February 12, 2013

TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR JOINTS: 10 SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS TIPS


TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR JOINTS: 10 SIMPLE WEIGHT LOSS TIPS

It's no secret that losing weight will reduce pressure on your joints. Because your knees bear most of your body's weight, the impact of losing just ten pounds is the equivalent of losing 40 pounds of pressure on your knees! Take these 10 steps to get moving in the right direction.
1. Get Cooking!
When you eat out, it's nearly impossible to track the amount of calories, fats and carbs you're consuming. And restaurant portions are generally much larger than what you'd make at home. So start being creative! Use fresh ingredients, lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, and put it all on a smaller plate. Pretty soon that smaller portion will feel like the perfect amount.
2. Up Your Daily Exercise Minutes
Physical activity burns calories and helps keep your muscles, bones and joints strong. Aim to work out at least 30 minutes most days of the week. And keep it varied so it keeps your interest. Alternating aerobic exercise with strength training engages a variety of muscles to build overall stamina and fitness. If you haven't been exercising regularly don't stress about it, just start doing something you like. And always talk to your doctor before you begin any fitness program.
3. Eat More (of the Right Foods!) Not Less
All foods are not created equal. Foods that are high in fiber, antioxidants and protein give you more bang for your buck. At breakfast, for instance, don't add fruit to your cereal; add cereal to your fruit! Fill your bowl with blueberries, which have the highest antioxidant level of all common fruit according to the USDA. Then sprinkle cereal on top and add fat free milk or yogurt.
4. Get Support: Join a Weight Loss Program or Group
Sometimes the hardest part of a weight loss program is staying motivated. Joining a group will provide weight loss tips, track your progress and give you a supportive forum to celebrate your successes and talk through your challenges. And it doesn't have to be a formal organization. Gather a few friends or colleagues and meet regularly to share your stories.
5. Up Your Veggie Intake
You've probably heard you're supposed to get five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and some experts recommend even more. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, Swiss chard and kale provide lutein for eye health, Vitamin A, iron and omega-3's. (Ever wonder why fish are a great source of omega-3's? They eat seaweed!) 
Another way to get your omega-3's is with Schiff® MegaRed® Omega-3 Krill Oil. MegaRed® contains oil from pure Antarctic krill, tiny crustaceans that thrive in the frigid waters of the Antarctic. It provides an optimal combination of omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids for absorption, and critical antioxidants to support heart and joint health. And, unlike fish oil, MegaRed® has no fishy aftertaste.
6. Fruit, Fruit, Fruit
If you crave sweetness reach for a crisp apple, juicy pear or succulent strawberry. Fruit is a great source of antioxidants, the brilliant little nutrients that protect your cells from damage-causing free radicals. Blueberries, cranberries and blackberries lead the way, followed by prunes, apples and cherries.
Certain antioxidants, such as lycopene, are also associated with improved joint health and can help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Yummy sources include ripe tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and guava.
And because more than 75% of Americans fail to meet the USDA's minimum recommended five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, we've created Schiff® Fruits and Vegetables. While not meant to wholly replace fruits and vegetables in your diet, this concentrated formula provides purified phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, spinach, blueberries and cranberries”all with the convenience of one easy-to-swallow tablet that helps improve your body's overall antioxidant protection capacity. 
7. Water, Water, Everywhere
Our bodies are mostly water, and our systems depend on it. Experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated, flush out toxins, maintain normal body temperature and keep your digestive tract on track. Foods with high water content also take longer to absorb and last longer in your stomach. Eating fruits, vegetables, soups and yogurt smoothies help with weight loss because they make you feel full and satisfied.
8. Cut Back on Alcohol and Calories
Weight loss is about burning more calories than you take in. But is switching to a less-caloric drink the solution? Not really. Alcohol can increase your appetite and reduce the number of fat calories your body burns for energy. This is because the alcohol gets converted into a substance called acetate. When acetate levels rise, your body burns the acetate for fuel, rather than fat.
9. Consider Counseling
Eating too much or eating the wrong foods often has a psychological component. We know what we should be doing but it's not always that easy! If you notice that you eat more when you're sad or stressed, counseling may help you get to the bottom of your emotional eating and help you stop thinking of food as a reward or punishment.
10. Sleep More
Doctors have long known that sleep affects your appetite because of its relationship to certain hormones. When you don't get enough sleep you get the double whammy of stimulating your appetite and not feeling as satisfied after you eat. 
Regular exercise helps you sleep better, and establishing a regular bedtime helps program your body clock. Keep your bedroom cool and dark and take deep relaxing breaths when you climb into bed. And if you need some gentle help falling asleep, try Schiff® Knock-Out®, a combination of melatonin, valerian and theanine. Melatonin sets your body's biological clock and helps promote healthy sleep patterns. Theanine, a component of green tea, helps to induce a state of calm relaxation. And valerian is known for its calming effects.
WARNING: Not intended for use by pregnant or lactating women, individuals with autoimmune conditions, depressive disorders, endocrine disorders, serious illness, or other drug use. Seek advice from your health practitioner prior to use if under medical supervision, taking tranquilizers or sedatives, or taking more than 10mg of melatonin per day. Do not use before or while operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery, or if engaged in activities requiring mental alertness. Not to be taken by individuals under the age of 18. DO NOT CONSUME WITH ALCOHOL.
SchiffMay 22, 2012

February 03, 2013

Heartburn? Think natural...

