A Family Vacation Highlight!

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One of our favorite family activities on this little vacation of ours has been the “dune hike” in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.

It’s the first year we’ve taken the kids – the first year they have a real chance of pulling it off, to be more accurate!

When we entered the park, we thought we were just going to climb up a dune, check things out, look at gorgeous Lake Michigan, play at the beach bit, and come back. Simple.

But, the young man at the park entrance spoiled our plan with a wee dose of reality!

He informed us that it was actually just a little over 1.75 miles to GET to the lake! He said we’d be climbing 8-12 dunes, depending on our route. .

My husband and I were both thinking, “Ohhhhhhh… well *that’s* not really what we had been planning on!”

But then, Mr. Wise-Guy park attendant said just the *right* thing to change our plans.

He said, “It takes most people 3 or more hours to complete it. It’s pretty challenging.”

My husband and I are both twisted people… because what we each heard him say was more like, “Na-na-na-na-na-naaaa… you can’t do this!”, sung in a very childish tune!

So off we went… to the lake!

Yes, there were a few whiny-pants moments from the 5-year old as his legs burned with fatigue… but, eventually he rose to the occasion after I talked about him being a strong “athlete” and a powerful member of our family!  He liked that! I love seeing my kids feel pride in themselves. : )

The lake was gorgeous and refreshing, once we finally made it. We played at the beach… jumped waves and skipped stones.

All-in-all we ran up many hills, raced down like a bunch of wild lunatics… laughing and screaming! And, we only suffered one deeply exfoliating face-plant… and it wasn’t ’til the second dune from the end. Not bad!

What a great, spontaneous family adventure! The kids were proud of themselves… and we were very proud of them. Not only did they complete the hike, but they completed it with tenacity and power! (More words to keep ‘em moving on the hike!)

We weren’t ‘racing’ per say, but we were certainly clipping along. On our way back we began to really push ourselves to see what we were capable of as a ‘team’. Our sweaty, sandy, tuckered out bodies were back at the car in well under two hours. Well.

The twisted parents promptly decided that we could easily beat that time next year! Lol!

(No worries – we still stop to smell plenty of roses along the way! Or sand, as the case may be!)

A Really Great Day!

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Some days, things just all “click”.

The other day was one of those days. (Thank goodness… because I really needed a day like that!)

The kids and I have been ‘casually’ home schooling all summer. I’ve been testing the waters again, so to speak, seeing if I could handle home school along with my other full time commitments!

The jury is still out on how well I’ll actually “handle it”… but we sure have had some fun with it this summer.

On this particular day, we started our day together out on the dock, reviewing our plan and doing our morning disciplines together. We read some books – I read, then the kids took turns reading… and laughing… and reading… and feeding the swans… and then a few math drills… and some more laughing!

Their teacher is VERY funny… and witty… and clever… and obviously quite humble! ; )

We had a nice big bowl of mixed fruit together and I surprised the kids by telling them I was taking them out for breakfast. Screams of glee followed! They are NOT used to mom wanting to go out for breakfast – I think it offers the least healthy menu options at restaurants, so I’d prefer to just stay home and make my own.

This time, I chose to go to a restaurant since we still had no power due to a major storm the night before. Hubby was off playing golf with a friend of ours… it was hot, sticky and I was needing to get outta’ the house!

First, we needed to tidy up the house – we didn’t do our usual nightly “put everything away” routine due to the storm the night before. The kids helped right away… no complaining! Whoa! They did a great job, and they did it quickly! God was smiling on me, apparently.

The kids and I had a lovely brunch at an outdoor cafe. I chose a restaurant with healthIER options on the menu… but I already knew I was going to let the kids choose “tasty toxins” on this little outing. They each wanted buttermilk pancakes… but they begged me for free-range eggs first… “so the protein would offset some of the toxicity from the pancakes”!

Yes, we actually *do* have conversations like this at the table! They crack me up!


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After breakfast, we went for a little hike along a nearby trail… investigating the creek and having several impromptu home school science lessons! Birds, bugs, worms, trees, flowers, the water cycle, cloud formations, sound vibrations… very cool. Oh, and more giggling and belly laughs!

Next, we visited the library in this particular town that is ginormous compared to the one in our home town. I had to drag them out of there after 1/2 hour or so… I did NOT want to be inside on a bright, sunny day!

We hit the trail again and found a pretty little park with various statues and monuments for the kids to investigate.

OK, it was time to get back to “the plan” for the day!

We headed to Whole Foods Market. I only had my ankle run into ONCE by my kids pushing a mini shopping cart too quickly behind me! That’s a record! (I’ve come close to launching one of those little carts across the produce section before… MAN does that hurt! Come to think of it, that might be how my Achilles tendon injury started in the first place! lol!)

We went on a little road trip after leaving Whole Foods. We headed along “Millionaire Mile” and ‘ooohed and aaahed’ at all the BIG homes, then we took a drive over to the town where our practice is to investigate the storm damage from the night before.

More science discussions, of course, as we talked about storms and tornadoes.

When we finally got back to the house, the kids joined up with our neighbor kids and played, played, played for hours! We all swam together later in the afternoon… enjoying a ‘forced’ day off from computer work!

I had just finished barbecuing the chicken for our chicken tostada salads, and doing my best to steam the green beans on the side burner of the barbeque, when the power came back on! Woo hoo! It was nice to have a fan on!

We ended the day together out on the dock again, admiring the sunset and dusk. The kids hit the sack a bit earlier than usual… and I was right behind them! It felt SO good to get to bed early… I think I’m getting old! After they were in bed, I also realized that they didn’t fight, argue or bicker ALL day long!!! I think I went to sleep with a big smile on my face!

It also felt really good to just BE with my kids today – no work, no expectations – just enjoying a spontaneous day full of adventure and some cool learning opportunities!  : )

Help for Sugar and Junk Food Cravings

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Do you often crave sugar, sweets, chocolate, or even fatty foods?

The first thing to consider is that your body might be trapped in the physiological stress response. The stress response results from chronic stress due to toxicity and/or deficiency in our innate genetic requirements for health: that means toxicity &/or deficiency in nutrition, movement or mindset (emotions).

One of the resulting effects of chronic toxicity and deficiency is that stress hormones are produced in excess – stress hormones like cortisol, insulin and others. While these hormones are essential for health and normal function, like so many other things in the body, they should remain in a state of balance and proper ratio so as not to cause harm.

That’s not the case if the stress, toxicity or deficiency is chronic.

If the cause of the stress response isn’t addressed, the body will continue to pump out more and more stress hormones… thus creating more and more negative health consequences.

Guess what? Two of the substrates (ingredients) of stress hormones are SUGAR and FAT. Well, since your body is guided by innate intelligence and doesn’t make stupid mistakes, it drives you into CRAVINGS in order to meet the demand for more sugar and fat to make those hormones!

Smart, isn’t it?

Eating toxic or deficient foods makes us crave more sugar and fat.

Deficiencies of movement or toxic movement patterns (e.g. poor posture) can lead us to crave more sugar and fat.

Toxic emotions or deficiencies of core human emotional needs can lead us to crave more sugar and fat.

Obviously, it would behoove us to address our health across the board – to begin adding “good” things to our nutrition, movement and mindset. That’s the first step to nipping the stress response cycle.

The other step is to reduce or eliminate the toxicity and avoid deficiencies. (Adding “good” is easier for most people, in my experience.)

As you’re re-building your health overall, a few simple things you can do offset some of those cravings for sweets are:

1) Choose apples or carrots when your sweet tooth is on the prowl. As your body ‘cleans out’, you’ll find that these particular foods hit the spot.

2) Drink ample pure water throughout the day. Add lemon or lime slices for flavor, variety and to help alkalize your body.

3) Eat more greens.

Of course, if you are adamant about have those sweets, you can upgrade your ‘tasty toxin’ choices. Make your own or purchase less TOXIC versions.

Another obvious thing you can do is to give yourself permission to go ahead and HAVE that food you’re craving. If this is the path you choose, I’d recommend two things:

1) Be sure you’re consistently FUELING up with health-promoting foods each day so you know that your body is getting the building blocks it requires for health.

2) Don’t make this a daily habit! There ARE limitations of matter, you know!

The bigger nutritional picture involves creating an overall balanced diet, similar to the type of diets our paleolithic ancestors ate – one that meets our innate genetic requirements. I describe this simple type of diet in a clear outline in The Healthy School Days Menu… as well as providing examples of how we can structure simple meals and snacks that meet our needs.

We need a balance of:

1) protein 2) natural fats 3)veggies 4) fruit and 5) water. Simple.

Those 5 basic food choices should come from:

1) real food sources 2) whole foods and foods closest to their naturally occurring state 3) pure foods/the least toxic 4) fresh, local, seasonal and often raw foods.

The more we stick to these simple guidelines for building better health through common-sense nutrition, the less we’ll encounter cravings for toxic foods… the less we’ll trigger the stress response… and the MORE we’ll experience better health and function!

What do YOU crave? Let me know what YOU do when your cravings make their appearance!

Sizzlin’ Summer Savings to Help You Shed Those Excess Pounds of Fat!!

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I sent this email out to my email subscribers earlier today… so I thought I’d share it here, as well… just in case any of you might be interested in achieving better health and a better body to go along with it!! ; )

Summer is heating up and so will your fat burning efforts…

I’ve decided to hold a three day sale on my best-selling program, “The 7 Essential Keys to Shedding Toxic Fat & Unwanted Pounds”.

Just enter the coupon code, SUMMERFUN and save 15%!

Go to http://LoseToxicFat.com/order/ and enter the coupon code during checkout.

But you’ve got to hurry… this sale ends this Sunday the 25th at midnight!

If you’re ready to stop eating mail-order food, toxic diet food, attending meetings, counting points, experimenting with ‘fat burner’ pills, or any other over-hyped and unrealistic weight loss plan…

Discover the Last Weight Loss Solution You’ll Ever Need! It’s scientific… it’s logical… it’s simple… and it completely blows away other programs that are blatantly overlooking the critical piece of this entire puzzle.

Dropping pounds, keeping them off, AND getting healthier while simultaneously reducing your risk for ALL chronic illness is NO mystery. If you don’t consistently meet the innate requirements of your cells in order for them to express optimal function, it’s next to impossible to achieve permanent results. I’ll show you exactly how to do this.

http://LoseToxicFat.com/order/

Seriously, I’m so confident this will absolutely work for you that I give you my No-Risk 365 Day Guarantee. That’s an entire year to put this simple plan to work and get results that last. I can promise you that if you put these steps into action, you’ll be shedding fat and loving your new vibrant level of health very soon!

You have nothing to lose… and only better health and the body you want to gain.

Don’t forget to enter the coupon code SUMMERFUN and save an additional 15% off the already low introductory price.

Let me help you achieve the Better Body you want and the Better Health you Deserve!

Healthy Regards,

Dr. Colleen

P.S. I know there are a lot of “Get Ripped Abs” and “Beach Body” programs out there. My program is for ‘the rest of us’ who just want to look really great AND feel healthy… those of us who want to feel confident in the way we look and proud of how healthy we are.  This isn’t about becoming a fitness model or bodybuilder (although you’d be on the right track for those endeavors if you followed my approach!). This is about getting back the body you want and doing it right! I created this highly effective weight loss system based on scientifically-solid principles.
It works. I guarantee it.

P.P.S. When you go to the site, http://LoseToxicFat.com/order/ be sure to check out the super cool bonuses I’ve included, you’re gonna love it!

P.P.P.S. If you haven’t subscribed to my Better Body, Better Health Video Tips… go here to get them, http://LoseToxicFat.com … totally Free!

Finally, watch for my new 12-week coaching program, “The Toxic Fat Loss Body Transformation System” to be released next week! It’s the practical, step-by-step application of the 7 Keys in my book… one week at a time, I’ll teach you what to implement to start getting results AND better health ASAP!!

Motion is Life ~ Cardio and Resistance Training Work Out Log

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Here are the most recent work outs since the last “Motion is Life” post.

Wednesday:

I headed out for a sprinting work out early in the morning before the thermometer hit the roof! This wasn’t my best decision. The night before, I had felt pretty run down and was starting to feel a sore throat coming on. I should have listened to my body and taken it easier on Wednesday! By Wednesday night, I was full-blown “ick”!

Anyhow, the sprinting work out was a good one… apparently my body didn’t realize what it was going to have to deal with in the next couple of days!

I did an easy 3/4 mile jog to “the hill”. Then, one big hill sprint followed by 90 seconds of recovery jogging/walking combo. Then, 6 straightaway sprints, each approximately 40 seconds, followed by 1.5 – 2 minutes of recovery. And on the run back home, I threw in another 30 seconds of sprinting at about 80% intensity.

Thursday:

I woke up, realized I had been run over by a large object during the night, and decided to change my work out plans! I got another hour of sleep and did more of a “toning” type work out rather than a “CrossFit” type of a power work out. It’s all good. Gotta’ roll with the punches!

The work out:

25 squats on round side of Bosu ball with medicine ball held straight overhead

16 hanging rows (hanging from the frame of the trampoline)

20 side-to-side push-up “pops” over the Bosu ball

42 walking lunges with 2 x 25 lbs. dumbbells

(then I decided to take it a bit easier, since breathing wasn’t as easy as usual!)

with the Bowflex cables I did:

15 reverse-grip triceps kickbacks with 30 lbs. each side

15 eccentric contractions biceps curls with 30 lbs. each side

16 external shoulder rotation moves with 30 lbs. each side

(repeat these 3 exercises)

10 lateral shoulder raises with 2 x 15 lbs. db’s, sitting at 45 degree angle

15 triceps French presses with 2 x 35 lbs. cables

30 alternating cross-body biceps “upper cuts” curls with 2 x 35 lbs. cables

(repeated same 3 exercises, but…)

did 15 lateral raises

used 40 lbs. cables for the triceps and biceps exercises

Total time: approx. 25 minutes

Then, I jogged 1/2 mile with the kids at track and field, and did an easy walk for another mile.

For several ideas and strategies for fat burning, health enhancing work outs, check out “The 7 Essential Keys to Shedding Toxic Fat & Unwanted Pounds”. You’ll find the latest, most scientific information about lifestyle choices that match your innate genetic requirements for optimal health and optimal body composition.

Am I “Sick”? Or Am I Just Expressing Health?

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For the past couple of days, I’ve been feeling like a mack truck surely must have hit me!

I’m experiencing that lovely sensation of my cranium splitting apart due to pressure from deep within the recesses of my sinuses… and quite possibly my brain as well! Add to that the stuffiness, the off & on fever, and the achy joints and ta-daaaa… I’m the perfect picture of health right now!

Actually, that’s rather accurate.

My body is responding perfectly to the environment I’ve created and exposed it to in the days leading up to this immune response known by most folks as “sickness”.

I’m not sick. I’m adapting to the environment – my cells are adapting to the environment they’ve been exposed to internally and externally. I’m expressing health!

Why am I a stickler for accurate terminology here? Because we’ll make completely different choices dependent upon how we talk about certain ‘conditions’ and ‘expressions’ of the body. If we think something is abnormal and negative, we’ll treat it accordingly. On the other hand, if we think something is normal and natural, albeit uncomfortable and inconvenient, we’ll choose differently.

It still stinks to feel wiped out like this… but I know it’s only health showing me what happens in response to excess toxicity or deficiency. Simple. I’ve had a string of days with not enough sleep, more than the usual amount of tasty toxins, and more stress than usual. (More accurately, I’ve handled the ‘stress’ less gracefully than I normally do!)

Couple that with my first round of “having to” have the air conditioner on for extended periods of time this summer, and BAM! My immune system said, “ENOUGH!” Apparently, coming in and out of the synthetically cooled air from the extreme heat outside, multiple times each day, sent me over the top! Blech.

Many times in the last couple of days I’ve thought about what a “normal” person might do if they felt like this. (Yes, I long ago accepted that I am NOT normal! I’m good with that!) Many people would have turned to some sort of over-the-counter remedy or prescribed drug to help alleviate the symptoms.

I have recollections of days long ago (long before I was on this path of more natural wellness), when I used to take drugs for symptoms. I remember the daze, the haze, the fog, the grogginess and all the other annoying and strange side effects of even the “mildest” concoctions. I strongly dislike that. Much more so than experiencing the symptoms of whatever my body is dealing with in the first place.

Unless something is going to safely and effectively move me toward improved function, homeostasis, healing and repair, I’d rather just let my Innate Intelligence handle it… the way it was designed to do. Besides, I can’t think of a drug on the planet that meets the aforementioned criteria for success!

Now, I’m not saying that we need to ignore all symptoms and ride it out… unless that’s what floats your boat! What I am saying is that I don’t agree with adding additional toxicity to my already over-burdened immune system. Why would I add garbage to my body when I’m already feeling lousy? Then my body would have to deal with the *new* issue of toxicity as well as the original issue.

As an adult I’ve learned that our body (and mind) has a FAR better chance of healing masterfully when we stay the heck out of its way! I try to do things that assist the body, not interfere.

(Yes, yes… there’s a time and a place for drug intervention. For example, life threatening issues or in cases where you just need to temporarily alter certain physiology and chemistry in a way that allows the individual to move on from that point, making appropriate lifestyle decisions in order to REALLY get healthy.)

Drugs don’t create health.

So, what do I do when the mack truck attacks? I think about what my body needs in order to function properly and do my best to provide it. I also think about what toxicity might be present, and do my best to remove it or reduce it.

In this particular case, I know I’ve been sleep deprived for a long time. This is where stress effects me the most – I tend to wake up at night, thinking about everything I need to do in upcoming days and weeks! Yes, I use lots of planning, scheduling and prioritizing tools… I just tend to bite off more than I should! Apparently, it’s a character flaw I’ll need to live with on some level!

I’ve made a concerted effort to go to bed earlier and have *attempted* to take a few afternoon power naps here and there. Going to bed earlier definitely helps. Once I’m up, I’m up… so it’s nice to get a few quality hours under my belt before that happens!

I’ve been getting adjusted a lot more, too. Stress and lack of quality sleep tend to cause major dysfunction (subluxation) in my upper cervical spine… which is directly related to my immune system, of course. The adjustment I received yesterday felt like the Hoover Dam breaking free! What an amazing feeling to feel that surge of powerful healing released! Ahhh… I love my Chiropractor! (So I married him!) I immediately felt about an 80% improvement across the board after that adjustment.

What drug could offer those kinds of results, by the way? What drug could offer that without all the toxic side effects?! What drug could make me feel better while simultaneously help me function better? It’s good stuff, I’m telling you! I can’t imagine NOT having a regular chiropractic adjustments as part of your healthy lifestyle. “Health” seems incomplete without it.

I’ve increased the amount of fish oil I consume and have continued to take my full-spectrum probiotics, organic multi-vitamin/mineral/antioxidant, and butter oil. The only nutritional supplement I’ve added during this time is vitamin D3, even though it’s the middle of summer and I get plenty of safe, unfiltered sun. For a few days, I’ll add some more since it plays such a significant role in immune function.

Then, I’ve added simple things like gargling with sea salt or hydrogen peroxide, when my throat was bothering me initially, and I’ve used hydrogen peroxide drops in my ears. I also drink 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in 4 ounces of pure water. According to protocol, I should do this every 2 hours… but I tend to forget! I’ve ended up doing it 4 or 5 times per day.

Not only do I stay away from toxic food when my body is adapting like this, but I actually feel an aversion to it. At the same time, I actually crave even more veggies . Especially the dark green ones. Could be part educated brain… could be all instinct. I don’t know, nor do I care! My body has become smarter over the years as I’ve taken better care of it, so I’m becoming a better listener!

For comfort, I’ve been taking extra long hot showers and drinking lots of hot tea… even though we’ve been in the middle of a heat wave! It just makes me feel better on some level! I don’t use sweetener of any sort in tea when my body is going through something like this. That’s too much for the immune system to deal with as well.

One thing I haven’t done yet, which is really silly on my part, is to take daily saunas. We have a far infrared sauna that is SO beneficial in helping the body detoxify, and it just feels so good. I guess I’ve just had some sort of mental block when it comes to walking outside to the workshop where we keep the sauna, through the 94 degree heat and humidity… in order to sit in a hot box!!

I’ll do it today!

As far as exercise is concerned, I play it by ear. I definitely haven’t done any super intense work outs for the last couple days – I’ve kept it pretty low-key. I feel it’s important to find a balance with maintaining some form of movement (because motion stimulates proprioception which stimulates healing and repair) and forcing yourself to get some extra rest (because rest is also the time when the body repairs and heals itself).

An important point to add to this conversation is that, as important as this topic is for adults, I find this to be even more important when it comes to the developing immune systems of children. When we consistently provide our kids with the raw materials for health, allowing them to go through a ‘healing crisis’ without toxic interference will actually strengthen their immune response for life. Each time we step in and interfere with toxicity, we decrease their potential for lifelong healing and protection.

I know – it’s easier said than done, when you’re watching your child suffer. No parent wants to let their child go through discomfort. Once we more clearly understand the long term consequences (good or bad) of the choices we make on behalf of our children, it might be easier to let them develop their immune systems naturally… knowing that it will massively benefit them in the long run.

Anyhow, through all this, I’m once again reminded that our bodies know exactly how to be healthy… and how to return to health. We just need to provide the right ingredients, and then stop interfering with foreign, toxic concoctions and get outta’ the way!! I intend to be back to full function before you know it!

(Oh yeah… intention is another key piece of the puzzle! Energy flows where our thoughts go!!) : )

Just Released! “The 7 Essential Keys to Shedding Toxic Fat & Unwanted Pounds”

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Some of you are aware that I’ve been working on this project for the last couple of months. I’m excited to announce that my latest ebook and audio book, “The 7 Essential Keys to Shedding Toxic Fat & Unwanted Pounds” is ready to roll!

This is THE last weight loss solution you’ll ever need!

You can check it out here: http://www.LoseToxicFat.com

Many people have asked me why I chose to write a book about weight loss, when my area of expertise is Wellness.

Well, that’s exactly why!

I feel that Wellness is the number one thing missing from the majority of weight loss products and programs.

We currently have more diet books,more celebrity diets and weight loss products,  more weight management programs, more low-fat & fat-free foods, more low-calorie foods, more sugar-free foods, more fitness ‘experts’, more gyms, more trainers, more exercise shows, more cooking shows, more diet pills and fat burners and more surgeries available to help suppress appetite and remove excess body fat.

BUT… the reality is that we still have a significantly more overweight and out-of-shape population with each passing year and
sky-rocketing rates of chronic illness and sickness.

Clearly, what we’ve been doing is NOT working! In fact, I find it pathetic that no one has stepped up sooner and done something about this.

I’ve witnessed this horrific trend in our Wellness practice for 15 years now. People are bouncing from diet to diet, fad to fad, gimmick to gimmick, surgery to surgery… and never getting or maintaining the results they desire.

Worse yet, I see people getting more and more sick as they make choices they think are going to help them get thin. No one is
telling them what’s missing. No one is pointing out the dangerous choices they’re making that are robbing them of a healthy future.

Enough is enough.

I wrote “The 7 Essential Keys to Shedding Toxic Fat & Unwanted Pounds” to serve as a practical, simple, scientific, wellness-oriented approach to creating a healthier body – inside and out, for life.

Healthier choices result in a healthier, leaner body. I know that in order to get results that last, you’ve got to have the right strategy based on a scientifically accurate paradigm. Then, from there, you need the right plan. I’ve got you covered! In this book, I lay it all out for you.

I wrote this book so that no matter where you are on this journey now, this WILL help. Whether you’ve got those last stubborn 5 lbs. to shed, or you need to shed hundreds of pounds in order to save your life. This WILL help.  No matter what you’ve tried before, this WILL help. No matter how many times you’ve been on this roller coaster and no matter how frustrated you may be feeling, this WILL help.

It’s simple. It’s science. It’s successful!

No gimmicks. No pseudo-science. No fads.

Just better health and a better body!

Check it out at http://www.LoseToxicFat.com

Related Blogs

Setting Accurate Goals for Your Health

When you adopt the Wellness Lifestyle and apply The Wellness Formula to your lifestyle choices, then your goal becomes BETTER HEALTH.

(If you’re not sure what The Wellness Formula is, request the free report on the www.DrMomOnline.com main page. Did I mention, it’s FREE?!)

Your goal is NOT: weight loss, dropping sizes, lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, having less pain, getting rid of headaches, sleeping better, having more energy, having less gas… and on and on.

Your goal is to achieve BETTER HEALTH.

Looking fantastic or terrible, having optimal body weight and body fat or being overweight, having great energy or chronic fatigue, sleeping well or not, having high (normal) sex drive or none at all, feeling happy and balanced or depressed, stressed and anxious are ALL the natural consequences of being healthy or unhealthy.

Health is your goal ~ feeling great, looking great, functioning great and performing great are all just the natural by-products and natural consequences of HEALTH!

You make completely different choices for yourself when you’re striving toward health than when you’re striving for some isolated, symptomatic or outward change.

Striving for health means you’ll make choices that meet your innate genetic requirements for health – in your nutrition, movement and mindset. When you lose sight of health being the primary goal, you may inadvertently make choices in these areas of lifestyle that are toxic and deficient… yet bring about a symptomatic or temporary change that is seemingly desirable.

If health isn’t the outcome, it isn’t desirable in the long run.

Choose health FIRST… all else follows!

Related Blogs

Motion is Life ~ Resistance Training Work Out

Here’s a work out I did a couple days ago – it was preceded by the early morning routine of “Spinal Hygiene” exercises (posture & proprioception), stretching, yoga and some calisthenics. After the work out I took the dog out for a short walk (about 15 minutes).

The work out:

20 squats on flat side of Bosu ball, holding 2 x 35 lb. dumbbells

12 one-arm rows on each side, 35 lb. db’s

22 dead lifts with 2 x 35 lb. db’s

12 overhead presses with 2 x 25 lb. db’s

12 chin-ups with legs out in front

30 alternating lunges with 2 x 25 lb. db’s

15 chest flyes while lying on exercise ball, 2 x 15 lb. db’s (b/c of shoulder pain when using a heavier weight. Bummer.)

20 lateral shoulder raises with 2 x 15 lb. db’s

15 wide hand/elbows tucked biceps curls with 2 x 15 lb. db’s

16 reverse-grip triceps kickbacks (each side) with 30 lb. cable on Bowflex

17 two-arm rows with heavy resistance band, in low squat position

20 deep squats with heavy resistance band

40 two-foot bench jump-ups

60 squat/side kick combo

Sorry… I have NO idea what the time ended up being! I was mixing my work out with some home schooling of my youngest… as well as some wrestling, dancing and tickle attacks with him!

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Motion is Life ~ Cold Weather Cardio (Running)

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Yesterday was a running day. Brrrr… I’m getting colder as I’m getting older! It already seems tougher this year to initiate a run than it did ALL last winter. I could be in for a looooong winter!!

Yesterday, the roads I normally run on were icy and treacherous, particularly along the shoulder of the “busy” road I run along for a mile before getting to my back roads. Even though I strap on some “spikes” in weather like this, I didn’t feel like being 3 feet from cars whizzing past me at 50 mph on slippery roads! (call me crazy!) So, I drove to a trail a couple miles from our home in order to safely fit my run in before taking the kids skating.

Good plan.

I did a quick, fast-paced run… “fast” for me, that is! lol!

3 miles in 22 – 23 minutes… in the snow and slush. I was sufficiently exercised at the end of the jaunt! (All you serious runners out there can get back up off the floor now from all your laughing at me!)

I followed it up with an hour and a half of skating with the kids… a few bursts, but mostly slow and steady helping the munchkins along!

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Motion is Life ~ Fitting in Cold Weather Winter Work Outs (Cardio and Resistance)

Man, I’ve really been off my routine lately!

It has been a strange combination of cold weather and icy back roads where I usually run, as well as some challenges with coordinating work schedules… and the result has been that I’m not getting out for runs the way I’d like to.

So, I’ve been mixing things up a bit more with interval work outs and lots of high-intensity fat-burning “power moves” in the routines.

Here’s the work out log since I last updated (Sorry, my server was down for the last several days… hence, no posts!):

Wednesday:

Took the dog out for a walk in the morning, then did a calisthenics-type short work out later on.

20 quick bench step-ups, holding 2 x 25 lb. dumbbells

15 push-ups with 23 lb. resistance band over my back

20 bench step-ups on the other leg

100 side bench step-ups

25 burpees

100 squats/side kicks combination

90 seconds wall squat

a few minutes of “Tae Bo-ish” type punch and kick sequence: 100 side to side cross over punch with wide stance squats in between; 50 roundhouse kicks on each leg; 100 alternating upper cuts with emphasis on contracting core

Total time: about 15-17 minutes

Friday:

Went out for a run in frigid cold with very high winds, snow and ice. Fun. Ended up going 3.5 miles that felt like 7.5! Good work out, just not as pleasant as others!

Saturday:

Yoga.

Sunday:

20 (on each side) criss-cross pattern with medicine ball – reach overhead with ball to upper right corner, then twist and bend down, touching ball to outside of left ankle. After 20 repetitions, switch sides starting to the upper left – good warm up

100 fast-paced, high stepping knee to elbow cross pattern twists – good warm up

15 squats on flat side of Bosu ball with 2 x 35 lb. db’s

12 (each side) one-arm rows with 35 lb. db

20 chest presses with 2 x 25 lb. db’s, lying supine on exercise ball

20 squats on flat side of Bosu with 2 x 35 lb. db’s

90 seconds plank pose: 30 seconds straight plank, 15 + 15 seconds one-leg plank, 30 seconds straight pland

15 biceps curls (elbows in, hands out to sides) with 2 x 15 lb. db’s

12 lateral shoulder raises with 2 x 15 lb. db’s

20 dead lifts on balance disc, 2 x 35 lb. db’s

15 reverse grip triceps kickbacks (ea. side) with 30 lbs. Bowflex cables

15 two-arm biceps curls with 60 lb. Bowflex cables

15 chest presses with 80 lbs. Bowflex cables

16 upright rowing with 100 lbs. Bowflex cables

30 alternating bench step-ups with 2 x 25 lb. db’s

15 triceps kickbacks with 30 lb. Bowflex cables

15 two-arm biceps curls with 60lb. Bowflex cables

15 wide chest flyes with 60 lb. Bowflex cables

30 alternating side step-up onto bench, holding medicine ball out in front

20 two-foot parallel/side bench jump-overs

3 two-foot bench jump-ups

Total time: 30 minutes

Next run is scheduled for early Wednesday morning… unless it puts me in danger! Then I’d have to break out the jump rope! The winter weather doesn’t always mean I can (safely) exercise the way I’d like or at the time I’d like, but no big deal. It just takes a little creativity and the ongoing commitment to live a healthier lifestyle that includes movement on a regular basis.

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Motion is Life ~ Cardio Work Outs

The last few days have been filled with an assortment of exercise… none of it my “usual”.

Friday

I got up and did my usual “Posture & Proprioception” exercises, and then decided to add about 10 miutes of high intensity calisthenics, and then a few yoga poses. Strange combination! Then I took dog breath out for a 30 minute walk.

Saturday

Same start to the day as yesterday – some P & P exercises, then a few minutes of calisthenics. I also threw in some abs work. I didn’t plan on doing other exercise on this day since I knew I had to be in the practice early, then to Pee Wee Sports Camp with my son, then back to the practice, then to lunch, then to the Christmas Parade to see daughter in it, then to the car dealership to turn in leased vehicle, then home to finish the Christmas decorations…!

Ha! Apparently, other plans were in store for me. It was floor hockey day at sports camp, and coach ended up needing me to play/help/chase balls with the kids. Holy cow! Fun AND a great work out!

Then, at the parade drop-off, in an attempt to find the float that my daugher was supposed to be on that we couldn’t find, she and I ended up running back and forth across a giant field several times while searching frantically! Once I got her where she was supposed to be, I ran full-out back to my car… almost 1/2 mile away! Parade people now think “that mom” is completely nuts!!

By the time I found my husband and son along the parade route, I was cookin’! Guess that’s why I usually end up wearing sneakers! You never know…

So much for a “no work out day”!

Sunday

Took dog breath for a 20 minute walk in the morning. Headed out for a run in the afternoon… BUT, by the time I coordinated my schedule with my husband’s in order to make this happen, I had lost a lot of my exercise mojo. By that time, the temperature had really dropped, the cold wind had picked up, and I was thinking more about my warm jammies than going out for a long run!

So, I started out as usual, but about 5 minutes into the run I “pulled over” down a side road and changed plans. I decided that I could mentally get behind the idea of doing sprints, since the road I do sprints on is protected by trees and is much less windy, AND a sprinting work out takes less time than one of my usual runs…  so I could get home to a hot shower and fuzzy jammies sooner!

Yep, it was one of those days!

So, I did 10 wind sprints each 150 – 175 meters long (at approximately 80-85% speed), with rest periods in between each sprint ranging from 10 seconds (first few!) to 60 seconds (last few!). Then I did an easy run – with a little walking – for another 1.5 miles.

It was just one of those days – not the greatest run ever, but feels good to do it anyway.

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Back on Track

OK… I’m back!

I took a week off from Dr. Mom writing in order to travel to St. Louis for Thanksgiving with my husband’s family and friends. It was all very nice and relatively healthy!

My sister-in-law knocked it out of the park with Thanksgiving dinner! We teamed up to make a healthier version of the classic dishes: free-range turkey (no antibiotics, hormones, etc.) stuffed with organic apples, onions, carrots and a few other things I chopped but have since forgotten; organic sweet potatoes and garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, BIG salad, stuffing and gravy… a practice member of ours even made us organic pumpkin pie (although we also had Costco pie… not organic, but definitely a tasty toxin we all enjoyed!)

The rest of the time we were there, we stayed on track for the most part with healthy meals and snacks. Again, our hostess with the mostest went above and beyond to have lots of healthy choices on hand – abundant fruit and veggies, organic yogurt, almond butter, bison, chicken sausages, hummus – all the stuff she knows we love! Of course, we can’t visit St. Louis without my husband’s mandatory meal from Imo’s pizza! No biggie. We paired the pie with some veggies, and made it a healthier meal overall.

I got in a few longer runs while we were there, and some body weight only full body workouts. I even conquered “cardiac hill” a couple times during our stay! (Had to justify the extra calories taken in!)

All in all, it was a really nice time… except for the lack of sleep! Gotta’ work on that. For some reason, I don’t sleep when we travel, or when we’re preparing to travel. Makes for a looooong trip!

Anyhow, this week is back to the grindstone! I’m happy to be back in a healthy, well-rested routine!

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Motion is Life ~ Cardio Work Outs

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images red

My last run was a goofy one!

I knew I wasn’t feeling overly energetic when I was getting ready or when I first headed out. Usually, if that’s the case, I shake it off pretty quickly once I get going.

Nope, not this time!

The stars were simply not aligned for my last run. I ended up cutting it short and only running a little over 2 miles. I’m sure there was a reason for it… a lesson to learn in there somewhere! Who knows?! My body just had other plans that day!

Not too much of a big deal, though. I had already gone out for a 40  minute power walk with dog-breath earlier in the morning, so at least I felt like I had effectively moved my body that day!

The next day, I did another walk in the morning – 25 minutes.

Yesterday was a 45 minute super turbo walk in the early morning… stunning and surprising sunrise! Out of the corner of my eye, I thought something was on fire… then I turned to look and saw the rising giant ball of fire called the SUN! Amazing!

Motion is definitely life!

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“Just One Thing” ~ Simple Steps for Better Health ~ Simple Flu Prevention/Immune Boosting Strategy

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sugar

Remember, these “Just One Thing” simple tips are meant to encourage you in your journey to better health. Each one is something relatively *easy* to accomplish… doesn’t take a complete life make over to fit it into your already-busy lifestyle.

You’ve probably ‘heard’ me say a hundred times, “Getting healthier isn’t about being perfect… it’s about making better choices, more often.” HealthIER doesn’t have to be harder.

Today, the focus is on something you may be overlooking in your attempt to prevent the flu (or colds) this year. I hear many people talking about what to add – whether it’s high doses of vitamin D-3 (a great thing), fish oil, garlic, echinacea, olive leaf extract, or even the vaccine (not that I’ve seen a lick of scientific evidence that it is effective or safe… the topic of several other articles here!) – but I’m not hearing too much about the things we’re ingesting that are sabotaging our efforts.

One of the biggest immune system offenders out there is sugar. Not the biggest news to most of you!

In a simplified nutshell, sugar competes for the same cell receptors that powerful antioxidants need in order to maximize the function of your immune system. You can visualize that when you consume sugar, it’s blocking the pathways for the “good stuff” you’re putting in your body to do its job.

Ok, so that’s part one. If you truly want to protect yourself this “flu season”, get rid of all that sugar. Avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague.

Part two might be a little more enlightening.

The sugar we’re ingesting isn’t just coming from candy bars, junk food, juice and soft drinks… although those are certainly obvious places to begin cleaning up your diet. The massive amounts of sugar we ingest also come from refined, processed GRAINS like cereal, bread, pasta, pastries, crackers, granola bars and so on. The North American diet is FULL of these foods that convert very quickly to sugar.

Many experts would tell us that we don’t need these grain-y foods in our diet at all. That’s tough for many of us. A great plan for transition is: 1) decrease your intake of grains, and 2) upgrade your choices of grains – choose whole grains/sprouted/organic, etc. This offsets some of the negative consequences of eating grains.

What DO we need in our diets? “Clean” (non-toxic), whole protein, fats & oils, veggies, fruit and water.  Every day.

Another sugar culprit is alcohol. I’m not one to lecture on this subject. Just be aware that alcohol diminishes the function of your immune system because of its sugar content. Fruity drinks tend to be the worst. You can google your favorite adult beverage to see where it stands.

By the way, all those artificial sweeteners are just as bad… if not far worse.

OK, it may sound like a lot, but basically here’s what today’s tip is in order to boost your immune system and avoid the flu, when it comes to sugar:

1) avoid sugar from the obvious things like pop, juice drinks, sports drinks, candy, junk food, and so on.

2) limit your intake of grains and upgrade what you do consume.

3) limit your intake of alcohol, and know the sugar content of what you’re drinking.

4) don’t assume conventional sugar substitutes, low-sugar, sugar-free foods are any better.

Eat real foods – whole foods – in their closest to naturally occurring state – as non-toxic as possible – as fresh as possible – often raw.

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Motion is Life ~ Interval Work Out

Copy of P1040932

Copy of P1040932

Yesterday I mixed things up a bit.

I did 10 minutes of high-intensity interval resistance exercises with very short rest periods in between (excellent fat-burning exercise), then headed out for a run.

The “work out”:

30 squats with 35 lbs dumbbells on shoulders

30 push-ups

30 two-arm bent over rows with 2 x 25 lb. db’s

30 Pilates-like ‘reach & tuck’ abs exercise

(REPEAT sequence)

50 alternating lunges

The run: 4.5 miles. 38 minutes. Nice run. Beautiful fall colors… sunny day… got to wear short sleeves! Bonus!

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H1N1 ~ Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?

I’m finally going to start writing about this topic, first, because SO many of you keep asking me to! Second, because the powers-that-be have pushed me too far by declaring this a national emergency. It’s more than my already-full brain can take.

I’ll tell you what’s a national emergency – the number of people who die day after day from “properly”  prescribed pharmaceutical drugs and “properly” administered allopathic procedures. That’s a real crime AND a pandemic.

What else? How about the rates of chronic illness, like cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, learning disorders, infertility, reproductive and digestive disorders, Alzheimer’s… and on and on… these chronic illnesses are skyrocketing year after year. THAT’S a national emergency.

Science continues to clearly demonstrate that these are largely the result of our environment – nutrition, movement, mindset, response to stress – yet, those aforementioned powers that be continue to let it go. Instead, we dump more money into things that can’t POSSIBLY build our health. We are NOT getting sick – whether it’s the flu or cancer – because we are deficient in vaccines and drugs.

Anyhow, back to the issue of “Swine Flu”.

Should you get vaccinated? Guess what? It’s not my call.
You need to make that decision for yourself and your family. You need to understand that there are two VERY different sides to this story. Both come with heated opinions. It’s an emotional subject.

People will die every year from some strain of the flu. (Far more will die from pharmaceuticals, conventional allopathic procedures and chronic illness, mind you.) Is this enough of a reason to justify the risk of a completely new vaccine? Your call.

The people who die from the flu are not healthy. Sounds redundant, doesn’t it? Read it again.

Healthy people don’t die from the flu. In order to die from the flu, you have to be leading a toxic and deficient lifestyle already – in your nutrition, your movement and your mindset. You have to consistently fail to meet your body’s genetic requirements for health. You have to be placing yourself in and creating an environment that is toxic and stressful… and not do anything about it for a very long time.

If you’re leading that type of lifestyle, will adding a flu vaccine to your “intake” suddenly protect you? Gosh, that sure would be nice if vaccines actually worked that way. I might just be first in line to shoot up!

I can’t tell you what to do – just like you can’t tell me to vaccinate my children. Like any enormous life decision, you need to carefully weigh your odds. You need to understand the consequences of both possible actions you take. Have you researched enough?

The trouble is, “science” can so easily be presented in a way that suits the opinions and motives of the presenter. Sadly, it means next-to-nothing to me when I hear someone in the media quote a “scientific study”. I find myself wondering Who paid for the study and how the results have been distorted in order to present the desired version of the story.  Common sense, and perhaps an ongoing distrust in a system that generally concerns itself more with profits than health, urges me to ask simple questions.

Questions like, where’s the proof that the vaccine actually works? How could we really know that it does? The swine flu is still so new and the vaccine is even newer. Can you compare someone who (reportedly) dies from swine flu to the same person, vaccinated, to see if it could have been prevented? Of course not. So how can we say that certain deaths could have been prevented? It’s ignorant to say so.

How are we really testing and classifying what’s swine flu and what’s not? Does it really matter? Either way, that individual is not functioning at optimal levels of health and that’s where the problem is.

Explain to me again how injecting known toxins into my bloodstream is going to protect me and not cause me harm in any way? And, just for fun, once again tell me how clearly we understand all the trillions of possible cellular reactions and responses that could take place in each and every individual that gets injected… you know, the stuff like, how will this vaccine react with our entire cellular history of nutrition, stress, other drugs, tobacco, alcohol, environmental toxicity, and so on?

We still don’t even know the answer to that little issue in the case of a “simple” aspirin.

Trust me, I could go on and on in my oh-so simplistic way of wondering about the common sense things. My point is, there’s no possible way “science” can explain all of these things… especially when that science has a big financial stake in the whole deal.

In MY case, no, I’m not getting the vaccine. Don’t come near my children with it, either. You’ll meet Mother Bear pretty quick. I simply won’t allow anyone to play Russian Roulette with my future or that of my children. (I’m fully aware that some will use this exact same statement as their reason to GET vaccinated!) I’ve yet to see evidence of safety and efficacy of this vaccine. I’ve yet to see that creating better health and taking better care of yourself  isn’t the most effective approach by far. I trust myself and the tools for optimal health that I came equipped with FAR more than a vaccine or drug. I know what it takes to create health and avoid illness. (Whether I consistently do it or not is a choice.)

I will NOT tell you what to do regarding the vaccine other than think very carefully about it. It’s a personal choice. A choice every family makes for themselves.

For starters, I recommend looking at the other side of the story presented by people and organizations like Dr. Sherri Tenpenny (www.DrTenpenny.com), National Vaccine Information Center (www.nvic.org), Dr. Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com), Mary Tocco (www.marytocco.com), Natural News (www.NaturalNews.com),  www.MomVaccines.org and www.Brainguard.com.  There are many more resources out there. Take your pick.

Then, in an upcoming article, I’ll focus on the REAL situation – how to get HEALTHY! If we get and stay healthy then we don’t get sucked into all the emotional drama and hype of a “national emergency”.

Arm yourself with better information in order to make an educated decision, then arm yourself with the right tools and support to do something about it.

Ultimately, I think the bottom line is this. If you want to stay healthy and avoid the flu – with or without the vaccine – you’ve got to make healthy choices. Your health is the result of your environment. I can help you understand the simple healthy lifestyle choices that will propel you to greater health.

If you choose to get the vaccine, I urge you to take these healthy choices even more seriously. Your body will need additional help overcoming the toxicity of the vaccine.

Healthy people make healthy choices.

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Motion is Life ~ Cardio Work Out

Copy of P1040700

Copy of P1040700

Yesterday I went for a nice, long run. Longer than I’ve been running lately, anyhow!

It was such a gorgeous, sunny fall day. The country roads that I run on were bursting with autumn color… my favorite areas are the several “tunnels” of trees that encase the road at multiple points along the way. Stunning!

These are the same tunnels that mysteriously “throw” sandwiches at me in the summer! (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s back in a July cardio post, I believe! Crazy squirrels.)

Anyhow, it was a 6.5 mile run at a fairly steady, moderate pace. The total time was 51 or 52 minutes. No, not the superior form of fat-burning exercise. High-intensity bursts with short rest periods is the choice for that.

No matter. This was my exercise – and emotional/spiritual health-builder – of choice for yesterday. I’ll deal with the fat-burning in today’s resistance training!

You know, I take that back… I DID do a couple bursts in the run:

First – I came upon a van-full of felons who had been dropped off along the road to do some grass trimming… and I saw no supervisor at all… and I was out in the middle of nowhere… and a couple of them started a bit of heckling (or whatever you call it now!) as they stopped their work and walked toward me for a bit. Yep, that got me moving in a higher gear for several minutes! I’m sure it was all harmless… NOW, that is! I wasn’t so sure in the moment!

Second – I was clipping along enjoying the sunshine and colors in the last mile and half of my run. As I was in mid-air / mid-stance about to set my foot down, at the very last second I noticed a snake coiled up in the leaves…. EXACTLY where I was about to step! (Here’s the understatement of the century: I’m not the biggest fan of snakes.) I wish I had a video of the contortions my body went through in a desperate effort to change my direction in mid-air in order to avoid stepping on this vicious reptile!! (OK, it was a garter snake, but still….)

I’m not sure who had the more hilarious startled reflex – me or the poor snake!

I did not step on it. I might have dropped dead from cardiac arrest on the spot, had I done so!

Anyhow, it was another catalyst for me to pick up the pace of my run for the last leg of the route… and to run closer to the center of the road, away from all those camouflaging leaves!

Good stuff!

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Is Children’s Health and Performance an Important Topic to Parents?

A couple of nights ago I had the pleasure of giving my “Simple Nutrition for Maximized Living” presentation at a local gymnastics and cheer training center.

The coaches had expressed interest in this subject for quite a long time now. They clearly recongnize that when their athletes are fueling up with the proper nutrition, they are better athletes, are in better condition, have better energy, are better listeners and have better attitudes! Unfortunately, they’re seeing the majority of their team members chowing down on toxic junk and rinsing it down with more toxic junk! Not the recipe for athletic prowess… or health in general.

So, they asked me to come in and give my basic Nutrition talk – focused on the core principles of what truly creates health, how we get sick, the essential nutritional ingredients that serve as the building blocks for optimal health, function and performance, and the leading nutritional offfenders to be aware of. The entire presentation is laced with simple, gradual, comfortable strategies and implementation tips in order to make these profound nutritional improvements come to fruition.

This message was sent home ahead of time in an email to the parents of 42 members of the teams. The parents were asked to be in attendance, as well as the team members. After all, why would I give a Nutrition talk, that’s 60% about implementation of principles, to a group of 6 – 15 year-olds… who aren’t yet the ones responsible for meal planning, shopping and meal preparation?

I LOVE talking to kids about the core principles of nutrition, fitness, exercise, mindset… health. BUT, they need the decision-maker present in order for any of the principles to be put to action. I’m happy to know that there are several dozen kids in our community who now have a more scientifically accurate and current explanation for how we stay healthy and how we get sick. But that’s just not enough.

So, guess how many parents were in attendance?

Three.

Out of approximately 35 kids present that night, only THREE parents showed up.

Actually, they didn’t even “show up”. The coaches went out to the stands and pulled them off their seats and into the presentation room. So, I ended up speaking to 3 parents and a handful of coaches. Coaches are not the ones shopping for these kids. Coaches are not the ones handing out money for the kids to spend on snacks while at gymnastics (or anywhere else).

I needed parents there in order to TRULY help these kids.

By the way, I tip my hat to the training center for being proactive and dedicated enough to bring in an expert (with accurate information!) in an attempt to improve the lives of these kids. I wish more facilities, including schools, would do this on a regular basis.

My question is this: Why do you think more parents weren’t there? The talk took place in the evening… after the majority of people are finished with their work day. It took place during the regular practice time for these kids – I wasn’t asking anyone to come to the gym at any irregular time in their schedule – they already had to be there, at least to pick up their child. It was only an hour long. The weather was fine. There was no major event happening in town. The presentation was free.

If you had your child’s coaches (teachers, etc.) asking YOU, the child’s parent, to attend a very important (free) presentation being given by an educated, experienced individual with advanced training and certification in that given area,  regarding your child’s current and future health, function and performance… what would YOU do? The parents were asked to attend an educational presentation about Nutrition for their kids. Simple.

What more information would you need to see in order to attend? What more incentive would you need? How could the importance of this topic be emphasized in an urgent and intense enough manner to inspire parents to put in the time for the sake of their kids?

Just curious…

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“Just One Thing” ~ Simple Choices for Maximizing Your Health: Salad Dressing

My “just one thing” recommendation for today has to do with salad.

First, eat more of it! Eat a variety of it. The fresh fiber in these leafy greens benefits our health on many levels. Make sure you’re getting darker greens, too… not just iceberg lettuce. Blech!

More importantly, I recommend that you make your own dressing, or be very, very careful about the dressings you purchase. Conventional salad dressing (like most condiments) is full of omega-6 fatty acids – trans fats. Toxic, toxic, toxic.So many people think they’re making a “healthy” choice by eating salad (Good thing). Meanwhile, the toxins in the dressing are essentially eliminating any positive impact of the fresh greens and other healthy ingredients. Omega-6′s are that toxic! (Bad thing.)

The extreme over-abundance of omega-6′s in our modern day food supply is considered to be one of the leading causes in all the chronic illness we now suffer from (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, depression, etc.) Yes, we need omega-6. BUT, we need it in 1:1 or 2:1 balance with omega-3. This is simply not the case with our modern food industry. We are deficient in omega-3 and extremely toxic with omega-6. Most North Americans have a ratio of 25:1 or higher, omega-6:omega-3. It’s devastating to our health.

The two basic ingredients for a great, healthy salad dressing are olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Olive oil has a significant ability to neutralize free radicals. Even the “crummiest” quality of olive oil can do this! Obviously though, you’d be better off with cold-pressed, organic extra virgin olive oil in order to have the highest quality, the best flavor and the least toxins. Napa Valley Naturals is one of several brands of organic and delicious balsamic vinegars.

Add your own spin as far as other seasoning goes – fresh garlic, lemon, etc. Whatever you like… as long as it’s real and non-toxic! Throw in some organic veggies, raw nuts and seeds, sprouts, maybe some clean protein… and you’re good to go!

I’m not going to write an article (this time) on salad ideas. My main point is to help you transition from toxic dressing that is sabotaging your health to healthy options that can directly enhance your health.

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