Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy...
Alright, I had to find out what all the fuss was about! More and more lately, I have been hearing about drinking lemon water first thing in the morning, for it's many health benefits. I know, it makes my lips pucker and my eyes squint too. But, this morning was Day 4 for me!
The benefits of lemon water are actually quite surprising. Lemons are naturally loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, pectin fiber and limonene, all of which promote immunity and help to fight infection. Lemons are also a natural antibacterial and antiviral and act as a digestive aid and liver cleanser.
Think that's impressive? Check out this laundry list of health benefits:
~Balances pH
~Boosts immune system
~Aids in digestion
~Natural diuretic
~Aids in weight loss
~Helps purify and stimulate the liver
~Helps to flush out toxins
~Controls the speeding of unhealthy bacteria in the gut
~Purifies blood
~Helps to reduce pain & inflammation in joints and knees
~Can help to cure the common cold
~Can help dissolve gall bladder stones
~Prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne
~Reduces mucus
~Has alkalizing effect on the body
~Helps replenish body salts, especially after workouts
~Nourishes brain cells
~Energizes you and enhances your mood!
~Freshens your breath
~Promotes healing
~Relieves tooth pain and gingivitis
~Hydrates the lymph system
Can your coffee do that? Didn't think so. So here's what you do to get started:
*Set yourself up for success: the night before, wash your lemon (preferably organic) and have it sitting on your counter with your lemon juice squeezer outer (yes, that's what it's called). Get out your trusty coffee mug or glass of choice.
*First thing in the morning, slice that baby into quarters (or halves if you prefer it stronger). Then pop it into the squeezer outer.
*Warm at least 8 oz of purified water. Now, you don't need the stuff to be scalding hot, just slightly warm. If you prefer, you can leave a glass of water sit out overnight and drink it at room temperature.
*Squeeze that lemon into the water.
*Drink up and enjoy it's many health benefits.
So the next time life hands you lemons, squeeze those bad boys into some water and nourish your body.
This site is dedicated to the clean eater & green living being in training. We may not always buy all organic, we might eat meat, we might love peanut M&M's but we're still trying to eat clean and healthy and make better choices. Learn more about healthy choices, substitutions, good recipes, homemade household products, beauty tips and so much more. It's all about baby steps, and making even that one choice a day that gets us to our goal.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
My 12 Step Program
That's right, I have a 12 step program. It's most likely not the usual 12 step program you've heard of though!
My 12 step program consists of making one change per month, for the next year, to better your health or life. I know, it sounds pretty simple and may not even seem like a challenge to you. However, it can be just as hard to start a good, new habit as it is to quit a bad one, and statistics show it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Seems like a long time, doesn't it?
So, my challenge for you is to add, or take away, at least one thing per month to better yourself. Examples? I thought you'd never ask! Here are some things that you could try:
~Begin drinking a green smoothie daily
~Start drinking lemon water every morning
~Drink more water throughout the day (maybe add an additional glass)
~Add a fruit and veggie to each meal
~Swap your morning coffee (of afternoon soda!) for a lemon water, smoothie, water or tea
~Begin supplements like fish oil, probiotics, etc and take them daily
~Eat coconut oil daily
~Drink Apple Cider Vinegar daily
~Add a source of Omega-3 each day
~Begin each day with 5 things you are thankful for
~Go to bed! Work towards getting at least 8 hours of sleep, with as many as possible before 12am
~ Get active! Try and add some kind of physical exercise each day, or at minimum 3-4 times per week. Even if you are bound to a desk job like me, get up every hour and stretch, walk around the office, or go up and down stairs a few times. Heck, even do a few jacks, squats or wall push-ups!
~Swap your fast food lunch for something homemade, or a salad (this saves you $$ too)
~Quit smoking!
~Stop drinking soda, whether it's diet or regular. Did you know, that just one soda per day for a year equals 10 lbs?! Can you imagine how many calories you'd save, especially if you drink more than one? Not to mention all the yuckies that soda contains!
Now step back and take a look at all of those changes. Sure, it's pretty overwhelming when you look at all of them in a list. But break it down and look at one at a time and it seems much more do-able, doesn't it? And that's exactly how you can set yourself up for success, and the path to a healthier life style. Choose one thing each month (or two if you're ambitious!), and implement it into your every day. Then next month, choose something else. Next thing you know, it's a year down the road and you've made TWELVE major changes to improve your health! Good job, you!
