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My friends call me Mother Earth....
My name is Karen Hanrahan. Many of my friends call me Mother Earth...you can too if you like.
On this blog you will find a vast array of mother earthly commentary:
I have been described as earthy, grounded, deeply rooted, granola crunching, tree hugging, and a health nut. I don't fight it. I wear clogs. I prefer cotton.I actually enjoy vegetables. I have beautiful silver threads in my hair. I laugh with every part of me.
I am a proud single mom of two.
I passionately believe in prevention, natural approaches to health and well being. I clean green, advocate the alternative food market, cooking from scratch, networking and mentoring others to health success.
I have been told I write in a way that is humorous, from the heart, enrolling and informative.
This blog is an expression of all of the things I strongly believe in and much more.
Welcome to my world... The Best of Mother Earth.
Find Me Here
Copyright Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Karen Hanrahan
copyright 2007-09
Blog Development Consulting Provided by Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles ~ YourBusinessMD's
The Blog Best Of Mother Earth Has Moved!!
I am very pleased to announce that Best Of Mother Earth has shifted her blog to a brand new look and platform!!
All future postings will happen over there.
Come on over and check it out.
Be sure to shift your subscription!!
Ten Nutrients That Benefit Your Heart
Ten Nutrients That Benefit Your Heart
The classic hallmark holiday brings to mind an idealized from the heart mind set. It's easy to buy chocolates and roses. Yet perhaps not so easy to address the actual physical health of your very own heart. If you have family history with heart disease then your heart is genetically predisposed to heart concerns. I can offer information about long term heart prevention strategies that potentially keep you off medications or naturally shift heart heart health challenges like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Multi/Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Independent clinical research concludes the completeness and bioavailability of this multiple vitamin. Shortage of levels of basic nutrients will put blood lipids out of balance. Also available w/o Iron and a superb over age 50 formula Multi-for seniors
Soy Protein A Complete, low fat, low calorie protein drink mix that stabilizes blood sugar, rebuild cells and hormones. Isoflavones are the special substances in soy that help lower cholesterol, reduce risk of cancer, help control PMS and menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of kidney and gallstones. Our Soy Protein has been proven effective as reported in the Arteriosclerosis Journal of Medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine states 38 studies showing soy itself lowers cholesterol by 12 to 13% and 11.5% is LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Acidophilus/Bifidus Friendly bacteria supports the growth of health microflora naturally found in the colon. Our product delivers a guaranteed 500 million live bifidus and acidophilus to the lower intestine. Acidopholus/ Bifidus lowers cholesterol in three ways:1. Limits cholesterol production in the liver;
2. A healthy acid environment the probiodics converts cholesterol into a form the body cannot absorb;
3. Probiotics consume the cholesterol (like pac-man) and cholesterol is eliminated.
Fiber Our unique blend of four types of soluble fibers can significantly help you lower your blood cholesterol when combined with a low-fat diet. It is easy to add to your soy protein shake. Our Fiber has been clinically tested and proven at Stanford University School of Medicine. Two studies were reported in the American Journal of Cardiology that our Fiber lowered total cholesterol in just 4 weeks, by 15%; LDL (bad cholesterol) lowered by 22% and HDL (good cholesterol) stayed the same. For each 1% drop in total cholesterol you reduce your heart attack risk by 2%. This 15% decrease means that heart attack risk has been reduced by 30%. To get the amount of fiber in one serving of our Fiber, one would need to consume 20 slices of whole wheat bread or 6 apples or 3 ½ bowls of oatmeal. Get results with no side effects as found with medications.
Essential Fatty Acids Reduces 3 risk factors for heart disease: reduces clots in blood vessels; lowers triglycerides and raises HDL (good cholesterol). Omega-3 fatty acids like those in cold water fish and EPA, play a role in the formation of prostaglandins, which are hormone like substances which regulate blood clotting, inflammation and normalize blood pressure. EPA is nature’s Teflon because it makes arterial walls more slippery and red blood cells more flexible, thus improves blood flow. Easier blood flow means the heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to move blood. That translates to lower blood pressure. Lecithin may also be added to the program when dealing with stubborn high cholesterol levels, as it emulsifies fat.B Complex Why do people with low cholesterol levels have heart attacks? The natural by-products of metabolism called homocysteine are collecting in the arteries. High levels of homocysteines, as reported by the New England Journal of Medicine creates a 30 times greater chance of heart attack no matter what cholesterol levels are. B vitamins especially folic acid, B6, and B12 totally protect you from high homocysteine levels. 90% of Americans are deficient in B complex. Stress, sugar and processed foods rob the body of B vitamins.The B Vitamin niacin is one of the oldest & most effective treatments for high cholesterol. However it is best taken as a B-complex to prevent "niacin flush". Niacin is also needed for proper circulation, healthy skin & nervous system, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and in the production of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system.
Vita-E Heart disease risk factors are reduced by 30 to 40% when taking 400IU of Vitamin E. This study was done with 87,000 nurses and 35,000 physicians. One would have to consume 4 pints of peanut butter a day to get 400IU of vitamin E. Our Vitamin E, selenium and grapeseed extract deliver potent antioxidant protection from free radical cell damage. By preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and by protecting arterial walls, vitamin E is an important factor in promoting hearth health and in maintaining a normal cardiovascular system.
