Week 7 ENZYMES- Fresh Gardening Tips for Small Spaces #ziplockbags #heftytrashbags
The
Last Aspect of the H.O.P.E. Formulas is
“E
“for ENZYMES!!
Enzymes
help us break down and digest our food to feed our cells and give us
energy. Your body's ability to produce enzymes decreases with age.
If you experience indigestion, gas, bloating, or fatigue after eating
it may be you don't have enough enzymes to aid in digestion.
You
may take enzyme supplements, but enzymes are also found naturally in
all LIVE uncooked fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds. &
nuts.
The problem is most foods are processed, cooked or pasteurized which kill the probiotic and enzymes they used to supply.
Eat
fruits &vegetables in their season. Fresh picked RAW &
UNPASTEURIZED!
Visit
your local farms and orchards to select &hand pick your produce
fresh from the source!! Google a farm near you or have fresh
organic produce delivered to your door!
Growing up we owned a few acres of apricots out in Brentwood. During the summer I'd help pick apricots for market and for the fruit stand. The ones for market had to have a longer shelf life so we picked them practically green! If you have ever tasted the difference between produce from the store and fresh picked you know the store version doesn't come close to the full potential of sun ripened fresh picked produce!
While we were picking the apricots we had signs along the road for U-Pick. People would pull over to our orchard and pick their own fruit off the tree. That's the best!!
You probably have U-pick available around you. Otherwise network with neighbors and trade fruit. we have Pomegranates and apples and another neighbor has tomatoes. As I was out walking the neighborhood I saw the most delicious looking tree heavy laden with oranges!! I knocked on the door and the gentleman was very kind about sharing.
Here we are on a walk with the neighbor's oranges in hand... It just started raining so we took a pic!! Big draught still happening here...much needed rain.
Just like with Juicing you want to eat or drink the fresh raw produce as soon as it's harvested! The longer it sits the less nutritional value it yields.
Whenever
possible try to grow your own garden. Gardens can be large or small.
Tney can be furrows in the ground or a couple of grow boxes. Here are some strawberry plants we planted along the retaining wall
Here are some grow boxes in the far part of the yard
(It's hard to keep the deer out without a fence)
That's why I do better using pots and bags closer to the house.
Here the kids harvested the old seeds from our cilantro plants out back and built there own little sanctuary for the seeds to grow. They were so proud when we used some of their fresh herbs for dinner!
If you have limited space or
mobility grow an herb garden in a pot
Or if you don't have any pots grab a ZIPLOCK BAG!
My grandmother loved to garden but as she got older she had a hard time making it out to the back part of her yard and stooping over so she made a ziplock bag garden! She had a planter shelf/bench right outside her back door. She took gallon sized ziplock bags and folded down the top and filled it 3/4 full of potting soil. Then you plant whatever herbs, fruit or vegetable seeds you want and poke a few drainage holes in the bottom of the bag. You can grow cilantro, strawberries, lettuce, spinach, herbs and even tomatoes from your
little ziplock bag garden. Not only does it save space it also conserves water as you can pour directly in bag and it is semi contained...
Another friend of mine had no garden space so she took some shelves on the narrow side of her house where she noticed sun light hitting and grew an impressive garden in little grow boxes stacked 6 feet tall and in bags!!
Do you think you don't have enough garden space to grow potatoes? Or are you worried about having to dig them all out? Well the Old Farmers Almanac has a great time and space saving idea! You can get a yield of 50lbs of potatoes in a hefty garbage bag?? Just grab a potato or sweet potato that is starting to sprout in your cupboard.
Pour about 6-8 inches of potting soil into a large hefty yard bag. (or any other container about 20" deep) Fold the edges of the bag down. Poke some drainage holes in the bottom of the bag. Bury your sweet potato with just the sprout poking up above the dirt. Water it well. As it sprouts about 6 inches or so go ahead and add more soil or mulch to cover the sprouts until they are only about 3 inches above the dirt level. Unroll the sides of the bag as the dirt gets higher. Continue this process of filling and unrolling and watering until the bag is about full. Then if you cut the bag open you should have an ample harvest of sweet potatoes!
Give it a try!! Let me know how it goes!
