Ready to Glow!
I'm back readers!!!! I have missed all of you & I am hoping all of you are still on board!
I apologize for my absence but I am eager to tell you what I have been up to!
First & foremost, I am the midst of contact with Weebly - the owner of my website - about making certain all of you get to subscribe to my blog for email updates. Several of you have requested this! I will let you know when this is possible - I hope soon! I know it's challenging to follow a blog when you don't know when I am going to post!
This brings me to my next update! I will be posting a new blog every single Monday. Soooo, come on to my site on Monday's for your 'Snapshots of Wellness' updates - woohooo!!
Gosh...yeah, so I took a break from blogging for awhile! I spent my time writing for mindbodygreen.com which is seriously the most amazing wellness site on the world wide web!
I applied for & accepted an Apprenticeship position with the famed Whitney Lauritsen at Eco-Vegan Gal (ecovegangal.com)! I am going to be learning everything from branding myself, photography, marketing my site, vlogging and stepping deeper into my plant based diet.
I will also be the Chicago face of Beagle Freedom Project (along with the beagles of course)! We start our Chicago Street Marketing campaign in June - and I cannot wait!
Finally, I am yet again going to revamp this website! I want to bring some vibrancy to each page, include a tab on products I endorse and a tab for video blogs!
Enjoy the start of this wonderful warm weather & stay tuned every single Monday for BLOGS!!! YAY!!!
In the spirit of Dara Dubinet, 'get your greens on'!!!!
Kelly Lynn
Freedom Fare
The following blog has been revised on April 23rd, 2013.
Freedom Fare in Chicago will begin on April 25th, 2013.
There are presently 167 of you joining me for 'Freedom Fare'!!!!!! We welcome anyone who is serious about a complete makeover of our overall wellness! We are now teaming with one of the Weight Watcher Chapters in Chicago.
Freedom Fare is going to be a 40 Day revamping of our relationships with food, others and ourselves - tall order! It's loaded with MASSIVE change and it's going to be hard which is why we are going to need one another for support! Change is incredibly uncomfortable however, I think if you can get through 7 days then change starts to get easier.
The name 'Freedom Fare' came about when a friend of mine told me that she wants me to participate in this Bible study. I know many of you aren't Christian and this post isn't about religion or Christianity whatsoever, so do read on. It is a series via a book/videos for me to read about how I can experience freedom in Christ & complete spiritual peace in Him.
This entire concept grew on me and got me thinking about my lifestyle the past 8 months and how incredibly unhealthy I have become in many ways related to my diet and otherwise. Isn't it amazing how - sometimes - you don't really know how far off track you have gotten until you are already there? I am lucky to have dear & honest loved ones who can point it out to me and point me back to the wellness road - mind, body, spirit. I have really gotten off track with healthy eating, healing, detoxing and caring for myself. Matter of fact, I was so off track that for the last two weeks, I have just been swimming in self pity, 'shoulda - woulda - coulda - basically, victimizing myself. You can only do this for so long. Lame.
So back to how 'Freedom Fare' came about...haha. I love what 'freedom' represents in the wellness world - freedom from illness, freedom from toxicity, freedom from being overweight, freedom from processed food, freedom from harming animals, freedom from the SAD lifestyle (Standard American Diet). I also love what 'freedom' stands for with finances - 'freedom from debt'. I adore what 'freedom' means with who we choose to spend time with - freedom from abusive people, freedom from gossip, freedom from negative naysayers, freedom from 'dysfunction'. And thus....'Freedom Fare' was born (0:
How does 'Freedom' fare with you???? I can tell you how it is going to 'fare' with 167 of us over the next 40 days!
Here are the rules:
- We will not cheat under any circumstances. Follow the plan as if your life depends on it - because it does. If you are as serious as I am about change and healing, you are going to follow through because you matter and you are worth it - and so I am.
- We will inform those close to us all about 'Freedom Fare' so that we can have supportive significant others vs. anyone that is going to tempt to derail us because this is going to tough!
- We will succeed!
- This is the EXACT plan I followed when I first started to get well after a traumatic health decline (diet portion & getting toxic peeps out of my life) It set me on a path to healing and it works.
- We will simply follow the plan regardless of what anyone thinks. You will hear a lot of opinions - we are going to ignore them.
FREEDOM FARE DIET & LIFESTYLE PLAN - 34 DAYS:
DIET
- No Dairy - NONE - 40 days (and hopefully never again).
- Gluten Free - as much as possible. I will leave this up to you but try to get gluten OUT of your diet.
- Fruit: Pineapple, Bananas, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, etc. Eat as much fruit as you want! If you want 5 bananas for breakfast, eat them.
- NO grains for 30 days - I know, this will be hard but you CAN have quinoa (really not a grain at all, it's a seed - get ready to get educated)!
- Wild Fish - I know all of you are not vegan so if you want to eat wild fish, go for it!
- Beans, Lentils, etc. - Organic - have at em. Add them to salads or simply as a side dish with added spices.
- Greens! As Dara Dubinet (daradubinet.com) would say 'Get your greens on'! Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard - your choice - eat them daily! If you cannot get them down by chewing, juice them or add them to your smoothies!!!
- NO white flour, pasta, sugar - no white 'anything'
- No other rules (0:
GET A JUMP ON YOUR DAY
- Set your alarm for the same time every single day and try (try) to go to bed for the next 40 days around the same time if you can during the week.
- Do some form of designated activity (exercise) before work and YES you have time. This could be: Walking your dog right when you get out of bed, doing standing lungs while you dry your hair, doing 20 push-ups upon waking or if you really have time, getting to a spin class before you start your day!
- It doesn't matter what it is - do something active upon waking for 15 minutes!
- We are going to get you 45 minutes of activity a day - yep! We are going to break up so that it IS possible and there are NO excuses even for those that are suffering from chronic fatigue or a chronic illness...or live chaotic lives (which is most of you).
STOP FOR SOME SILENCE
- 10 minutes a day minimum but if 10 is all you have, STOP EVERYTHING - meditate, pray, etc. No cell, no meetings, no facebook, no social media, no kids, no anything - silence - 10 minutes minimum! Breathe! Do not tell me you cannot do this - go into a bathroom if your life is so chaotic - take a lunch at work alone - turn off your phone. Bring your stress level down for 10 minutes a day by being silent and tending to your spiritual life.
EXERCISE - 6 days a week!
Your responsibility is to get 45 minutes of exercise a day for 6 days a week. This IS possible and can be broken up into 15 minute segments. You can do this and FREEDOM FARE is about creating new habits & changing unhealthy habits so it is meant to be challenging and uncomfortable! This was designed for all of you - regardless of your budget, health status, job demands, kids or no kids, etc. We can all do this and if you have joined Freedom Fare, you will.
- For those of you that can get in a 45 minute workout a day in one sitting, fab. Most of us cannot but you would be surprised how doable this is when you break it down. Here are some great ideas:
- 15 minutes of exercise in the morning (examples under 'Get a Jump Start on Your Day')
- 15 minutes of exercise at lunch: a walk in the park, speed walk to run lunch errands, a 15 jog through your neighborhood or wherever you work, 15 minutes of doing squats, lungs, light arm weights at your desk, park really far from Target and walk there - do whatcha gotz to do!
- 30 minutes of exercise in the evening and that can be anything you want at all! Combine exercise with being social or in your relationship! Jump rope, go bowling, walk on the treadmill while you watch New Girl, hit the gym, if you are married - have amazing & invigorating sex, go for a run with friends, etc.
- For those of you with limited activity due to illness - stretch your legs in bed, do leg lifts, arm circles, move your body from side to side, yoga poses, Pilates in bed - do your research.
PURCHASE:
- We are all going to go out and purchase the book 'Ultraprevention: The 6-Week Plan That Will Make You Healthy for Life by Mark Hyman and Mark Liponis.
- We will tackle this appraoch to health starting Day 38 but get the book sometime by the first 40 days of Freedom Fare!
- This book is amazing & will help change the scope of all of our health & our understanding of health! Get ready to be your own health advocate vs. relying 100% on your physicians!
- For simply 40 Days - you can do this - be kind to yourself! When you hear the negative voices in your head, respond with a positive affirmation of your own choice. Do not talk down to yourself about who you are, your health, your weight, your love life, your friendships, etc. Be Kind to YOU! 40 days - it's not that tall of an order.
- Be kind to others - chill out on the gossip...seriously!!!
- Be kind to your loved ones. Listen to them. Encourage them. Applaud them. Be affection. Be loving.
BEAUTIFY BEFORE BED:
- If you can, take your shower at night - blow out your hair - and wind down.
- This will give you more time in the morning to get moving!
- Also, try dry shampoo so you are not having to wash/dry hair every single day (it's not good to do the latter anyway).
- Beautifying before bed will help you relax and hopefully sleep better as well!
FINANCIAL FREEDOM:
- Google 'Dave Ramsey's Financial Freedom plan' and follow it! You can subscribe for free and if you have the money, buy his program!
- This one is simple, just do this! Follow Dave Ramsey's program - boom.
SPRING CLEANING-DECLUTTERING - ORGANIZING
- Put a trash bag in every single room of your house for the next 37 days.
- Hang them on doors or the back of doors on a hook, etc.
- After you shower or even go to the bathroom, open a bathroom drawer and start to rid your house of some unnecessary items.
- When you are watching tv, sit at your desk and toss old files, cards, pens, etc. We all have those 'junk drawers'.
- When you are making dinner, toss out old spices and anything else in your cupboards that you are not currently using.
- Do one major spring cleaning project, one day a week for the next 40 Days. Clean out your closet, pack up old clothes for Salvation Army, give old books to a second hand book store or to a Women's Shelter who needs them.
This is FREEDOM FARE!!!! We started tomorrow - April 25th!!!! Day 1 of 40 is underway!! If you want to join us, come on! We'd love to have you!!!
You are going to initially feel overwhelmed by Freedom Fare because you are making so many changes at once! Expect this!
You are going to feel potentially tired as you begin exercising 45 minutes a day AND eating primarily whole plant based foods! Expect this & rather than be alarmed and go back to bad habits, smile to yourself and realize that change is in progress!!! You need to get over this 'hump' to reach true FREEDOM of mind, body and spirit so keep going!!!!
Change is hard but then it's so easy - let's get through this together!
Cheers to vibrant health & wellness!!!!
Kelly Lynn
P.S. I am trying to work with Weebly (the owner of my website) on getting a link so that all of you can get my website/blogs in your email inbox each week.
GO BANANAS!!!!!
If you don't love bananas know, you might wanna ((((0:.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
DEPRESSION:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
ANEMIA:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
BLOOD PRESSURE:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
BRAIN POWER:
200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
CONSTIPATION:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
HANGOVERS:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
HEARTBURN:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
MORNING SICKNESS:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
MOSQUITO BITES:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
NERVES:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
ULCERS:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'
Top Five Reasons to Wake Up Early
by Chris Mahlmann
Hi readers! It's been awhile since my last post as I have been spending time interviewing Guest Bloggers. We have some amazing wellness content coming your way. I want to remind you that while all of the content via 'Snapshots of Wellness' may seen varied, it always has an underlying and connecting theme and that is health.
As I was perusing social media for articles that I thought would benefit all of you, I came across this particular article by Chris Mahlmann. I think Chris's article 'Top Five Reasons to Wake Up Early' is not only well written, inspiring, attention grabbing and fab but, it also encompasses 'Snapshots of Wellness' goal perfectly and that is - how making healthy decisions will impact your entire life. I love this particular article and I hope all of you benefit from them as well!
Take it away Chris & thank you so kindly for allowing us to feature your writing on my website:
Top 5 Reasons to Wake Up Early
by Chris Mahlmann
Over the past year, I have accidentally developed the habit of getting to bed and waking up very early. No matter how hard I try, its difficult to sleep past 6:00 or 7:00am. Before I would have said you’re crazy, waking up early is for the birds; now I sing a much different tune, so I wanted to share with you, my Top 5 Reasons To Wake Up Early.
1. Sunrise
My morning ritual is to wake up, hop out of bed (turn my swag on), make myself a cup of coffee, grab my iPhone, step out on to my patio and proceed to conduct my own mini-photo shoot of the sun rising behind the city of Chicago. There is something very inspiring about watching the sunrise with our beautiful city in the foreground. It reminds us to rise again, we have yet another fresh start in a sea of people and opportunity.
2. Breakfast Time
If you’re up for the sunrise, chances are, you’re up with enough time to make yourself a good healthy breakfast. Everyone has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I didn’t know why, so I did a little research and found out more. [Read Here] For me though, breakfast time is about more than just the meal. It also comes with its own set of rituals. I put on music while I cook, I check my email, read world and industry related news and check my social networks. Multitasking while I cook allows me to clear the social clutter before I sit down at my desk and start doing actual work.
3. Productivity & Energy
Mornings, for me at least, are the most productive time of day. I like to do my creative tasks in the morning. I brainstorm creative marketing campaigns for clients, work on graphic and web design and do some writing. I tend to get a lot more done by starting on my work in the morning. Morning is also my time to exercise. While admittedly I have just started this new habit and would hardly call myself consistent, I have definitely found that its easiest and I have the most energy when I run or work out in the morning.
4. Goal Tracking
Do you have specific daily, weekly or monthly goals? If not, I suggest you create some right now! Taking the time to identify specific goals, planning out the steps it will take to achieve them and making an effort to track them daily, weekly and monthly will be one of the most life-changing things you can do for yourself. The goals I have set are related to work, clients, family, health, fitness and finance, but goals could span any number of life areas. Working on goals in the morning is motivating and is an early reminder of the steps you have to take to achieve them.
5. CEO’s & Business Leaders Wake Up Early
I read a Business Insider article about 23 Successful People Who Wake Up Really Early. If you study success like I do, you’ll find that there are many more inspirational figures who advocate for early rising, take the photo in this post for example. One of Benjamin Franklin’s most well known quotes is, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” So if you don’t take my word for it, go read what these 23 really successful people have to say!
If you like waking up early, or you think I’m totally crazy and you have every reason why I’m wrong, let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, thanks for reading!
Chris Mahlmann
If you would like to hear more from Chris or contact him directly regarding his article, follow the links below.
Social Media Connections for Chris Mahlmann are as follows:
http://www.mahlmannmedia.com
http://facebook.com/MahlmannMedia
http://www.twitter.com/Mahlmedia
As I was perusing social media for articles that I thought would benefit all of you, I came across this particular article by Chris Mahlmann. I think Chris's article 'Top Five Reasons to Wake Up Early' is not only well written, inspiring, attention grabbing and fab but, it also encompasses 'Snapshots of Wellness' goal perfectly and that is - how making healthy decisions will impact your entire life. I love this particular article and I hope all of you benefit from them as well!
Take it away Chris & thank you so kindly for allowing us to feature your writing on my website:
Top 5 Reasons to Wake Up Early
by Chris Mahlmann
Over the past year, I have accidentally developed the habit of getting to bed and waking up very early. No matter how hard I try, its difficult to sleep past 6:00 or 7:00am. Before I would have said you’re crazy, waking up early is for the birds; now I sing a much different tune, so I wanted to share with you, my Top 5 Reasons To Wake Up Early.
1. Sunrise
My morning ritual is to wake up, hop out of bed (turn my swag on), make myself a cup of coffee, grab my iPhone, step out on to my patio and proceed to conduct my own mini-photo shoot of the sun rising behind the city of Chicago. There is something very inspiring about watching the sunrise with our beautiful city in the foreground. It reminds us to rise again, we have yet another fresh start in a sea of people and opportunity.
2. Breakfast Time
If you’re up for the sunrise, chances are, you’re up with enough time to make yourself a good healthy breakfast. Everyone has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I didn’t know why, so I did a little research and found out more. [Read Here] For me though, breakfast time is about more than just the meal. It also comes with its own set of rituals. I put on music while I cook, I check my email, read world and industry related news and check my social networks. Multitasking while I cook allows me to clear the social clutter before I sit down at my desk and start doing actual work.
3. Productivity & Energy
Mornings, for me at least, are the most productive time of day. I like to do my creative tasks in the morning. I brainstorm creative marketing campaigns for clients, work on graphic and web design and do some writing. I tend to get a lot more done by starting on my work in the morning. Morning is also my time to exercise. While admittedly I have just started this new habit and would hardly call myself consistent, I have definitely found that its easiest and I have the most energy when I run or work out in the morning.
4. Goal Tracking
Do you have specific daily, weekly or monthly goals? If not, I suggest you create some right now! Taking the time to identify specific goals, planning out the steps it will take to achieve them and making an effort to track them daily, weekly and monthly will be one of the most life-changing things you can do for yourself. The goals I have set are related to work, clients, family, health, fitness and finance, but goals could span any number of life areas. Working on goals in the morning is motivating and is an early reminder of the steps you have to take to achieve them.
5. CEO’s & Business Leaders Wake Up Early
I read a Business Insider article about 23 Successful People Who Wake Up Really Early. If you study success like I do, you’ll find that there are many more inspirational figures who advocate for early rising, take the photo in this post for example. One of Benjamin Franklin’s most well known quotes is, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” So if you don’t take my word for it, go read what these 23 really successful people have to say!
If you like waking up early, or you think I’m totally crazy and you have every reason why I’m wrong, let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, thanks for reading!
Chris Mahlmann
If you would like to hear more from Chris or contact him directly regarding his article, follow the links below.
Social Media Connections for Chris Mahlmann are as follows:
http://www.mahlmannmedia.com
http://facebook.com/MahlmannMedia
http://www.twitter.com/Mahlmedia
No Bake Chocolate Macaroons
Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, grain-free
www.ohsheglows.com
I am making these this Thursday for guests coming on Friday! How ideal?! Macaroons that are 'no bake' and have the nutritional punch of being vegan, gluten-free, nut-free AND grain-free. Sign me up! Thanks Angela over at www.ohsheglows.com for this recipe!!!
Email, text, or print this recipe
Yield: 12 macaroons
Ingredients:
- 1 banana, finely mashed
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 1.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- small pinch of fine grain sea salt, to taste
2. Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until combined. Now stir in the coconut, optional chia seeds, and fine grain sea salt to taste.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick mat. Using a spoon or retractable ice cream scooper, scoop rounds onto the sheet. Place sheet in the freezer for around 20 minutes, or until macaroons are firm. Store in the freezer until ready to enjoy. They will soften at room temperature.
For nutritional info, see here.
Creating Energized Wellness into your Relationship
{while we ride out the winter}
Brrrr!!!!! Baby it's cold outside in Chicago!!!!
This is the time of year when this season get's a bit boring, life 'stale' and seasonal melancholy sinks in. Weight piles on and people are just starting to get 'antsy', some depressed & some just darn fed up.
This happens in relationships too and it just seems there is not much to do! Well it is an ideal time to introduce wellness activities into your relationship - it will energize you, prep you for Spring/Summer and just make you feel better - while igniting the romance!
You & your honey UP your wellness journey as a couple & have some fun while you both 'ride out the winter' wave with any of these activities:
- Choose a yummy healthy meal together from your favorite cookbook, head to Whole Foods together and make a delicious dinner - together. It's so fun to both get involved in the kitchen - put on some music - start a fire and curl up in a blanket to watch a movie. This is a perfect date night while the crazy weather whistles in the background!
- Hot Chocolate date & a movie - Walk to Starbucks, warm your hands and belly with some hot chocolate (they have the best), take a stroll through the neighborhood and end the evening at the movie theater - so many awesome movies out right now!
- Hit the gym....together! Pilates, yoga, workout class, treadmills - sweat it out with your man or woman!
- Chili/game night! Have a couple of friends over, make a big pot of chili and play a fun game! So fun!
- When/if the weather is really bad, nap together all day, read, talk about plans for when it warms up, plan a vacation....enjoy the downtime - it's good for your bodies, minds and spirits!
- If you do want to get outdoors and brave the cold, get athletic! Ice skate, sled, snow trek, ski, etc. You get the idea!!!! No money? Have a snowball fight!
Eat healthy together, love one another, workout together - movvveeee your bods, laugh and LOVE - and you'll start to LOVE and appreciate the winter!
Kelly Lynn
If I was a 'Teacher', 'Mother' or 'Wife', I would have my students, children and family watch this lecture.
I don't care if they are vegan, meat/animal eaters, eat only fish but no dairy, etc. It's about being properly educated and once you are, then deciding for yourself.
101 Reasons to Go Vegan
Maintaining Low Blood Pressure until you find the 'root cause':
If you suffer from Orthostatic Intolerance (better known as 'low blood pressure'), there is a root cause as to why. Low blood pressure is so disruptive to your life and sometimes finding out the root cause of any health challenge takes years.
While you are on your quest to figure out your cause - and please do not give up in finding it (never settle) - included below are the BEST Natural Remedies I have found to bring your blood pressure up to an optimal level.
The juice of raw beetroot is one of the most effective home remedies for low blood pressure. The patient should drink a cup of this juice twice daily for treating this condition Considerable improvement will be noticeable within a week.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Indian SpikenardThe herb Indian spikenard is another effective home remedy for low blood pressure. It should be taken in doses of thirty to forty grains with a pinch of a little camphor and cinnamon (cinnamon). An infusion can also be prepared by steeping 15 to 20 gm of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water, and taking it thrice a day.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using Epsom Salts BathHot Epsom salt bath are one of the simplest remedy for low blood pressure. An Epsom salt bath is prepared by dissolving one to one and half kg of commercial Epsom Salt in an ordinary bath of hot water. The patient should remain immersed in the bath for ten to twenty minutes. This bath should be taken just before retiring to bed, and care should be exercised not to catch a chill afterwards.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using NutrientsProtein, vitamin C, and all vitamins of the B group have been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of low blood pressure. Of these, pantothenic acid is of particular importance. Liberal use of this vitamin alone often helps in raising the blood pressure. A diet which contains adequate quantities of complete proteins, B vitamin and, particularly, the nutrients that stimulate adrenal production, quickly normalizes low blood pressure.
Low Blood Pressure treatment using SaltThe use of salt is valuable in low blood pressure. Until the blood pressure reaches normal levels through proper dietary and other remedies, it is essential that the patient should take salty foods and half a teaspoon of salt in water daily.
Don't Let a Trauma Define You
While Mastin and I have different religious beliefs, some of his writing impacts me as this has article below. The link to the website is below the article.
First some of my own thoughts:
If you have experienced a long endured health trauma like myself, the 'waking up' process takes about a full year after the dust has settled. It's such a long walk of faith that it blows my mind - truly. There comes a time though when you have to accept the loss of control that you never fully had anyway - none of us do. This has been such a wake-up call to me recently that it is aiding in the last phase of emotional healing.
The last phase of healing in my health 'story' is definitely emotional. The physical trauma was devastating but the emotional aftermath has been a rebuilding process that I was not prepared for. Through my own experience of losing the health as I knew it & consequently my life, I developed massive control issues because I was unable to control anything that was happening to me so, the first things that I can grasp that I was able to control, I held on 'too tight'. I have since -very recently - loosened my grip realizing that I don't care to be controlled so why attempt to control any situation? Ultimately, I want my circumstances to work out exactly how the Lord intended them too and if I got my way (and it wasn't HIS), it wouldn't be too great anyway.
So in the past week, I have started to feel more like the authentic 'me' b/c I didn't have these control issues to this degree prior to illness - and I know all of you who have experienced what I have - know exactly what I am talking about - I know you 'get it'.
Well you do reach a point (as with most things) where you don't even have to 'decide' that it's time to let go....you simply just do naturally and you move forward. You leave it all behind and your story completely changes organically. I think you know when you have truly let go because you won't have to tell anyone, you just smile because it happened and others will eventually catch on because they see you living life differently (0:
Please read what Mastin has to say in his article titled 'Let Go of Trauma & Choose Empowerment'.
If something really gnarly happens in your life and then you go seek help, in Western society many caretakers will tell you that you had some kind of "trauma". And then boom, once you hear that, most people identify with it and then, in some cases, that trauma becomes their identity, not just an event that happened in their life.
Let us review the definition of trauma from the good ole Merriam Webster's:
Trauma (n): A disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury.
A lot of people get so identified with what happened that they stay there, always identified by what happened and in many cases use that identification as an excuse not to grow.
Now, I am by NO MEANS diminishing that fact that crazy shit happens in life. Bad things happen to good people. There are all kinds of suffering in the world. But that doesn't have to be where we LIVE!
You see, there are some key words in Webster's definition.
The first word is "state". The state you are in changes during the day. Sometimes you are in a sleep state, sometimes you are in a groggy state, sometimes you are in an excited state, and if you are lucky enough to be with a partner you Love and end up getting busy with them, you can be in a pretty excited state, too.
We humans can be in all kinds of different states. The state that we go into when we experience a trauma is totally normal and natural. But afterwards, because we are co-creators of our life, the state we stay in is up to us. This is why I love it when Tony Robbins said that there are no such things as victims, because once the event happens it's up to us to choose to stay in a victim identity or choose an empowered story and become stronger.
I can hear some of you right now screaming, "YES MASTIN BUT I WAS ________" and then fill in the blank. I'm not saying that these things didn't happen and in that moment you aren't a victim. Of course you are. But after that moment happens, how you live your life, where you choose to live emotionally is up to you and the meaning you give the events of your life! Moments of victimhood happen, a life of being a victim is chosen and we become a victim of our choice to identify with that moment, instead of growing past it.