Our Calcium product Studies show that calcium and magnesium help balance the delicate ratio of minerals in our cells that affect blood pressure and the proper function of the heart. Cal-Mag also promotes the mineralizing of the skeleton system thus preventing osteoporosis.Vita CTufts University reports higher vitamin C levels relates to higher HDL levels. Vitamin C enhances the oxygen supply to the blood stream. It also protects supports the collagen of the cell. Our Vita-C contains the entire vitamin C complex (bioflavonoids etc) and is gently released continuously over a 24 hour period.
Garlic In addition to lowering cholesterol, garlic has also been shown to lower elevated blood pressure, triglycerides and blood glucose in diabetics. It acts as a natural antibiotic, protects the liver from toxins, kills intestinal parasites and is used as a treatment for colic when breast-feeding.
CoQ10 At least 35 controlled clinical trials in Japan, Europe and the U.S. have demonstrated the benefit of CoQ10 therapy in congestive heart failure, angina and ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction. CoQ10 levels in heart tissue decline disproportionately with age. At age 20, the heart has a higher CoQ10 level than other major organs. At age 80 this is no longer true, with heart levels cut by more than half. CoQ10 pioneer Karl Folkers (1985), in agreement with earlier Japanese studies, found lower CoQ10 levels in patients with more severe heart disease and showed that CoQ10 supplements significantly raised blood and heart tissue levels of CoQ10 in these patients.Cholesterol medications deplete CoQ10.
FYI -- Our Co-enzyme Q10 is up to 500% more bio-available than dry powder products, up to 333% more bio-available than soft gels
medical protocol flickr image credit
Book Review: The Blue Cotton Gown
Patricia Harman's Book, The Blue Cotton Gown immediately made me laugh. Not long into it she also had me in tears. I was drawn to review this book mostly by its simple title and that it was written by a midwife. She was telling stories shared from her confessional or exam room, no doubt while her patients were wearing their blue gowns. Having a midwife attend my second birth I felt I wanted to hear her journey. While I expected to be pulled in, I didn't expect the stories to be so incredibly rich, warm or personal. Obviously her book was about the lives she helped along the way but it was a memoir as well. Patsy immediately struck me as authentic, prior to reading her book we had a phone conversation. A truly real gal.
In The Blue Cotton Gown you experience much more, you are told a story, and then you are told the thoughts rambling in Patsy's mind in the midst of the story. At times I completely laughed out loud. Patsy chose several particular patients and their stories and wove them into a tapestry of time. She mentions a favorite blue quilt in her home, to me its as if each story was a quilt square, hand sewn with love and care. I felt like I was completely entrenched in these woman's lives. I wanted their babies to be well, the goofy men in their lives to get a clue, I wanted Patsy to triumph over her own personal turmoils. I felt like I was part of it all. I was especially touched by the tender relationship she has with her husband. Envious actually, she shared so intimately about the two of them, and that too made me cry.
I admit the weekend I read this book was an especially emotional one for me, truth is I wasn't in a very good place and I needed to cry. The reading was a much needed distraction that filled my heart. I wrote to Patsy when I finished and said that her book was like a friend. As woman we know how ridiculous our lives get to be, what I welcomed was the reminder of how truly courageous we all are.
I'd totally recommend The Blue Cotton Gown
flickr image credit
Pomegranite Seeds
taken by karen hanrahan
if i wasn't so darn wintery out - gloomy - not an ounce of sunshine - cold - I might have been able to shoot this in natural light. Not the case with the above image, truth is I was making a salad and every single time I eat one of these I am struck with how beautiful the seeds are.
my salad: spinach, chopped parsley, celery, shredded carrot, purple cabbage, hand sectioned grapefruit segments and pomegranite seeds!! Oh and some sliced almonds, fresh cracked black pepper, a bit of olive oil and balsamic
a friend on facebook said this salad is loaded with anti-oxidants up the wazoo -- she's right!!
YUM!!!!!
How Sweet It Is
Dr Stephen Chaney shared this commentary this week in an email - here it is below in it's entirety.
I love Dr. Chaney's humor, his perspective and his sensible advice. He and his wife were in attendance at a recent conference I attended - how great it was to see them both!!
"How sweet it is"
Most of you are probably to young to remember that famous line from comedian Jackie Lesion's Honeymooners" show.
What brought that famous line to mind was a recent statement by Dr.Oz that we should avoid high fructose corn syrup because it will make us fat.
In recent years high fructose corn syrup has been characterized almost as if it were a poison to be avoided at all costs.
We've been told that it causes high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes - almost every ill of mankind. We've been told to avoid any food containing it. Are these dire warnings correct?
The answer is yes AND no. It is the amount - not the sugar that is important.
Before I explain myself, let me give you some historical perspective
In the 50s and 60s it was sucrose (table sugar) that was considered to be the root of all evil. Books like "Sugar Blues" popularized its villainy. We were told to avoid everything white - that would be sugar, white flour and milk.
But sucrose was never the villain that it was said to be. Sucrose is a perfectly natural sugar and it is perfectly healthy in small amounts.
The problem was that we were consuming way too much.
That "tablespoon of sugar to help the medicine go down" had grown until sugar made up 10-15% of the calories in the American diet.
In short, we had become addicted to sweetness.
Where was most of that sugar coming from? You guessed it - soft drinks, snack foods and processed foods.
The experts recommended that we cut back on all of those processed foods and start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. They are a bit less sweet, but so much healthier.
But what did the American public do? We didn't want to give up the sweet stuff that we'd been accustomed to, so the food industry obliged us by substituting high fructose corn syrup for sugar in all of our favorite foods.
What's wrong with that?
After all, high fructose corn syrup contains approximately equal amounts of fructose and glucose - the same amounts of these two sugars that are found in honey. It is derived from corn. There is some processing required, but it meets the FDA's definition of natural. And, fructose is the major sugar found in many fruits, which are among the healthiest of foods.
The problem isn't in the sugar itself, it is in the amount that we are consuming!
Since 1983 the amount of sugar that the average person in this country consumes has increased by 30%.
We are now consuming 158 pounds of sugar per person in this country each year - and most of that is coming from soft drinks, snack foods & processed foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, not from fruits and milk.
Without going into the biochemistry (which is fascinating to me and boring to pretty much everyone else), let me just say that there is nothing wrong with foods containing fructose or high fructose corn syrup in moderation. But when we start consuming 158 pounds of any sugar a year - with most of that coming from highly processed foods - we are just asking for trouble.
In fact, if we were to consume 158 pounds of honey instead of 158 pounds of high fructose corn syrup per year, the health consequences would likely be almost the same. Of course, that will never happen. There just aren't enough bees.
The same can be said for sucrose (the original sin) and for the sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, malitol, erythritol, etc) that are starting to find their way into a lot of processed foods.
And, as for stevia, it appears to be perfectly safe in the amounts consumed to date, but nobody can predict the safety of 158 pounds of stevia a year!
It's time to ask if we really need to be consuming all that sugar in any form? Do we really need to consume all of those soft drinks, snack foods and processed foods?
flickr image credit
Flu Season Is STILL Here.
I want to remind you that flu season is still upon us. When the weather starts to shift from deep freeze to thaw and back to cold again that’s when you see folks getting sick. A flu prevention strategy is all about being prepared. Your immune system is the very best defense against the flu. Who do you know that has young children or elderly that want to take on a natural approach to building their immune system? It’s simpler than you might think. You simply utilize the wisdom of the human body given the right tools.
Immune System Nutrition tools I recommend:
Our Natural Interferon Product - highest level of immune system support
( the above can be ordered on autoship or in a 4 pack for a 10% discount!!)
Formula I - a combination product that includes a variety of nutrients that support immunity
Echinacea - an herbal taken 10 days off and 10 days on - boosts immunity
others: zinc, caratonoids & flavonoids and friendly bacteria
Article: WHO To Examine H1N1 - false pandemic and deaths related
Apple Cinnamon Spice Energy Tea
It's cold and miserably wintery out, doesn't this apple cinnamon spice energy tea sound positively wonderful?
One stick of inch loss green,red,and white tea.
6 oz of hot water
2 tbsp of unsweetened apple juice
1 tsp of orange juice
dash of cinnamon
heat water, add one tea stick, add other ingredients and stir
who says when losing weight you have to suffer
more fun recipes, support and education here
flickr image credit
My Cat Cleo
My precious black cat Cleo, queen of mink-mink and purr monster had a stroke yesterday.
She would have been 15 this July.
She was diagnosed under the umbrella of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), or common and often familial heart disease found in cats. Typically this issue occurs with the common house cat. There is no viral or nutritional cause for this concern. The left ventricular muscle wall thickening that occurs is not normal
Cleo suffered from feline aortic thromboembolism ( FATE) a blood clot in the aorta that causes blockage of blood flow to back legs
( most commonly ) leading to sudden paralysis.
There is no cure for HCM. The changes occurring to the heart muscle are irreversible.
I gathered a pictoral slideshow here, oh my goodness making this made me cry.
Ice Storm
taken by karen hanrahan
They get ice storms here. Isn't it beautiful?
Taurine And Weight Loss
Taurine has been widely studied for enhanced energy and alertness. It is a main ingredient found in our product for regulating glucose, in our 3 in 1 weight loss product as well as in our weight loss tea.
Taurine is an amino acid, it has been clinically investigated for it's role in the control of blood sugar levels.
Taurine helps stabilize cell membranes and appears to have free radical scavenging activity.
Taurine has also been shown to support normal platelet function.
Don't you just love the text on our energy tea box? "liquid ooomph; exotic white, red and green teas are delicately harvested and blended to create this extraordinary drink. It'll give you a natural energy lift and feeling of well being. Call it a healthy kick in the looser-fitting pants" 
flickr image credit - artist celebrates weight loss
Green Tea For Weight Loss
Our healthy weight loss program has many elements to it.
A signature component and a product I simply adore is our green, red and white tea also called "liquid ooomph"
The FDA prohibits nutritional companies from making medicinal claims regarding this incredibly valuable product, however if you do your research, you will discover that this is a tea that you will want to drink every single day due to the long list of benefits.
Here is the benefits of one nutrient element of green tea - Taurine:
*provides detoxifying properties
*provides antioxidant properties, and guards cellular tissue against toxic substances
*causes fat solubilization
*increases the production of bile in the liver (helps keep bile in a liquid state, and is less likely to form gallstones)
*critical for brain development – is used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function and seizures.
*critical for eye health … a deficiency causes retinal degeneration … adequate amounts of taurine reduce the risk of macular degeneration
*stabilizes cell membranes in electrically active tissues such as the brain & heart. In the heart it strengthens the heart muscle and helps stabilize arrhythmias by keeping potassium and magnesium inside the cells and keeping excess sodium out.
*helps regulate blood pressure and reduces serum cholesterol levels
*acts like a diuretic, without the side effects of pharmaceutical diuretics
*reduces symptoms of Type 1 or insulin-dependant diabetes by strengthening the beta cells in the pancreas
*helps people with cystic fibrosis to digest fats more successfully
*provides respiratory protection and is useful in the treatment of Asthma
the above information was sourced from an email from martha wilmore nutritionist
green tea plantation flickr image credit
Boost Your Metabolism With EGCG
Found in green tea, EGCG has been shown in clinical studies to boost thermogenesis and boost metabolism.
