About Me

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Former teacher, clinical social worker and now entrepreneur. My focus, no matter what career I am engaged in, has been on helping people. Now I am on an incredible journey to change life in a leaner, cleaner, greener way. I hope you will join me in this transition.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Excuses

Ask yourself this question when you are tempted to give up on your goals.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Why Isagenix? Your Body Will Love You!!! -- Video

I am so grateful that I found Isagrenix. My husband and I have lost a ton of weight, I have turned my poor health around so now I am healtier and more vibrant. We have also supplemented our income to we can live a life of comfort.

 If you would like to know a little more about our products and and company, please watch this video.  If it sounds like something you would like to know more about write to me at newtraditions99@yahoo.com or log on to my website: http://www.thehealthyhelms.com.
 
WHY ISAGENIX?


Contact us Today!!

Friday, April 26, 2013

What is High Intensity Interval Training and What Are The Benefits?



Image from WhyExercise.com

No Time for Exercise? Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT)

FROM: Isagenix Health
April 24, 2013

 With high-intensity interval training, you reap the benefits of exercise without spending hours at the gym.

We all know that exercise is good for us, and we’ve heard that we should be getting 30 to 60 minutes per day most days of the week. But in today’s fast-paced world, where the demands of work, child care, and home maintenance seem to endlessly steal from our ever-shrinking depot of availability, finding the time to meet these recommendations can be quite a challenge.

What if there was a form of exercise that would allow you to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity in just a quarter of the time? According to a recent review written by Australian researchers, high-intensity interval training (HIT) is a form of exercise that may do exactly that. Mounting evidence cited by the authors suggests that HIT is a time-efficient and effective alternative to traditional endurance exercise for boosting weight loss, aerobic stamina, and cardiovascular and metabolic health (1).

What is HIT?

HIT involves alternating intense bouts of exercise, ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes, with recovery periods spanning one to five minutes. For example, a cyclist might incorporate HIT by pedaling as fast as possible for 30 seconds against a strong resistance, lowering the resistance and leisurely cycling for 4 minutes, and then repeating this alternating schedule 4 to 6 times per session.

Such a training regimen adds up to about 20 to 25 minutes of exercise, which has shown substantial benefits when performed as few as three times per week (2). Just 2.5 hours of HIT completed over a total of 2 weeks has demonstrated benefits that are equivalent to 10.5 hours of continuous moderate exercise.

What are the benefits of HIT?

1. Improved Body Composition

Many turn to traditional endurance exercise in the attempt to lose weight and improve their physical appearance, yet HIT may deliver even better results. HIT has been shown to reduce body fat, particularly abdominal fat (1, 3). In comparison with continuous moderate exercise, HIT increases energy expenditure and fat burning to a greater extent in the minutes and hours after a workout (1). This “after burn” is formally known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) and reflects the body’s extra use of energy to replenish depleted fuel stores, repair cells, and restore hormonal and other body systems to their pre-exercise state. (This is also prime time for consuming IsaLean Shake or IsaLean Pro to fuel greater muscle growth!)

In addition to increasing EPOC to a greater extent than traditional endurance exercise, HIT also promotes greater releases of growth hormone (4). This transient increase in growth hormone may be important during the post-workout period when muscles are primed for growth. During exercise, muscle damage occurs and muscle synthesis stops. Spikes of growth hormone promoted by HIT may quickly mitigate protein breakdown after exercise and serve as a signal for muscle growth (5).

HIT may also help preserve muscle mass in other ways. During long bouts of steady-state exercise, glycogen (the storage form of sugar) becomes depleted, and the body begins to break into its muscle reserves to get protein that can be used for energy. Because HIT relies on intervals of intense exercise broken up by intervals of more leisure, less intense exercise, muscle reserves are better preserved. Together, increases in growth hormone and the protection of muscle protein results in the preservation of muscle mass, which keeps metabolism running high and supports greater fat loss over the long term.

