Gone, But Never Forgotten

I know this man smiles down at me. His name is Marv. Many of you who read my blog were never privileged to have met him. When people pass on, as Marv did two years ago June 7, it is not uncommon for people to forget.  For me personally, and for many whose lives Marv touched - he will not be forgotten.
Marv left a legacy. He left his written word. He left his meditations on God's word for others, so that we all may grow closer to Christ, or perhaps come to know him for the first time. Marv planted seeds of faith, and this day those seeds are growing as others begin to develop a relationship with our Lord. I glanced at his writing for June 7 in his devotion, "God's Word Revealed", which I had the privilege of helping him publish, and he writes about the marriage covenant. Let man not divide a man and his wife. I am thankful to be yoked with a fellow believer.
This blog began while Marv was still with us, although his journey was near the end. I should clarify that to say his earthly journey, because frankly, Marv was excited to be going Home to his heavenly Father, although those of us who loved him wept openly at the thought of "losing him".
Marv had cancer. That nasty C word that I hate -  which drives my passion to educate others on lifestyle changes that may help prevent cancer. Even though Marv's children are adults, as am I, and although not his child by blood - we certainly adopted one another as a part of Christ's family.
For years my husband and I met with Marv and his wife, Carol, every Monday night for a bible study in our home. We did not break for summer, rarely for a holiday. It was a cherished time to be in the Word and really dig in to the verses and their meaning for us. We experienced times of renewed vigor in Marv as we prayed over him for his health and healing. We shared love and fellowship. Cancer broke Marv and Carol's marriage covenant - and she misses her brother in Christ more than she misses her husband.
Cancer can tear apart those family rituals, which is why I hate it. I don't even like the word hate, we are called to love, but in this case, I don't think God minds my pairing cancer with hate.
It is because cancer tears families a part that I vowed to take charge of my health and turn it around. I knew where I was headed ...and it was a dark path that likely included lots of medications that would have a ripple effect in degrading my health and quality of life even more. Gaining weight each year, my body feeling more worn with each passing day - I knew I was on the fast track to nursing home care. What right do I have to burden my children with the astronomical costs? And what right do I have to live my latter years in poor health, so that I cannot enjoy quality time with my family or they with me?
If you have not yet read "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer" by Dr. John Lee, Virginia Hopkins and Dr. David Zava - get it reserved at the library. Or spend $8 and highlight and revisit it often like I have. It is a book you will want to share with every woman you hold dear. Because of this book, my health has taken a 180 degree turn - and franky, a few paragraphs about nutrition was the catalyst. I did not do Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach, MediFast or any of those diets that focus on weight loss without long term, lasting effects.  More so, knowing what I now know about ingredients, healthy food choices, foods that we are brainwashed into thinking they are healthy...I will not touch a Yoplait yogurt, a Nutrigrain bar, or hydrolized protein isolates. I retrained myself how to eat. I learned about the pH of food, and processing that makes much of our grocery store food acidic and toxic.
I have made lifestyle changes that our entire family has embraced. Today a friend saw a photo of our daughter in first grade, next to one of her taken a few weeks ago - and he commented that he could even tell in her photos that she looks healthier since Arbonne came into our lives. For me personally, everyone has seen the change in me - 85 fewer pounds is not something people can miss. Some do not even recognize me if it has been a while. That makes me smile. I love my pure anti-aging products. :-) And I know Marv smiles down at me, too. I know he is proud of my accomplishment in becoming a healthy woman.
I know he is proud that I have found a way to serve others and educate people about making choices that will benefit their body. It is my prayer that I will  leave a legacy, as Marv did. I am thankful my business can leave a legacy to my children. More so, I pray that my legacy will be that of making a difference in people's lives...the baby who was born because his mother may have miscarried without progesterone cream - Dr. Lee provided the education and I provided the product. Or the person who is free of depression medication and who is able to think more clearly than she has in years since her own battle with cancer. My personal life change inspiring a woman who heeded my coaching for a lifestyle change and lost 50 lbs, and is still losing. People can enjoy greater health because of my teaching and coaching, and should something happen to me tomorrow, I know my team and collegues in the business will continue to educate and make a difference in people's lives.
Knowing how much I miss Marv, I know that Carol misses him even more. Please keep her in prayer this day, June 7, as we celebrate a life that left a legacy.  If you knew Marv, please read the book I mention above. What I learned could have helped Marv had I read it in the earlier stages of his cancer, and perhaps prevented it all together had I read it 15 yrs ago. Armed with knowledge, my husband uses progesterone cream in hopes that he will not venture down the same path as our dear friend. It is one thing to embrace death with excitement of going to heaven, but I would like to do so healthy to my last living day.

To your health, and to the memory of a man whose simple faith changed lives- praise God.
Rita S.

Enlarged Thyroid- To Biopsy or Not?

I want to share a testimony from one of my clients this past weekend - it made me so HAPPY to hear it and fires my passion for my health and wellness business even more.

