Keep it Simple, Sister

When did staying healthy and well get so complicated? I get so many questions from patients and my radio audience: “What do you think about acai berry? Protein powder? Resveratrol? Fish oil? Vitamin D capsules? Water Ionizers? Detox foot patches?”

Magic cleansing pills. Super antioxidant supplements. Amazing anti-aging elixirs.

The list never ends.

Enough!


I’m starting to get gray hair just trying to keep up-to-date with the latest de-stressing, anti-aging, super longevity remedies!

It always comes back to this:

Keep it Simple, Sister.

It’s the most basic, simple things in our every day lives that are the most important.

The simple stuff may not sound sexy – but keeping it simple works.

Every time.

As cool as this stuff seems, expensive anti-aging creams, a cupboard full of vitamins and longevity potions, cosmetic surgery, the newest health technology and thousands of dollars worth of special equipment can sometimes work, but cannot buy us the radiant health, happiness or every day wellness that we crave.

What it comes down to is this:

Basic lifestyle choices ALWAYS work.

And, will give us 80-90% of the results we are looking to achieve.

What is Really Important

-- Eat a variety of fresh, whole, colorful, unadulterated foods as Nature intended.

-- Include fresh, sexy, leafy greens into meals, smoothies and juices.

-- Exercise and be active.

-- Take the time each day to get still and breathe.

-- Sleep well.

-- Truly care for yourself.

-- Take time out -- unplug from computers, phones, television and electronics often.

-- Laugh.

-- Enjoy new experiences.

-- Connect.

-- And above all -- Love.


Follow these basic guidelines and true wellness can be yours. Can it be that simple? I think so.

Sometimes, you've just got to keep it simple, Sista. After all, less is more.

Energy Bars – Health or Hype?

We all know that candy bars are not good for us. Loaded with sugar, they give us a quick lift without providing any real nourishment…that lift soon crashes and we feel hungrier than before. They also contain dangerous hydrogenated oils and A LOT of artificial ingredients.

OK, so the food giants gave us an alternative -- energy bars to the rescue! They look and taste like candy bars, have the shelf life of candy bars, contain protein and fiber, and are loaded with vitamins and minerals!! Whoo-hoo! They are convenient and they taste great! And, thanks to an incredible amount of advertising hype, they can be consumed without the guilt of a candy bar....

Or NOT.

Here’s the real truth: most energy bars are based on so-called natural sweeteners -- usually high fructose corn syrup and sometimes juice concentrates --along with dried fruits, nuts, peanut butter, and sometimes even chocolate -- a combination that results in higher percentages of carbohydrates and sugar than the typical candy bar!

But, they’re high in protein, you say...I say, there is nothing natural about the protein used in energy bars.

Soy and whey proteins used in most energy bars are waste products of the soy and cheese industry. Soy protein must be processed at very high temperatures -- a process that denatures many of the proteins in soy, especially lysine, making them unavailable to the body. Also, toxins are formed during this high-temperature chemical processing, including nitrates, lysinalanine and MSG.

Besides, most (if not all) soy in this country is genetically modified and has the nutritional equivalent of plastic. Yep. That's right. In fact, according to the late, great Henry Ford, soybean oil makes a superior enamel for painting automobiles and it's a great plastic alternative.

Yum.

Whey protein is inherently fragile and must be processed at low temperatures or its qualities as a protein are destroyed. Whey protein is formed by drying skim milk and whey at high temperatures and putting the powders into energy drinks, body building powders and high-protein bars. Bad news.

Other major ingredients of these “health” bars include high fructose corn syrup (or concentrated fruit juices, which are high in fructose), an ingredient that has been shown to be worse for test animals than sugar. "Natural flavors" and loads of synthetic vitamins are thrown in so the bars can be called "complete."

In reality, energy bars are simply glorified candy bars and have similar effects on the body. Instead of relying on them for a pre-workout energy boost, try something truly natural, like REAL FOOD. Raw nuts, organic raw goat cheese slices, fresh fruit, or a green smoothie (fruit, water, leafy greens). Real food, the way Nature intended.

Take a listen to some of my radio archives to learn more. I did an entire program about energy bars call "Bar Exam", also about High Fructose Corn Syrup, "It's so Corny". Enjoy and Be Well! http://www.wellness4women.org/archives.html

Green is Sexy

Greens. The sexiest of all food groups! Chlorophyll is one of nature's greatest healers. If you want glowing health and beautiful skin, choose greens: arugula, collards, parsley, kale, chard, watercress, nettles, dandelion, spinach, sprouts -- any green, any time! So much research has been done on the benefits of greens. Greens help us digest other foods by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. They are an excellent source of amino acids -- in fact; greens are the primary food group that match human nutritional needs most completely! Why aren't you eating them??

"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon." ~ Doug Larson

Why is it so hard to love greens?? Take a look at what has been found when greens are put to the test:

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that individuals who eat leafy greens had a 23% reduction in coronary heart disease.