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health

It is well known that several different markers of cardiovascular health—such as VO2 max, blood vessel wall elasticity, and blood pressure— can be improved by steady-state endurance training. HIT has also demonstrated equivalence or superiority over traditional endurance training in improving these markers (1). VO2 max is a measurement that determines the physical fitness of a person. It detects the maximum ability of the body to transport and use oxygen during exercise. The higher the VO2 max, the more efficiently a person can get oxygen to working muscle, and the more rapidly this oxygen can be used to power performance. Because the heart is a muscle that can be strengthened by exercise, HIT can improve the heart’s ability to contract, increasing the amount of blood and oxygen that can be pumped to muscle. HIT has been shown to increase VO2 max to an even greater extent than traditional endurance training (1).

An important indicator of cardiovascular health is blood vessel wall elasticity, often referred to as endothelial function; the better the endothelial function, the greater the capacity of the blood vessel to expand or contract when necessary. Unhealthy arteries tend to be harder and less flexible. HIT has also demonstrated improvement in endothelial function and in reduction of blood pressure (1).

In addition to increasing VO2 max, improving endothelial function, and lowering blood pressure, HIT may help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), while also increasing blood levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) when combined with a balanced diet. Improved levels of cholesterol, as well as better blood pressure and endothelial function, can lead to reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

3. Improved Metabolic Health

Another well-known benefit of regular exercise is improved blood sugar control. Exercising muscle has a high demand for sugar as a fuel source. The more intense the exercise, the more muscle relies on sugar from the bloodstream and stored forms of sugar (glycogen) for energy. HIT has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar, and has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity (1).

As a gatekeeper of sugar’s entry into body cells, the hormone insulin has a primary role in keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Resistance to insulin ultimately leads to high blood sugar levels and impaired energy production. The ability of HIT to enhance insulin sensitivity helps ensure the delivery of sugar to the cells that need it as well as proper blood sugar control.

4. Improved Aerobic Stamina and Exercise Performance

Although steady-state endurance training is notorious for improving aerobic stamina and conditioning, studies show that HIT is also an effective exercise strategy for achieving this goal. Not only does HIT increase VO2 max, it also increases time to exhaustion during exercise. In one study, the length of time that a group of eight athletes were able to cycle at 80 percent VO2 max nearly doubled—from 26 minutes to 51 minutes—after undergoing six HIT sessions over two weeks (6).

Another factor that contributes to endurance performance is the ability of the muscle to store sugar as glycogen. Glycogen is used for energy as exercise progresses. There is a limit to the amount of glycogen that each person can store, but HIT has been shown to increase this amount (1, 2, 7). HIT also causes muscle to lower the rate at which it uses glycogen for energy, resulting in a greater reliance on the use of fat for fuel. Increasing and preserving energy stores in the form of glycogen will extend time to exhaustion, ultimately improving exercise performance (1, 2, 7).

HIT is for (Almost) Everyone

Most people can benefit from HIT. Studies have shown that it is safe and effective for those with health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and offers numerous advantages for healthy people simply looking to save time or switch up their workouts (1). Even professional endurance athletes are using HIT to improve performance by incorporating it alongside traditional endurance exercise in a comprehensive training program.

HIT is a fun way to break up the monotony of conventional workouts, and according to the Australian researchers, may even be easier to stick to than traditional endurance training. HIT can yield substantial health and fitness benefits with minimal time commitments, making it the perfect prescription for those who don’t have 30 to 60 minutes every day to meet the current exercise recommendations. However, before starting HIT or any other exercise program, a consultation with a person’s physician is advised to determine if appropriate.

References

1. Shiraev T, Barclay G. Evidence based exercise – clinical benefits of high intensity interval training. Aust Fam Physician. 2012 Dec;41(12):960-2.

2. Gibala MJ. High-intensity interval training: a time-efficient strategy for health promotion? Curr Sports Med Rep. 2007 Jul;6(4):211-3. Review.

3. Boutcher SH. High-intensity intermittent exercise and fat loss. J Obes. 2011;2011:868305.

4. Pritzlaff CJ et al. Impact of acute exercise intensity on pulsatile growth hormone release in men. J Appl Physiol. 1999 Aug;87(2):498-504.

5. Post-exercise hypertrophic adaptations: A re-examination of the hormone hypothesis and its applicability to resistance training program design. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Feb 25. [Epub ahead of print]

6. Burgomaster KA, et al. Six sessions of sprint interval training increases muscle oxidative potential and cycle endurance capacity in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2005 Jun;98(6):1985-90. Epub 2005 Feb 10.

