BLACKBERRIES: No, Not the Smart Phone- The Smart Food!

I absolutely HEART these!  This has been my favorite snack for the past couple of weeks.  Not only are they delish but they're loaded with health benefits. 

High in fiber and vitamin C.  These dark, delightful berries abound in antioxidants!  Antioxidants are the "lil soldiers" that kill off the free radicals that oxidize or destroy your cells and cause disease. 

Blackberries are jam-packed with polyphenols and anthocyanins--they kick butt against cancer and heart disease!

If you're not  already munchin on these I encourage you

to give them a try!  They're great in smoothies and equally enjoyable mixed into a "Berry Medley".

1 cup (144g) of blackberries will provide the following...Calories 75, Protein 1g, Total fat 0.6g, Carbohydrate 18g, Fiber 7.6g and they are a good source of folate 49mcg.

More benefits of Blackberries: http://tinyurl.com/3yyxyg
Also check out ORAC:  http://tinyurl.com/ydsbnra

Calcium

It is recommended that we consume 1000 to 1200mg of calcium each day.  Calcium can be found in many foods however getting enough of this nutrient is impossible because the human body cannot make it. Our bodies lose calcium everyday through the skin, nails, hair and sweat. When this loss is not replaced through diet our bodies begin to take calcium from the bones. 99% of the calcium in our bodies is stored in the bones and teeth.

Many people, particularly women take calcium to “strengthen their bones” or “fight off osteoporosis”. Were you aware that calcium impacts multiple systems besides the skeletal structure? It affects the nervous system, enzyme and hormone function, cardiovascular and immune system and cholesterol levels.

Studies show in the United States 45-87% of the population has calcium deficiency. Many calcium supplements found in the local drugstore are made from oyster shell or calcium found in eggshell. Others are made with binders and fillers which are difficult for the body to break down and absorb. The assumption is the large amounts of calcium on the label of these pills and capsules is what are bodies are receiving- not so!

Isotonix Calcium Plus has superior delivery system. Like all Isotonix products, Isotonix Calcium Plus is a powdered form when mixed with water becomes isotonic. (Similar to chyme) Isotonix solutions are exceptionally easy for the body to absorb. They are the same consistency as blood, sweat, or tears. Isotonix Calcium Plus is absorbed into the blood stream in less than 5 minutes as compared to tablet or capsule forms of calcium, which are jokingly referred to by medical professionals as “bed pan bullets”.

I take Isotonix Calcium everyday. It’s affordable, delish, drinkable and bio-available! Isotonix Calcium Plus is an ideal product to supplement your diet. Click on this link to read what others have to say about this great product or to order for yourself: http://tinyurl.com/y9qyznx

FYI: There are studies indicating milk may be a contributing factor in the development of many allergic and autoimmune disorders.  There are other foods that you can eat that are rich in calcium.

Foods that are rich in Calcium:

• tofu
• dark green leafy veges (kale, spinach, kale, collards)
• almonds
• tofu
• fish
• beans
• molasses (black strap)

The Positive Truth

As we approach the dawning of a brand New Year I have been reminded of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

I honestly believe this year will be a year of abundance in my life. Abundance in love, health, business, joy, peace etc! I believe God is truly going to downpour bountiful blessings. Obviously with growth and progress come challenges. When we achieve more we are forced to BE more! The very familiar phrase, “Attitude is Everything” is a fundamental concept necessary for personal development.

While sitting in Barnes and Noble's today I indulged in one of my guilty pleasures, a tall non-fat caramel macchiato while I skimmed through The Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude: How to Find, Build and Keep a Yes! Attitude for a Lifetime of Success by Jeffrey Gitomer. I love that book. It is a practical, easy read that is so impactful at addressing the importance of cultivating a Yes! Attitude (positive).

Mastering and maintaining a positive mental attitude is the key to unlock success in business, relationships, dating, and just about any area in life that we desire to excel in.

Some people are naturally up and generally see the glass half full. Others really have to make a conscious effort to stay positive.

Focusing on the good promotes feelings of well being. One thing I know for sure, life is definitely going to throw some curve balls. While we have no control over that, we do have control over how we respond and our attitude about the circumstances.

Asseserting a positive attitude in life not only helps the individual but also benefits everyone around. The truth is no one enjoys being around a "Negative Nellie"!

By the grace of God, this year I am committed to further cultivate my Yes! Attitude Gitomer speaks of in his book.