Forget about New Years Resolutions!

I want to share with you a bit of advice my Dad recently gave me.

OK, We know that people usually set "New Year's Resolutions." However, I will tell you NOT to. New year's resolutions tend to cause resistance. For example, many times I intend to do something or I'll make a new years resolution and it just never turns out as planned.

When things don't turn out as we would have liked, we tend to feel disappointed in ourselves, guilty, stressed or depressed about it. These overwhelming feelings are not healthy! Instead of making a New Years Resolution, make a Preference (as my Dad calls it). This way you won't be so disappointed if it doesn't work out exactly how you'd like it too. Now, this doesn't mean don't make any changes for the new year, you can STILL work towards a specific goal for the new year, but you won't be so attached to a result or outcome that you imagined. If it doesn't work out, that's okay, don't beat yourself up over it. Just set the preference, work towards your goal and whatever happens it's ok! You will be happier and healthier for setting a preference and reaching for your goals.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

28 Potentially Dangerous Diet Pills

Here is the exact list of Diet pills that AOL listed:Fatloss Slimming, 2 Day Diet, 3x Slimming Power, Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet, 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming, 3 Day Diet, 7 Day Herbal Slim, 8 Factor Diet, 7 Diet Day/Night Formula, 999 Fitness Essence, Extrim Plus, GMP, Imelda Perfect Slim, Lida DaiDaihua, Miaozi Slim Capsules, Perfect Slim, Perfect Slim 5x, Phyto Shape, ProSlim Plus, Royal Slimming Formula, Slim 3 in 1, Slim Express 360, Slimtech, Somotrim, Superslim, TripleSlim, Zhen de Shou and Venom Hyperdrive 3.0.

If You have taken any of these diet pills you are urged to get checked by a doctor!

AOL reports, the FDA said some of the pills include sibutramine, which is a controlled substance that can cause seizures, tachycardia, heart attack, stroke, and also high blood pressure. They also contain phenytoin, which is an anti-seizure medication; and phenolphthalein, a suspected carcinogen. Not only that, but these pills contain rimonabant, which has been associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and is not even legal in the U.S.

Please, please, pretty please, don't be fooled by the words "Natural" or "herbal remedy", as many of these diet pills claim to be.*Also, if your on medication for anything, ALWAYS be sure to consult your doctor before taking any diet pill, for they may negatively interact with your medication/s. You always want to double check with your doctor, just to be on the safe side.

Any side effects or other serious problems as a result of the above listed diet pills should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

For more info visit: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/weight_loss_products.htm

I beg you, please lose weight the healthy way. There is no "Magic" diet pill that will give you permanent weight loss, and if it does, you might just want to think whether or not it's really all that healthy for you. Skinny does NOT always mean Healthy!

I don't know about you, but I just don't believe all those Advertisers selling Weight loss pills and tell you if you follow their programs, you will lose weight fast. Most times I think it's just a gimmick to reel you in, to purchase their product.

Just please, don't be fooled!

Here's How can you Lose weight the healthy, smart way...
Excercise regularly-atleast 3x a week.
DONT SKIP MEALS.
Eat in proportions, and fill half your plate with veggies.
Eat healthy snacks in bewtween meals ~
Rather than drinking soda or tea, drink WATER!
Follow these steps, especially if your looking for LONG-TERM weight loss.

Please take my advice, lose weight the healthy way ~ What you put into your body is SO important, and you REALLY dont know what they put in these pills. Even if takes time, in the long run, you'll be thanking yourself for taking good care of your body!

Sleep


Sorry I haven't posted in like a week! Ive been sleeping alot, because I'm a sleepy head :) and lately, when I'm up I'm exhausted! Sorry, I have to catch up on my sleep guys! Of all people, the one with a health blog, should get a good ammount of sleep right? Of course ;) Ok, so this opens up my new blog post:

WHY is SLEEP so CRUCIAL?
Well, you already know you need your energy and all that jazz, but there's more to sleep then just that. Sleep is BENEFICIAL for SO many reasons, keep reading to learn why, don't fall asleep on me!! Hold those eyes open if you have to, this is some CRUCIAL info YOU should know about!

You could pretty much say that the society we live in and our daily lifestyle does not make room for sleep. Whether we have too much going on or too much on our minds, sleep just doesn't fit into the equation.

