Jamba Juice Has Chia Seeds!

Imagine my delight when I walked into Jamba Juice for an afternoon pick-me-up and I notice a brightly decorated little sign that says, NEW right next to the words Chia Seeds!
I have been a huge fan and supporter of chia seeds ever since I discovered how easy it is to add such a massive amount of nutrients in one meal or snack.
Chia seeds are inexpensive, tasteless little power packed seeds that expand 9 times their original size in liquid so they fill you up faster and give you good fuel to burn from.
These amazing little seeds are loaded with:

• iron
• protein
• more antioxidants that blueberries
• more omega-3 and omega-6 than flax seed or salmon 
• and more fiber than black beans

There aren't many single foods that carry that many benefits.
Whether you go to Jamba Juice for the taste or nutrition or both, try some chia seeds in your next smoothie and feel the difference!

For more information on Chia Seeds see:
How to Use Chia Seeds for Health
How to Eat Chia Seeds for Health Benefits
How to Soak Chia Seeds Use Chia Seeds

Garlic For Health

Garlic will attack and may prevent many types of cancer. It has antibacterial properties which make it a strong fighter against bacterial invasions such as Salmonella, E-coli, Staph infection and the flu.
Fresh garlic reduces inflammation and pain which makes it a wonderful help for people with arthritis.

To maximize the benefits; when adding garlic to a recipe, cut or crush the garlic at 5- 10 minutes before cooking. The oxygen helps stimulate the enzymes that make it so healthy. It is also important to add garlic to your recipe towards the end of the cooking time. The longer it cooks and the hotter it gets, the greater the chance of reducing the health benefits. 

A good garlic rule is: cut it first and use it last.

It’s important to note that putting garlic in the microwave is not recommended. The microwave will kill the beneficial ingredients in the garlic.

Garlic has a wonderful flavor and it is a key ingredient in many dishes but, if you are concerned about the smell, there is a wide variety of no-odor garlic supplements available that carry many of the same health benefits.

Did you know garlic is a vegetable?

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is the only type of vinegar that is made primarily for health benefits and remedies. Of course it is completely safe to use when cooking and cleaning as well.

One of the easiest ways to experience quick health benefits is to mix 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a full glass of water and drink 1-3 glasses per day.

This mixture will show dramatic positive results with;

• Digestion
• Constipation
• diarrhea
• body odor
• acid reflux
• sinus infections
• allergies
• energy

Women who add Apple Cider Vinegar to their bath water can reduce or eliminate yeast infections and regain the proper good bacteria balance after their menstrual cycle.
The same antibacterial and antifungal properties will drastically reduce or eliminate;

• foot and nail fungus
• warts
• acne
• dandruff
• sunburns
• whitens teeth
• and it’s great for your hair

This stuff is incredibly inexpensive and totally safe for your outside and inside so why not give it a try?

The complete list of Apple Cider Vinegar benefits would have to include its amazing cleaning powers as well. It works wonders for cleaning coffee makers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, toilets and stain removal.

It is simply amazing!

Laughter Really Can Be The Best Medicine

There is a reason that we associate the sound of laughter with happiness. The simple act of laughing has many health and emotional benefits.

The act of laughing reduces stress hormones, boosts immunity, relieves pain and clears the mind.
Even the toughest situations can be seen a little more clearly after a good bout of laughter.

 

 Unfortunately, it is difficult to laugh during the times when we need it the most. The following are a few suggestions on how to find your healing laugh when faced with deep despair:

Having relationship troubles?
Push pause on the romantic movie that will idolize what you think you’ve lost, watch a hilarious comedy or your favorite sitcom instead.

Are experiencing a loss?

Pull out some old photos or mementos that will remind you of happy or silly times you had with your loved one.

Surround yourself with other people who share your pain and share your wonderful memories with each other.

Anytime you are feeling sad or down, find something to laugh about. A deep, hearty belly laugh will work wonders for your stress levels inside and your outlook.

