Words That Remind Us Of Our Personal Power

"No Matter How Hard The Past, You Can Always Begin Again"

This is one of my favorite quotes because it is short, simple and puts things in perspective. Sometimes life can get messy. Circumstances and relationships can get complicated and hurtful at times.

Different people deal with different specifics in their lives but all human beings are faced with emotional and/or physical challenges in their life time. Those are pivotal times in our lives when we have to choose how long we are willing to carry the negative effects of those challenges. Some situations threated to break us and some motivate us to become stronger.

We don't always get to choose our situations but we do get to choose our own personal outcomes.
 

What Would Your Kids Tell You?

Have you ever wondered what your kids would really want you to know if only they had the maturity and vocabulary to tell you?






Things like:

1. Don’t try to be my friend; I need a parent so much more
2. Tell me you are proud of me
3. Teach me how to express myself when I am hurt and angry
4. Show me you think I am capable of doing things on my own
5. Tell me something good or funny about your day
6. My temperament and maturity rate may be different than yours was, don’t make me feel wrong for not being you

The complete list is available here and every parent should read it at least once. :)
What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew

How Do You Feel After You Eat?

Knowing what to eat at when can be very confusing. There is an easy way to figure it out though!
Our bodies will tell us what it needs and what it doesn't want, we just need to learn how to listen to it.
A wise person once told me that when choosing what to eat, always remember that food is fuel.
After you eat, you should feel great and energized!
If you are feeling sluggish, bloated and in need of a nap, your body probably didn't get what it was needing to function.
How do you know which foods are slowing you down? Eliminate one type of food per week and see how you feel. Each persons system is a little different so there is no cookie cutter solution. There are some universal truths of course like, no body can thrive with sweets, fried foods, fast food and chips. That being said, many people that eat a typically healthy diet still don't feel their best. That's where the elimination experiment comes in. By removing breads and pasta one week and soda the next, you will gain some insight into your body.

Doing a safe and healthy food cleanse for a few days is also a great and quick way to figure out what your body is trying to tell you. After the cleanse, add food groups back into your diet one at a time and see what happens. I tried this myself and the results were surprising! There is a link below that gives more details about my experience with a healthy cleanse.
DrOz 3 Day Cleanse Review

Our journey to feeling good and living our best lives is ongoing so lets do it together.
Please leave any tips or suggestions that may help me or others feel great! We all have some information which is great but when we add all of our knowledge together, it is amazing!
 

Fun and Unusual Ways to Get In Shape

I know the term Working Out was designed for a reason.  It is work to get your body in shape and tone your muscles. If it was easy or all fun and games, everyone would do it right? Maybe everyone can!
 
 

For some of us, traditional cardio workouts just aren’t something we jump out of bed to do. I have a really hard time staying on our elliptical machine for more than 1-2 minutes whereas my husband can stay on that thing for 45 minutes and still like it. I may be an exception instead of the rule but I find running, elliptical machines and stationary bikes kind of boring so I spend the whole time watching the clock and thinking about how my muscles are beginning to hurt. It just doesn’t work for me.

Does that mean that I can’t tone my muscles or get my heart pumping a little faster? Definitely not!

There are many different ways to have fun while getting the physical results you desire.

• Hula Hoop
• Jump rope
• Trampolines (full sized or mini)
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Basketball
• Playing Tag

Some of these suggestions can be done in your own living room or garage, with the kids, with friends or alone.

The idea is to get up, get moving and get healthy. If you can do that without dreading your work out, there is a higher probability that it will actually get done on a regular basis.

Maybe we could just change the name from Work Out to Play Time? It was Just a thought.

What is your favorite active thing to do and why? Your ideas will inspire me and a whole lot of other people so thanks for sharing.

Healthy Kids

We are all trying to find ways to make ourselves look and feel better. There is an infinite amount of information about different foods, supplements and programs available everywhere we turn.

But, what about the kids? It is a common misconception that kids can eat whatever they want because they are young and they will burn it off.
Have you ever heard certain foods being referred to as "kid food"? I have heard that a lot. It is generally referring to sugary cereals, processed cheese's and spongy nuggets.
The truth is, the foods our kids eat should be healthier than ours. Their brains, bones and muscles are forming right now and this is the only body they will ever have. Our kid will have to live with the choices we make for them, forever.

Children's brains need healthy fats to develop properly and their bodies need protein and nutrients to form a strong foundation for the rest of their lives. Studies have shown that when we give them foods that are loaded with artificial ingredients and simple carbohydrates they have a dramatically harder time concentrating, retaining information and being calm.

Let's come together to set the next generation up for success and optimal health, they are counting on us!

For more information and some meal ideas, check out Nutrition:Healthy Kids

Please leave any tips or suggestions you have for how to get our kids healthier food. It can be tricky sometimes so I would love to hear any ideas you may have!

