I know this stuff is bad, but truth be told, you can still find it added in all sorts of things at my house.  I really do try to limit sugar for my kids, because I want them to be healthy and well and energized.  Soda?  Only sometimes, and they’re usually only allowed my Hansen’s Diet natural soda variety, which I keep stocked.  I do pay attention to labels, but my kids probably still take in more sugar than I want them to!  I can actually see the effects of sugar with my 8 year old boy, who already possesses a God-given enthusiasm for life.  He is very energetic, and when you sprinkle a little sugar on him, he morphs into an exuberant Tigger.  I know that processed, refined, added sugars lower immunity, and mess with the body’s natural balance.

I read an article on YahooNews about sugar this morning:  Sugar Should Be Regulated as a Toxin.  At first glance, it may seem way over the top to regulate sugar just like tobacco and alcohol, huh?  For me, that’s largely because I do not want Big G regulating every aspect of our lives as if we are incapable of making decisions for ourselves, but we are largely talking about children here.  What people, in general, do need though, is information and education.  Armed properly with this, many of us will make decisions accordingly, finding balance for ourselves.  What I do agree with, is making the sugary treats less available for our kids – meaning in our schools.  Growing up, I remember how excited we were to get a vending machine installed at the student hang out area in high school.  Hello!  Cookies and candy at our finger tips, yeah!  Not so great.  So I was pleased to see the vending machines at my child’s school filled with trail mix, granola bars, and other similar items.  Overall, I think people should pay attention to the fuel they’re giving to their bodies.  Bad fuel means a bad running motor, or worse – a full system break down.  I believe in balance, which means I do allow treats and sweets in moderation.  If I want candy, I will take care to pick up the dark cocoa chocolate – because I know it possesses many health benefits.   I am not a “health nut” (at least I don’t think so, but by others’ standards I may be), because I do still stop for fast food!  I may make the kids drink green juice too, but I still let them have fries.  I’m somewhere in the middle.

I know there are plenty of people out there who pay no attention to ingredients including chemicals, additives, or added sugar.  Drinking soda after soda.  Juice?  And juice… well it says “juice” on the bottle, so it must be better than soda, right?  Well if you don’t read the ingredients, chances are “NOT”.  You may just be replacing one overly sugary drink for another.  I stock juice, of the 100% juice variety.  I favor unfiltered organic apple juice, 100% grape juice (you know, from grapes – with no added sugars), V8 (made from actual fruits and vegetables), Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness (packed with greens and liked by kids!).  They are usually more expensive, but so is ill health.  I limit how much they are allowed to drink as well, and “push” water on them in between.

So here’s my take.  I do believe that more attention should be given to educating people on diet and its relation to disease and wellness.  I do believe that children should not have easy and convenient access to sugar-loaded foods in schools.  More labels, sure.  Education, definitely.  Fact is that you can not force people to be healthy though.  You can not force people to care.  Some will and some won’t, and some don’t know better.  Let’s help those who don’t know better.

…And some know better and still want a little of whatever it is they want!

One of my favorite go-to places for health education and information is www.Mercola.com.  If you have not been there, I’m almost positive you will learn lots (and that’s even if you already know!)

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I love feeling great, having energy, and feeling healthy.  I know diet plays a huge role in all three.  Everyone knows, by now, that eating a variety of healthful raw fruits and vegetables can do wonders for health and wellness.  So why would I not want to include the most nutritionally dense produce, kale?  Move over, Spinach…because there is something deeper, richer, greener, and more nutritionally dense (no offense, Spinach…you know I’ll always love you).  Loaded with vitamins, anti-oxidants, and fiber, Kale may also provide anti-cancer and lowered cholesterol benefits.  Kale is crunchy and tasty, and is available a few different varieties.  It’s easy to toss a kale salad together, or even add it to a standard green salad.  My mom came by my house for a visit recently and added some kale leaves to her chicken fettuccine at lunch.  There are plenty of easy ways to incorporate.

My other love which has grown recently is my love of mushrooms.  Dr. Mercola says mushrooms are a Powerful Immune Secret to Prevent Cold and Flu, as well as possessing additional health benefits including antibacterial, antiviral, antiinflamatory, antiaging, and even some mushroom varieties which are showing great potential in battling cancers.  Read more here on Dr. Mercola’s website.  I have known for some time that mushrooms possess remarkable immune boosting properties, but didn’t have a clue just how beneficial they really are.  I take a whole foods drink/ supplement, which lists on its label, about a dozen different mushrooms, among many other healthful ingredients, under the sub-title, “Mushroom Defense Blend”.  I’ve also seen the mushroom defense supplements/ capsules on the store shelves, which include a variety.  So while I knew they were healthy, I never really took the time to read up on the long list of many benefits they offer.  Now I have.  And now mushrooms, along with kale, have scooted up my priority list, as a normal every foods to incorporate – for better health.

Why not try a kale and mushroom salad with dinner this evening?

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The other day I touched briefly on my health and exercise plan for my New Year’s resolution. Granted, it’s not something I want just because it’s a new year, but since I still have 10 lbs that I don’t want hanging around, it’s just a good time to think “fresh start”. I stopped short of outlining the rest of my resolutions, as I have a few. So here goes…

1) Health. Including losing 10 unwanted lbs. I know this is a repeat from yesterday’s post but it must be included, if only to round off and complete my list. (last two days, burning 350 calories per day, on my Bowflex Treadclimber TC20, check!)

2) Nurture my spiritual side more. I am spirit, and I must nurture and attune to this aspect of myself, so it can grow. Life’s tasks and daily activities can easily distract me. I desire to become a better me. I will do this by trying to remain more aware, conscious, and appreciative. I will find time to read more, to be quiet more…maybe even meditate (if you heard the “normal” sounds that emanate from my house at any given moment, you would understand the difficulty on this one!) I want to smell the fresh air more often, really enjoy the breeze on my cheeks, stare in awe at the skies, get lost in the laughter and love surrounding me…. Yes these are the real blessings in life, and I do enjoy them. My goal is to enjoy them more. Appreciate them more.  Live, laugh, and love…more.

3) Learn. I started this one off broad with “learn” because I have so much to learn, from a vast sea of knowledge But, truth be told, when I began this list, my target was learning about photography and how to use my camera. I love taking photos and I love making videos, but I lack skill (or talent depending on your perspective)…so I hope to build both (skill and talent).

4) Get outside more. You can link this one to number one. I want to get outside more, to play and to work. I want to make time when I don’t have time. Too many beautiful days pass me by without my enjoying them…what a shame! Last year, I intended to plant and grow a garden…and did not. I wanted the learning experience, and I wanted to share it with my children. I may do that this year, or I may not, but either way I want less of those beautiful days passing me by without my appreciating them.

5) Prepare for potential Apocalypse. OK, no I’m just kidding. I don’t really think the world will end this year. The discussions surrounding 2012 give me pause, at least. I am not naive enough to think that disaster can not touch my life. Because I’m sure it felt very “apocalyptic” for the people in Japan when when the Tohoku earthquake sent a tsunami inland in 2011…a feeling likely shared by the people in Haiti when the disastrous 2010 quake hit, and the people of many regions slammed by tsunamis during the 2004 Indian Ocean quake…and the list goes on. A natural phenomenon like a large quake could bring any region to its knees. I believe in the power of my thought energy, so I do not want to, nor do I plan to, live in fear. It’s nature and it happens. Our modern way of life does not support sustaining oneself for very long periods if cut off from our modern convenient lifelines (like running water and daily runs to the grocery store). It would be nice to know we have more than a few days worth of emergency food and supplies. So as “Apocalypse week” scrolls by on the History channel, just like it did last year and the year before it, I make a silent agreement to pull my head out of the clouds just a bit…maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just pick up a few extra items here and there.

When I think about what I really want to achieve this New Year…Mainly, I want to be a better me every day.

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We all create New Year’s resolutions with the intention of seeing them through.  The start of a New Year is an excellent time to kick off the start of a ‘New You’.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 8

Mizuno Musha 4

Bowflex TreadClimber TC20

SparkPeople!

I would venture to guess that at least half of all New Year’s resolutions involve better health, weight loss, and/ or fitness and exercise, and my resolutions are no exception!  While I have several unrelated resolutions this year, better health, weight loss, and fitness are among mine.

Yes I resolve to take off those 10 lbs that have been following me around, clinging to me, stuck like glue! What will it take? What’s a girl want? What’s a girl need?

Well, lining up my weapons, it appears I should have everything already in my arsenal that I need to make this happen…

1) Special thanks to Mizuno, I have awesome running gear from Mizuno, including the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 training shoe and the just-arrived new Super-Shweeet Mizuno Musha 4‘s!

2) Besides my beloved treadmill, I now have a top notch Bowflex Treadclimber TC20 (special thanks to Nautilus!), which incorporates 3 key movements into 1 (3-in-1 technology, operating like a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical – for maximum results and fat burning action)

3) Very easy to use and helpful calorie tracking offered at www.SparkPeople.com. Actually a more accurate description would be nutrition tracker because the site helps track proper amounts of carbs, fat, and protein so you can be sure you have a healthy balance while keeping your calorie count where you want.  It’s super easy…and helpful. My sister shed 30+ lbs in 2010, with SparkPeople.com being her main tool of assistance. And yes they have a mobile app!

4) Inspiration and motivation. A well put together and motivating article written about getting fit at TheHealthRevival.com gave me a mental boost. Honestly, motivation and inspiration can be found anywhere – from sharing in others’ stories of triumph and success, to taking a good look in the mirror. The main place to find inspiration and motivation is within. It’s always available. We just need to tap in.

5) The final ingredient for success: Commitment to oneself

+ Commitment + Inspiration + Motivation

= Success!

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It’s been 17 months (almost) since my youngest son was born.  Those of you who know me or follow my blog, know that I exercise regularly and have a love of running.  After I gave birth to my youngest son, I got back into the exercise routine quickly.  Unfortunately, after 17 months, I still have a nagging 10 lbs hanging around in all the wrong places (well I don’t know that there is a “right” place for extra weight, and if there is, that’s never where it goes anyway).  My routine is usually on a treadmill, running for about 2.5-3.5 miles about 4 times per week.  And while I absolutely love running, there is no denying that it can leave me sore.  There are days that I really want to run, but know I need to give my body rest instead.

So I was thrilled about the opportunity to use and review a Bowflex® TreadClimber® TC20.  The Bowflex® TreadClimber® unleashes the power of 3 workouts in 1!  It’s a great alternative to alleviate strain that can come with other workouts, but still deliver intensity and major calorie burnage! (I already know, burnage is not a word)

Action #1: Treadmill Moving belts let you WALK FORWARD like a treadmill.
Action #2: Stairclimber Unlike a treadmill, there are two indepependent “Dual-Treadles,” so you also STEP UP like a stairclimber
Action #3: Elliptical Combine these two actions and you get an extremely intense workout with the smooth, LOW-IMPACT motion of an elliptical.

The Bowflex® TreadClimber® TC20 works with two separate “treadles” or decks, rather than a long single track like a typical treadmill.  The treadles can be used flat, in a stair-step motion, or in an elliptical motion.

Today was my first day using this amazing machine, and I intend to take you all with my on my journey!

As a runner, I believe I have pretty good endurance.  One way that I measure the effectiveness of my workout is by how much I sweat.  That’s right – I want to sweat.  If I don’t, I just don’t feel like I got a good workout in.  When I run, I usually begin that sweating process around 11-12 minutes in.  So, I was surprised when I began sweating on the Bowflex® TreadClimber® around 4-5 minutes in (yes four-to-five minutes, not forty-five).  I didn’t feel like I was straining, but the sweating was a real good indication that it was doing a good job!

According to personal trainers, training on a 40% incline doubles the rate of fat burn. Incline training lets walkers get fast fitness results like runners, but without putting as much stress on their joints.

Apparently this machine offers a lot of features, which I have not begun to explore.  The TC20 is great for households with more than one user as it offers five standard workouts and 3 landmark workouts to really get the heart rate up while minimizing impact on joints.

My goal is to increase my heart rate and blood flow, while burning fat most efficiently – and to do so with the least damage or impact to my body.  Today, my workout was intense, got me sweating real good, but didn’t feel strenuous.

Since I just got this machine, I have yet to really look into all it can do but I will be exploring that in coming weeks and months, and sharing with you.  It is my hopes and intentions that one of the many things it can do, is melt my fat away though that is not one of the key features actually listed on the packaging  So, stay tuned as I climb the space needle in, moving forward and upward, in coming weeks and months!

Thanks to Nautilus for providing the opportunity to review the Bowflex® TreadClimber® TC20!

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I do supplement my diet with vitamins. I choose to do this because I know my diet does not encompass all that my body needs to operate most effectively. While I do try to eat healthy, and include vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats – as well as the a good balance of fats, carbohydrates, and protein – I know that there is benefit to adding some supplements to my regime. I have seen it work wonders myself, after drinking my IsaLean Shake, which is packed with premium nutrition that includes a balanced ratio of high-quality protein, healthy fats and energy-boosting carbohydrates. I feel immediately rejuvenated, energized, and satisfied. I have felt it when I come down with an illness and I start taking in lots of vitamin C – which noticeably shortens the duration and severity of my cold.
I do not believe that a person can replace healthy whole food with vitamins. I do believe that I can benefit from some supplementation to my diet though. One key to consider is the quality of the vitamins or supplements as well. As with most products, dietary supplements are available from poor quality to high quality – and higher quality supplements will have greater beneficial impact for the body.
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We are constantly bombarded by toxins and pollutants, which impact our health and wellness. In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all the toxins we’re exposed to, but what we can do is cleanse our bodies to help remove unwanted toxins and impurities.  Of course we want to use a cleanse that works! Isagenix© offers cleansing products which give the body the nutrition it needs to cleanse itself naturally, unlike other “cleanses” which may contain laxatives or diuretics and can deplete the body of nutrients.  Isagenix Cleanse for Life© feeds and nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, and botanicals.  This supports physical and mental performance, as well as digestive health and resistance to stress.

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