“You can turn painful situations around through laughter. If you can find humor in anything, even poverty, you can survive it.” – Bill Cosby

Great Sources of Fiber for Health and Weight Loss

Fiber is an important part of getting healthy and staying that way. Most people don’t get enough fiber on a regular basis but once they do they experience immediate results.

Fiber is responsible for cleansing the colon, helping digestion, reducing bloating, helping you feel satisfied longer and reducing cravings.

A few of the many fiber rich foods that will make a delicious addition to any diet are:

• Whole grain breads
• Oatmeal
• Cinnamon
• Chia seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Black beans
• Raspberries
• Artichoke

Healthy and Homemade Baby Foods

Homemade Baby Food

Exposing babies to a variety of healthy foods will not only dramatically increase the chances that they continue a healthy diet, it will also assure that their bodies have a solid foundation for healthy development. 
People who had a balanced diet as children enjoy much better health as adults due to the fact that their bodies and immune systems are stronger. The best way to assure good health during adulthood is to start in childhood.
Our kids deserve the best start possible!
Fruits, vegetables and meats that are already in your refrigerator can easily be transformed into a delicious meal for the youngest member of your family as well.

The following article has step by step instructions on how easy it is to make nutrition packed baby food with very little time or effort.

Foods for Babies

Two New York Hospitals Trail Blaze The Wholesome Wave

Lincoln Medical Center and Harlem Hospital in New York are two of the first Hospitals in the US to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients instead of more medications.
They are part of an inspiring and ground breaking new national program called Wholesome Wave.
This brave new program aims to help people get healthy and take charge of their nutrition with help from local farmers and nutritionists.
Patients take their prescriptions to a local participating farmers market and receives fresh fruits and vegetables. They also receive education and support from a nutritionist to support their healthy new life style.
Kudos to New York for being the first to show it's compassion and caring for their people and their communities!

Homemade Body Exfoliator

This Do-It-Yourself skin exfoliator will give your skin a youthful glow, make it feel softer than ever and promote new cell growth.
If you exfoliate 1-2 times per week you are removing dead skin cells that can build up and make your skin look dull and feel rough or bumpy.
Eliminate dry, uneven skin with this simple remedy:
2 cups course salt
1/4 cup olive oil
a few drops of your favorite scented oil (optional)

Mix it all together, gently rub the mixture your damp skin in a circular motion to increase blood flow to the surface and rinse.
It couldn't be easier!
 Give it a try next time you take a bath or shower and you will be amazed by the results!

Hot Peppers For Health

The active beneficial ingredient in hot peppers is called capsaicin. This is what makes them hot and what gives them their high antioxidant levels.
If you like putting a little zing into your meals, here are some of the amazing benefits you can expect to get from those delicious peppers:

• Relieves Arthritis
• Lowered blood sugar and cholesterol
• Strengthens blood vessels
• Relieves headaches
• Increases metabolism
• Burns fat

There are many different varieties of hot peppers with some being more or less available depending on where you live. This is a short list of some of the more commonly known peppers to get you started.

Not sure which peppers to choose? Grab a glass of milk and give these a try:

• Hot Banana Pepper
• Serrano Peppers
• Poblano Peppers
• Habanero Peppers
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Anaheim Peppers

The Many Benefits of Ginger Root

Ginger Root has been widely used for many health remedies and cures.
Some of the amazing benefits ginger root offers are:

• Relieves nausea and indigestion
• Kills the cold virus
• Soothes sore throat
• Boosts immunity
• Dramatically reduces swelling and pain associated with arthritis
• Silicon to strengthen hair, skin and nail growth
• Contains numerous vitamins and nutrients

Ginger root has shown remarkable results in treating ovarian cancer, preventing prostate cancer and killing the damaged cells in countless other cancers as well.

Sometimes the simple solutions are the most effective. 

