Are You Determined to Live a Healthier Life?

In 2009, I made some major changes in my diet. I decided to only drink organic milk, drink more tea, take whole food supplements, walk more, only use sea salt, drink spring water and many other healthy life style changes.

Many of the changes that I made were inspired by my cousins Pierre and Ann. They shopped at the Whole Foods store and only drank organic milk. I raised the question to Pierre about drinking organic milk. I asked him, " If the government knew that regular milk was loaded with hormones that were bad for us, why do the grocery stores sale it? I prefer not to disclose his response, but it didn't make sense to me at that time, but it does now.

Another inspiration for my healthy life style changes derived from Keven Trudeau's book, The Natural Cures they don't want us to know About. Trudeau's book has been an inspiration for this blog and how I shop for my family.

A recent trip to the grocery store has inspired me to ask the Natural Living 101 readers one question....Are you determined to live a healthier life?



As I was shopping for groceries for my family on April 16, 2011, I noticed that the frozen food section was the most congested section of the grocery store. I also thought to myself, does any one cook any more?

Many frozen foods are packed with preservatives and loaded with salt. Moreover, they must be warmed in the microwave.

For a healthier life, I inspire you to eat more freshly prepared foods including: more whole grains, raw fruits & vegetables, avoid sugary drinks, drink more water and prepare your meals from scratch. Here are some examples of freshly prepared meals:

                     

Healthy Meal Ideas 

Breakfast
Oatmeal with Cinnamon & Walnuts
Strawberries
Coffee sweetened with Raw sugar or Water

Lunch
Romaine Lettuce Chicken Salad with Cucumbers
Whole Grain Garlic Crackers
Slice of Watermelon
Bottle Water

Snack
Low Fat Yogurt
Blueberries

Dinners
Smothered Chicken Breast with Green pepper and Red Onion
Romaine lettuce salad with tomatoes
Brown Rice
Canteloupe
Spring Water

What are your plans to make healthier choices for your family? How has this blog post inspired you to live a healthier life?

To Your Health!

Shiketa

Feel free to subscribe to my Child Care Center (Learning Days)  Healthy Family e-Newsletter

Stress and a Lack of B-Vitamins Causes Premature Graying

Oh No not another gray strand!

I found my first strand of gray hair at the age  of 18. I tried to hide it with hair color or I would simply pull it out. As I matured I still had that same strand of gray hair. One day a good friend of mine told me that gray hair is due to a lack of copper in the body.

I recently, was reading a Health Newsletter written by Jordan Rubin. The topic of the newsletter was, "Gray Hair." In the newsletter Rubin wrote: Stress is not ruled out, however, is a factor in premature gray. In fact, when the body undergoes physical or emotional stress, the B vitamins and other key nutrients are the first ones to be depleted. Among other effects, a shortage of B vitamins is linked to hair discoloration and graying.



I must say that at the age of 37, I do have more gray hair and I have experienced massive amounts of stress while operating a very busy child care center with employees. It's fun and very rewarding, but sometimes can be very stressful.

After reading Rubin's article, I will be going to the whole foods store to pick up more B-Vitamins to help my body naturally fight off stress and buy more whole foods that contain plenty of B-Vitamins.

Hopefully the gray when come when it is time to come. I am looking forward to my silver glory, but not now!
Check out Jordan's entire article.

I am looking forward to reading your comments or connecting with you on Facebook or Twitter!

To Your Health,
Shiketa
 
Recommended Reading
Natural Relaxation Rememdies
Whole food supplements for your skin and hair

3 Natural Ways to More Focus





Coffee or caffeine drinks seem to be the popular fix for a lack of focus or a fuzzy mind. However, natural supplements can offer a more sustainable boost and here are some natural supplements that will help to increase your ability to focus:

1. Magnesium-an essential mineral that is found in whole grains, dark vegetables, legume nuts and seeds. Magnesium helps support healthy nerves and enzyme function for better focus. * Recommended dose: 150-200 mg/day
2. B-Complex helps to promote proper brain function. Research shows that B vitamins can decrease the risk of Alzheimers and dementia. * Recommended dose: 50 mg/day
3. Ginkgo biloba dilates blood vessels in the brain, improves circulation and enhances memory. * Recommended Dose: 120 mg/day

If you have already tried any of the supplements listed above, feel free to share your experience.


* Consult your physician before starting any new supplement regimen