One Minute To Happiness

Appreciation and pride are two feelings that create the purest happiness within us.

It takes about 10 minutes to complain or feel sorry for yourself (ok, maybe 20 minutes if your really on a role) but it only takes about 1 minute to find something to be appreciative of.

We all find ourselves bogged down with daily stresses and irritants and let's be honest, it's easy to fall into a deep pity pot pretty quickly.

Having trouble with a co-worker or supervisor? 
Kids driving you crazy?
Your husband picked up the wrong things at the store?

Life's external circumstances don't have to ruin your whole day. The next time you feel irritated and stressed or your forehead starts to cringe, stop! 
Instead of spreading the negativity by complaining about things that are beyond your control, take 1 minute to think of something you are grateful for. Do you have something or someone in your life that others may not have? I'm certain we all have quite a few things we take for granted that others may only dream of having.
Then take another minute to be proud of yourself for the way your taking control over your own internal peace and stress level.
Some days you may find that it's necessary to do this numerous times and other days, maybe only once or twice. Eventually it will become a habit and daily aggravations won't have the power they used to.
This process isn't meant to spur feelings of guilt or shame for getting irritated in the first place. This exercise is about reclaiming your power over your emotions and reactions so you can enjoy more moments of your life.

Happiness is a choice, choose wisely.

How To Avoid The Baseball Bulge

Little League Baseball

Spring time is here and that means baseball!

Baseball means fresh cut grass, the sound of the bat cracking the ball and the excitement of the crowd as the runner steals third.

Unfortunately it also means hot dogs, hamburgers, garlic fries, soda and lots of candy.

This is the Spring Sports Sabotage.
It’s easy to get lured in by the intoxicating smells and food vendors that are posted up every 20 feet.
Don’t fall into the trap! It’s a pretty safe bet that anything sold at either a professional ball field or the local ball park is filled with calories, carbohydrates, fillers and loads of salt. It is really easy to eat a whole days’ worth of calories during one baseball game.

Here are some tips on how to enjoy the game while avoiding the belly aches and carb coma that is sure to follow such a nutritional beating.

1. Eat before you leave the house or bring something protein packed to eat in the car right before you go into the ball park or stadium
2. Staying for a double header? Pack a snack that is easy to eat and bring it with you
3. Put something delicious in the slow cooker before you leave the house so dinner will be ready when you get home

Spring Sports Snack Ideas:

• Sunflower seeds are a baseball tradition and loaded with healthy fats and protein. If your favorite brand is extra salty, simply get the low sodium bag. (or buy Spitz, they are drastically lower in salt than most brands)
• Peanuts are another baseball favorite that are loaded with protein so you will stay satisfied longer
• Trail mix is always popular. It is available at most stores or easy to make yourself with your favorite ingredients.
• Grapes and small mandarin oranges are easy to eat and will help satisfy that sweet tooth
• If you aren’t really hungry but you have an oral fixation issue (like I do) try gum!

Have you ever noticed that ball players are either spitting seeds or chewing gum?

It is possible to enjoy a day in the beautiful outdoors, cheering on your favorite team without ruining your health in the process.

Play Ball!

Improving Your Health With Tea

Green Tea

I used to view tea was something to drink only when I had a sore throat or sometimes when it was really cold outside. 
Once I became aware of the numerous uses and health benefits, I'm having a great time experimenting with different teas and reaping all the benefits in the process!

Ginger Tea

Did you know that ....

Green Tea
boosts your metabolism and improves bone strength

Black Tea
helps you stay calm and focus while reducing certain types of cancer
 
White Tea
kills virus's and bacteria while blocking fat absorption

Chamomile Tea
promotes restful sleep and will help with irritable bowl syndrome

Echinacea Tea
boosts immunity, reduces eczema and psoriasis and can be applied topically to relieve insect bites and hemorrhoids

Ginger Tea
reduces nausea and menstrual cramps

Sage Tea

Sage Tea
relieves gas and is a fever reducer

Rooibos (red tea)
is loaded with minerals and is used to reduce allergy symptoms

Pu-erh Tea
Shrinks fat cells

Nettle Tea
Relieves even the most persistent allergies, eliminates eczema, kidney stones and urinary tract infections

Oolong Tea 
increases metabolism while shrinking current fat cells

Which one is right for you?

For more details on the wide range of nutritional benefits of tea, follow this link;
Tea for Health Benefits
Even avid coffee drinkers (like me!) can sneak in one or two cups of tea per day. :)

Tips For Losing Weight and Feeling Better

Diet's and weight loss programs are everywhere we turn! All of this information can get confusing and overwhelming. The commercial diet plans out there have shown millions of people a lot of success but they aren't for everyone. If the thought of spending money to be on a program or replacing meals with shakes isn't something you are ready to do right now, you still have options. 