7. Gibala MJ, McGee SL. Metabolic adaptations to short-term high-intensity interval training: a little pain for a lot of gain? Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2008 Apr;36(2):58-63.


Wanting to get into shape? 
 

Isagenix Success Story: Amy Hanson

Amy Hanson, Isagenix distributor and user said she has never seen her abs since she was in her 20s.  Here is how she looks at 40!!!

 
Congratulations Amy!!!!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

EFT Video for Weight Loss Self-Sabotage -- Video

I had a little problem yesterday by eating something that was not in my game plan for the day.  I realized that this has happened to me often as I near my goals.  I decided to tap (use EFT techniques) on the issue of self-sabotage.  Here is a video you can tap along with if you are also experiencing self-sabbage within your weight loss program.

Ending Self-Sabotage with Kim
 
 

Monday, April 22, 2013

How the Detoxification Process Works

Image from Isagenix
For those of you who, like my husband, need a scientific explanation for everything, here is an article from Isagenix Health which gives a great explanation of the detoxification process.

 

The Basics of Detoxification

from Isagenix Health

 
Whether out for a run, grilling your favorite meats on a hot summer day, or spring cleaning the house, our bodies are exposed to millions of chemicals considered “toxins”. These toxins in our environment (exotoxins) and that our bodies produce (endotoxins) have the ability to disrupt the essential biological structures needed for the body to function such as DNA, cellular membranes, and protein. Repeated exposure to various toxins can contribute to adverse health effects in the short-term such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue; and in the long-term can contribute to weight gain and chronic health outcomes.

Detoxification is essential for ridding the body of toxins and preventing their “health robbing” effects. Although all cells have the ability to detoxify toxins, the most important organ for detoxification is the liver–known as the body’s filter and purification system.

Fat Cells House Toxins

Toxins enter the liver as either water- or fat-soluble molecules. Water-soluble toxins are rather easily metabolized and excreted into the urine. In contrast, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s detoxification systems.

Excess fat stores, especially organ-bathing visceral fat, are linked to several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The addition of toxin exposure to an overweight or obese individual may only serve to increase these risks (1).

Three Phases of Detoxification



There are three phases of detoxification (2). In the first step, the toxin is metabolized by phase I detoxifying enzymes resulting in an intermediary metabolite. Although there are several phase I enzymes, the most abundant and important are the cytochrome P-450s (P-450s).

During detoxification, P-450s perform two functions: 1) they make toxins more water-soluble, and 2) they convert the toxin into a molecule usually less toxic and, therefore, less reactive towards our DNA, proteins, etc. (Interestingly, sometimes this reaction converts a less toxic molecule into a more toxic molecule, which is where phase II detoxification steps in.) The result is a more water-soluble, less toxic molecule easily transported into the blood, through our kidneys, and out into the urine for elimination.

After undergoing phase I detoxification many toxins are then subject to phase II detoxification. At its most basic level, phase II enzymes place a water-soluble small molecule onto the toxin.

One of the most important phase II detoxifying enzymes is known as glutathione (GSH) transferase. As the name implies, the GSH transferases transfer a GSH molecule onto the toxin. Like phase I detoxification, this step also serves to make the toxin water-soluble and less toxic to the body.
Besides GSH, the body uses several other molecules to bind to the toxin and increase its solubility including sulfates, amino acids, and glucuronic acid. The use of these water-soluble small molecules makes sense considering that our cells have a surplus of these molecules inside or outside the cell. However, if we’re exposed to excessive amounts of toxins they could rapidly deplete our GSH levels resulting in too little GSH to do what it does best, which is to protect against free radicals and detoxify toxins.

Finally, phase III of detoxification involves the elimination of toxins from cells. In this step, the products of phase I and II reactions are transported out of cells and into the bloodstream for elimination.

Proper Nutrition Essential for Detoxification

To ensure optimal functioning of our detoxification systems it is essential to have an adequate dietary intake of vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C, and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols. These nutrients bolster our detoxification defenses either through their roles in phases I, II or III of detoxification or by providing antioxidant support (3). Nutritional support is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radicals. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.

