Food Pyramids - Go Green!

People want to know, "what did you do to lose weight and keep it off?"  Quite simply, I made a LIFESTYLE CHANGE.  Diet is not in my vocabulary.  I did not eliminate all carbs, nor did I pump up, and plump out, on enormous amounts of meat.  I did not become a vegetarian, nor did I head to the south beach.
COMMON SENSE.  That's really it, in a nut shell. (Nuts are GOOD FATS, by the way!)  I did not read a diet book, join a club, or a program in which I had to weigh in weekly or pay a fee to have someone tell me what I should and should not eat. I DID NOT count calories, and the health newsletters I read would totally agree with that.   We need calories - but there are good calories, bad calories.  Our bodies NEED FUEL - good energy.    Green food is fuel for your body, consume lots of brown food, sugars, simple carbs and you may as well be pouring battery acid in. Okay, maybe that's an extreme analogy - but acidic food is TOXIC food and promotes ill health and disease.
Check out the Healthy Living Cheat Sheet below. If you need a jump start to healthier living this guide has helped 100s of people.  Most of us have addictions, and we don't even know it. We are addicted to sugar - no less a drug in our body than perhaps a weed. Caffeine, akin to alcohol. Simple carbs - another word for "joint pain".  Artificial sweeteners - have you seen the commercial of the egg frying on hot pavement "this is your brain on drugs?" - well, don't be fooled by your diet sodas - it is pretty much an equivalent to frying your brain cells!
You may think this a little harsh, but the truth can be just that.  I am not saying you need to curb all your addictions at once...I backed off more slowly, 50%, then 75% and now I would say I eat alkaline about 85-90% of the time. I did not do a 30 Day Detox until I had already lost 62 lbs, and at the end of those thirty days I had lost 16 more!
For some - a jump start - cold turkey on all the allergenic foods in Step 1 are the only way to go. Those with serious addictions will likely experience headaches by day three. BUT if you stick with it, by the end of the first week you are going to feel SO MUCH BETTER!
If you can eat clean and green you may not need to incorporate a vegan (pea. brown rice, cranberry) protein shake - whch is pH correct for your body, into your lifestyle. For myself, I needed a convenience button and the Essentials shake fit my needs, not to mention I made up some pretty delicious concoctions! Dessert for breakfast-  I like that very much! (LOL)



I did not create the plate diagram above, but I do want to clarify the protein section. This does not mean an 8 oz steak every day, taking up 1/4 of your plate is acceptable! Dr. Russel Blaylock stated, in one of his newsletters, that  12 oz of red meat is all we need in ONE WEEK! Research is showing that iron toxicity is prevalent in almost all forms of cancer. And if you are not eating grass fed, organic beef....well then, forget it if you think you are eating healthy. Paleo people - be warned that excessive amount of MEAT is acidic and cancer cells thrive on an acidic state of being. There are plenty of low carbers out there who also think they can eat meat to their hearts desire and not have ill effects. Yes, you may lose weight initially, and perhaps permanently if it keeps you off the sugars and simple carbs, but people who eat healthy get cancer, too. I would almost be inclined to say that vegetarians perhaps have it down right, regarding healthy eating. But unbeknownst to many of them - SOY is not a HEALTH FOOD.  Not by the time it goes through American processing (which makes the end product acidic). GMO is an entire issue with soy, and even organic soy absorbs more trace metals from the ground than any other plant in the plant kingdom.

More than 50%, I would even suggest to make 75% of your plate GREEN. Healthy nut choices can be included in that. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on your salad. Cut up half a lean chicken breast to go with your salad, and add some fresh fruit to your salad to brighten the flavors. It is amazing how vibrant and delicious a salad becomes when you add a variety of toppings to your dark green GREENS (iceburg lettuce is NOT a health food - avoid it as it equals empty calories).

And for the record, unless I am detoxing I treat myself...if you have behaved all week long, made healthy choices and stuck with it - by all means go out and treat yourself to a mocha, a scoop of ice cream, or a couple pieces of dark chocolate.  Depraved people have been known to eat an entire quart of ice cream or bag of chips in one sitting - don't do this to yourself.  Rewards - it's all about feeling better, having  more energy, and going GREEN!

To your health,

Rita S.

Gaucamole - the NEW mayonaise!

I cannot believe I have not yet shared my guac recipe - not that it is difficult, but apparently I embellish mine a bit more than most.
I have developed a healthy habit of LOVING guacamole, as avocado is on the "approved" list for the 30 Day detox program that my husband and I do occasionally, and I am getting ready to do a mini two week detox before my trip to Vegas.
After learning that the avacodo boasts amazing benefits as a fruit, and is loaded with healthy OMEGA 3 I decided to work guacamole into my eating habits several times a week. Last week I discovered it made an amazing sandwich spread - and created the most mouth watering sandwich I have ever eaten.
I began with a slice of Cosi's multi grain flatbread - did you know you could get a loaf of that for 3.99? It is my only true gluten weakness, but at least it is whole grain...
The flat grain slice was cut in half to make a pita-like pocket. In this pocket I spread gaucamole on the top and bottom. I placed a bed of fresh, organic baby spinach inside, topped with cubed, grilled organic chicken, a couple dollops of mango salsa, and brought the sandwich together so the guac could blend within the sandwich.
One bite and I was in heaven!
My guac is a real taste bud treat. Onion and garlic are sauteed in olive oil, with a touch of turmeric sprinkled into the oil to prevent oxidation. I scoop fresh avocado into a glass dish, using a large spoon to chop it into small bits - adding in the onion and garlic, sometimes adding in more extra virgin olive oil (since I personally lack the good cholesterol I want to boost my numbers with Omega 3s). I love Penzey Spices "Mural of Flavor" spice blend - and generoulsy sprinkle and mix into my guac. If I have fresh romas on hand I will add finely chopped tomato, and/or sometimes I add in a couple tablespoons of mango salsa. All these flavors are a palatable delight, and create the best sandwich ever when this flavorful guac is used as a sandwich spread.
Often the mayo and salad dressings in a jar are laden with hydrolized soy oils, canola or other Omega 6s, which we get too much of. They may also include artificial flavor or color on the label, and likely have MSG, too. Guacamole is a much healthier sandwich spread option - give it a try!

To your health,
Rita S.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Breakthrough Research

It's not a drug. It can't be patented. But it is being discovered as a miraculous healing element for post traumatic brain injuries. I was simply going to link this information in my sidebar, but then I realized if someone has a loved one in a coma, and is searching on line for some thread of hope that might be of benefit, or give a glimmer of hope to having quality of life after injury - I need to actually post this information so it can be found.
I have read much, from a variety of sources, about studies showing that bio-identical progesterone hormone can help repair nerve damage as it regenerates the myethin sheath. Dr. John Lee once said if his parents ever had a stroke, he would apply progesterone cream on their face to help restore damage from paralysis.
One day in conversation with Dr. Michael Platt, I theorized that if progesterone can help nerves, might it help one experiencing vertigo. He explained what is happening to the nerves in the back of the neck when vertigo occurs - and he wasn't sure it would help, but it very well could. Although, I don't believe the person whom I shared this with ever talked with her mother about the theory.
I have some permanent nerve damage in the toes of a foot, having atrophied from pinched off sciatic. As much as I would love to see if my Prolief cream can help restore the feelings in those phalanges, by the time I go to bed at night I am too tired to remember to rub my progesterone cream into my toes each night. But I am curious! Maybe one day, when I am retired - I can try this. (LOL)
Researchers continue to study the effects of bio-identical progesterone and its affects on head and brain trauma. You can learn more about these studies and findings right here.
In stark contrast, be very AWARE that the synthetic form of progesterone (root word "progestation" - brings life) - known as progestin, is a dangerous drug company attempt at trying to duplicate that which God has created, and have failed to the demise of many unsuspecting people. Read more about that here. Be sure to follow additional links for more information.
If you have a loved one who has suffered traumatic brain injury, first - know that nothing is impossible with God. He is the Healer of all and mighty in power. Have hope, be in prayer, and gather those around you to pray also. My prayers are with anyone who reads this blog and finds themselves in this situation.

To your health,
Rita S.

Reflecting on 49 and My Purpose Driven Life

Forty-nine years and 9 months ago, God began a miraculous work. He began to knit in my mother's womb - yes, He was knitting me. Like each of you, He was creating a being for which He would have great purpose. I would venture a guess to say that the Creator knew, at that time, before I took my first cry, what challenges I would face, what lessons I would learn, which events would make me sad and which would bring great joy.