And this is the exact reason and heart and soul behind this blog. I want to show everyone that changing your lifestyle doesn't have to be this sudden 180 where suddenly your favorite foods are out the window and you're on a hourly alarm clock schedule for your next healthy task. Granted a health issue may warrant this. But the average person can very easily get on this path and move at their own pace to better their health and lifestyle. My philosophy has always been a very popular quote that I most likely saw while spell bound by Pinterest...."A year from now, you'll wish you started today".
My 12 step program consists of making one change per month, for the next year, to better your health or life. I know, it sounds pretty simple and may not even seem like a challenge to you. However, it can be just as hard to start a good, new habit as it is to quit a bad one, and statistics show it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Seems like a long time, doesn't it?
So, my challenge for you is to add, or take away, at least one thing per month to better yourself. Examples? I thought you'd never ask! Here are some things that you could try:
~Begin drinking a green smoothie daily
~Start drinking lemon water every morning
~Drink more water throughout the day (maybe add an additional glass)
~Add a fruit and veggie to each meal
~Swap your morning coffee (of afternoon soda!) for a lemon water, smoothie, water or tea
~Begin supplements like fish oil, probiotics, etc and take them daily
~Eat coconut oil daily
~Drink Apple Cider Vinegar daily
~Add a source of Omega-3 each day
~Begin each day with 5 things you are thankful for
~Go to bed! Work towards getting at least 8 hours of sleep, with as many as possible before 12am
~ Get active! Try and add some kind of physical exercise each day, or at minimum 3-4 times per week. Even if you are bound to a desk job like me, get up every hour and stretch, walk around the office, or go up and down stairs a few times. Heck, even do a few jacks, squats or wall push-ups!
~Swap your fast food lunch for something homemade, or a salad (this saves you $$ too)
~Quit smoking!
~Stop drinking soda, whether it's diet or regular. Did you know, that just one soda per day for a year equals 10 lbs?! Can you imagine how many calories you'd save, especially if you drink more than one? Not to mention all the yuckies that soda contains!
Now step back and take a look at all of those changes. Sure, it's pretty overwhelming when you look at all of them in a list. But break it down and look at one at a time and it seems much more do-able, doesn't it? And that's exactly how you can set yourself up for success, and the path to a healthier life style. Choose one thing each month (or two if you're ambitious!), and implement it into your every day. Then next month, choose something else. Next thing you know, it's a year down the road and you've made TWELVE major changes to improve your health! Good job, you!
And this is the exact reason and heart and soul behind this blog. I want to show everyone that changing your lifestyle doesn't have to be this sudden 180 where suddenly your favorite foods are out the window and you're on a hourly alarm clock schedule for your next healthy task. Granted a health issue may warrant this. But the average person can very easily get on this path and move at their own pace to better their health and lifestyle. My philosophy has always been a very popular quote that I most likely saw while spell bound by Pinterest...."A year from now, you'll wish you started today".
Friday, January 24, 2014
Cookoo for Coconut Oil!
It's true...I can't help it, I'm addicted to coconut oil! I could go on and on for days about why and all of it's uses and benefits, but I'll get to that later in a more in depth post. Oh, and make sure you buy organic, virgin coconut oil. Cold press refined means it has no scent or flavor, and unrefined means it has a luxurious coconut smell and even richer taste.
For now, since it's Friday, we'll do a Friday Top Five:
My Top 5 Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil
5) Moisturizer: use a small amount to slather on after a shower all over (best used right away while your pores are still open), or just on your face. This also works great on your feet followed by clean socks. Give it a while and your feet with be oh so smooth.
4) Cooking! Use a little coconut oil in place of butter or another oil when cooking, or for topping your food like veggies or potatoes. Mmm (use the refined)
3)Baking: Replace the oil, butter or shortening called for in your recipe with coconut oil. For this you can actually use the refined or regular. The unrefined will actually add a slight hint of rich coconut. Here is a link for converting to coconut oil: http://www.coconutoil-online.com/Recipes_and_Tips_for_Using_Coconut_Oil.html
2) Face Wash: Oh yes. I just switched to using coconut oil in place of my face wash and can I just say, where have you been all my life?! Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial so not only does it moisturize your face, it also cleans out your pores. And that's exactly why you miraculously don't break out from putting oil on your face. Or how putting OIL on your face clears up your complexion. Weird, right?