Plant botanicals including ashwagandha, aloe vera, and turmeric (Cleanse for Life), milk thistle (Product B), resveratrol, and other antioxidant vitamins and botanicals (Ageless Essential Daily Pak) have all been shown to improve detoxification. Beyond these micronutrients, the detoxification system also needs an adequate source of the amino acid cysteine, the sulfur-containing amino acid essential for GSH production. Luckily, cysteine is abundant in whey protein found in IsaLean Shakes, Bars, and Soups.

Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Stimulate Detoxification

Although not yet extensively examined in humans, subjecting animals to calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF) has also been shown to increase efficiency of detoxification pathways. The precise mechanisms responsible for the benefits of CR or IF on detoxification are unclear, but it’s thought that these two cleansing protocols “turn on” genes that increase synthesis of our detoxification enzymes within the phase I, II or III pathways.
Additionally, the reduction of fat mass—the primary target for toxin storage—stimulates the release of toxins into the circulation. Once in the bloodstream toxins are more easily metabolized and excreted from the body. When the body has the additional nutritional support of amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive ingredients, the detoxification enzymes can perform at peak function.

The Isagenix system ingeniously incorporates both intermittent fasting on Cleanse Days and calorie restriction on Shake Days to help you burn fat and stimulate the release of fat-stored toxins. The polyphenol-rich nutrients and plant extracts found in Cleanse For Life provide plant-based antioxidants (4-7) that support the detoxification enzymes responsible for toxin elimination. Also, the whey protein in IsaLean Shake supplies essential amino acids such as cysteine that can boost GSH production (8,9) and facilitate toxin removal.

References:
1. Holtcamp W. Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62-a68.
2. Liska DJ. The detoxification enzyme systems. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:187-98.
3. Yang YM, Noh K, Han CY, Kim SG. Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants. Molecules 2010;15:6332-48.
4. Vinson JA, Al KH, Andreoli L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 2005;12:760-5.
5. Kim BH, Hong SS, Kwon SW et al. Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-kappaB in macrophages. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008;327:393-401.
6. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96.
7. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem 2010;58:3996-4000.
8. Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med 1991;14:296-309.
9. Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:847-53.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Body Brushing How-To -- Video

I read this testimony from one of my friends on Facebook and I decided to look into this technique further.  She said "brushing does AMAZING things for tightening skin. Since doing it I haven't seen a lot of those results because I still have lots more to lose. But I have a friend who started the same time and she had a "tummy" of loose skin from when her youngest was born (19 years ago) , after 6 months of consistent brushing... GONE! It's amazing!"

Why is Body Brushing Good for Your Skin
Body brushing is an easy and inexpensive way of stimulating your circulation and lymphatic system, helping to eliminate toxins.

The skin is an organ of elimination, just like the kidneys and liver and even without extra help, it discharges more than a pound of waste products every day. Given the extra boost of daily body brushing, this elimination process can become much more effective, not only improving the appearance of your skin but also giving general health benefits - such as improved blood circulation and immune system.

In this video, Kate Leinweber demonstrates HOW to dry brush:

 

Body Brushing Directions from Liz Earle's Skin Care Website

The traditional Chinese version of skin brushing uses the dried fibers of a ground fruit called 'silk squash' - more commonly known as loofah - but natural bristle brushes are proven to be far more effective. The brush should have a long handle (making it easier to reach all areas of the body), firm, natural bristles and must always be kept dry.
Once a day, preferably first thing in the morning before you take a shower or a bath, sweep the brush over every surface of the body except the face or any areas of sensitive or delicate skin. It's important to brush in the right direction (always towards the heart) starting with the soles of the feet and working upwards. Use long, smooth strokes and brush arms, legs and buttocks in an upward direction. Then brush your back and torso in a downward direction and finally sweep across the shoulders. Concentrate on the hips and thighs to help improve the appearance of cellulite and dimpled skin. It may seem laborious to begin with but it will soon become second nature and is truly invigorating! Start off with gentle strokes but gradually increase the pressure after the first few days or weeks as you get used to the sensation.

For reasons of hygiene, we recommend you keep a separate body brush for each member of the family and wash the brush itself every couple of weeks;  and allow to dry in an airy place. Sensible precaution: a body brush should not be used on cut, broken or very tender skin or over varicose veins.