In conclusion:
Eat LIVE fresh RAW foods daily for ENZYMES that aid in digestion and help avoid inflammatory diseases. Find good Enzyme supplements or try growing some fresh herbs or a garden!!
Also My Favorite Morning Drink is the Nikken Vital Balance!! It has the whole H.O.P.E. formula in it!! IT is full of fresh greens like spinach, cilantro alfalfa spirulina, broccoli and chlorella. It has pea protein and hemp protein for fiber and omegas! It has medium chain triglycerides. It also has ample live probiotic cultures and ENZYMES!!!
Week 6 HYDRATION & ELECTROLYTES!
HYDRATION
It
is imperative to your health, detox and weightloss program to be
adequately hydrated and replenish your electrolytes.
Beyond
basic bottled/tap Water: When you exercise & sweat you are not only losing water you are also losing electrolytes. When you hydrate, find a good source of electrolytes and water that is not filled with high sodium,sugar or chemical dyes and ingredients.
Health
Benefits of Coconut Water -
Coconut Water is
naturally, Low in Carbs, 99% Fat Free, Low in sugars
and contains
organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that
have been known to help:
Keep the body cool and at the proper
temperature.
Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural
isotonic beverage.
Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Naturally
replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
Raise your
metabolism.
Promote weight loss.
Boost your immune
system.
Detoxify and fight viruses.
Cleanse your digestive
tract.
Control diabetes.
Aid your body in fighting viruses that
cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
Balance your PH and reduce risk
of cancer.
Treat kidney and urethral stones.
Boost poor
circulation.
Coconut Water Benefits
Coconut water is
incredibly healthy and one of the best drinks to hydrate the body.
Besides helping to remove toxins from the body and aiding digestion,
coconuts have amazing anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial
properties that help to cure the diesease.
"It's
a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic
balance as we have in our blood. It's the fluid of life, so to
speak." In fact, during the Pacific War of 1941-45, both sides
in the conflict regularly used coconut water siphoned directly from
the nut to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded
soldiers.
Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical
coastal areas - once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly loses most of
its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and begins to
ferment.
Coconut Water is more nutritious than whole milk -
Less fat and no cholesterol.
Coconut Water is more healthy than
orange juice - Much lower calories.
Coconut Water is better than
processed baby milk - It contains lauric acid, which is present in
human mother's milk.
Coconut water is naturally sterile. Water
permeates though the filtering husk.
Coconut water is a universal
donor. It is identical to human blood plasma.
Coconut Water is a
Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same level that we have in our
blood.
Coconut water has saved lives in 3rd world countries thru
Coconut IV.
"Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature,
biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to
ward off fatigue and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural",
according to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nation's Food &
Agriculture Organization.
Coconut water contains more potassium
(at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy
drinks.
Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks
have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200 mg.
Coconut
water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range
from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.
**BEST COCONUT
WATER IS fROM a FRESH COCONUT! Look on
ingredients, buy cold pressed coconut water that is not from
concentrate and no added sweetener. Keep Refrigerated. Drink Fresh!
MAGNETIC
AND IONIC ELECTROLYTE ALKALINE WATER TECHNOLOGY:
Drinking any water
is good, but there is good, better and Best!
and contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help:
Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature.
Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage.
Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
Raise your metabolism.
Promote weight loss.
Boost your immune system.
Detoxify and fight viruses.
Cleanse your digestive tract.
Control diabetes.
Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer.
Treat kidney and urethral stones.
Boost poor circulation.
Coconut Water Benefits
Coconut water is incredibly healthy and one of the best drinks to hydrate the body. Besides helping to remove toxins from the body and aiding digestion, coconuts have amazing anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that help to cure the diesease.
"It's a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It's the fluid of life, so to speak." In fact, during the Pacific War of 1941-45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water siphoned directly from the nut to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.
Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical coastal areas - once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and begins to ferment.
Coconut Water is more nutritious than whole milk - Less fat and no cholesterol.
Coconut Water is more healthy than orange juice - Much lower calories.
Coconut Water is better than processed baby milk - It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother's milk.
Coconut water is naturally sterile. Water permeates though the filtering husk.
Coconut water is a universal donor. It is identical to human blood plasma.
Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same level that we have in our blood.
Coconut water has saved lives in 3rd world countries thru Coconut IV.
"Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature, biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to ward off fatigue and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural", according to Mortin Satin, Chief of the United Nation's Food & Agriculture Organization.
Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks.
Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200 mg.
Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.
Reverse Osmosis Water tastes good, but it removes everything from the water including electrolytes and other important nutrients. The Japanese call it "Dead Water" A better filter would be carbon filtration.
I love the KANGEN alkaline water filter. It is pricy, but for those who have tested the quality and uses for the water it pays for itself in the long run.
Until you can afford the KANGEN model ($3,000-$4,000), I suggest the NIKKEN PIMAG WATERFALL. It has a great filtration system and natural rocks from the ocean give the water the minerals that have been depleted from our soil and also increase the alkalinity of the water. It is overall more hydrating and beneficial. Also the tap is magnatized which ionizes the water as it passes through. It is convenient and portable and I bring it along with me on all my vacations.
I saw a demo of KANGEN water where they washed lettuce with tap water and with KANGEN water. The tap water stayed perfectly clean and clear and even the chlorine was removed from it and absorbed by the lettuce. So the vegetables were cleaning the water, the water wasn't cleaning the vegetables! In the alkaline water the lettuce was washed and the water poured out dirty. Instead of using my tap water to wash vegetables I wash them with my PiMag water. Then I pour the water out in the garden. The minerals make my garden grow like crazy!! And it saves water in draught season. Another draught and water conserving tactic is forming a bucket brigade with the children's bath water for irrigation purposes.
Speaking of bathing, when you wake up first thing in the morning you don't want to jump into a shower and open your pores with hot water filled with chloromines and chemicals! Your skin is your largest organ and it is covered in pores that intake hydration. Give your skin clean hydration. That's another reason why I love bathing with my PiMag Shower system. The water is so soft you hardly need soap and it leaves your skin and hair soft.
There is also a handy PiMag SPORT BOTTLE which I brought along with me to our DISNEYLAND vacation. Instead of standing in line paying ridiculous amounts of money for questionable water and adding to the landfill problems with more disposable plastic, I just brought my one water bottle and refilled it at drinking fountains or bathroom sinks and the kids squirted it into their mouths. It saved time and money and wasn't as bulky as packing 9 water bottles...not to mention the water was far superior than any we could buy in a plastic bottle.
PiMag® Water Technology
PiMag® Waterfall® You can enjoy clean, filtered and enhanced drinking water for a fraction of what bottled water costs. And you'll be saving more than money — at the same time you're helping to protect the environment. The PiMag® Waterfall® is certified to meet contaminant-reduction specifications of ANSI/NSF Standards 42 and 53 in reducing compounds including aesthetic chlorine, chloramine, mercury and volatile organic compounds. This level of performance is superior to filtration in other water systems that cost ten times the price, require electrical power and produce wastewater. As alternative to commercially bottled water, the PiMag® Waterfall® helps reduce the number of discarded, disposable bottles that become trash in landfills.
The PiMag® Waterfall® adjusts water pH to help balance against a typical modern diet and lifestyle that can lead to excess acidity. It's ALKALINE! Ionizing technology saturates water with electron-rich ions to neutralize free radicals, while pi ceramics and Nikken magnetic technology complete the process.
Enjoy SUPERIOR hydration and nutrition. Unlike filtered “dead water” PiMag is infused with natural minerals that have been depleted from our soils. Hydrate your body with Relaxing Feel good ions like those produced in a natura waterfall $428+ tax S&H
Nikken Magna-Charger™
Week 5 Probiotics
WHY PROBIOTICS?
Probiotics are important in the healing process because they reintroduce the important organisms that fight harmful bacteria like the kind that cause ailments such as diahrea. . Stefano Guandalini, MD, professor of pediatrics and gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Medical Center says, "Probiotics improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of intestines."
Many studies prove the importance of taking a probiotic and compare the effectiveness of different brands of supplements. However,
few studies have ever been done with actual fermented
foods. Why? Because
you can’t patent Kimchi! Or any other fermented food like sauerkraut or pickles. Every ancient culture has traditional recipes of fermentation to preserve foods before refrigeration was an option.
