by L Young | Mar 2, 2016 | Blog
With the Spring season just weeks away, the subject of cleansing and detoxing are hot topics for both our bodies and our homes. When it comes to your body, how do you know if engaging in a detox or reboot program is something you need? There are several signs, but knowing the facts can help you determine this for yourself.
We all build up toxins in our bodies from the time we are infants. They come from many sources, with the more obvious being pesticides, pollution, and chemicals. What many people may not be aware of are the toxins in the foods we eat everyday! And no, I don’t just mean pesticides! The real hidden toxins are in fast foods (yes, even the salads!), packaged and processed foods which contain artificial food colorings, flavorings and sweeteners. Yes, even sweeteners!
What does sugar have to do with it? There are many forms of highly processed sugar found in our cereals, drinks, and snacks that our body cannot utilize so they often are stored as a toxin. When eating these foods, they can have negative affects on such things as metabolism, mental focus, mood, and energy, not to mention our immune system. More and more health issues and auto immune disorders are being linked to toxins, and the worst part is that many of them remain in our system.
So how can we take back control to create a healthier balance?
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by L Young | Feb 9, 2016 | Blog
A special chocolate treat always has a way of making Valentine’s Day extra special. These chocolate dipped strawberries won’t disappoint and just may be the perfect ending to a delicious lunch or dinner.
As if the wonderful flavor wasn’t enough, both organic strawberries and dark chocolate are full of antioxidants, plus the calcium and magnesium in chocolate can help ensure a relaxed, restful sleep. Adding a touch of cream to the recipe acts as a stabilizer, helping the chocolate set quickly without the need to heat to a certain temperature. The best part; you can prepare, cook, and be ready to serve within 30 minutes! Here is the recipe, enjoy!
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by L Young | Feb 8, 2016 | Blog
You don’t have to give up chocolate to be healthy! This may sound like music to your ears, but before running out for the Valentine’s candy keep in mind that choosing the right type makes all the difference. With February being “heart health” month and Valentine’s Day less than a week away, chocolate is on the mind and shopping list of many. So with a little education you can set out to the chocolate aisle making a delicious choice that may actually benefit your heart in more ways than one. What do we look for?
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by L Young | Jan 29, 2016 | Blog
As the first month of the New Year comes to a close, are you feeling challenged when it comes to finding delicious healthier alternatives for your new eating plan? It’s time to introduce one of my favorite quick easy snacks (or breakfast option) the Chia Pudding!
Chia seeds are not just for toy pets! It’s hard to believe that the popular 1980’s fuzzy little “Chia Pet” would turn out to hold wonderful nutrients now popular in the 21st century. These seeds are actually a great way to get part of your daily dose of fiber, protein, calcium, Omega 3 fatty acids, and many more nutrients. Adding 2 tablespoons to a morning smoothie is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them, and unlike flax seeds, they are digestible in their original state.
Add raspberries (see recipe below), as if the Chia Seeds didn’t have enough health benefits, and you have an extra boost of anti-oxidants, fiber, plus vitamin C and many other nutrients. The latest preliminary research is showing promise of raspberries even aiding in weight management along with its phytonutrients that have a known ability to increase metabolism in fat cells. So how can they be added easily into your diet?
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by L Young | Jan 17, 2016 | Blog
Changing your diet plan for health or weight-loss may be near the top of your New Year intentions, but that doesn’t have to mean you have to go it alone at dinnertime. With two weeks into the New Year, you may have realized that making separate meals to follow a plan doesn’t work. So it may be time to re-evaluate rather than quit.
There are several factors that can slow down our weight-loss efforts, affect our ability to think clearly, and keep our immune system from being at its peak. Here are some facts that may surprise you…
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by L Young | Dec 24, 2015 | Blog
As you wind down from the last minute chores before enjoying time with you loved ones, here is a great gift you can give yourself to bring on the calm so you can take in the joys of the holiday. With the shopping done and presents wrapped, all you need is to put aside 20-30 minutes for a little “me” time, while slipping into the comfort of your own bath without ever leaving your home. Grab some of your favorite candles, slip into your robe, and create your very own personal mini spa…
All you need are some nicely scented candles, bath salts, baking soda, lavender oil, some relaxing music and a nice soft towel and robe. Dim the lights, light some candles in the bathroom, and fill the bathtub with very warm water (as warm as you can stand it) and follow the quick recipe below:
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