When I consider my life and all Ihave been through, it brings tears to realize how He has shaped and molded the individual me. Life would put dents and cracks into my being, it may have even knocked me down a few times, but God the Creator would continue to spin His wheel, breathing Spirit and new life back into the vessel...reshaping, repairing, renewing.
On this 49th day of my earthly journey I am so very blessed. Each makes me smile and fills me with wonder at the blessings He has been poured into my vessel, making it overflow. Yahweh's faithfulness and evidence of His works in my life. An amazing, God-centered family. An enjoyable day job working with a fellow believer. My growing health and wellness business that has given me so much: relationships with caring, servant-hearted people filled with positivity and generosity; a chance to grow personally in mind and become healthier in body; and most importantly ...purpose.
I used to wonder what my purpose on this earth is, but now I wake each day filled with purpose. Wondering whom God might put in my path that I might reach out to and help them feel better. I love that I am making a difference, and my heart is filled with gratitude with each text, voice mail or email I receive thanking me for better quality of life. I am excited to continue my life's journey and see what the Creator has in store.
I encourage you to reflect on your own life...the difference your presence has made in the life of others. (You have and I hope you realize that!) You, too, were knitted by the Creator in your mother's womb - and He had a purpose for your life as it was created. May your journey bring fulfillment in His will.

Peace my friends!
Rita S.

Chlorella Helps Eliminate Mercury Toxins

Chlorella in "broken cell" form helps the body eliminate mercury toxins from amalgam (silver) dental fillings from the body. Always curious...I had to research the ingredient lists of my health and wellness company to see if our products include chlorella - and sure enough, I found it listed in the 7 day body cleanse -in broken cell form! This made me happy, and explains why this product is such a good detoxification product for deep cleansing of all major organ tissues.
Dr. Joe Mercola recently made his fourth appearance on the Dr. Oz show this week. He reports on his appearance, writing: ...toxic metal implanted in their mouth in the form of "silver" (amalgam) fillings. I explained on the Dr. Oz show that three out of four adults have silver fillings -- and the primary ingredient in them is mercury.
There are 1,000 mg of mercury in the average filling -- this is about 1 million times more mercury than is found in seafood, which is in microgram quantities.
Even the conservative EPA and CDC advise pregnant women to avoid high-mercury fish like tuna, due to the well documented adverse effects on fetuses.
Mercury is an incredibly potent neurotoxin; it doesn't take much to cause serious damage because it's an absolute poison. If you were to take the amount of mercury in a typical thermometer and put it in a small lake, that lake would be closed down due to environmental hazards.
To counter the mercury, Mercola suggests using chlorella. Chlorella, a single-celled fresh water algae, acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, such as mercury, in your body and carrying them out of your system. It is the chlorophyll in chlorella that makes it so powerful, as chlorophyll helps you process more oxygen, cleanses your blood and promotes the growth and repair of your tissues.
, our bodies cannot digest chlorella in whole form, and it must be in "broken cell" form for our bodies to utilize it. "Unlike other green foods, chewing and digesting chlorella will not release the powerful health benefits contained within this green algae. This is because chlorella's tough outer cell wall, which is also chemically responsible for binding with the toxins inside your body, cannot be broken down by your biology... Therefore, it is imperative that the manufacturing process break down the tough outer cell wall for you, as this is the only way to make the chlorella biologically available to remove toxins from your body."
Mercola explains more about this important detoxifying ingredient, found in the plant kingdom - thank you Lord for that! Benefits of chlorella include:
Chlorella is such a powerful detoxifier because it is rich in chlorophyll, which is known to:
-Aid you in processing more oxygen
-Cleanse key elimination systems like your bowel, liver, and blood
-Help purify your blood and clean away toxins
-Aid you in promoting optimal blood pressure
-Support elimination of molds in your body
-Help neutralize bad air you might breathe in
-Promote growth and repair of your tissues
Chlorella is actually very useful even beyond detoxification, and its range of health benefits includes:
-Boosting your immune system
-Improving your digestion, especially if constipation is a problem
-Providing B vitamins from an animal source
-Enhancing your ability to focus and concentrate
-Increasing your energy levels
-Balancing your body's pH
-Normalizing your blood sugar and blood pressure
-Reducing your cancer risk
-Freshening your breath
Mercola suggests that people who have trouble with the powerful detoxifying power of chlorella help their body atune to it by consuming cilantro several days before. Cilantro is a gentle, less effective detoxifier, and helps the body ease into a more in depth detoxification process. Recently, I discovered the amazing fresh flavor of cilantro water. I add some cilantro to quality water in my Ninja blender, and pulse. A beautiful green water is made. I use a mesh strainer to strain the pieces of cilantro and am left with a beautiful green water, that not only provides energy, but as I learned today, naturally detoxifies. Not to waste - I add the cilantro pulp to a fresh batch of guacamole for amazing flavor!
Both doctors Mercola and Russell Blaylock are supporters of detoxifying the body, as was Oz on his program in January. Implementing a detox program can help your body naturally remove the unwanted and harmful heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides you may unknowingly taken into your body. Studies show reducing your toxic burden improves many common health ailments, from lack of energy and insomnia, to sluggish digestion, lack of immune response and mental fatigue. In fact, almost everything inside your body, including all of your organs, function better with reduced loads of systemic toxins. A regular protocol of body detoxification helps to reduce dangerous levels, and may help your body ward of such killers as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, along with all of the now too common neurological disorders that may not manifest for decades to come.
It takes a long time for one's body to accumulate toxins and it will probably take you many weeks and even months to effectively remove them from your system. A recent conversation with a retiree in health and wellness explained how detoxifcation is a layering process. Each inner body cleanse allows your body to detoxifiy from the inside - starting at major organs, and working out to the skin and muscles.