Dr. Mercola on his website, states that
Dr. Mercola on his website, states that
"One serving of fermented vegetables has 100 times more
beneficial bacteria than an entire bottle of a high
potency probiotic product!"
-
If you’ve never eaten fermented
foods before, too large a portion may provoke a healing
crisis, which happens when the probiotics kill off
pathogens in your gut. When the pathogens die, they release
potent toxins. If you’ve never had fermented foods in
your life, you need to start very carefully and very
gradually, beginning with as little as one teaspoon of
sauerkraut with on meal. Observe your reactions for a
couple of days before proceeding with another tiny portion
There’s evidence that probiotics
help maintain a strong immune system. “In societies with
very good hygiene, we’ve seen a sharp increase in
autoimmune and allergic diseases,” Guandalini .
“That may be because the immune system isn’t being
properly challenged by pathogenic organisms. Introducing
friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics is believed to
challenge the immune system in healthy ways.”
Probiotics May Help Lots of Ailments
In 2011, experts at Yale University reviewed the research. They concluded that probiotics are most effective for:- Treating ulcerative colitis
- Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea
- Preventing pouchitis, an inflammation of the intestines that can follow intestinal surgery
- Treating and preventing eczema associated with cow’s milk allergy
- Helping the immune system
- Treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
- Treating vaginitis
- Treating diarrhea caused by C. difficile bacteria
- Treating Crohn's disease
Cautions About Probiotics
For the most part, taking probiotics is safe and causes few side effects. “People in cultures around the world have been eating yogurt, cheeses, and other foods containing live cultures for centuries,” says Martin Floch, MD, a professor of gastroenterology at Yale University, co-author of Probiotics: A Clinical Guide, and a consultant for the Dannon Company.In fact, scientists at North Carolina State University found 1400 strains of bacteria that reside just in the human belly button, half of which have never been identified before.
Of course, the majority of the human microbiome resides in our gut and the research on these intestinal bacteria is nothing short of mind-blowing, literally speaking. In addition to playing vital roles in our physical health, it turns out they may be able to influence our mental health as well.
HOMEMADE KRAUT:
(100x more beneficial than commercial tablet form, and a whole lot cheaper!)
Materials: Sterilized Mason Jar, Cabbage, Kosher Sea Salt, Smaller jar with weights.Wash Cabbage and chop it into srips. Toss it with the Kosher Sea Salt and pack it tight into the Mason Jar. Put a smaller jar filled with rocks or marbles into the larger jar to keep the cabbage packed down tight. The salt will start to extract the moisture from the cabbage and you will see the jar will look as if it has cabbage and water in it. Leave it on the counter for a few days until you see the liquid form and it has a cloudy appearance. You can't overgrow the culture so it is not a perfect science as to the duration of fermentation. When you think the look and taste is right put it into the fridge.
*Recommended Products: If I'm not making my own fermented vegetables I like buying BUBBIES brand dill pickles and Saur Kraut. (Whole Foods Market has a great variety of quality fermented vegetables and probiotic drinks.) For Drinks I like Ginger Kombucha and most all flavors of KEVITA, which is a dairy free kefir made with coconut water. (See Next Week's Post on the benefits of Coconut Water!!) Also my favorite Protein Shake is the Vital Balance. More info below:
Is There a Protein Shake that comes with Probiotic and is still low carb? YES!
There are hundreds of PROTEIN SHAKES on the market and there are a few that I have narrowed it down to that hold the nutritional value and quality ingredients I trust. I like the Sun Warrior Protein Powder, but I still have to add vegetables and my blend of omega and probiotics. My favorite protein shake I have for breakfast or any post workout recovery meal is NIKKEN KENZEN VITAL BALANCE. It has the whole H.O.P.E. formula included all in one handy packet. It's high in Fiber and has vegetable proteins. There are Omegas, Enzymes, Vegetables, Vitamins and most importantly it's one of the only protein shakes with PROBIOTIC. What is does NOT have is sugar, soy, dairy, or gluten and it is very low carb.
Contact me to get a discount on your order. The packets are usually about $4 ea. plus S&H and the Month Supply is $115 plus tax and shipping. (about $123.50) I used to buy the Sun Warrior because it was cheaper but after having to add the other ingredients to make it up to par nutrition wise it turned out to be neiher time saving or money saving. Now I just get the Nikken Vital Balance and only use one to one and half scoops (instead of the suggested two scoops, it's helps it go farther$$$) of protein powder mixed with crushed ice and two cups of Unsweetened Almond Milk.
Nikken Kenzen® Vital Balance™ Meal Replacement Mix
More than a protein meal replacement, Kenzen Vital Balance is a functional food — a unique formulation designed to support essential biological processes. It includes ingredients that help to burn fat and boost metabolism, promote healthy brain function and natural elimination of toxins. Probiotics assist in digestive and immune system activity. An organic-based formula with 125 calories, all-vegetable protein, no added salt, sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives, Kenzen Vital Balance is made with real vanilla and can be mixed with crushed ice, water, fruit juice. (coconut/almond milk is best!)
Week 4 High Fiber and Omega Oils
as part of the H.O.P.E. formula I will focus on the first two parts
1. HIGH FIBER
2. OMEGA OILS
My favorite Picks for that hit both of these needs at the same time are:
FLAX MEAL
HEMP SEEDS
CHIA SEEDS
All three of these items happen to be sold in BULK at COSTCO in the Organic Section.
These are great in smoothies or baking! The seeds will go right through you without much nutritional benefit unless they are soaked. Like in my recipe for Coconut Chia Pudding (See recipe below)
Add two droppers of Vanilla Stevia.
Stir In .5 cup of CHIA SEEDS.
Let Sit in refrigerator for a couple hours.
Enjoy!
(You may add more vanilla or agave for taste and more or less CHIA SEEDS for desired consistency)
1. HIGH FIBER
2. OMEGA OILS
My favorite Picks for that hit both of these needs at the same time are:
FLAX MEAL
HEMP SEEDS
CHIA SEEDS
All three of these items happen to be sold in BULK at COSTCO in the Organic Section.
These are great in smoothies or baking! The seeds will go right through you without much nutritional benefit unless they are soaked. Like in my recipe for Coconut Chia Pudding (See recipe below)
Or you can grind the seeds or buy it as a meal which is pre ground for you. I LOVE my NUTRIBULLET for morning smoothies and nightly treats because it makes quick work of grinding the seeds into digestable meal in no time.
I love the hemp seeds on cereal or salads, ice cream or yogurt.
Coconut Chia Pudding
Mason Pint Jar, Coconut Milk, Organic Whole CHIA Seeds
Pour 1.5 Cups Coconut Milk into the pint jar.Add two droppers of Vanilla Stevia.
Stir In .5 cup of CHIA SEEDS.
Let Sit in refrigerator for a couple hours.
Enjoy!
(You may add more vanilla or agave for taste and more or less CHIA SEEDS for desired consistency)
Week 3 Value of Good Sleep
"Retire early to your beds, arise early that
your minds may be invigorated."
Some of your best ideas and inspiration will come early in the morning. In a study of the difference between wealthy and impoverished there is a common habit that the impoverished get to bed late and only wake up in just enough time to get to where they need to go. Wealthy retire at healthier times and get up a few hours before their appointments so they can have a peaceful morning, make a plan for the day, have a good breakfast and work out and complete morning rituals without stress or rush.
In Bed Before 10:00 pm
One reason to get in bed before ten is that after 9:00pm and every hour thereafter your cravings increase in intensity and your will power wanes. So if you are trying to stick to a healthy diet or quit a bad habit, do yourself a favor and get in bed before you fail. Also staying up late puts stress on the body and releases cortisol which is the hormone that stores fat around the belly. Around ten is also when our adrenals flush and we need to laying down and resting so the body can do its job and reach Delta sleep that releases seratonin that improves mood and outlook and also growth hormone that repairs the micro tears in our muscles we incur with daily activity and exercise. That is why FMS (fibromyalgia) is a difficult disorder because the sleep cycle typically is disrupted and the cycle of pain and not healing causes dysfunction.
My teenage son was falling asleep in class and having foggy memory and trouble concentrating. We ended up taking him to the doctor and after testing for mono and lyme's disease he deduced that it was his Irradict sleep patterns. He gets to bed late during the school week and then is up early for school then on the weekends he stays up even later and then sleeps in all day. Then the cycle starts again on Monday. He was given the prescription of getting to bed before 10:00 and waking up by 5:30 every morning. Even on weekends. He said if there is a 1-2 hour difference on the weekend it will be easier to recover when Monday comes around than if there are such big differences and no established pattern.
BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
There are so many direct and indirect benefits of getting a consistent good night's sleep. A few listed below are: Heart Health, Cancer Prevention, Reduce Stress and Inflammation, more alert, improve memory, lose weight easier, makes you smarter and relaxes your mood as all your stress and toxins are allowed to process and release.
DANGERS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION
On the other hand there are several direct and indirect adverse affects of sleep deprivation. In college I could pull an all nighter and be a little spacey but still feel like I was functioning acceptably, but whether you feel it immediately or not damage is being done when you do not recharge and rest.
For Whole and Balanced Health and Longevity sleep is as important as what you eat and how you exercise!!
How comfortable is your mattress?
I'll tell you a personal story about a time where I learned first hand how sleep quality affects your quality of life. My husband and I got a sitter and took a weekend in Tahoe. we stayed in a luxury suie and we made plans to sleep in, eat at a fancy restaurant, swim and even scheduled a tennis lesson. There was a steam room and jetted tub. We enjoyed Friday to the fullest and looked forward to sleeping in. The bed was a little uncomfortable and we both noticed and mentioned that you'd think with all the luxuries around us they'd afford a better bed. Well my husband and I both were up and down throughout the night tossing and turning. I the morning we felt horrible. We tried to sleep in but it was so tortuous to be in bed we just got up anyway and lay on the couch watching dumb tv. we canceled our tennis lesson because we were just too exhausted to do it. We wasted the day and after our lovely meal we were going to enjoy a dip in the hot tub but we decided to skip it and try to get a better nights rest. We endured another terrible night and after we woke the next morning looking like zombies. We cleaned and packed and layed back on the bed for a minute just to relax and my husband looked over on the nightstand and next to the tv remote was a folded pamphlet that said Enjoy our sleep number bed.... The remote was not a tv remote as we had assumed. It was a remote to change the softness of the bed and somehow both sides of our bed were on the hardest setting!! We changed the numbers to the optimal setting and laid back down on the most comfortable bed ever... We laughed and took a picture. What an irony... but it was a drsastic lesson on how sleep affects the quality of life. We missed out on so much we had wanted to do because we weren't functioning at optimal health due to sleep deprivation.
LIGHTS OUT!!
Since the invention of the light bulb we have been pushing our limits of productivity and our health is taking a toll.
Rise with the sun and set with the sun. Naturally our bodies function best if we let the natural light of the sun wake us and the setting of the sun cue our nighttime rituals. Make your room as dark as possible and cancel our any blinking lights from devices or alarms. Every cell has intelligence and recognizes light, not just your eyes. When our bodies sense light melatonin production is inhibited and we start to be more wakeful and it is harder to get to a deep healing DELTA and REM sleep.
Don't watch t.v. or watch a computer or device, phone, or any lit screen for at least two hours before you plan to go to sleep. Read a book instead.
There are two main reasons for this, besides the fact that we lose track of time and sometimes a quick check on en email becomes hours of reading and checking social media and other time stealers. The first reason is that the flashing light stimulates the brain and it cannot settle down into delta sleep for at least two hours. The second reason was stated above when we mentioned your cells detect light and will not produce the necessary melatonin that will ensure a good nights rest.
The hormone melatonin can only be released in the absence of light.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, that can suppress tumor and cancer growth
Prevents Brain Damage & Alzheimers
Influences the production of Human Growth Hormone which helps the body burn fat, improve bone density, improves your immune system health and repair muscles and tissues that receive wear and tear throughout the day.
What position do you sleep in?
Week 2 Choose to See the Glass Half Full
In one of my favorite childhood primary songs we sang:
If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay.
Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away!
Make the world a better place by smiling all the while.
Smiling Eminates such powerful positive energy!! Have you ever noticed that being around a happy baby or child just makes you feel good?