The goal is not to avoid pain or to deny what happened to us; the goal is to learn that we have the power within us to change and that starts by not letting an event define us. Instead, we know that painful events happen and when they do, we give them an empowering meaning and choose not to relive and make our identity the trauma that we felt.
Who you are is infinite; you are a child of The Uni-verse and you have been sent here with a specific gift that is only yours to express. The events that occur, happen to shape us, to mold us and to help us step into who we are supposed to be. You are not broken. You do not need to be fixed. You are eternal and a part of a living Uni-verse that supports you. Give us your gift and don't stay stuck in a moment and let your whole life be defined by one event. You are so much more than that!
As always, the action happens over on the BLOG; head on over there and leave a comment on my blog "Let go of trauma and choose empowerment!" and join in the conversation! The TDL Community thrives in the comments and it's a GREAT place to get support!
Love,
Mastin
Take what resonates with you in this blog and leave the rest.
www.thedailylove.com
Weekly Round-UP! What I am LOVING & INSPIRED by this past week!!!
Happy Weekend!!!
This has been my favorite week of 2013!!!! I feel like I was more inspired this week than ever! I will share all that I am inspired by below!
I hope all of you have a fab weekend & really enJOY each day ahead! Leave work behind, leave bills behind and just practice JOY!
I love writing for all of you and pray I am aiding you in your wellness journey! Let me know if there are any particular topics that you want hear about k.lynn@hotmail.com or contact me on one of my many social media outlets above!
I hope all of you have a fab weekend & really enJOY each day ahead! Leave work behind, leave bills behind and just practice JOY!
I love writing for all of you and pray I am aiding you in your wellness journey! Let me know if there are any particular topics that you want hear about k.lynn@hotmail.com or contact me on one of my many social media outlets above!
FabFitFun by G. Rancic
weekly round-up/feb.2013
Loving this Bulu Box discussed on G's website today! I want it!!!! How fabulous!
Read all about it here but included below is an excerpt: http://fabfitfun.com/bulu-box-sponsored-post
A package of 4-5 samples of the latest and greatest premium vitamins, health, and weight loss supplements is delivered to you monthly for only $10! This gives you the chance to try out products and review them without having to buy a big bottle that you may not like. Genius!
And if you do discover a particular product that you love, the Rewards Points Program allows you to get a full-size with points earned by reviewing, sharing, completing surveys, and even just for tweeting! Check out how the reward system works here.
Choose from month-to-month, three-month, six-month and 12-month subscription types. Each box is a feel-good discovery and hidden inside a few lucky boxes each month are B.A.M.M. certificates. Find one and you win Bad Ass Monthly Motivation such as sports watches, Nike+ Kinect, or a FitBit!
And just in time for bikini season Bulu Box has released a fab, super fit new box focusing specifically on weight loss. So kick that oversized caftan to the curb — because this spring it’s all about looking your best in that itty-bitty Brazilian bikini!
Get a six-month Bulu Box subscription for just $50 plus a two-week supply of Lean 180! Just use coupon code FABFIT when you check out with a six-month subscription.
Hurry, this offer is only available while supplies last (which could be shorter than T.Swift’s next relationship!).
xx, The FabFitFun Team
Darcy Demmel Photographyweekly round-up/feb.2013
You can find Darcy Demmel's work at:
www.darcydemmel.com &
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darcy-Demmel-Photography/140723239331498
I am getting photographed by her this upcoming week and I am thrilled as I just think her work is phenomenal!
When a photographer captures the essence of who a person is, that's fabulous photography. She does this! I will share digitals soon!
Nature Yoga
weekly round-up/feb.2013
Also inspired by....
My sweet boyfriend got me yoga classes for Valentine's Day!
Honestly, this is the best gift and I feel beyond inspired to get healthier - be a Superhero (aka read The Kind Diet to find out what that means) - and fall head over heals in love with taking care of ME!!!
I had the best Valentine's Day - I used to think the holiday was cheesy but fall in love and next thing ya know, I am all in (0: My boyfriend took me to this neighborhood hideaway that was a mix of casual, trendy & intimate - called Tocca in Wicker Park - Chicago. Sooo yummy - actually I think it was his company & the ambiance that I found most delicious!
Friendsweekly round-up/feb.2013
Finally, I am incredibly inspired by my friends this week - new, old, distant and close!
If you do not have any friends or many friends - just approach someone at your church or on a meetup.com group and ask them to do something with you!
My boyfriend and I are building our own new circle of friends and we recently just approached a couple from our church - just walked up to the guy and asked if he and his wife would like to do brunch sometime with us - he was so into and said they are looking to build new friendships too! All it takes is overcoming a couple of seconds of what may feel like awkwardness and you realize how easy it was!
My friends Laleh, Missi, Julienne and Erick inspired me this week, made me laugh and always make me feel that I am loved just as a I am (0:
Have a stellar weekend everyone!
Loving this recipe by Whitney Lauritsen (Eco-Vegan Gal at ecovegangal.com) for Valentine's Day for your honey (((0:
You're Amazing, Just the Way You Are.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Chloe love.
I am recommitting myself to veganism and yet sick of hearing myself talk about my diet or lack there of. I have enlisted a Nutritionist from Whole Health Chicago which I never thought I needed....until now.
When you go vegan, if you are not educated, you can not only become an 'unhealthy' vegan but you can become actually sick - so you have to be smart & wise in your choices. Giving up acidic and antibiotic filled meat and dairy is always a healthy decision for everyone but diving into a vegan diet without the correct balance of nutrients can be a recipe for lethargy and actual weight gain which no one ever told me.
When I meet with my Nutritionist, I will share all of her direction with all of you - so you can get all of the healthy diet advice...for FREE! I love when people share the love and advice for the rest of us - many people have done that for me so I wanted to do it for you!
This brings me to Chef Chloe who I have just discovered & loving her blog below:
http://chefchloe.com/latest-news.html
She is a healthy vegan and shares her approach, journey and recipes in several of her books! She is also a winner of cupcake wars which is one of my favorite shows!
Rewarded for being Vegan
by Gentle World
http://gentleworld.org/rewarded-for-being-vegan/
`
Contrary to what many people believe, veganism extends far beyond dietary choices. For those who are committed to the cause of ending animal exploitation, leather, wool, silk and down go out the window alongside meat, dairy, eggs, honey and all other ingredients that involve animal use. This paradigm shift in perspective is all-encompassing, and extends to every area of life where animal products are used.
But for many people, the transition to being vegan begins with the obvious shift toward eliminating animal-based foods. Since animal products are so toxic to the human body, many people report that their health dramatically improves as a result.
Over many years of encouraging people to become vegan, Gentle Worlders have had the remarkable privilege of witnessing the wonderful physical benefits that occur when individuals take advantage of this amazing opportunity. From eliminating asthma and hayfever to curing chronic conditions and diseases, a vegan diet offers benefits to anyone and everyone.
At the beginning of this year, Gentle World volunteer M Butterflies Katz asked her Facebook friends a very simple question:
“What physical conditions have miraculously gone away since you became vegan?”
Vegan friends came out in force to share their stories. Following are some of our favorites…
Sue: My asthma – which I thought would kill me by the time I was 40 – disappeared completely in just a few weeks. From the constant use of two kinds of inhaler and being threatened with steroid injections I went to wheeze-free and I haven’t needed meds for 17 years. I also stopped having colds. I get the occasional sniffle but never anything serious. I get what I call colds but they only last 24 or 48 hours and are nothing like the ones I used to get before I went vegan.
Julie: I switched to a vegan diet for the animals. Nothing else. I had no idea the health benefits that would follow! My goodness. IBS: gone! Migraines: gone! What I thought were allergy symptoms: gone!
David: I used to get sick a lot. Since becoming Vegan I don’t… ever. And this is also because the mind is now cleansed of confusing internal debate. Going Vegan is like a breath of fresh air and life just makes sense!
Robin: My husband thinks it has relieved his arthritis. He mentioned this in passing and I googled it and found out veganism has often been cited as a contributing factor in alleviating arthritis.
Billy: Many! Indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation (I was lucky if I went to the bathroom twice a week), hemorrhoids, depression, skin problems, aching joints, tooth decay, bad breath, and that’s just a few caused by dairy products. Since I ditched that killer, I am a new man! I never ate meat anyway so I know dairy was the culprit.
Stacie: I have a family history of IBS. Everyone on my Mom’s side of the family has severe bouts of it. As a vegetarian, my symptoms were mild, but when it was bad it was really bad. Since going vegan – no more symptoms!
Barbara: My genetically high cholesterol went down 100 points and has stayed down. I am able to eat whatever I want for the first time in my life.
Elizabeth: My lifelong horrible acne got cured… I stopped getting colds and flu. I am not exaggerating. STOPPED. However it took over a year after switching the diet for this to come about. The first year or so I reckon I was still detoxing the animal products out of my body, so I still had acne and got my yearly flu and cold. But only that first year. Since then, nothing. And that is after 20 years of acne, and many many years of getting at least one horrible flu bug (usually around Christmas for some reason) plus one or two colds every year.
Diane: I’ve had bouts of depression most of my life, but not once since becoming vegan almost 6 months ago. Also, I no longer have mid-afternoon energy slumps, and I’ve lost most of the stubborn excess pounds I never was able to lose before!
Julie: Acid reflux disease. Migraines. IBS. Those are gone. I also have arthritis…though it is not gone, what used to be extreme pain in my hands and knees is very minimal now. It amazes me every day.
Laura: I used to have an unexplained skin problem, I used to get groups of sores that wouldn’t heal on my arms, chest and upper back, had it for years and years. After I became vegan they cleared up. I’m assuming it was either an allergy or a hormone imbalance caused by dairy. I’m also no longer anaemic. I never passed the iron test at blood donations before I was vegan.
Don: Lower back pain and sinus infections have virtually disappeared. I used to get 2-3 bad sinus problems a year, and have had just one in the last 21 dairy-free years.
Alexa: My post-traumatic arthritis doesn’t hurt as much; or for as long. Also, I feel like my reflexes got better. I catch myself in a skid and I’m able to stop it rather than landing painfully on the ground.
John: I lost about twenty pounds of body fat. Also, since I began drinking green smoothies two years ago, I have not been sick. I’ve also had more energy and been more passionate about life since I became a vegan.
Dianne: Headaches and migraines. I still get them but not as often and not so severe.
Billy: I had a headache all the time too! Another thing – I always had that fungus thing with my toenails. Gone now! I also seldom ever get sinus infections or even colds or flu. Veganism is the way to go! Not just for better health, but for the animals, that’s all I really care about. But feeling better is nice too…
Tierra: When I went vegetarian 31 yrs ago, my monthly migraines decreased by 95% – they are rare and are stress induced rather than due to hormonal imbalances brought on by meat and dairy. And even though I was 90% vegan for the past 10 years, I didn’t realize even that much dairy was giving me wretched indigestion! After going 100% vegan, that’s gone! Antacids are a thing of the past for me and for my husband who no longer needs medication for that.
Emma: I don’t get all the normal bugs and infections that the mass population gets. I haven’t had a cold or flu for at least five years.
Marilyn: My Multiple Sclerosis SHUT UP!!!!
Amanda: Chronic eczema and irritable bowel syndrome disappeared within a month of going vegan. Numerous specialists had never once suggested I try giving up dairy. 27 years later still as healthy as ever.
Selena: I don’t have upset stomachs anymore!!! I don’t give my digestive system such a hard time! I love being vegan!
Rex: 30 years ago I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Well… I am still here.
Robin: I used to have terrible Rosacea! And now I literally have that porcelain skin that I always dreamt about!! Clear skin and a clear conscience. My doctor put me on some pills to help it (go figure) and of course they never did… once I went totally vegan, BAM. Gone. Pills: Gone. Doctor: Gone. Now I see these commercials for those pills and it drives me crazy! I just want to jump in the TV, push all those silly actors out of the way & scream just GO VEGAN!! Btw, I didn’t go vegan to help my skin. I went vegan for the animals and environment. I’ve just always looked at my skin problem being gone (and just feeling wonderful in general) as a little thank you from the planet and animals for doing the right thing!
Robert: There`s a whole bunch of health benefits I experienced. I also lost 35 lbs without even trying – all I did was go vegan. I feel really light now, and have energy like I never had.
Suzanne: I had a terrible skin condition for about two years and tried all creams and potions etc… Nothing really did any good, but within two weeks of a vegan diet it went away.
Christine: I used to have some pretty intense joint pain in my fingers if I squeezed them; that’s now gone. I had acid reflux for about six years, and that went away too. I’ve lost almost 30 lbs and my skin is clear. Gotta love that! Oh… and I also had a problem with mucous in my head. That’s gone away too! I guess it was in my lungs and worked its way throughout the body.
Paul: A curious one: I lost a lifelong allergy to peanuts. And a more common one: weight loss and more immunity to flus and colds.
Martina: I stopped needing my reading glasses. Same for my mom, who became vegan in her eighties.
Alexa: I stopped getting Charliehorses in my calves and calcium spots on my fingernails.
Deborah: 30 lbs of fat!!! Very nice side benefit. OH… Gout – I had that bad in my big toes. No more! I became Vegan for the animals without a thought to the health benefits which just seem to be never ending!!
Jenn: I have been healed from IBS since going vegan. Every day I am grateful and amazed! It was a miracle for my life.
Rat: IBS and I never get colds or flu I lost weight too changing from just veggie to vegan as did my girlfriend. PMT is nowhere near as bad either when you’re vegan also, as you are not consuming extra hormones in your food! But I also did it for ethical reasons not health. But I always am aware of the health of being vegan; it is the best for your body and mind!
Sue: I rarely get a cold (twice in 17 years in case you’re interested) and when I do it’s barely noticeable. The big thing for me was that my asthma, which was simply getting worse and worse on the drugs I was on, disappeared completely.
Kathleen: Asthma and allergies! and all the horrible meds that went with them.
Heidi: High Blood Pressure! No more meds!!!!
Chandra: Asthma flare-ups from dairy
Harold: Chronic fatigue syndrome/Epstein Barr Syndrome, and heart disease.
Philippa: I lost weight, going from Vegetarian to Vegan, cutting out cheese and other dairy was a big change on my body… But health had nothing to do with it for me; I would still be doing it if it was hard on my health.
Jennifer: Since giving up dairy I’ve had only a few sore throats (vs getting them every month or two). They only last a few days instead of weeks. So wonderful!
Stephanie: I haven’t gotten any food poisoning in the past four years. I used to throw up at least once a year after eating at a restaurant but it hasn’t happened since.
Jay: Spare tires… and aches in leg joints caused by carrying excess weight.
Nick: My Hyperthyroidism.
Chris: A chemical imbalance in my brain that made me stupid But seriously, The worst “cold” I’ve had in four years since being vegan is a runny nose! I’m also running further than I ever could before.
Faye: I don’t get colds and flus, throat and chest infections any more.
Mandy: No colds since going veg and no allergies either!
Nick: Colds still happen but take care of themselves.
Liliya: To be honest, I feel lighter in my heart and soul, and that’s important to me…
Contrary to what many people believe, veganism extends far beyond dietary choices. For those who are committed to the cause of ending animal exploitation, leather, wool, silk and down go out the window alongside meat, dairy, eggs, honey and all other ingredients that involve animal use. This paradigm shift in perspective is all-encompassing, and extends to every area of life where animal products are used.
But for many people, the transition to being vegan begins with the obvious shift toward eliminating animal-based foods. Since animal products are so toxic to the human body, many people report that their health dramatically improves as a result.
Over many years of encouraging people to become vegan, Gentle Worlders have had the remarkable privilege of witnessing the wonderful physical benefits that occur when individuals take advantage of this amazing opportunity. From eliminating asthma and hayfever to curing chronic conditions and diseases, a vegan diet offers benefits to anyone and everyone.
At the beginning of this year, Gentle World volunteer M Butterflies Katz asked her Facebook friends a very simple question:
“What physical conditions have miraculously gone away since you became vegan?”
Vegan friends came out in force to share their stories. Following are some of our favorites…
Sue: My asthma – which I thought would kill me by the time I was 40 – disappeared completely in just a few weeks. From the constant use of two kinds of inhaler and being threatened with steroid injections I went to wheeze-free and I haven’t needed meds for 17 years. I also stopped having colds. I get the occasional sniffle but never anything serious. I get what I call colds but they only last 24 or 48 hours and are nothing like the ones I used to get before I went vegan.
Julie: I switched to a vegan diet for the animals. Nothing else. I had no idea the health benefits that would follow! My goodness. IBS: gone! Migraines: gone! What I thought were allergy symptoms: gone!
David: I used to get sick a lot. Since becoming Vegan I don’t… ever. And this is also because the mind is now cleansed of confusing internal debate. Going Vegan is like a breath of fresh air and life just makes sense!
Robin: My husband thinks it has relieved his arthritis. He mentioned this in passing and I googled it and found out veganism has often been cited as a contributing factor in alleviating arthritis.
Billy: Many! Indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation (I was lucky if I went to the bathroom twice a week), hemorrhoids, depression, skin problems, aching joints, tooth decay, bad breath, and that’s just a few caused by dairy products. Since I ditched that killer, I am a new man! I never ate meat anyway so I know dairy was the culprit.
Stacie: I have a family history of IBS. Everyone on my Mom’s side of the family has severe bouts of it. As a vegetarian, my symptoms were mild, but when it was bad it was really bad. Since going vegan – no more symptoms!
Barbara: My genetically high cholesterol went down 100 points and has stayed down. I am able to eat whatever I want for the first time in my life.
Elizabeth: My lifelong horrible acne got cured… I stopped getting colds and flu. I am not exaggerating. STOPPED. However it took over a year after switching the diet for this to come about. The first year or so I reckon I was still detoxing the animal products out of my body, so I still had acne and got my yearly flu and cold. But only that first year. Since then, nothing. And that is after 20 years of acne, and many many years of getting at least one horrible flu bug (usually around Christmas for some reason) plus one or two colds every year.
Diane: I’ve had bouts of depression most of my life, but not once since becoming vegan almost 6 months ago. Also, I no longer have mid-afternoon energy slumps, and I’ve lost most of the stubborn excess pounds I never was able to lose before!
Julie: Acid reflux disease. Migraines. IBS. Those are gone. I also have arthritis…though it is not gone, what used to be extreme pain in my hands and knees is very minimal now. It amazes me every day.
Laura: I used to have an unexplained skin problem, I used to get groups of sores that wouldn’t heal on my arms, chest and upper back, had it for years and years. After I became vegan they cleared up. I’m assuming it was either an allergy or a hormone imbalance caused by dairy. I’m also no longer anaemic. I never passed the iron test at blood donations before I was vegan.
Don: Lower back pain and sinus infections have virtually disappeared. I used to get 2-3 bad sinus problems a year, and have had just one in the last 21 dairy-free years.
Alexa: My post-traumatic arthritis doesn’t hurt as much; or for as long. Also, I feel like my reflexes got better. I catch myself in a skid and I’m able to stop it rather than landing painfully on the ground.
John: I lost about twenty pounds of body fat. Also, since I began drinking green smoothies two years ago, I have not been sick. I’ve also had more energy and been more passionate about life since I became a vegan.
Dianne: Headaches and migraines. I still get them but not as often and not so severe.
Billy: I had a headache all the time too! Another thing – I always had that fungus thing with my toenails. Gone now! I also seldom ever get sinus infections or even colds or flu. Veganism is the way to go! Not just for better health, but for the animals, that’s all I really care about. But feeling better is nice too…
Tierra: When I went vegetarian 31 yrs ago, my monthly migraines decreased by 95% – they are rare and are stress induced rather than due to hormonal imbalances brought on by meat and dairy. And even though I was 90% vegan for the past 10 years, I didn’t realize even that much dairy was giving me wretched indigestion! After going 100% vegan, that’s gone! Antacids are a thing of the past for me and for my husband who no longer needs medication for that.
Emma: I don’t get all the normal bugs and infections that the mass population gets. I haven’t had a cold or flu for at least five years.
Marilyn: My Multiple Sclerosis SHUT UP!!!!
Amanda: Chronic eczema and irritable bowel syndrome disappeared within a month of going vegan. Numerous specialists had never once suggested I try giving up dairy. 27 years later still as healthy as ever.
Selena: I don’t have upset stomachs anymore!!! I don’t give my digestive system such a hard time! I love being vegan!
Rex: 30 years ago I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Well… I am still here.
Robin: I used to have terrible Rosacea! And now I literally have that porcelain skin that I always dreamt about!! Clear skin and a clear conscience. My doctor put me on some pills to help it (go figure) and of course they never did… once I went totally vegan, BAM. Gone. Pills: Gone. Doctor: Gone. Now I see these commercials for those pills and it drives me crazy! I just want to jump in the TV, push all those silly actors out of the way & scream just GO VEGAN!! Btw, I didn’t go vegan to help my skin. I went vegan for the animals and environment. I’ve just always looked at my skin problem being gone (and just feeling wonderful in general) as a little thank you from the planet and animals for doing the right thing!
Robert: There`s a whole bunch of health benefits I experienced. I also lost 35 lbs without even trying – all I did was go vegan. I feel really light now, and have energy like I never had.
Suzanne: I had a terrible skin condition for about two years and tried all creams and potions etc… Nothing really did any good, but within two weeks of a vegan diet it went away.
Christine: I used to have some pretty intense joint pain in my fingers if I squeezed them; that’s now gone. I had acid reflux for about six years, and that went away too. I’ve lost almost 30 lbs and my skin is clear. Gotta love that! Oh… and I also had a problem with mucous in my head. That’s gone away too! I guess it was in my lungs and worked its way throughout the body.
Paul: A curious one: I lost a lifelong allergy to peanuts. And a more common one: weight loss and more immunity to flus and colds.
Martina: I stopped needing my reading glasses. Same for my mom, who became vegan in her eighties.
Alexa: I stopped getting Charliehorses in my calves and calcium spots on my fingernails.
Deborah: 30 lbs of fat!!! Very nice side benefit. OH… Gout – I had that bad in my big toes. No more! I became Vegan for the animals without a thought to the health benefits which just seem to be never ending!!
Jenn: I have been healed from IBS since going vegan. Every day I am grateful and amazed! It was a miracle for my life.
Rat: IBS and I never get colds or flu I lost weight too changing from just veggie to vegan as did my girlfriend. PMT is nowhere near as bad either when you’re vegan also, as you are not consuming extra hormones in your food! But I also did it for ethical reasons not health. But I always am aware of the health of being vegan; it is the best for your body and mind!
Sue: I rarely get a cold (twice in 17 years in case you’re interested) and when I do it’s barely noticeable. The big thing for me was that my asthma, which was simply getting worse and worse on the drugs I was on, disappeared completely.
Kathleen: Asthma and allergies! and all the horrible meds that went with them.
Heidi: High Blood Pressure! No more meds!!!!
Chandra: Asthma flare-ups from dairy
Harold: Chronic fatigue syndrome/Epstein Barr Syndrome, and heart disease.
Philippa: I lost weight, going from Vegetarian to Vegan, cutting out cheese and other dairy was a big change on my body… But health had nothing to do with it for me; I would still be doing it if it was hard on my health.
Jennifer: Since giving up dairy I’ve had only a few sore throats (vs getting them every month or two). They only last a few days instead of weeks. So wonderful!
Stephanie: I haven’t gotten any food poisoning in the past four years. I used to throw up at least once a year after eating at a restaurant but it hasn’t happened since.
Jay: Spare tires… and aches in leg joints caused by carrying excess weight.
Nick: My Hyperthyroidism.
Chris: A chemical imbalance in my brain that made me stupid But seriously, The worst “cold” I’ve had in four years since being vegan is a runny nose! I’m also running further than I ever could before.
Faye: I don’t get colds and flus, throat and chest infections any more.
Mandy: No colds since going veg and no allergies either!
Nick: Colds still happen but take care of themselves.
Liliya: To be honest, I feel lighter in my heart and soul, and that’s important to me…
10 Signs You're Gluten Intolerant
By Dr. Amy Myers
More then 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s estimated that 99% of the people who have either gluten intolerance or celiac disease are never diagnosed.
It is also estimated that as much as 15% of the US population is gluten intolerant. Could you be one of them?
If you have any of the following symptoms it could be a sign that you have gluten intolerance:
1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.
2. Keratosis Pilaris, (also known as ‘chicken skin’ on the back of your arms). This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.
3. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance.
6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.
7. Migraine headaches.
8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pin point the cause of your fatigue or pain.
9. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.
10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.
How to test for gluten intolerance?
I have found the single best ways to determine if you have an issue with gluten is to do an elimination diet and take it out of your diet for at least 2 to 3 weeks and then reintroduce it. Please note that gluten is a very large protein and it can take months and even years to clear from your system so the longer you can eliminate it from your diet before reintroducing it, the better.
The best advice that I share with my patients is that if they feel significantly better off of gluten or feel worse when they reintroduce it, then gluten is likely a problem for them. In order to get accurate results from this testing method you must elimination 100% of the gluten from your diet.
How to treat gluten intolerance?
Eliminating gluten 100% from your diet means 100%. Even trace amounts of gluten from cross contamination or medications or supplements can be enough to cause an immune reaction in your body.
The 80/20 rule or “we don’t eat it in our house, just when we eat out” is a complete misconception. An article published in 2001 states that for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity eating gluten just once a month increased the relative risk of death by 600%.
Still unsure?
Seek out an integrative practitioner or functional medicine physician to help to guide you.
Published January 22, 2013 at 12:19 PM
About Dr. Amy MyersAmy Myers, MD is the Founder and Medical Director of Austin UltraHealth, a functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Myers seeks to find the root cause of illness rather than treating only the symptoms with medications. Nutrition is a large part of her practice and she believes that food is medicine! Dr. Myers has published an eBook The Myers Way: Your Guide to UltraHealth and holds monthly nutritionist-led 21- Day Challenges based on her eBook.
Connect with Dr. Amy Myers:
AustinUltraHealth.com
@AmyMyersMD on Twitter
@AmyMyersMD on Pinterest
A Tribute to Lee (for Valentine's 'Month')
How often do you celebrate the person you love? Do you celebrate them as much as you criticize them - dismiss them - ignore them? Do you celebrate them as much as you celebrate others? Do you give them the recognition, admiration & respect that they desire? Do you psychoanalysis them - wish they were different? Do you try to change them? Honestly, what gives us the right to do that? Think about that. If you are doing this - stop it.
We all should CELEBRATE our significant other as much as we possibly can - DO IT TODAY and the times when you haven't, ask the good Lord for forgiveness - forgive yourself - and start today!
Our wellness is so deeply affected by the person we choose to spend our lives with - on a spiritual, emotional, mental and physical level.
SOooo I want to do a 'Tribute to Lee' on my website because I find much JOY in writing - sharing - and bragging to all of my readers about the man that I am honored & privileged to call 'mine'. Sharing him with all of you? It's just who I is (0; You can also read about him on my personal file titled 'Father's Day'.
In April of 2013, Lee will have been my boyfriend for one year. Our first year has been the biggest growing cycle of both of our lives - individually and as a couple. You know 'growth cycles' - they are hard, challenging, rewarding and exhilarating!
Together we have tackled chronic illness - job loss - surgery - recovery - financial challenges - unique life challenges - etc. We have tackled MORE than couples that have been married for years and we stayed in the room (0: I don't know about you but I find something romantic about that...and I am pretty impressed with our bad azzz selves (0:
Together we are also the silliest - most hilarious duo - ever. He is so insanely funny that there is no one (no one at all) that I would want to be with on a Friday night - at a party - at a sales meeting - dinner - brunch - vacation - etc. My guy is the funniest guy that I personally know. haha. I mean, his style of humor is in a league all his own and I just love it.
He is one of wisest men I know and his level of intelligence is matched with this witty quirkiness that throws you off a bit...in a good way. I can talk to him about anything and everything and he listens so kindly - ALL OF THE TIME.
Shall I pay tribute to this man's heart? He has the biggest heart of any man I have ever met and I cherish it. He has a heart for the Lord - his daughters - and me. He loves us with all of his heart and when his daughters and I are in his care we feel safe and sound. Lee is a 'manly man' and when I am in his care, I know I don't have to worry about a thing - it's the most comforting feeling in the world. He manages to be all 'man' all the time while being tender and gentle - and that is the combination that EVERY SINGLE WOMAN on the planet wants -and God blessed me with.
Now - if any of you are puking by now (haha) - don't be. Cherish your men ladies. They need to be uplifted - admired - respected - and honored as MEN. It is our role to be the feminine nurturer to our manly men. If you are not doing this with your own men? I imagine your relationship is struggling. If you are a wife, do this for your husband (no, don't go out and get a blog - lol - but honor him with your words and actions. Yes, write him a letter - send an email - sit him down eye to eye and tell him. In whatever way you are most comfortable, tell him what you most admire and respect about him).
We certainly have our struggles and sharing those on a website doesn't constitute a 'tribute' but,what I will say is this. I have never known a man (or a woman) own up to their own challenges more than him and I. When a man does this, consider yourself lucky. I am so lucky that I sometimes feel like I am living in a dream. I really do. It's real and why not celebrate it!!!!! We all get so caught up in what one another could improve upon that we forget who is standing in front of us.....just as they are. I never want to forget or ever stop honoring this man. 'Love people in the places that they are' was a phrase I heard at my church by my Pastor, Jackson Crum. Well 'love your men in the EXACT place that they are - just as they are'.
My boyfriend adores his daughters so much. He loves them FIRST and just adores their entire souls. He is the best daddy. He engages them all of the time, provides for them, prays for them, lifts them up to the Lord, nurtures them, laughs with them and tells them that he loves them repeatedly. He is the most engaged dad when he is with his girls - I have ever met. It brings tears to my eyes all of the time and if we are blessed with an adopted daughter or son one day, they will be the luckiest children on the planet to have this man as their dad. He astounds me the way he parents.
Love is blind they say but I don't agree. I see him for who he is. I see a real man of flaws and fabulousness all wrapped up into a real person. Yep, some days I want to $#%@^@&@& him but even then, I see the good shine through. This is what we need to hold on to ladies - especially for those of you that are in marriages.
And talk about loving me. This man loves me. There is no man that I have ever been with that I have had more respect and admiration for....ever & vice versa. He adores me and it's the best feeling to 'know that'.
I respect his journey in that he has failed miserably and succeeded triumphantly. He has loved and lost and regardless of what he has journeyed through, he has never stopped dusting himself off - getting up - and trying again. Don't we all want to be with someone that has that much 'grit' under their feet? I do and I have him.
Loyalty - there has never been a man more loyal to me and ladies, if you have a loyal man, tell him so. Create boundaries in your relationship so that you continue to show your loyalty and how much you cherish only one another. Respect whatever boundaries with the opposite sex that you two create as a couple - it will open up a level of trust that is unbreakable.
Lee, if you read this.....sorry if I am embarrassing you across the world wide web (0; I am hoping more women celebrate who they love by watching me do it here.
You are my rock at all times - even in the valleys. You are my male leader - my male hero - and my male confidante. You are my absolute best friend. Your the man I look up to with the utmost respect all of the time (even when you least suspect it) - good/bad times combined. Together - with our Lord Jesus Christ - we can get anywhere in life and we already are - as I noted earlier, we have made it through close to unspeakable odds our first year and stayed in the room.
I love you and thank the Lord for Him placing you in front of me last April. My hope is to honor you every day of your life that your mine. You have permanently changed my life and healed my entire heart.
Kelly Lynn
Is Turmeric the Fountain of Youth?
By Dr. Alejandra Carrasco - www.mindbodygreen.com
Turmeric is used as a spice, food additive, and in herbal medicine throughout the world. Its amazing medicinal properties, which include anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory capacities, are touted often, but could turmeric be the long-sought fountain of youth?
It turns out that active research on turmeric has demonstrated that curcumin and its active metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) significantly increases the lifespan of the three following organisms:
1. Roundworms.
Roundworms grown on media containing a low-dose of curcumin demonstrated an increased mean lifespan of 39%. The researchers attributed this increased lifespan to the reduction of reactive oxygen species.
2. Fruit flies.
Fruit flies generally survive an average of 64 days, and in a study in which they consumed curcumin, their average lifespan increased to 80 days. In addition, the fruit flies exhibited higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant that defends the cells when they are exposed to oxygen.
3. Mice.
Male mice fed diets with curcumin beginning at the age of 13 months, lived on average, 84 days longer than mice who were not fed curcumin.
What does this mean for us?
Well, this is certainly promising data! Turmeric is easy enough to add to your diet – I recommend that you try to consume turmeric on a daily basis. Make it part of your daily routine and reap the benefits.
Here's an easy turmeric tea recipe:
- Bring four cups of water to a boil.
- Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.
Enjoy!
Published February 6, 2013 at 9:02 AM
About Dr. Alejandra Carrasco:
Alejandra Carrasco, M.D. is the founder of NOURISH , an innovative medical practice in Austin, TX that attends to all aspects of an individual’s life, including health, family, community, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, self-care, and renewal.
"Dr. Alex" is passionate about helping patients tap into the awesome wisdom of the body through integrative and functional medicine. She is board certified in Family Medicine, as well as Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and has spent hundreds of hours studying nutrition, functional medicine, and integrative medicine.
Her ultimate goal is to give people the tools, inspiration, and information to live vibrant and nourished lives.
Hi readers! I hope you are all enjoying this day....Thursday (to me) is always the start to the weekend & my 2nd favorite day of the week (Sunday is my fav.).
I wanted to share a video of Eco-Vegan Gal (aka Whitney Lauritsen) and Jason Wrobel. If you have followed my blogs & read my website, you know that Whitney Lauritsen falls under one of my 'Top 10 Most Inspirational' people and you can read about her under various tabs of this site.
Jason is a Celebrity Raw Food Chef who also has his own show on the Cooking Channel called 'How to Live to 100' - I find this duo entertaining, insightful, inspiring and a healthy example of plant based eco-consicious living which is my ultimate goal. They also appear in absolute love and seeing a couple get along, be a team, communicate well and share mutual interests just 'ups' the inspiring factor (0:
This particular video I am sharing b/c I think we all need to start truly enjoying food & they are doing just that. When we are all attempting to be healthy by trialing various diets, etc. we can lose the JOY in what should really be a fun experience with food!
So next time you go the grocery store, try new things & let your palette have a bit of an adventure! I am realizing that when you are enjoying yourself, the rest falls into place and this includes weight loss and loving your body(0:
10 Signs You Have A Thyroid Problem And 10 Solutions For It
By Dr. Amy Myers
Hi readers! This article below by Dr. Amy Myers is the BEST short summary about Hypothyroidism that I have personally read...and I have read a LOT (which is an understatement). Check it out & before you diagnosis yourself or any doctor with 'depression' - get your thyroid checked! I did & the treatment is changing my world...and it's been one day! You will feel the effects of the medication immediately - there will be no 'wait a few weeks' - you will feel it the moment you take it!
It's estimated that as many as 25 million Americans have a thyroid problem, and half of them have no idea that they do. Hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid, accounts for 90% of all thyroid imbalances.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the center of your neck, is the master gland of metabolism. How well your thyroid is functioning is inter-related with every system in your body. If your thyroid is not running optimally, then neither are you.
Here are 10 signs that you could have an underactive thyroid:
1. Fatigue after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night or needing to take a nap daily.
2. Weight gain or the inability to lose weight.
3. Mood issues such as mood swings, anxiety or depression.
4. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, irregular periods, infertility and low sex drive.
5. Muscle pain, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.
6. Cold hands and feet, feeling cold when others are not, or having a body temperature consistently below 98.5.
7. Dry or cracking skin, brittle nails and excessive hair loss.
8. Constipation.
9. Mind issues such as brain fog, poor concentration or poor memory.
10. Neck swelling, snoring or hoarse voice.
How does you thyroid gland work?
Thyroid hormone production is regulated by a feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. Hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) synthesis and secretion.
In turn, TSH stimulates production and release of T4 and T3 from the thyroid gland. When enough T4 is produced, it signals to TRH and TSH that there is enough thyroid hormone in circulation and not to produce more.
About 85% of the hormone produced by our thyroid gland is T4, which is an inactive form of the hormone. After T4 is made, a small amount of it is converted into T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone.
To complicate matters, T3 also gets converted into either Free T3 (FT3) or Reverse T3 (RT3). It's the Free T3 that really matters in all of this, since it's the only hormone that can attach to a receptor and cause your metabolism to rise, keep you warm, keep your bowels moving, mind working, and other hormones in check. The role of Reverse T3 is not well known, however, I do see it elevated in persons under extreme stress and those who have mercury toxicity.
And finally, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is the most common form of hypothyroidism and its numbers are rising annually. An autoimmune disease is one in which your body turns on itself and begins to attack a certain organ or tissue believing its foreign.
I routinely screen all of my patients for autoimmune thyroid disease by ordering Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).
Why is hypothyroidism so under diagnosed in the USA?
Many symptoms of thyroid imbalance are vague and most doctors spend only a few minutes talking with patients to sort out the cause of their complaint.
Most conventional doctors use only one or two tests (TSH and T4) to screen for problems. They are not checking FT3, RT3 or thyroid antibodies.
Most conventional doctors use the ‘normal’ lab reference range as their guide only. Rather than listening to their patients symptoms, they use ‘optimal’ lab values and temperature as their guide.
Which lab tests are best to determine if you have a thyroid problem?
I check the below panel on each of my patients. Make sure your doctor does the same for you.
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- Reverse T3
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb)
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
What are the ‘optimal’ lab values for thyroid tests?
In my practice, I have found that the below are the ranges in which my patients (and myself) thrive. I listen to my patients as well and take how they are feeling into account.
- TSH 1-2 UIU/ML or lower (Armour or compounded T3 can artificially suppress TSH)
- FT4 >1.1 NG/DL
- FT3 > 3.2 PG/ML
- RT3 less than a 10:1 ratio RT3:FT3
- TPO – <9 IU/ML or negative
- TgAb - < 4 IU/ML or negative
What are 10 things you can do to improve your thyroid function?
1. Make sure you are taking a high quality multivitamin with Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Vitamin D and B vitamins.
2. Take a tyrosine and iodine supplement to help with the FT4 to FT3 conversion.
3. Go gluten-free! If you have Hashimoto’s, try going completely grain and legume free.
4. Deal with your stress and support your adrenal glands. The adrenal glands and thyroid work hand and hand. I recommend restorative yoga and adaptogenic herbs, which support the adrenal glands in coping with stress.
5. Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night.
6. Have a biological dentist safely remove any amalgam fillings you may have.
7. Watch your intake of cruciferous vegetables. There is a bit of a debate surrounding this.
8. Get fluoride, bromide and chlorine out of your diet and environment.
9. Heal your gut. A properly functioning digestive system (gut) is critical to good health. To learn more, click here.
10. Find a functional medicine doctor in your area and have them run the above laboratory test and work with you to find our root cause of the thyroid imbalance.
Published January 31, 2013 at 8:23 AM
About Dr. Amy Myers:
Amy Myers, MD is the Founder and Medical Director of Austin UltraHealth, a functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Myers seeks to find the root cause of illness rather than treating only the symptoms with medications. Nutrition is a large part of her practice and she believes that food is medicine! Dr. Myers has published an eBook The Myers Way: Your Guide to UltraHealth and holds monthly nutritionist-led 21- Day Challenges based on her eBook.
What It Truly Means To *Be* Healthy
By Tara Stiles
What does it mean to be healthy? Is it a number on the scale, blood pressure score, jeans size, a body free of disease, or something else?
Health can be a touchy subject. We fight over what it should look like (Dove ad or Victoria's Secret model). We fight over what size dress is healthy (16, 8, or 2). We bash and judge all who don't fit into our ideal. We forgot to factor in the most important ingredient. What does it feel like to be healthy? What does that look like?
Living healthy involves a mix of physical, mental, and emotional components that make us who we are. We literally create our bodies from the inside out with what we put in, what we think, and what we do. Regardless of what we think picture-pefect health looks like, there is one thing we all have in common when it comes to health: Everyone wants to feel better.
Wouldn't the forest be boring if all the trees looked exactly alike? Why do we get so hung up, then, on how people look and what is healthy and what is not? Sure, we can agree that obesity is unhealthy. We can agree that eating junk and lazing around for days on end isn't healthy. We can even agree that living with high stress leads to physical, mental, and emotional demise. Why is it, then, that we either want everyone to fit into the Victoria Secret or the Dove category? Why is it one or the other? Why are we so superficial when it comes to the most internal of all topics?
Our health begins in our insides and doesn't stop at our skin. Our health (healthy or not) radiates beyond our skin into the world in the form of our actions. How we live not only affects our body, mind, and spirit, but also affects the body, mind, and spirit of everyone we encounter, and (soon to be commonly accepted), on an entangled mind level.
When we shift our thoughts, fears, worries, and insecurities about health from the exterior (how we look) to the interior (how we feel) we set ourselves up for the ultimate success in health and happiness. How about this for an approach to health: Eat clean and healthy, manage stress, and get regular physical activity. Seems pretty straightforward, right?
However, the meaningful factor is the HOW. We can diet, count calories, and manipulate our experience with food into a frazzled tension inducing act. We can be obsessive about food. We can become crazy strict about eating healthy. We can engage in physical activity with tension and force or we can engage with ease. When we go after how we want to feel, and pay attention to how we feel right now, we're able to enjoy ourselves in the process of living healthy.
You can read the article on MindBodyGreen.com at this link which also includes a link of what Tara eats: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7529/what-it-truly-means-to-be-healthy.html
What Would Love Do Now?
Hi readers!!! I'm back with YOUR requested lineup of topics!!! I am glad you're all still writing in (Caroline, did you notice I used 'you're' vs. 'your' - hee hee - I even highlighted it for you in bold blue - see, I'm listening to ya'll).
Here is what YOU told me you want to read about:
- Heavy Metal Chelation - Does it work?
- Vitamins - Do they actually help you?
- Love - My relationship - My personal life (I am always interested in the bloggers personal life too so I get this).
- The Raw Food Diet (I am not a raw foodiest but I promised to write about what you want to hear so, expect a blog lovely peeps).
- 'How' to go Vegan - man, I am getting more and more of this request.
Before I begin with today's post which is on LOVE (check), my personal life (check check) and my love life (oooo now we're talkin')....let me remind all of you that my email address is k.lynn@hotmail.com. If you look up in the right hand corner of my website, my new email address is provided as one of my many social media contacts. I would say 98% of you are emailing me at my old email address kell.yob@hotmail.com. Thanks in advance for noting the change and keep the emails coming - I read every single one of them!
"You're only a fool if you give up" - Aladdin
Sometimes you meet the man or woman of your dreams at the most unexpected time - the wrong time even. I am of the belief that this is when true love knocks and generally when opportunity does as well - when you least expect it, when your not ready, etc.
I LOVE that I fell in love when I least expected it. I was not looking. He was not looking. We were both just game for casual dating and wham, we both got hit by the lovvvee truck - haha.
Sure it would have been great to 'wait' until I was super healthy, working back in the field that I love, having all of my ducks in a row. Yes, it would have been great for him to be exactly where he wanted to be in life. We could have said 'You know, I am not really ready for this level of serious love right now b/c I need to step up on my finances, health, career or whatever it may be' - and then go about our merry way focusing on perfecting our situations. This would be lame. Love stays in the room. Love grows through challenges. Love faces diversity head on and what may seem like insurmountable struggles and walks through the fire...Love wins the day when you put it into action. Love get's to the other side. And what is on the other side of the obstacles? More obstacles (ha) but you emerge stronger as a team each time - you start to love one another more - and if you really pay attention, you see the beauty in the past struggles. You see the beauty in two people trying hard to make it work . Also, you start to get into a groove where you are a glued team - your foundation get's stronger - and struggles are tackled together vs. against one another. It's a beautiful thing if you stay in the room & do the work.
I am in love with a man named Lee. He met me at about the 'middle' of my health struggle- not at the beginning, the worst phase or the 'turning point'. He met me smack dab in the middle. And he 'stayed in the room' as I like to say as love does. Now we are on the last leg of my healing - and this part is as hard as the beginning in very different ways. I will write a blog post about it for ya'll as I know hundreds of you will be able to relate.
It's been hard to grabble with regaining my own identity, physical healing, emotional healing, etc. while trying to hang on to the best thing that has ever walked into my condo. The struggle has all been worth it and we are at this 'turning point' to being in a love greater than either of us has known and we are both really excited.
I don't believe in 'you have to be completely healthy, have it all together, have all of the pieces of the puzzle in place' and THEN meet the man of your dreams. If you go about life that way, you are not living....not authentically at least.
If you find the love of your life at the worst time - stay in the room and ask yourself 'What would love do now"?
I think that is a really amazing question to start asking oneself every single day - before every single conflict with your spouse, friend, co-worker, boyfriend.....'What would LOVE do right now"? Love remains. Love stays in the room. Love prevails and before you know it, your dreams are a reality.
Life is tough and when you add in a health struggle, it get's even more messy. There is a light though at the end of the tunnel - and I ask myself in my own life 'What would love do now'? Love would & will rise UP to every challenge and beat it. LOVE is so powerful and LOVE will win out....but you have to do the work.
When you are challenged in your own love life or any relationship, ask yourself 'What would love do now"? And then do that.
Kelly Lynn
Ask yourself these questions today....
Today I want you to ask yourself this ONE question.
"Why NOT YOU"?
Why NOT you to Do something for Work that you love?
Why NOT you to have a healthy body?
Why NOT you to have healthy love?
Why not YOU to be, have or do anything you have ever dreamed?@
We are SO QUICK to think OTHERS are deserving over ourselves.
The truth is that we are all deserving so WHY NOT YOU?
Thank you Jillian Michaels for that question ((((0: I hope you are all asking yourself the same thing!
When you are coming out of a health storm, you are left to deal with just an abundance of emotional/physical, mental and even spiritual challenges and I am learning as I go - one foot in front of the other.
Sometimes you can get paralyzed by the enormity of the physical/emotional trauma that took place - all of us can regardless of our circumstances. We get 'stuck in the muck' of worry, fear, sadness, turmoil, feeling ill, wanting more, being confused, etc. It's a lot and no one understands your trials unless they have walked in your shoes.
What you need to understand is that the only person that can pull you out of your struggles is YOU. If you don't think you can handle it, ask yourself 'Why not YOU'? Because you can! So....just do it. It is really that simple.
Now enough of motivating you - it's time to eat! I am sure you are all hungry and wanting recipes! I have them for you!
Also, I am going to do the 'Heavy Metal Chelation' post that I have been promising for weeks.
Stay Positive - Chin Up - and One Foot in front of the Other ((((0:
All my love folks,
Kelly Lynn
......See you soon (0:
Hi readers! Happy Thursday!
I am going to take a break from blogging until next week.
I look forward to 'seeing' you all soon - I feel like I know so many of you!
Thank you for tuning in & have a fabulous weekend ahead!
Kelly Lynn
Forgiveness
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
So you messed up.
You messed up big time.
You caused a ruckus in your family that you think is unforgivable.
You argued with your spouse and you were cruel, mean and immature repeatedly.
You yelled at your child and said something terrible.
You destroyed your diet.
You got fired from your job and it was your fault.
You treated your boyfriend or girlfriend unfairly for months. You were downright ridiculously mean.
You acted insecure.
You sinned.
You are forgiven says the Lord.
You are FORGIVEN says the Lord.
It is an insult to our Lord Jesus Christ IF you do not wash yourself clean with utter forgiveness. It truly is an insult to Him. He has died on the cross for all of us. He gave His entire life with His Father which was awe worthy.....to come to earth, be amongst us...knowing he would die a brutal death so we could be forgiven.
If you are trapped right now in any form of fear - unforgiveness - insecurity - etc. Go to God, tell him that you are embarrassed for what you have done. Tell Him that you were wrong and you do not know how to gain back your footing. Tell Him whatever it is that you are feeling. When you are done, ask Him for forgiveness and then THANK HIM for forgiving you. Go forward KNOWING that your sins are washed clean - GONE - NO MORE! You don't have to apologize anymore. You don't have to feel insecure. You don't have to wonder if your sins have ruined what remains - your relationship, your marriage, your friendship, etc. You are forgiven.
Do you know how powerful that is? Can you at all wrap your head around that? You need to because it is the BIGGEST blessing God is literally handing to you - just like that. It is in His hand - His hand is extended to you - and you just have to ask for forgiveness and it is YOURS.
I myself have a very challenging time forgiving myself but when I do get into The Word (the Bible) and as I did today, get on my knees and ask God for forgiveness, I realize too that I am so forgiven. I don't have to look back anymore. I don't have to cling to anything or anyone but our Lord.
When you are struggling to hold onto control or wanting to know outcomes, realize that God's plan for your life is WAY BIGGER than your sin.
I am going to say that last part again - God's WILL - God's PLAN for your life and your relationship(s) is bigger than your sin.
So, give yourself a break. Bask in the joY of forgiveness today!!!! Your FREE! It's amazing!!!!
So resume to your confident self. Resume to feeling secure in the utter miracle/blessing that you were just granted from the Lord today.
I am (0: It feels fabulous!!!!!
When you start feel that guilt creep in, memorize a verse from scripture and say it over and over to yourself.
Gosh, one of the biggest parts of getting to WELLNESS is FORGIVENESS!!!!! Trust me here!!!!
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Hebrews 10:17
Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.
Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
If you want a clean slate to completely start over today - fresh & new - all is forgotten - every sin you did? Pray to God and ask Him for it and it is your gift.
When you receive this gift from the Lord? ACT like it b/c going back feeling guilty, insecure, uncertain - is SIN. Go forth with Self-Control - Confidence - and Certainty!
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Have an AMAZING day!
Kelly Lynn
P.S. Want to talk about recipes yet? I do - I'm hungry!
Weekly Round-Up
January 19th, 2013
What a week this was - my most tough week of 2013 that I look forward to putting behind me!
I was inspired though by so much and so many people!!!
Let's get to this Weekly Round-Up!!!!
The first on the list is the picture to our left: Organic Dry Shampoo! My friend Vanessa mentioned this kind of shampoo to me and I was thinking 'Why haven't I ever heard of this'?!
Dry Shampoo is your answer if you are having a busy morning and you don't have time to wash/dry your hair. You simply use dry shampoo. I just bought some and have yet to use it yet. I cannot wait though - I love the idea and she said that she loves it! She also said her hair is healthier now that she isn't blowdrying and washing it every single day (0:
I was inspired though by so much and so many people!!!
Let's get to this Weekly Round-Up!!!!
The first on the list is the picture to our left: Organic Dry Shampoo! My friend Vanessa mentioned this kind of shampoo to me and I was thinking 'Why haven't I ever heard of this'?!
Dry Shampoo is your answer if you are having a busy morning and you don't have time to wash/dry your hair. You simply use dry shampoo. I just bought some and have yet to use it yet. I cannot wait though - I love the idea and she said that she loves it! She also said her hair is healthier now that she isn't blowdrying and washing it every single day (0:
Road Trips
We are heading out on a road trip tomorrow - a simple day trip.
I love, love, love road trips! I haven't taken one (for fun) in a long time (years)!!!
Tomorrow is my first one and I cannot wait!!!!
Rahm Emanuel
On January 8th, The Huffington Post shared an article as well as a video of Rahm Emanuel asking the city of Chicago to consider vegansim for improved health!!! This is awesome!
The beginning of the article reads:
Famously fit Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Barack Obama's chief of staff, appeared on local TV affiliate WGN-TV last Friday to ask that his city's residents consider going vegan to improve their health.
You can read the rest of the article & watch the video here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/rahm-emanuel-vegan_n_2495639.html
Everyone should watch this video because it also features his interview with the RIP Engine 2 Firefighting Team who has gone vegan - just amazing!
Park Community Church
Park Community Church in Chicago, IL. inspires me and fulfills me so much!
I wish everyone in Chicago would give it a go - attend a service, learn what being a part of the community is all about.
They refer to it as 'community' because that is exactly what it is. You are not just showing up on Sunday's to a building where you worship the Lord. You are part of a movement in Chicago bettering lives in and around the city.
Kindness
Finally, kindness inspires me.
Gosh, just be kind everyone. Once you say rude or cruel words, they are out of your mouth and you cannot take them back. They sting, harm, hurt and change your perception of the person who said them.
I want to be kind all of the time. Kindness is the most important character trait you have next to gentle honesty.
Have an incredible weekend - My hope is that I am back next week to blog- refreshed & renewed - and happy.
The Flatline
What is 'The Flatline"? The Flatline as I define it is a state in your relationship where you have a stable, positive, respectful and peaceful union regardless of what life throws at you both. Here is the kicker - you have what I just mentioned consistently. Is it realistic? Yep.
I thought I termed the 'the flatline' for the purposes below but upon a lot of research, Drew Barrymore used it in an interview in the exact same way. This made me smile! I was humored by this because she is someone that I always could relate to as far as 'Who I aspire to be like'. She has overcome unspeakable odds and despite being twice divorced, coming from a dysfunctional family, etc. she managed to turn her life completely around in every area. She is now in a stable marriage (supposedly but I like to believe it is true), is wildly successful owning her own film company, acting in them, directing, etc. She has a sweet daughter and is apparently experiencing the flatline..according to her. She said in an interview that she was always involved in relationships where there was a lot of ups & downs and she is now experiencing the flatline and loves it. Well she also admitted she & her now husband had work to do to get to the flatline - and her husband wanted it to. So they were not experiencing it and now they are. The parallels in this regard to my own life are uncanny.
I want the flatline within my relationship. So does my boyfriend.
Why am I putting this on a blog? How do we achieve the flatline?
I am putting this on a blog because if you are craving the flatline and don't know how to get there within your current circumstances, I am going to give you the same exact tools & formula that I was given today.
There are systems that just WORK if you do them - not all...but some DO. If you knew of a system that absolutely worked no matter WHAT in getting to 'the flatline', would you follow it? Why wouldn't you! So it really all is up to you once you have the formula.
Below is a combination of advice three people that experience the flatline in their daily lives. These are the type of people I want to learn from - those that achieved it: My counselor who has over 20 years of experience, a Pastor's wife that I respect immensely who I had the pleasure of meeting with today and Dave Ramsey who has a financial formula that truly is fool proof. While we will not be discussing Dave Ramsey's financial advice, he does give advice on the flatline as well. All you have to do is follow what is below - you don't have to 'think' or 'strategize'. No stress - just follow the plan. This? I can do.
This is how you get the flatline in your relationship despite whatever life throws at you - and again, this isn't MY advice, it is a combination of theirs! This will save you so much time and money!!! This one blog just might change certain aspects of your life if you follow the steps! People charge for this stuff and your getting it all for free (((0:
The advice below is solely for how to achieve 'The Flatline' in your relationship - Couples Advice (0:
BUT First....you must forgive. Forgiveness is more than 'I am sorry'. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. This means when a conflict arises? The past isn't brought up. Think this is easy? It's not. True forgiveness is doable though. When God forgives you and you sin again, He doesn't say "Yeah you keep doing, you did this before, look what your past is like". God doesn't insult you. God says 'You are forgiven and this means the past is forgotten'. THIS is forgiveness. Forgiveness is staying the present during conflict. Forgiveness is not only a heart action but a skill set that God expects you to master.
Once you forgive yourself, your significant other and everyone else - yep, forgive everyone (it's very hard but you cannot even attempt the flatline without real forgiveness). This means, you don't discuss what happened 'back then' - it's over and forgiven. The world might disagree but Christians will agree.
OK, let's start the flatline - TODAY!
Step One - The Flatline
Each of you take time for yourself every single day. If you only have 5 minutes, stop what you are doing to read your Bible, positive quotes, a magazine, your favorite blog (wink), etc.
If you have 10 minutes, go for a walk outdoors - take deep breathes - take in nature!
The point, find 5- 10 minutes of your day and take it all to yourself. If you can take more time then that is fab too - workout, zone out on television, rest, stretch, do yoga, etc.
Whatever you do, take the minimum of 10 minutes a day to yourself..just you & God or you alone. Nope, do not talk to a friend or get on facebook - forget social media for 10 minutes.
Just be with yourself.
Do this EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Do you have an online calendar? Schedule it in and treat it like a work appointment until it becomes a habit.
Step Two - The Flatline
Quit talking about your problems with one another right now. Just stop. Talk about your JOYS!
You can discuss challenges of course - that is what healthy communication is all about but focus on the JOY! We are focused on getting to and mastering the flatline though and this is how you do it.
If you are going to go see a counselor to discuss how to improve your life - find one that is not going to take you back to your past and focus on all of the problems. This is the advice from my own counselor. I have to agree.
You feel awful when your primary focus is what is going wrong. You feel stuck because you are keeping yourself stuck. You have to climb out of the mud of defeat and clean yourself off. It's tiring!
So don't do it.
Dont analyze this one - just do. No 'but, but, but'......If you want 'the flatline' and you don't know how to get it, this is how. You have to try something right? You need to do something different, right? Well there is a formula from three different people who have over 20 years each -experiencing the flatline. Years and years of consistency and they struggled to find it at first too.
If you have better ideas that is grand but I don't. These people do so I am following their lead - it's wise to take advice from those who are already there!
Step Three - The Flatline
Workout a minimum of 2 times a week - every single week.
The workout can be 5 minutes or two hours - just workout. Workout as a couple or individually but again, workout.
If you have physical limitations, lay down on a yoga mat and stretch. Move your limbs.
Jog
Kickbox
Makeout with your boyfriend or girlfriend (0:
Dance
Pilates
Move your body!!!!
If working out get's in the way of your schedule, do lunges when you get out of the shower - 30 pushups when you roll out of bed - walk your dog - walk with your children - walk together - just workout.
Step Four - The Flatline
Are you praying about it as much as you talk about? Are you praying about it as much as you worry about it?
You know how much time you are giving these problems of yours as a couple?
How much time are you giving them to God?
You don't have time for God?
Well He sure made time for you by being tortured for your own salvation. He makes your heart beat. He allows you to wake up each morning. He is promising you a life in heaven where our real life begins - this is just a pitstop here on earth to prepare us!
Read The Chapter John for 40 days - a bit each day before bed vs. watching television. Finish it within 40 days and tell me your life doesn't change (advice from one of the people I mentioned).
Pray together every single time you are together as a couple and on the phone. Every visit on the phone or in person, pray.
Fear? Silence it. Pay attention to Step Two - these all intertwine to make this all very simple although seemingly daunting at first (psst even to me).
Your fears? Replace them with action and discipline. You will see by the end of the steps you are going to be more action oriented vs. 'thinking' oriented. This is how you get to The Flatline.
Step Five - The Flatline
Be of service to others as a couple.
Ideas: Serve at church, go to a homeless shelter and help feed the people, work with children, go on a missionary trip, make meals for those who are ill, do something special for a stranger or someone you both know needs the aid, etc.
Do this. Don't talk about - just do it. "One day we should def. be of service together'. Nope, just do it.
Step Six - The Flatline
Hold hands while you disagree. Do not let go of one another's hands. Every single disagreement, hold hands - link your fingers together and hold on tight. Don't let go.
When you start to feel agitated or frustrated, grab his or her hands before you speak and while you speak- both of her or his hands.
Step Seven - The Flatline
Have a sense of humor. Life can be sooo much worse. Don't wait until someone dies until you 'get perspective' - get it now.
Communicate, communicate, communicate. Over communication is better than no communication.
Allow yourselves to laugh.
Step Eight - The Flatline
Dave Ramsey's advice.
Your 'goal' is 'the flatline'.
Your 'plan' is this article.
The 'flatline' awaits and you can have it TODAY.
Step Nine - The Flatline
Live like no one else.
You are not going to be focused on your troubles.
Your relationship will come first.
You are not going to be gossiping.
Your going to adhere to your agreement to be action oriented as a couple.
Your action oriented and now vs. focusing on the negative, you are in The Word, you are working out, you are serving God together, you are taking more time to yourself every single day even if it is only 10 minutes. When you disagree, you are holding hands and you are focused on JOY.
The Final Step to Achieve The Flatline!
I will repeat this quote to my left which was provided to me in an email by a Pastor's wife whom I respect. She experiences utter peace with her husband despite life not being peaceful.
It's the final step.
"Stop telling 'the story'. How many times this week did you tell 'the story' about how badly you were hurt and how horribly you were wronged? How many times a day do you think about this hurt? It is a stake driven into the ground that keeps you from moving away from this hurt. Rather, forgive your significant other (changing the words b/c I am talking about couples) because it's the kindest thing you can do for your friends and family. Negativity is depressing - physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally".
Now it is brought to my attention that if you do 4 of the 10 steps - you will NOT get the flatline.
You have to combine them all and do them together every single day. It will seem uncomfortable. It will seem like 'work' and then like anything fabulous you must work for, it starts to get easier....and then more fun and then more peaceful and then baby, you are riding the flatline!!!!
10 Things You Need in Your Kitchen When Switching to a Plant Based Diet Lifestyle!
There are 10 things that I believe you will need when changing your relationship with food. When you begin a plant based diet, it can be overwhelming! I remember having too many books, advisors, blogs, etc. to turn to and instead of helping me, it overwhelmed me. I needed simple and that is what I would like to provide for you!
Here are 10 things that I think - from my own personal experience - that will make the process go smoothly for you! If you are even switching over to eating plant based, two to three times per week, this would help!
In no particular order:
- A Vitamix or Juicer. I have a Vitamix and it's a plant based 'staple' for smoothies, juices, etc. You can actually make so much more in the vitamix but I am really a beginner. When I recommend one of these to people, I hear a lot of 'They are SO expensive'. Well they don't have to be. I got my own from a fruit/veggie co-op in California - it was being used for demo's. You can get a used one from a co-op, e-bay or even ask to buy one from a restaurant in your area that they may not need. There are so many discounted Vitamix and Juicer that you can afford one on a shoe string budget. Also, stop going to out expensive dinners - eliminate one per month and put aside an extra $50.00 or more.
- Organic Fruit. Go to your local farmers market and stock up on organic fruit! Have fun with it and try fruits you haven't tried before...and get a lot! Having fruit on hand is great to nibble on to calm your sugar cravings!
- Hummus. Hummus is a plant based staple when you are getting started! As you all know, you can put hummus in wraps, eat plainly with veggies or chips, on sandwiches and even in salads.
- Spinach. Have them available at all times! If you just do not enjoy eating greens, take two handfuls and throw them in your vitamix while your making a smoothie! You cannot taste the greens!
- Kale. Kale is an amazing alkalizer (and healer of all diseases)! Kale floods your body with protein, alkalinity & nutrients! I think making Kale chips while your transitioning is WISE and EASY PeASY. It can serve your salty cravings and any desire for 'chips'. How do you make Kale chips? You just buy a big bag of organic kale, spread out the kale on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil - massage the leaves - and sprinkle Himalayan salt. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes on 400 degrees. You will be left with crunchy, salty chips - they are addictive! Kale can also be used to throw in smoothies, juices, sandwiches, wraps, etc.
- Quinoa. While quinoa is actually a seed (even though it is considered a whole grain) (0: Use quinoa in place of rice for veggie stir-fry, burrito bowls, morning oatmeal with berries and you can even add it to chocolate for crunch bars. The number of things you can do with quinoa are close to endless. It will leave you feeling very full as it's hearty. Talk about the perfect healthy transition food!
- Veggies. We cannot leave out our veggies., This one might be tough as I know many of you just don't get into snacking on veggies but can you try? Carrots, celery, peppers, etc. Yum! Plant Based Staples!
- Larabars or Raw Chocolate. You are going to need some type of chocolate or gooey snack to curb your sugar cravings - chocolate cravings - etc. There are so many 'vegan treats'. You are going to eventually realize that a whole plant based lifestyle is best but having one or more of these around to squash the cravings, will help! And they are so yummy!!!!
- Nuts & Seeds - Any type of nuts & seeds will do but they are fab sources of protein and will keep you full. When switching over, don't worry about fat content or trying to do this all perfectly. As your diet evolves, so will you! Almonds, pumpkin seeds sprinkled on salads, pistachios to munch, etc.
- Spices! There are so many spices that add fabulous flavor to delicious recipes you will be making! Have fun - don't make it a challenge! Quinoa, veggies, add spices and wala - you have a veggie bowl!
I genuinely believe this is the way to start a plant based diet! Well, it's not the only way but it will sure help!!!!
Enjoy! Is there anything I left off the list? Do you think I should add anything?
Alternative Approach to Healing: Cavitation Surgery
In September of 2012, I began scouring the internet to learn more about 'Cavitation Surgery' - what it was, the benefits, side effects, people's experiences, etc. With the exception of a few sites referring to it as 'quackery', I did not find much information thus, the basis for this particular article.
I am educating all of you on my experience with cavitation surgery so that the next person that turns to google to search for anyone's experience, they will find my own. My hope is to help someone avoid the surgery all together.
So let me first begin with a 'Medical Disclaimer': I am not a doctor. I do not have a medical degree. When making your medical decisions, you need to follow the recommendations of your physicians and yourself.
I live in Chicago, IL. as most of you are aware. I have explored & trialled numerous healing modalities to bring my body back to a state of optimal health. Those that are familiar with my medical story know that a flu vaccine in January of 2010 contributed to the utter demise of my health as I knew it.
Cavitation surgery was brought to my attention in 2012 by a well intended Western Medicine based physician in St. Louis, MO. He wrote the book. 'The Accidental Cure', and his passion lies in the belief that many of the unsolvable complicated chronic health conditions people suffer from, stem from undiagnosed dental infections. He has numerous cases in the book of patients that both partially & fully healed from bizarre symptoms and illnesses. I first heard this and thought it was a stretch but I read his book, considered his extensive background/personal experience and thus, wanted to meet him.
Lee (my boyfriend) & I met him and after doing a lengthy set of labs/tests, this physician believed that I suffered from two potential cavitations in two separate teeth at the back of my jaw. While Lee & I had a grip on heavy metal chelation and other holistic healing modalities, neither of us had any level of education on 'cavitations'.
Before I go any further, let's discuss what a cavitation is, his reasoning in thinking they needed to be removed, my results & inevitably, my thoughts:
What is a Cavitation?:
A cavitation is a cavity within a jawbone that previously held a tooth. It is a socket of an old tooth extraction site that has not filled in completely. A cavitation infection is a silent jawbone condition that occurs when a remaining periodontal membrane in the bony socket gets infected. This leaves space in the bone of the jaw that allows infections to grow. Cavitation infection (infection in the bony socket of the tooth and jaw bone) can be infected with 20 to 30 different species of bacteria. Lab results often reveal a condition known as ischemic osteonecrosis or bone death due to poor delivery of oxygen or blood supply to a local area.
To prevent this type of infection from occurring, a dentist who does an extraction needs to remove the periodontal ligament or membrane that holds the tooth in it's socket.
This information was taken directly from the book 'The Accidental Cure' by Simon Yu, MD. Page 89.
His Reasoning in removal of the 'cavitation':
The physician I met with and many physicians who support this same theory are of the belief that cavitations are often overlooked and untreated. This grouping of physicians believe that there are underlying hidden dental infections running rampant in the body. They are of the belief that these infections reek havoc on our bodies. Thus, at the root cause of multiple symptoms that individuals such as myself, cannot seem to resolve, lies this dental infection.
My Results:
In my case, an Acupuncture Meridian Assessment test was done that determined that I had two areas of my mouth holding onto this infection mentioned above. I was then sent to meet with an Oral Surgeon who did x-rays that showed no frank odontogenic lesions/cysts/tumors/infection, etc. I then went back to the physician who repeated the Acupuncture Meridian Assessment test, received the same results of which he strongly believed the infection was still there. I was given an "85% chance in his best 'guess-timate' that this was my cause of my health condition & healing would take place". He was not 100% sure though so there in lied the crux of my the decision - Should I or Shouldn't I move forward? I was impressed with his confidence level, the book itself and well, my emotions got involved (which I discuss at the end of this article).
This is the place where many of you are. This is the time where I began to pray for answers, seek 2nd and 3rd opinions and follow through with my own research. I would have been beyond elated to find an article such as my own I am writing now (hence why I am writing it for you) but I couldn't find it.
After much discernment, I decided to move forward with the surgery. The surgery was outpatient in the Oral Surgeon's office. I don't recall the exact length of time the surgery took but I do recall how painfully uncomfortable it was. My boyfriend sat in the surgery with me and after we were done, we headed back to the other physicians office for Nutritional IV's which were being used as a safe holistic alternative vs. post surgery-antibiotics.
I was in excruciating pain for days and my entire jaw/lips/chin/cheeks were very swollen & numb. After about week, a lot of the swelling was subsiding and the numbness was gone with the exception of my lower lip/chin and jaw bone. Another week went by and that feeling of having Novocain injected into my lip/chin/jaw was not wearing off as it should have been. We phoned the Oral Surgeon multiple times during this time and we were assured not to worry. I was given medication to combat the pain level. Well a month went by and I still had full numbness in my lip/chin and partial jaw. Another month, full numbness persisted.
I was informed that I had/have 'Facial Paresthesia'. What is 'Facial Paresthesia'? The nerves that give feeling to the lip,chin, gums, and tongue are very close to where my surgery was performed. When these nerves are disturbed during surgery, they may not function normally. The duration of paresthesia is unpredictable. It may last days, weeks, months or, in rare cases, it may be permanent. The treatment? It usually gets better over time. Nerve repair surgery, if performed in a timely manner, is sometimes an option for extreme cases of paresthesia.
So here I am typing for you and I have Facial Paresthesia. It is comparable to wearing a prosthetic on your face and not being able to get it off. It does not impair my speech but it is uncomfortable as I cannot feel my lower lip and my chin. This, you can imagine, affects every move I make along with intimacy with my significant other as I cannot feel his kisses to the level I once could.
I was not informed verbally by the Oral Surgeon or his staff of this potential complication but I am certain it was there amongst the minute writing of the medical waiver I signed.
I am three months post-op and all I came away with was Facial Paresthesia and additional medical bills seeking out care for this new 'problem'.
My Thoughts:
I have my own theory of Cavitation Surgery based on my own experience so let's go over some definitions so you understand where I - as a patient without a medical degree of any sort - is coming from.
Osteomyelitis = infection in bone
Osteonecrosis = sterile death of bone due to inadequate blood supply.
Infection = fever, high white count, redness, swelling, pain, elevated ESR, elevated CRP, positive blood cultures, etc.
My question for all of you is this 'Have you ever seen anyone with a dental abscess? Let me share with you that they are in agony - they are completely miserable. Yes, their entire face swells up and turns shades of red. There is no subtlety - if you reached out and touched their face, you'd get screamed at.
There are THREE big problems with the Osteonecrosis Theory. Again, this is coming from someone who is a patient - an IU grad with NO medical degree. So....hey, what do I know (0;
First, there is only one or two pathologists who seem to be able to find it in the biopsy samples and whoooaa, hold yourself back.... he's cozy in bed with the Cavitat corp.
Secondly, what exactly causes osteonecrosis is areas of bone that are inadequately vascularized, lose their blood supply and thus, the bone dies. Most commonly from my research, it's in the head of the femur which only has one blood vessel supplying it. The entire jaw has fabulous circulation with a lot of vessels supplying it, so that's a non-issue.
Thirdly and finally , when you DO get osteonecrosis of the bone, it breaks down. The bone looses it's structural integrity and collapses. We need a femoral head in order to walk and if it collapses, your hip doesn't work. Ready for it? Nobody has their jaw caving in. If there was an osteonecrosis under a tooth, you wouldn't need a cavitat to find it. You would know it was there because you'd bite something, the bone would collapse and your tooth would fall out.
My theory is that I made a mistake and that there was no cavitation infection to begin with just as the x-rays indicated.
The point of this article is to do your homework, do your research, trust your instincts, get 2nd & 3rd opinions, use logic and pray to God for answers. If you have any hesitation at all, don't do it.
There are an endless number of holistic paths to go down via healing. There may be a path that everyone surrounding you may think you are crazy to follow and it is THAT path that ends up healing you. Trust yourself first but if you feel anything but 100% peace, don't do it (my opinion).
We get emotionally attached to a cure and it is then that emotions & logic begin to intertwine and our decisions might not be the best ones. So, take a step back, use your head, get as educated as you possibly can, consult those you trust in the medical field and elsewhere and then move into action.
I do not regret taking a leap of faith in choosing a controversial alternative medical path. What I do regret is moving forward when I did not have 100% peace. Don't make the same mistake I did.
If someone came to me today and asked "In your opinion, do you think I should move forward with cavitation surgery'? I would -without hesitation - say 'No, you should not'. If they wanted further honesty, I would say 'It is completely bogus & a ridiculously deceiving money maker - RUN out the door if a doctor suggests it after your x-rays come back normal'. I would only share the latter if someone really wanted the hard truth though....only then (0:
Kelly Lynn
Coming out of the Fog......
So many of you write to me and ask me how it feels to come out of the health crisis that changed every aspect of my life in 2010.
I rarely discuss this anymore on my blog but I I feel this is a topic that those of you healing from any traumatic life or health crisis, can benefit from.
Healing from prolonged suffering feels like coming out of a deep thick fog. To be frank, it is surreal, at times scary, overwhelming and phenomenal all at once. What people don't realize or pay attention to is how long you have been struggling to get to the place you are today. I know that I am personally exhausted. I am sure those of you who can relate, are as well. Your depleted on a level that those with healthy bodies could never ever comprehend - they get tired from a big workout or a busy lifestyle. This level of fatigue is daunting. I do not think anyone that hasn't gone through such trauma can even begin to relate so....do not try to get them to.
One would think, ok your better now, get back to life. It doesn't work that way and those that have gone through it, understand that.
My body is still healing and I am waking up to the aftermath of the physical, emotional & financial storm that illness brought to my life. I do not feel like the same person physically or emotionally before January 8th, 2010.
Life went on for others since 2010 and I am now trying to get my bearings, live in a changed body that is finding it's way back while creating a new found sense of stability.
My advice to any of you going through anything similar is to realize that you cannot do this alone. Your going to need support from friends, family, loved ones, etc. It's just not possible to get back on your feet....alone. We weren't built to be alone & we cannot handle this type of aftermath, alone. Do you think people who survived the Tsunami could just get back up and resume a normal life? Well this is a tsunami of a different sort but as life altering.
Second, I do recommend you seek out counseling. You are going to need help processing what took place and someone to help you put together a game plan in creating a new life. If you are married, I would recommend having your spouse go through counseling with you so they have a clear understanding of what you are going through - the best that they are capable of comprehending anyway.
Third, try to focus on the present - focus on the day. Create a 'to do' list and do your best vs. wondering how you are going to handle the large mountain of uncertainty ahead of you. This advice was given to me and while I am someone who loves to plan ahead, this advice is effective.
Fourth, go easy on yourself. Be kind to yourself. This is going to take time. Rest. Eat well. Nap. Enjoy yourself every single day - you certainly have been through enough & you deserve to laugh, be pampered and enjoy life.
Fifth, I recommend you pray to God. I recommend you ask Him to lead you each day. You will be making so many decisions that will require discernment. Let Him lead you to those answers.
Sixth, somehow come to terms that life has changed. Give your past a proper burial - as emotional as that may be - and move forward. You must leave it behind because the hard truth is, you do not have a choice.
If you can get a grasp of your perspective, this is a new life ahead of you. If you are fully healed, this is exhilarating I imagine. If you are still feeling ill each & every day, this may seem depressing and not very exciting. Well if your the latter, your next step is to continue to focus on healing your body as your healing journey still has a story to tell you.
I am very grateful that I am not journeying alone thanks to my ever loyal boyfriend & a few amazingly dedicated friends & family. If you ever feel you are alone during this, reach out to me, your church, a neighbor, friend, etc. Reach out to someone because coming out of the storm is challenging and no one really talks to much about this side of healing.
If you want to chat about it, feel free to contact me via email or any of the Social Media contacts in the above right hand side of this website. I will make myself available to you!
Take care - keep moving forward - looking up - and holding on to the promise of a bright tomorrow (0:
Kelly Lynn
What's Love Got to Do with It?
I thought I would share Lee & my photography fun throughout the city of Chicago this past weekend! I certainly paid a price for all of the activity but it was well worth it!
If there is one thing I have learned about love it is this......when you find it, you have to go 'all in'. We like to call it 'Option A' love.
'Option A' love is laying all of your baggage on the table and saying 'This is all of me". It's daunting & nerve wrecking but it's so much more rewarding than say 'Option B' kind of love which is what I always chose to experience in my past.
'Option B' love is saying 'This is who I am' but I am hiding a few things about my past that I'm ashamed of. For some it's hiding financial debt, a skeleton or two, who you 'slept with', a divorce, etc. You get the idea. 'Option B' love is a bit of a smoke-screen. It's fun and yep, you can still 'fall' but you will never be free. Your level of wellness will never be transparent. You will never be fully healthy as a person.
Love has everything to do with healing the body, mind & spirit. Self Love - Being in Love - Love of Friends & Neighbors - Family Love - Pet Love. When you experience a health crisis, it really does take a village to heal you and help catapult you back to the healthy life that YOU deserve!!!!
When Lee entered my life, I was bedridden most of the time. He was open to meeting me anyway given that we had a very in depth 'get to know you' session via email. I love that we hit it off via the writing world b/c that is so much a part of who I am. We knew we liked one another's intelligence, minds and quickly built an attraction via our words alone. This is pretty cool if you ask me. He is the first man since my health challenge in 2010, that intrigued me enough to want to go meet him despite my circumstances.
The fact that he was open to meeting me in person given my failing health, inspired me to get out the door!
We obviously hit it off and without saying a word, he was providing me with a new found motivation to try even harder to heal faster - to push myself. 'On hand' supportive people will do that!
I had been trying so hard for so long to get better and I was doing that for myself and those that were rooting me on. I found a new layer of determination though and it was through his love. Being in love just changes your world, you know? I know you all know this - it's INCREDIBLE!
So I began to try new things because I had someone along side of me that wouldn't let me 'fall' (figuratively & literally). When I did fall, he was there to pick me up, put me in bed and.....there he waited to try again along side of me. It's the metaphor for love, isn't it?
Thus, we were falling in love. First, the kind of love that is built on attraction & hormones (0: Then, the kind of love that can only be experienced through time together, trials, and challenges. Finally, the kind of love that only God wants you to experience and that is the love that He designed for you.
All I know is this: Love is a key factor in healing the body. It floors me how much progress I have made since falling in love with this guy. I am so grateful to him for loving me through sickness & health - that is the kind of man all of us girlie girls want in our lives. It is what we all deserve.
I will say this. I used to be so discreet about my life....every aspect of it. Illness. healing and my faith have all taught me to SHARE my story. By sharing my story, someone out there reading this is learning, getting inspired, feeling the love and thus, healing themselves. We are each given a story to tell so, tell it. Hiding yours or keeping all that you have learned to yourself isn't really helping others.
As for my love life, it's kind of shocking how open I am about this particular man but that's what love does to this girl. My love story inspires me and I feel like sharing it with you in hopes that you find the love of your life!!! One reader asked me 'What if you two don't work out - will you feel embarrassed for sharing so much about him'? No way! This man has been my game changer as far as love goes so, I celebrate him and us. I will always celebrate him and us regardless of the outcome!
My advice to all of you is this:
Find love by loving yourself first. Eat well, speak kindly to yourself and pamper your own heart, mind and body. And then? Put yourself out there!
If you are in not in love with another, fall in love with a pet, love your mom, nurture the relationships with your dearest friends, etc.
What's love got to do with it? It's got everything to do with it and more!!!
When you do find love, hold on to it - cherish it - respect it - and honor it!
Find love by loving yourself first. Eat well, speak kindly to yourself and pamper your own heart, mind and body. And then? Put yourself out there!
If you are in not in love with another, fall in love with a pet, love your mom, nurture the relationships with your dearest friends, etc.
What's love got to do with it? It's got everything to do with it and more!!!
When you do find love, hold on to it - cherish it - respect it - and honor it!
Amore di Mona Chocolates
Happy Friday everyone!!!!
I apologize for so few blogs this week! I was completely wiped out after a very lengthy active weekend & busy start to my week. I spent Tuesday-Thursday in bed, recouping!
I will do my best to make that up with more blogs today!!!
So, several weeks ago, Alicia Silverstone posted an update on her blog that one reader would be gifted with this delicious Amore di Mona chocolates here to your left!
All it took was for me to see the words 'vegan chocolate' and I was doing what she requested to win!!!!! haha. I am competitive but I also posses this childlike quality where I get SUPER DUPER excited over contests so, with that combination, I WON!!!!
I told Alicia's team that if I did win, I would write a blog about the chocolates. So here we go!!!
Amore di Mona chocolates seriously taste soooo amazing! Lee - my boyfriend - is a non-vegan and he ate them up!!!! He couldn't tell the difference! We both thought they were really insanely delicious!
Let me share with you all of the benefits of these scrumptious bites:
- Low Glycemic
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Soy Free
- Dairy Free
- Wheat Free
- Sucrose Free
YES, it's TRUE!!!!! Read more at their website www.amoredimona.com.
I am in love & these small boxes make for wonderful gifts! I actually think they would be ideal hostess gifts!
You can order the chocolates online via their site or I guess they even sell them at Whole Foods Market!!! I had no idea but I will be purchasing them!
I believe this is the answer to our chocolate cravings without having to go down the unhealthy path of processed sugar, dairy, etc. If you are transitioning to a vegan diet or a diet without processed sugar, these yummies will help you you transition smoothly and successfully!!!!
My favorite was the 'Carmela' and my boyfriend loved both the 'Carmela with cranberries' & 'Carmela with cherries'. Each piece of chocolate is very hearty too - I would not classify the pieces as small. Three come per package & one a day is enough to satisfy you.....Ok, ok, who I am kidding? They will all be gone in a day!
Thank you to The Kind Life for giving me the opportunity to trial these delicious treats! If you are unfamiliar with Alicia Silvestone's site, head on over to www.thekindlife.com. I LOVE her site - her book - and her!!! I think you will too!
Today's Feature Article:
Corey Morris Foster is sharing her Arbonne Love with the World!
Happy Monday readers!!!!
Thank you so much for taking a break from your day and finding your way to my website!
So...
For those of you who know me well or even know me a 'little bit', you know that I will not promote a product, person, fashion line, supplement, physician, etc. unless I am 100% (yep, 100%) sold based on my own experience. I certainly wouldn't put anything on my website for the public to see that I don't believe in fully.
Today we are going to discuss skincare. I asked Corey Morris Foster if I could write a blog about her & the products that I adore - The Arbonne line. She happily obliged!
I have several friends who promote skincare lines. Some of these friends have even asked me to 'sell the brand' along side of them. Although I certainly appreciated certain aspects of various skincare products that they sell, I have never really found a 'line' that suited my skin entirely. So, consequently I was never able to support my friends businesses in the way that they & I had hoped. My heart just wasn't into it and skincare products were lacking in some small way (whether it was that they had parabens or the results were good but not 'good enough').
Corey Morris Foster was NOT one of these friends. I actually have never met Corey in person. We have developed a virtual respect & admiration through facebook! We started chatting in April of 2011 because we had both given feedback on a health related facebook page called 'Heal Thyself'. Thus, a virtual friendship began.
What I really loved about Corey was that she did not approach me about her skincare line for quite some time. I appreciated her selling style and her character which I think are linked. Generally, if you are in sales or familiar with people who are in sales, you can easily distinguish someone that has your best interest at heart vs. the sales person who wants to get paid with the help of YOU. "Buy this, buy this" - you know the ones (0;
Corey sells the Arbonne line so passionately/gracefully & offered me samples to trial the products. She was (and is) SO educated via Arbonne products that I was intrigued!!!! I am sure her background as a Nurse, helps! She knows more about the products than anyone that I personally know that sells skincare.
What attracted me to the products was that they are vegan certified & paraben free. These two benefits alone were the factors in making me say 'OK, this company's creating a healthy option for my skin". What attracted me further to the products was the extent of how eco-conscious Arbonne is as a company and the magnitude of health related products they have. I had NO IDEA! It's so encouraging to see a company that is embracing the relevance of wellness!!!!
Arbonne extends FAR beyond skincare into health & wellness. You can review Corey's website to learn all that you'd like to: http://empowermentgarden.myarbonne.com/ I actually love her home page as she does a really amazing job of explaining all of the eco-benefits of this line!!!
So, this is all fabulous in theory but do the products work? I am a bottom line person and very results oriented. Do the products deliver what they claim they will for mine and your skin? Well for my skin, they do.
Have you ever tried a skincare line and it seems to work for a week or two and then you just don't care for it anymore? I know some of you can relate. With Arbonne, for me, the products continue to deliver really amazing results day after day - consistently. This is why I am 'sold'.
I have good skin to begin with as far as not having any blemishes but my skin can get very dry. Arbonne leaves my skin supple, glowing and hydrated!!! I don't have to reapply the moisturizer during the day, once in the morning is enough. I am very much in love with this product line!! I am surprised too! I have tried everything it seems and I just never imagined Arbonne would be the line that I harold and encourage all of you to use! I think it is because the products that I have tried from 'Independent Consultants' never added up to the hype. They just didn't suit my skin or my belief system.
Arbonne is definitely a movement in HEALTH which extends far beyond 'skincare'. Arbonne does not test on animals & as Corey elaborates on her website " - .the products are "Formulated WITHOUT animal products or by-products, mineral oil, dyes or chemical fragrances, phthalates, petrolatum, benzene, PABA, toulene, formaldehyde". The products are also pH balanced (yay - this is huge)!!!! She mentions so many more benefits but these really make the products stand far & above the rest.
I just felt I had to share my experience with these fabulous skincare products and my hope is, you give them a try too!!! I had a very challenging time finding a line that would combine my eco-friendly belief system along with helping my skin feel hydrated & young! Arbonne delivered on all fronts and they are the only skincare line thus far that has...the ONLY one. So, they deserved my feedback!!!
If you DO decide you want to use Arbonne, I recommend you contact Corey Morris Foster. I genuinely believe she is such a warm hearted person who is just truly passionate about this company. It's so refreshing to know a 'Sales Consultant' who has real integrity. I mean it. You can trust she will steer you in the right direction if you need help with choosing what skincare line from Arbonne will work best for your skin type. If you ARE interested in weight loss, she has experienced an impressive weight loss of her own with the aid of Arbonne products. If the line isn't best for your needs, she will tell you that too.
As I said, rarely do I meet exceptional sales people and even more rarely do I find products of any capacity that I would ever consider putting on my website. So when I do, you know it's tried, trusted and true.
Much love to you all!!! Corey's contact information is listed below:
Corey's email: CoreyRN@myarbonne.com
Corey's website: http://empowermentgarden.myarbonne.com
2013 1st Weekly Round-Up!
Hi everyone!
Can you believe it's Thursday? I am so ready for the weekend even though this is a short week!
I am a bit overwhelmed and depleted today so, I decided to do my Weekly Round-Up for all of you today and resume blogging on Sunday evening.
Next week we are going to tackle Wellness & Health. We are going to discuss all of those controversial healing modalities such as Cavitation Surgery, Heavy Metal Chelation Therapy, BPA Dentists, Gerson Therapy, Colonics, etc. These are topics I have wanted to tackle for a while and an amazing way to get you educated at the start of this New Year! Many of you have been wanting to hear about several of these healing options and I have tried most of them - so I will speak from experience!
Please remember though to follow your own path of healing & that of your physician. What works or may have worked for me, may be disastrous for you. I will say that I have learned more from my peers in my early days of healing then I did from physicians so, I want to 'give back' to all of you - and hope to aid in your health education along the way.
With that being said, let's get to what inspired me this week and in turn, I hope it inspires YOU!
Lee, my guy.
This is my guy, Lee.
We be in love.
I think he has made almost every Weekly Round-Up thus far! He very obviously inspires me. We inspire me. Yep, it's true.
Why? Because we love strong - faithfully - and through thick & thin. We are in this thAng called true love and it's a ride! If you have ever loved someone fully, you know that it is challenging yet worth every bit of effort.
If you are struggling in your relationship, give in to love - give in to kindness - give in to forgiveness - and realize that we are all human and make mistakes. Treat your significant other like a queen & king - because they deserve it. All of those little things that we start to just take for granted: You have someone to talk to every single day, you have someone that cares how you are doing, you have someone to kiss all of the time & a partner to have fun adventures with whenever you want to!!!! Tell them THANK YOU! Give your time, energy and do something unusual for them (hhmmmm now that sounds interesting)! I mean it - do something unexpected when you see him or her this weekend! Make the effort!
Love is messy but messy is kind of fun, right? I mean, yeah...really fun.....you know it is (0:
Lee. if you are reading, thank you so much for loving me with all you have! If your not reading, I am going to tell you most likely too many times!!! I am a very blessed girl to be on the receiving end of this man's love right here (((((0: Being loved to this level has changed my world!
Jason Wrobel
Jason Wrobel is premiering his NEW cooking segment 'How to Live to 100' on the Food Network this Sunday!!!!
Check your local listings for times.
This will be a plant based cooking show with organic plant based vegan recipes. You don't have to be 'vegan' to enjoy healthy meals either!
Are you aware of how HUGE this is for the vegan community? It is also GIGANTIC for The Food Network! I am proud of the network for finally airing a show that will aid in all of our health!!!!! When you eat primarily plant based, you are sick less, you have more energy, your intimate life is better, your less sluggish, you get less headaches and your less 'stuffy'!
I think this is a fabulous step in the right direction via our media and this particular channel!
I hope you will be tuning in!!!!
Jason is so inspiring and the fact that he is hilarious makes for excellent entertainment!
The Bean
OK, fine. I am joining rank. The Bean in Chicago is inspiring to everyone....yet I have never stood in front of it.
Well being a local, my boyfriend & I are going to do Chicago this weekend 'tourist style' and I am going to go stand in front of 'The Bean'. It is kind of beautiful and I do kind of want to stand underneath it!
I will post a pic for ya'll!
If you are in Chicago this weekend, it's the last weekend of The Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. You want to be inspired by nature? Go check it out b/c all of the fabulous twinkling lights send you into another land - far far away from the hustle and bustle of the city! It's amazing!!!!
Tulle
Who said an adult couldn't pull off wearing tulle?
I love this!!!!!
Wear whatever style suits you - just keep it classy & age appropriate. When you are over 35, you can still wear skirts, tulle, sparkles, tank tops, etc. but, keep it elegant (trust me on that one)!
This? I am in love with the color, length and pairing it with a plain long sleeve t-shirt. The more you learn about me & my style, you will learn that I generally love one signature piece that stands alone - with a backdrop of preppy elegance.
Right now, I am into jazzing up my tights. I love funky tights with a typical prepster outfit. It gives you a different look and you can get really edgy with patterns, bright colors and textures. Have fun with it!
Stackable's & Eternity Bands
Eternity bands are amazing - period.
You can be single and buy stackable eternity bands or wear simply one and you have a signature look on your hand - similar to a fab watch. It will never go out of style at any age.
If you are engaged, an eternity band with a gorge diamond is sparkly fabulousness. Married? An eternity band as your wedding band is a classy & conservative choice.
Eternity bands are timeless for all of us. They are reasonable in price.
Eternity bands are similar to those timeless diamond earrings that you can wear from age 20 to 80 - forever really.
Chinese Proverb
Happy dance to this Chinese Proverb!!!
YES!
Don't go eating this weekend in private - some of you do that (I have). Emotional eating, binge eating, etc. If you have to hide the way you eat, deal with it friend!!!!
Treat your significant other with respect at all times - even during challenging times. Would you talk to them at home the same way you would talk to them in front of your Pastor at church? Would you speak to them in public - in front of your parents - etc. the way you do at home?
Don't be a liar in any capacity. Don't flirt, cheat or call the ex if you are in a committed relationship. Just don't do it.
Treat your children the same way as if their teachers were observing you.
You get it - be on the up & up at all times. It's not hard. Keep it kind and keep it classy.
Larabar's
These are incredible healthy vegan snacks!!!!
Throw one in your pocket and it keeps cravings at bay while filling your stomach until your next meal!!!
Larabars are my on-the-go snack of choice!
Chilly Weather
As much as we all complain about chilly Chicago weather, there is something about it that inspires me.
It gives us time to rest more, cuddle more & bundle up in covers more. It forces everyone to slowwwwwww down and take inventory of our lives. It causes us to get creative with our time b/c we are stuck in our homes more often!
One thing that I am doing with Lee this winter is we are creating a monthly 'Bucket List'. We figured it would help the winter months go by quicker to put together fun activities on the calendar. So far, it's working!!!!
There is so much you can do: Yoga, Cooking Classes, Movies, Museums, Chili Nights with friends, etc.
What are some fun winter activities that you like to do? Let me know, we are always open to more ideas!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!!! Again, Happy New Year!!!!
Happy New Year!
2013 has arrived!!!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
It's time to stop looking back over our shoulder at 2012 & move forward entirely! When you look back too long, you get a kink in your neck and those are painful! Plus, you miss the PRESENT and what is to be honored right this very moment! When you are looking back too long, you cannot see what is right in front of you and generally there is OPPORTUNITY!
I will share that I had a really fun New Year's Eve with my boyfriend. We managed to laugh endlessly (to tears which is the best laughter), reminisce, get all mushy, cry, sing, kiss and smile - all in one evening - which made for a memorable and fabulous way to ring in the new year.
2013 will bring you more green & plant based HEALTH tips from my website. I will be offering you more INSPIRATION. I will be offering you quite a bit to smile about (0: I am also happy to share that I am revamping my 2nd website - www.eco-mindedchicago.com and relaunching the site on January 30th.
If you really enjoy my writing, you are welcome to head over to MindBodyGreen.com where I am now one of their Wellness Experts. I will be getting more and more involved with their website of which I love. It's my favorite site on the web (yep, admittedly even more than my own)! I will also be providing monthly content to The Wellness Revolution (www.thewellbeingrevolution.com), articles for Cafe Truth (cafetruth.com) & Guest Blog posts for a stream of publications of which I will update you as they publish. My goal is help all of you get HEALTHY and grow in your own wellness journey!
You will see me more via social media & the wellness community in general. I believe I have discovered one of my callings!
As I always stress, life is SHORT and we end up wasting so much time on things that we shouldn't be. I know I have. Let's redirect our attention to health, wellness, laughter, fun, love, being kind and goodness!
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I always find hearing about yours rather intriguing when they become true life goals that come to fruition! So....share away!
I did make 2013 New Year's Resolutions which you are welcome to read under the 'Personal' tab of this website! I have BIG plans for 2013. I have a lot of change and growth to undergo but when you break down change day by day, it's so doable. It's when we look at the big picture that scares us off & we shrink back into our comfort zones. So no fear this year - stand up to FEAR because it's a smoke screen.
Love you all - looking forward to a year of growth, surprises, love, more kindness, GREENS and HEALTH!!!!!
Kelly Lynn
My Last Weekly Round-Up for 2012!!!!!
Hi everyone! This will be my last Weekly Round-Up for 2012!
My first reaction to that is 'Awwww'. Wow, doing something for the last time this year is kind of bittersweet!!!!
I am INSPIRED by SO MUCH this week!!!!!!! I am going to share all of my 'random' inspirations and you will find that they are all linked to love.
If there is one overall theme to my December blogs & one takeaway for all of you, it is to 'Enjoy the Little Things'. When you are celebrating the birth of Jesus, opening gifts, eating delicious meals, do me a favor......
Enjoy where you are. Don't wish Christmas was different - Don't wish you were somewhere else - Don't wish the food was better or there were other desserts - Don't wish for anything you don't already have.
Be grateful for all of the small things around you - pay attention and catalog in your mind the little giggles of your kids while they open their gifts, the smiles when they really love something they opened, a passing hug from your spouse, the taste of your grandmother's pumpkin pie, the smell of cookies in the oven, etc. Appreciate the church service you attend, being able to hold hands with your significant other, singing Christmas carols even if you don't like your voice, laughing with loved ones, etc. If you are alone this holiday? Appreciate the solitude, the peace, being able to eat whatever you want, etc.
It truly is the little things in life that are so precious. Lose the expectations and look around, your life is beautiful!
What else inspired me this week? Let's start the last Weekly Round-Up of 2012 - Here we GO!
I am finding this movie - Silver Linings - INSPIRING. I haven't even seen it yet and I am already inspired!!! I have watched so many interviews of Bradley's & Jennifer's that I am so eager to see this.
Silver Linings opens Christmas Day. It's always fun to throw on your most comfy clothes and head to the movie theater after Christmas brunch or dinner. I think this might be another tradition that Lee & I incorporate!!!
Positive Thinking is where it's at. I have never been more convinced that what you think, manifests in your life. You think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't. Just think about (pun intended) what it is that dominates your thoughts - and then look at your life - typically they mirror one another. People that talk about their troubles a lot, have a lot of troubles. People that talk about the fact that their job is awful or they will never make a lot of money, aren't making a lot of money & their job IS awful. Those that speak positively about love, life, their children, etc. are experiencing it. Try it & see for yourself!
If I was going to a New Year's Eve party, this is my ideal style. A bit of glam, subtle sparkle coupled with a casual pale grey sweater to throw off the look a bit. LOVE.
I am super inspired by photography this season. I plan to make photography a MUCH bigger part of my 2013. Memories in pictures - doesn't get any better! I barely took any photos in 2012 and moving forward, that will change. I now have the IPhone and I am obsessed with Instagram photos!
I can hardly wait to take pics of the kids for Christmas Eve and anything/everything I can capture on film!
I plan to make photography a larger part of my life in general - stay tuned (0;
If Lee & I ever do a holiday photo, this is what I'd love it to look like. Oh how I adore this festive photo!
I will wrap up this Weekly Round-Up with this holiday dinner photo!
I have always wanted to not only have my own family but I've had a strong desire to host Christmas Eve dinner! My wishes are becoming my reality this holiday! I am hosting Lee & his daughters and we are all so grateful for the moments ahead.
In the years to come, Lee & I will expand our table to include family, friends & even neighbors who may not have anyone to spend Christmas with. So, we are starting with the four of us, I am getting comfy with hosting - learning the ropes - and then we will grow into more via 2013.
Create your own traditions this season and those moving forward! Tradition creates a sense of stability for you, your loved ones and especially children. Traditions are what are looked back on with warmth. Traditions scream LOVE - FAMILY - GRATITUDE - LIFE!!!!
Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!!!! I am thrilled that you visit my blog every week!!! I cannot wait until we gather together in 2013 to once again learn, heal and grow from one another's wellness journeys!! So much love to you & yours!!!!!
Kelly Lynn
We'll Take a Cup of Kindness Yet & Toast Until the New Year.....
13 Days until 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How will YOU be celebrating?!
Lee & I are staying in Chicago & celebrating with just the two of us this year! We are forgoing the group celebration - which we typically both love doing - in favor of a celebration just the two of us! We are going to a really fab cocktail bar/restaurant in my neighborhood. It's going to be pretty stellar to be able to walk to our destination and not concern ourselves with driving or public transportation. Nice!
I foresee laughter, cocktails, a bit of dancing on Damen Avenue (yep), tasty apps, a lot of reminiscing, kissing and just shaking our heads at how far we have come!
Tell me about your New Year's ahead!!!
I am so excited for 2013 - for all of us!!!!
Its really the BIG YEAR for so many people in my life - including me!!!! Why? Friends of mine are going to be giving birth, others are moving to new homes, adoptions are underway, engagement is 'in the air' for some and healing/health is on the horizon for many!!! 2013 is already my favorite year and it has yet to begin!!!!!
My favorite New Year's Eve song for you to listen to - it will get ya in the mood (0;
My favorite New Year's Eve song for you to listen to - it will get ya in the mood (0;
Ladies, It's Time to Start Loving Your Bodies.
Ladies, it is time that all of us learn to love our bodies AS they are today.
You are beautiful and quite frankly, I am tired of listening to other women and myself complain about cellulite, stretch marks, fat, love handles, not being a 'Size 6' or a 'Size 2', etc.
Do we need to hear hard truths to gain new perspective? What will it take for YOU to begin to love your body?
Your legs help you out of bed every day and into the shower. Every single time you are sick, your body repairs itself. When you want to dance, your body moves to the rhythm. Your body is a miracle yet millions of women across this country are ashamed of their bodies. ENOUGH. Seriously, enough! It's maddening.
I wanted to discuss this today before I put up another recipe and have another woman email me that she wishes she could eat some of the recipes I post. She cannot though because she is 'fat'. ENOUGH. No more ladies.
Also per two private emails I received from readers, if you think a man is going to love you 'more' if you are two sizes smaller, your cellulite evaporates, your stretch marks disappear, etc. Let me reassure you, you are wrong. Your man is going to love you more when you are happier, kinder to YOURSELF, more respectful to your body- and living your life joyfully. You know why? Because that is SEXY -LOVELY - BEAUTIFUL! You can put two women in front of a man - One is pretty with a belly and chubby thighs and one that is a Size 2 and is completely toned. He will end up choosing the woman who is laughing more, smiling bright, confident, loving life, etc. You don't believe me? TRY IT and see what happens. Sure, every man wants to be with a woman who takes care of herself but most importantly, a man wants to be with a woman who is kind, loving, knows herself and carries her body (whatever size) with confidence.
If you want to make changes to your body, do it for YOURSELF. Do it as a gift to your body. Work WITH your body - love it and it will love you back. Your body hears what your mind is thinking - trust me. What you think manifests in so many ways. The more I realize this, the more I speak kindly to myself. I do not believe that you can manifest everything - I believe in God & God's Will. I DO believe though that you can certainly bring much on yourself by the way you think. I am floored by this truth 'What you think about, you do bring about' and this is an example below:
I believe if you continue to say to yourself 'I am fat. I am unattractive. My body is so disgusting', it will manifest in lack of self esteem, no self confidence and obvious self loathing. This, in turn, changes peoples perception and if you are concerned about finding love or keeping love b/c of your body, this will affect your relationship or soon-to-be relationship. Trust me. I have done it and it's silly. It's hurtful to yourself, those around you actually (surprisingly) and to God who is going 'Hey, I gave you this amazing blessing -take care of it'.
God gave us these miraculous bodies!!!! A dear friend of mine is curled up in a bed - ill - day after day for two years unable to walk or function well. Here we are complaining that our thighs aren't thin enough yet we are able to laugh, dance, workout, walk, skip, etc. This has to stop ladies. Vow to stop doing this to yourself today. If you spent HALF the time complimenting yourself instead, eating salads instead of junk food and exercising vs. being on facebook, you'd have what you wanted anyway - a healthier body.
Please start appreciating yourself and your body this holiday season.
If and when you are going to transform your body, do it for yourself. Do it for self love.
Fill your body with fruits, veggies and plant based alkalizing meals. Exercise because you enjoy how it makes your body FEEL vs. to impress a man. Let me reassure you that your man's body is not perfect either and he knows this. You have to really love yourself and love the gift of your body's abilities - that's why God gave it to you, to cherish.
So beginning this morning, what do you love about yourself? Do you love your smile? Your face? Your legs? Your arms? Focus on that!!!! Begin to speak to yourself like you would speak to your best friend or better yet, your daughter. You would tell your daughter she is beautiful just as she is today. You would tell her that you love her sweet nose and pretty eyes. You would even find her little belly and chunky legs, adorable - and you would mean it.
Love yourself and accept yourself. You will never be able to take good care of something that you hate (as the 2nd pic said). It's not possible so do what IS possible.
Have a wonderful holiday and focus outwardly. Focus on others. Focus on the reason for the season (Jesus). Focus on laughter - games-the moment you are in. And yes, focus on all of that delicious food that you or your family took a lot of time to prepare. Enjoy every single bite.
Life is short and gosh, time spent self hating is not going to help you or anyone around you.
Will you vow to love your body today and the days moving forward? I do!!!! I accept myself and I am in love with the fact that I am getting healthier by the day. Is my body perfect? Nope. Do I have stretch marks? Yes, I have had them since I was a freshman in high school & experienced a huge growth spirit. Do I have a belly? Yeah I do and that's ok, it won't always be there. I share this with all of you because I want you to know that you are not alone in your imperfections. We all have them and it's okay.
Please write in and tell me about your holidays. Please tell me something that you LOVE about yourself! Please have a blast this holiday season and focus on your HEALTH - not your weight.
Kelly Lynn
In Sickness & In Health....Man's Best Friend.
Who inspires me? This man whose story is below. This is John Unger and his dog suffers from arthritis. This picture & story caused a viral twitter/youtube/facebook mania of sorts. John's story has captured the hearts of everyone across the United States.
I always tell my boyfriend that the day something happens to my dog, I will not only gather & use all of the money I have to heal Marley but I will be by his side every step of the way - even if I have to carry him everywhere.
People that do not have dogs underestimate the friendship between man (woman) and his/her dog. My dog is my best friend as he has stood by me for over 7 years. He has never left my side through any of the health challenges I have been through. When I was alone in my condo & dialing 911 because I was so ill in 2010 (you can refer to 'My Story'), my dog quietly laid across my chest. THIS is why he is my best friend and THIS is what love is. He has snuggled up under my chin whenever I have cried...every single time. He is so happy when he senses I am and when I have been fearful? He shakes in fear but sits close up against me. He protects me.....or tries to (he is only 10 pounds).
He is my closest family member and will always considered my absolute dearest friend......above all people b/c we have a special bond that only comes from spending all of our time together & dealing with a couple of years of severe hardship together. He was with me through the worst so, there is nothing that can take away our bond. I adore him.
As far as John & his dog above? Spectacular, impressive, wonderful and kind. This is love.
Week of 12-12-12 Round-Up!
It's almost FRIDAY...I'm in love! Gosh, I used to love The Cure and everyone loved that song. Remember? How could you forget.
I am doing my Weekly Round-Up a day early for ya'll b/c come Friday? I am putting the computer on my desk and walking away! I am wiped out and this weekend, I am focusing on wellness myself which equates to rest, yoga, healthy salads, working out, visiting with loved ones and church. Yep, that is how this girl get's it done (0;
What did you think of this weeks blogs? At the request of MANY of you, I focused on Chicago Wellness Activities, recipes and HEALTH! Yeah baby baby!! Are you feeling motivated to spring into action? I am! Are you feeling ready to focus on healthy living vs. weight loss? I am! Do I sound like one of those annoying cheerleaders? Perhaps. Sorry. I have a lot of energy today (0:
OK, without further delay, let's surf through what inspired me and share what inspired YOU - Share with me on twitter, pinterest, FB, email or comment on my site.
Anne Hathaway.
Yes, Mrs. Anne inspired me this week!!!! What a talent...seriously. I am a fan of HER - not just her acting. She is a vegan so, right there I know the girl has compassion and is kind to animals. So there's that - go Anne!
The BIG reason she inspired me this week is that she is behind the charity event called One Billion Rising. I am so excited about this! On Valentine's Day - Feb. 14th, 2013. You can learn all about the event via this website: http://www.onebillionrising.org/blog.
Here is an excerpt:
ABOUT ONE BILLION RISING:
ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME.
ONE BILLION WOMEN VIOLATED IS AN ATROCITY
ONE BILLION WOMEN DANCING IS A REVOLUTION
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, 2.14.13, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to this violence. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders.
What does ONE BILLION look like? On February 14th, 2013, it will look like a REVOLUTION.
ONE BILLION RISING IS:
A global strike
An invitation to dance
A call to men and women to refuse to participate in the status quo until rape and rape culture ends
An act of solidarity, demonstrating to women the commonality of their struggles and their power in numbers
A refusal to accept violence against women and girls as a given
A new time and a new way of being
Looking forward to dancing the day away next year!!!!
Kari Jobe.
If you have not listened to Kari Jobe's music, please go to youtube, spotify, itunes -wherever - and give her a listen. Kari's voice is magic! I can listen to her all day - every day - and most days I do!
It is Christian music.
Did I lose some of you? (0:
I am so into all types of music and especially Christian music.
She is seriously amazing - take a listen - give it a go and let me know what you think!
This little guy makes me so HAPPY!!!!
This is Marley.
This black furry blessing entered my life about 7 years ago and flipped my heart over!
He is the sweetest partial human I have ever met.
Dogs. They can teach us a few things about loyalty, forgiveness, JOY and kindness. Oh yes, patience too.
We can learn so much from these little creatures.
He is my best friend.
I am DONE with DAIRY. Please read Ashely's blog under my Weekly Round-Up.
This pic to our left states in the itty bitty fine print "Milk is your daily supply of antibiotics, growth hormones, blood, pus, cancer causing agents and factors leading to heart disease and osteoporosis".
Harvard School of Public Health rejects the USDA's claims of dairy health and provided this pic.
Why in the world would any of us have dairy again? Honestly. JUST STOP if you care about yourself - and don't even get me started on how cruel it is to animals to choose dairy. I know how good pizza is - trust me. When I read these facts though, it is just another reason to enjoy pizza with daiya.
Long Hair.
I am so into long hair. I am growing mine and my goal is about this length in the pic. You rarely see long pretty hair anymore.....especially after the age of 35. So many people cut it thinking it's more 'age appropriate'. Well I am setting a new trend and growing mine. I love it!
Long hair is so versatile and when you are in a hurry, you can always throw it up in a messy bun or cute ponytail.
Long hair never ever goes out of style. It's classic, elegant and a bit preppy and I love to infuse as much preppy as possible (0:
I am really inspired by this 80/10/10 Diet by Dr. Graham. There is a blog post about it below in the thread this week.
Everything I learned from others about fruit? I was WRONG!
I am starting a modified 80/10/10 diet most days of the week - I bought a ton of fruit and I am really excited!
Fruit is one of the best detoxifiers and when you read the blog from the 'experts', you will see that the body doesn't process fruit sugars as other sugars in the body.
My advice to all of you is to DO YOUR HOMEWORK when getting educated on FOOD. Do not make your decisions by what your friends say or even what I say - go to the experts!
Read 80/10/10 and your eyes will be opened to EDUCATION!!!!!
Gosh, we as a whole are one highly uneducated society on health and eating. It's scary so, do your homework.
Finally, get your dance on this weekend!
Dance it out alone - dance with your girlfriend or boyfriend - dance with your kids - dance, dance, dance!
Nothing poetic to end the Weekly Round-Up - Just DANCE!!
Dancing is so freeing and amazing exercise! It's one of my favorite things to do!
Chicago Wellness......
There are So Many incredible wellness opportunities offered in Chicago this winter!
It's a season that you can get in shape, learn how to make plant based meals, get reacquainted with your body, meet new people and be body/mind ready for Spring! Why wait 'until Spring' to get into shape, start NOW. My personal goal is to be in better shape by the end of winter.
Again, wellness encompasses so much more than what we eat. Wellness is how you live your life, who you spend your life with, how you SPEAK, what you put INTO your body as well as what products you put ON your body!
So I have listed some really fab ideas below that I am thinking some of you haven't heard of. I hope you check them out & if you would like to do it together, know I am always one email, tweet or fb message away!
Cheers to a Winter Wonderland of Wellness Fetes & Festivities!
Here is my list below:
Have you heard of meetup.com? 'Meet-up' is a website with an endless number of groups representing various activities. These groups meet monthly, weekly, some daily to do what they love! For example, there are running meet-up's, social meet-ups, single meet-ups, plant based eating meet-ups, etc. It's one of the best opportunities if you are wanting to meet new people or explore a new hobby.
There is currently a meetup in Chicago called 'Forks Over Knives/Engine 2 Official Meet-up Chicago'. You can find the link here: http://www.meetup.com/Engine2/
It's fabulous! There are cooking classes taking place at Whole Foods teaching you to cook without oils and fat. There are Holiday Makeover Comfort Food classes and much more! You just go to the link I provided, sign up and show up!
I love this meet-up because you are learning how to be healthy with a group of individuals. You can comfortably go alone if you are single or take a friend/significant other.
This is a great idea for the winter season if you are wanting to get out & about WHILE focused on wellness.
Dose Market {dosemarket.com}.
If you missed getting HoliDosed this past Sunday, put 'A Dose of Love' on your calendar for February!
Before I give my quip on Dose Market, let me add what 'else' = Wellness. Having FUN, laughing, enjoying LIFE = Wellness. It truly does. You can eat all of the healthy foods the market has to offer, do yoga every other day and I tell you what, if you cannot control your 'stress', you are NOT going to be experiencing true wellness.
So I include this event because it is fun, different and get's you out of the house at the peak of winter!
Dose Market is a spirited event full of top of the line Chicago venders. Hipsters flock into the River East Center to sip brewed beers, liquors, rich delicious chocolates, sample caramelized marshmallows, eat healthy plant based lunches overlooking the Chicago river and purchase everything from fashion, candles, jewelry and yummy desserts.
So, go get Dosed in 2013!
Nature Yoga - Wicker Park - Chicago
http://www.natureyoga.com/#
Yoga can be intimidating.....I know this. I hesitate to go because I am 1). Not a yogi, 2). Not flexible, 3). Fear looking as if I don't fit in. New's Flash: NO ONE CARES.
Yoga is about you and you alone. No one is looking and if they are, they are grateful that you are there to experience wellness along side of them. Yes, yoga is one of the greatest gifts of wellness we can give ourselves, bodies and our limbs.
Nature Yoga is my favorite yoga studio in Chicago, Why? Well I find the staff incredibly patient, knowledgeable on health, wellness and fitness. Also, I simply dig the vibe. It's warm, welcoming and quaint enough to feel cozy.
They have the best Groupons if you are on a strict budget.
Try yoga this winter vs. sitting at home watching episodes of The Walking Dead - record it instead, brave the cold and enter into a warm sanctuary to gift your body with HEALTH!
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights!
Again, this may not be an event that you first think of 'wellness' but it is!
The Lincoln Park Zoo lights are held every weekend after 5:00pm. It is stunning and you will marvel at the beauty of colorful lights everywhere!!!!
Why is this an excellent holiday 'wellness' event for you to attend? Because you are walking, getting exercise while getting into the holiday spirit. If you are having a hard time getting into the spirit of the holiday season, you will feel emerged in JOY when you arrive here!!!
Acceptance this winter......
While your going to be focusing on or incorporating wellness this winter, practice acceptance of your body. Hating your body NOW is not going to get you a better body LATER. Be KIND to your body - God created it and it's beautiful.
Confidence pours out of women who accept themselves as they are. You can see the skinniest woman walking down the street and she will not compare to the heaviest woman who is smiling, glowing and own's her body.
So, I encourage all of you & myself that while you are trialing plant based meals & yoga - enjoying new activities such as Dose Market or strolling through the gorgeously lit Lincoln Park zoo, focus on the events themselves vs. yourself. When you do focus on yourself, focus on something you LOVE about yourself. Do you love your smile? Your skin? Your breasts? Your legs? Whatever it is you DO love about yourself, accentuate it and love yourself up.
Ice Skating!
From November through March, the Millennium Park McCormick Skating Rink attracts skaters of all ages and skills. Over 100,000 people put on blades each year to skate with the city's skyline as a backdrop. The rink is free, open to the public and rents skates.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/236703-winter-activities-in-chicago/#ixzz2ErVzxdbB
Finally, make time for cozy yummy sleep. Sleep is so critical to wellness!
Spend an evening in while the snow gathers outdoors on the city streets - Get under the covers and just be grateful for the big billowing blankets!
Sleep in if you can on weekends and better yet, take on day and spend the entire day in bed - reading - lounging - watching your favorite holiday movies.
If you have any Chicago winter wellness tips, please share on my blog, twitter, pinterest, facebook or email.
All of my Social Media contacts are listed in the upper right hand corner of this website!!!!
Much love & holiday cheer to you & yours!
Kelly Lynn
Fruit-only meals and no cooking allowed: Is the 80/10/10 raw vegan diet the secret to an Olympic athlete's body?
By KRISTIE LAU {article link provided below}.
A diet known as the 80/10/10 has become popular among Olympic heroes and hopefuls.
The low-fat vegan diet takes its name from its recommended dietary intake: 80% fruits and vegetables, 10% protein and 10% t fat.
The diet, which advises to eat 80 % raw food per meal, has been adopted by tennis star Martina Navratilova, NBA star Ronnie Grandison and professional bowler Bruce Hamilton as well as Michael Arnstein, a marathon runner who is training towards the London Olympics.
According to the diet's creator, Dr Douglas M. Graham, other fans include Ohenewa Akuufo, the current 11-time Canadian National Champion wrestler. *Ex-NBA basketball player Ronnie Grandison, is also a fan of the diet
Mr Akuffo is working towards qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games
Dr Graham, who graduated from chiropractic college in 1983 and has been studying health and diet ever since, told MailOnline that while the diet focuses on fruit and vegetables, our bodies also require fat - a limited amount, however.
He said: 'By meeting our needs for fat, without surpassing those needs, we tend to experience optimum digestion, ideal weight management and stabilised blood sugar.
He added that Olympic athletes have adopted the diet as it optimises one's ability to 'uptake, transport and deliver oxygen to the cells'.
This means that sports performance increases, 'while the risk of cancer is minimised.'
The 80/10/10's calorie intake is broken down by the following: 90 to 97% 'sweet and non-sweet fruit' and two to 6% 'tender, leafy greens and celery'.
Zero to 8% is taken up by 'everything else' which includes other vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, plus fatty fruits, nuts and seeds.
Dr Graham said: 'You can generally accomplish this with two or three large fruit meals during the day plus a large salad in the evening.
'Fruit predominates heavily, yet you consume as many greens as you like.'
Dr Graham claimed that the diet is not as hard to adopt as it may sound to some.
He wrote in his book titled The 80/10/10 Diet: Balancing Your Health, Your Weight, And Your Life, One Luscious Bite At A Time, that the program allows people to keep eating the foods they love.
It reads: 'If you eat a relatively typical American diet, 80/10/10 is a program that allows you to continue eating the foods you are used to, while beginning to introduce the new foods that will lead you toward your goal.'
He also wrote about the benefits of eating ample raw food in every meal of the day.
The book reads: 'If you adopt a diet of raw foods, your body can easily cope with cleansing itself of past toxic accumulations and normalise its weight.
'Common sense does not support cooking,' it continued.
According to Dr Graham's research, further health benefits include maximum nutrition, quick digestion, overall improved health and energy, oxygenated cells and ultimate well-being and vitality.
He stressed that although many diets aim to eliminate carbohydrates all together, they are a necessity in anybody's diet.
Inspiring: The book, pictured left, was written by Dr Douglas N. Graham, who is pictured right (you can refer to article link below).
'By meeting our needs for carbohydrates, we tend to feel great energy and mental clarity,' he said.
'Carbohydrates are required in order to use fats properly and consuming enough carbs is the key to satiation, [which means] keeping food craving at bay.'
Dr Graham added that the hardest obstacle for many is getting used to eating such large portions of fruit.
'In general, fruits are considerably higher in calories than vegetables and leafy greens,' he said.
'So it makes sense that most of the raw food diet be made up of fruit, complemented by large salads to provide essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.'
He added that the rewards are worth the dietary shake-up.
'The 80/10/10 diet may seem like a huge shift in your lifestyle in the beginning,' he said. 'Developing the lifestyle will enhance every moment of your life to come.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2149362/Fruit-meals-cooking-allowed-Is-80-10-10-raw-vegan-diet-secret-Olympic-athletes-body.html#ixzz2EnctVxIK
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
A Zen Holiday Experience for your Mate....
Being in love makes the holidays all the more sweet!
So what about love? How can you make your significant other feel special this holiday season in between the chaotic schedule, work, buying presents, cooking for family & friends, etc. ? And how you can combine that lovely gesture with wellness {which is the underlying theme of this website}?
I thought I would provide you with a zen approach that will have your better half smiling from ear to ear. You can do this on a shoe string budget too so, no man or woman left behind (0;
Create an evening of wellness and pampering for him or her. Yes, men need this too and trust me, he will appreciate every second of it!
Make a themed invitation on evite.com, email or simply handwritten on a piece of paper. Invite him or her to an evening of 'zen'.
Start the evening off with an hour long massage.
You can either hire a masseuse to come to the home (which in Chicago is roughly $110.00) or you can create a relaxed space to give him or her a massage yourself.
If you are on a budget, you can do this at no cost this far - the invite & massage itself can be of your own hands and paper you have at home in your copier!
If you hire someone in, make certain to have a space in your home prepared that is quiet and quaint.
A White Wine Pasta is a really great choice for a zen evening. It's light & savory which is perfect after a relaxing massage.
Pasta is also incredibly cost effective as I am thinking of those of you on a budget (which is most of us).
There are several recipes on the web but as all of you know, I get most of my own from ecovegangal.com and ohsheglows.com.
You can also serve as a main entree or a 'starter', butternut squash soup. This is IDEAL for a holiday zen approach to a romantic evening. Butternut squash soup will warm his/her heart and is perfect to stir up for a special evening!
You can buy butternut squash soup at Whole Foods - Amy's Organic is fabulous and just as good as some I have had in various Chicago restaurants.
If you want to make your own, you can try Giada's recipe below:
You can whip up a batch of this creamy, comforting soup in just 40 minutes! Enjoy!Hey, Hollymoms! Every day this week we’re sharing a new recipe from our favorite celebrity chefs that would be perfect to stir up this Christmas! Today we’re talking comfort food and what could be better than a steaming bowl of soup? Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis‘ Butternut Squash Soup with Fontina Cheese Crostini will warm your heart and soul after a long day of shopping or shoveling snow. Even the pickiest eater will come back for seconds, we promise!
Butternut Squash Soup with Fontina Cheese Crostini
Ingredients:
Soup:
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 7 to 8 cups)
6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Crostini:
1/2 baguette, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch thick slices
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1 cup (2 ounces) grated fontina cheese
Kosher salt
Directions:
In an 8-quart stockpot, add the butter and oil and melt together over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the squash and the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the sage. Continue to boil until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat.
For the crostini: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sage. Sprinkle the cheese on top and season with salt, to taste. Bake until the cheese has melted and the bread is light golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the cheese crostini.
Cook’s Note: The cooked vegetable mixture can also be pureed (after cooling for about 5 minutes) by ladling, in batches, into a food processor or blender and blended until smooth.
Happy cooking this holiday season - http://hollywoodlife.com/2010/12/21/giada-de-laurentiis-butternut-squash-soup-christmas-recipe-holiday/
Finally, top off the evening by sharing with him or her how special they are to you. Yes, get cheesy. Yes, get romantic. Yes, go for IT!!!!!
So many people spend too much time in their relationship 'playing it cool', 'playing hard to get', 'being guarded', etc. Well forget all of that! I am calling your bluff! Get real - get mushy - get scared and go for it!!!!
I love this quote from Matt Damon:
“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
So get courageous and tell them just how you cannot live without them or that you love them dearly. Say whatever it is and trust me, this evening will be remembered!!!!
Get your zen on and let me know how it goes!
Kelly Lynn
Holiday Survival Guide...
It's THAT time of year everyone!!! Included below is a quick excerpt in between this weeks scrumptious recipes & health plant based eating tips! Enjoy!
Tis the season for family fetes and festivities! Tis the season for the increased potential for feuds. - ahhhhhhh!!!!!!! Maintain a zen-like cool while facing the holiday madness!!!!
Here is how:
- Remember what is important this holiday season - Jesus first. Your significant other second. Family third. Friends fourth. This is a great rule of thumb for some of us who don't know where to turn first!
- Being 'busy' doesn't mean being fruitful with our time. Take a step back this holiday season and focus on what is important to you. Running around endlessly doesn't always equate to you being giving, loving and social. So sure, it's going to be super busy and fun but don't forget what the spirit of the holidays is really all about - and take time to celebrate that!
- Schedule some 'you time' even if it is a longer shower in the morning -take what you can get. Yes, the holidays are hectic & none of us can escape that fact but schedule a pedicure, massage, yoga class, etc. If you are a mom and cannot get that time away, read a magazine for an extra hour while your hubster watches the kids, etc. You get the idea. Taking a time-out here and there will save your sanity this holiday season!
- Eat plant based for the most part & splurge how you would like on the actual holi'day's. Eat healthy, increase your greens, exercise when you can even if it is just a long walk in the crisp winter air! It will help you, promise!
- Get Organized - have a calendar with events listed and times where you need to be when! This will help you avoid a lot of potential headaches, cancellations or frustrated people.
- JOYful.....be JOY filled!!! Don't be so busy that you stop to realize you weren't even having fun! EnJOY!
Weekly Round-Up
December 6th, 2012
I am having to do my 'Weekly Round-Up' a bit early this week as I will most likely not be blogging until Monday - but ya never know when the inspiration will hit the computer keys so, always keep checking back!
What a strange compilation of blogs this week, right? While there wasn't much 'flow', there was two thought provoking posts along with some precious baby gift ideas. OK, no theme or flow at all - haha - but still enjoyable posts that I hope you all benefited from!
What and who inspired you this week????
I'll kick off my weekend by sharing what and who inspired me......hence, The Weekly Round-Up begins below!!!
Whitney Lauritsen inspired me this week to further commit to the vegan diet - more so just to dive into 'healthy' more deeply. While I am not labeling myself a vegan, I still eat a plant based diet. Whitney lost a LOT of weight when she dove deeper into a healthy plant based diet giving up gluten and soy. You can watch her transformation on screen if you put in 'Eco-VeganGal' on youtube.com or go to her website at ecovegangal.com.
Whitney has been collaborating with Jason Wrobel and I am loving these two on screen! They really are magic together. Once and awhile a couple on screen 'hits the mark' and they gotz it. They inspire me as a couple to have fun eating really healthy. They live clean lives and share that living clean lives can be cool. Eating plant based - fruits and veggies - is healing to your body - and they make it look fiery and fun.
Jason is going to be one of the chef's on The Food Network - the first EVER vegan/plant based cooking show on the network - I cannot wait! I have written into The Food Network so many times in the past wondering why they haven't ever done this! I am hoping Whitney is a guest.
Rarely does a woman truly grab my attention and continually inspire me but this woman does. She is turning a website into a launching pad as a Social Media Entrepreneur and she is succeeding!!!!
My friends who are pregnant inspire me. They do. They all handle the changes to their bodies so bravely and whether they believe it or not, they do actually glow.
Newborn babies inspire me b/c they are the best reminder that God grants miracles every single day to people all across the globe.
I love this pic because this woman reminds me of myself (my style) and because I am surrounded by friends who are pregnant, I am having baby feverrrr. I cannot wait to hold all of those little munchkins and have another chance to be a fabulous aunt. Newborns, they are so just adorable. I know some of you think newborns look like itty bitty old wrinkly people - haha - but I just adore them.
If you have someone in your life that is having a baby, read my blog this week on organic gift ideas whether you have no money, $10.00 or $100.00, there is an idea for you!
Emily, my niece, inspired me this week. I always appreciate when people are 'proactive' and she is 'all that'. She approached me about collaborating on my website. She came with not only ideas but, sample blogs to review with me. Now there is a girl who takes charge without prompting and it was just so cool to be on the receiving end of it.
She is a go getter, an explorer and a dreamer who takes action....trialing various directions in life.
I just think she is such a cool person and the fact that we are related is an added bonus!
This quote inspires me to raise my standards in my life as well as who I let into my life. I thought I had high standards but I realized I needed to raise the bar even HIGHER and I am now. I am raising my standards for myself and for those close to me. We can all do better because it is so true 'What you allow, is what will continue'.
Great quote to put into practice!
Finally, anyone who makes the deliberate and conscious choice not to eat pigs , inspire me.
10 REASONS NOT TO EAT PIGS:
1. Porking You Up
It's a fact—ham, sausage, and bacon strips will go right to your hips. Eating pork products, which are loaded with artery-clogging cholesterol and saturated fat, is a good way to increase your waistline and increase your chances of developing deadly diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, asthma, and impotence. Research has shown that vegetarians are 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and they have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. Plus, meat-eaters are nine times more likely to be obese than pure vegetarians are.
2. Pigs Have Feelings Too
Ninety-seven percent of pigs in the United States today are raised in factory farms, where they will never run across sprawling pastures, bask in the sun, breathe fresh air, or do anything else that comes naturally to them. Crowded into warehouses with nothing to do and nowhere to go, they are kept on a steady diet of drugs to keep them alive and make them grow faster, but the drugs cause many of the animals to become crippled under their own bulk.
3. Pigs and Playstations
Think that you can outplay a pig on your Playstation? You may be surprised. According to research, pigs are much smarter than dogs, and they even do better at video games than some primates. In fact, pigs are extremely clever animals who form complex social networks and have excellent memories. Eating a pig is like eating your dog! As actor Cameron Diaz put it after hearing that pigs have the mental capacities of a 3-year-old human: "[Eating bacon is] like eating my niece!
4. Pigs Prefer Mud, Not Crud
Pigs are actually very clean animals. If they are given sufficient space, pigs are careful not to soil the areas where they sleep or eat. And forget the silly saying "sweating like a pig"—pigs can't even sweat! That's why they bathe in water or mud to cool off. But in factory farms, they're forced to live in their own feces and vomit and even amid the corpses of other pigs. Conditions are so filthy that at any given time, more than one-quarter of pigs suffer from mange—think of your worst case of poison ivy, and imagine having to suffer from it for the rest of your life.
5. Farming Family Values
Factory farms are pure hell for pigs and their babies. Mother pigs spend most of their lives in tiny "gestation" crates, which are so small that the animals are unable to turn around or even lie down comfortably. They are repeatedly impregnated until they are slaughtered. Piglets, who are taken away from their distraught mothers after just a few weeks, have their tails chopped off, their teeth are clipped off with pliers, and the males are castrated—all without painkillers.
6. The Manure Is Blowing in the Wind …
A pig farm with 5,000 animals produces as much fecal waste as a city of 50,000 people. In 1995, 25 million gallons of putrid hog urine and feces spilled into a North Carolina river, immediately killing between 10 and 14 million fish. To get around water pollution limits, factory farms will frequently take the tons of urine and feces that are stored in cesspools and turn them into liquid waste that they spray into the air. This manure-filled mist is carried away by the wind and inhaled by the people who live nearby.
7. Bacteria-Laden Bacon and Harmful Ham
Extremely crowded conditions, poor ventilation, and filth in factory farms cause such rampant disease in pigs that 70 percent of them have pneumonia by the time they're sent to the slaughterhouse. In order to keep pigs alive in conditions that would otherwise kill them and to promote unnaturally fast growth, the industry keeps pigs on a steady diet of the antibiotics that we depend on to treat human illnesses. This overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of "superbacteria," or antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The ham, bacon, and sausage that you're eating may make the drugs that your doctor prescribes the next time you get sick completely ineffective.
8. Hell on Wheels
More than 170,000 pigs die in transport each year, and more than 420,000 are crippled by the time they arrive at the slaughterhouse. Transport trucks, which carry pigs hundreds of miles through all weather extremes with no food or water, regularly flip over, throwing injured and dying animals onto the road. These terrified and injured animals are rarely offered veterinary care, and most languish in pain for hours; some even bleed to death on the side of the road. After an accident in April 2005,Smithfield spokesperson Jerry Hostetter told one reporter, "I hate to admit it, but it happens all the time."
9. Killing Them Without Kindness
A typical slaughterhouse kills up to 1,100 pigs every hour, which makes it impossible for them to be given humane, painless deaths. The U.S. Department of Agriculture documented 14 humane slaughter violations at one processing plant, where inspectors found hogs who "were walking and squealing after being stunned [with a stun gun] as many as four times." Because of improper stunning methods and extremely fast line speeds, many pigs are still alive when they are dumped into scalding-hot hair-removal tanks—they literally drown in scalding-hot water.
10. Ditch the Bacon and Get Fakin'
Save pigs from hell and yourself from bad health by feasting on faux pork products instead. Stuff a sandwich full of Yves brand veggie ham slices, or throw some Lightlife Smart Bacon into a sizzling skillet—the freezer and "health food" sections of your local grocery or health food stores are packed full of these and other tasty substitutes.
This list was provided by PETA
http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/top-10-reasons-not-to-eat-pigs.aspx
So that is it for my Weekly Round-Up!!!!
As you head into the weekend, regardless of what your circumstances are, take time to LAUGH!!!!!
Laugh - Eat Healthy - Love the Ones you are with - Have FUN and take a look around you....and be GRATEFUL!!!!
Oh Baby Baby!
December 5th, 2012
I know at least 5 people who I love that are pregnant right now - such an exciting & 'heart bursting with joy' time in their lives!!!
My boyfriend's sister just had a beautiful healthy baby girl and thus, I thought to put together this blog for all of you!!!! I love babies and even more so, I love spoiling the family with a sweet gift.
What do you give when you are on a budget? I have quite a few ideas for all of you!!
All of the gifts below are under $40.00.
Heart Stackers
Heart Stackers are natural organic wood baby stackers that double as teethers.
By manzanitakids.com at $36
Hat.
Is your heart melting into puddles? Mine is!
Newborn Baby Knot Hat Organic Cotton Eco Fabrics.
You can find any of these hats under $18.00 at locations such as Etsy.com or even Target.
This is a very simple yet precious baby gift that is a great idea on a budget.
Baby Girl/Boy Gift Set:
Baby gift sets are fabulous and a wonderful gift b/c mom & dad are getting a hat, top, pants, mittens, socks and a toy for their newborn.
I am just loving this one by Sckoon - pink, pink and more pink!!!!
Sckoon Organic Cotton Baby Gift Baskets www.sckoon.com
Stuffed Teddy Bear
A sweet stuffed animal is always the perfect gift and one that I personally love to give expectant parents. They can set the bear in the crib or on the rocker in the baby room. It's adorable!!
This particular bear was made & stuffed by melissaanddoug.com. I encourage you to check out their website - they are awesome!
Newborn baby boots
I love baby feet!!! Covering their tootsies with itty bitty socks and the cutest of shoes/boots makes everyone go 'Awwww'.
These particular boots can be found at lilsugar.com
Baby Blanket
I have always thought that a very 'thoughtful' baby gift is an organic knit blanket. Parents can never have too many in different areas of the home - ready & waiting to swaddle their newborn.
You can find baby blankets everywhere and the prices range from $22.00 & up.
Newborns are such a miracle!!! New parents are exhausted though and a small gift arriving on their doorstep is always a welcome blessing I imagine!
If you do not have any money at all to provide a material gift, included below are my ideas for YOU:
- Offer to babysit the other children (if this is their 2nd or 3rd) for 2 to 3 hours one day so mom can get rest and/or simply give her new bundle of joy all of her attention.
- Offer to babysit the newborn while mom naps and takes a warm shower.
- Bake homemade breads or muffins and leave at their door with a note 'Breakfast for the new family'.
- Begin a prayer circle for the newborn - Mail the prayer with the names of the people praying for the family & new little one.
- Make a big pot of soup or pasta for mom & dad who will be too tired to cook when they arrive home from the hospital.
- Send a card. Cards are so inexpensive yet incredibly heart warming to receive & open.
I hope you enjoyed my ideas and all of the websites - they are delightful!
Babies are such precious miracles and celebrating them will be remembered by the family!!!!
I Do. I Did. Now What?
by Emily Sassman
December 5th, 2012
My niece, Emily, is going to be a featured 'Guest Blogger' on my website. She is a fabulous writer & because of her poignant speech, views of this world and how her feet always follow her heart, Emily & I thought we would be great collaborators!
The theme of today's blogs are to get out there and follow your heart. Live your truth. Be a 'doer' vs. a dreamer.
As we head into the weekend, we will get back to healthy plant based eating blogs as well. Wellness is how you are living your life, who you are choosing to spend it with, what foods you are putting into your mouth & how you speak. Wellness is action oriented and as you will see from Emily's path, so is she!
So....let's welcome Emily!
Emily is expanding upon today's theme with her own blog below. Emily, thank you for sharing with my readers your path so honestly and genuinely!
I Do. I Did. Now What?
I was raised with a clear life plan set out in front of me. "What's the order?" my mom would ask. My sister and I would recite the following:
1. Graduate College
2. Get Married
3. Have babies
Ok, so that may be a slightly humorous way of looking at the situation. We were not brainwashed or anything, but my parents had, and still have, a certain way that they wanted us to live out our lives. They had gone through hard times, and they wanted us to avoid the same mistakes they made.
Anyway, that was always supposed to be the plan, so I think I gave everyone bit of a shock when, during my freshmen year of college, I got engaged to my boyfriend of six months.
I was nineteen years old.
What followed was what I can only describe as pure pandemonium.
Some were heartbroken, and others cheerful. Family members became divided and I started to question my choice.
Why was I getting married so young?
Why was I not waiting and following this plan that supposed to be the "right" way?
I have come to this conclusion; for me , that was not meant to be my life plan. I am the first to admit that I am a hopeless romantic, a passionate person, and can be stubborn as a mule. Sure, maybe those traits helped influence my decision (and any decisions made since then, like shaving my head for charity), but that is how it should be because that is who I am. I will not ever say that this was the easiest route to take.
It's not.
I know that.
I knew that going into it.
There have been struggles, mistakes and some bumps in the road but, there is one thing that is never something I feel: REGRET.
I will say this.....being married young is NOT a fairytale, and any who think that it will be a breeze should reconsider. Marriage is a grown up decision and going into this LIFELONG commitment you need to be sure that this is someone you are going to choose to be in love with the rest of your life.
Yes, I said choose.
I have learned that love is a choice. I know we all get in that "honeymoon stage" where the other person can do no wrong, you never fight and you cannot imagine that feeling ever going away. Well, it most certainly does! Marriage is a job and it is hard work. You get as much out of it as you put into it.
You get thrown into the real world and have to try to handle it. It is a different lesson learned every single day and there seems to always be another hurdle to jump over. You no longer have the luxury of a life with limited responsiblity. You suddenly become responsible for every aspect your life.
But do you know what is really kind of great?
You have a committed partner who is having the same feelings as you, he is there with you to support you and to help you figure it all out. You have an incredible support system.
I would not advocate getting married young. Nor would I suggest waiting until you are older. I think that it is your life and not someone else's. You have to live with the choices that you make. That being said, you must please realize that even though marriage is a decision between you and your partner, that decision also affects people other than yourself. So, while you may be sure that getting married young is something you want to do, be aware that it may effect your relationships with family members and/or friends.
My marriage has strained some friendships and it had a negative effect on my family (this has, thankfully, gone away).
It was a HUGE decision, and one, though some may not think this, I put a lot of thought into.
And no, I am not sure what the future holds for me. I am not sure if I will ever graduate college. I am not sure what my job will be in ten years. I am not sure if I will have children. I am not sure if I will travel.
But one thing I am certain of is that I will have my best friend, my confidante, my husband by my side, no matter what happens.
I cannot wait to tell stories of the winter after we first got married. haha - The winter when my husband got laid of and we could only afford to eat mac and cheese, ramen, and any food we could get at food pantries. The story of how we could not afford to keep the heat on all winter so, we would snuggle up on our living room floor. It was the warmest spot in our house. How through all it, we laughed and thought "This will be a moment we will remember, and be thankful that we went through".
I will say this: maybe it is the "ideal" way - in this society - to wait until you are financially stable, graduated, and older until you get married. I am not sure any of that matters much. I honestly think that my husband and have to learn the same things about marriage that people twice our age have to. We have to learn to live together and we have to learn to grow up together. We have to learn how to wake up everyday and make the choice to keep that commitment and to honor those vows that we made.
I have heard that 50% or marriages end in divorce. Before I was married my little sister said, "Just don't become a statistic". I made a choice to not be. I make that choice every single day.
My husband and I have been married a little over a year now, and I am proud that I stuck with my decision.
I am twenty years old and I am currently working at a car dealership (I sell Nissans).
My husband is a union plumber.
We live in a trailer with our two cats.
We have big dreams and goals but, we are happy right now just navigating our way through life......together.
My new life plan
1. Get married
2.
3.
I am done trying to fill in the blanks. I do not know yet what the next steps for me are, but I sure am excited to find out.
by Emily Sassman
Prisoners of Hope.
December 5th, 2012
Prisoners of Hope.
I am asking those of you who are stuck being 'one day' people, to stop & consider changing. I am asking those of you who are 'prisoners of hope' to become doers.
Being a prisoner of hope is exhausting and deadening of one's own time and spirit. The only thing we should hope for is hope in the Lord otherwise, in my opinion, we should be 'doing' every single day of our lives in order to HAVE - not 'create' the life we want. Also, if you are putting your hope into another person's words, make certain there is a timeframe attached to their words. If they hold true to the timeline, you know you can trust them. If they are just spewing endless words at you over a long period of time, know not to put your hope into this person or people. Change direction.
I used to be a 'doer' and I have become a 'one day' person in the past 6 to 9 months. I inspired my own blog for a change (generally it's someone else that inspired me). I am surrounded by a lot of 'one day' hopes & dreams yet not doing enough to achieve them. I have tried but what I am doing is not working out too well so I am changing my approach. Being a 'one day' type of person doesn't work for who I am. It never did. It has turned me into more of an intense person who is not happy in certain areas of life because I keep wanting things that are not realistic, just out of my reach or quite frankly, that I have no control over. Who I really am is a spirited person who takes action and generally get's what she wants (0: I am a semi-intense but cheerfully relaxed person who lives in the moment while achieving a long list of short & long term goals. This is who I am.
So I am taking a cue from this blog, getting over my disappointment and I hope you join me. Let's become doers either 'again' or doers for the 'first time' for those of you who have spent years being 'one day' peeps.
Life is hard though and taking action is often work. 'One day' people build castles in their minds. In reality, those dreamers castles are built on sand. The dreams are vivid and wonderful yet in reality they do not exist. This is all a waste of your time. It truly is unless you are going to 'do'.
When you wake up today, make the changes you need to. Do not worry about others - if they are making changes - what they think - etc. Focus on what you can change & 'do'. If not now, then when?
Quit beating yourself up for any past mistake and just simply 'do' NOW. Start over today.
As of about 3:00am last night, my life as I knew it changed....the one I built in my mind that is (0: I had built so many hopes and dreams yet my reality resembled none of it. I will be waking up to a new reality today and acting on that reality along with my faith. I am letting go of my sadness of ''what was' in my mind and dealing with what 'is' b/c that is all I have - and that is all any of us have. I know it's hard sometimes to deal with 'what is' but it has to be dealt with - it simply has to be dealt with one way or another.
Do not wait to start your diet any longer. You have been thinking of going vegan? Do it today. Do not wait to go on your missionary trip - book the trip already Do not wait to put your child before work - go be with them now. Do not put your relationship on hold until you 'make more money', propose now - move forward NOW. Do not wait to heal your body, do it now by eating healthy, exercising, detoxing, etc. Do not wait to tell your parents you love them, call them right now - today - this moment. Do not wait to go to church one day, go this Sunday. Do not wait to tell your boyfriend/girlfriend how you really feel inside, throw down all guards and be YOU now. Do not wait to stop drinking, stop eating meat, stop being angry, stop smoking - JUST DO IT...today. Yes, you can.
I am surprised and disappointed that I have become a 'one day' person but I have. I was getting caught up in word traps though and finally realized that action was no where to be found. You might be able to relate. Your wellbeing will flourish when you take action and choose to remain to live 'in action'. Trust me. How do I know for sure? Because I used to be an action oriented person not so long ago.
I am choosing to be one again. So should you.
Kelly Lynn
Weekly Wrap Up....
It's almost Friday!!!!
Did anything happen this week that made you particularly happy or inspired?!
I am going to take a cue from Ms. Gwyneth Paltrow's goop.com and share what & who inspired me.
Feel free to email, message below or tweet me with what made you JOYful this week!!!! All of my social media contacts are in the upper right hand corner of this site as well.
Holidays wreaths make me all shades of happy. I just love them!!! I love the idea of attaching a satin ribbon around the wreath and hanging from a large window in my condo. Wreaths aren't just for the front door of a home. Indoor wreaths add a sense of warmth, holiday cheer & color to any room! I have my own wreath hanging in my living room and along with the twinkling of small Christmas tree's - I want to be in the room all of the time!
My dad inspired me!
My dad came to Chicago this week to have lunch with me. It was just so nice to sit across the table from him laughing about everything & nothing at all. He came with a lot of really worthwhile 'life' advice for me. It was so sweet!!!
The dad/daughter relationship is really precious and worth treasuring!
Thanks dad for your love & wisdom!!!!
My dad came to Chicago this week to have lunch with me. It was just so nice to sit across the table from him laughing about everything & nothing at all. He came with a lot of really worthwhile 'life' advice for me. It was so sweet!!!
The dad/daughter relationship is really precious and worth treasuring!
Thanks dad for your love & wisdom!!!!
Vega One protein nutritional shakes (chocolate is my favorite) are just so delicious!!! You can throw in a handful of greens into your Vitamix and I promise you, you only taste the rich chocolate.
Vega One products inspire me to be healthy! They are so filling!!!!
I am having one for a late lunch today and look forward to the deliciousness!!!!
Try them - I get mine at Whole Foods. They are sold in small packets for under $4.00 or you can by a container like the one to your left which is pricey but worth it over the long term.
This woman's style inspires me. It's my style from head to toe!
I have a quirky addiction to winter knit hats & berets and this one is perfection! I love it!!!
I have such a specific style (a bit classic combined with preppy infusion) and she captures it well!
This week, my friends really inspired me (as per usual) - especially last night & this afternoon!
My friend Cristina & I just spent part of a day together this week and had so much fun!
I have been genuinely blessed & surrounded with the most loyal/cool people.
This quote says it better than I ever could!
My appetite this week has been bigger than normal! I think it is from getting off track with my diet and eating more of the addictive 'bad' foods. Ho hum.
What makes me happy is healthy creatively made pizzas - butternut squash pizza with spinach & daiya cheese. Spinach & tofu pizza drizzled in olive oil is amazing as well. I am getting together with a couple of friends next week & we are going to make our own pizzas! We just came up with the idea today and I am already salivating!
Putting in a movie, ordering in for a night and curling up with a book, my love & Marley serves as a super relaxing and fun evening for myself as well.
Finally, this guy to our left inspired me just yesterday! He is my boyfriend by the way - Lee. In the picture is his adorable & spirited daughter.
Lee inspires me in that he is such a loving compassionate parent to his daughters!
He inspires me to be a better person - try harder - and love myself even more than I already do.
We all need people in our lives that are willing to be honest with us - that adore us - and that have our best interest at heart. He does this for me - a ton!
So THAT is my weekly round up!!!! I hope you love all of the new content as much I have enjoyed providing it all for you!!!
Look for all NEW content next week!!! If there are topics you want to hear about then again, email, tweet or leave a message below. You are free to message me on facebook or pinterest as well. All Social Media Contacts for me can be found in the upper right hand corner of my website.
How to Get Nutrition Into Your Child's Diet
OK, lets face it.....unless you are parents who started your children off on a very health plant based, raw food or vegan diet, it's hard to get them to switch when they are say 10 years old.
The topic today is for the audience whose kids eat a lot of processed & sugary foods. The discussion is not to condemn rather to come up with some creative ideas for how to incorporate healthy foods into their diets!!!!
First & foremost, I recommend the book Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.
Book Description:
It has become common knowledge that childhood obesity rates are increasing every year. But the rates continue to rise. And between busy work schedules and the inconvenient truth that kids simply refuse to eat vegetables and other healthy foods, how can average parents ensure their kids are getting the proper nutrition and avoiding bad eating habits?
As a mother of three, Jessica Seinfeld can speak for all parents who struggle to feed their kids right and deal nightly with dinnertime fiascos. As she wages a personal war against sugars, packaged foods, and other nutritional saboteurs, she offers appetizing alternatives for parents who find themselves succumbing to the fastest and easiest (and least healthy) choices available to them. Her modus operandi? Her book is filled with traditional recipes that kids love, except they're stealthily packed with veggies hidden in them so kids don't even know! With the help of a nutritionist and a professional chef, Seinfeld has developed a month's worth of meals for kids of all ages that includes, for example, pureed cauliflower in mac and cheese, and kale in spaghetti and meatballs. She also provides revealing and humorous personal anecdotes, tear–out shopping guides to help parents zoom through the supermarket, and tips on how to deal with the kid that "must have" the latest sugar bomb cereal.
But this book also contains much more than recipes and tips. By solving problems on a practical level for parents, Seinfeld addresses the big picture issues that surround childhood obesity and its long–term (and ruinous) effects on the body. With the help of a prominent nutritionist, her book provides parents with an arsenal of information related to kids' nutrition so parents understand why it's important to throw in a little avocado puree into their quesadillas. She discusses the critical importance of portion size, and the specific elements kids simply must have (as opposed to adults) in order to flourish now and in the future: protein, calcium, vitamins, and Omega 3 and 6 fats.
Jessica Seinfeld's book is practical, easy–to–read, and a godsend for any parent that wants their kids to be healthy for a long time to come.
I am going to get the book for Lee & I (shhh holiday gift) so that we can make meals for the girls.
I have some ideas of my own as well which I have listed below:
See this scrumptious chocolate shake? Your kids will love it any day of the week!!! So how do you sneak in healthy nutrition?
Vega One brand has a chocolate shake mix, When you combine Vega One Chocolate Mix (which is already healthy, cacao nibs, a bit of agave for more sweetness, a dollop of almond butter if they love reese's and a handful of kale. Yes, kale. If you put in a small handful, you will not see the kale once blended - you will not taste the kale and you certainly will see a change in the color of the shake.
When making mashed potatoes, use whatever ingredients you typically do. Add a handful of cauliflower though to the potatoes - mash together.
NO ONE will know the difference as far as taste & texture go - not even you and you are the one who just slipped the cauliflower in there!!!
Banana Ice Cream!
Now if your child doesn't like banana ice cream then this isn't the best idea for you.
If your child does though, this is going to be yummy!
Freeze bananas - 4 or 5 ahead of time.
Take them out of the freezer, put them in your blender or Vitamix and blend away. You will have creamy delicious soft serve ice cream that is HEALTHY.
Once you get it into a colorful bowl (kids love color and like to think they are eating something bad - remember kids respond to gooeyness, texture, messy foods, etc.), you can add some fun!!!!
Heat some raw dark chocolate up on the stove until it's a thick syrup consistency and pour over the top for a sundae. If they like nuts, add them in! Go ahead and add in whatever other ingredients they like. We are sneaking in healthy foods - not shoving food in their face that they will not eat.
Now if your child doesn't like banana ice cream then this isn't the best idea for you.
If your child does though, this is going to be yummy!
Freeze bananas - 4 or 5 ahead of time.
Take them out of the freezer, put them in your blender or Vitamix and blend away. You will have creamy delicious soft serve ice cream that is HEALTHY.
Once you get it into a colorful bowl (kids love color and like to think they are eating something bad - remember kids respond to gooeyness, texture, messy foods, etc.), you can add some fun!!!!