Lack of sleep makes it unsafe to operate a vehicle. There was an old woman behind the wheel who fell asleep and hit a dear friend of mine, thank God he saw it coming and was able to swurve and get out of the car, with not a scratch on him. Both cars however did need some repair. It could have been worse and it has been worse. There have been several reports of accidents due to a driver falling asleep at the wheel and it can become a fatal matter. If you do not get adequate sleep, it could cost you your life.

I tell you what, I am SO guilty of not getting adequate sleep, it's not even funny. But, I need to change my routine, and you need to change yours too. No matter how busy your life is, no matter how much time work requires of you, don't let it take control. You have control over what you do. If you have to tell your job what you can and cannot do, by all means DO IT! Some will take advantage of you and will do whatever they can to steal your time, so it's less work for them. Don't let them!

You might need the money, but what you NEED even more is good health and time with your family.

Studies show that lack of sleep increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, obesity, & depression, just to name a FEW!

So, if you want to live longer, be healthy, and happier- get your sleep- YOU NEED IT!

*Important Update* Read J.P's Comment* This is what one of my readers J.P. said, which is SO very true so Thank You J.P. Great Advice.

"If you have sleep problems, you must work on a regimen that will aid you in sleeping and not inhibit it. I have cut all caffeine except for morning coffee. I have cut all sweets after 7:30PM.

There are other factors which can contribute to poor sleep. I highly recommend to your readers that you consult a doctor if you have serious sleep problems and don't resort to over the counter remedies and/or alcohol to sleep." - J.P.

Yoga and what it can do for you

Some people are a bit skeptical about Yoga because of it's spirtual background. I don't see how it matters, it's just a different way to gain control of your health. Yoga is not only about getting in shape and reducing stress, but it helps you to clear your mind and gain control of your body.


There are several different kinds of Yoga. Find one that suits you best, one that your most comfortable with and have fun with it. If you've ever gone through any kind of traumatic experience, whether it be combat, verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, you can benefit from Yoga. Yoga studies show that it can rise energy levels, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, help ease hypertension,, arthritis, chronic back pain, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, hot flashes,diabetes, & epilepsy, among many more.


Through Yoga's poses,meditation, stretching, and breathing techniques you will feel a decrease of muscle tension and stiffness,as well as, aches and pains, which we all, I'm sure have gone through or are currently experiencing. Yoga helps you to be grounded and present in your body and life. It helps you to gain an awareness of your body and its strength. With Yoga, you can gain feelings of calmness. You can learn to have a friendly and healthy relationship with your body and have complete control over it. Who doesn't want complete control over their life, body and health? Yoga might be that one thing that keeps you well-balanced, happy and peaceful.
Here, you can get started if you'd like:(This is not me, just a video I found!)


Whether or not you do Yoga, it is essential to fit in some kind of excercise program into your work week for a healthier lifestyle. I hope this post has inspired you in one way or another to get started in a fitness program that fits you well!

Have a Healthy and Happy Day!

5 Fantastic Healthy Snacks I found for You to Enjoy!

I'm not asking for a BIG change, just a small one. Make 2009 the year you begin to make lifestyle changes, for a healthier and happier life. You can start this by changing your eating habits, starting with Snacks. That's a little change! When we start making a little change and start choosing the apples over the chips, we can than realize that healthy snacks aren't all that bad afterall. You WILL feel better for choosing healthy foods. You will notice a difference and best of all your making a healthy choice that can ONLY do you good! Here I will list some DELICIOUS healthy snacks, and then I will tell you what you can do to be Satisfied and not starving for unhealthy foods or big proportions!

1. Stuffed Peppers
You'll need:
Green peppers
Either a can of tuna OR Egg Salad (whichever your in the mood for)
Salt & Pepper
Parmesean/grated cheese

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
Cook peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain.(for a less crunchy effect if desired)
Sprinkle salt inside each pepper
Fill each pepper with tuna or egg salad
then sprinkle with grated cheese, if desired.