I had heartburn today so I needed a reminder of how to get rid of it naturally... I usually use a 1/2 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar, and chase it with a very small amount of something sweet and overpowering like creamer ... I swish it around after I've held my breath and forced down the ACV. LOL!

This is from Tipnut.com:


12 Heartburn Remedies Plus Causes & Prevention Tips


IngredientsHeartburn or pyrosis is a painful and burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone usually associated with regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.
It’s is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); acid reflux is also identified as one of the causes of chronic cough, and may even mimic asthma.
Despite its name, it actually has nothing to do with the heart; it is so called due to a burning sensation near to where this vital organ is located – although some cardio problems may give rise to a similar burning sensation.
Compounding the confusion is the fact that hydrochloric acid from the stomach comes back up the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve which misleadingly contains the word “cardiac,” referring to the cardia as part of the stomach and not, as might be thought, to the heart. SourceWikipedia.
Treatment:
Everybody’s different so what works for one may not work for another. Once you’ve found a remedy that works–stick with it.
  1. Chamomile Tea: Sip during attacks as well as after meals to prevent it from happening in the first place.
  2. Peppermint Tea: Same as above.
  3. Baking Soda & Water: This will help neutralize stomach acid but should only be used moderately, regular use could dramatically increase one’s salt intake (baking soda is high in salt). Mix 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of baking soda per glass of water. Due to the high salt content in baking soda, pregnant women shouldn’t use this treatment.
  4. Ginger: Cook into food, sip Ginger tea or chew a fresh piece for relief.
  5. Celery: Eating a stalk of raw celery can help (excellent choice for pregnant women).
  6. Almonds: Chew on raw almonds until discomfort eases–just a handful should do it.
  7. Apple Cider Vinegar: Is there anything that ACV can’t tackle? A teaspoon to two tablespoons (whatever is needed) of apple cider vinegar should stop this in its tracks. Another option is to mix apple cider vinegar with honey (2:1 ratio).
  8. Mustard: Take a spoonful (or two if needed) of mustard when discomfort hits…will take a minute or two to bring relief.
  9. Pickle Juice: Take a drink or two of this to settle the stomach.
  10. Pineapple: Eat a slice or two of fresh pineapple when it hits or right after meals.
  11. Yogurt: Eating a couple spoonfuls of yogurt when you feel it coming on can help ease it away. If one regularly suffers from this, try adding yogurt to the diet on a regular basis–it’s good for you in more ways than one (excellent choice for pregnant women).
  12. Lemon Juice: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to half a glass of water and drink.
Symptoms:
  • Burning feeling or sense of pressure inside the chest
  • Burping
  • Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
  • Rising bile in the throat
You may be suffering from acid reflux disease if symptoms are persistent and experienced on a daily basis, check with a doctor.
Title
Pay attention to diet, if a common culprit is found every time this occurs avoid eating it in the future. Some habits and foods that are common triggers:
Foods:
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee & caffeine beverages or foods
  • Soda beverages
  • Fried & fatty foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Tomatoes
  • Onions
Habits:
  • Smoking: This activity can affect the digestive system and the esophagus. If a regular smoker suffers from this, consider quitting or at least dramatically reducing the amount of cigarettes smoked.
  • Shed Tight Clothing: Wearing clothes or belts that are tight around the waist can trigger it.
  • Snacking Before Bed: Avoid eating 2 or 3 hours before going to bed or laying down to give the body time to digest the food eaten.
  • Lose Weight: If you are a few pounds overweight or even obese, losing weight can help stop regular occurrences of discomfort.
  • Exercise: Going for a walk after each meal will help the body digest. If that’s not possible for every meal, do it at least once a day after the heaviest meal (usually supper).
Note: These are simply tips and information that I’ve collected, they’re not professional medical advice and not intended to replace professional medical care.

HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT


BORROWED... two different versions, one here below and the original recipe at the link.

This make almost 600 loads, verses a 90 load at the same price!

Click here:


You can add Tea Tree essential oil for extra cleaning power



Church & Dwight Co 03020 Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda


Twenty Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster & Multi-Purpose Cleaner-76 oz.


Dial Corp. 04303 Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap


NOW Foods Tea Tree Oil, 1-Ounce (Or any brand, I have Melaleuca and use 1/4 oz ~Phyllis)

February 01, 2013

Thirty-One's February Customer Special!

This is the February customer special.
For every $31 you spend, get a "Keep It" Caddy for only $5! 
Personalization is an additional $7.

Click Here:

I'll be buying one for my BFF. She's not online so she won't see this. Her BDay is at the end of March, so I'll order it by the end of this month and then have another month to find stuff to fill it with! I noticed she had a few things laying around in her car yesterday when she came by work on my break time; we sat in her car eating crackers and drinking lemonade. She already owns a thermal lunch bag, so this will be a great addition!






Egglands Best "Your Best Recipes" book offer and blogger special

Eggland's Best is excited to announce the launch of our second original eCookbook, "Your Best Recipes" featuring the Top 20 recipes from the first nation-wide Eggland’s Best “Your Best Recipe Contest”.   These delicious recipes were selected from thousands of entries submitted by at-home chefs and bloggers.  Each recipe highlights a creative way of using EB eggs.
We want to give you an EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY to download the "Your Best Recipes" eCookbook, a $9.99 value, FREE for a limited time.  We also invite you to share this exclusive promotion on your blog for fans and friends.

Click Here: