Healthy Habits

Figuring Out Food Labels

"Puzzling Food Labels--What you see on the front of the packaging doesn't always reveal what's really inside."  The article points to how confusing messages on food packaging can be and how as consumers we've become overwhelmed with misleading health claims.

I'm so thankful that Shaklee products are clinically tested for efficacy and purity!  The products are Always Safe, Always Work and Always Green.

Plenty of companies claim their products work. But at Shaklee, we have proof. You see it in the over 100 scientific papers, 90 of them published in peer-reviewed journals, that prove the effectiveness of Shaklee products. You see it in the over $250 million invested in clinical testing, research, and development. And you see it in the 2007 Landmark Studyconducted in collaboration with researchers from the U.C. Berkeley School of Public Health that showed that people who took Shaklee supplements had markedly better health than those who took a single multivitamin or no supplements at all.

Linked Article By Rebecca Ruiz, Forbes

My Battle with Losing Weight

Okay.  Today is the day.  I have been pondering the idea of sharing my weight loss story for some time and am finally getting it down in words.

I have struggled off and on with my weight all my life.  I know I'm not alone in this struggle but sometimes it feels that way.  I've been through the ups and downs. The liking myself--hating myself esteem issue.  Feeling BAD and GUILTY about something I ate.  Eating more because I felt BAD and GUILTY!  Feeling like I might as well not bother about what I eat because I'm too depressed about how heavy I am.  Knowing I can always start tomorrow--so I pig out to celebrate my starting tomorrow!  And with the added weight comes the sore back, sore feet, and more stress. (I'm not even going to mention the variety of cloth sizes in my closet!)

FINALLY I get so sick and tired of feeling this way that I make a promise to myself to never be this heavy ever again.  I promise myself, and others, that I'm going to make a change.  I'm going to lose weight and keep it off.  I know I'm not alone here either, but knowing that doesn't make my task easier.

I found a fantastic weight management program to help me reach my goal.  Shaklee has a program called Cinch.  The products are clinically tested (only products I'd consider).  The other great thing about them is they target the fat--not muscle.  This helps keep my metabolism (what's left of it) working better.  I had excellent results a few years ago.  In a short period of time I lost 10 pounds.  You might be thinking so what--10 pounds.  BUT--I lost 15 inches!  The fat just dropped off!  AND I was able to keep the weight off by continuing to use the products.  It was a lifestyle change--not just a short term program.

Then I got in a car wreck.  I wasn't hurt badly, but was restricted from exercising for awhile.  Well, the pounds went back on.  I was upset about my circumstances and I let it get to me.  I was angry that I couldn't do the things I loved--like play tennis and garden.  I was tired of the physical therapy and the continued pain.  I let that anger fester and the weight increase. When I tried to do more, I just hurt more.  Sound familiar?

Okay.  So late this spring I put my foot down (again) and I got help.  I hired a personal trainer to help me exercise safely.  For me, exercising is key to keeping my weight down.  I have always had the Cinch program to help me with my food choices and Cinch Club online for support and education.  I started slowly, with a goal to play tennis by the end of the summer.

Well, so far so good.  I have been able to gradually increase my exercise level, I've been eating well--not hungry at all, and the weight is coming off.  I've lost over 15 pounds and numerous inches since June. I can fit in my "mom" jeans again! 

It's really been about more than the weight.  More than the exercise.  It's a continuing journey to create a better, healthier me.  My plan is to continue to share (shorter) stories about my journey.  Feel free to contribute your stories as well in comments.  I know we can gain support from each other's messages.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

I get a lot of questions from women about their health during pregnancy.  What to do--what not to do.  What is safe--what is not. 

Here's another great article from healthychild.org with 10 tips to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.  The article outlines ways to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals in your food, home and environment.

Best to consider the following tips before you get pregnant.  AND don't forget dad!  His health is important, too.

healthychild.org.

Feeding Baby Green

Mon, Sept 28th at 1 pm ET: Dr. Alan Greene, Stanford pediatrician, will talk about nutrition for pregnancy and young children, baby food purity (homemade versus conventional), BPA in containers, packaging, bottles and jars and how we get kids to like healthy foods from an early age. Come with your questions for Dr. Greene!

Go to www.themotherhood.com and join the chat.

Dr. Alan Greene is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, the President of the Society for Participatory Medicine, on the board of directors of Healthy Child Healthy World and the Organic Center. He is the author of many popular health and parenting books including Raising Baby Green and Feeding Baby Green.

Preserving Health--Preventing Disease

Exciting Event!

October 24th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Inn at Chester Springs--Exton, PA

Dr. Richard Brouse is a biochemist, chiropractic physician and Board Certified Nutritionist. 

He founded Sunnyside Health Care in Portland, OR in 1977, where many have regained a greater measure of health by following his recommendations. He is a widely recognized teacher, author and lecturer on health preservation and disease prevention.  

Dr. Brouse will be speaking on a wide variety of health topics, such as The Immune System (protecting against N1H1 Virus and more), Stress, Depression and Anxiety – how to support the body through better nutrition, and Resveratrol’s Anti-Aging Benefits.

Registration is limited.  Click here for registration information.

 

Organic Milk Linked to Fewer Allergies

Though they don't specifically know why, a recent study suggests choosing organic dairy products results in fewer incidences of allergies and eczema.

ecochildsplay.com.

Written by Julie Knapp

Published on September 15th, 2009

Posted in Health

Importance of Hand Washing

This article points out an additional benefit of hand washing.  Hand washing does more than remove dirt and germs--it helps to reduce the exposure to toxic chemicals.

healthychild.org.

Article taken from www.healthychild.org. 

Stapleton, HM, SM Kelley, JG Allen, MD McClean and TF Webster. Measurement of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on hand wipes: Estimating exposure from hand-to-mouth contact. Environmental Science and Technology. 2008; 42(9):3329-3334.

Last reviewed February 2009. As research is on-going, you may want to check several sources for the latest information.

Your Body Burden

What's your Body Burden? Click on the link to take a short test to get an idea of the level of pollutants in your body. (A true body burden test would require 17 vials of blood, a urine sample and a lot of money!)

www.greengoeswitheverything.com.

Also--I highly recommend Sloan's book, Green Goes with Everything. It's a simple read packed with information and tips on how to green up your life. It covers areas such as the home, baby, body, food, water, air and energy---just about covers everything!

Healthy Eating

Great interactive guide healthychild.org. for healthy eating choices, recipes, tips from experts, etc.

There is so much stuff out there in the news about obesity, chemical contaminants, food recalls, and allergies--it's difficult sometimes to feel you're making the right choices.  This information will help you simplify what has become a complicated issue!  Learn how to make food fun, affordable, eco-friendly, and fast (one of my favorites!). 

SIGG water bottles with BPA

Here's an article about SIGG water bottles containing BPA. Read this--especially if you purchased an aluminum SIGG bottle prior to August 2008.  http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/the_sigg_storm_-_confessions_of_a_bpa_user/

SIGG does sell stainless steel bottles--one of the safest choice out there.

Article posted on Healty Child Times, http://healthychild.org/blog. 

Visit their blog for other great articles, such as Eco-Healthy Back to School Guide, 3 Shocking Facts about the Air in Your Home and Deals and Discounts on Healthy Foods.