**If your not a fan of green peppers you could go for 8 Jumbo Pasta Shells (serves 4), WHICH of course is not the healthier choice**

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2. PEANUT BUTTER DIP - Melt peanut butter in a bowl just slightly, mix raisins and granola/cereal and enjoy dipping cut up apple wedges!
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3. Healthy Icecream
You'll Need:
1 cup grated carrot
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped apple
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
2 to 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
4 ice cream cones

Stir all ingredients well. Scoop into ice cream cones. Enjoy! Serves 4
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4. Peanut Butter Wraps
You'll need:
CRUNCHY peanut butter (Is the best in my opinion, you can choose soft if you like)
Honey
Granola
Soft Tortilla's (Corn is better than flour)

Spread the peanutbutter over the tortilla
Put one layer of honey on top
Sprinkle Granola on top and wrap it up
Enjoy!
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5. Banana cheese muffin
You'll need:
100% whole grain english muffins (Now they sell ones w/NO High fructose Syrup, look out for them, because they are much healthier!!)
Ricotta Cheese
Banana's
Blueberries
Honey

Toast the english muffins to your liking (I always like them nice and crunchy brown)
Spread Ricotta cheese on top
Place slices of banana all over
add some blueberries
Add some honey like a syrup on top (If you desire) YUMMMY!



I hope you all enjoy these snacks, they all sound DELICIOUS! Tomorrow, I'm going to go shopping to grab all the ingredients to try these out, I CANNOT WAIT!
They all sound SUPER DELICIOUS, Don't they?

Remember, it's a good idea to incorporate Healthy snacks into your routine, throughout the whole day. Have one after breakfast before lunch, after lunch before dinner, and one a few hours before bed. This way your not starving or wanting bigger proportions at dinner time. Rather than eating all at once because your starving, spread out Healthy Snacks throughout your day to be Satisfied AND healthy!

Another great tip is to drink water before every meal, and with your snacks! The water will fill you up, just enough so you can enjoy your meals without eating too much!

Have a Healthy Day!
Thanks for stopping by!

Winter Foods to keep you healthy

It's winter time and a time where people tend to get sick. You want to nourish your body with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are essential in fighting off any cold or flu.

1. Vegetable Soup or Chicken Soup- You want to go with one that is low in sodium and high in fiber. There's nothing I love more than a nice warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day.

2. Blueberries- They contain antioxidants that may help reduce some health concerns such as cancer. I like to mix a bunch into my yogurt, it is SO delicious!Why not make a blueberry pie!Yum!

3. Broccoli- is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber to keep you healthy. Plus, it's low in calories! There are many different meals you can incorporate along with broccoli to spice it up, it's one of the most healthiest foods for you. You can't go wrong with a 1/2 cup of broccoli a day!

4.Oranges- They are a great source of vitamin C and help keep your immune system in check.

5. Apples- You know what they say-"An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" I LOVE the green Granny smith apples, they are delicious. I like to cut my apple up. I think they taste better that way. For a snack, I love peanutbutter on top of cut up apples, it is soooooo yummy!

6.Squash- High in vitamins A and C which help ward off illnesses, just be careful if your watching your calorie count, Acorn Squash is a good choice!

7.Carrots- my favorite!

I found a delicious recipe that I think you'll love:

Italian Meat Loaf With Lentils and Mashed Potatoes
Serves 6

4 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 pound lentils
1 cup carrots, small dice
1 cup onions, small dice
1 cup fennel, small dice
1 small piece prosciutto rind
1 quart beef stock
1/4 cup chopped rosemary
1 cup chopped parsley
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
4 eggs
1 cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

In a large sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, fennel, garlic and prosciutto. Cook for about 15 minutes until vegetables soften.

Add lentils, beef stock, rosemary and pepper flakes, cover and cook for 25 minutes until lentils begin to soften.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. When ready, drain any leftover liquid and cool down.

In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, eggs, lentils, parsley, parmesan and vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well and shape into a 10-ounce oval loaf. Place on sheet pan and bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 to 35 minutes.

For the sauce
1/4 cup shallots, small dice
2 quarts veal stock
5 sprigs fresh thyme

Heat oil in sauce pot, and sauté shallots, garlic and thyme until golden brown. Add veal stock and reduce to almost half or until consistency is thick and smooth.

Mashed Potatoes
2 pounds small potatoes, cut in quarters
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kosher salt to taste

Place potatoes in a saucepan full of cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for approximately 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In another saucepan, melt butter, add cream, and heat until it comes to a boil. Add butter and cream to potatoes and mash. Season with salt and serve immediately.