My Recommendation for Skin Care Products
For your shower I recommend the Isagenix Refreshing Body Wash (IsaDermix Skin Care Line) because it boosts your skin’s natural repair process after daily exposure to environmental aggressors that can damage and prematurely age the skin. It also nourishes, hydrates and softens the skin using beneficial botanicals—aloe vera, green tea, pomegranate, grape seed, and oat kernel extracts.

Then follow your shower by applying the IsaDermix Ultra Hydrating Hand and Body Cream.  This rich formula absorbs quickly to provide deep, all-day moisture. Nourishing botanicals and antioxidants restore, replenish and revitalize your skin. Shea butter, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil provide deep hydration, and Vitamin E and other antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, grape seed, cucumber and oat kernel extract nourish and protect.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

EFT Script for Losing Stubborn Pounds

Image from Underground Health Report Website
This EFT script for Losing Stubborn Pounds comes from The EFT Fixes Any Problem Blog by Diane.

PRE-TAPPING:

Say these phrases out loud to yourself and measure your intensity response on a scale of 1-10. Remember that 10 is that “fight or flight get me the heck out of here” feeling and 1 is the “I feel pretty great, but could feel just a little bit better” feeling.

I always feel fat My clothes feel too tight

I don’t like what I see in the mirror

I will never be able to lose this extra weight.

Write down your intensity rating so that you can notice improvements after we finish tapping.

Quick Side Tip: Try to remember the time at which you first started feeling fat. What triggered it? Was it a comment from a friend or family member? Was it when you started developing? After a traumatic event or breakup? After feeling abandoned by someone? Did someone you knew become heavy and you rejected them because of it? Are you protecting yourself by being fat so that others will not notice you? If you can remember the time at which you started to become fat, and identify the trigger (watch for a shift in emotions), then you can hold that memory or thought in your mind along with the emotions and go through the tapping sequence by saying “I choose to acknowledge this feeling and memory and easily and effortlessly release it now.” Do this for one round. Next tap the positive in such as “I am grateful that I have been able to release this feeling, and can now look at myself in a different light.”

Now we are ready to tap. If you need a reminder of how and where to tap go here. Make sure to say everything out loud and with feeling, it has far more impact than saying it in your head in a monotone voice.

KARATE CHOP SET-UP:
 



Even though I feel horrible about being fat, I fully and completely love and accept myself
Even though I feel depressed about being fat, I choose to acknowledge, and release these feelings now

Even though I feel that I will never lose all of this extra weight, and part of me feels safer being fat, I choose to feel safe and allow myself to release this extra weight now
 
ROUND #1

INNER EYEBROW: I’m convinced I will always be and feel fat.
SIDE OF EYE: I will never be able to lose this extra weight.
UNDER EYE: I think I must want to be fat, it must serve me somehow.
UNDER NOSE: Something inside of me thinks that being fat is safe.
UNDER MOUTH/CHIN: Maybe I believe the being fat makes those around me feel better.
COLLARBONE: Or that I will be rejected if I am thin and lose weight.
UNDERARM: Or that being fat will bring on too many changes, and attract attention.
TOP OF HEAD: Yes, I feel safer being fat. I’d rather be fat than feel unsafe.
 
 ROUND #2:  WHAT IF
 
ABOVE THE INNER EYEBROW: What if I could release these feelings around being fat?
SIDE OF EYE: Could I feel safe losing the extra weight and feel great about being thin?
UNDER EYE: What if being at my ideal weight would feel great?
UNDER NOSE: What if I could allow myself to release these extra pounds without fear of change?
UNDER MOUTH/CHIN: What if I could allow this weight loss to be a positive transformation in my life?
COLLARBONE: What if I could start allowing myself to lose weight right now safely and easily?
UNDERARM: What if I could feel comfortable about the changes to my body?
TOP OF HEAD: What if I could always maintain my perfect version of my perfect body?
 