EGCG helps burn calories and has been shown to promote fat oxidation (the burning of fat for energy).
Clinical studies for this ingredient were conducted using 270 mg of EGCG, the same amount that is provided in our 3-in-1 Boost
The most common question asked about EGCG is -- is it a caffeine ?
EGCG is not caffeine in that it's not a stimulant. Green tea does contain naturally occurring caffeine, of which the dosage is much lower than one finds in a regular cup of coffee. My understanding is that naturally occurring caffeine releases very slowly into the blood stream.
thank you field communications for the above definition.
I love that our company has combined so many beneficial ingrediants all into one pill.
A multi-vitamin, something that regulates glucose - often needed in weight loss, and EGCG
The Weight Loss Picture That Won A Prize
Spring 2008
me - a size 18, the overalls are a size 24.
The above picture and testimony won a prize of $500!! Yippeeee!
I personally feel weight loss is a chemistry project.
A big ( no pun intended ) very complicated, individual, unique equation that requires all the variables to be working together.
Some of the variables include:
Foods - do you eat for taste or for nutrition?
Fiber - are you getting enough?
Fluids - many of us have replaced water with soda or coffee - what do you drink?
Function - are we stressed, do all our body systems work well?
Fitness - we moving it? daily?
Finesse - do we have the gumption to have healthy eating be a life long lifestyle?
Fight - willpower is part of the plan - what are you willing to let go of ?
I believe each of us may have the intent to lose weight but don't combine all the variables. When all the pieces aren't in place, that intention gets deflated pretty darn fast.
I was completely apathetic to my weight gain. I had given up.
I was fat.
I had decided to accept fatness as my fate and call it a day.
I needed more than help, I needed hope.
LOTS of hope
Two weeks gave me the tools and the hope. Simply - on this program I felt really good, I began to see results and I felt I could move forward. I believed.
Update - January 2010 - I am still losing weight slowly and effortlessly. Still feeling really good.
Make A Twelve Week Decision - I Did!
Adult obesity has risen 50% over the last 10 years - the two major health risk factors for those that are obese include heart disease and diabetes
These two diseases will basically bankrupt this country !!
We are not prepared for this level of poor health!
An even more staggering statistic shared was that childhood obesity has recently climbed from 33% to 66%!!
It is predicted that if these statistics continue to climb at this rapid rate that the risk factor is death!!
Our obese children will not reach old age.
Are you as alarmed by this information as I ?
Below are my notes from when I first began my weight loss journey back in 2006 - I hope you find them inspirational:
By design it's a two week immersion into the program, all the products, helpful information, tape measure, your very own pedometer. I think anyone can do something for two weeks. However,these last two weeks totally convinced me!!
Secondly, I simply adore the products!! The shakes taste absolutely terrific!! The shake recipes are versatile, fun and positively delicious.
The 3 in 1 product is brilliant, I felt energetic, and no food cravings!
The green,red and white tea is something I could drink warm or cold and was absolutely magical in the way it made me feel. By day 3, I thought to myself ...Wow - I feel fantastic!!
I really like this program!
By day 6, I knew I was losing weight - I could just tell. By day 14, I had lost 13lbs and 5 inches!! 2 1/2 inches from my hips!!
My daughter also loved it!! Taking the shake to school really simplified her lunch day ( those kids get all of 20 minutes to eat) and she never felt hungry! She lost 5lbs and 2 inches!!
( her results as I understand it are more typical )
WOW!!
Lastly, I have to compliment my company on the languaging and directions they created for this program.
Example: On the shake mix and packets it says: mix with 8 oz milk or soy milk and shake it like you mean it ...if that doesn't bring a smile to your face, what will!!
On the website it says : "this isn't about getting beautiful, you already are!"
Bits of charm,humor and lightheartedness are sprinkled throughout the entire website,support materials and packaging. Its wonderful.
Thank you for creating such a remarkable program. I knew I had to conquer me first!
I made a twelve week commitment to lose weight. These last two weeks, in spite of things being a tad crazy around here, I made the thing work!!
I believe it's possible to stick with it and hope to continue to see success!!
vintage measurement flickr image credit
Know anyone who might benefit from a nutritional consultation?? My business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals, please don’t keep me a secret!! Share this information with those you know.
Ever Have Doubt Regarding Weight Loss?
There I was.
All "way too much" of me
I had enough apathy to fill the room.
A new weight loss program was being announced at our convention
Whoopie.
I personally felt that the entire weight loss battle was hopeless for me.
C'mon, I ate sensibly, organically, vegetable-y, I walked every single day - how is it I couldn't move an ounce of weight off my body?
Sound familiar?
I had completely given up.
I was a fatty and may as well get used to it.LOOK at all these people parading their weight and inches lost....
That so won't be me, I'll tell you right now...
These products might have helped them but they will never EVER help me.
Ever have doubt like I did?
Care to see what happened?
Healthy Inch Loss
Hello Everyone!
It is with great excitement that I share the details of our weight ...ooops " inch" loss program
In the many years I have been with my company there have been several weight loss programs, all remarkably good, yet this one seemed different to me.
It seemed doable, result driven, truly simple (can't stress this part enough!) and healthy - really really healthy!
From what I had heard and read about, to the testimonials, weight and inch losses I had seen at the 2006 convention - the results were seemingly very significant!!Add to that my own personal experience and weight loss thanks to the program. This one is a winner!