Using Organic Raw Honey for Wounds and Burns

The antibacterial agents found in Organic Raw Honey have healing benefits for the outside as well as the inside!
Raw honey has been credited for soothing sore throats and relieving ear aches but it is also highly effective for healing wounds and burns. 
Organic Raw Honey reduces scaring, encourages new cell growth and it speeds the healing process. 
Raw Honey will also keep the dressing from sticking to the wound so it’s less painful to remove.

Stressed Out And Overwhelmed? Go For A Walk

It is no surprise that certain aspects of life can make us feel overwhelmed and uninspired. In order to accomplish all of the things we want to do in this life, it seems as though we need to have 6 plates spinning at once.
It may not be possible to remove any responsibilities at this point in your life but there is a simple trick to centering and calming yourself.

Go for a walk outside. Yes, it is that easy! 
There are only two rules. 
1.you have to go alone (pets are ok)
2.you can't bring any electronics.
No phone, I-pod or any device that plays music or communicates with the outside world.

This walk is about you, the feeling of your feet hitting the path or pavement, the unaltered sounds of the world around you and the smells of nature.
Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and temporarily abandon the store bought aromatherapy, the treadmill and your favorite playlist.

During a 30-45 minute walk you will discover your senses fill, your body invigorate and your mind clear. Everything will make sense again and it will all be possible.
You may even solve some issues you were too busy to notice you had.

Detox Bath:Toxins Out, Energy In

The toxins that our bodies acquire through the air and the foods we eat suppress our immune system, deplete our energy and increase our stress levels.
A detox bath is a great way to rid your body of built up toxins and regain your energy!
Let it all go in a warm, relaxing escape found right in your own bathtub. Detox baths are easy and inexpensive.
All that you needed is; 2 cups baking soda, 1 1/2 cups Epsom Salt, a bathtub full of the warmest water you can tolerate and approximately 30-45 minutes.
Bring your favorite book, put on some relaxing music and soak in the detox bath for 20-30 minutes total. It is totally normal and expected to begin sweating after about 10 minutes of soaking so don't be alarmed, this is just your body pushing the toxins out.
It is a good idea to rinse off after a detox bath and to drink a bottle of water to rehydrate.

Prescriptions For Health?

Remember, there are two ways drug companies can make money:

1.    Invent new drugs

2.       invent new diseases already invented drugs can treat

“In the past decade or so, Big Pharma has created no less than 10 new novel drugs per year.”

Dr. Jay Parkinson, M.D., M.P.H.

It's time we listen to our body and give it what it actually needs. It isn't always a good idea just because the doctor writes it on a little pad of paper. 
Take charge of your health!
Lets take care of our health and not the Pharmaceutical Companies bottom line.

Chia Seeds for Health and Weight Loss

Chia Seeds are considered a super food because they are packed with nutrients your body and brain need to thrive while helping you maintain a healthy weight.

These tiny little seeds are loaded with
antioxidants, protein, iron, omega-3 and omega-6.

It is rare to see such a nutritional power punch in one natural product.

Chia seeds will expand to 9 times their original size when they are mixed with the liquid in your belly so you will stay full and satisfied for longer periods of time with less food.

Incorporating chia seeds into your daily diet is certainly a win-win!

Got Vitamin D?

Feeling down?
Having trouble with your teeth and gums?
Suffering with high cholesterol?
Getting sick often?
Mysterious aches and pains?

Most people are deficient in Vitamin D and don’t realize it.
2000-4000mg of vitamin D daily may be the key to feeling better.

*Always check with a health professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.

Lemon With Cloves Will Repel Flies and Mosquitos

Are you tired of flies invading your home every time you open a window when it's warm out?

If  you cover a lemon with whole cloves and set it on your kitchen table, it will repel flies, mosquitos and those pesky little fruit flies.

This remedy is simple, inexpensive and you don't have to spray all those bug spray chemicals all over your eating areas.

Highly Effective Allergy Remedy

If you find yourself taking prescriptions and/or over the counter pills frequently for allergy symptoms this is definitely worth a try. I was amazed how well it actually works! There are no side effects like drowsiness or cotton mouth.