ROUND #3Choose to be ready to release these feelings and blocks
 
ABOVE THE INNER EYEBROW: I think that I am ready and choose to release these feelings around being fat now.
SIDE OF EYE: I think that all of me can agree and choose to allow the release of these feelings and weight now.
UNDER EYE: I choose for all of me to feel safe releasing these weight loss blocks and allowing my ideal body into my life now
UNDER NOSE: I choose to feel safe and protected as I release these feelings and extra weight now.
UNDER MOUTH/CHIN: I choose to believe that I am allowed to be thin and healthy.
COLLARBONE: I choose to believe that I am easily and effortlessly allowing myself to lose weight now.
UNDERARM: I choose to acknowledge the important role that these feelings and weight have played in my life and release them now.
TOP OF HEAD: I choose to believe that my friends and family will be happy for me for achieving MY ideal body weight.
 
ROUND #4Being grateful for what we have
 
ABOVE THE INNER EYEBROW: I choose for all of me to be grateful for my healthy body now.
SIDE OF EYE: I choose to believe that I am grateful for all of the weight that I am safely losing now.
UNDER EYE: I am grateful for feeling safe for all of the feelings that I have been able to release during this tapping session.
UNDER NOSE: I am grateful that my ideal weight is my birth right, and I choose to accept that birthright now.
UNDER MOUTH/CHIN: I am grateful that I can always feel amazing about how I look and how my clothing fits.
COLLARBONE: I am grateful for being able to see all of the weight that I have already lost in my mind’s eye.
UNDERARM: I am choosing to be grateful for the body that I have in my life now and for the coming changes.
TOP OF HEAD: I am grateful for allowing myself to feel great about my body from this day forward.
 
AFTER TAPPING:
Take a few deep, easy breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Rate your intensity level. The general rule of thumb is to achieve an intensity level at or below a 2, and preferably a 0.
If you are ready to release ALL of the blocks to releasing your extra weight and achieving your ideal body I would check out this resource. http://bit.ly/hB1JlN It was really long so I shortened it to make it easier for your browser should you need to copy and paste it. This resource covers much more than weight loss. It covers every single EFT Masters recent tips, techniques, and scripts to change every area of your life.
Wishing you abundant good health, much wealth, and more happiness than you knew possible!
Donna


 
 


Friday, April 12, 2013

New Natural Berry Harvest: The Dairy-free Shake Alternative



I just heard that Isagenix has release a new DAIRY FREE protein shake.  I really think this is an awesome, if not life changing, solution for my friends out there with different allergies and sensitivity to certain ingredients, hoping this makes someone's day, I know it has made mine!!!    :)

Natural Berry Harvest: The Dairy-free Shake Alternative
IsaLean® Shake Natural Berry Harvest is a premium dairy-free meal replacement shake made from nutritionally complete plant-based protein.
 
Derived from hemp and pea protein, IsaLean Shake in Natural Berry Harvest is loaded with energy-boosting carbohydrates and healthy fats to provide your body with maximum dairy-free nutrition. Ideal for those committed to non-dairy, vegetarian or vegan dietary lifestyles, you’ll be on your way to achieving a healthier body while giving it exactly what it needs. Also a great flavor addition to the IsaLean Shake family.

• Highly digestible with quality, bioavailable, plant-based protein
• Helps maintain and build lean muscle
• Safe for those with dairy allergies or lactose-intolerance
• Sensible and effective for those with soy-based allergies
• Great protein source for vegetarian populations.
 
 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

How to Make a Natural Bug Repellent Spray

Image from www.rosslab.nevrobio.pitt.edu
I am tired of being a fast food drive-by for all the mosquitos in the neighborhood ... I think I am going to try this!!  From: Frugally Sustainable.

.How to Make a Natural Bug Repellent Spray

My Natural Bug Repellent Spray contains a variety of essential oils and plant-based extracts that truly work to keep insects, bugs, and flies away. The key when using essential oils in bug repellent is to choose a combination that repels insects and then mix it with a carrier (i.e. witch hazel, alcohol, or oil). Excellent insect repellent essential oils include:
  • citronella
  • rose geranium
  • clove
  • lemongrass
  • lemon
  • eucalyptus
  • catnip
  • castor oil
  • peppermint
  • lavender
  • cedar
Creating this handmade bug repellent spray required a bit of math. I wanted enough essential oils in the spray for it to really deliver a punch, but I needed it gentle enough for my young children. Combining 1 part essential oils with 10 parts carrier – making the essential oils 10% of the final product — was what I went for, and boy do I love the final product!
In the end, this powerful DEET-free all natural spray contains a base combination of witch hazel and grape seed oil…which translates into a lovely refreshing spray that heals the skin. Perfect protection for the hot months of summer.

The Recipe
 
Ingredients

-1 ounce witch hazel
-1 ounce grape seed oil
-35 drops citronella essential oils
-20 drops eucalyptus essential oils
-15 drops lemon essential oils
-15 drops lemongrass essential oils
-15 drops cedar essential oils

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or directly into a small spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.
3. Reapply often, up to every 1-2 hours as needed.

Notes

-Not all natural repellents are created equal and what works for one person may not work for all.

-Instead of grape seed oil, feel free to use the oil you have on hand — olive, jojoba, almond, etc.

-This spray is safe for all members of the family 6 months and older.

Disclaimer: Apply sparingly to infants 6 months to 2 years. But please, don’t take my word for it, be sure to check with your doctor prior to using this or any other natural product on your small children.

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here are purely education and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They are by no means intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

We Won! We are Corvallis' Greatest Losers!!

I am so excited to announce that my husband Tom and I won the first Corvallis' Greatest Loser Challenge!! This challenge was sponsored by The Sue Long Team (Keller-Williams Realty) and Bill Zipp Consulting.

Tom lost 10% of this weight in 12 weeks, and I lost 8.6% of mine. This was a city wide contest and we were up against people in all programs, ViSalus, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, MediFast, etc. The Isagenix System really proved itself.

The next contest starts on April 16th and we would really appreciate your support!!

Thanks!!!

Friday, April 5, 2013

How to Stop Night Time Eating!!

I was a night-time grazer.  I was also an insomniac so I had plenty of time to graze!!  I used this information from Isagenix Health to get past the night eating problem and now I have also solved the sleep problem with our Brain and Sleep Support System.
 
How To Stop Late Night Cravings

It’s 11 p.m. and you’ve just scarfed down a slice of leftover pizza and a few too many Oreo cookies. The satisfying taste of salty and sweet is quickly overcome by guilt, frustration, and what is now an uncomfortably full belly. After eating balanced meals and healthy snacks all day, you are defeated by your late-night craving for junk food
.
How can you avoid this self-defeating debacle? New research shows that eating a high-protein breakfast is the best way to avoid those p.m. cravings.

A study from the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that subjects who ate a high-protein breakfast had increased levels of satiety along with reductions in brain activity responsible for controlling food cravings that lasted into the evening.

The study looked at 20 overweight or obese adolescent females aged 18 to 20 years old. Participants were split into three groups: a high-protein breakfast group that consumed eggs and lean beef, a normal-protein breakfast group that ate ready-to-eat cereal, and a group that skipped breakfast. The breakfasts all consisted of about 350 calories and had similar fat, fiber, and sugar amounts.

The researchers found that those who ate breakfast had increased daily fullness compared to those who skipped, with the high-protein group having the greatest ratings of satiety throughout the day. Additionally, the high-protein group, but not the normal-protein group, had reduced levels of the hormones (ghrelin and peptide YY) that increase appetite compared to the no breakfast group.

With greater satiety and decreased appetite hormones, its no surprise that subjects in the high-protein group reported reduced evening snacking on high-fat foods. As lead researcher Professor Heather Leidy stated in a press release, “Eating a protein-rich breakfast impacts the drive to eat later in the day, when people are more likely to consume high-fat or high-sugar snacks.”

In addition to eating a breakfast rich in protein, here are some breakfast rules to follow so you can avoid late-night binging:

Bump up the Fiber: The faster a meal digests, the sooner you will feel hungry again. Simple sugars found in white flour products like pastries, doughnuts, or bagels can have you battling hunger pangs soon after eating. Make sure your breakfast has at least 5 grams of fiber to keep you feeling fuller, longer.

Don’t Forget the Fat: Fat takes longer to leave the stomach than protein or carbohydrates. Because of this, a little healthy fat can be beneficial in controlling cravings. Of course, a little fat goes a long way so be careful not to go overboard.

The 60-minute Rule: Try to eat your first meal of the day within an hour of waking. The longer a person waits to eat, the greater their hunger may be and it may be more difficult to feel satisfied. This can lead to overeating and making poor food choices. Instead, feed your body with a balanced breakfast and have control over cravings throughout the day.