Awesome Holiday Gifts I can't resist! All UNDER $15. Imagine That!

Ok, so the Holiday season is here, and Christmas is right around the corner. It will be here before we know it! Can you believe it? It's going to come and go, and then we'll be in the the new year! It went by SO fast! 2009 is the year for a Healthier You. Anyway, let's not get too far in head of ourselves here!

I found some awesome ALL natural gifts at Low Prices: ALL well under $15!!

With the economy in the dumps, What Better gift to give the ones you love, then a gift that will make them not only Look better, but FEEL better too!

I'd rather maximize my health and the health of loved ones with real natural ingredients, rather than chemically processed ingredients that may pose health risks.


Below I describe each gift and why I Love it! Two of them are going Fast!


1.First up we have:
Herbal Rose Tub Tea - Relax With These Skin Soothing Botanicals. 100% Natural, Beautifully Packaged Gift. Great Stocking Stuffer. Can you believe.....
It's only $7.50! I'm ordering 2, one for my Mom and one for me!


It consists of:

-Deliciously sensual rose to moisturize and soften dry sensitive skin.
-Skin conditioning calendula, lavender and other quality herbs for soothing and pampering.
-Each packet contains 3 oversize tea bags
-One tea bag good for 2 baths or showers. A soul satisfying bath experience. Light and compact,
ideal for travel

Why I love it: It's obvious! It's the perfect gift, who wouldn't love this!It's all natural, beautifully wrapped, The ingredients make me want it Now! Rose petals, lavender, calendula, chamomile, hops! Not only is it elegant but it's affordable!

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2.Next one is going fast!ONLY 4 LEFT!
Relaxing Aromatherapy Candle: $13.50
>
It has:
-60 hours of burn time
-French lavender with soothing Tangerine

Why I love it:
I LOVE the color of it! The French lavender and soothing Tangerine are a great combination for stress relief. You don't have to worry it comes packaged in a frosted gift box to protect your aromatherapy candle and keep it fresh.

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3.Here we have:
Burt's Bee's essential Body Kit: Low price of 10.95!


It Includes:
-Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (1 fl. oz.)
-Soothingly Sensitive Aloe & Buttermilk Body Lotion (1 fl. oz.)
-Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme (.25 oz.)
-Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (.30 oz.)
-Peppermint Foot Lotion (.47 fl. oz.)

What I love about it:
It has ALL NATURAL ingredients! Natural products Make All the Difference. Your Only As Healthy as What you put On your body! Natural products such as Burt's bee's will nourish and restore your skin back to health! Studies show that 60% of what you put on your body, is then absorbed into your body. I'd rather maximize my health with real natural ingredients, rather than chemically processed ingredients that may pose health risks.

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4.Next up we have a:
Deluxe All Natural Aromatherapy Lavender Oil and Luscious Lips Stocking Stuffer - Relax! Only $10.50!

It consists of:

Lavender Oil - Moisturizes, eases pain, great healing for minor skin irritations
Luscious Lips Balm - Great for chapped, chaffed, dry lips, cold sores. Healing Herbal Blend , honey and orange/mint essential oil

Why I love it: It's Perfect for a Secret Santa, Host/ess Giving! 100% natural. Pure essential oils. Great for a great friend! The lavender moisturizes, eases pain and minor skin irritations!
The lip balm is great for dry, chapped lips and cold sores!I'ts an all Natural, Therapeutic, Relaxing and Thoughtful gift to give!

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5.This one is also going fast! Only 5 left!
Sandalwood Soap, 6 Oz. French Milled, Enriched with Shea Butter. Natural and Pure. Comes with Large Wood Soap Dish. Great Stocking Stuffer Gift $9.99


It Includes:
Enriching shea butter and olive oil Natural and pure, no petroleum or animal products Luxurious lather Moisturizing.

Why I love it:
Beneficial for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin Great gift for Men. Or anyone on your holiday list

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6.Last, but Definately Not least:
Savon de Marseille cube soap in soap dish gift set: 12.99

It includes:
600g cube of soap, 1.3 lbs approx. 72% olive oil terra cotta dish can easily double as real life soap dish

Why I love it:
Very fancy huh? Imported from France!

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Gotta Love it! Natural, healthy affordable gifts that will make your loved ones happier and healthier!

Happy Holidays!
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