Inspired Living Health Expert and TV Host Leah Guy

Some decisions are easy to make, but we still choose unwisely. We “know better” but eat fried chicken instead of baked, drink 4 glasses of wine when one is ample…we have healthy, great options, but… So when it comes time to make larger life decisions, we look at our track record and realize maybe healthy choices aren’t our forte. There’s a subconscious lack of trust in ourselves and this creates stress.
The proverbial fork in the road – it’s a place we all come to, sometimes without even a realization we are there. I recently spoke with one of my ministers about this place. This forked road. He reminded me that we will often make wrong decisions – and it may not be how we want to experience this world, but it’s ok. We are people that make mistakes.
Sure, we learn from mistakes, sometimes. Sure, we can again change our minds. And certainly, nothing (but love) lasts forever. But finding peace with decisions requires a maturity that is based in faith.
I didn’t want to be responsible or mature, so I asked him for his direct advice. I normally can’t stand people’s advice, but there are times when I just want to be told what I “should” do. His reply: “When it comes time, I think you’ll know.”
I want to fight that response, it’s not what I want to hear. Someone do it for me. Help me. Just decide for me for goodness sake! But in my heart of hearts, I do know that when it comes time, I’ll know. Just like every other decision that I cared about. I generally go thru a process of mental turmoil for a few weeks, then exhaust myself and in that mental exhaustion I find my heart and suddenly, I hear the answer. It was there all along, but drowned by the noise in my mind. Not all decisions can be made in the heart, this is true. But when you have the luxury of time to decide, you can either relax in the process or have a mental war of “this or that” – I suggest you spare yourself the anguish. Try to let go and listen to your heart. You’ll know – when it’s time.

Do you ever have those days that you feel “not quite right”? Your appetite’s never satisfied, you wonder if your diet is good enough – are you getting enough protein without the unhealthy fats? – your skin looks dull or dry, your bones feels a bit stiffer than normal, you’re tired or constipated and bloated. You may even be directly, or indirectly, subject to hot flashes, moodiness or night sweats! Some would just say, “Welcome to the aging process!” I say, “No thanks. There’s a better way.”

With my lifestyle, and probably yours too, it’s hard to have 30-60 minutes of exercise every day, eat ALL the servings of veggies, fruit, fiber, protein and fats that are optimal for great health AND do the zillion things that I have to do before my head hits the pillow. The one consistent thing I do to keepp this machine working is supplement with quality food supplements. That’s not to say I’m an advocate for popping loads of supplement pills in the name of health, but using high quality FOOD supplements is a different story and a good idea. One of my favorites is flax, and in particular, Forti-Flax made by Barleans. Here’s why.

See that list above of the “whoa-is-me” conditions? Forti-Flax helps to address ALL of them. I’m sure you’ve heard about the great powers of flax seeds or its oil, but I’m a big believer in getting the most out of one thing as possible – I like a bargain. Forti-Flax offers all the benefits of dietary fiber, but also gives me a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acid (with a balance of 6 & 9), protein (a complete source with 10 essential amino acids), double-digit essential vitamins & minerals, both soluble and insoluble fiber, lignans and other protective powerhouse nutrients that keep me out of harm’s way from cancer, heart disease and other scary health concerns. Plus, flax helps with my brain function and mood with its naturally occurring DHA, which is essential to the function of brain cells and is also a mood booster. Flax also keeps my skin looking radiant and keeps my colon clean. Now where else are you going to find this kind of service?!?!

I know it sounds like a wonder drug. But it’s not a drug. It’s a food, and a very healthy, wonderful one! Another reason I love this product is that it’s so easy to use. I sprinkle it on my salads, yogurt, in smoothies or sometimes just eat it straight out of the container! (Chase it with water, please.)

If you are beginning to see the signs of “aging” or just want to increase your health – you should try my favorite Forti-Flax product. The benefits to the immune system, the digestive tract, arthritis and inflammation, heart health and so much more are well worth the small investment. Enjoy!

Many of you have asked for the sugar cookie recipe we made in the video featuring ZSweet – Here ya go – ENJOY!

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup ZSweet
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ZSweet and salt.

3. Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Stir in
lightly beaten egg, vanilla and cream. Blend well. Chill dough for one hour for easier
rolling.

4. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on
ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with ZSweet.

5. Bake for 6 – 8 minutes, or until lightly brown.

(I also sprinkled ZSweet packets on top of cookies after cool!)

As a health writer, I can discuss things most people won’t. Halitosis. B.O. Hormones and these pesky chin whiskers, herbs that enhance sex… it’s what I do, what can I say. This story, however, is a bit revealing – and comical in a twisted sort of way – but there is a good health issue at hand. Constipation. Here’s my Crappy Superbowl Party story. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by the way.

It was a SuperBowl I’ll never forget. It just happened last week for crying out loud! Superbowl XLIV. I was at a party, a small gathering of my gay boyfriends. I’m straight, they are all gay, I’m the only woman – go ahead, psychoanalyze that Freud. Anyway, it was all I could do to get to the party. I had recently started a 6 week contract job, was finishing a writing project, had a TV shoot the day before and 3 weeks prior had a death in my family. ‘XLIV’ pretty much summed it up– no life left. On top of all that, I hadn’t gone number 2 in about 7 days. I KNOW!! I was seriously backed up, and felt like crap.

Of course my gay bf’s had lots of yummy food to eat, so eat I did. And by the end of the first quarter I thought I was going to explode. The pain, the bloating, the weariness. I needed help. Luckily these men love me and I figured if I could talk to anyone about anal issues, it was them. In the moment of my not so quite desperation, one bf recommended an enema. I needed it “right now.” For some strange reason, eh-hum, he had an enema bottle on-hand. After sterilization and some icky lube, I was able to find victory during the 3rd quarter. “We won!” I said, returning to the living room with a bounce in my step.

I’m not proud that I was constipated and had to use my bf’s enema bottle, but it did entice an interesting post Superbowl conversation about colon health and colonics. I’ve had issues with elimination most of my life and know, by now, that STRESS and dietary changes are the main culprits that keep me from “winning” on a daily basis. A healthy body and bowel should eliminate at least 1-2 times a day, if not three. It really is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and over 655,000 deaths a year are due to colon cancer. Risk factors include family history, polyps in the colon or age 50 +. If you are stressed or are having poopage problems for other reasons, you may consider a colon cleanse, natural fibers like flax or some gentle yoga exercises. That week was miserable, prompting strict attention to my precious colon. Nothing is worth the stress of ill-health.

Thanks bf’s! It was a great party (btw, who won that game?)

SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER:

* A change in bowel habits.
* Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.
* Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
* Stools that are narrower than usual.
* General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps).
* Weight loss with no known reason.
* Constant tiredness.
* Vomiting.

With V-Day right around the corner, I’ve got “Things I Love” on my mind. Being a passionista for healthy food, grass-roots ventures, and treats that don’t make me feel guilty, here’s a short list of some of my favs.

1) I love to eat. My winter fav of 2010: Organic, refried black beans with jalepenos over organic short-grain brown rice with a dollop of fresh sour cream.
2) I love my new bank. In the effort to “shop local” I just switched from a bohemoth Bank (no name slashing) to a local one. With a new checking account that earns 3.26% interest, return of all atm fees, free checks and personal service, I feel rich already.
3) I love putting olive oil on my face. I saved $30 on face creams this season, and have glowing skin as a result. Organic, extra virgin olive oil, applied nightly, is doing it for my daily glow.
4) I love sweets. And because I have this great gig of producer/host, I get to try lots of great products, including ZSweet. I’m in love with it. I’ve had cookies, hot chocolate milk, brownies and sweetened my tea with NO sugar, NO side affects and am living guilt free. Video coming shortly (plug)! It’s no joke, people – ZSweet will change your life!
5) I love to feel great. Instead of turning to OTC medications, unhealthy products that just mask symptoms or running to the doc for every sniffle, I LOVE that I have options of self-care. A little cough this week & headache led me to my cupboard for some tea (Breathe Easy is a good one), Acai (my new fav wonderfood), Umcka syrup and a powdered greens formula is whipping me right into shape.

The most fav of my favs is the peace of mind that comes from a healthy, positive way of life. Eat fresh, be natural and support your local community. LOVE IT.

My dog died 2 weeks ago. This is the first I’ve been able to write about it. His name was Mocha, a chow, and travelled with me for 16 years. We went everywhere a girl and her 55 lb dog could go, often staying for a year or two so I could follow my dreams or just explore. Los Angeles, Nashville, Santa Barbara, Atlanta, Birmingham, New York, Louisville and every stop in between. Mocha made me feel safe, loved and not alone. What a companion he was…
I’d been carrying him up stairs for 4 years (often 3 -4 flights!) because of his bad hip, but didn’t mind at all. For all he’d done for me, it was a simple thing. During the last stretch of his life, we discovered he had a tumor on his paw and cancer growing in his body. His limp was debilitating. Although it required lots of meatball treats, a friend’s special handicap service van and trips to the vet every three days for new bandages, I’m so glad to have alleviated his pain and given his quality of life back, if only for 2 weeks. He rallied.
Those of you that have lost a pet, a friend or family member can relate to the grief that follows. I knew I had to put him to rest on that last day – he was telling me. Somehow in a process such as this, everything else in the world becomes unimportant. Have you noticed this phenomenon? When it comes to life and death, or even severe illness, a perspective is found that trumps all others. Money, fears, trivial desires or even small ailments fade. The mental chatter of once important work matters, to-do lists or arguments with a friend simply dissipate. What Mocha’s life and his death taught me – love is what really penetrates. The rest, I usually make up somehow to either occupy my mind, validate my existence or just to give me something to complain about. Love prevails, and in grieving, it’s a time to transform the recognition of that love from the physical to purely the spiritual.
The painting here is a tribute to him and was an essential part of my healing process. All of the emotion that was swirling inside was placed onto that canvas.
Although I miss seeing him and touching him, it’s strange, but I don’t feel like Mocha is really gone. He’s visited my dreams twice and his energy is part of mine. And wonderfully, I feel safe and loved. He taught me that.
To all those who have lost a beloved companion, my heart is with you and I hope that love helps you heal.

Have you ever wondered when your life is going to change? I mean really change. As each year begins, we have a stirring hope that this will be the year our dreams come true, our relationships improve, we are out of financial debt, our anxieties would ease, or the weight will stabilize. The resolutions are in place, daylight is returning and maybe, just maybe, we’ll open our eyes one morning with a sign, an epiphany, a kismet occurrence or revelation that will make everything seem *poof* magically different and better. Good luck.

This year, I have a new mantra. To change the circumstances that need changing, to make my life flow, I’m going to tell it like it IS. Here’s my theory…

We largely communicate the way we were taught – polite, correct, without emotion, a particular tone, niceties and most of all, what we think others want to hear. Half of this protocol is appreciated and allows the world to function with order. The other half? Complete baloney. So many days pass without a single, meaningful or honest conversation. And the worst part? I find myself talking smack to MYSELF! My dreams, hopes, will and soul are clouded with a playback recorded symphony of these same niceties; explanations that generally cover excuses, passions, feelings and that powerful lifeforce that burns in my gut. No more. From here on, if you’re going to talk to me, you’re going to hear what is true. Not mean. Not rude. Not without compassion or PC, but true. It’s an attempt to do what I actually claim that I do so well – communicate. Live with purpose. Inspire. And I realize that so much goes undone by the mere drain of energy that it takes to keep up the b.s. of societal living. Explaining why to my family or friends. Talking myself into or out-of a new car/outfit/dessert. The self-talk and interractions with others that we call communication are simply not good enough any more.

I’m on a mission to live with purpose. To get what I want. To feel what happens in life, good or bad, and share my experience so that others can relate and vice versa. To walk a path of integrity that risks judgment. That’s my goal.

I hope you find the power to Tell It Like It Is and let loose your creative genius that makes you thrive. To own your spirit. To release your thoughts and care. There is nothing more inspiring than to see truth in words, in art, in beauty. Let it rip.

What do you want this New Year? We often have ideas of what we want or who we want to “be” without formulating a plan for success. We lie dormant in the background of our own lives waiting for external circumstances to determine our fate. Our motives for change get bogged down by other people’s plans, schedule conflicts, lack of motivation, money issues or plain ‘ole laziness.

I want to encourage you today to pick up your foot, bend your knee and take a step. Repeat.
We envision our lives as being better or different if only this or that would happen. If only you got a raise. If only your partner would be more attentive. If only there were more hours in the day. If only you had supportive parents. If only, if only, if only.

The “if only” attitude is a victim mentality that puts all the energy of creating the life you desire into the hands of someone or something else’s control and hinders you from moving forward. There is a different way to live your life. I call it Doing Your P.A.R.T. – Positive Action in Right Time. Simply put, you spend your time doing what you know is right for you to do right now. “Now” is the timeframe you are working with, always. By doing your P.A.R.T., you will not be focused on what or who keeps you immobilized, or fixated on the past. You become an example of right action by using your time in positive ways thereby inspiring those around you to do their P.A.R.T. You weren’t created to be a martyr, but to design a most beautiful journey that is called your life.

Just one tiny step is the next step. With that, you are acting in faith that the destiny you dream of will come to pass and you believe it so intently that you spend your time in positive action, doing your P.A.R.T. to achieve success.

You can get there. You can change your life. Know that with each step you take, you walk toward a celebration of newness while walking one step away from that which does not serve you. Your next step is always the most important one of your life – just take it.

This guy’s breath. It was motivation enough to write about it right here, right now on my new website. It’s a glorious Winter Solstice, in the midst of holiday cheer, but his breath…it took me down. Knocked me over. The kind of odor that permeates the air within 2 square feet. And then it moves along as if it had a lifeforce of its own .
Being that I was on one of the trains so full it made switching cars impossible, I had to endure, or die. Besides being repulsed to the point of near puke-ation, it made me realize that some people need to get their halitosis under control. It’s a health issue, folks. And should be addressed unless you want to be the ‘last one standing.’
Unlike many believe, bad breath doesn’t really come from the stomach. It may seem like that due to its intensity – I mean, where else could such a putrid odor percolate? The fact is, most all of the time the odor comes from the back of the mouth and tongue. And what causes it? Mostly sugar and dairy. Put them together and you’ve got a funk-fest that could last for days. Dairy and sugar create a situation in the back of your mouth that helps breed bacteria, and that, my friend, is what you are smelling.
How do you get rid of it and keep your friends, make new ones or heaven for bid, kiss someone? First thing I’d do is limit or eliminate the sugar. The stuff is just bad for you all the way around. Whole foods like fruits that have natural sugars, ok. The other, junky sugar-foods? Use as a rare treat and find some healthy, natural alternatives. Second – if you don’t want to eliminate all dairy, try replacing a few dairy foods with alternatives, especially if you are going to consume with a sweet treat. Rice milk with cookies, cheese as a solo, almond milk with cereals, etc. And lastly, there are some cheap and effective tongue cleaners that are easy to use and improve this situation a lot. If all of that fails, chew on some mint, like, for the rest of your life.
Happy holidays, btw! I’ll be over here doing a nasal flush system trying to rid my senses of that smell.

Why Garden and where? Fresh foods direct from the earth, without transport, chemicals or alterations are the best nutrition your body can find. Even if you don’t have much outdoor space, you can create it!

Fresh is Best: Gardening provides your family with a healthy source of fresh food without the worry of chemicals, preservatives or genetically altered ingredients. Studies show that gardeners consume most kinds of vegetables more frequently than do non-gardeners, and children that get involved are more likely to eat what they planted.

Physical Activity: Reduce the risk of numerous health concerns by living a healthy, active life – in the garden. Build endurance, strength, and flexibility and even get your cardio in by digging, raking, planting and weeding!

Reduce Stress: Studies show that just being in nature, looking at trees and plants reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and relieves tension in the muscles. All of this, and dinner too!

Be Creative: Gardening offers a chance to use your brain  in creative ways. By planning, researching and studying the different needs of plants and their growing patterns, you will get a great brain workout. Get creative with your garden, place beautiful plants next to veggies and herbs. Design your garden to be a delight to look at and tend to.

If you don’t have much space, check into roof gardening, indoor gardening or even right out the window! Many cities now offer community gardening – what a great way to build friendships and nurture your bodies and the Earth.

Get connected: Growing plants connects us to the rhythm of life and nature. It helps us to slow down and watch the process of life unfold. There is beauty in being an active part of life. Any way you slice it gardening is good for you!