Want a breakfast that has all the makings of a late-night craving killer? Look no further than Isagenix IsaLean Shakes with 24 grams of high-quality protein, 8 grams of fiber, and a healthy balance of fat, IsaLean Shakes will have you feeling satisfied and confident with your food choice. Also, the ease and convenience of IsaLean Shakes will help you stick to the 60-minute rule so breakfast doesn’t turn into lunch. Say “no” to tempting junk food at night by starting your day off right with Isagenix.

Reference: Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA. Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese, “breakfast-skipping,” late-adolescent girls. Am J Clin Nutr 2013;97:677-88. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.053116

To find out more about our IsaLean Pro Shakes (with 36g protein), IsaLean Shakes (with 24g protein) or our Brain and Sleep Support System go to our website The Healthy Helms.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Healthy Cilantro and 2 Recipes



 FLAT TUMMY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

This smoothie is a cross between a juice and a smoothie, so you get double the benefits.  Try to make this 4 to 5 times a week for breakfast or lunch:

Greens are power-packed with antioxidants and will help boost your immune system. The high fiber content of this smoothie will help with bowel movement. You will also feel full fast and will eat less!(Constipation creates bloating and your tummy will look bigger).

A medium Apple contains around five grams of fiber. Compare this to bran cereal which has about seven grams a serving.

Cucumber will rehydrate you as it is full of water and is low calorie.

Spinach is a low calorie food and has ONLY 7 calories per 1 cup of raw leaves, yet it offers twice as much fiber as other greens and it will fill you up.

Cilantro and parsley will help you cleanse and detox. They will stimulate digestive assimilation and relieve constipation. One-fourth cup of cilantro has only 1 calorie.

Lemon juice is one of the top fat flushers by boosting your body’s detoxification process. It may help you lose weight but it isn’t a miracle cure. It is one component of a healthy weight-loss plan.

Avocado is highly nutritious fruit and will help you get all the nutrients and will help you manage your weight.

Cayenne pepper and Turmeric: even though you probably don’t think of spices as weight-loss enhancers, cayenne and turmeric show promise in reducing appetite and increasing energy.

Apple, Cucumber and Cilantro Smoothie

Blend:

1 green apple
1 cucumber
2 cups fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup cilantro loosely packed
½ cup parsley loosely packed
1 small avocado
½ cup lemon juice
1 cup filtered water
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp turmeric
a dash Himalayan salt
Make sure all the ingredients are organic.
Enjoy!

Monday, April 1, 2013

EFT Exercise Motivation with Brad Yates - Video

Here is another of my favorite EFT sessions.  To learn more about EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), click the EFT label after the last post on this page.

EFT Exercise Motivation with Brad Yates




How to Calculate Your Target Heart Rate

I am exercising more now and to be sure that I am getting workiing in the best heart rate rate to burn fat during my workout, I need to figure out my Target Heart Rate.  Here is a Chart and a Worksheet to help me (and you) make this all important calculation.



 
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR TARGET HEART RATE



1.  Average resting heart rate (RHR)
    Count your pulse for one minute as soon as you wake up, for 3 days.

 
Average RHR = ( _______ + _______ + _______ ) ÷ 3
                               Day 1         Day 2        Day 3

Your average RHR = _______

 
2.  Maximum heart rate (HRmax)

 
HRmax = 220 - __________
                         your age

Your HRmax = _______

 
3Heart rate reserve (HRmaxRESERVE)

 
HRmaxRESERVE = ____________ - __________
                           your HRmax         your RHR

Your HRmaxRESERVE = _______

 
4Lower limit of your target heart rate (THR)

 
THR (lower limit) = ( ___________________ × 0.6 ) + __________
                                    your HRmaxRESERVE                      your RHR

 Your THR (lower limit) = _______

 
5.  Upper limit of your target heart rate (THR)

 
THR (upper limit) = ( ___________________ × 0.8 ) + __________
                                      your HRmaxRESERVE                      your RHR

Your THR (upper limit) = _______

 
6.  Target heart rate (THR)

 
THR = ( ________________________ + ________________________ ) ÷ 2
                  your THR (lower limit)                your THR (upper limit)

 Your THR = _______