RECIPE FOR SQUASH STEW

If you like Indian food this makes a wonderful treat for chilly days.

SQUASH STEW


INGREDIANTS

2 teaspoons coconut or olive oil
1 butternut squash about 3lbs peeled and chopped
1 medium onion chopped
2 carrots chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
1 fennel bulb, white part only, chopped
1 tsp fresh jarred ginger or 1/3 inch sliced fresh
1/2 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp curry powder
2/3 cup light coconut milk
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 tbls cilantro or parsley

DIRECTIONS

Warm a large saucepan over medium heat. Warm the oil, then add the squash, onions and carrots to the pan, and then saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the celery, fennel, and ginger to the pan, stir, and then cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softend.

Add the spices, stir and then cook for another minute

Add the coconut milk to the pan, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the stew from heat and garnish with the almonds and cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately in large bowles. Makes 4 1 1/2 cup serving..

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving size 4

Calories...296
Total Fat...16g
Cholesterol... 0g
Sodium... 89mg
Total Carbs...  31g
Dietary Fiber... 9g
Protein... 16g
 

CHOOSE HEALTH

 MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES THIS NEW YEAR! YOUR BODY AND MIND WILL THANK YOU!

HABITS

With today being the start of a new week, and with the New Year just around the corner I am making it my main focus to start the New Year with a complete change of habits. As I have been working and striving for a healthier lifestyle I still find myself struggling with some bad habits that very much can be done away with. As I think about these bad habits I have developed over the years, I have to wonder how I am going to overcome them. They say that it takes 21 days to develope a habit, so how am I going to take the old habit and turn it into a new and positive one that will benefit me. Well first thing is to recognize the habit that I no longer want or even desire. Examine the habit and how its bad for me and is'nt doing me any justice what so ever!. Then to figure out the new habit and how I can incorprate that one instead of the bad one.

So lets begin with one of my habits that I know I really need to change. That is eating when I dont need to. Ever find yourself not really hungry but because of the food being there you decide to eat it anyway. It is like the food looks at you and it calls your name and tells you to eat it. I struggle with that all the time. (Its like its totally irresistable and you just have to have it). So in light of that I must figure out why it is that I need to eat when I dont need to. Could it be emotional eating? Am I bored? What things am I thinking about when I want to eat? As I ask myself these questions I also need to look at what I have already consumed during the day. Am I close to my calorie limit? All these questions you should ask yourself. After then answering these questions, which of course the final question is going to be, Do I really need this? (and this is when you will make the ultimate choice of whether or not you will cave). If the answer is NO, that you dont really need it, and you are already close to your calorie limit, or you are eating emotionally and your bored, then what can you do to stop it? As for myself, I am going to stop, look at the food, imagine the calories that are in that food, stare at it for a few seconds and then walk away to find a big glass of water and drink that and hopefully I will in the end be content with the choice that I just made. Now for some people that may not be so easy, and for those of you that find it not as easy I strongly suggest doing some finding in yourself what you can do different. Things dont always work the same for everyone. Everyone is different, but if you do find that this works for you then I salute you and say "LETS ROCK"! The old habit can be formed into a new, and positive one. So 21 days of this constant, repetive behavior of looking and thinking and walking away and drinking water in place of the food will result in no more eating when I am not hungry and no more eating just because it is there.I think it can be done! Just need a psychological makeover when it comes to the way we think about food. As the saying goes, "You can do anything that you set your mind to". Happy New Year Everyone! :)

FREE FOR 30 DAYS!

We are quickly approaching the New Year and I know many have a New Years Resolution of wanting to lose weight and/or get healthier and here is your chance. How would you like to win a chance to try the 90 day challenge for 30 days FREE!?  All you have to do is go to my website: www.nutritionlifestyle.bodybyvi.com fill out the information and you will be entered in to win 30 days for FREE! Its easy, and simple. Deadline is January 31, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hoping that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is looking forward to the New Year. With myself alot of changes will be taking place this coming New Year and I will be very excited to venture on this new journey that awaits me. So, as we approach the New Year write out your goals  and begin to proceed after those goals so that you will achieve them. Its never to late to achieve anything. All you have to do is desire and then focus. Now with that being said; Its been an exhausting day so good night and once again Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays..yours truly.

THE GOJI BERRY..

The New Super Berry which is called the Goji berry is known for its powerful antioxidant properties.

But have you ever wondered about the health benefits of goji berries? Some say it may be the new fountain of youth. But what is the goji berry? and can it really be all that they say its cracked up to be? Here is some information on the super berry that has many health benefits.

