New Shoes!

I got a new pair of Puma in the mail the other day and I love them.  I'll be honest I'm usually a New Balance kind of girl, but these Puma are light weight and really let my feet breathe in the heat of summer!

Great New Natural Lip Balm From Organic Sources

Lip Crack is available on the Etsy Store, at L. Salon in Roseville, Illinois, at Grand Escape Day Spa in Macomb, Illinois and on the website for $3.50.  There's also a nice stretch mark stick made from cocoa butter.

From Food To Plate

Remember, the closer to your food source the food is when you get it, the better it's going to be.  Buy local, eat local, be healthier.

Does Your Back Hurt?

My husband and I have this Inversion Table and we LOVE it!  We've owned it for about a year and it's so great to stretch out your back on.  I can highly recommend it because I've used it!!

Still Losing....

I've been on a healthy weight loss journey for 2 years and I've lost 63 lbs.  That's not too bad.  I started Weight Watchers in May 2011, 5 months after my youngest child was born.  I had a lot of weight to lose and I knew I had room to improve on my nutrition.  In January 2012, my youngest son was started on a gluten-free diet at a year old and my family was thrown into eating cleaner and working closely with a dietitian to meet our nutritional needs.  In March 2012, I partnered with BeachBody as a Coach to help others with their health, nutrition and fitness goals.  I can't believe how my life has changed in the last 2 years and how much better I feel.  I'm not going crazy with insane workouts, I'm not doing crazy health food crazes and kicks.  I'm eating right and losing weight the right way, slow and steady.

The largest change I've made lately is incorporating the healthy nutrition into my favorite foods.  I recently made homemade tenderloins (that's right!) fried in coconut oil.  Lets talk about the benefits of coconut oil for a minute.  Now, I've used virgin, not virgin.  I know virgin is supposed to be better, but both beat butter.  (I do eat butter in my diet, but a variety of healthy oils in your diet is good.  And, everything in moderation.)

Straight from care2.com

Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil (cold pressed):

1. Thyroid-stimulating: Research shows that coconut oil contains a medium-chain fatty acids accelerate that stimulates metabolism, gives you more energy.
2. Get candida in check: Coconut oil has a good quantity of caprylic acid in it which is well known to kill off excess candida by targeting harmful bacteria.
3. Lowers cholesterol: It is rich in lauric acid which protects your heart by reducing total cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
4. Helps with weight loss: Here is an interesting fact about coconut oil; even though it is a fat, it actually helps with weight loss!  Read more here: Weight Loss With Coconut Oil. The healthy medium chain fatty acids do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats; they are sent directly to the liver and are converted into energy. Thus the body does not store the fat in coconut oil as fat; it uses it to produce energy instead.
5. Helps keep diabetes in check: It does not produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream. Instead it helps control blood sugar by improving the secretion of insulin. Note: This is not a free pass to eat a lot of sugar and other dumb carbs. 
6. Reduces heart disease: studies on people in the Pacific Islands found that their total caloric intake included thirty to sixty percent from fully saturated coconut oil. These Pacific Islanders have nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular disease.
7. Gastrointestinal malabsorption diseases: Combining Vitamin E supplements with coconut oil through the skin proved to be a good alternative for those with gastrointestinal malabsorption diseases. Study in Canada 1999 University of Western Ontario
8. Supports the immune system. It is rich in lauric acid, a nutrient that supports the body’s immune system.
9. Good for the skin: When applied externally it forms a protective antibacterial layer protecting the infected body part.  Also, coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by helping to repair damaged tissue.  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/coconut-oil-super-powers-pt-2
10. Nourishing for the brain: Studies show that it improves cognitive function, and stalls, or even reverses, neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages.
11. Ancient medicine:
Coconut oil has been part of Ayurvedic medicine for 5,000 years in India.
12. Speeds Recovery:
People in Panama drink a glass of coconut oil to protect themselves from illness as it is also believed to speed recovery from sickness.

 I've found that the more kinds and types of food you eat, the more healthy you eat because you have a wider variety of foods and flavors in your diet.  Fry something in coconut oil, like a tenderloin and you'll be surprised.  Just note, use low temperature or you'll burn the oil!

Crossift Shoes

Check out these crossfit shoes!  Love them for my workouts.  I lost 8 lbs last month with clean eating.  Hoping to chop off a few extra lbs with crossfit this month!  What's your workout?

Doxiderol

Doxiderol
Doxiderol is a nootropic "brain and energy booster" and mainly focuses on the brain with concentration and focus.  Many people use it paired with an all natural diet in place of ADD and ADHD stimulation medications, like Ritalin and Adderall and with less side effects.

What's in it?  Well, it's natural.
Vitamin B5, a key component for neurotransmitters,
Vitamin B12 to increase cellular metabolism and brain function,
Caffeine as a stimulant,
L-Theanine to increase dopamine levels across the blood/brain barrier,
Vinpocetine is a potent vasodilator that increases blood flow to the brain, that aids in learning, concentration and increased memory.  It has been used to treat dementia patients,
Bacopa, an aquatic plant used to aid in memory retention and has been used to help Alzheimer's patients.
Citicoline that increases glucose metabolism and increases neurotransmitter activity and reduces oxidative stress in the brain.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a potent nootropic, anti-oxidant and amino acid aiding in overall brain health.  ALC is being researched in aiding in benefits for Parkinson's patients.


Users report mental clarity, increased focus, increased energy.  

BO: The Gross of It

I've recently been paying a LOT more attention to my body and what it's telling me.  The last few weeks I've been noticing a strange scent to my body odor.  It's not the usual sweat odor I've had in the past.  What does it smell like?  Well, slightly like ammonia.  What causes this body odor?  Too much protein, not enough low glycemic index carbohydrates; nuts, dairy, veggies, soy milk, pasta, fruits, rice, popcorn, oatmeal, citrus fruits, peaches, apples, prunes,  pineapple, leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower....there's more, but there's a good basis, and not enough water!  So, as usual, I'm going to talk up WATER!  It's good for you, it helps your body release toxins and balance pH....DRINK IT!  Not tea, coffee, soda, juice, sports drinks....just WATER!  Now, the good of lately, I've been really watching what I eat, so much that the bad has happened, I don't have enough carbohydrates in my body.  I haven't been working out extremely hard, but have been living a VERY active lifestyle full of kid chasing, housework and traveling. 

Kettle Bell Workouts

I Want KETTLE BELLS so bad!  I can't wait to work out with them.  Who Loves Kettle Bells?  Comment blow on your favorite Kettle Bell Workout!

G-free egg noodles

2 c gfree all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3 lg egg yolks
1 lg egg
1/2 c water

Mix. Divide into 4 parts. Roll out dough on floured surface and cut into strips. Let dry 30 minutes. Add to boiling water and boil 5-7 minutes.

These noodles worked beautifully in chicken noodle soup and beef and noodles...YUM!

How To Lose Weight Effectively

There's one big secret when it comes to weight loss; you have to do the work!  If you can't put in the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears, you can't lose weight.  You have to be dedicated to doing what it takes with your workouts and nutrition to get the goals you want!  So, get off your tush, plan your meals, plan your snacks, plan your workouts.  Then, stick with the plan and DO IT!  That's the big secret nobody tells you.  You actually have to do the work to get the results you want.  It's that easy...not that it's easy at all.  But, you have to get up off your rump and move a little bit.  You may get sore, but that's just the weaker you talking.  So, step it up!