A few months ago a friend had an enlarged thyroid gland, blood count was high - they wanted to do a biopsy, of course. She wanted to hold off and do some research (smart gal) although she was pretty upset and scared about it. She ...asked my thought - and my thoughts turned to the book I have on thyroid and iodine by Dr. David Brownstein: "Iodine, Why You Need It And Why You Can't Live Without It" and "Overcoming Thyroid Disorders". (the latter available on video as well)

Per Brownstein, everyone with a thyroid issue is deficient in iodine. I have seen this affirmed in newsletters by Dr. Russel Blaylock, Jonathon Wright and more. Of course I told my friend, "I'm not a doctor, but if it were me I would increase my transdermal progesterone Prolief cream and take an iodine supplement" - and gave her my book and thyroid video.

Thyroid disorders has reached epidemic proportions in this country. I would propose that 1 in 5 women I meet at a home party/workshop have hypothyroid. Most are on medication. All have gained weight - as a properly functioning thyroid is essential for metabolism. The number of people I meet with this problem is CRAZY!

For many the meds are not working, which in large part has to do with an individuals ability to process the hormone/thyroid drug being given for conversion. Brownstein is an advocate of natural pig thyroid hormone. Armour is popular and it was his first choice for years, but in one of his 2011 newsletters I recall reading that the drug company who makes Armour changed formulations and it does not work as well as it had for a number of people, and he is recommending another. Something to be aware of...  You may find more at his web site

Brownstein also has a book out on the Miracle of Natural Hormones, but thus far the BEST books I have read on hormone balance and bHRT are by Dr. John Lee/Hopkins/Zava - the "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About....(series)" and Dr. Michael Platt's "Miracle of Bio-Identical Hormones" - which is a book that can give hope to anyone with a severe disorder or life threatening depression, obesity, adrenal fatigue, ADD/ADHD, auto immune and more.  You can find these books both at your library and on line at amazon.com

Back to my friend, I don't recall if she consulted the naturopath I recommended. She started putting PROLIEF cream directly on her enlarged thyroid 3x daily, switched to the Celtic sea salt I had bought and shared, and used an iodine supplement as well. In one month the enlarged thyroid returned to normal and new blood tests revealed all was well too. Happy ending. Peace of mind.

It just goes to show that self-educaon is important, as it gives us confidence to not be rushed into an invasive procedure. My greatest concern with a biopsy is that the chances of the needle hitting a cell that might actually have cancer in it, could then cause that cancer to spread, as I am recall from one of Blaylock's newsletters. I actually found a report on a study on this subject - it is a worthy read: The Moss Report.

A glimpse into a paragraph, "A June 2004 report from the John Wayne Cancer Institute in California has rekindled a long-standing debate over whether or not needle biopsies are safe. The paper set out to examine whether this technique, widely used to obtain specimens in cases of suspected cancer, might itself allow malignant cells to spread from an isolated tumor to nearby lymph nodes. The authors reluctantly conclude that a needle biopsy may indeed increase the spread of the disease by 50 percent compared to patients who receive the more traditional excisional biopsies (or "lumpectomies").

Self-educate for your own health and well -being readers! It can make all the difference in quality of life and longevity, if that is something you desire.

 

To your health,

Rita S.

Green Machine Avocado Smoothie!

This smoothie will kick-start your morning (or pick you up from a sluggish mid-afternoon) with a power-packed punch of delicious green fruits and vegetables. The recipe was created by Patrick Decker and I found it on another consultants Facebook wall. I love how creative we get when it comes to eating clean and green! (LOL)

You will get an ample helping of Omega 3s in this recipe, and check out the benefits of each God created plant!

Avocado contains a punch of anti oxidants, contains 25 essential nutrients, helps lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.

Spinach and other dark leafy greens like kale, collards, Swiss chard, turnip greens and bok choy are loaded with calcium, folic acid, vitamin K and iron. Spinach is also rich in vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids. Add its lutein and bioflavanoids and spinach is a nutritional powerhouse.

Watercress contains iron, calcium and frolic acid, watercress also provides vitamin A and C.

Parsley provides nature's best carotenoids and is a nutrition powerhouse of a few known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and flavonoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, apiole, rutin and apigenin).  Also rich with chlorophyll, vitamin A, B, C, and K, folic acid and iron.  It has high beneficial mineral contents like calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vanadium, and zinc. Happily I just planted some last night because I learned that swallowtail butterflies like it to lay their eggs upon, and we would like to hatch some this year!

INGREDIENTS

 • 2-4 scoops AB Essentials Vanilla Protein Shake Mix

• 2 scoops AB Essentials Daily Fiber Boost

• 1 ripe avocado, coarsely chopped

• 1 small bunch spinach (about 2 cups of leaves), coarsely chopped

• 1/2 small bunch watercress (about 1 cups of leaves), coarsely chopped

• 1 handful chopped flat-leaf parsley or kale (about 1/4 cup)

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 3/4 to 1 cup water or Silk brand Almond Milk

• 1 to 2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey, if needed

PREPARATION

Combine all of the ingredients except the agave and water or juice in the jar of a blender and puree until smooth, streaming in the liquid as needed to thin the smoothie out to the consistency you like. Adjust the sweetness to your liking with the agave or honey. Serve.

I will add that you might consider brewing up some green detox tea, allow it to cool and freeze in ice cube trays - adding in a couple of cubes that offer the benefit of the powerful ECGC anti oxidant!
I hope this recipe gives you the energy and kick you need to make it a great day!

To your health,
Rita

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.