1 Idea That Can Change Your Life

 

I've been reading books and following various blogs of late on the subject of kindness, being grateful for people and things and appreciative for where we are in our life, right now.  I think because I really never got into the Christmas spirit this year...it sort of passed me by and I felt myself rather down and feeling all 'bah humbug' in the weeks following.  Luckily I am realizing it's up to me to change that...and as soon as I started looking for things to feel better about, I found LOTS of inspiring things to help me.

Yes...1 thing that really can change everything.

What helped spur me on was a book I read called 365 Thank Yous, by John Kralik...a story about an attorney who was having a very rough time emotionally and financially..his worst ever. (many of his clients weren't paying him and he worried weekly if he'd be able to pay his staff)  He gets to remembering his grandfather and how he encouraged writing Thank You cards for gifts no  matter how small the gift was-and how he did as a boy but only when made to do it!  (Don't we all remember those days?? I do!)  So he decided he needed to find something to feel good about as he was feeling very desperate and ended up challenging himself to send 365 hand written Thank Yous within a year.  Took him a little longer but he did.  And it changed his life as well as those around him-all for the better.

After reading this book I was on a search to find other people who had done similar and found so many stories, books and websites that it seems it has caught on. (wink)  I wink here because it's not like being kind or grateful ever went away..it just doesn't always get the same kind of press as other dramatic, often unhappy stories do these days. The bottom line with all of this is I decided to start something similar.  I went to the Dollar Tree the other day(everything really is a dollar! lol) and bought a few packs of blank note cards and I've started writing Thank Yous.  I will keep track of who I send or hand them too (ie store clerk who always remembers my name) so I can see progress...and I will also keep track of any responses as well as how it felt for ME to do this.  I will also keep up my intentions for little random acts of kindness-an all year endeavor, not just around the holidays.

So exactly HOW will this change your life?  Like the man in the book,  a shift will occur.  You will start to be the person who looks for things going right, instead of things going wrong - less 'poor me' and instead, more to be thankful for in all areas of your personal and professional life. You will welcome into your life more ease, more joy, more stress-free moments, a healthier body, healthier choices, more fun, new experiences and opportunities - you name it.  Like attracts like - and now you are taking an active role in 'deliberately' attracting what you want, instead of just waiting or wishing to see what happens in your life.  The other people I read about all had positive changes in their lives and they are NOT the exception, as any of us can see and feel the benefits.

I am so ready for this - and have already started- I'd love to hear if this is something you can find time to do too!  

And in order to light a fire encourage some of you ;o) - I am Giving away a free 5.5oz of my Organic Liver/Detox Tea- a gentle cleanse to the liver, the skin, urinary system as well as the entire body- tastes pretty good too!   All you have to do is comment under this post- letting me know why you liked this idea or something you think would be fun to do for someone else.  I will pick one person randomly- and announce in my next newsletter within next 2 weeks...and then you can email me with your contact info/address etc. 

So the change has already started...I'm feeling better already!  ☺Thanks for reading.

Starting Fresh-Healthy Smoothies!

A very Happy 2012 to all and I hope you enjoyed some time to relax over the holidays.

Since many of us tend to indulge a bit more this time of year with sweets and heavier foods, there's no time like the next few weeks to introduce a new healthy habit.  Many you are familiar with smoothies, but it may not be something you do on a regular basis. 

I know I struggle sometimes with healthy breakfasts that aren't loaded with calories.  It's like I want 'something' but can only come up with the typical breakfast foods.  Cereal, toast, eggs - I have done fruit/yogurt but I get bored with eating the same thing everyday, and will then fall into temptation at work and grab a muffin or bagel. 

I'm wanting to change that so enjoy some of these easy recipes that can use anytime of day - guilt free! (I will make in the morning and take to work too as we have a fridge, just shake before you drink) ☺

Banana/Kiwi Smoothie

1 Ripe Kiwi peeled

1 half banana (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup non-fat plain or vanilla yogurt (greek or regular)

water, juice or milk (I use rice or almond milk- original or vanilla)

I will also use some ice cubes in place of the liquid...depends on what I have on hand

Blend well.  

Mango/Raspberry Smoothie

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

1/2 cup fresh mango chopped

1/2 cup non-fat yogurt (greek or regular)

Splash of juice, milk, water or ice cubes

Blend well

Strawberry/Banana Protein Smoothie

1/2 cup fresh/frozen strawberries

1/2 banana

1/2 cup non fat yogurt (greek or regular)

2 tablespoons 'Green' protein drink

water, juice, milk or ice cubes

I use my Earth's Nutrition in most of my smoothies as this is my 'multi' vitamin as well.  Love all the B vitamins and nutrients it provides -and keeps my energy level up all day.(great for hair/skin/nails & thyroid support)  Any protein powder that you like can be substituted, but try to lean towards a 'green' supplement to add 'food' nutrients.  I will also add a tablespoon of fresh RAW honey sometimes for added nutrients.  Raw is best...regular honey on store shelf is just 'sugar' without the health benefits. Also greek yogurt tends to be higher in protein and less sugar, always a plus!