Give it a week and notice the change.

1-3 cups of Nettle Tea daily can dramatically reduce or eliminate even the toughest allergy symptoms.
Follow the package directions and do not consume more than 3 cups per day.

*One cup per day did the trick for the most chronic and problematic allergy symptoms I've ever witnessed.

Headaches and Magnesium

Before you settle with a self-diagnoses and reach for the over the counter pain medication, consider this:

Most frequent headache sufferers have insufficient levels of Magnesium in their bodies and the ache is a symptom.

Next time you experience a mild irritating headache or a migraine, try 400mg of Magnesium.  

Discipline and Boundaries in Blended Families

Bright Family

A necessary part of being happy and healthy is having peace in the home.
No family is free from the occasional bickering and disagreements but when there is a firm foundation of respect, boundaries, love and understanding, a general feeling of peace and security can be achieved.
When two parents are blending their families together to create a new union, the road to serenity gets a whole lot bumpier. The rules are different with a blended family as opposed to a traditional one. This is especially true when it comes to discipline and consequences. There are many things that need to be taken into consideration.

Family Gets Blurred

• The natural parental bond
• Underlined resentment
• Undefined roles
• Selfish emotional releases
• The power struggle
• Misdirected anger
• The impact of the absent parent

The biggest hurdle that most blended families face is discipline. This is a huge hot button for many step-parents and when it is handled poorly, it can have irreversible consequences for the whole family.
Step-parents can be a huge gift, Every child can benefit from having another person in their life to love, support and encourage them! It is important to remember that the relationship will never be the same as it would if the adult was the biological parent however.
A marriage or union between two adults does not automatically transform into a parental bond between the adult and child. Once we decide to disassemble the traditional family and create a new version, we must also disassemble our idea of what those relationships need to look like.
There certainly needs to be boundaries established (for all) and a level of respect established but it is extremely important to resist the urge to pretend that any other adult can fill a natural parents roll.

The article below answers common step-parent discipline questions and gives insight to the important contribution step-parents can make.

Step Parents Discipline and Disagreements

In any family, the goal is always to live in harmony and peace while loving and supporting each other. Blended families are very common now, lets work together and help each other redefine the rules and how each person contributes to that family.
Our family structures have changed, the way we approach them should change as well.

Tips For Reducing Stress

Stress is a very powerful force.
An appropriate amount of stress can be motivating and encouraging whereas excess stress can cause physical, mental, social and financial problems in our lives.
Stress can creep up on you and simply make life harder than it has to be. When the little irritants begin to add up and the joy in life isn't as easy to see as it once was, it is time to stop, take a breath and ask yourself what's going on.

• Do you find yourself viewing the world in a very negative way?
• Do you experienced dramatic mood swings?
• Is your patience with others running short?
• Do you dread doing daily activities?
• Have your eating habits changed?
• Have your sleeping habits changed?
• Is it hard to concentrate?

These are just a few of the many symptoms that stress may be taking over. When your stress meter begins reaching the red zone, it is time to take charge before it takes over. 
Life is too short to spend it upset, angry or indifferent.
There are a few things each of us can do to reclaim the power over our personal disposition and state of mind.

1. Accept what you cannot change and focus on something positive
2. Avoid saying negative things for 24 hours. This is really hard at first but it gets easier I promise!
3. Give yourself 10 minutes of quite time per day. No TV, computers, phones, kids or music
4. Surround yourself with positive quotes and/or images
5. Listen to calming or upbeat music
6. Do something kind for someone else who doesn't expect it
7. Find the positive in every situation
8. Count your blessings
9. Surround yourself with uplifting, happy people. Misery loves company, don't give it any
10. Smile

For a more detailed list of anti-stress tips, check this out.
It may make tomorrow better and the next day even better than that!
How To Replace Stress with Internal Peace

Serving Size Questions Answered

Does anyone else out there get totally confused and overwhelmed with all the information about what to eat to be healthy? The part that seems to trip me up the most is the portion sizes.
How much am I supposed to eat in each meal? How many meals per day? How many calories should I eat if I want to lose weight but still stay energized? Is there a simple way to figure out how many calories I'm consuming?
This article has all of the answers about serving sizes, nutrition labels, calorie intake and even which US states have the greatest obesity problem!

What is a Serving Size

Many of us want to feel great and look our best! The food we chose and how we consume it is the first step to making those goals a reality.
When we support and encourage each other, we all win.

Our Past Does Not Decide Our Future

All people have baggage and scars from their past and childhood.

The key is to;

• Acknowledge they exist
• Identify what they are and the cause
• Embrace them as part of who we are

Our past circumstances and the choices of others are not our burden to bear.

The scars that are created do not define who we are or make us victims.

Look at all of who you are as an individual and as a member of society.

Embrace the strong parts while striving to improve the weak.

Our journey is our own.

No other person, past or present has the power to determine our personal direction or destination.

Claim your power; it is the greatest gift to yourself.

   

Green Tea Fruit Smoothie

Green Tea has been proven to reduce stress and blood pressure, burn fat and it contains a high level of antioxidants.
The Green Tea Fruit Smoothie is a delicious way to get both the recommended  daily Green Tea serving and the 1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh fruits. 
The taste is light, fresh and easy to drink anytime of the day.  

Green Tea Fruit Smoothie

• 4 ice cubes
• Strong brewed green tea (2 tea bags seeped in 3/4 cup water)
• 1 pear with skin
• 1 nectarine with skin
• 1 pealed kiwi
• 1 tablespoon liquefied coconut

Blend all ingredients and enjoy a cold, creamy, delicious way to get healthy.

Pomegranate Delight

Pomegranate juice is one of the super foods that is at the top of the smoothie ingredients list for me!
The flavor is tart and super sweet at the same time which makes it a perfect paring for all berries, bananas and tropical fruits.
The taste alone makes this juice one of my all time favorites but the tremendous healthy benefits just push it right over the edge.
When all these ingredients are combined, you are left with a smoothie that is full of antioxidants, vitamin C, protein, fiber and iron.

 

4 ice cubes

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 apple (core the apple but don't remove the skin)

1 banana

2 handfuls spinach

2 tablespoons chia seeds

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy this tangy, sweet, refreshing and healthy smoothie!

Fruity Green Smoothie

It aint easy being green! 
When most people see a green smoothie they assume it must taste horrible. Nothing could be farther from the truth when these wonderful ingredients are mixed together.
This combination tastes amazing and is loaded with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. 
Keep you immune system healthy and happy with this
Fruity Green Smoothie.
Blend together the following ingredients and enjoy;

• 5 ice cubes
• 1 kiwi
• 1 pear
• 1 green apple
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 handfuls of spinach and/or kale leaves
• 2 tablespoons liquefied coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Makes two nutritious and delicious green smoothies so share with a friend or cut the ingredient amounts in half and keep it all to yourself.

Cherry Pucker Smoothie

The tart cherry juice in this smoothie has a tremendous amount of antioxidants that have been proven to reduce pain, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and improve heart health. This combination of ingredients will also give you a boost of protein, omega-3's and it contains fat burning fats.
If all the health benefits weren't enough, the unique and refreshing taste of the Cherry Pucker Smoothie is reason enough to have one everyday!

Simply combine the following ingredients in a standard blender and enjoy.

• 5 ice cubes
• 1 cup tart cherry juice
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 medium banana
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon liquefied coconut oil
• agave nectar to taste *optional

Makes two glasses of healthy deliciousness!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie is the perfect solution to even the biggest chocolate craving! 
The high amount of protein makes this a great choice for feeding your muscles after a work out. This smoothie is also a great solution for breakfast because it will jump start your metabolism and help you focus all day.
The pure cocoa included will provide an enormous amount of antioxidants and flavonoids to help your body, as well as a natural mood booster to help your sunny disposition.
The next time you begin to feel guilty for feeding that chocolate craving, make one of these and know that you are doing your body a huge favor!


Simply combine all ingredients in a standard blender and mix until creamy.

• 5 ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

If you are in the mood to switch it up a little, substitute almond butter or hazelnut butter for the peanut butter. It's your smoothie, make it your way!

Tropical Dream Smoothie

The Tropical Dream Smoothie is not only extremely refreshing and delicious, it's really good for you too!
This smoothie is loaded with protein, antioxidants, omega 3, and vitamin C.
Your body, skin and taste buds will thank you for indulging in this tropical dream.

1 cup mango
1 kiwi
1 banana (frozen bananas work best)
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon liquefied coconut oil

Add the first 6 ingredients into a blender and mix until thoroughly combined.
While blending on a low setting, slowly pour the coconut oil into the mixture and continue to blend for 30 seconds or until it's completely incorporated.

Peanut Butter Banana Surprise Smoothie

There are many green smoothie recipes. If your first thought is that they must taste like grass or something else pulled straight from the flower bed, let me tell you, this isn't THAT smoothie.
The peanut butter banana surprise smoothie is green and it is good for you but it is totally delicious! It is a great way to fuel up on some protein your body can use to function at it's highest capacity while sneaking in some important greens.
The spinach adds the color but doesn't alter the taste.
(That's the surprise part)
Give it a try and tell me what you think! Would you add or change anything?

In a standard blender, combine;

• 4-5 ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 small or medium banana
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 tablespoon liquefied coconut oil
• 1/2 cup almond milk

Blend until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and enjoy the smooth peanut butter goodness!

Coffee Breakfast Smoothie

Coffee Breakfast Smoothies with Dark Chocolate Syrup and Creamer

I made this smoothie every morning when my grown daughter had all of her wisdom teeth pulled at once. Her face blew up like a blow fish and stayed like that for 5 days! Ouch! Getting nutrients and her morning coffee was the goal and I believe we achieved it, deliciously.
The almond milk and protein powder give it a protein punch while the oatmeal covers the whole grains.
The coffee and flavored creamer we just added to keep the grouchies at bay.
This turned out to be a filling breakfast that we still make quite often, especially during the summer months when we seem to be always on the go first thing in the morning. Sometimes iced coffee just sounds much more appealing than hot.
The original recipe called for regular ice cubes and cold coffee but the flavor was a little watered down so we switched it up by making the coffee ice cubes. This is much quicker and tastier.



Coffee Ice Cubes, Almond Milk and Oatmeal

The following ingredients will make two delicious smoothies! Simply cut the amounts in half if you are going solo.
2 cups vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup oatmeal
10 coffee ice cubes
1 scoop protein powder
6 tablespoons creamer (optional)
1 squirt of  dark chocolate syrup if you're in the mood for it.


Combine the almond milk and oatmeal in blender and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Add the coffee cubes and protein powder and blend on a low speed until thoroughly mixed.
Add creamer and/or syrup to taste.

Stay Healthy Smoothie

The Stay Healthy Smoothie is definitely my go-to smoothie. I drink it everyday in the afternoon so I am sure to get my daily dose fruits and veggies. Of course I still seek creative ways to fit them into my other meals as well, the smoothie just takes some of the pressure off.
Besides, it is delicious!

Place the following ingredients in a blender:

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1 medium banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 cup cold water

Turn the blender on a low setting until all ingredients are mixed.
While the blender is running, carefully remove the top of the lid and slowly add,

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons liquefied coconut oil

Turn the blender off and add,

• 2 handfuls of spinach or kale (or a mix of both)
• Add more water if needed to achieve desired consistency

Return the blender to the low setting for about 30 seconds or until the greens are mixed in.
Increase the blender setting to high and allow it to blend all your ingredients until thoroughly liquefied and your ideal smoothie consistency.

This smoothie is delicious for your taste buds and a huge nutritional boost for your body!
Enjoy and Stay Healthy