Scientists found that a diet rich in leafy green vegetables actually showed a significant reduction in the chance of developing colon cancer.

Research shows that folate, one of the impressive B Vitamins in greens, may protect against cognitive decline in older adults.

Studies found that caratenoids (powerful antioxidants) in green leafy vegetables can inhibit the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells, skin cancer cells, lung cancer and stomach cancer.
Another study showed that women who ate the most leafy greens had half the risk of ovarian cancer compared to those who ate the least. Half!! What are you waiting for??

The darker the green, the more nutrients they hold. Choose those that are lusciously deep in color, like kale and collards, and mix them with a variety of shades, textures and tastes for the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals.

Have you ever dared to eat raw collard greens?? Dinosaurs must have been gnawing on collard greens because they date back all the way to prehistoric times. They're one of the oldest members of the cabbage family and a close cousin of another one of my favorite greens, the super sexy Kale. The vitamin K, A, C and magnesium levels in collards are off the charts and their folate, calcium and dietary fiber content is impressive, too. Try this easy recipe:

Collard Green Wrap

Cut the stems off of 1 or 2 collard green leaves. Cover with a layer of hummus. Add filling, such as grated carrot, sliced zucchini, sprouts, avocado, tomato, quinoa or anything you like or have on hand. Fold over the bottom and roll up like a burrito. Easy, healthy, portable and a cinch to make! You can try other greens, too, like big chard leaves or crunchy cabbage leaves.

Super Sexy Smoothie

1 cup pineapple, fresh or frozen 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen1 fresh, juicy mango or 1 cup frozen7 leaves of dinosaur kale (stems removed)2 cups water

Blend until creamy. Use more or less water to get your desired thickness.The super sexy kale is considered to be a nutritional super star among green veggies, with very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Leafy Greens Rock!!

Get green and get your sexy back!! Try to include at least one good green salad into your diet every day -- two if you can. Add greens to your smoothies! Juice greens! Gently steam or lightly sauté your greens just until they wilt and turn a brilliant emerald! There are so many varieties of sexy greens at your local Farmer’s Market. Have fun and try a new green every week. Fuel your glow with greens!

Attract Sickness or Wellness -- it's up to you

As you know, optimal health includes physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Pass this on to a friend or loved one...it may result in a turning point necessary for a positive change in someone's life - even yours.

How to Attract Illness

Avoid making any changes which would bring greater satisfaction and joy into your life.

Shun anything that resembles humor. Remember that life is a serious struggle and is no laughing matter.

Do not express your feelings and views openly and honestly. Other people wouldn't appreciate it. If at all possible, avoid even knowing what you're feelings are.

Blame other people for all your problems.

Fill your mind with dreadful thoughts and then become obsessed with them. Worry about the future often, if not all the time.

Be resentful, critical and judgmental of everyone around you, especially yourself.

Do lots of things you don't like and avoid doing what you really want. Follow everyone else's opinion and advice, while feeling miserable and stuck.

Don't pay any attention to your body. Eat plenty of junk food, don't exercise and drink lots of soda, sports drinks, Red Bulls and tap water. Sleep less than 6 hours every night. Smoke and drink. If you are stressed and tired, ignore it. Just keep pushing yourself.

If you are sick, go see lots of different doctors; run from one to another; spend half your day in waiting rooms; get lots of conflicting opinions and treatment; start one program after another without sticking to any. Take lots and lots of drugs. Be helpless and uninformed.

How to Maintain Wellness or Improve Health, Even If you’ve been Sick

Do things that bring you a sense of fulfillment, joy purpose and validate your self-worth. See your life as being your own creation and strive to make it a positive one.

Pay close and loving attention to yourself, tuning into your needs on all levels. Nurture and encourage yourself.

Release all negative emotions, especially resentment, envy, fear, sadness and anger. Express your feelings appropriately and authentically; don't hold onto what does not serve you.

Hold positive goals in your mind; images of what you truly want in your life.

Love yourself unconditionally and do your best to love everyone else. Make this love the primary expression in your life. Create fun, loving, honest, authentic relationships, allowing for the expression and fulfillment of your needs.

Nourish yourself with whole, fresh, nutrient-rich organic foods as Nature provided, not processed foods out of a box or can. Put love into the preparation of those foods. Drink pure water, exercise daily and treat your body with respect, honor and love.

See yourself as God sees you.

Enjoy the unconditional love, dedication, companionship and joy of sharing your life with a furry friend.

Make a commitment to your health and well being. Believe that your body can heal itself.

Develop a natural wellness program, drawing on the advice and wisdom of professionals you respect and trust.

Accept yourself and everything in your life as an opportunity for growth and learning. When you make a mistake, forgive yourself, learn what you can from the experience, and move on without regrets.

Most importantly, be grateful for the abundance and blessings in your life. Give thanks for all you have and for the beautiful person you are. You are the thoughts of God -- an absolute miracle. Treat yourself as such.