Powered by Leucine an amino acid, the premise of the program is about maintaining lean muscle while losing fat. Stopping the viscious cycle of yo - yo dieting.
Do you know anyone who has gone on a diet – but the weight came me back just as fast as it went away??? And the next time they diet, the weight seems even harder to lose. The reason is: it's True.
On most diets, you lose muscle, as well as fat. When you lose muscle, you lose some of your body's ability to burn fat, and your metabolism drops.
The doctors, nutritionists, and scientists at my company drew upon years of sports and nutrition science to create an easier and healthier plan. In a recent preliminary clinical trial, our scientists tested a proprietary formula enhanced with the amino acid leucine.People in the program lost fat, weight, and inches while retaining 100% of their lean muscle.
Here are some details:
A day in this inch loss program program includes:
*2 shakes, breakfast and lunch ( really, really yummy vanilla,chocolate,latte and strawberry )
* a 3 in 1 supplement that has leucine in it, all the nutrients found in our multi - vitamin, something that regulates your glucose, You take this 3 times a day.* tea for snack time with green, red and white teas to give you that energy boost you might need.
*Also included in the program are three flavors of snack bars; chocolate, vanilla, and seemingly everyone's favorite lemon cranberry!! ( just one a day is allowed! )
*since the release of the line - a new "meal in one bar" has been added. 20 grams of protein - wow! 2 flavors;almond berry and peanut butter chocolate chipThe starter kit includes all these products, and get this...the shakes come to you in both a canister w/scoop for easy dispensing and "to go" packets!!
have to say this exampling is brilliant on my company's part
Plus a shaker for easy shake making!*Also included in the kit is a pedometer named "buster" - a nifty gadget that helps you see how many steps you take in any given day, something to assist you in increasing daily activity!
*A guidebook, CD with personal coaching software that get's into the nitty gritty with you about your weightloss goals. Plus calorie driven menu's with recipes!! Lots and lots of recipes. This program could not get any simpler!!
*Tape measure - after all the program is about losing inches!!!
The support that is offered in this program is really detailed, thoughtful and designed to help everyone through any stumbling block that might occur. There is even a club to join online so you can be losing inches and supporting others losing weight, too!!
There are several ways to find out about the program :
3 minute informative call featuring: Dr. Jamie McManus: 925-924-3030
See all te products at my website
Ready to lose inches? Let me know how I can help!
Since everyone always askshow much?
The member price for the starter kit and a two week supply of everything you need is just $193.80!!
smoothie flickr image credit
Know anyone who might benefit from a nutritional consultation?? My business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals, please don’t keep me a secret!! Share this information with those you know.
Ketchup Is Not A Vegetable
January and Weight Loss.
Here we go ... again.
Often the goal to lose weight shoots out of the new year cannon and then fizzles ever so quietly. It's always a great idea. Where's the actual tenacity to make it happen?
Diets are a kick start. We need them to launch us into a layer of confidence that says...I can do this.
What's a good diet? Well, that depends.
Basically, a good diet is one that you will actually do. One that will help you lose weight, one that will teach you healthy eating - that is, if healthy eating is actually what you want. So many want to lose the weight and not necessarily make changes to keep the weight off.
Many weight loss programs left me starved, bored or unable to manage with my lifestyle.
I finally found something that is a fit for me.
This inch loss program works with my chemistry, my lifestyle and keeps providing me results.
Some thoughts about dieting:
A weight loss meal replacement shake with hershey's chocolate syrup, slathered with whip cream is probably not an ideal breakfast.
A Wendy's cheeseburger might be a serving of protein and bread, but not necessarily a healthy DAILY choice for dinner.
A specific program has it's chemistry, doing the "make it up as I go sally version" might mess with the science behind the program. Try it -- as is, for 30 days and see if it's a fit for you.
Eating a huge snickers bar in cognito during the drive through car wash counts, even if noone sees you
French Fries are not exactly part of the food guide pyramid.
Ketchup is not a vegetable, that high fructose corn syrup is something worth adding to your lists of ingredients not to eat
No one needs chocolate, we understand we want it, but do we really really need it? Okay Okay so chocolate has it's health benefits
Coffee is not a beverage of choice.
Skip the diet coke - seriously just stop drinking them.
As a wellness consultant I feel ill equipped to handle some of the above types of situations. I kid you not that I have consulted with folks who truly believed that daily fast food and whip cream are a fine part of any weight loss program.
I question the commitment to the above kindof thinking.
I say this not to be mean or to judge but to wonder outloud.
Can we be on diet and still eat fast food? Why?
Can we really want to lose weight and still be eating whipping cream for breakfast?
Help me understand.
Ask yourself this -- are you really committed to your health and well being.
If you are then that's where my expertise, and inch loss products can be of assistance.
I WANT to help.
flickr image credit
Know anyone who might benefit from a nutritional consultation?? My business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals, please don’t keep me a secret!! Share this information with those you know.
The Fat Burning Amino Acid Leucine
There are several components to our inch loss regime - one is the ingredient Leucine.
It is found in our meal replacement and snack bars
Leucine is an essential amino acid, which cannot be manufactured in the body and is part of the three branched-chain-amino-acids.
Supplements and protein powders that contain leucine are used extensively by bodybuilders and other athletes to promote muscle recovery.
Among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program are the branched chain amino acids which includes the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Deficiency of this nutrient is rare, since all protein foods contains it, but vegans and vegetarians without adequate protein sources may suffer from a deficiency.
Leucine deficiencies are often to blame for the buildup of subcutaneous fat - the adipose tissue that adds extra layers to the surface of the body!! Increased leucine levels signal the body to shed this stubborn surface fat!!!
Are you deficient of this amino acid??
Leucine deficiencies include: fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, headaches, dizziness, blue moods, irritablity, brain fog, frequent infections, slow wound healing.
Hypoglycemia symptoms may appear if the diet is deficient and could include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability etc.
Leucine may benefit body composition.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign noted in a review that part of the benefit of a higher protein diet for weight loss may be due in part to increased intake of the branched chain amino acid (BCAA), leucine.1
A small study of five lean women compared to five women with abdominal obesity found lower rates of leucine release in obese women following a 22-hour fast, indicating preservation of body protein during weight loss. 2
1. Layman DK, Baum JI. "Dietary protein impact on glycemic control during weight loss." J Nutr. 134, 4:968S-73S, 2004.
2. Patterson BW et al. "Regional muscle and adipose tissue amino acid metabolism in lean and obese women." Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 282, 4:E931-6, 2002.
measure inch loss success flickr image credit
When A Child Is Diagnosed With Leukemia...
One of our Carnival Mom's Jennae, of Green Your Decor and Green and Gorgeous, emailed us yesterday sharing the news that her 4 yr old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. To add, her husband is out of work due to a layoff, she's the only breadwinner - owner of her own graphic design business and freelancing - NO health insurance. Alot of stuff. A flurry of remarkable green mom email followed and we all pitched in our sadness, our love, our concern and ways that we thought we might be able to help.
She found the courage to write a post about the news. In sharing her thoughts she wondered how can she even write the word leukemia, let alone say it outloud, but she did. Bravely, along with sharing remarkably beautiful pictures of her family and especially her Ja'Naya, she's asking for help.
I am hoping by sharing this news, these links and my wishes for a healthy Ja'Naya are just one of the ways that I can help. The good news about her daughter's leukemia is that it's treatable.
Asking for help is really hard. Illness of this magnitude is daunting, and yet already Jennae feels hopeful and definitely encouraged.
image from flickr
Weight Loss Before And After
Taken in August 2005. San Francisco Size 24 - picture is blurry, sorry
( when you are this large you find there are not too many pictures to share)
Taken in January 2010 - Chicago - Size 16
( Happy to report these jeans are too big! )
Weight Loss Naturally
Would you agree that at this time of the year many folks try and lose weight ?
Oh Happy New Years Resolutions to you!!
In December of 2006 I reported that I had lost 9lbs in December
goodness gracious -- who the heck loses weight in December?
I did
That brought my weight loss then to 34 lbs and 21 inches. That was what I lost in just 16 weeks!
Pretty impressive, huh?
Now in January 2010, I am happy to say that not only have I maintained that weight loss, but last year I lost another 12lbs!!
My total weight loss since I began, in August 2006, is a grand total now of 72 lbs and 36 inches!!
Woman’s First Magazine touts our "inch loss program" and it’s secret ingredient Leucine, as the amazing amino acid that speeds the burning of fat!!
UCLA research states 33% of woman are not getting enough protein building blocks in their diets!
In particular Leucine deficiencies are often to blame for the buildup of subcutaneous fat (the adipose tissue that adds extra layers to the surface of the body!!) Increased leucine levels signal the body to shed this stubborn surface fat!!!
Are you deficient of this amino acid??
Leucine deficiencies include: fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, headaches, dizziness, blue moods, irritability, brain fog, frequent infections, slow wound healing.
Want to learn more about our leucine rich weight loss program?
Call our Dr Jamie and listen to her 3 minute message: 925.924.3030
Go to the weight loss section of my website
measuring inch loss success flickr image
Twas The Diet After New Years
Twas the day after New Years, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouseThe cookies I'd nibble, the eggnog I'd taste
At all those holiday parties had gone to my waist.When I got on the scales, there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared -
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared.The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese,
And the way I had never said, No thank you, please.As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt,
I said to myself, as I only can
You can't spend the winter disguised as a man!Away with the last of the sour cream dip!
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip!
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Until all the additional ounces have vanished.I won't have a cookie ? not even a lick!
I'll want only to chew on an organic celery stick!
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot,
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
Lanee passed this on from someone named miles davies - actual author unknown. thanks sweetie
scale flickr image
Know anyone who might benefit from a nutritional consultation?? My business is based entirely on word of mouth referrals, please don’t keep me a secret!! Share this information with those you know.
My Comfort Food
photograph by Karen Hanrahan
It's winter, and this is very comforting.
Homemade Chicken Soup With Rice
recipe:
garlic,onion,carrot celery sauteed in olive oil
add 6 cups stock - bring to a boil
add 2 chicken breasts, simmer for 10 minutes
take out and dice
crushed black pepper, fresh flat leaf parsley/chopped
basmati rice
sometimes I add shredded zuchini or make it with wide egg noodles
The Gift Of A Winter Barn
I was sweetly gifted an email the other day with an attached image of barn - sure made my day
she said:
I've driven by this barn a few times and always think of you. It is
right next to an entrance way to the Interstate and no other buildings
close by... it is intriguing to me that it still stands there while the
rest of the world flies by on the Interstate!!!
taken ever so thoughtfully by Chelle Blaszczyk WI retail sales and marketing director
What's cool is she knows that I've started collecting images of them. This series taken this past summer, and one I took recently when I got lost
Detox With Friendly Bacteria
Friendly bacteria; also known as acidophilus/bifidus is a remarkable health supporting nutrient.