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For example:
You get passed over for a promotion feelings of fury and inferiority well up in you. You feel it and acknowledge. That felt awful being passed over. It makes me feel like my efforts are not recognized and appreciated. I don't like feeling this way. I know I work hard and I do well at my job. I will choose to stay positive and if there is anything I can do to improve and stay dedicated I will do it and I will remain open to other opportunities in store that I may not have known are waiting for me.
Do you see how that takes a negative situation and it doesn't ignore it or pretend it doesn't hurt, but it also doesn't let it crush us and feel or act in ways that aren't in our best interest. There is a hope for the future and a plan for better times.
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Another example is if someone says or does something cruel to you. Or you get rejected by a peer. Feelings of rejection or worthlessness or low self esteem wash over you.
You feel it, and say "Wow that hurts. I'm feeling small and insignificant and unloveable. Being treated like that may make me feel worthless, but I know the truth is I am of infinite worth and the right people who are meant to be in my life will recognize this. I forgive them for not seeing or appreciating who I am or what I have to offer. I know God loves me and his love is stronger than anyone else's indifference. I am shielded in the armor of His love when I choose to open my heart and receive it."
Use the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. This includes being kind to yourself. If you make a mistake don't excuse it, blame others or condemn yourself. Just Acknwlege it was a mistake, learn from it and move on a better, wiser person.
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Service produces happiness! When I was in college I came to see how important service was. My roommate was having a tough week and although I had been in a slump myself I had a desire to do something to cheer her up. I made her bed and left a plate of her favorite treat on it. Even before she came home I marveled at the impact this small act had on me. I thought I would just be cheering her up, but I felt my own mood elevated with compassion and excitement of how happy she would be to find my surprise. She loved it and it was reciprocated and we both found that whenever either of us would start feeling a little lonely or depressed or overwhelmed we would look around for someone else that needed a boost and then tried to do an anonymous act of service for them. Everytime we lost ourselves in being anxiously engaged in a good cause our slump would clear. That is not to say that you ignore your needs or problems, but you face them and do what you can and try not to make matters worse by worry and regret. When someone does something nice for you and you feel how it lifts you, PAY IT FORWARD and spread the love to the next person you see.
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I am learning to balance my life, and I am improving daily, but even in my adult life I burn the candle at both ends and end up feeling rushed, unprepared, cranky, hormonal and not in my best form to respond to obstacles. On such a morning I rushed out of the house with a list of commands to my kids who were watching t.v. I came home and had a mini tantrum because guests were expected and the kids were still on the couch watching t.v. and I was feeling overwhelmed with what needed to be done in the time remaining. I had to rush to another appointment and when I got back the kids had made an effort to help and I calmed down but still had residual negative feelings. I came into my room and found my daughter had made my bed and cooked some of my favorite paleo crepes and herbal teas and treats with little love notes all over them. My heart melted and all the feelings I was harboring floated away....
Give others the same understanding and forgiveness that you would like to have when you are not being your best self.
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Remember the classic book" Pollyanna?"
She was an chronic optimist that liked to play a game called the GLAD GAME. If something sad or bad was happening she would turn it into a game to try to find things to be happy about or find the silver lining in the situation.
The book made such an impact that Pollyanna or pollyanish or pollyanaism is now in the dictionary!
Do not underestimate the power of positivity and smiling. It really can make the world a better place
You are affected by the energy of the people around you. If at all possible surround yourself with happy positive people. I love being around my sisters and brothers and now my kids because no one can make me laugh like they do!! Not only is it a great ab work out but it releases happiness hormones and relieves stress.
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Homework:
Do 10 Random Acts of Kindness
Plan an Anonymous Act of Service
Watch the SECRET the Law of Attraction
You Tube TED TALKS the power of smiling
Practice smiling on the inside and
Keep a TAI CHI smile to greet everyone you meet.
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| Next to chocolate, Sisters are the best medicine! |
DAY 4 HOPE IS YOUR FLIGHT PLAN
By today your vision boards should be completed. Now you can see your desired destination and the journey will be enjoyable and successful if you never lose your flight plan and your HOPE.
A pilot creates a flight plan and has a target destination and Estimated Time of Arrival. Believe it or not, pilots are off course up to 90% of the time, but they make it to their desired destination on time because they frequently check their flight plan and get back on course.
Don't lose HOPE if there is a minor course correction needed. It's a journey and you will get there if you keep moving forward.
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