Heat some raw dark chocolate up on the stove until it's a thick syrup consistency and pour over the top for a sundae. If they like nuts, add them in! Go ahead and add in whatever other ingredients they like. We are sneaking in healthy foods - not shoving food in their face that they will not eat.
Get your child involved in cooking!
Let them be a part of making dinner along side of you!
Have them cutting vegetables, slicing fruit, pureeing sweet potatoes & tasting different foods.
There are so many different ideas!!!
What have you tried that works?? Please send your messages into me vie email, twitter or down below this page!
There is also an insightful link into healthy eating for children that I think every single parent should read:
http://life.gaiam.com/article/10-ways-get-kids-eat-healthier
The most impactful vacation - in my opinion - for any child of any age is taking them to The Gentle Barn.
The Gentle Barn is the home of factory farm animals across the country that have been saved from slaughter.
You can google 'The Gentle Barn' for all of the logistics and specifics about who they are, address, hours, cost, etc.
This is an excellent opportunity to have your children learn the importance of a plant based diet....from someone else. Kids sometimes do not want to listen their parents....or so I hear (0;
There are numerous other children at The Gentle Barn daily so your kids will immediately have a common ground seeing others - like themselves - there. They are taught about why the animals are so special and encouraged to hug all of cows, pigs, horses and chickens. They interact with the animals in unique settings and get to nibble on plant based foods while they are there.
I have heard of numerous children leaving The Gentle Barn having more compassion for animals, not wanting to eat them and being more cultured because of the experience.
If I had a child, this would be the first vacation spot for my family.
Here is the link:
http://www.gentlebarn.org/animals.php
There is also another wonderful sanctuary that is worth a visit:
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/
The Benefits of Vitamin C.....
"Vitamin C is rapidly finding new applications in protecting against endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, and the blood vessel changes that precede heart disease. Additional research is discovering that vitamin C can be helpful in preventing asthma, protecting against cancer and supporting healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics" - Julius Goepp, MD
Did you know that enough Vitamin C taken can kill just about any virus or infection? The challenge is people don't take enough! Consult your doctor about how much you should take.
Before you read what Natalie has to say, let me share with you what I have personally tried. I have tried all forms of large doses of Vitamin C while I have been healing - Intravenous, Supplemental, Food & Liquid Etheric Deliver (which is liquid Vitamin C by QuickSilver - It is Vitamin C with R-Lipoic Acid). What FINALLY WORKED FOR ME???? QuickSilver's Etheric liquid form which is AS effective as an IV and about 80% less in cost. Not bad. It melts inflammation away too!
Once I found the most effective form of Vitamin C for myself - along with eating a healthy plant based diet - changes have occurred in my health!!! I rarely - if EVER - promote any product and for me, I am behind this product 100%. We should all be taking a lot of Vitamin C but as you will read below, it's the 'kind' of Vitamin C that will aid in your own healing!!!! So get educated!
By Natasha Lee, nutritional research for Natural Vitality
Article can be found at: http://www.yearstoyourhealth.com/natural_calm/natural_vitality_info/vitamin_c.html
Also called ascorbic acid, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, M.D., and P.H. D isolated Vitamin C in 1928. It was the third vitamin to be discovered, thus, the letter C. It is probably best known as the "cure for the common cold", made popular by physicist Linus Pauling (who also won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for being the first to educate people on the dangers of nuclear radiation and organizing the first ban of open-air nuclear testing). Linus Pauling, after he began studying vitamins and nutrition wrote an entire book on this one vitamin and there are other whole websites, books, and foundations entirely devoted to this one vitamin. It is the only vitamin which claims all of this.
The vitamin is more than a "warrior against disease" it is also the vitamin of beauty, and every cell in our body has a function which in some way depends on vitamin C.
It is vital to so many chemical reactions in the body, that without it, life would not be possible. Energy cannot be made in any cell either in the brain or muscles without adequate vitamin C. Vitamin C defends our body against foreign invaders of every type, and is the main ingredient of collagen, which is what our skin, bones, hair, teeth and nails are formed from. This article is about the startling power of this single vitamin.
Immune System:
Vitamin C kills both virus and bacteria directly, aids in neutralizing the toxins they give off, and also feeds our own antibodies and white blood cells. It has killing power against viruses. As much as 1000 milligrams of vitamin C can be used in an hour when the body is fighting illness. Seldom do people take enough or know how much to take. The body's own antibodies are unable to fight bacteria without vitamin C.
Antioxidant:
Vitamin C is in the family of antioxidants. This means that it protects the body from "oxidants" which are harmful crippled oxygen compounds roaming freely, called "free radicals". A proper analogy of what a "free radical" does with a cell would be the following: A person who has lost a limb, such as a leg for example, in order to rebalance itself goes and "takes" someone else's leg, thus crippling them. This action occurs with molecule's which have lost an electron, and go and take an electron from a thriving cell, which kills the once thriving cell and then creates a chain reaction of theft from cell to cell creating destruction of areas in the body. This action repeated over and over is the cause of aging and disease in the body. There are other nutritional elements which protect life organisms from this occurrence as well as C. ( Discussed in other articles). Please observe that "time" is merely the "carrier" of free radicals, or you could say their action happens within "time". But "time" itself is not the cause of a life organism deteriorating, looking or feeling old. Time is not the correct target, in other words.
Living in modern society the human body is continually subjected to chemicals or substances which are unnatural or foreign to it, such as air pollution, chemicals in paint, soap, shampoo, dry cleaning, etc. and the food we eat. These pollutants create "free radicals" abundantly in the environment. What vitamin C does is act as a "decoy". Any roaming radical goes immediately to it first, instead of robbing the body of its thriving cells. It essentially bonds with them and makes them harmless because they quit "roaming" and "searching"; they don't need to steal. It is perhaps the most important antioxidant in that it protects the other antioxidants, such as vitamin E from getting damaged.
It has been found that vitamin C can even prevent or cure chemical poisoning because of this "decoy" action it has. Vitamins C and E work together as a team to scavenge and fight off foreign pollutants in the body. Any person doing industrial work should take plenty of extra vitamin C to account for what will be allocated to ward off the toxins and still have plenty left to fight bacteria or viruses floating about.
Allergies
Vitamin C detoxifies anything natural or unnatural which a persons body may not have immunity against. Studies have proven that vitamin C helps to prevent allergies by detoxifying the allergen before it causes a reaction. This author personally believes that people who are " allergic to everything" lack, and have been lacking vitamin C in their diet for some time. This makes sense because as our diets have grown poorer and poorer over time as a nation, our bodies are not getting enough C and what C we get is spent on detoxifying pollution, chemicals and drugs which are also more prevalent than they once were. Subsequently, more people are turning up with "allergies" to nearly everything. Yet, the human body was designed originally to withstand more stress and duress than any other life form on earth. Nature provides us with the solution for the body's ills and it would seem that those people who have "allergies" are not eating enough daily citrus fruits or getting some other supply of C. It is possible their ancestors were also lacking vitamin C and "allergies" were passed to them. Massive amounts of vitamin C can even detoxify poison oak, poison ivy, snake bite, spider bites and carbon monoxide poisoning. The quantity of vitamin C needed to detoxify a poison or allergen depends on the quantity of the substance which has entered the bloodstream.
Vitamin C and Collagen
Skin, tendons, ligaments, skin, bone, teeth, cartilage, heart valves, vertebrae, cornea, eye lens, and the ground substance between cells are all formed from collagen. Vitamin C is the chief ingredient in collagen. Without enough vitamin C, the body is unable to form collagen and is unable to repair itself. Some collagen forms in the absence of Vitamin C, but the fibers are abnormal resulting in skin lesions and fragile blood vessels.
When applied topically on skin it keeps cells fresh and healthy. Observe what happens when you put vitamin C (in lemon juice) on fruit. It will not brown. This is the vitamin protecting the fruit from interacting from harmful aging oxygen compounds (free radicals).
Fat Deposits
Vitamin C also helps to prevent and remove harmful fatty deposits from the arteries, escorting it to the liver where it is converted into bile and removed from the body.
Vitamin C as an antibiotic
Dr. Fred R. Klenner, retired chief of staff at the Memorial Hospital in Reidsville, North Carolina used the vitamin as an antibiotic giving injections of 2000 to 6000 which brought fevers down within hours. In people who were extremely ill, it was reported that within an hour after giving massive doses of vitamin C, there were no traces in the patients' blood or urine. This is because it was completely used up in fighting the illness or fever. After 25 years of clinical research he considered it to be superior to antibiotics.
Vitamin C and Cancer
Approximately ninety studies have been conducted concerning the effect of cancer on vitamin C. The word "cancer" means "tumor". Tumors are formed from mutated cells. Mutated cells are caused by free radicals attacking them and, making them "confused" so they don't follow the regular DNA format and go off on their own. If one mutated cell replicates itself, it starts a tumor and grows stronger, taking nutrition from the other cells and warping the area it is in. This is cancer. Vitamin C destroys free radicals (anything toxic to the body), and it also destroys mutated cells, since they are "foreign" to the body and the immune system recognizes them as unwanted invaders. The more stress your immune system is under, the more Vitamin C is used, if it is available. If it isn't available, the disease will not be stopped. The truth is that mutated cells occur in the body all the time. It's just that our immune systems destroy them before they get out of hand. If not, it develops into a tumor, or "cancer" as it is called.
How much to take:
When vitamin C destroys viruses, bacteria, pollutants etc, the vitamin itself is also destroyed. Per nutritionist and biochemist Adelle Davis, as much as 20 to 40 times more vitamin C is needed when a person is ill. Many people may have tried simply "taking extra vitamin C" when they have a cold and not noticed much. This is because they do not take enough. When our bodies are exposed to stress (physical or emotional pressure), our stores of vitamin C are depleted by the adrenal gland which requires one molecule of vitamin C to make one molecule of adrenaline. One cigarette uses 50 mg. of vitamin C and an average of 200 to 300 mg. of vitamin C per day is needed to raise a smoker's vitamin C level to that of a non-smoker. If you drink alcohol, live in a polluted city, take drugs of any sort, smoke, or have stress in your life, all these factors use up the extra C you are taking and there is not enough left over to fight illness. Any type of strain reduces our resistance to infection. This is where the old wives tale " if you go outside in the rain you'll catch a cold" actually came from, although it is certainly not true in each case. There is some logic here in that when a person's body temperature is exposed to the elements, it is stressed which uses up vitamin C thus making the body less able to fight bacteria which may come along. The RDA is enough to prevent people from dying of scurvy, which is 60mg. This amount does not factor in how many milligrams are destroyed by whether or not people live in a polluted city, or drink coffee or alcohol, etc.
The ideal amount of C for the average individual to start with is around 1000 to 10,000 mg depending on what they expose themselves to.
The man who discovered vitamin C, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, took 1000 mg per day in1928, before the research on it had been completed and all the benefits were known. Linus Pauling took 10,000 to 18,000 mg. per day; Dr. Michael Colgan, prominent researcher of vitamin C, takes 5000 mg. per day. Vitamin C is not stored in the body, so we need a constant supply from food and supplements. Each individual should find their own requirement based on the number of toxic chemicals they expose themselves to. If they live in a polluted city, take drugs, have alot of stress, or have any symptoms such as bruising, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums, they will need to take higher amounts.
Dr. Fred R. Klenner, retired chief of staff at the Memorial Hospital in Reidsville, North Carolina gave severely ill patients injections of 50,000 to 100,000 milligrams of vitamin C with miraculous recovery. Taking vitamin C in a liquid form is the best. The following recipe is an excellent drink for recovering from any illness or injury.
Natasha's C drink:
1 Cup hot water;
1 Teaspoon C Crystals (Powdered C);
1 Teaspoon Natural Calm (Magnesium);
1 Teaspoon Honey.
The C works to kill infections, the magnesium works to relax the body so that the person feels better which assists the recovery process greatly, and the honey is for taste so the drink goes down easy. Works great!
This drink contains 4000 mg. Of Vitamin C and 205 mg of Magnesium delivered instantly into the body. This should be taken every hour, with an initial higher dosage at the first sign of any infection or illness. If diarrhea occurs, add fiber and rehydrate the body with extra fluids.
More information about this can be gotten through the Vitamin C Foundation.
What happens if I take too much?
Per Dr. Klenner, vitamin C is not toxic even in the most massive doses. However, if a poor quality of vitamin is used, a person could be allergic to the fillers or binders used to manufacture the vitamin pill. If one wishes to take large amounts he can use vitamin C powder, which has no fillers and is just the pure vitamin or, use tablets or capsules from a company he knows. The side effect of taking more C than your body can process at one time is diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs when one is taking a large amount of C to combat an illness, one would simply reduce the dosage, drink more fluids and work slowly up to higher amounts. Taking large doses of vitamin C to kill illness is much like attempting to fill a pail full of water which has holes in it. In order to fill it, you have to pour in larger amounts of water, faster than it can leak out the holes. As the body becomes healthier it will be able to process more at a time and no bad bacteria or virus stands a chance against this onslaught.
Written by:
Natasha Lee
Nutritional Research
Peter Gillham's Nutritional Center
References: Dr. Fred R. Klenner, "The Use of Vitamin C as an Antibiotic," Journal of Applied Nutrition , VI (1953) 274, "Massive Doses of Vitamin C and the Virus Diseases," Southern Medicine and Surgery, CXIII (1951), 101 "Cancer and Vitamin C" Copyright 1979, Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine The "Vitamin C Foundation" webpage "CforYourself" webpage by researcher Randy Hoge "Lets Eat Right to Keep fit" by nutritionist, biochemist Adelle Davis
This article is not intended to take the place of a competent nutritionist or doctor. It is solely intended to educate people on the vital and perhaps underestimated importance of this nutritional element.
The information in this site is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
In the event the reader uses the information for his own health, he is in fact prescribing for himself, which is his own constitutional right, and for which the author assumes no responsibility.
If you suffer from a medical condition, consult your doctor. If you have questions as to the application of this information to your own health, you are advised to consult a qualified health professional.
© 2000 by Peter Gillham All rights reserved.
Hormones - Yes Ladies, we are going there.
Good morning!!! Yes, it's Friday morning and we are going to talk about female hormones!! Woohoo!!! Now there's a topic that makes ya want to have a PARTY!!!!
Women are smiling - their significant others are cheering the words 'FINALLY, the monthly monster be gone'!!!! Wow, the men are beaming!!!!!
Hormones are apparently a delicate topic between men & women but I don't think they should be. I don't think they should be a delicate topic at all so let's not treat them as such!!
Let's break ourselves out of that box of close minded thinking and discuss hormones as this is a Wellness site. We should always be striving for wellness within our minds, bodies and spirits.
So, while I am sitting in a physicians office on Michigan Avenue in Chicago - YES, this early waiting to see a physician, I decided it's time for all of us to explore this. I am surrounded by literature right now so, I have much to reference.
Also, they had free internet access so, this post was obviously meant to happen - oh yeah, oh yeah (little morning tap dance).
Ladies, if once a month near your menstrual cycle you behave in one or more of the following manners, you need to get your hormones checked.....'like now'. If you behave like an emotional monster, make an appointment.
- Overly emotional. You know, a holiday commercial comes on and your in tears but not just any tears - a flood of tears. You immediately get up from the tv , you are inhaling chocolate and a lot of it. Yes, being a bit cheeky but let's have a bit of fun with this too.
- Your spouse disagree's with you and no, you don't just get upset, you become erratic. He actually has a Twilight moment - the wolf is snarling at him ready for the kill (you are the wolf by the way).
- You cry.....for hours....and then the day you start your cycle, you are back to your normal self. Your spouse thinks you now have a split personality and you explain that 'Helga' only comes out once a month. You gently & lovingly explain that Helga is a very hungry & angry person. He is not as understanding as you think he should be. Your perplexed because you love Helga even though she is kind of crazy.
- You feel a heightened sense of fatigue, anxiety, heart palpitations, head pain, migraines, etc. just the days leading up to that time of the month.
- OK, let's just say it - Your behavior is completely irrational. OK, everyone breathe, it's ok to admit to the crazies while your PMS'ing.
- You wake up in a pool of sweat each morning.
- You are possibly prone to start arguments with your spouse, snap at your children or just simply have the blues for 48 hours. I have never done any of this....ever (teehee - trying to look cute while I lie my face off).
You begin your menstrual cycle, the hormonal monster goes back to bed until it's next month's arrival and you are left to 'put up with this', along with those around you. Not cool.
I know this isn't pleasant. I know some of you are surprised (gasp) I am openly writing about this but, it's time ladies - it's time.
Is it ok to allow this behavior - these symptoms - the way you feel - to continue? It's probably not working very well in your favor as far as how you feel and how you are making others feel around you.
So, let's discuss bio-identical hormone therapy. Is it safe? Is it effective? Can you just change your diet and the hormonal monster will starve itself into non-existence? I KNOW and BELIEVE that a plant based diet can heal so many health challenges but I also believe that every single one of our health approaches needs to be individualized. What might work for me, will not work for you. Remember that.
In respect to our hormones, much needs to be examined & considered. Everyone - including me - has an opinion.
Medical Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I don't play one on tv. I hold absolutely zero degrees in the medical field. I was in medical sales for ions, does that count? OK fine, guess not. Therefore, you need to discuss any & all concerns with your physician and do what they recommend....not me. I am just a girl who is sharing my own thoughts, opinions and hormones with the world ((((0:
Let's mozy on, shall we? Hormonal balance and how to get there. What I know is that hormones are affected by SO many things such as:
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Stress level
- Adrenal health
- Thyroid health
- Your entire endocrine system
- Your overall health
- Chronic illness which throws everything off.
- Toxicity in the body
- ETC.
If you have experienced any type of health challenge that has been long term - such as myself - in my opinion, you need to get your hormones checked. Again, I am not a professional as this is simply my humble pie opinion.....as I like to say often (0:
I am going to let the experts weigh in here about Bio-Idential Hormones.
There is a site that I have so much respect for and trust in and that is womentowomen.com. Check it out when you have an opportunity. This is what they have to say about the matter. The link is provided below.
We’ve used bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for nearly 25 years in our clinical practice, and many patients have had great success with it. But there are many different forms of bioidentical HRT that work in a variety of ways. Because each woman responds according to her unique physiology, we’ve found the best results when treatment is customized to the individual needs of the patient. It’s also important to understand that while bHRT works well for some women, others need more support — or different kinds of support — to get the same relief.
Just what are “bioidentical hormones”?
Bioidentical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. This makes them unlike synthetic hormones which are intentionally made to be different. That’s because drug companies can’t patent a bioidentical structure to make it exclusively theirs, so they invent synthetic hormones that are patentable (Premarin, Prempro, and Provera being the most widely used examples).
Though bioidentical hormones have been around for years, most practitioners are unfamiliar with them. There are several branded versions now available for use though their one-size-fits-all dosage regime is very similar to that of synthetic hormones. But in our practice, we use an individualized, patient-centered approach. We begin by testing hormone levels (hormone panel) and when warranted, we prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA. These formulations are prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy and each patient is monitored carefully through regular follow-up hormone panels to ensure she gets symptom relief at the lowest possible dosage. In the initial stages, we will do a hormone panel every three months. Once balance is restored, we’ll do one panel a year at the time of the annual exam.
Is bHRT the only way to achieve hormonal balance?
Bioidentical hormones can work wonders, but they aren’t necessarily the first place to turn when hormonal imbalance is a problem. In our experience, the great majority of women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs, and even without HRT — in any form. About 85% of the women we work with find relief through a natural approach that combines medical-grade nutritional supplements, gentle endocrine support, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
We recommend that every woman start with this combination approach to create a solid foundation for her health.
We’ve developed a three-pronged approach that supports a woman’s hormonal pathways “upstream” of where problems arise. This can head off full-blown symptoms that could require the stronger and more invasive hormonal replacement therapy. With dietary guidelines that are based on the latest research in clinical nutrition and dietary endocrinology, the Program provides:
- Essential Nutrients to fill in the nutritional gaps left by our modern diet.
- Herbal Equilibrium with plant-based support to rebalance the three major sex hormones most likely to fluctuate in perimenopause and menopause: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Even with this foundation, a minority of women will need to temporarily add prescription-strength hormone supplements for complete relief, at least through a transition period. For this, we recommend bioidentical hormones, preferably in a compounded form personalized to their needs by an experienced practitioner. If you can’t find a practitioner to prescribe compounded bHRT, there are now numerous trademarked bHRT options that conventional practitioners can prescribe.
Either way, it’s very important that any hormones be used in addition to the combination approach outlined above. Note that celebrities like Suzanne Somers and Oprah who’ve talked openly about bHRT began with healthy diets and lifestyles that supported their endocrine systems, but still experienced intractable symptoms.
We don’t recommend that any hormones be used long-term unless essential for symptom relief and quality of life, and then only with a complete risk assessment. We also don’t support the idea that bioidentical hormone therapy should be used indefinitely as some kind of “fountain of youth.”
Are bioidentical hormones “better” and safer than synthetic hormones?
We long ago concluded that the answer to these questions is yes. But bioidentical hormones aren’t perfect. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects but bioidentical hormones are natural, and our bodies can metabolize them, which minimizes side effects. Compounded bioidentical hormones can also be matched to each woman’s needs — which is just impossible with mass-produced products.
European medical studies suggest that bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic versions. But because they have not been well studied, especially for long-term use, we recommend that women never think of bHRT or any drug as completely safe.
The Link to this article can be found here: http://www.womentowomen.com/bioidentical-hrt/bioidenticalhormones.aspx
In conclusion, ladies let's focus on wellness and if you are hormonal once a month, be proactive & responsible and do something about it. If you HAVE gone through any long term health challenges, it is HIGHLY likely your hormones are just on a roller coaster. Remind yourself that this is not your fault. Be kind to your amazing body that is doing everything to heal itself. Apologize to those around you. Be wise and give your body what it needs to heal and regain full optimal balance.
And to the men, children, possibly pets, strangers, co-workers etc. that have had to experience our monthly mood swings - those of you that hand us extra kleenex - those of you who escape out of the house to go workout to avoid the one-month-monster.......Yes, you patient souls, do forgive us. We mean well and would always do even better if you provide us with chocolate during those times - hugs while we kick - and forgiveness. ((((0:
Take care of yourselves ladies!!!! You are worth it and those around you will love ya even more when you are pleasant all month long (Sound of Music cued in the background)!!!!! Trust me! And if you don't believe me, just ask them. I can promise you they will say YES and there isn't any disclaimer I need to add to that promise!!!
Much love!!! Happy Hormones!!! Happy Friday!!!!
Kelly Lynn
Entertaining: Hors d'oeuvres for cocktail parties
Lee & I are hosting lovely friends for the holidays!!!! These fab friends happen to be vegan so, we have been brainstorming about what we will serve. We are deciding between a vegetable pasta dish or vegan enchiladas.
We both love entertaining and as a couple, are just getting started! Entertaining is time consuming but builds the memories that create a FUN life!!!! You can entertain on a small budget as well so, invite friends over this holidays season for laughs, delicious food and conversation!
Whenever you are entertaining guests, it's always social & festive to have an hors d'oeuvre or two for everyone to munch on. It curbs everyone's appetite, makes cocktail hour more fun and I personally just love to nibble. There is something so festive & a bit elegant about a colorful bite to eat before dinner - along with the appropriate wine!
Here are some festive ideas that are sure to be crowd pleasers:
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This versatile dip of roasted red peppers, raisins, and capers can used for dipping breads, crackers, spread over a sandwich or eaten plain!
- Prep Time -15 minutes
- Total Time - 30 minutes
- Yield - Makes 3 cups
Serves - 12
Ingredients
- 6 large red bell peppers
- 1 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped (6 ounces)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons salt-packed capers, rinsed well and drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh oregano
- Coarse salt
- Red-wine vinegar
Directions
- Roast peppers over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until charred all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel and seed peppers.
- Pulse peppers in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add raisins, oil, capers, and oregano. Pulse to combine. Season with salt and vinegar.
Cook's NoteDip can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
I found this recipe at: http://www.marthastewart.com/338397/roasted-red-pepper-dip?czone=food/vegetarian-cnt/veganrecipes
Hummus & veggies - no recipe needed! Prep time - 2 minutes!!!
I think it is fun to serve the veggies in glasses or an odd shaped bowl to add some flair & class to the platter!
This treat is just so creative and again, SIMPLE!!!! I love simple as there is a lot of planning that goes into entertaining! So where you can save time & money, do so!!!!
Sliced peppers with a dab of hummus and snap peas for decorative color!!!
Wala!
OK, you all may completely disagree but I 'heart' serving mini-cupcakes as an appetizer for guests!! Who said dessert has to come last?! I love this idea - it's sweet - fun - and unique!!!!! The word festive keeps coming to mind and it's screams 'fun for the holidays'!!!!
Tomato Avocado Toasted Crostini's
Mashed avocado and grape tomatoes make a colorful, delicious topping for crostini. Try roasting the tomatoes for an extra-special touch.
- Prep Time -20 minutes
- Total Time - 20 minutes
- YieldMakes - 16
Ingredients
- 1 small baguette (5 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette diagonally into sixteen 1/2-inch-thick slices; brush both sides with a total of olive oil. Bake on a baking sheet until golden, about 8 minutes.
- Halve avocado lengthwise and remove pit; scoop flesh into a small bowl. Mash with lemon juice; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Spread on toasted bread; top with grape tomatoes.
