Dreams!

I was totally dreaming about Xylitol Sweetener last night. How weird?!??! I don't know who dreams about All Natural Sugar Subsitute, but I do. I suppose I am glad that I do. I am so excited about using Xylitol. I have been using it for about 4 months now. There is such a comforting feeling knowing that I am not loading my kids full of unhealthy chemicals that are hard for their little bodies to process. Plus because of the molecular difference between Xylitol and Sugar there are many health benefits of using it. Right on the package it says, "Xylitol is a proven cavity fighter. There are 40% fewer calories than sugar. Xylitol is good news for diabetics. As crazy as it sounds it helps reduce middle ear infections. If you decide to subsitute Xylitol into your diet know that it can take the place the place of sugar in equal amounts. Check it out when you get a chance. . .you'll love this stuff. :)

Create a MEAL!

When creating a meal. . .any meal of the day imagine your plate is cut in fourths. I usually build my meal around the protein.
1/4 your plate should consist of a healthy protein. (Egg, tuna, fish, chicken, shake, etc)
1/4 your plate should consist of a healthy carb (rice, couscous, oatmeal, banana, etc)
1/2 your plate should consist of healthy fruits and veggies. (heavy on the veggies)
Don't forget your fat. You should a have a little healthy fat at least at every meal. (Coconut oil, peanut butter, butter, vegtable oil etc)

The Results

Just in case you haven't heard me say this. . . I just want you all to know. . .finding a better lifestyle isn't about getting caught up in being thin, feeling pressure from the media, or encouraging others to lose weight and be unhealthy. It is more of a quest to better serve my family, discover healthy eating habits, and finding a good balance in an intense workout. In my quest I found energy and strength in me. My self-esteem and confidence have been boosted. I am a new and better person from the inside ~ out. Thanks Kristi for the tools and guidance through your program. You have given me the tools that have helped change my life and my family's lives forever.

"Whether you think you can or think you can't ~

You are right"

-Henry Ford

7 foods you must avoid. . .

I read this great article in Oxygen Magazine November 2007 p. 126. I'll write down the clip notes version. . . refer to the article or call me for more details. :)
1. Diet soda ~ Weight gain, bloating, loss of calcium
2. Gum ~ bloating, gas, cravings, abdominal pain
3. Unwashed fruits and veggies ~ ingesting dirt, pesticides and pathogens
4. Antibiotic fed chicken ~ Exposure to harmful bacteria, risk of infections
5. Burnt Meat ~ Risk of Cancer
6. Peanut Butter ~ Contains sugar, raises cholesterol, increase risk of heart disease
7. Cured Meats ~ Water retention, hypertension, risk of diseases
*If you think I follow these perfectly . . .you're right. . .well all except for that diet coke I can't live without once in awhile, the gum I chew when I get a craving which then causes more cravings. . .and the treat of all treats. . .peanut butter with splenda (I LOVE IT). I'm challenging myself to 30 days of clean eating. Can I do it?? I'll let you know! :)

The Beautiul Body Formula

80/10/10
80% is nutrition/10% are your genes/10% is your training.
Now you see how important it is to EAT CLEAN!

Have Sex!

Am I allowed to write the S** word on my blog?!? I feel like a little school girl blushing. . . anyway. . . . I ran across an interesting tidbit I just had to share. "The release of male and female sex hormones causes an increase in metabolic rate. Having sex increases BMR by as much as 15 percent." OK ladies we know what that means. . . go and enjoy. . .and just think you're releasing hormones and increasing your metabolic rate. :) SWEET! Sex never sounded so good. :)