Losing weight and feeling better can start with a few simple daily changes like:

1. Replacing white bread with whole wheat
2. Keep healthy options such as cooked chicken breasts and hard boiled eggs in the fridge and ready to go
3. Add Chia seeds to meals to help keep you fuller longer
4. Bring snacks with you on the go so you don't get tempted with the concession stands or drive-thru
5. Eat nuts
6. Add a few ounces of dark chocolate to your day
7. Have fruit available to help satisfy that sweet tooth

For a more complete list check out:
11 Simple Diet Changes Make A Big Difference On The Scale

It's no surprise to anyone that when we carry extra weight around with us all day, we are going to get tired faster, have aches and pains, be less motivated and generally not feel so great. These simple changes can get us on the right track to feeling good and enjoying life.

Start small and live big!

Different Ways to Eat Chia Seeds and Get Healthy

Raspberry Oatmeal Chia Parfait

The first step in improving your health and controlling your weight with Chia Seeds is becoming aware of all the benefits.
After you learn about the enormous amount of protein, fiber, iron, antioxidants, omega 3 and omega 6, it's time to get started right? But where do you start?

That's where I got stuck!

The second step in getting all those benefits is learning how to use these remarkable little seeds. After a lot of experiments and some research I found some delicious ways to integrate Chia Seeds into many everyday meals.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that chia seeds aren't as fragile as flax seeds. Chia seeds can be digested whole and don't require refrigeration. They can also be stored for up to 2 years without getting rancid due to their high levels of antioxidants.

Chia Gel

The whole tasteless seeds can be added to smoothies, salads, oatmeal, chili, stew... almost anything you can think of!
As is that wasn't enough, chia seeds can also be made into a gel and used when baking and making desserts. These tiny little seeds will expand 9 times their size when they are soaked in liquid so they form a gel that has a consistency similar to tapioca.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

In fact, one of my all time favorite things to make with chia seeds is chocolate pudding. I eat it everyday for lunch to keep my energy up and mood swings at bay.

When the gel is made with water it can substitute oil or butter in baking recipes but the gel can be made out of any liquid so there are numerous desserts, toppings and healthy snacks that can be created.
For some great recipes and ideas, click on the link below;
How to Eat Chia Seeds for Health Benefits

What is your favorite way to eat chia seeds? Share any tips or suggestions below so we can all get healthy together!  

Chia Seeds: The New Superfood

If you haven't yet heard about Chia Seeds let me introduce you to one of the best things you can be doing for your body!
These tiny little seeds are truly remarkable and the nutritional benefits are undeniable.
Chia seeds are loaded with:
protein
fiber
omega 3
omega 6
iron
and more antioxidants that blueberries!
As if that wasn't enough, they also help regulate blood sugar and dramatically increase weight loss.
Chia seeds expand 9 times their original size when they are mixed with liquid so they will make you feel fuller faster.
These amazing seeds are highly effective for maintaining consistent energy and avoiding sugar spikes and those mid-day crashes.
If you want more information about the nutritional benefits of Chia Seeds and why we need all that stuff in the first place, check this out:
How to Use Chia Seeds for Health

Take a Moment

As you begin another week, take a moment and recognize something great about yourself.
Identify it and be proud of it!
Then, take another moment in your day to acknowledge something great about someone else.
There is positivity all around us and within us.
We simply need to take a moment to see it and appreciate it.
Here's to a positive, productive week for us all! ;)

Eating Coconut Oil

Popcorn Made With Coconut Oil

I have been posting a lot about Coconut Oil this week because of all the remarkable ways I have benefited from it but there is one very important thing I have neglected to mention. 
Eating coconut oil is one of the best things you can do for your brain and your body! 
I began seeing many reports regarding the numerous benefits of coconut oil but I am a natural skeptic so I had to find out for myself if there was any truth to them.
I decided to embark on a 30 challenge where I vowed to eat 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil per day to see if I noticed any benefits or side effects. I have done this with other products before and I am rarely pleasantly surprised. This time was different! The coconut oil delivered all that was promised and then some! The only thing I can't be sure of first hand is it's effects on Alzheimer's because that isn't an issue that I face.
I can tell you that after I began consuming the coconut oil I noticed a dramatic difference in the moisture in my skin, my sweet tooth was almost gone, I experienced a huge boost in lasting energy, my metabolism sped right up and no more PMS! It was crazy! I used to get regular cold sores on my lower lip and I haven't had even the slightest tingling feeling since I started with the coconut oil.
My biggest obstacle in the beginning was figuring out how to eat it. I tried to eat it straight because that's how it was suggested but I just couldn't do it. I just decided to start experimenting and now coconut oil is part of my every day diet.

