Well, the first days of summer have begun, and now more than ever we all want to look our best!
If you are not 100% happy with the look, shape and feel of your body, food can become a source of discomfort, confusion and consequences rather than a vehicle for nourishment and enjoyment.
“When you have a poor body image, you may be driven to diet, have difficulty enjoying food and restrict your food intake in unhealthy ways,” says Susan Albers, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic and author of Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food.
Paying attention to what, when and why you eat will not only lead to greater satisfaction, but your jeans and summer clothes may fit better too! Let's look at some of the positive things you can be doing immediately to take care of your body:
STOP Unhealthy Snacking
Kick the cookies and unhealthy snacks to the curb. Focus on eating small, nutritious snacks, like nuts, in the late morning and afternoon for a boost.
DROP Unwanted Pounds
Begin moderate exercise such as walking to help get rid of any extra weight. Track your steps and see how far you can go with a pedometer ~ aim for 10,000 steps a day for maximum benefit!
GO FOR Tighter Abs
You can strengthen your core and improve your body image through abdominal work. An exercise ball will help you sculpt your abs and tone your arms and legs - and you can do it from the comfort of your home.
If you are looking to get a "jump start" for your body's needs that complement your efforts, look to our recommendations of all natural supplements for energy, body sculpting and weight loss!
Enjoy Your Memorial Day Weekend!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
5 Easy Ways to Bring your Health Back into Focus
Here are five easy ways to bring your mental and physical health back into focus!
Eat well. Chemical additives, unhealthy fats and sugar stress you out on a nutritional level. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats, including nuts and seeds.
Drink water. Soda pop, sugary juice drinks, teas and “power” drinks with artificial sweeteners and synthetic vitamins barely hydrate you, let alone provide any true value. Drink eight to ten glasses of filtered water each day instead.
Exercise. Regular exercise not only relieves stress, it also releases feel-good hormones and increases your energy level.
Relax. Set aside time for daily prayer, meditation, or reflection. Learn the simple art of deep breathing. Take time to have some fun with friends and family. Schedule a monthly massage and time out for a Body and Facial Applicator! Taking the time to run a bath, roll a towel up behind your neck, lie back, and relax while the herbal mask delivers intense anti-aging benefits into your skin can be simply blissful.
Supplement. Include an advanced formula multivitamin, mineral, and antioxidant supplement as a general basis for good health such as Its Vital™. Another great product from It Works is Confianza™, which specifically helps your body deal with the stresses of everyday life.
Great suggestions from Dr. Don Verhultz to be the best you can be for Spring!
Eat well. Chemical additives, unhealthy fats and sugar stress you out on a nutritional level. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, 100% whole grains, lean meats and healthy fats, including nuts and seeds.
Drink water. Soda pop, sugary juice drinks, teas and “power” drinks with artificial sweeteners and synthetic vitamins barely hydrate you, let alone provide any true value. Drink eight to ten glasses of filtered water each day instead.
Exercise. Regular exercise not only relieves stress, it also releases feel-good hormones and increases your energy level.
Relax. Set aside time for daily prayer, meditation, or reflection. Learn the simple art of deep breathing. Take time to have some fun with friends and family. Schedule a monthly massage and time out for a Body and Facial Applicator! Taking the time to run a bath, roll a towel up behind your neck, lie back, and relax while the herbal mask delivers intense anti-aging benefits into your skin can be simply blissful.
Supplement. Include an advanced formula multivitamin, mineral, and antioxidant supplement as a general basis for good health such as Its Vital™. Another great product from It Works is Confianza™, which specifically helps your body deal with the stresses of everyday life.
Great suggestions from Dr. Don Verhultz to be the best you can be for Spring!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Four Stages of Stress
Which One Are You In and How Can You Get Out?
(Credit to Dr. Don Verhulst)
Whether it's the upcoming summer activities for your kids, tax season, or everyday work worries ailing you, springtime is stress season. And that can bring imbalance to our health if we are not careful!.
Stress can cause a host of immediate physical symptoms, from headaches and indigestion to fatigue and weight gain. Stress is also the number one enemy of your immune system. Learning to manage our stress load is critical to our mental and physical wellbeing.