The thing to remember with these smoothies is that you are increasing your fresh food intake, thus making it very easy on your body to digest and absorb.  Great for weight conscious or meal replacement and gives you healthy energy boost all at the same time.  

Enjoy!

5 Health Tips You Can Ignore

I've always wanted to comment on some of these subjects when I hear folks discussing - Most times I hold my tongue as it's not that important.  But it irks me just the same!

1)  Cold Weather Increases Your Chances of Catching a Cold.   NOPE - You may get a chill if not properly dressed, but a cold, no.  The cold/flu virus comes by way of a 'germ' air born or by touching something.  So a good practice is to wash your hands when you come in from being out or occasionally while at work etc.

2) If You Exercise You Can Eat Whatever You Want - I wish!  Of course I wished I exercised more too! lol  But really...the bottom line is calories add up due to the foods we choose...and while exercise is a great idea to tone up and burn some calories..don't think you can 'chow down' just because you took that extra flight of stairs or did 30 min of cardio.  Cutting back on unhealthy foods and increasing exercise will help to do the job.

3) Low Salt Diets Are Good For You - Lots of new findings coming out saying the low salt diet may be doing more harm than good!  I always felt that was incomplete.  With salt I always felt whenever you start messing with a natural substance to make it more 'presentable' and nice looking (white) then how much of it is really what is should be?  I've used Celtic Sea Salt for over 15 yrs...and I LOVE it.  Enhances the taste of food...and you actually use less.  Full of the minerals from the ocean it's taken from..our bodies benefit.  Our body fluids are mostly a saline solution - makes sense to replace it in a healthy way.  Consider it this way, iodized table salt, and sea salt is like comparing hydrogenated vegetable oil to pure virgin olive oil.  Buffalo News Article

4) Attitude Has No Bearing on Our Health -  Again...I beg to differ!  Most of us are 'reactors' to our daily life.  Meaning we base our moods on how things do or don't go for us.  I know better and I still do it sometimes!  Read this from the Independent News UK:

"Robert Sapolsky, professor of biological sciences at Stanford University and an authority on stress, puts it like this: "In fight-or-flight, your body turns off all the long-term building and repair projects," he says. "Constant high levels of cortisol take your body's eye off the ball. Memory and accuracy are both impaired. Patrols for invaders aren't sent out, you tire more easily, you can become depressed and reproduction gets downgraded." Exposed to chronic stress for years, high blood levels of glucose and fatty acids increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

5)  I Don't Believe in Vitamins - Ok...maybe this isn't a 'myth' - ha...but I had to bring it up because I hear it soooo often!  When someone says this I almost want to respond with...then I suppose gravity is something you have a problem with too?  I know...sarcasm for sure!

But I do try to come back with a more intelligent answer than the statement, by pointing out that you don't have to 'believe' in vitamins...vitamins don't really care.  Vitamins are just 'there' - in our foods, in nature - they've been there since the beginning of time.  Nonchalantly supplying our bodies with nutrients (we decided to call them vitamins) that we use up as needed to keep healthy and strong. And since our food sources have changed so much...we are finding the good old vitamins that are supposed to be there have been stripped away by pesticides, genetically engineered foods, processing, etc.  So yes...most of us need to consider adding some nutrients to our daily diets.  I choose herbs or other concentrated supplements and I feel better for it.  Hopefully you are doing it too!

Just shedding some light on some practices you may want to re-think - hopefully to incorporate new thoughts and practices into your life and your family's.  ☺

Boy oh boy...Am I getting high tech or what??   Ok..well, maybe low tech if there was such a word, meaning I realize I'm behind the times, but GETTING there.  That should count for something!  

Watch my swell video to learn about something that is happening in the new year!! Ladies forward to any of your friends who may be interested!  A full-packed day with so much you can use to improve your life in EVERY area! ☺

The Good Witch and the Bad Witch  

Ah yes, those reading that title should have the movie the Wizard of Oz come to mind!  A good example of the wanted and unwanted!

Working with clients as well as in a natural store setting, I can't help but notice the huge increase in stomach and intestinal complaints.  So many of them are related to a similar issue but rarely treated appropriately, medically.  At least not with any lasting effects.  Today there is something I want to encourage even if you DON'T have any obvious issues, would be The Good Witch i.e. Probiotics. ☺

So what are Probiotics? Our bodies come prepared with our own!  Probiotics are live microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract helping to keep it functioning in a state of health.  They are considered the 'good' bacteria.  However when the unwanted bacteria becomes overpowering, symptoms start to show themselves.  Thus enters the Bad Witch.  Supplementing with additional Probiotics helps get this ongoing balance back on track. 


Sometimes you have to drop a house on the bad witch..what can I say?  lol  But seriously you have to go at this type of imbalance with diligence!  Stay with it for lasting results.  I know many have heard the concept of taking a 'probiotic' after using an Antibiotic (causes diarrhea for many) but this is not the only time to use a probiotic.  