Happy detoxing!
Rita S.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/21/the-dr-oz-show-my-latest-jaw-dropping-interview.aspx?e_cid=20120221_DNL_art_1

Thyroid Issues - Two Words: Progesterone & Iodine!

Epidemic. When you see that word what probably comes to mind is typhoid or AIDS. I doubt anyone thinks of thyroid disorders as being an epidemic - but it certainly is becoming one! I haven’t made tally marks or charted the number of women I have met in the past two years with thyroid issues, as compared to those who do not, but if I had to guess – I would say 1 in 5 of the women I meet are taking thyroid medication for hypothyroid – that is, their body does not produce enough thyroid hormone on its own.
In the past 48 hours I have met or had conversations with or about 4 women with serious thyroid issues. One just diagnosed with thyroid cancer, another is a continual conversation with the mother and mainstream medicine is not making a difference – her daughter has not experienced improvement and there are all sorts of issues. The latter surprises me not one bit, yet it seems there has been no effort to read any of the resources I have provided. PEOPLE – if we don’t self-educate ourselves and rely soley on our doctors with their Rx band-aid approach – our bodies are NOT going to be cured!
Yes, you may detect a little bit of frustration in my post today. I have a message to give that can HELP people, but I apparently cannot reach the masses quick enough. If you know of someone with a thyroid issue PLEASE send them a link to today’s blog post so they can check out the resources I am linking for their benefit.
For women with thyroid issues it is especially difficult to lose weight. Thyroid is needed for metabolism, what’s more, some thyroid medications actually cause weight gain. It is not only adult women, but thyroid disorders are reaching epidemic proportions in our young people as well. I know of one young pre-teen who gained 100 lbs. in a years time since being put on thyroid medication. This case is a matter of, sadly, what insurance will pay for, because a switch to a different med, such as one with natural thyroid hormone which her body can actually metabolize, such as Armour – would make all the difference in the world for this child, but the doctor tells the mother insurance won’t cover it. Middle school years are tough enough as it is without this poor girl going through it with a weight problem due to thyroid. Again, frustration in a medical system that is failing this child!
Two natural remedies to help the thyroid function more readily are not patentable, they are not expensive…and therefore, they are not prescribed by doctor’s either. Unless you are working with a holistic or alternative medicine doctor. PROGESTERONE AND IODINE – deficiencies that are reported in pretty much every hypo or hyper –thyroid patient. For the rest of this post I will simply cite the experts and provide links – I pray you check them out! (I believe it pertinent to mention that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are also being linked to thyroid disorders – as people utilize bio-identical progesterone for thyroid disorders, their energy and muscle weakness/soreness also improve.)
The Natural Progesterone Advisory Network – a resource for mainstream medical doctors who desire to learn more to actually HELP CURE their patients, click on these links to learn more:
Relationship between progesterone and thyroid hormones
How estrogen dominance affects thyroid
More about estrogen dominance, progesterone and thyroid, and an accurate test to help determine your deficiencies.

One women’s health center in Texas that focuses on thyroid treatment writes:Progesterone is by far, the most common hormone deficiency in women. This deficiency is probably responsible for most of the long-term “female” problems including ovarian cysts, fibroid uterus, endometriosis, migraine headaches, PMS, depression, mood swings, blood clots, infertility, heart disease, painful or prolonged periods, etc. Birth control pills have destroyed a woman’s ovarian production of progesterone, in my opinion. Exposure to “xenoestrogens”, which are synthetic chemicals in the environment that have estrogen-like effects, have also suppressed ovarian production of progesterone. Nearly 100% of women who are hypothyroid are also progesterone deficient. Thyroid deficiency and progesterone deficiency march in lockstep with one another. Progesterone deficiency is so rampant, that I (Andrew Jones M.D.) have joked about putting it in the water supply. A daily dose of 50 – 100 mg of progesterone a day would really help a lot of women. Dosing is dependent on many factors. Maximal doses now go up to 800mg/day in severe cases. Most women that I treat take 100 – 200 mg/day in divided doses. Another consideration is whether a woman is still menstruating or not, and whether she still wants children or not. This influences whether progesterone is taken every day or just in the second half of your menstrual cycle. To read the full posting follow this link.

ON TO IODINE…Dr. David Brownstein, a world renowned expert on the treatment of thyroid disorders, is not at all baffled by the rise in cases of thyroid cancer among women. Because I have been meeting so many women with thyroid issues, I purchased Brownstein’s books on Thyroid Disorders and Iodine Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, as well as a DVD on the subject. You can read Brownstein’s opinion of why thyroid cancer is increasing at this link.

It boils down to is IODINE DEFICIENCY. Ever since somebody or organization decided to make a decree that salt is the cause of hypertension people have been decreasing their salt intake, OR switching out IODIZED table salt for processed sea salt, which likely lacks the iodine. We THINK we are making healthier choices – I know I did! My family is switching back to IODIZED sea salt – the non-processed kind such as Celtic Sea Salt. Another resource in my w-book, Killing Cancer...Not People, recommends the Himalayan sea salt.
More thoughts from Dr. Brownstein...links...

• Increase in Thyroid Cancer




• Pregnant Women and Iodine Deficiency




• Children and the Iodine Connection




• Salt - Confused?

Another realm of thought on thyroid disorders is GLUTEN. Yep, you heard right. It makes sense as well. Gluten affects our hormone balance. Since this has been a long post already, the article in reference to gluten and the thyroid connection by Dr. Kresser, can be found at this link.



PLEASE help spread the word – thyroid disorders and even thyroid cancer to not have to continue on this rise to epidemic proportions if we can get the word out on the importance of consuming iodized, natural sea salt in your diet (this is not the pretty white stuff – it is gray, pink, and/or brown); and natural progesterone transdermal cream. Shake some salt on your food, rub some lotion onto your skin – as far as a remedy goes…it can’t get much easier than that!Always work with your doctor as thyroid patients utilizing these two natural products will be able to decrease their thyroid medication as the body begins to regulate thyroid production as God intended.



To your health!



Rita S.

12 Things Successful People Do Differently

Today I am quickly sharing 12 tips for successful living from Dr. Joe Mercola. Totally lifting from his e-zine... I have read this before, or something quite close, so I am confident there is no copyright. I hear these same strategies from my health and wellness company upline coaches all the time.
In fact, these strategies are taught to us over and over again, and therefore, I am pretty confident that our nation's leaders are doing right by us in teaching us these tips for success.
People who are wildly successful – think Clint Eastwood and Warren Buffett – take steps to help them realize their full potential. Some of these things are strategies you can easily emulate to rise to success in your own life…
Create and pursue S.M.A.R.T. goals -- S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
Take decisive and immediate action – Knowledge and intelligence are both useless without action.
Focus on being productive, not being busy – In other words, work smarter, not harder.
Make logical, informed decisions – Think things through before making life-changing decisions.
Avoid trying to make things perfect – The only way to get things done is to be imperfect 99% of the time.
Work outside of your comfort zone – Embrace all moments of opportunity for personal growth and success.
Keep things simple – Rather than evaluating every last detail of every possible option, choose something you think will work and give it a shot.
Focus on making small, continuous improvements – Soon you'll find yourself on a spiral of changes – one building on the other.
Measure and track your progress – Step back and assess your progress regularly so you know what needs to be done to excel and accelerate.
Maintain a positive outlook as you learn from your mistakes – Look for the silver lining in every situation.
Spend time with the right people – You are the sum of the people you spend the most time with.
Maintain balance in your life – An imbalanced lifestyle will hold you back from reaching your full potential.

Life is always a work in progress. I know I fall short on many of these strategies, but I am working on them! Maybe focus on the ones you can do most easily first, and then focus on the remaining - this way tracking your progress will have a positive outcome. All strategies will help you be successful in life, as long as you keep your main focus on God, gratitude and servitude...Mercola left that part out. (LOL)

To your health,
Rita S.