If you’ve ever been on a diet and failed, you will love how simple this is.
You are not required to weigh food, measure, count calories or keep a journal.
I love that it’s not a diet. Most of all I love my results and how I feel!
So glad I took a chance, I’ll never go back. Its all about healthy choices.
Do we kiss or drink coffee?
Why, we drink coffee first, of course!
Especially since we drink what must be the best coffee ever!
There’s no bitter aftertaste, nothing added, no chemical processing, just 100% Arabica Coffee beans from Colombia. Delicious!
It doesn’t need to be a National Coffee Day for us to be excited about our coffee. We get excited to drink Mountain Cabin Coffee every morning and every evening!
Now where is that Valentine’s morning Kiss?
#CoffeeLovers #MountainCabinCoffee #GetYourOwnBag #NationalCoffeeDay #InternationalCoffeeDay
American girls are now going through puberty significantly earlier than in prior decades and this trend has been linked to physiological and psychological risks. Factors thought to drive early puberty include: obesity, toxic stress, and environmental elements.
A recent landmark study focused on one particular type of environmental element — chemicals in household items. A long-running study on mothers and children published in Human Reproduction determined that the onset of female puberty is associated with exposure to commonly used chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and the antibacterial agent triclosan.
These products can be found in personal care products, some brands of perfumes, cosmetics, and toothpaste. The same result was not found in populations of boys, whose timing of puberty was also examined in this study.
University of California, Berkeley associate professor Kim Harley, Ph.D reported that researchers have known for the past 15 to 20 years that girls are entering puberty at an earlier age than they used to in the past. Obesity certainly plays a role in that, but now science has shown that the hormone-disrupting chemicals that are in our homes and in our environment could be an additional factor that’s contributing to this.
While it’s too soon to say conclusively whether these widely used chemicals are definitively causing early puberty, we need to pay attention to these chemicals and studies are starting to have enough information about them to certainly be concerned.
Discovering the cause of early puberty is important to scientists because the phenomenon is linked to a higher risk of developing depression, a greater risk for teen pregnancy, and an increased likelihood of developing diseases like breast cancer and heart disease.
The new study’s conclusions are based on data on pregnant women and the children they gave birth to who were enrolled in the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas study between 1999 and 2000. When the women were at around 14 and 27 weeks’ gestation they gave the scientists consent to examine their urine samples for concentrations of phthalates, parabens, and phenols.
After the women gave birth, the team collected urine samples and evaluated the pubertal development of the resulting 179 girls and 159 boys. Every nine months between the ages of 9 and 13, scientists checked in to see how puberty was affecting the children. Overall, 90 percent of the urine samples showed concentrations of all the tested compounds. That was only detected in the 73 percent of the samples of pregnant mothers and 69 percent of samples taken from the nine-year old girls.
Mothers whose samples contained diethyl phthalate and triclosan had daughters that entered puberty earlier. For every doubling of triclosan in the mother’s urine, the timing of the girls’ first menstrual period shifted by just under a month and for every doubling in the samples for an indicator for phthalates, the development of girls’ pubic hair shifted by 1.3 months earlier. The urine samples taken from 9-year old girls revealed that, for every doubling in concentrations of parabens, the timing of the breast and pubic hair development, as well as their first period, happened one month earlier on average.
One reason these chemicals may affect puberty is because all of them are known endocrine disruptors. Previous studies on animals and humans have demonstrated that endocrine disruptors have the capacity to mimic, block, or otherwise interfere with the body’s hormones. They can bind to hormone receptors, such as estrogen receptors, and influence changes in our bodies. These chemicals can impact development, particularly if the exposure is happening in utero, and t research from human studies show that they may also impact development.
The difficulty in sharing the study’s results is that for now all they can say is that these are “chemicals of concern.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention readily acknowledges that there’s widespread exposure to phthalates and parabens, with the majority of Americans who are tested containing evidence of these chemicals in their urine. However, the agency states that finding a measurable amount of these chemicals does “not imply that they cause an adverse health effect.”
Harley hopes that regulators look at studies like hers when they move forward in conducting policy decisions and regulations. As of now, she explains, there’s no established benchmark level that states when it’s no longer safe to be exposed to these chemicals. It’s not illegal to have them in personal care products because the science isn’t strong enough to say that they absolutely cause adverse health effects. They are controversial chemicals, and about 70 percent of Americans have them inside their bodies.
These chemicals are basically ubiquitous. Regulation isn’t really there, but for people who are concerned, there are things that can be done. The advice is simple: Reduce exposure to chemicals of concern by changing the personal care products that you use and by purchasing products that don’t contain them.
So if you’re like me and pay attention to labels and ingredients, you may be concerned about the health and well being of your families, and arre careful about what you bring into your home. Switching to products that are formulated with natural, biodegradable ingredients and contain no harsh chemicals means they’re safer for your children, family, your home, and the environment.
For starters, who wants to be told how to live and survive? For me, I would rather have control over my health and THRIVE. I remember the days of suffering when I was so frustrated and had a laundry list of symptoms.
I felt like I was just a number or file at the doctor’s office. I was receiving no answers just methods to temporarily “mask symptoms” that were causing more symptoms. I was at such a loss and just wanted to live a normal life.
The moment I decided I was done and set out to discover what I needed to do for my own unique body, I felt free. It took a long time, a lot of self care, a strong support system, lots of education and discovery. I had to discover a lot about myself and through that process I discovered ME. How many people wait until they are sick to go to the doctor?
I’m not judging; I was one of them. When I discovered holistic health, functional medicine and prevention, it changed my life.
When I discovered the unique foods that nourished my body, I felt empowered and healthy.
When I discovered the importance of self care, I felt loved.
I chose food and a lifestyle change as my medicine and healthcare. This message is not meant to criticize or stir up politics, but empower you to take a stance in your health.
In discovering the things that are designed for your own beautiful bio-individuality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your health. Don’t be afraid to stand up and take responsibility for your journey.
I hear (and have felt myself) frustrations, I see people suffering and the lives I want to help change. It took me years to discover what healthy looks like–in all aspects of the wellness wheel. It’s more than just what we eat and exercise.
I became a holistic health & wellness coach to help others live a balanced healthy life with less time, frustration and lack of understanding. To help others on their healing journey- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
I encourage you to listen to your body, grow your knowledge and understanding, bump up your self care tank, work on a mindset shift and discover your own beautiful live life!
Your little old soup making grandma who claimed chicken soup would cure what ails you was right as studies show many soups also have medicinal purposes. What was once considered a wives’ tale, chicken soup now has the backing of the scientific community with helping relieve the symptoms of the common cold. Scientists believe that a bowl of the soup may reduce inflammation of the lungs. It is thought that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause the inflammation.
So break out that bowl and spoon! Umm, ummm, good!
When people decide to get a healthier lifestyle many start with looking at their diet and removing unhealthy items, switching out carbohydrates and in some cases avoiding carbohydrates entirely.
Avoiding carbs completely is probably the worst thing you can do, you need some sure cutting out breads, pastas and cereals is a start, but what carbs can you keep to benefit for your health?
Here is a short list that includes 15 starchy or complex carb foods:
Vegetables: All of them, especially pumpkin, butternut squash and fresh beets. It is best to eat a variety of vegetables every day.
Whole fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, strawberries, berries, etc.
Tubers: White potatoes with skin, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
Legumes: Lentils, kidney beans, peas, peanuts, etc.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, etc. Avoid Brazil nuts.
Seeds: Chia seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Whole grains: Choose grains that are truly whole, as in 100% whole wheat bread, 100% whole wheat pasta, pure oats oatmeal, couscous, brown rice, Basmati (a long grain rice) etc.
Tubers: White potatoes with skin, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.
Cereals: Oatmeal (old-fashioned or steel cut), Cream of rice hot cereal, multigrain hot cereal, barley, oats, rye, triticale, and a few others)
In an ideal world, I’d bet all of us would love to have more consistency in our sleep schedule. Half of adults don’t get enough shut-eye, with many admitting to lying awake at night fretting about their worries. I know it’s a struggle for me to get six to seven hours that help me feel my best. I am trying to get seven to eight hours every night and it seems the key is to have a wind down routine.
Even if its brief — just five minutes — having that routine will mentally prepare for and prioritize sleep. It also prompts an interesting mindset switch of sleep: you will begin to discover you can prepare for sleep in the same way that you prepare for physical training.
Having a regular routine, and the same bedtime each night, are important components of healthy sleep practices. I try to keep my own routine regular and make it a priority to get at least seven hours of sleep. I turn off the light by about 10. It’s important to have a bit of a buffer from the chaos of our day, and to wind down and relax to allow you to get that quality of rest you need.
It’s also a good idea to set a reminder alarm on your phone to remind you when to start to wind down and to stay on target for bedtime. If you set the alarm for a half-hour before bedtime, when it goes off, it will trigger the reminder that you have 30 minutes to wrap up your day and send that last email, pay the bill you’ve been meaning to pay all day and get a to-do list for the next day sorted.
For some people about an hour before bedtime, they will have warm tea and read or a bit of prayer or gratitude quiet time to wind down. Researchers at the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading per day can reduce stress levels by 68%. Reading can also improve your memory and increase your productivity.
In the chaos of the day, it’s good to have a designated quiet time. Many say it’s the little bit of the day they look forward to, because it gives a chance to relax and reflect.
Research shows that powering down technology to minimize exposure to blue light — which can negatively impact sleep quality is vital.. Scientists now know blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that tells the body it’s time for sleep.
It’s a good idea to get off of all devices—physically flip over your phone so it goes into ‘Do not disturb’ mode.
You can also do stretch and breathing exercises. Do breathing exercises in a dimly lit, cool, quiet room to prepare for sleep. Even though stretching is active, you can partner the deep breathing exercises with it to activate your parasympathetic system and start the transition to sleep.
Next, focus on your sleep environment Most people don’t give much thought to the aesthetics of their snoozing space, but you’d be surprised how big of a difference it makes — keep it quiet, dark and cool — since research shows that is a factor. Research also shows that things like fresh sheets can easily make your slumbering experience better, and 71% of people surveyed said they sleep better when their sheets are clean. To give yourself the best chance of a good night’s sleep, consider your bed as a place for sleep and sleep alone – most nights at least.
Then, stick to the same wind-down routine because that consistency helps, although it’s not just about what we do in the evening. Sleep quality is also about the choices that we make during the day.
If you plan on taking a power nap during the day, try to be mindful of the length —aim for 20 to 30 minutes and limit caffeine or alcohol intake, since research shows that the latter can harm REM sleep.
All those things really contribute to how you’re going to sleep at night, along with what you do the hour before bed.
As winter kicks into high gear, we need to remember to keep our skin from withering under the harshest of elements. The dropping temperatures outside and rising thermostats inside sap the amount of moisture in the air—and our skin is first to notice the fluctuating temps and humidity.
Here are a few recommendations to help keep skin hydrated throughout the winter. When the chill sets in, avoid the temptation to take those long, luxurious, hot showers. The heat strips skin of its natural oils (called ceramides) and causes inflammation. The hot shower also causes the skin cells to swell, so, when they dry, they become loose and crack. Instead, take shorter, lukewarm showers and use gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps with surfactants and claims of pH balance can be harsh on the skin—and don’t scrub! Be tender and let the water and lather do the work.
If you have dry, cracked skin, look for a cream or ointment with light petrolatum, allantoin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – the natural fats that bind the skin cell tiles.
After bathing, pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Rubbing causes more irritation and inflammation. With the door closed to keep the humidity in, add a moisturizer. When dressing, wear layers. The closest layer should be made of natural fibers. Soft fabrics like flannel and cotton cause little to no irritation compared to synthetic materials. Layers also are more effective against cold weather.
Winter skin relief comes many forms. Our skin needs hydration at night, too. Adding humidity to the air with a cool mist humidifier will not only hydrate your skin but will also provide a more restful sleep.
I love my Mountain Cabin coffee and drink a cup or more daily. Growing up ideas on coffee have changed many times. Some years coffee was good for you with it’s energy boosting caffeine, then it was bad for you, too much caffeine was unhealthy and every few years the position would revert good to bad or bad to good. All I know I wasn’t giving up my coffee, I was sticking to caffeinated, black coffee and drinking in moderation. Most recently, coffee has been back on the “nice” list because it contains antioxidants that are good for us all.
Now there is a new study released by the University of California-Irvine that claims coffee and alcohol could help us live past 90. It claims moderate alcohol and coffee consumption could be linked to living a longer life. Started in 2003, “The 90+ Study” examined 1,600 participants of the “oldest-old” age group, to determine the key factors to living to 90 years of age and beyond. The study is one of the world’s largest examinations of the age group, which is also the fastest-growing in the U.S., the publishers of the study claim. According to the research, “people who drank moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee lived longer than those who abstained.” Somewhat surprisingly, the study also claims that “people who were overweight in their 70s lived longer than normal or underweight people did.”
There are other studies that claim that having a healthy coffee habit can help you live longer, as well as studies that report moderate alcohol consumption is the key to a long life. Perhaps combining these two things is the fountain of youth. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that drinking up to eight cups of coffee a day, even decaf, could prevent premature death.
A new study of nearly half a million people in the United Kingdom suggests a lower risk of death was associated with drinking more coffee, including among coffee drinkers who have eight or more cups per day, in both slow and fast metabolizers of caffeine, and in drinkers of ground, instant, and decaffeinated coffee.
The results come with a warning to interpret them with caution because they are based on observational data and cannot prove causation,” a press release about the August 2018 study explained. While a straight line can’t be definitively drawn between coffee and living longer, these types of studies certainly make a case for dedicating more resources to researching the properties of coffee and alcohol.
The critical word in all of this is “moderate” consumption, which the Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines as up to one alcoholic drink (containing 14 grams of pure alcohol) per day for women, and two for men.
As to whether or not casual alcohol consumption can help you live longer, an analysis of 87 studies about the topic published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs reported that there is no direct evidence that drinkers live longer than non-drinkers. Basically, it’s really not clear what will help you see your 90th birthday.
However, if you enjoy coffee, go ahead and drink it. If you like to have a few drinks a week, it’s probably not going to hurt you. However, if neither of these things are your jam, there’s no reason to start consuming them now.
All I know I’m sticking with my Mountaiin Cabin Coffee and wine with dinner.
How about you?
It’s cold and flu season and there are so many things you can do to strengthen your immune system.
I haven’t had a major cold or flu in years. I attribute that to my move out of a mold infested house, a healthy lifestyle and my Peak Performance multi-vitamins. Lifestyle and taking care of yourself does make a difference.
Here is a simple guide to maintaining health throughout the cold and flu season.
Happy Wellness Wednesday!
#wellnesswednesday #keephealthy
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