Zinc and It's Importance In Flu Season

I'm serious when I say I was skeptical.  But, Zinc is where it's at!  Yesterday, I was super-motivated.  I got up, got my paint cloths on and started painting the inside on my new garage.  By lunch, I felt like I got hit by a truck!  My hubby came in the door with a bottle of Zinc chewables and said, "Take one now, then take another one in a few hours and another before bed."  Feeling like I did, I was willing to try anything!  So, into my mouth the chewable Zinc went (with raspberry flavors).  I ate my lunch, put my 2-year-old down for a nap and headed to the bathroom for an epsom salt bath.  My 4-year-old kept "checking on me" because I didn't feel well.  He's sweet like that.  Then he sent me off to bed for a feel better nap.  I love that kid.  Something crazy happened.  I woke up from my nap feeling a little better. As the day went on, I felt better, not worse.  By this morning, I felt like a million bucks!  So, I called my hubby's grandma to thank her for her Zinc she had given him to "save him from sickness".  It saved me.  So, if you're feeling sickness coming on, take some Zinc. A whole bottle runs around $10 and it'll save you a trip to the store for your sickness foods; chicken noodle soup, 7up.....whatever yours is!

How Diverse Is Your Diet?

The more diverse your diet, the healthier you are, studies show. If you eat a wide variety of flavors, you tend to have less cravings!

Thank You!

Thank you to all my readers out there, new and old.  Without you, I wouldn't still be blogging.  With over 18,000 views, I feel blessed for others to like to read what I have to put out there.  That being said, What can I blog about for you?  I put my own ideas out there, give you what works in my life.  This isn't cookie cutter.  This is life.  What would you like to know about to make your life easier?

Leave a comment below and I'll be sure to do all I can to get a blog up about your comment!

Mmmmm

Thank you Good Housekeeping for these yummiest!

How Blood Type Effects Your Body

 Your Rh status describes whether or not you have a protein on the surface of red blood cells. If you don't have the Rh factor, you're considered Rh-negative; if you have it, you're Rh-positive. About 85 percent of people are Rh-positive, though it varies by race.

Strange Facts Concerning Rh-Negatives

* Rh-negative women and men display Reptilian Traits:

* An EXTRA-Vertebra (a "Tail Bone"). Some are born with an actual tail (called a "Cauda"). In Sanskrit, Ketuu = The south Lunar Node, also known as Cauda/Draconis, in latin, "dragon's tail" in English.

* Lower than normal Body Temperature

* Lower than normal Blood Pressure

* Higher mental analytical abilities

* Higher Negative-ion shielding (from positive "charged" virus/bacteria) around the body

* High Sensitivity to EM and ELF Fields

* Hyper Vision and other senses

* Have a strong sense of mission or purpose

More TRAITS found in RH negatives:

There are certain similarities that occur to those having RH negative blood - according to some who have it there are common patterns found, which include the following:

1. predominance of green or hazel eyes that change color, also blue eyes

2. reddish hair , brown

3. low pulse rate

4. low blood pressure

5. keen sight or hearing

6. ESP

7. extra rib or vertabrae

8. UFO connections

9. love of space and science

10. a sense of not belonging to the human race

11. piercing eyes

12. para-normal occurrences

13. physic dreams

14. truth seekers

15. desire for higher wisdom

16. empathetic illnesses

17. deep compassion for fate of mankind

18. a sense of a 'mission' in  life

19. physic abilities

20. unexplained scars on body

21. capability to disrupt electrical appliances

22. alien contacts (Many Starseeds are RH negative)

Distribution of Blood Types of Blood Donors:

O Rh positive:  37 percent
A Rh positive:  36 percent
B Rh positive:  9 percent
AB Rh positive:  3 percent
O Rh negative:  7 percent
A Rh negative:  6 percent
B Rh negative:  1 percent
AB Rh negative:  1 percent

Back On Track

I'm happy to report that after a little holiday rut, I'm back on track with Shakeology and workouts.  I LOVE my shakes.  I love my workouts.  Luckily I didn't gain any weight through the holidays, which I think is huge for anyone.  So, just getting going again is a big step.  I'm a pretty busy person and I think I just needed a push.  My upline coach, Jessica called me recently "just to check in with me".  Thank You Jessica!  It's exactly the little bit of motivation I needed to get my workout on!