Coconut oil can be added to

• oatmeal
• smoothies
• stir fries
• popcorn
• veggies
• and many more dishes

For more information on the health benefits of coconut oil and different ways to eat it, check this out;
How To Eat Coconut Oil For Health Benefits
If anyone has any suggestions that aren't mentioned here please leave them as a comment below so everyone can reap the benefits of this incredible oil while enjoying something delicious! :)

Relaxing Spa Treatments Right at Home

Has it been a long week for you too?
I am ready for some serious pampering and rejuvenation!
Of course, between baseball practice's and my 17 year olds birthday party, I don't see a relaxing trip to the spa in my future.
Luckily, there are many things I can do at home to feel and look great!
Check out exactly how easy it is below.

Look and Feel Great With At Home Spa Treatments
I must admit, I have the coconut oil and shower cap on right now and I'm about to enjoy a relaxing detox bath. Ahhhhh ;)

Take Some Time To Rejuvenate! You Deserve It!

Alzheimers and Mental Illness Dramatically Improved with Coconut Oil

A few days ago, a friend and co-worker confided her deep concern and despair regarding her grandmothers failing memory and cognition.
It was heartbreaking to hear her describe how her sharp and spunky grandmother forgot how to do simple daily tasks in the middle of doing them. The effect Alzheimer's has on it's victims and their families is hard to fully comprehend until you've experienced it first hand.

During my research and experiment with Coconut Oil, I remembered seeing a lot of information about it's positive effect with Alzheimer's patients as well as other mental challenges. I decided to do some more specific research and this is an example what I found.

Coconut Oil Helps Mother with Mental Illness and Father with Alzheimer's

If this can help just one person or give one family member some hope and sense of direction, I will be eternally satisfied.

Please share this information with anyone you think may benefit from it. This is too important to keep to ourselves.

Live Strong and Protect Each Other

Coconut Oil for Softer Younger Looking Skin

Want smoother, younger looking skin? Who doesn't? 
There are many companies in the market today that promise to revive your youth with one simple purchase of their very expensive product. I know because I have tried most of them.
I'm not ashamed to say that I have experimented quite a bit with many different moisturizers, creams oils and lotions.
If you are one of the many people staring at the enormous selection of beauty products and anti-aging creams at the local drug store and you aren't sure which one to try next, I hope my experience will be of some help.

The best all over moisturizer I have ever tried actually came out of my kitchen! I was doing a 30 day experiment on the benefits of eating coconut oil when someone suggested that it would also be good for my skin. I was a little skeptical but, I knew it wasn't going to hurt me because it is a natural product so, I gave it a shot.
I began applying a thin layer of liquefied coconut oil to my face, neck and chest in the evening after I washed off my make-up etc. I noticed that the oil takes about 30 minutes to soak in so I would advise everyone to plan on doing this before your usual bed time so you don't give all the benefits to your pillow case.
I couldn't believe how soft and even my skin was the very next morning!
I pledged to use it for the full 30 day experiment but after a week, I was hooked.
My skin has more of an even tone, pores are smaller, face is brighter and make-up goes on evenly and effortlessly.
I was so surprised with the results I just had to share them in the hopes that someone else may be tired of chasing one cream after another like I was, and enjoy the benefits of the coconut oil.
Save yourself some aggravation and a whole lot of money while doing something amazing for your skin! 
Please let me know what kind of results you experience with the coconut oil moisturizer. I would love to know it works for you! :)

Today is the perfect day for a Random Act of Kindness!

Hold the door for someone
Mow your neighbors lawn
Make a meal for someone who has been sick or has fallen on hard times
Listen without judgment
Donate to your local food bank
Tell someone you are proud of them

The possibilities are endless and the result is priceless!
Kindness starts with us but it won't end there, get the ball rolling today. :)

Coconut Oil Benefits For Your Hair

Over the years I have put my hair through a lot! I have tried many different colors, hair products and tortured it with as many different heated styling tools as I could get my hands on. This treatment combined with the fact that I like to keep it long, can lead to extremely dull and stressed out hair. 
Then I discovered Coconut Oil! Ahhhhh
When I started adding liquefied coconut oil to my hair once per week, my hair was soft and happy again!
Unlike mineral oils, the coconut oil washed out of my hair in the first shampooing and there was no leftover heaviness or greasy feeling.
The nutrients in the oil feeds and calms the hair while protecting it from the environmental exposure that we can't control.

1. Simply liquefy 1/4 cup coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl (it doesn't need to be hot, just liquid)
2. Apply the liquid to your hair with your hands (which will become super soft also) until completely saturated
3. Cover the hair with a shower cap so the heat will help the oil absorb into the hair shaft
4. Leave this on for about an hour, then hop in the shower and wash it out using your normal products

It's really that simple to get soft, happy hair!
Since coconut oils isn't a heavy oil and doesn't build up on you hair, it's safe to use as often as you like. I have found that once per week really does the trick! :)