It's also a key ingredient in a good detox program.
All health begins in the colon.You might be born with a vibrant friendly bacteria rich colon, but by the time you are an adult not much of that is left.
Nutrients are absorbed into your blood stream through the colon - if your colon is backed up, congested, invaded or toxic, nutrients will not be absorbed.Pretty basic stuff.
Our Product is an excellent source of the essential friendly bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines. It's the only acidophilus/bifidus product that guarantees delivery of 500,000 live micro-organisms to the intestines, without being destroyed by the highly acidic environment of the stomach, temperature variations or light. Friendly Bacteria restores the natural balance that must exist in the lower intestines to choke out cancer-causing bacteria as well as Candida Yeast overgrowth.
None of the products available at health food stores guarantee live delivery of microflora to the intestine. NONE.
Tests show that many of them do not make it live to your door, much less to your colon. Most of the microflora alive in these products at the time of manufacture are killed off long before they reach where they need to be.You can benefit from friendly bacteria is you have: flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache and digestive disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, colitis, chrohns disease, dysentery, candida, acid reflux, are on antibiotics and or steroids.
Used to promote: colon health, keep undesirable bacteria in check, treatment for intestinal distress, helps urinary track infections, strengthens immune system, counteracts side effects of antibiotics and chemo, protects out of country travelers
Sourced from materials from nutritionist barb lagoni, nutrition and you, and my website
the good guys in your colon flickr image credit
Alfalfa The Nutrient Rich Herb
Below are details about the remarkable herb Alfalfa
This herb is used in a comprehensive detox
alfalfa field in the whirl of the wind flickr image credit
Alfalfa isn't as popular as other herbs and is often overlooked. It's medicinal and nutritional benefits are very impressive.These are the symptoms which will benefit from Alfalfa:
Swelling, pain or stiff joints, arthritis, ulcers, stomach ailments, colon problems, gas pain, haital hernia, water retention, stimulates appetite, swollen ankles and feet, sinus problems, allergies, hayfever, gout, body odor, smelly feet, bad breath, detoxification.
Alfalfa is a natural, antihistamine, diuretuc, digestive aid, provides fiber and chlorophyll, rich source of trace minerals, aids diabetics, lowers cholesterol, and is anti-tumor and anti-bacterial.
Is there anything Alfalfa can't do?
VITAMINS found in Alfalfa:
Vitamin A - for night vision. Builds resistance to infections, especially in the respiratory tract; promotes growth ands vitality; promotes healthy skin and is essential in pregnancy.
Vitamin E - protects cells against damage from sun's radiation and air pollution; promotes heart, cardiovascular and muscle health and improved immune function; promotes muscle tone in the body; helps bring nutrients to cells and helps strengthen blood vessel walls, including capillary walls; helps proper focusing of the eyes.
Vitamin U - promotes health of body to help overcome peptic ulcers.Vitamin B6 - helps food assimilation and protein and fat metabolism; promotes nerve and skin health; helps battle nausea symptoms.
Vitamin K - essential for blood clotting; important in liver functions; may possibly contribute to vitality and longevity.
Vitamin D - regulates the use of calcium and phosphorus in the body and is therefore necessary for the proper formation of strong and healthy teeth and bones.
MINERALS found in Alfalfa:
Calcium - builds and maintains bones and teeth; helps clot blood, aids in vitality and endurance; regulates heart rhythm, soothes nerves.
Iron - required in manufacturing hemoglobin; helps carry oxygen in the blood.
Potassium - necessary for normal muscle tone, nerves, heart action and enzyme reactions; digests fats.
Phosphorus - needed for normal bone and tooth structure. Interrelated with action of calcium and Vitamin D. Improves nourishment of nerve tissue.
Chlorine (chloride) - an essential electrolyte which cleans and purifies the body; regulates fat, sugar and starch metabolism.Sodium - regulates fluid balance throughout body; neutralizes acids, prevents clotting of blood; activates spleen, bowels and stomach functions.
Silicon Magnesium helps body to deal with constipation; steadies the nerves; has protective effect on skin and body; stimulates brain function.
Other properties of Alfalfa:
High in protein - alfalfa has 18.9% as compared to beef at 16.5%, milk at 3.3% and eggs at 13.1%. (Muscles are composed of protein and the lack of it results in fatigue and weakness.)
Alfalfa's deep roots seek out minerals in the subsoil, which are inaccessible to other plants. The average alfalfa plant has roots 10 to 20 feet long or more.
Resource materials:Nature's Medicines, by Richard Lucas
Nature's Healing Grasses by H.E. Kirschner, M.D.
Vitamin/Mineral Chart by the Redwood City Health Food Center
Diet and Health, by Dr. B.L. Corley
Thank you Robert Andolina for the above information.
other sources include: nutrition and youNot all Alfalfa is created equal. As a matter of fact noone takes better care in processing Alfalfa than we do: We use premium quality Alfalfa, grown in California with no fungicides, bacteriosides, synthetic hormones, growth regulators, or chemicals.
( makes you wonder what the other folks have inside their bottles eh? )
Licorice Root And Mental Acuity
Licorice root is an additional ingredient found in our natural laxative.
Many of my clients report a sharper mental acuity after a detox.
Compound Derived From Licorice Root May Fight Effects of Aging on Brain
By Jennifer Warner - WebMD Medical News - Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on Monday, March 29, 2004
A compound derived from licorice root may help slow the effects of aging on the brain and keep mental skills sharp.