Remember, you don't have to wait until tomorrow to start doing things right.  Just because you had a Big Mac and French Fries for lunch doesn't mean you can't have a smoothie and salad for supper and squeeze in 8 glasses of water!  Get going!  It's about consistency and lifestyle, so make it a part of your life, not a temporary solution to losing weight.  Be healthy and happy in the end instead of skinny.

5 Simple Ways To Make Time For Working Out

1. Schedule Your Workout
If it's in your day's plan, you're more likely to have time to fit in your workout.  If you don't plan on getting up at 5:30 to squeeze in a workout or you don't pencil it into your lunch hour, chances are, you won't find time for it.
2. Make Your Workout A Priority
If you think it is important, it is important.  It's that simple.
3. Forget What You Thought Was Important
The laundry, dishes and finishing that report that's due tomorrow aren't that pressing.  Your workout is more important than you may think.  It should become habit at some point in your day, if it's not already.  It will make you feel good, reduce stress and anxiety, and make you sleep better!
4. No Excuses
Whatever the excuse, it's just that....an excuse.
5. Just because the gym isn't nearby does not mean you can't workout.  A simple routine of 25 jumping jacks, 25 push-ups, 25 crunches, 25 squats can go a long way.  You don't need the gym!

What Are Your Goals?

I've been on my soapbox about goals before.  It's January.  Many people are in the midst of struggling with their New Year's Resolutions.  Why are your goals so unreachable?  Because you don't have an action plan?  So, say your goal is to lose 15 lbs....or if it's more or less, that's fine.  How are you going to do that?  Eating better?  Well, you don't just get to say "I'm going to eat better." and have it happen.  You have to define how you're going to eat better.  For instance, "I'm going to eat better by planning meals and snacks and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet.".  Now, THAT is an action plan.  "I'm going to lose 15 pounds this year by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet, planning meals and snacks, exercising daily when I get up and taking the stairs instead of the elevator."  Now, THAT is an action plan with a goal!  Get the difference?  Now, nobody but you can make those things happen, but if you at least have an idea of how you're going to reach your goal, you know what you have to do to get there.

Coming up, I'll talk about meeting resistance along the way and how to overcome the obstructions in your way; jumping the hurdles.

Oprah Motivation

HELP!

I'm addicted to root beer!  I need help.  This sugary, carbonated beverage has me hooked.  It brings back memories of hauling cattle with my dad.  I LOVE Barq's root beer!  However, I have to kick this addiction like a bad habit before it becomes unkickable!

Here's how I'm going to do this:
1. Substitute Water for Rootbeer
2. Not buy rootbeer at the grocery store
3. Stop drinking rootbeer!

Packing For Your Health

I'm doing a bit of traveling these days. (Check out my travel adventures on my blog about Farm Living.)  As I'm taking off for Memphis for a few days, I thought I'd share these tips with you!  Here's a start on my tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling:

Try Packing things like these:

• Dental Floss - keep it handy, nobody wants to eat a sticky carmel roll in the airport after they just flossed!
• Water! - Keep it on you at all times.  Dehydration hits at the worst times at 30,000 ft!
• Gum, sugar free - 1. It's good for your ears while flying 2. It'll curb hunger waiting at your gate and in the air.
• Shakeology - buy the individual packets and stick them in a shaker cup for a quick, healthy meal before a flight!  Just add milk, almond milk, soy milk or juice....surely you can find one in the airport!  AND, don't get duped by the free hotel breakfast, drink your shake...you planned it, right?  Or at least opt for oatmeal instead of pancakes.
• Pack the laptop & stick a workout DVD in the CD slot! - It'll be a constant reminder of the workout you shouldn't ignore just because you're not at home!

 Try these tricks on the road:

•  Grab an apple or banana in the airport or hotel.
• Skip the alcohol and have water, you need it!
• Speed walk in the airport and don't check your luggage, it'll help you pack lighter AND you'll get a better workout on the way to the gate!
• Wear comfy shoes.  Simple.
• Wear comfy pants.  Why wouldn't you?