1) Oh yes, my number uno pick....Hair Mask! I have been masking my hair with coconut oil almost weekly for a few months now. Talk about a major difference! As a long hair kinda gal, my ends can get a little abused. Alright, they're super abused from all the coloring, geez! I pay extra attention while masking to cover the ends. The coconut oil adds moisture to your hair and scalp but yet won't leave you looking like you're day 4 post shower. Eew. When I mask, I simply brush my hair to unravel the curls and make sure I'm tangle free. Then I melt the coconut oil (never melt in the micro, only melt in a bowl, inside a bowl of warm water like a double boiler), and apply from scalp to end. I throw my hair in a top knot then sport a very fashionable shower cap for a minimum half hour. Shampoo and condition like normal and prepare yourself for amazing locks!
For now, since it's Friday, we'll do a Friday Top Five:
My Top 5 Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil
5) Moisturizer: use a small amount to slather on after a shower all over (best used right away while your pores are still open), or just on your face. This also works great on your feet followed by clean socks. Give it a while and your feet with be oh so smooth.
4) Cooking! Use a little coconut oil in place of butter or another oil when cooking, or for topping your food like veggies or potatoes. Mmm (use the refined)
3)Baking: Replace the oil, butter or shortening called for in your recipe with coconut oil. For this you can actually use the refined or regular. The unrefined will actually add a slight hint of rich coconut. Here is a link for converting to coconut oil: http://www.coconutoil-online.com/Recipes_and_Tips_for_Using_Coconut_Oil.html
2) Face Wash: Oh yes. I just switched to using coconut oil in place of my face wash and can I just say, where have you been all my life?! Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial so not only does it moisturize your face, it also cleans out your pores. And that's exactly why you miraculously don't break out from putting oil on your face. Or how putting OIL on your face clears up your complexion. Weird, right?
1) Oh yes, my number uno pick....Hair Mask! I have been masking my hair with coconut oil almost weekly for a few months now. Talk about a major difference! As a long hair kinda gal, my ends can get a little abused. Alright, they're super abused from all the coloring, geez! I pay extra attention while masking to cover the ends. The coconut oil adds moisture to your hair and scalp but yet won't leave you looking like you're day 4 post shower. Eew. When I mask, I simply brush my hair to unravel the curls and make sure I'm tangle free. Then I melt the coconut oil (never melt in the micro, only melt in a bowl, inside a bowl of warm water like a double boiler), and apply from scalp to end. I throw my hair in a top knot then sport a very fashionable shower cap for a minimum half hour. Shampoo and condition like normal and prepare yourself for amazing locks!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Welcome Friends!
Welcome and thank you for visiting my very first blog, and very first post! The reason I am starting this blog, is because I think...err hope that there are more people out there like me! And by like me, I mean trying to eat cleaner, make smarter choices, get a little "crunchy" and improve overall health for mind, body and spirit.Over the last year or so, I have been learning more and more about the cleaner lifestyle. Am I one of those skinny girls that's converted to 100% raw vegan, runs 97 miles per day and only buys pure organic products or makes my own while sipping my green juice? No. Gosh no. Not by a long shot actually. I am not skinny, I only run when being chased, and quite frankly...I can't afford to buy pure organic everything! I'm just a woman that's learning how to make better food & lifestyle choices and doing the very best I can, with what I can.
It can get overwhelming, boy can it ever. It seems each day there's something new I read about or hear about is good for you or bad for you, only to be contradicted by the next person. Last April I started my first green smoothie challenge, only to read critic after critic posting warnings of the sugar content from the fruit, the carbs, the calories, or the candida overgrowth it could cause...Canda-what?! Here I thought I was doing something good, no GREAT, for my body by adding all these fruits and veggies to my daily diet, and now these people are warning me against it? Warning me against eating TOO MANY veggies or fruits? Talk about making me scratch my head and wonder!
And that pretty much sums up all of my experiences so far with my cleaner living attempt. It's rough. You've got doctors pushing low-fat, sugar free products and suggesting you watch your calories, you've got weight loss clinics that monitor your carbs down to the microgram, that advise you to limit fruits or vegetables (yes, LIMIT or avoid them...ugh!), and the list goes on and on.
So, I've decided to start this blog so that I can share my experiences and findings with other people that are trying to live and eat cleaner too, but just aren't quite there, or on their way, or only doing what they can, when they can. Like me :)
I hope you enjoy, and let's take this journey together!
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