Stress, numerous prescription meds, sugar/yeasty foods are the main offenders that bring about the lack of balance.  Some symptoms you may be experiencing that you may not attribute to Yeast overgrowth:  constipation, diarrhea, colitis, IBS, canker sores, muscle/joint pain, congestion, nagging cough, , numbness/tingling in the extremities, acne, night sweats, itching, fibromyalgia, vaginitis/vaginal yeast, eczema, depression................  So you see - many of these issues are treated as they are...not always realizing there can be an underlying cause!!  Which is why many things keep coming back. 

I like to mix things up a bit when it comes to tackling this problem.  You might see one or more of these my counter:  a good over the counter probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus), my Olive Leaf, my Liver Detox Tea, eating more fresh garlic or various products I have with garlic in them, and pure coconut oil are all very helpful to get things back in balance.

Stick with this as you would a multi vitamin...and just realize it does help to change things up every now and then so your body doesn't get used to one thing.  


For more information, you can comment here, or get in touch below.   :o)  

rt2health@yahoo.com or 716-400-0532

Being A Little Squirelly...

I find this time of year it pays to be a 'little squirrelly'.  And by that I mean doing a bit of gathering to be ready for the upcoming months.  It's kind of like having the basic staples in your pantry for when you want to make something - stuff you always try to have on hand as it can be such a nuisance when you are in the middle of a recipe to find you are out of one or two ingredients.  Bummer!!

There is nothing worse than needing something right at that moment and having to put on the brakes and grumble to yourself that you should have checked first, *@#! it all!!   Yes...'bummer' is probably not the word that comes out of my mouth in that instance - lol.  But you get my drift.

The winter months are no different.  I'd rather have what I need and never use it, instead of kicking myself for being without.  Peace of mind counts for alot...I mean why add more stress to this time of year, knowing you 'should' have had this or should have done that...in order to be ready.  

There is no reason you and your family can't breeze through the fall/winter months and the typical cold and flu season, feeling great!  I'm taking orders for my infamous "Immune Boost' as well as my powerful 'Anti-Plague' formula...Both come in capsules and liquid tincture. I keep something at work or in my purse at all times...as I hate when I'm exposed to folks coughing and sneezing around me and I have nothing to take till I get home.  I find I can avoid 90% of germs by taking something as soon as possible  And I'm not a fanatic but I'm good at washing my hands at work, or as soon as I get home from being out in public - and especially before you eat.


My basic checklist to have on hand for winters in Western NY:

Immune Boost 
Anti-Plague
Herbal Throat Spray
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Throat Coat Tea
Ginger Tea (fun flavors out there..but helps with fevers)
Honey
Gatorade
Candles and Batteries for flashlights
More canned products on hand in case of electricity issues. 
Splurge on the soft tissues!


Hopefully you will join me in being a little 'squirrely' this season.  This is one area you can control more than you think.  And don't hesitate to take advantage of my online consultation special running - 50% discount - Online Consult Special

New Beginnings

Wow...Middle of September already....!!  August flew by for me...I moved and am still getting settled - I have to admit it took a lot out of me - change...which in this case is good, but it still doesn't mean there isn't a 'getting used to it' period.  I'm finding that out!  But as the dust settles I'm finding lots to appreciate about where we used to be and where I am now.  All in attitude!!

Now the weather is also changing.  Big surprise - lol  But I absolutely LOVE Fall.  I love the colors, the smells, wood burning fireplaces, gorgeous trees, long walks, cool nights-the change over to different clothes again...more blankets on the bed, you get the idea.  Change can be good!  Again it's all attitude.  Granted summer is winding down...but what a beautiful summer we had here, in Western NY.  NO complaints at all...we really enjoyed some amazing weather.  So it's time to move forward.

So with a new season approaching...it's a perfect time to make some changes in our own worlds.  What have you been thinking about or curious about lately that you haven't acted on?  A possible job or career change?  A new exercise or eating program?  A cool vacation trip you've always been curious about?  A class you've been itching to take?  Why not do it?  Or at least make some calls to see what may be possible for you to at least make some plans.  Involve the family or your kids with any of these...make them a part of the process.  Moving forward is what it's all about, and if you are like me, having something to look forward to, gives that process a whole new meaning.

What does this all have to do with our health?  Getting healthy or staying healthy?  Well - as the winter months approach, finding ways to enjoy the days ahead, instead of focusing on the cold and snow, blah days, or possibility of cold and flu season - now you can focus on all the good that you have in front of you.  You see, as I've been saying for years...how you think and how you approach ANYTHING has a direct effect on outcome.  So if you are focused on what's good, positive, etc, you attract more of the same into your daily experience.  It stands to reason that feeling good physically will also be a part of that outcome.

So start making a list of what you enjoy, or would like to enjoy over the next few months.... and you will see all kinds of opportunities present themselves to you - you will see how much Divine Energy wants to be like a fairy-godmother to each of us..and will scramble to help you to 'have it all' and have fun in the process.

PS...Happy Birthday to my sister Joan! :o)