Let’s celebrate the honey bee!

I did not know this. I have local honey in my tea and I always used a metal spoon.

Did you know that one of the world’s first coins had a bee symbol?

Did you know that honey contains live enzymes?
Did you know that in contact with a metal spoon, these enzymes die? The best way to eat honey is with a wooden spoon; if you can’t find one, use a plastic spoon.

Did you know that honey contains a substance that helps the brain work better?

Did you know that honey is one of the few foods on earth that alone can sustain human life?

Did you know that bees saved people from starvation in Africa?

That a spoonful of honey is enough to keep a man alive for 24 hours?

Did you know that propolis produced by bees is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics?

Did you know that honey has no expiry date?

Did you know that the bodies of the world’s greatest emperors were buried in gold coffins, then covered in honey to prevent putrefaction?

Did you know that the term “Honeymoon” (honeymoon) comes from the fact that the bride and groom consumed honey for fertility after their marriage?

Did you know that a bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey, but for her it is the work of a lifetime.

Thank you precious bees!

Weight Gain and Cancer 

As i enter the Reintroduce phase of R3, I’ve been thinking about how diet impacts how efficiently we can manage our weight, but it is also directly linked to cancer prevention. Research shows that the higher the body mass index, the higher the risk of getting cancer.

In one of the largest studies ever done, analyzing over five million people, scientists concluded that gaining as little as 34 pounds can increase the risk of getting kidney, liver, or gallbladder cancer by 10%. The simple reason is that body fat is linked to creating hormones that increase inflammation in the body, and ultimately tumor cell growth. 

So as we are still following our 2024 goals, I decided to follow these recommendations:

  • I’m giving some thought NOW as to what PHYSICAL goals I am like to setting for 2024
  • I’m going to keep those goals in mind to help motivate me through the upcoming months

I truly believe R3 is great lifestyle plan to help lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime!

Five Low Sugar Snack Foods for To Help You Sleep Better 

  • CHERRIES —They are a natural source of melatonin, the sleep hormone that helps regulate your sleeping cycles. 
  • ALMONDS — Packed with magnesium, almonds help relax muscles an promote a sense of calm.
  • GREEK YOGURT — Full of protein an low in carbs, greek yogurt can give you a satisfying feeling without spiking your blood sugar. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep.
  • KIWI — Kiwis are packed with fiber and antioxidants, plus serotonin! This little gem is a natural mood regulator that helps calm the min and regulates sleep patterns.
  • PUMPKIN SEEDS — Loaded with zinc, they help to produce melatonin.

Happiness is a habit

How To Start Your Day With Success!

Many Life Coaches teach various techniques on starting your day off with the proper mindset. Here’s an easy concept that’s easy to remember, using the acronym BE GREAT.

B – Breathe  
Take a few deep breaths to get your blood circulating)

– Energy  
Get moving early in the day. Morning stretches, a walk or workout first thing make for a great day!

G – Gratitude  
Reflection on our blessings can change how you view things

– Read  
A great suggestion: “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield

E – Educate  
Resources like this page or my YouTube channel serve as easy and ways to grow and stretch our minds for greater benefit

A – Affirmations  
Saying positive statements daily, in the mirror, can build your self esteem

T – To Do  
Take action that will lead towards your goals. What are the biggest actions to help you reach those goals?

Just one more way to prime you for setting those 2024 goals! More to come!

Five Benefits of Green Tea 

Green Tea has always been an iconic health drink and for good reason. Check this out:

1. It can provide calm, sustained energy

Green Tea has both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid. When caffeine and L-theanine combine, they have a synergistic effect that is powerful for brain function.

2. It Protects You from Cognitive Decline 

Research shows how drinking green tea daily lowers the risk for cognitive impairment, while green tea extract enhances working memory.

3. Green Tea Is Good for Your Skin 

The polyphenolds in green tea helps to eliminate free radicals caused by pollution and UV radiation. It can also help with DNA repair and even help prevent skin cancer.

4. It Can Help with Weight Loss 

One study found that both the catechins and caffeine in green tea help support energy metabolism, which can lead to weight loss. Another found that the synergistic effect of catechins and caffeine is what drives weight loss for tea drinks.

5. Green Tea Can Protect You From Type 2 Diabetes 

It may increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Plus, evidence shows that it lowers the risk for diabetes by 18%.

This year, try rotating green tea in your morning routine!

WINTER WELLNESS SHOTS 

For those of you who juice, I got this recipe from NAMA, the company I bought my juicer from. A “Wellness Shot” is a condensed version of a cold pressed juice. This particular recipe has both ginger and turmeric which have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while lemon provides vitamin C. The black pepper is added to help your body optimally absorb the turmeric.

INGREDIENTS 
  • 1 lemon
  • 6 large carrots
  • 1-inch piece fresh turmeric
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger
  • Dash of black pepper
DIRECTIONS
  1. Wash all produce well.
  2. Peel the lemon.
  3. Add lemon, carrots, turmeric, and ginger to the juicer, then pour juice into shot glasses or small glassware and sprinkle black pepper on top of your shot. Enjoy!

Healthy Kitchen Tip 

If you take a quick glance in the fridge and under the counter, do you see tons of Tupperware and plastic containers?

Plastic containers are convenient and inexpensive, but their potential to be health-harming cannot be overstated. The major problem with plastic is that it’s been shown in studies to leach chemicals into food and drinks. The leaching effect is even greater if heat is added to the equation (like microwaving food in plastic). These chemicals that leach out into the food you eat are linked to metabolic disorders, reduced fertility, and obesity. 

BPA (short for bisphenol A) is probably the most well-known toxin in plastic. It has estrogenic activity and can cause hormonal issues, even with low-level exposure. Unfortunately, BPA-free plastic doesn’t get you off the hook because replacements for BPA have shown equal and sometimes worse effects.

So consider switching everything over to glass containers. It’s long lasting and you won’t have all those misplaced plastic tops and bottoms that haunt those of us who like to be organized!

RULES TO TEACH YOUR CHILD

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.

2. Don’t enter a pool by the stairs.

3. The man at the BBQ Grill is the closest thing to a king.

4. In a negotiation, never take the first offer.

5. Request the late check-out.

6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.

8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.

9. Play with passion or don’t play at all.

10. Always protect your siblings.

11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.

12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.

13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.

14. You marry the girl, you marry her family.

15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.

16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.

17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.

18. Never turn down a breath mint.

19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.

20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.

21. Stand on principle.

22. Eat lunch with the new kid.

23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.

24. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.

25. Manners maketh the man.

26. Give credit. Take the blame.

27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.

28. Write down your dreams.

29. Remember at times the rain must fall for us to appreciate the sun.

30. Be confident and humble at the same time.

31. Be the bridge builder.

32. If ever in doubt, remember whose Child you are and REFUSE to just be ordinary

Practice gratitude daily.

I’m reminded of this daily by a great member of my coaching group. It will boost your mental and emotional health. What healthy journey are you on today?

It’s dry skin season

In this season of dry skin, this cream saves me every time!
It is such an amazing moisturizer with wonderful healing properties.
My skin drinks it up! This one is lavender scented, too. What a relaxing fragrance!