Researchers found the compound, known as carbenoxolone, appears to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that is involved in making stress-related hormones, which have been associated with age-related mental decline.
The study, published in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed daily supplementation with the compound improved verbal fluency in healthy elderly men and improved verbal memory in older adults with diabetes.
Although this was a small study and more research is needed to confirm the results, researchers say the licorice root compound may offer a new way to help prevent the normal decline in memory and other cognitive skills people experience as they grow older.
Licorice Root May Fight Effects of Aging on Brain
Researchers say previous human and animal studies have shown that differences in cognitive function can be attributed to differences in long- term exposure to hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as cortisol.
[interesting -- our stress relief product blunts over production of cortisol ].
In the study, researchers examined whether inhibiting levels of an enzyme required to increase the activity of these hormones with the licorice root compound might have any effect on cognitive function.
A group of 10 healthy men aged 55-75 years and 12 older adults with diabetes were randomly assigned to take either 100 mg of carbenoxolone per day or a placebo. Neither group had dementia or other impairment, but had only the expected age-related changes in mental function.
After four weeks, researchers found healthy men that took the supplement performed better on a word association test that assessed their verbal fluency skills.
After six weeks of using the compound, the verbal memory skills among the people with diabetes improved, according to various list learning and paragraph recall tests.
Previous studies have suggested that the licorice root compound might increase insulin sensitivity and improve diabetes, but glucose control levels remained unchanged during the study in this group.
Cortisol levels in the blood also remained unchanged in the study. Researchers say those results suggest that carbenoxolone may act directly on brain cells and reduce the amount of the hormone circulating in the brain to prevent or slow age-related declines in cognitive function.
brain coral flickr image credit
Your Colon And Senna
Thank you for all the inquiries into the detoxification process!
Our signature senna product was created in 1917, by the founder of our company.The product encourages a very mild cleansing action to aid the body's natural elimination process or in a 30 day detox.
This herbal laxative, can also be made into a pleasant - tasting tea.Our natural laxative contains Senna leaf, a traditional herb used for more than 3,500 yrs.
Benefits of using this product include:improves regularity,
reduces body odor,
helps acne,
relieves constipation,
detoxifier,
gastrointestinal problems,
relieves hemorrhoids,
relieves boils,
helps headaches,
improves bad breath
above sourced from: nutrition and you
a customer writes this testimony about our natural laxative:
This natural laxative is the best product I have used for internal cleansing. I use two at night and really feel the difference the next day. It's consistantly wonderful. Thank you and I'll let you know when I want more!!
vintage senna, not what I'd recommend (!) flickr image credit
I Am Your Liver. Do You Know How I Benefit You?
I store the iron reserves you need as well as lots of vitamins and minerals - without me you wouldn't have the strength to carry on
I make bile to help you digest your food - without me you'd waste away to nothing
I detoxify poisonous chemicals you give me, alcohol, beer, wine and drugs; those prescribed, over the counter or illegal - without me your bad habits would kill you
I store energy like a battery by stockpiling carbs, glucose and fat until you need it - without me your sugar levels would fall dramatically and you'd go into a coma
I made the blood in your system before you were born - without me you wouldn't be here
I manufacture new proteins that your body needs to stay healthy and grow - without me you wouldn't grow properly
I remove poisons from the air you breath,the exhaust smoke, pollution indoors and out - without me you'd be poisoned
I make clotting factors that stop the bleeding when you accidentally prick yourself - without me you'd bleed to death
I help defend you against germs that constantly enter your body - without me you'd be a sitting duck for every infection known to man.
Do me a favor and take care of me will you ?
I can't tell you that I am in trouble until it's too late
I scar easily - those scars are called "cirrhosis", those drugs and chemicals you take harm me
Don't drown me in alcohol
All that touches your skin absorbs into me - be mindful of the toxins you put on your body
Everything you breathe I breathe too - don't use aerosols
Don't eat fatty foods
Detoxify me every once in awhile OK? I have the ability to regenerate!
Remember, I do these things JUST for you:
metabolize fat
manage cholesterol levels
control your weight
cleanse your blood
destroy toxic chemicals
remove unhealthy cells from the blood
improve your immunity
part of the above information is sourced from a health-bytes power point presentation - thank you lorri kreuscher for sharing
retro advertising flickr image credit
MIlk Thistle For Detoxing
A detailed outline of how you can detoxify and why can be found here
Today I'd like to highlight the detoxifying herb Milk Thistle
Your liver is one organ in the body that fights toxins, you especially need Milk Thistle if you : Have liver problems, are feeling sluggish, have hepatitis, live work or commute in polluted areas, work with hazardous chemicals, smoke or experience second hand smoke, overindulge in alcoholic beverages, use ANY over the counter or prescription drugs, or have had food poisoning
The benefits of this medicinal herbal remedy include: protection and detoxification of the liver, regeneration of liver tissue, can treat cirrhosis of the liver, can help treat viral hepatitis, stimulates bile flow, reduce the risk of gallstones, is an antioxidant, lowers serum cholesterol
To find out more about our milk thistle product read the more info tab
Read research articles that support the use of Milk Thistle
Be reminded that not all herbal products are created equally. Be sure you are purchasing the highest of quality product, especially with herbs. Many companies misrepresent their label, have very poor standardization and/or no standards for quality control
We offer the very best of science and nature. guarunteed
milk thistle flickr image credit
* don't know about you, but when i see natural beauty like the above image and realize that this gift of beauty is also a natural gift that heals - i totally get goosebumps