Friday, August 13, 2010

Drink up!

Did you know that most Americans walking around are dehydrated?  The average adult body is composed of 60-70% water.

As a whole, the average American drinks too little water and way too much caffeine.  Caffeine is a diuretic and contributes to dehydration.  There are endless studies that showcase the incredible benefits from drinking plain H20.

Water assists with detoxifying our digestive system.  Water helps carry away waste more efficiently.  It facilitates the liver, colon, and digestion system to carry out their jobs.  Water is also essential to transport nutrients to the cells and carry waste products away.

Many times we are deceived to believe we are hungry when in fact our bodies are craving water....so drink water first at least 20 minutes before you sit down to eat!

In order to capitalize on the health benefits of water, it is essential to make sure you are consuming from a clean source.  Drinking highly contaminated, impure water is the leading cause of chronic disease in developing countries.

There are over 2,000 known drinking water contaminants that may be present in tap water, including several known poisons.   Ironically, bottled water does not offer a viable alternative to tap water.   Generally municipal water treatment facilities are not always able to control outbreaks of dangerous bacterial contaminants in tap water.  One way ensure pure, contaminant-free drinking water is through the use of a point-of-use filtration system.
Several types of cancer can be attributed to the presence of toxic materials in drinking water.  Clean, healthy drinking water is essential to a child’s proper mental and physical development.  According to the EPA, lead in drinking water contributes to hundreds of thousands cases of learning disorders in children each year in the United States alone.

Studies show that water filters greatly reduce the risk of rectal cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer by removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from the water we drink. A solid block carbon water filter can selectively remove dangerous contaminants from drinking water while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water.  Drinking clean, filtered water protects the body from disease and leads to overall greater health.

Merely avoiding drinking tap water by indulging in bottled water is not an effective means of protection against dangerous water contaminants because these harmful toxins and contaminants can still harm us in the shower or if we are cooking with unfiltered water.

The use of a whole house water filter is the only way to ensure pure, filtered water from every water source in the house.  If a whole house filter is not possible surely placing filters on your kitchen sink and shower are suggested.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wellness Wednesday: 90 Day Challenge


This morning was one of those mornings I just didn't want to exercise. Everything in me was screaming, "Stay in Bed!" I pushed myself to do it anyway and I'm so glad I did.

I dragged myself out of bed, took 2 capfuls of Isotonix Acai Juice, threw on my workout gear, tossed on my sneakers, grabbed the iPod, and headed out the door.

I had an amazing workout. I did 45 minutes of hard core cardio--woot!  For some of you reading this that may not be a major accomplishment however for me it is. Lately I have been extremely inconsistent and lackadaisical with regard to my workouts.

I am re-committing to enhance my lifestyle by falling in love with exercising again. In addition, I have also set my goal to lose 15lbs within the next 90 days. I will workout 5 days each week and continue to eat healthy (mostly foods with a low GI)

Okay, so who's with me? Do I have anyone willing to take a 90 challenge with me? Who wants to be healthier, stronger, and more energetic?

Let's create greatness together. Let's create a Healthier Lifestyle!

Consistency is the key.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Loving Life

Standing in awe of the abundance of love that surrounds me. 
Embracing my journey with joy and anticipation.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Avocado: Health & Beauty Benefits

I am having an amazing week of detox.  I have committed once again to eating only fruits and veges to give my metabolism a jump start before beginning the Transitions Lifestyle System.  By eating only fruits and veges I am providing my body with tons of great enzymes.  These enzymes help to break down food and this assists with better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

I decided to step out from the usual and explore some different ingredients to spice up my salad.  There is one ingredient that to my surprise, has satisfied my taste buds more than the rest.  I've eaten it in the past but wasn't crazy about it however  this week it has become my beloved, enzyme rich food of the week.  Can you guess what it is?  That's right!, The Avocado, also known as the "alligator pear" -YUMMO!  I'm loving it chopped up in my salad.  You should fall in love with it too (if you haven't already) because avocados have a trifecta factor!  Yep, you win threefold because it's great for your hair, skin and nutritionally it's the bomb! (Hey this blog IS about focusing on Beauty from the inside out isn't it?!)  =)

#1-  Avocados Have Amazing Health Benefits
The creamy rich avocado is considered the world's healthiest fruit, because of its nutrient contents. It is loaded with vitamin K, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and copper.  Avocado is also a good source of potassium, (60% more potassium than bananas) a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium can help guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke.  Not only does the avocado have a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid that may help lower cholesterol, but it is also a very concentrated dietary source of the carotenoid lutein plus significant quantities of vitamin E.

Click Here for Recipe: Avocado & Black Bean Salad

#2 -Avocados Promote Healthy Skin!
Avocados contain a large doses of essential B vitamins, including niacin (vitamin B3) which has been proven to improve the appearance of skin. Its vitamin-rich pulp along with its essential oils make it a must for glowing skin.

Try ThisAvocado Facial Mask
Mash the meat of a ripe avocado into a creamy texture. Apply it thoroughly on face and leave for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Also, the inside of the avocado peel can be used as a fabulous humectant & oil-rich moisturizer. Rub it on your face or hands.  Avocado oil easily absorbs into deep tissue with its wonderful emollient properties, it is ideal for dry skin.  It may relieve dryness and itching of psoriasis, eczema and other skin ailments.

#3- Avocados for your Hair
Your hair will feel soft, manageable and shiny! --I was pleasantly surprised.

Try ThisAvocado Hair Conditioner
In a small bowl, mash and combine:
1 avocado (1/2 for shorter hair)
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Apply to hair and allow for about 30 minutes then shampoo & condition as usual. Amazingly silky, shiny, soft hair!