The goji berry is a bright orange red berry that comes from China. In Asia, the berries have been eaten for generations in the hopes of living longer. It has been used to treat many common health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, and age related eye problems. Goji berries can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried and are used in herbal teas and juices. Like other berries such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and cherries that offer some definite health benefits, the goji berry is filled with powerful antioxidants that may help prevent diseases and other illnesses. It is also high in antioxidants which explain why it helps with illness and other diseases. It does this by minimizing damage from free radicals that injure cells. Antioxidants can take away the destructive power of free radicals. That is why antioxidants help reduce the risk of some diseases. Goji berries are also rich in vitamin A that may have anti aging benefits. Some research suggests that goji berry may boost brain health and help protect against Alzhiemers. Other studies have found benefits in mental health, with improvement in athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, calmness and feelings of good health.
The goji berry does have some known side effects. If you are on a anti coagulant (blood thinner) such as Warfarin (Coumadin) then it is important that you talk with your Doctor before consuming goji berries. Consuming small amounts of the berry have been known to be safe but it is still wise to talk with your Doctor first.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH THE 90 DAY CHALLENGE

Do you want to lose weight, tone up, or just get healthy? Then why not join the 90 Day
Challenge, and you will not only help yourself, but others too. Many of us are looking for a simple solution, an easy way to get in shape! Most of us have tried fad diets that left us bored, hungry, or spending hundreds of dollars on special foods. Or we bought exercise videos and equipment that didn’t tell us anything about nutrition and were not targeted toward special needs. But I can offer you a comprehensive program that will include a simple nutritional plan with recipes, menus, exercise tips and support. We have the products you need for an entire month! For 30 days you can get 60 great tasting meals for only $1.87 a meal. That is cheaper than a happy meal! And healthier! And you also will be getting all the daily nutrients your body needs.

So start the New Year off right and come join the 90 day challenge!

“6 months from now you will be glad you did”

www.nutritionlifestyle.bodybyvi.com

WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

It's crazy how we are just a few days away from Christmas and the New Year, and I bet you are already feeling a little overwhelmed. No matter how well you plan, there are always those last minute people to buy presents for, planning your meals, and parties to attend... and so on. So here are some helpful tips to get you through the holidays and to stay sane and not feel like you are going to lose your mind…

Boost your immune system with lots of vitamin C and D and be sure to allow yourself plenty of sleep.

Get plenty of exercise and time to yourself. Its easy to lose focus and neglect ourselves because it can be so hectic and busy, but you cant afford to forget about YOU! Take some personal time for yourself, even if its just a walk or light exercise. Take a nice hot bath, or read your favorite book.

Tell yourself to take a break from all the hustle and bustle when you begin to feel overwhelmed. Its ok to take some time away from everything that is going on. Don’t allow yourself to get stressed. Its ok to say “No thank you” and don’t feel bad, Its ok to say no. There are things that can be put off till tomorrow.

And most importantly spend time with your family and friends and enjoy them, tell them you love them, and Live, Laugh and Love.. J

Cheers to a healthy holiday season!!

INCORPORATING GOOD HEALTH IN CHILDREN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Some children these days get rewarded a lot for many different things. Its great that we reward our children for achievements, good behavior, and accomplishments. But generally the gifts are in the form of junk foods like chocolate, cake, toys or even candy and whatever else that can be classified as junk food. But in all this, we never think or are concerned with the health of the child. So this time around, when your children are on holidays and the schools are closed, you can plan out a time table for them which will discipline their eating habits and make them health conscious as well.

Some of the tips here will certainly help you out with your children.

Figure out the everyday activities of your child when he/she is in school and when they begin to play. Although they are on holiday vacation, the same habits should be followed everyday even during the school year and summer so that they will continue the importance of maintaining good health.

What are their favorite physical activities? At a young age the important thing is to get lot of physical activity. But children can get upset, moody and irritable so it is important you plan something that is close to normal for them because they may not be willing to do it or put their heart into it. Instead suggest sports or exercise like bike riding if there is no snow during the holiday in which they will enjoy and be willing to do. Be creative. No one knows your child better then you do so use something you know they love and introduce them to new things as well and get a feel for what they do like and don’t.

Tell your child they will receive a small treat of something they love if they accept something that is highly nutritious but taste good. Some vegetables can be bitter but carry lot of vitamins and nutrition, but very few children are not willing to eat it. So be creative in finding the veggies that they like and mixing them with a few things they may not like so much and aren’t willing to eat. Ranch dressing is perfect to mix in with veggies.

Although physical health is important, So is psychological health. Give them arts and crafts. Being creative can give you a sense of mental stability. Help them to find their creative side such as music, painting, drawing and any other type of art. This will keep them engaged, be more constructive and direct their energy in positive things.

Every now and then for a couple days try some adventurous holidays, which may include, sight seeing, a trip to the museums, the zoo and what ever other fun stuff you can think of to do. This will give them a sense of adventure and have fun.

Make sure they follow the chart that you have put together for them. If your child successfully follows all the dietary rules and exercise designed for them, they will soon follow it on their own and in the meantime will be developing healthy habits that they will follow the rest of their life.

