss.
B12 Sources: Dairy products, yeast extracts.

If anyone feels the texture of one's hair is changing or hair loss at excessive rate. It is necessary to get in touch with a trichologist.

Are you tired, frustrated and burnt out? Each year millions of Americans face adrenal fatigue. Triggered from our fight or flight complex, this challenging health concern needs to be addressed more often. I've had it and it completely sucks and takes commitment, rest and vitamin and herbal supplementation to reverse itself.

12 Clues and Ways to tell if you have Adrenal Fatigue:

1. Have trouble waking in the morning; despite plenty of sleep?

2. Catch colds or infections easily and often?

3. Gaining weight around your middle?

4. Crave sweets or salty foods?

5. Have dark circles under your eyes?

6. Often feel dizzy, faint; like you haven't woken up or are in a dream?

7. Nails are brittle and weak, hair is dry and thinning and skin appears to be aging?

8. Body temperature is off balance?

9. Drink more than 1 8oz of caffeinated products?

10. Feel dizzy or lightheaded after standing or getting up from a lying position?

11. Feel run down, drained; emotionally and physically exhausted?

12. Overwhelmed or stressed by work, family & other responsibilities?

Take an online adrenal fatigue questionnaire to learn more from www.adrenalfatigue.com a great source of information.

This often debilitating syndrome can be reversed through a vitamin rich diet and supplementation that addresses the adrenal glands.

Other great articles about Adrenal Fatigue and an Overstressed Adrenal System

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Have you ever wondered what a smog can affect you while jogging? Or is it that you just go out and fulfill your wish to jog with your jogging suit and jogging shoes on. This post will concentrate on smog effects and general jogging tips.

What is Smog? Smog is a combination of fog and smoke. Dictionary says it is a haizy air that causes difficult breathing conditions. Gases from the burnt fuel react with fine particles in air along with heat and sunlight. Smog can cause rickets as it greatly reduces the Vitamin D levels in the surroundings.

Jogging Tips:

1) Don't jog in haizy air. Instead you can use your jogging nike shoes to run in a gym on a trade mill. You can substitute jogging in open to indoor jogging if it's smog out there as it causes difficult breathing conditions.
2) Always remember to stretch your body before and after jogging. In winter especially it is important since it takes some more time compared to summers for the body to warm up. Push ups, sit ups, stair case and jumping jacks can do the tricks if you regulate them in your schedule.
3) Breathing through nose is another important part of jogging. Your nose maintains the balance between oxygen and carbon di oxide with the help of cilia and mucos membranes which are a barriers for unwanted air particles. If one breathes through mouth, he/she just compromises this process which can't be termed as healthy.
4) Always wear bright colors while jogging and stay hydrated.
5) It is also important to wear proper jogging shoes to avoid ankle injuries. One should go branded shoes which will be capable of absorbing shocks and provide a cushion around.
6) Never jog on an uneven surface or a slope. If you do, there are chances that you might get injury.
7) Don't start jogging all off a sudden. Start walking faster and then get going. This is enable your body to prepare itself for the exertion.
8) Quit smoking as it decreases the stamina.
9) Take a Walkman with you while jogging. Music helps to get you in rhythm and cools your mind.
10) Consult a doctor if after jogging you feel strain/pain in certain part of your body for a longer time.
11) Overweight people should consult doctors before starting their jogging exercise to determine how much stress they can bare.


You can find more running and jogging tips at Runner's Resource

(News Target) How many times have you proclaimed, “I need to go on a diet”? How many of those diets resulted in long-term success? Not many, if any. Millions of people are looking for the answer to improved health and fitness, and spend billions of dollars every year on diets and weight loss. Diets continually fail to deliver results because no matter how compelling the underlying principles for any diet may seem, no one can stay on a diet forever. Eventually, you will drop the diet and go back to your normal eating habits. Typically, you not only gain back the weight you lost, but statistics show that you will also gain additional weight.


Long-term success with health and weight loss requires significant changes not just in how you eat, but in the way you live. Attaining results must be achieved in a way that enhances your life and allows your body to reach its optimal weight naturally. This is in sharp contrast to the quick-fix mentality, which attempts to trick the body into short-term weight loss with diets and other rapid results formulas.

There are six basic principles that allow long-term positive change to occur. Each plays an integral role in achieving health and fitness success:

1. Understand how addictions can negatively impact your lifestyle choices. There are many forms of addiction that go unrecognized or fly under the radar of conventional thinking, negatively impacting our health. In our stressed-out society, we search for escape from the harsh realities of life. We smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs and overeat. The number one reason people give for not exercising is time, yet the average American watches more than 4 hours of television every day. All of these activities make us fat, lazy and out of shape. They prevent us from obtaining optimal health.

2. Reduce toxic exposure and stress. The definition of toxic is poison. Sadly, we are surrounded by poisons that damage our health and put our lives at risk. We have been conditioned to believe that small amounts of toxic exposure are safe, but they are not. There are thousands of untested chemical combinations injected into our food and water supply, and there are deadly chemical compounds in our personal hygiene and cleaning products. Stress is the number one toxin, contributing to as much as 80 percent of all disease. Educate yourself about the deadly toxins or watch your health slowly and quietly deteriorate.

3. Create a mindset for change with no time limits. The starting block for any long-term success is changing the way you think about your body and your health. Changing your mindset means that you have made the unequivocal decision that you will improve your health, which may include weight loss and ultimately weight management, no matter what it takes. Your determination must be strong and cannot waiver. Obviously, this cannot be achieved with a six-week diet or any other type of short-term solution. Until you change your mindset, all of the decisions you make regarding your health or weight challenges will be flawed. Your new mindset must focus on how your actions and attitudes will help you achieve your goals for the rest of your life. If you do not have a weight problem or if you do not feel that weight loss is important to improve your health, your new long-term mindset is no less important. The end result of implementing a new, long-term mindset while applying the principles outlined here will naturally result in weight reduction and, more important, improved health.

4. Provide proper nutrition to feed your body and your brain. Did you ever try to fill the gas tank in your car with diesel fuel? If you have, you would have found yourself stuck on the side of the road watching your car smoke and sputter because you fed it fuel that was not designed for you car's optimal performance. Everything we eat and drink affects us on a cellular level. Food is the fuel for the body and brain. The type of fuel you choose to consume will determine how your body operates. Most of our food choices are made with our taste buds, driven by the desire to obtain pleasure with little thought about the consequences of our actions. There are many small but still palatable changes you can make to your eating habits that can have a big impact on your health.

5. Engage in physical activity in the form of consistent exercise. It takes a deficit or surplus of 3,500 calories to lose or gain a single pound of body fat. Everyone burns a certain number of calories just by being alive. This is called your resting metabolic rate (RMR). After you account for your RMR, a caloric surplus (weight gain) or deficit (weight loss) is a simple mater of calories consumed through eating and drinking versus calories expended through physical activity. It is a proven fact that even small amounts of activity can dramatically improve your health.

6. Adjust your lifestyle with habits and routines that will enhance your life. Human beings are creatures of habit, and we follow the same patterns and routines every day. Think about what you do every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. It is human nature to fly on autopilot, constantly repeating our actions without thinking about them. You will never be successful achieving your health and fitness goals with fads or quick-fix solutions. Lasting results can only be obtained with lifestyle changes that you can stick with for the rest of your life.

Visit Fit Advocate, where you will find hundreds of resources, articles and links that will help you on the path to improved health and fitness.

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Cardiovascular disease is a huge problem in American Society. Awareness is key as is a change in diet and exercise patterns. Family history, genetics and habits are very important when assessing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. My mother's family has a history of heart attacks, congestive heart failure as well as high cholesterol levels.

There are 10 easy ways to change habits and diets in a way that will positively impact heart health, lower cholesterol and blood pressure.


1. Diet high in Fiber (35-40g) and low in processed foods

2. Rich Multi-Vitamin with Selenium

3. Folic Acid & B6 Daily Supplements

4. Bananas

5. Omega 3 Oils (Flax, Canola, Fish)

6. A glass of red wine at dinner

7. Diet rich in bioflavinoids

8. Oatmeal for Breakfast

9. Apririn

10. CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

Awareness and education are supremely important as you learn how to keep your heart working and decrease your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and heart probles.

I am a huge fan of Dr. Oz and his book Healing From the Heart He explains the value of complementary therapies such as hypnosis, guided imagery, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, music therapy, prayer, yoga, and energy medicine, detailing studies and case histories of their use in combination with the latest surgical techniques. Healing From The Heart is a must-read for all who suffer from illness, particularly heart and surgery patients, and their loved ones.

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I'm a huge fan of the Ideal Bite. Each day I subscribe to their daily tips and wanted to share this tip today.

Are you having a hard time buying the right Christmas gift this year? I have a really hard time when buying present for my friends and family members have everything already. This year go green buy giving your loved ones unique christmas presents and gifts on this life:

* SpaFinder - everyone loves a massage; get a gift certificate accepted at hundrhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifeds of eco-spas around the globe ($50 and up).
* Conservation International Season's Greenings - give the gift of helping save lemurs, sea turtles, the Bastard Quiver Tree, and other flora and fauna ($20 and up).
* Fandango Bucks - movie-ticket gift certificates for theaters nationwide ($10 and up).
* - purchase a gift certificate to reduce your friend's junk mail so that instead of sorting and shredding, they can do something fun ($15).
* More ideas: a class on wine, cooking, yoga, or dancing; a gift certificate to a restaurant or coffeehouse; a round of play at a golf course or miniature golf course; or a membership to Netflix, a theater or arts organization (ballet, symphony, etc.), a museum, or a park/conservation organization.
* DIY Bite: Create a homemade gift certificate to help giftees with chores like defrosting the freezer or weeding the garden.

I'm also a huge fan of personalized gifts and am a huge fan of Christmas Gifts with Heart a great personalized gift company.

Don't let the challenge of finding the perfect christmas gift get in your way of celebrating your friendships and love of family.

Enjoy the holidays!

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If you are reading this today, you are a proud mom or pop of a darling animal that loves you unconditionally, doesn't talk back, is there when you need them and brings joy into your every day life. I, myself, am the human of two sweet kitties: Wellington and Lacie. They are the one constant in my life when things get tough and have endured a move each year including two Atlantic Coast trips. I love my babies and as a natural health and wellness professional and advocate I extend my natural health knowledge to maintain and improve the health of my pets.

Diet, fish oil supplementation and other holistic and alternative therapies are essential to keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy.

When I began researching about the pet food I was feeding my cats, I was alarmed by the finding. This is a very unregulated industry and the bi-products and chemicals are frightening.

According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn in his book, Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, there is no mandatory federal inspection of ingredients used in pet food manufacturing.In all but two or three states, the law allows pet food makers to use “4-D sources”, that is tissues from animals that are dead, dying, disabled or diseased when they arrive at the slaughterhouse.Another shocking fact is that before meat even arrives at the rendering plant it has already been saturated with chemicals.

To comply with government regulations all meat rejected by slaughterhouses must be “denatured”; a procedure designed to make it unpalatable to humans, thus ensuring it cannot be resold as human grade meat.There are a variety of methods used.Dr. Wendell Belfied, DVM (former USDA vet) wrote in “Let’s Live” magazine:“In my time as a veterinary meat inspector, we denatured with carbolic acid (phenol, a potentially corrosive disinfectant) and/or creosote (used to preserve wood, also a disinfectant).”

According to federal meat inspection regulations fuel oil, kerosene, carbolic acid and citronella are the approved denaturing materials used. Other foods rejected by the USDA that ends up in pet foods include moldy grains and rancid animal fats. According to an article in “Environmental News” (March ’99) a large percentage of commercial pet food is made up of meat by-products: a toxic brew containing diseased and contaminated meat from slaughterhouses, animal heads, toenails, chicken feathers, feet and beaks.It also includes dead animals picked up from the nation’s roads, rancid restaurant grease, and thousands of animals euthanized in animal hospitals and shelters (flea collars and all).Along with the meat come any drugs that have been introduced into the animals such as hormones, antibiotics and barbiturates used to put pets to sleep.Unsold supermarket meats arrive in their original Styrofoam and plastic packaging are tossed into the pot.

It would be wonderful if we could all feed our animals an all-natural raw food diet, but for some the following alternatives will be very helpful. After further research and discussion with natural and holistic vets the best organic and natural pet foods are listed below. The following is not a complete list of all that is available but will give you some respected names:

CANIDAE
CALIFORNIA NATURAL
PETGUARD LIFESPAN
SOLID GOLD
PRECISE
STEVES REAL FOOD
FLINT RIVER RANCH
INNOVA
WYSONG
WELLNESS
NATURAL BLEND
SOJOURNER FARMS

Fish oil or Pet Cod Liver Oil is essential for your dog and cat. It replenishes essential fatty acids- essential fatty acids - Fish Oil, Borage Oil and Natural Vitamin E - that are easily destroyed by the normal processing of commercial pet foods. Fatty acids are vital to the everyday health, skin and coat, heart and cardiovascular system, strong muscles and healthy stong joints.

When I started to give Lacie and Wellie Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil, their energy levels spiked, they stopped shedding as much and their fur is softer and shinier.

A very close friend of mine is a holistic vet who conducts acupuncture on pets and mixes herbal remedies for sick animals speaks highly of massage treatment for your pet. Essential you can give your dog or kitty cat a highly effective massage that will help release toxins and ease muscle pain they may experience. Massage in general is great for moving and releasing the lymphatic system. You can massage your pet when watching tv or a movie or when grooming. They'll love the attention and it will also increase the bond between you and your pet.


Keeping our pets healthy and happy further helps our own health as they give us so much joy and love that, in my fair opinion, we are the lucky bunch that comes home to a loving animal.

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Proteins are the most necessary ingredient of diet and especially required when one is having his breakfast. Therefore a morning dose of skimmed or low-fat milk or yoghurt will give your breakfast a protein boost. A boiled egg, the egg white especially can do wonders to the protein level in body. A lot of people also feel that yoghurt is one of the satisfying snack option which also helps you to manage weight.

Fibre is another important diet entity. Fibre plays a pivotal role in slowing down the rate at which food travel through the digestive system, which helps one from being hungry for a long time. Fibre take up space in your belly but doesn't add too much calories to it. So if you are looking for fibre start your day with bowl of oatmeal, if not you can have whole grain cereal topped with fruit.

So your breakfast must constitute atleast of Milk, Yoghurt, Oatmeal, Whole Grain Cereal, a Fruit and you can consider yourself to be having a healthy breakfast food. I hope this post helps all the bed breakfast lovers to eat healthy.

I am starting this blog with only one thing in mind "Lets make the world healthy". Everyone must know what to eat, when to eat, what exercise is important to a person, when it is important and almost everything related to health and diet.

As the days draw nearer for Christmas, I am compelled to bake a batch of christmas cookies for friends and family. I do not like making cookies from a bag; instead I was looking for a solid, healthy recipe for homemade Sugar Cookies.

Luckily I found one while searching through recipe books and internet sites.
This is a fantastic recipe; turns out great and everyone loves it...

3 cups powdered sugar
2 cups Organic granulated sugar
2 cups shortening
6 Omega Rich Organic eggs
1 Tbsp salt
1/4 cup vanilla (yes, that much)
1 cup amaranth flour
2 cups potato starch
2 cups sweet rice flour
4 cups brown rice flour
2 Tbsp xanthan gum
3 Tbsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 325*. Mix together the flours, starch, xanthan gum and baking powder with a whisk until well-combined. Set aside. Cream together the sugars, shortening, eggs, vanilla and salt. Add flour mixture, about 1/4 at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the flour mixture is mostly incorporated, knead the dough in the bowl, slowly punching the dough down in the middle and folding the sides of the dough into the middle. Or, put the dough on a non-stick surface (like a silicone mat or a marble slab), and knead it on there. The mixture will have the consistency of Play-Doh, but not too soft. If it is too dry, add a Tbsp of water at a time until it will gather into a ball. Resist adding water if at all possible. The dough works best if it is not very moist.

After the dough is well-mixed, several things can be done with the dough. For all recipes, greasing the pan is not necessary. Unless a crispy cookie is desired, bake (preferably on insulated pans) at 325* until the edges are just golden. (Hint: for your own insulated pans, take two regular jelly roll pans, and between them, add a layer of heavy duty aluminum foil that has been balled up, then mostly-smoothed out, retaining many of its wrinkles, creating an air gap between the two pans.)

~From our friends at OnlySometimesClever

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Aches and Pain can be problematic, challenging, frustrating and down right debilitating. If you suffer from severe muscle aches or the pains associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia there is hope through natural resources and healing agents: Essential Oils.

The benefits of essential oils combined with healing, therapeutic mineral rich bath salts can be enough to reduce and alter the pain associated with aches and pains.

Recently, I discovered an amazing essential oil mix that can literally numb and reduce muscle pain greatly. Oddly enough, the ingredients are the same as you would eat if preparing a hearty Italian dinner: Rosemary, Ginger, Black Pepper, Marjoram and Cayenne oils. The essential oils are warming in their nature and their healing benefits reduce pain by deeply addressing nerves and muscles. Their relaxing properties will significantly reduce any pains you may feel, plus you will get a great night's sleep too.

It is important to note that these oils are very strong and skin sensitivities need to be considered when using these oils together.


Rosemary oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It has become important to us due to its various health benefits including its ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, relieve respiratory problems and reduce pain. Rosemary is an excellent brain and nerve tonic. It is often used by students during exam times as it increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently. It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. Inhaling rosemary oil lifts your spirits immediately. Whenever your brain is tired, inhale rosemary oil to remove boredom and get fresh mental energy.

Marjoram is a muscle relaxant, and, generally,treatment for stiff and painful joints, arthritis, sprains, bruises and muscle pain. Marjoram has an analgesic , anti-inflammatory , anti-depressive, spasmolytic effect and helps individuals recover from the problems like hypertension, bronchitis, neuralgia and is used for the pain of rheumatism and for sprains.

Ginger oil has a warm, spicy-woody odor. Warms the body and relaxes tight and sore muscles. Rejuvenating as it aids digestion and purifies blood. Helps in uplifting the spirit. It is warming pain relieving, a stimulant, aids digestion, addresses rheumatism, muscle relaxant, opens and expands the blood vessels.

Black Pepper oil is a circulatory stimulant. As such, it can be helpful with arthritis, neuralgia, poor circulation, general stiffness. sprains, and sciatica. Emotionally it is an aphrodisiac, and also is said to both increase self-confidence and to be grounding and stabilizing. It is also a strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral oil, warming and comforting for congestion, the flu, etc.

Cayenne contains a pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. Capsaicin temporarily stimulates release of various neurotransmitters,from nerves, leading to their depletion. Without the transmitters, pain signals can no longer be sent.

To purchase a 16oz Pain Relief Bath Salts Kit for only $15.00- visit Healthy Being Products Store.

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The birth of a new lunar cycle affords the opportunity to reassess and reexamine our priorities, our desires and our attention to our physical and mental self. Usually at the top of the new years resolution list is some type of revised routine that includes exercise, losing weight, eating right and spending more time with friends, family and making more time for yourself. Such revised routines yield the perfect time to consider a detoxification program because detoxification is both a physical and spiritual process of cleansing, nourishing, and healing one’s body and mind.

The concept and practice of detoxification has been around for centuries. It is the body’s natural process of eliminating toxins from the body. Toxin exposure can vary from food additives, alcohol, drugs, environmental pollution, smoke, heavy metals, pesticides to ever day household cleansers.

A detox program not only helps eliminate these toxins; it also transcends to the cellular level of our bodies and minds by rebooting our patterns and getting us back on a healthy track. Toxin clearing and cleansing is necessary from our poor food choices, terrible habits and negative thoughts and internal talk; all of which are destructive and block the ability to bring about healthier, happier lives.

Physical detoxing and cleansing has become more mainstream. We now hear of celebrities and TV personalities conducting detox programs before big awards shows to shed a few extra pounds around their waists. Despite this growing trend, there is still a large population of non-believers and skeptics. Perhaps skepticism stems from the limitless choices in the arena of detoxing. Many herbal manufacturers like Enzymatic Therapy and Dr. Natura offer excellent 7, 14 and 30 day detox kits. Other more intense detox options include juice fasts, massages, infrared saunas, hydrocolonics, lymphatic drainage and ionized foot baths that remove toxins through the feet. Whatever the methodology, an effective detox is rooted in consistency, an organic diet of fruits and veggies, lots of water and should last anywhere from one to three months.

The results are truly transformative and life changing; from clarified skin, healthier lungs, livers and colons as well as increased energy levels. Through detox, the body is literally rebooted, recharged and changed into a system that operates better than before.

Mental detoxification is just as important, if not more important than a physical detox. Detoxification of the mind allows individuals to get rid of negative thoughts and give birth to healthier and more positive thoughts that yield positive, healthy choices and actions. It is through positively manifested thoughts that ultimately create the lives and health the individual wishes to lead.

Conscious, positive mindfulness is indeed much harder than taking an herbal pill routinely in the morning and night. This involves cleansing negativity and energy blockages through meditation, rest, reiki healing, spiritual healing, prayer and increased mindfulness in the awareness and reversal of negative thoughts. Stopping to listen to the multitude of thoughts is challenging, at first, but once we tap into all the little voices of doubt, mistrust, negativity and ill will; awareness and change begins.

Just as toxic as fat and alcohol, a negative thought literally manifests itself physically in our daily lives. From our jobs, our health to our relationships; we are what we think. Along the lines of The Secret, our thoughts create our reality and the best way to make positive changes is to adjust and realign our thoughts to showcase and pattern the desires we wish to occur.

In essence, detoxification is our way to not only usher in the 2008 new year, but to initiate a rebirth of our health and mental wellness. Anything is possible this year and with a healthy body and an aligned mind, we are more apt to achieve the goals we set forth on our 2008 New Years resolution lists.

Each year I have faced the same question as soon as December 1st rolls around....what Holiday gifts do I buy my clients, colleagues and neighbors? Do you buy them wine? Then that leads to: what wine do they like? Or do they even drink? Are they on a diet; you could send them chocolates and other great gifts from Hammacher Schlemmer. You want to buy a gift that is personal, yet tasteful and a gift that makes them remember you but more importantly shows them that you treasure and value them. This is definitely not an easy task and being conscious of the flavors and tastes of the gift recipient can be challenging, frustrating, time consuming and costly.

This year I decided to take matters into my own hands and decided to make my own gifts for these special people. Everyone showers or takes baths...so I decided to utilize this common theme to create very festive, tasteful, eco-friendly holiday gift baskets. From small stocking stuffers containing certified organic, soap free shower gel and lotions to medium sized baskets that contain holiday note pads, picture frames, holiday socks and soy candles.



If you choose to make your own holiday gifts; think of general themes that will apply to the folks on your list. In my own personal experience; people favor gifts that are handmade and come from the heart. It shows you have taken time to think of them and to create a gift that is a unique, one-of-a-kind gift. If the recipient prefers using pencils versus pens; you could create a gift baskets that contains note pads engraved with their initials, an engraved cross pencil and other great trinkets that can be used at their office.

It seems everyone I know has a hard time buying the "right" gift for their boss. Gifts that keep giving are a great idea, like magazine subscriptions, books of the month clubs or industry related books are always valued by bosses. No one ever wants to get an over-the-top gift; but on that take into consideration the likes and preferences of your boss conveys your observations skills and may bring you closer with this individual.



Who knows, you may even get a raise! Seriously, though, gifts are all about the thoughts behind them and if you think outside the box and try to personalize your gift, it will greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the receiver.

Anyone who is health conscious and eats organic, natural or vegan knows that there are few savings involved in this healthy lifestyle. In 2006 alone, US consumers spend $26.2 billion alone on natural and organic foods. If only there were more coupons and savings to be had....but wait, there are a few money saving solutions that can help you monthly grocery totals decrease.

1. Eat seasonally, locally: Seasonal prices will save you $ and the locally grown fruits and veggies are less expensive due to proximity to the store.

2. Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies- According to Joy Bauer's Food Cures, frozen fruits and vegetables retain about 95% of their nutrients because they are frozen at the peak of their freshness.

3. Purchase in Bulk. You can purchase bulk items like nuts, grains, granola and bean in bulk because they will be 25-40% cheaper than when packaged. Be realistic about your family's ability to consume the entire bulk item.

4. Eat veggies and tofu: Organic meats are very pricey; often triple the cost of ordinary meat. By balancing sources of protein between meats, nuts and eggs- you can save more money.

5. Cook your meals: Packaged meals and eating out can blow your budget quickly. Convenience snacks can be bought in bulk and raw form that you can package yourself like healthy snack mixes of oat bran, pretzels, nuts and dried apricots and raisins. Similarly, you can buy an entire head of lettuce and cut it up yourself.

6. Look for the deals: Between e-coupons and your store or market's website you can plan weekly menu items based on savings. Often retailers have weekly and monthly newsletters that include coupons and discounts.

Flexibility it key and comparison shopping is a must; but you and your budget will triumph without sacrificing your health

Recently I read an article in Lets Live about the increase in aggressive behaviors, bad moods, frightening outbursts of rage and criminal violence and the link to poor eating habits our modern lives have created. It really struck a cord with me as I have a few friends who are school teachers and they have complained about the poor nutritional nature of school cafeteria food and the link of poor food choices to irritable and unruly behaviors in their students.

It all makes sense and I wanted to share a few elements of a review of The Food-Mood Solution that was reviewed in the article I read the other day.

Often moods impact eating habits and in reality our brain runs on what we eat. Neurotransmitters, our brain chemicals, serve as the primary regulators of our moods. Serotonin and Dopamine are examples of these mood regulators. Our brains make neurotransmitters from "neuronutrients" like vitamins, minerals and the amino acids that make up protein. Low levels of neuronutrients can impair neurotransmiter activity and result from eating foods like sugars, carbs, sodas and deep-fried foods.

Similarly, blood sugar levels directly impact our moods. We feel good after we eat, because blood sugar increases. However, when blood sugar levels sink, we get hungry and our mood typically takes a dive as well. Classic symptoms of low blood sugar are feeling impatient, irritable, angry and aggressive until one can eat again.

Ideal conditions would yield a balance in both blood sugar and neurotransmitters, enabling us to respond appropriately and rationally to various situations. However, when we feel stressed eating habits quickly change for the worse. Delaying or skipping meals, eating too many fast foods and snacks loaded with sugars and sugarlike carbs, and consuming too much caffeine is a major problem.

These junk foods are low in neuronutrients and trigger rapid blood sugar swings, pulling our moods and attitude down. The result: we deprive ourselves of important neuronutrients when they are needed the most to protect against stress and bad moods.



If you are stressed or feel like you need a "chill pill" here a few mood mellowing nutrients:

1. High Potency B-Complex. Bs are involved in making seratonin and other neurotransmitters.

2. Vitamin C. Irritability and fatigue are the earliest signs of low vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is also needed to make some neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.

3. Omega 3 Fish Oils. Though not true neurotransmitters, the omega-3 oils are essential for normal brain function and positive moods. High levels can help reduce aggressive and hostile behavior, including aggressive driving, bullying, verbal abusiveness and fighting. If you are a vegetarian, try 1.5gm daily of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) one of the omega-3s.

4. GABA (Gamma -Aminobutryic Acid). GABA is both an amino acid (found in protein) and calming neurotransmitter. It lessens the effect of stress, promotes feelings of relaxation, ad helps the brain filter out distractions.

5. Theanine. This amino acid increases the brain's alpha waves, which promote feelings of relaxation. As an added bonus, it may also enhance immunity. Theanine is found in black and green tea. It works in part by boosting GABA levels.

6. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). This form of the amino acid tryptophan is the immediate precursor to serotonin. It can take the edge off depression, anxiety and fitful sleep-- all of which can be associated with hostile behavior.

To start your day off right, do eat some protein such as eggs or a nice protein shake for breakfast every single day. Avoid foods containing sugars and carbs like bread, pizza, deep-fried foods and sodas...instead opt for nutrient rich veggies, apple slices and green tea.