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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

When your body needs a safe & simple Cleanse

Looking for a SAFE, easy to follow one-week Body Cleanse...which does not interfere with your work schedule? The following is a cleanse which fits this description and is recommended by Health Care Professionals using Shaklee* Brand products in their practice. This one-week rejuvenating body cleanse is a modified vegetable fast.

To complete this cleanse, you will require the following:

  1. Premium Liver Detoxification Herbal Formula (Shaklee DTX)
  2. Energizing Soy Protein for cellular repair (Shaklee Protein or Cinch Shake)
  3. Herbal Bowel Conditioner (Shaklee Herbal Laxative)
  4. Intestinal Microflora / Probiotics (Shaklee Optiflora)
  5. Multiple Digestive Enzymes (Shaklee EZ-Gest)
  6. Seven Ultra Pure Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Shaklee OmegaGuard)

Of course, as with any cleanse, I would recommend you consult a health care practitioner, particularly if you are on any medication. Also keep in mind that the intention of a cleanse is to enhance the normal function of the body allowing the body to facilitate it’s own inherent healing capabilities. A cleanse is not designed to treat any diseases.

Once your doctor has approved this program, get started on your path to a healthier YOU! This cleanse will rejuvenate your digestive system. You see, inadequate digestion is the easiest way to initiate disease. By cleansing, you effectively provide your body with a much needed oil change! Specifically, the intensive nutrient support you provide your body with this program will help heal the digestive system and enhance the liver’s ability to detoxify.

With this modified vegetable fast, you give your body a week of rest so that it can focus on digestion rather than healing. Once the “food traffic” is modified to selected vegetable food groups, your body is given the necessary time to fix and clean one of the most important systems of the body, the digestive system. This system has a web-like effect on all systems of the body, directly affecting the function and health of each system. For a more proactive approach, you can safely do this cleanse 2 or 3 times a year.

If you’ve already tried cleansing before, try to recall if you saw the following benefits of an effective cleanse:

  1. Increased energy levels
  2. Enhance your mental clarity
  3. Decrease joint pain
  4. Reduce your total body fat
  5. Maximize nutrient absorption
  6. Reduce/eliminate bad breath
  7. Enhance sleep
  8. Clear up your complexion
  9. Support normal bowel function
  10. And much more!

For the complete program, broken down by day, including the list of recommended vegetables; call me at 647-405-4471.

Those of you who have already done this cleanse, comment on this blog.

To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com


*Shaklee was founded by Dr. F. C. Shaklee in 1956. Dr Shaklee pioneered the multi-vitamin. Shaklee’s extensive quality controls and clinical studies has made Shaklee the number 1 natural nutrition company in North America. For review of the Landmark study conducted by University of Berkley’s school of public health, you may visit: http://bit.ly/d19KKI & http://bit.ly/aE0gZX.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Eat Right and Let Your Body Do the Rest

So far I’ve covered what a detox diet is and how your body detoxifies. This week I’ll be discussing how your eating habits effect your excretion of toxins from your body.

What you CAN do to help rid your body of toxins is to eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber, and drink plenty of water. High-fiber foods in particular will help bind potential toxins so they can be excreted. Here are five tips on how to get more fiber in your diet:

  • Replace white bread with 100% whole wheat bread. Look for the words "whole wheat" at the top of the ingredient list and check the label for the grams of fiber. Look for a brand that provides at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, preferably soluble fiber.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit. Fresh fruit is generally low in calories but high in fiber. One cup of fresh blackberries or raspberries has about 8 grams of fiber. One medium-sized pear or apple has 4 grams.
  • Eat your veggies. Vegetables provide an array of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients) that include fiber. One artichoke has 5 grams of fiber, and a potato (eaten with the skin) provides 5 grams.
  • Ladle up some legumes. Beans and legumes provide a healthy fiber choice. Low in fat and versatile (great in soup, on salads, or as a vegetarian entrée), ½ cup of beans and legumes provides about 6 to 8 grams of fiber.
  • Fill in the gap with supplements. If getting adequate fiber from foods alone is a challenge, don't forget that supplemental fiber in the form of a dietary supplement or a nutritious meal-replacement beverage can help boost your daily fiber intake. Look for a fiber supplement that provides 5 to 6 grams of fiber per serving.

Remember, your body is naturally designed to keep toxins at bay. When you eat healthfully, get regular exercise, avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, drink alcohol only in moderation, and manage your stress, your liver, kidneys, and digestive tract can do the detoxification job they're supposed to do.

If you think your body is in need of additional support or would like to learn about a safe cleanse, stay tuned to next week’s blog. I’ll be discussing a safe cleanse with no unpleasant drinks, plain tasteless food or harsh restrictions.

To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

How Your Body Detoxifies

Last week I defined what a detox diet is and established that it is not necessarily a good thing. This week I’ll be discussing how your body detoxifies.

The truth of the matter is that your body is designed to detoxify itself. The liver is the major organ of detoxification in your body. Every substance that is absorbed by the intestines must first pass through the liver before going on to the general circulation. Every day your liver continually disposes of toxins produced internally (from food, water, and medications consumed) and externally (from the air you breathe). Special enzymes found in the liver take potentially toxic substances and change their chemical structure so they are less harmful and can be excreted by the kidneys or in waste.

The kidneys are responsible for ensuring that the blood circulating in our body is free from harmful organisms, waste products, and excess water. Each kidney has about a million nephrons, and within these nephrons are tinier structures that help filter the blood that passes through, ultimately removing waste materials and excreting them in the urine.

The large intestine also plays an important role in detoxification. It moves waste and toxic materials out of the body by the action of peristalsis—muscle contractions that create a wave-like motion, propelling wastes so they can be excreted and removed from the body. Consuming a high-fiber (soluble fiber is preferable) diet, maintaining a healthful balance of friendly microflora in the gut with regular intake of pre- and probiotics, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise all help to optimize the detoxification function of the large intestine.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog when we cover how you can help your body detoxify safely.

To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Detox Diets: Good or Bad for you?

Celebrities go on them, they encourage you to consume stuff that's good for you—plenty of water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and, of course, everyone knows that anything toxic is bad for you. So a detox diet must be good for you, right? Well, not always. Like many fad or extreme diets, detox diets can have harmful effects and even work against your best weight-loss efforts.

We will be discussing detox diets for the next few blogs to give you a good handle on the safe way to detox.

So, What Is a Detox Diet?

Toxins—chemicals that can come from food or water, used to grow or prepare food, and even come from the air that we breathe—can have harmful effects on our bodies. However, our bodies process those toxins through organs such as the liver and kidneys and eliminate them in the form of sweat, urine, and feces.

Although the beneficial effects of detox diets have not been well studied or scientifically proven, the people who believe in them think that toxins don't always leave our bodies properly during the elimination of waste. Instead, they think toxins are stored in our bodies—in our gastrointestinal and lymphatic systems. Detox diets typically are designed to have you temporarily give up certain foods that are thought to contain toxins and rid the body of all the "bad" stuff you've accumulated.

Some diets involve fasting (giving up food for a couple of days) and then gradually reintroducing certain foods into the diet. Some promote colon cleansing or the intake of special teas or supplements that claim to "cleanse" your body. Many make unproven claims to prevent or cure disease, promote weight loss, and boost energy levels, yet don't warn you of the potential dangers or downsides.

Detox diets that promote the use of laxatives or enemas as a way to rid the body of toxins can lead to dehydration, mineral imbalances, intestinal dependency, and other potential problems.

Detox diets that promote fasting for several days can have a negative impact on metabolism. They can promote muscle breakdown to support the body's energy needs, which in turn slows metabolism or calorie-burning, making weight loss more difficult. And, certainly, the safety of following a detox diet if you have any pre-existing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes should be questioned.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog when we cover how your body detoxifies.

To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Preventing Childhood Obesity - A Family Affair

To maintain a healthy weight throughout life, it’s important to learn healthful habits early on. It is during our childhood years when we develop the routines that follow us into our adult years. In other words, the inactive, overweight child of today is likely to become the inactive, overweight adult of tomorrow. That is, unless parents take action now and make their children's health a family affair.


Remember, children can't necessarily change their exercise and eating habits alone. They need the help of supportive parents and caregivers. So try creating new family habits around healthy eating and increased physical activity. Start small-you don't have to make many changes at once. No matter how young or old we are, small gradual changes are easiest to follow and incorporate into our lives. It definitely takes time to unlearn unhealthy behaviours and develop new, healthier ones. Here are some suggestions on ways to create a healthy weight environment for the entire family:


Creating a Healthy Environment for Eating

  • Make the creation of meals a family affair. Even young children can participate in simple meal preparation (i.e., washing fresh vegetables, stirring the soup, and setting the table).
  • Sit down and eat as a family together at least one meal a day. Share your day so that the meal lasts 30 minutes or more.
  • Don't be too restrictive. Studies show that preschoolers with parents who are most restrictive with treats are the ones that ate the most sweets and snacks when given the opportunity. Teach moderation and balance.
  • Limit the frequency of fast-food meals to no more than once a week. (Not at all would be ideal).
  • Have healthy foods available for children to select from. Fresh fruit, vegetables like carrots, and low-fat yogurt are great examples.
  • Don't use food or a lack of food for rewards and or punishments. For example, don't make threats like "no dessert unless you clean up your room".
  • Don't force your child to eat if he or she is not hungry. However, if your child shows consistent signs of not eating, or obsession with their body image, consult a healthcare professional.

Creating an Active Environment

  • Limit TV time. Research indicates a direct relationship between the hours of TV watched and childhood obesity. Not only is it a low-calorie-burning activity, but what children see on TV (ads for fast food, sugar coated cereal and other unhealthy food choices) influences what they eat and drink-even children as young as 2 years old. Encourage other activities besides TV, computers, and video games.
  • Make time each week for a family outing that involves physical activity, such as a walk to the library or playing at the park.
  • Encourage your children to play outside, ride a bike, play basketball with friends.
  • Include children in active chores, such as washing the car or walking the dog.
  • Enroll your child in a structured activity like gymnastics, tennis, dance, martial arts, soccer, etc.
  • Making changes can have it’s challenges, especially today when families are juggling busy schedules, time, finances, and other daily stressors. But if you work together and support one another, your chance of success will be much greater. Eventually, new healthy choices or activities will become established healthy habits, and you will be well on your way to helping you and your children maintain a healthy weight and better health for the entire family.

For additional personalized coaching, contact us at 1-877-405-4471 or healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com.


To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Am I the only one struggling?

Ever wondered why some people are able to maintain amazing bodies while YOU struggle with your weight?


Why do other people make it look so easy to achieve and then maintain their ideal weight?


Do they know something that you don’t?


It’s actually quite simple. It comes down to motivation!


If you have the motivation to reach your ideal weight coupled with the determination to get there, it is very possible. In fact, everything is possible in life with motivation and determination.


So, how do you know if you have enough motivation?

  • Motivation will tell you to get out of bed for an early workout
  • Motivation will nag you to put down that piece of cake
  • Motivation makes passing up on fries a natural reflex
  • Motivation makes a sweat drenched workout exciting
  • Motivation constantly reminds you why you do what you do

So, what do you do if you desire the motivation but are not quite there?

Here are 5 steps to turn on your motivation!

  1. Recognize your motivator: You need to determine your WHY. What is your goal? Why do you want to get into shape? Once you uncover your personal motivator you’ll find that motivation flows quickly your way. Take some time to dig deep to uncover the reason that you want to lose the weight. Be specific about it, don’t simply say you want to be thin. Your motivation must be specific and if there is a measurable timeline, you are more invested in the outcome. For instance, I want to be my ideal weight (X pounds) by my vacation (specific date).
  2. Make it official: Write your goal and put it somewhere you will see it and read it everyday, like on your desk or your fridge! Each time you read your goal, visualize yourself having already accomplished the goal. This will help you maintain your focus.
  3. Be practical: So you know what you want and have an idea of how to get there. Now you need a practical plan, one that will be easy to maintain and fit into your life. Keep in mind that it’s important to 1) maintain a healthy low-calorie diet and 2) participate in a consistent and challenging exercise program. But be sure it’s a program you enjoy so it’s not considered “work” but more of an enjoyment; a “fun” workout.
  4. Call for backup: Get your friends, family, co-workers and spouses on board! Share your goal with the key people in your life and they will support you. In fact, you will probably inspire them to live a healthier lifestyle too!
  5. Get invested with risk: Make a promise of some kind that you would not want to follow through with if you didn’t keep your end of the deal. A risk high enough to give you the motivation to follow through with your commitment. Then put it in writing with someone and sign it. For example, “If I’m not my ideal weight (X pounds) by Christmas then I will walk 5 km to work everyday for 6 months (or something else you really don’t want to do).

If you need a kick start with an easy to follow program, assistance finding your motivation and a daily support system, give us a call and we will tell you all about our program.

Remember it all comes down to YOUR motivation!


To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Spring into Summer with these healthy recipes!

Spring is upon us so why not spring into a healthy summer by cooking healthy meals at home!


Spice up your spring with a Chipotle Chicken Soup and sweeten your palate with Chocolate Berry Decadence for Dessert.


Chipotle Chicken Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce

1 t olive oil

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped green onion

3 cloves minced garlic

1 t ground cumin

1 lb cooked chicken breast, cut up in strips, without the skin

28 ounces low sodium chicken broth

15 ounces canned, low sodium, diced tomatoes, undrained

10 ounces canned or frozen no salt added corn kernels

DIRECTIONS:

Remove chipotle chilies from can and mince. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium to high heat. Add bell

pepper, onions, garlic and cumin. Sauté until vegetables are soft (4-5 minutes). Add chilies, cooked chicken,

chicken broth, tomatoes and corn. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Calories: 338/serving

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

43g protein

25g carbohydrates

7g fat

501mg sodium

96mg cholesterol

5g fiber

Estimated Food Group Serving Equivalents: 6 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat


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or three sentences.


Chocolate Berry Decadence

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cinch Chocolate Decadence Bar

2 T Chocolate or vanilla non-fat frozen yogurt

2 T Fresh berries (raspberries or sliced strawberries)

DIRECTIONS:

Place Cinch bar on a cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 5 minutes at a low temperature. Remove and top

with non fat frozen yogurt and berries. Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Calories: 150 calories per serving

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

11g protein

21g carbohydrates

3g fat

165mg sodium

0mg cholesterol

4g fiber



Happy Cooking!


To your health,

Nadia

Your weight loss partner

1-877-405-4471

healthyweightdancingfeet@gmail.com

www.healthyweightdancingfeet.blogspot.com