Archive for the ‘Green Living’ Category

Tips for Pre-Cleansing

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

I know you (Donna), you want to eat all the sweets and potato chips in the house before you “start” the lemoncleanse. Humans have this funny thing called a ‘mind’ that tries to manipulate us with fear of loosing something – don’t fall for it! You are not going to starve, you are not going to be banned from sugar the rest of your life, you are not going to waste food in your pantry (give it away if you have to) and you are not going to fail this cleanse!! You can do it! One of the great things about this cleanse is that by the end of the 30 days, your body and mind will break the food addiction pattern. Cravings will cease and before long, you’ll have an organic lifestyle that is free of mental anguish, instead choosing to healthier options that will keep your body amazingly strong.
Here are some tips to consider before and during the cleanse – some are reminders.
1 – If you have sensitive teeth or weak enamel, drink the lemonade with a straw.
2 – While taking fiber supplements or teas, drink 2 glasses of pure water in addition to the water you drank with the fiber concoction. Herbal teas and our drink mixes on the cleanse do not count as pure water.
3 – If you are taking other supplements that are not necessary, discontinue for at least a week during the cleanse (week 2 or 3). Do not discontinue if you need supplements or other medication for health purposes.
4 – Addicted to coffee? Read the last post.
5 – Alcohol – a general no-no during a cleanse. A cheat of a wine spritzer (half glass wine, half seltzer) or similar is not going to ruin it, but will not help either. I suggest no alcohol.
6 – No store-bought fruit juices allowed except the pure cranberry. If you juice, green apple or berry juice in a mixed green juice is allowed.
7 – If you own a juicer, you can ramp up this cleanse by adding one afternoon juice cocktail of choice: kale, carrot, cucumber, green apple, ginger, celery, green bell pepper, etc.
8 – If you make smoothies and want to include fiber or acai in smoothies, no soy milk, bananas or vanilla/chocolate flavorings. Rice almond or hemp milk preferred.
9 – Try to get 7 1/2 – 8 1/2 hours of sleep every night.
10 – Light to moderate exercise ONLY.

The most important thing: DON’T give up! The first week is the hardest, week two you will start to see results and be encouraged, week three we’ll need to get creative and the fourth week – you’ll be feeling so great you won’t want it end!!

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Posted in Food/Nutrition, Green Living, Heath, Inspiration | 3 Comments »

Flax – The Better Way

Friday, February 19th, 2010

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!

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Posted in Beauty, Food/Nutrition, Green Living, Heath, Supplements | No Comments »

Just Grow It!

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

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.

Creative Indoo Garden

Creative Indoo Garden

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!

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Posted in Green Living, Trends | 2 Comments »