Fortunately, you can track your stress levels by familiarizing yourself with the signs of stress cycles. Knowing when you are in a productive state and when you need to take a few minutes to relax is key to keeping your stress levels under control.
LEVEL I
Level I is the body's first signal that it needs a break, and it manifests through subtle signals. You start to get fidgety, you start yawning and sighing, or wanting a snack. You may also notice an inability to concentrate and recalling familiar facts and words. These are the body's first way of signaling that you are experiencing stress.
LEVEL II
The second stress level is deceptive in that it does not feel at all like stress. We experience a surge of endorphins that make us feel good, energized, and highly alert, which is the body's natural stress response system. The problem is that many of us allow our bodies to repeat this cycle several times throughout the day, depleting resources and impairing normal physiological functions.
LEVEL III
Although you may feel invigorated during level III of the stress cycle, your body is running out of steam. Your memory, performance, and critical thinking falters; you begin to feel physically and mentally fatigued, and lose your sharpness. We all know these symptoms; but we often fail to realize that they are caused by ignoring earlier signs of stress.
LEVEL IV
Level IV stress is the danger zone we enter after being continually in a state of level III stress. The body becomes overwhelmed, and reacts chemically with a flood of powerful, damaging stress chemicals. Beyond physical and mental exhaustion, symptoms progress to more serious stress-related disorders including insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, immune system dysfunction, depression, anxiety, breakdown and a shortened lifespan.
How can you beat stress before it beats you?
The simplest way is to set aside time to relax when you notice you are entering into a stress cycle (at level I, ideally), so that you avoid the body's progression into higher levels of stress. As little as 20 minutes of relaxation once or twice per day can create significant benefits by neutralizing the effects of stress on your body. Make sure you set aside time for some peace and quiet, exercise, and relaxed, nutritious meals.
Stay tuned for upcoming post on five easy ways to bring your mental and physical health back into focus!
(Credit to Dr. Don Verhulst)
Whether it's the upcoming summer activities for your kids, tax season, or everyday work worries ailing you, springtime is stress season. And that can bring imbalance to our health if we are not careful!.
Stress can cause a host of immediate physical symptoms, from headaches and indigestion to fatigue and weight gain. Stress is also the number one enemy of your immune system. Learning to manage our stress load is critical to our mental and physical wellbeing.
Fortunately, you can track your stress levels by familiarizing yourself with the signs of stress cycles. Knowing when you are in a productive state and when you need to take a few minutes to relax is key to keeping your stress levels under control.
LEVEL I
Level I is the body's first signal that it needs a break, and it manifests through subtle signals. You start to get fidgety, you start yawning and sighing, or wanting a snack. You may also notice an inability to concentrate and recalling familiar facts and words. These are the body's first way of signaling that you are experiencing stress.
LEVEL II
The second stress level is deceptive in that it does not feel at all like stress. We experience a surge of endorphins that make us feel good, energized, and highly alert, which is the body's natural stress response system. The problem is that many of us allow our bodies to repeat this cycle several times throughout the day, depleting resources and impairing normal physiological functions.
LEVEL III
Although you may feel invigorated during level III of the stress cycle, your body is running out of steam. Your memory, performance, and critical thinking falters; you begin to feel physically and mentally fatigued, and lose your sharpness. We all know these symptoms; but we often fail to realize that they are caused by ignoring earlier signs of stress.
LEVEL IV
Level IV stress is the danger zone we enter after being continually in a state of level III stress. The body becomes overwhelmed, and reacts chemically with a flood of powerful, damaging stress chemicals. Beyond physical and mental exhaustion, symptoms progress to more serious stress-related disorders including insomnia, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, immune system dysfunction, depression, anxiety, breakdown and a shortened lifespan.
How can you beat stress before it beats you?
The simplest way is to set aside time to relax when you notice you are entering into a stress cycle (at level I, ideally), so that you avoid the body's progression into higher levels of stress. As little as 20 minutes of relaxation once or twice per day can create significant benefits by neutralizing the effects of stress on your body. Make sure you set aside time for some peace and quiet, exercise, and relaxed, nutritious meals.
Stay tuned for upcoming post on five easy ways to bring your mental and physical health back into focus!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jump Start 2010 with a Detox Program!
If you are really ready to make some positive changes in your life and overall health in 2010, start with a great detoxification program! As toxins play a huge role in overall health and disease, it is critical before embarking on any New Year's plan to "blitz" your body and give it a clean slate! (If your body is already in ill health, make sure your adrenals are well supported and check with your doctor in advance.)
There are many great detoxification protocols you can follow, but the best incorporate many techniques including some kind of infection control, immune system building, foot baths, sauna treatments and internal cleansing. We are currently reviewing several detoxification protocols and products, and will keep you posted on our best recommendations.
Once you have selected a detox protocol to follow, make sure to follow up with a good maintenance program that includes eating well with whole, rich organic foods, and begin working in a mild to moderate exercise program that suits your specific interests. Don't leave out nourishing your spirit and mind as well! A healthy, positive mindset is a key to healing and overall good health.
Until next time, drink lots of pure alkaline water, and make positive choices that will ultimately benefit your long term good health!
There are many great detoxification protocols you can follow, but the best incorporate many techniques including some kind of infection control, immune system building, foot baths, sauna treatments and internal cleansing. We are currently reviewing several detoxification protocols and products, and will keep you posted on our best recommendations.
Once you have selected a detox protocol to follow, make sure to follow up with a good maintenance program that includes eating well with whole, rich organic foods, and begin working in a mild to moderate exercise program that suits your specific interests. Don't leave out nourishing your spirit and mind as well! A healthy, positive mindset is a key to healing and overall good health.
Until next time, drink lots of pure alkaline water, and make positive choices that will ultimately benefit your long term good health!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
How to Minimize Stress during the Holidays
The Holidays are such a wonderful time of year to be thankful for our many blessings and celebrate with our family and friends. At the same time, many of us may be dealing with stressors concerning our jobs, business, economy or personal relationships. Especially at this time of the year, it is important that we take extra measures to minimize stressors and maximize potential!
The following simple truths speak to a natural way to better health and coping with stress that we CAN control:
1. Drink plenty of pure water and make sure your PH is balanced.
2. Learn to relax and get plenty of rest! Some simple ways I have learned to relax include:
- 4:6 it! "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known by God" Phil 4:6.
- Practice mindfulness and enjoy the present moment. Take time outs throughout the day.
- Practice relaxation breathing techniques
- Be thankful for all the blessings you have every day!
- Laugh and be joyful
- Listen to music
- Get to bed on time!
3. Eat properly -- make living foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. the staples of your diet. Also, enjoy "power snacks" and eat 5 -- 6 small portions throughout the day to speed up your metabolism and burn body fat more efficiently.
4. Exercise -- it is important to incorporate exercise into your life, even if it is 30 min 3-5 times a week. Pick an exercise you enjoy, or just walk.
5. Detox -- one of the most important KEYS to good health is detoxification! Detoxification also supports a healthy immune system. Some key points for detoxification include:
a. Use an herbal--fiber bowel restorer to encourage normal colon function.
b. Supplement with digestive enzymes and probiotics.
c. Lose excess fat as it is where toxins hide. (look into body wraps!)
d. Support liver and kidney function with Greens and a whole food based that includes herbs and milk thistle.
e. Regularly utilize ionic footbaths, infrared sauna therapy and body wraps for ultimate toxic relief.
6. Supplement -- even when we eat well, our bodies do not get everything they need from food alone. Supplement with a good whole food based natural multivitamin! nutrients to function.
7. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine!
The valuable equation to take away is that detoxification+balancing the immune system = good health. Maintaining optimum health is the best way to prepare for and deal with stressors and disease, and to perform at your optimum level.
The following simple truths speak to a natural way to better health and coping with stress that we CAN control:
1. Drink plenty of pure water and make sure your PH is balanced.
2. Learn to relax and get plenty of rest! Some simple ways I have learned to relax include:
- 4:6 it! "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known by God" Phil 4:6.
- Practice mindfulness and enjoy the present moment. Take time outs throughout the day.
- Practice relaxation breathing techniques
- Be thankful for all the blessings you have every day!
- Laugh and be joyful
- Listen to music
- Get to bed on time!
3. Eat properly -- make living foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. the staples of your diet. Also, enjoy "power snacks" and eat 5 -- 6 small portions throughout the day to speed up your metabolism and burn body fat more efficiently.
4. Exercise -- it is important to incorporate exercise into your life, even if it is 30 min 3-5 times a week. Pick an exercise you enjoy, or just walk.
5. Detox -- one of the most important KEYS to good health is detoxification! Detoxification also supports a healthy immune system. Some key points for detoxification include:
a. Use an herbal--fiber bowel restorer to encourage normal colon function.
b. Supplement with digestive enzymes and probiotics.
c. Lose excess fat as it is where toxins hide. (look into body wraps!)
d. Support liver and kidney function with Greens and a whole food based that includes herbs and milk thistle.
e. Regularly utilize ionic footbaths, infrared sauna therapy and body wraps for ultimate toxic relief.
6. Supplement -- even when we eat well, our bodies do not get everything they need from food alone. Supplement with a good whole food based natural multivitamin! nutrients to function.
7. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine!
The valuable equation to take away is that detoxification+balancing the immune system = good health. Maintaining optimum health is the best way to prepare for and deal with stressors and disease, and to perform at your optimum level.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Top Thermogenic Foods
Eating frequently is not only important for metabolism, it is important for maintaining your lean muscle. The breaking down of food requires energy! If you are not eating enough, your body still needs to get this energy.
Muscle contains vast stores of glucose, if you don’t consume it, it will consume you. So while you may lose weight initially by skipping meals, the negative consequences far outweight the benefits. When you really understand the process of thermogenesis you will never want to skip a meal again!
Below are some top thermogenic foods to consider incorporating in your regular diet:
1. Oatmeal (not instant)
2. Sweet Potato
3. Brown Rice
4. Cottage Cheese (low fat)
5. Eggs
6. Chicken
7. Fish
8. Apples
9. Berries
10. Thermogenic Soup
Develop your own favorites and find what works best for you!
Muscle contains vast stores of glucose, if you don’t consume it, it will consume you. So while you may lose weight initially by skipping meals, the negative consequences far outweight the benefits. When you really understand the process of thermogenesis you will never want to skip a meal again!
Below are some top thermogenic foods to consider incorporating in your regular diet:
1. Oatmeal (not instant)
2. Sweet Potato
3. Brown Rice
4. Cottage Cheese (low fat)
5. Eggs
6. Chicken
7. Fish
8. Apples
9. Berries
10. Thermogenic Soup
Develop your own favorites and find what works best for you!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Eat MORE to Lose Inches.
That’s Right...food can be your friend! When, how often and what you eat can rev up your metablolic engine. It is physically impossible to shed body fat when you are starving yourself, so choosing nutritionally balanced and healthy meals is fundamental to fat loss.
To turn your body into a fat burning machine, eat small frequent meals spread throughout the day. Meals consisting of real, raw whole foods INCREASE thermogeneis. Thermogenics is the heat produced from the metabolism of food. Certain foods definitely have a higher thermic effect than others so choosing wisely will actually tap into your stored fat and burn more calories (ONLY if you are not starving yourself)!
Fat loss can be confusing for sure and is not easy..it takes commitment and hard work. It is all about choices! The results in the end are well worth the effort.
To turn your body into a fat burning machine, eat small frequent meals spread throughout the day. Meals consisting of real, raw whole foods INCREASE thermogeneis. Thermogenics is the heat produced from the metabolism of food. Certain foods definitely have a higher thermic effect than others so choosing wisely will actually tap into your stored fat and burn more calories (ONLY if you are not starving yourself)!
Fat loss can be confusing for sure and is not easy..it takes commitment and hard work. It is all about choices! The results in the end are well worth the effort.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