THE STRAWBERRY BENEFIT

Strawberrys are pretty much everyones favorite berry. It has the look of enticement and is what most would call the sexual berry for its infamous chocolate covered and enticing rituals. So with the strawberry having many health benefits and it being a daily consumption of almost all homes and if taken regularly can help combat many diseases and irregularities. The following is a glimpse of the healthy benefits attached to this little red berry.

Skin cleanser: Can remove harmful toxins, use as a cleansing agent.
Improves digestion: It is effective in cases of constipation.
Relieves joint pains: the berry has shown improvement of pain caused by rheumatism and gout.
Hypertension: Known as high blood pressure. Its affects are because of the high potassium and magnesium
The Strawberry acts as a natural rich source of folic acid
Enhances sexual activities: with the high zinc content the fruit may be a natural Viagra.
Strengthens gums and teeth
Reduces the risk of developing cancer
Prevents macular degeneration
Combat depression
Heart disease
Enhances brain function    

Try consuming this wonderful berry on a regular basis for optimal health benefits. And the great thing is they taste wonderful and can be mixed in with just about anything.. 

COUPON FOR WHOLE FOODS

 

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View the Santa e-card and get access to an exclusive Buy One, Get One FREE coupon! 
 

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PAIN

Today I had spent most of my afternoon up at the ER because I somehow managed to sprain and tear some tissue in my foot. It is very painful and because of the pain I ended up awake all night practically in tears. So today I had no choice but to go to at least get it checked out to make sure I had no broken bones or a blood clot. And thankfully it was neither but all the same I am in tremendous pain where it is unbearable at times. So I just ended up coming home with a pair of crutches, a comfy foam shoe, and of course pain meds.
As for the pain meds, I am not very subject to taking pharmaceutical drugs unless it is absolutely nesseccary to do so. Therefore I have opted to fight this pain naturally with these 11 natural painkillers:

Fish oil
Olive oil
Tart cherries
Saliva
White willow bark
MSM
Boswellia
Devils Claw
Curcummin (Turmeric) 
Bromelain
Magnesium

So I will put these natural remedies to the test and so where they stand on their reputation. In the meantime I plan to get plenty of rest the next few days before Christmas arrives and to just simply take it easy..

BENEFITS OF WHEATGRASS

 

Just Some of the benefits of Wheatgrass. Its also a detoxifier for your Liver and Kidneys. At the start of the New Year I will be doing a 3 day cleanse that will consist of Wheatgrass along with Dandelion tea to cleanse my body. Stay tuned for a good and healthy cleansing diet..

COUPONS

Be sure to check out these coupons available at whole foods..

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons

A GOOD NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST FOR ON THE GO

If you dont have the time to prepare a meal at breakfast the Vi Shake is an excellent alternative. And its great for kids. Just whip together a shake for them and send them off to school. Its a meal on the go with all the healthy nutrition our bodies need.

WHY IS BREAKFAST SO IMPORTANT?

Good Morning and Rise and Shine! :)

It is time to get the day started. We all know that by starting the day it is going to require a healthy breakfast, but If you are one that likes to skip breakfast and just grab the good ole cup of joe to get you moving in the morning then it is important to read this. Breakfast is going to be the most important meal of the day. Without breakfast you will feel the effects that it has on your body throughout the day. Its even more important that children get breakfast everyday. Sending them off to school without a healthy breakfast can actually lead to learning problems and even behavioral issues.

While we adults need to eat breakfast each day to perform our best, kids need it even more. Their growing bodies and developing brains need the proper nutrition that it takes to help them grow and develope. When kids skip breakfast, they can end up going for long periods of time without food and this can create a lot of physical, learning , and behavioral problems for them. If you are always skipping breakfast to just save time, calories, or to get a few more minutes of shut eye, remember that eating a healthy morning meal will save you time in the long run. By recharging the brain and body, you will be able to perform better throughout the day. Studies have shown that kids who skip breakfast are tardy and absent from school more often than children who eat breakfast everyday. Preparing a good breakfast could be as simple as a piece of fruit if time is an issue. Taking the time to make breakfast in the morning is much more important than a few more minutes of sleep. If you and your kids seem unable to take the time for breakfast, you may want to see about getting your children in a school breakfast program, or just simply have fruit on hand or even juice that can be eaten on the way to school and work. Some people will also skip breakfast because they want to lose weight. but it will more and likely cause weight gain than weight loss. Skipping breakfast has been linked to obesity. So according to research, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make losing weight more difficult. That is because people that skip breakfast more and likely will eat more food than usual at the next meal or snack on high calorie foods to keep from feeling hungry. Studies have shown that people can accumulate more body fat when they eat less bigger meals than when they eat the same number of calories in less, more frequent meals.So the next time you decide or think about skipping breakfast just know that you will be doing your body and mind a great injustice.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTION...