Helpful Tips to Fight Jet Lag This Holiday Season

Many of us travel during the holidays; some travel cross country and others leave the country. If you are one of those individuals that are traveling to another time zone over the holidays you may end up with the unwanted side effects of jet lag. You can help lessen the effects of jet lag with these simple tips.

• Drink plenty of water. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the flight. I prefer to drink smart water it is contains electrolytes.
• Opt for overnight flights. You’ll be able to have dinner at your regular time and sleep during the flight. Helping to replicate your normal schedule and reset your internal clock.
• Get up and stretch now and then to stimulate your circulation and dress comfortably.
• It’s best to eat light during flights because it is harder to digest foods at high altitudes; also avoid eating food the airline and airport serve.
• Get some natural light. Sun light is the most powerful influence on the timing of your body's internal clock.
• Take melatonin 2.5mg for a few nights (1-3 days) after you’ve arrived to your destination to help ease the transition to the new time zone. Scientist research suggest that the body uses this hormone to set it’s time clock.
• Eat a high protein breakfast and lunch and a high carbohydrate dinner when you are traveling to help with the effects of jet lag.
• At least 4 days prior to your trip try gradually shifting your sleeping and eating times to coincide with the time zone you are traveling to. This will make it easier to adapt to the time zone change and lessen the effects of jet lag.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and limit your intake of sugary drinks

Bon Voyage and many healthy travels!

6 Tips For Maintaining Your Weight During the Holiday Season

If you're watching your weight, Thanksgiving can be the beginning of a very stressful holiday season. With so much yummy food and treats, it's difficult to keep your healthy habits in check. Usually from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season we tend to overeat and then feel guilty we gained weight. If you follow these helpful tips you will be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and holiday season without setting yourself back too much.

• Portion control: Watch your portion sizes. Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies. Enjoy your favorite holiday treat but take a small portion. When you practice portion control you can enjoy your favorite foods without gaining a pound.
• Walk around the room and engage in conversation: The holidays are the perfect time to catch up with friends and family members you haven’t seen in a while. Keeping your mind on conversation instead of food is a good way to avoid picking on the treats around you. Instead of a sugary drink, opt for sparkling water with lemon. This will keep your hands busy and gives you something to sip on while enjoying a friendly conversation.
• Take a walk: Let the host know you will take an after dinner walk. Ask someone at the event to go with you, it will help you burn some of those thanksgiving dinner calories and likely put you in the right mindset to turn down a second piece of pumpkin pie.
• Help the host clean up: Offer to help clean up, the host will appreciate it and it will also help you burn some calories. Physically removing yourself from the table will keep you from picking at the leftover food and sugary sweets.
• Stop eating when you are full: Most people eat mindlessly during the holidays. We continue to eat even after we are full and end up over stuffing ourselves which leads to weight gain and gult feelings later.
• Make Black Friday Gym day: Go to the gym the day after Thanksgiving. Instead of feeling like a stuffed turkey on black Friday schedule some gym time so you can burn those Thanksgiving calories. Knowing you are going to the gym the following day to burn off those extra calories from Thanksgiving allows you to splurge without feeling guilty.

Thanksgiving is only one day, but too much splurging often knocks us off our diets and it spirals into the rest of the holiday season. If you eat mindfully and take control you will not set yourself back too much and you will be able to maintain your weight and stay healthy during and after the holiday season.

Free Workshop "Transform Your Holidays From Frantic to Fabulous"!

Dawn Falcone professional organizer and owner of Dawn Falcone Lifestyles and Yvette Laboy, founder of Inspired Wellness Holistic Nutritional, Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coaching, are offering a free workshop, "Transform Your Holidays from Frantic to Fabulous". Come join us for a fun filled, informative night on Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00pm. The workshop is being sponsored by Little Friends School in Sunnyside, NY.

These two dynamic women will help you discover how to simplify areas of your holiday preparations and share time saving tips to make your holiday season less stressful. You'll also learn proven weight loss strategies to help you manage and maintain your weight during and after the holidays.
The workshop's engaging format encourages interactive participation with a question and answer segment and free raffle prizes following the presentation.

Does the holiday season make you stressed, disorganized, frantic or are you just not sure where to start? Would you like to learn the # 1 tip for enjoying holiday treats and not gaining weight? Cut through all the myths, stress and confusion to learn the facts about how you can “Transform Your Holidays from Frantic to Fabulous”!

The workshop will be held at Little Friends School, 43-42 47th Street Sunnyside, NY on Wednesday November 14th at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Little Friends School at 718-786-4644.

Healthy Halloween Treats

Every year at Halloween parents are face with the challenge of limiting all the sugary snacks Halloween has to offer. Most Parent s don’t want to be considered Halloween party poopers. Parents who want their children to have healthy teeth and bodies tend to look for creative ways in order to make sure their children don’t over indulge on too much sugar during this time of year. Negotiate the limits and enforce them. Kids often need plenty of guidance when it comes to the temptations of Halloween candy. Be sure that you are focusing on the positive effects of not eating the candy, rather than using it as a punishment. There other alternatives to the traditional Halloween treats to help your family have a healthier holiday without making mom and dad look Halloween scrooges.

• EnviroKidz Organic Peanut Choc Drizzle Rice Bars: They are organic, have 0 grams Trans-fat, are low sodium, gluten free and have no artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, 1% of sales go to endangered species or habitat conservation and education for kids. Available at Wholefoods supermarket or Amazon.com
• Feed Your Children a Healthy Meal: Feeding your children a healthy meal before they head out for trick-or-treating will help prevent them from eating the candy simply because they are hungry.
• Fun Stuff Instead of Candy: Instead of candy try giving away little note books, coloring books, little yo-yo’s, fun Halloween stickers, glow Sticks, small pack of crayons, miniature games, monster teeth (party city priced @ .99), plastic rings, necklaces and bracelets. These are fun alternatives to candy that children will enjoy.
• Edible treats: Sunflower seeds, individual juice boxes (100% juice), small cookies boxes or granola bars, Sun Drops (similar to dye-free M&Ms, made of natural cocoa), and small pudding packs.
  • Keeping Healthy Snacks on hand at Home: Keeping plenty of tasty and nutritious snacks on hand will help kids get full of healthy foods, rather than reach for the candy when they want a snack. The occasional Halloween treat is not terribly harmful if they have filled up on good foods first.
• Figamajigs: These were named healthiest candy of 2006 by Forbes and given the Healthy Snack Award by Shape in 2007. Flavors include almonds, raspberries and mint. This decadent snack is filled with natural ingredients mostly figs, premium dark chocolate and cocoa. They are low fat, high in fiber and antioxidants. Available at figamajigs.com and whole foods supermarket.
• Buy Back Plan: Some parents try a “buy back” plan for Halloween candy. Many kids are motivated by getting a few bucks. You might want to consider buying their candy from them. The less they eat the more money they can get.

These are only a few suggestions to help make Halloween a little healthier for your family! Most importantly, remember that everyday healthy choices make for the healthiest kids, and the occasional slip-up or indulgence is not the end of the world. Just make up for it with extra healthy choices afterwards.

Wishing you all spooktacular Halloween!

Fall comfort foods made healthy

Autumn will be here September 22nd and it brings cool mornings, football games, the changing colors of the leaves, apple and pumpkin picking as well as the fall comfort foods we all love. These foods provide a feeling of warmth and security and are delicious but can tend to not be the healthiest. Comfort foods don't have to be unhealthy to taste yummy. You can still have your comfort foods and eat healthy if you learn how to make some simple healthy tweaks to your recipes. You can modify your comfort foods from their original version to be healthy and still be tasty. Here are a few tips on how you can make your comfort foods healthy and lip licking good!

• Chili is an all-time favorite comfort food of many people and can be easily made into a healthy dish. You can start by using turkey meat instead of red meat; you can also opt for chicken chili made with boneless chicken breast. Create a healthier version by adding other veggies such as carrots, onions, zucchini and green peppers or mushrooms. Another way to add a little twist to chili is to replace the kidney beans with white beans. This will create a healthier version that is still yummy and comforting to the soul.
• Mac & Cheese: How can you make a healthier version of mac & cheese? Simple with all the wonderful healthy alternatives today you can still enjoy your mac and cheese and add a healthy twist. Most supermarkets now carry quinoa pasta and noodles which is a great alternative to traditional white pasta. Quinoa is a complete grain that is wheat free, high in protein and is also gluten free. You can add roasted butternut squash, broccoli, cauliflower or spinach. These will increase the flavor and texture of the dish. If your buying store brought mac & cheese go for Trader Joe's mac and cheese or Annie's mac and cheese which are available with wheat noodles and low sodium.
• Mashed potatoes: Instead of mashed potatoes try mashed sweet potatoes. They are great with cinnamon and they satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
• Meat loaf: As a child I loved meat loaf! As an adult I barely eat it but when I do I eat a healthier version. By using ground turkey you are reducing the saturated fat you would get by using other meats such as ground beef or pork. You can use multi-grain bread crumbs and add shredded carrots, shallots and zucchini to give it a healthier kick.
• Chicken noodle soup: Ever since I a kid, chicken noodle soup has been my all-time favorite soup. How can you make a healthier version of chicken noodle soup? This one is easy! Use organic chicken broth, add more veggies such as kale which is packed with nutrients and use quinoa noodles instead.

The crisp cool weather of autumn makes cooking hearty and healthy fall comfort foods fun and therapeutic. Creating healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods will add more nutrition rich foods to you and your loved ones diet and that is a great way to start out the fall season. Happy autumn!

Personal Growth

When we are children we have no established belief systems as to whether or not we can achieve or get what we want.  Children go after what they want and are relentless until they attain what they desire. As we grow and become adults, certain hurts and bad experiences create self-defeating belief systems that create stories in our minds of how "we can't do it" or "we are not good enough". The fearless little child grows up to become a fearful adult who has stopped going after his/her dreams and deepest desires.  An "I can't" or "I don't deserve it" mindset takes over. This is when we need to personally grow and development ourselves to rid us of such self-defeating behaviors. Personal growth & development is an important factor to the health, wellness and happiness of most people. Personal development usually involves the establishment and ongoing refinement of a person's belief systems about life.

Most people may wonder how they can start to making changes.  By taking a personal development course, reading self-help books or listening to positive CD's in our car, surrounding ourselves with positive like-minded people or working with a life coach is a way of taking steps to developing yourself into the person you want to be. We have all established beliefs whether we want them or not, from past experiences, what we were taught or saw when we were growing up. Based on those beliefs we have created our life and tend to wonder why our life and relationships are not as good or fulfilling as we wish they could be. Some people seem to make more refinements early on and live a much better life. While other's seem to hold tightly to ineffective beliefs and fears and do not live the life they desire. By allowing fear to stop you from growing you are stopping yourself from living the life of your dreams. Why be complacent when we have the power within us to create infinite possibilities beyond our wildest dreams!  When we personally develop and grow we let go of philosophies that no longer serve us and the person we want to become. It's okay to let go of these beliefs and replace them with positive ones that will help us create wonderful things in our life on so many levels.

A person's personal growth & development can be measured by their own ability to deal with difficult circumstances, where they are in life financially, health, career, self-esteem as well as relationships. It can be measured by our happiness or satisfaction with life. You can help improve your life by developing a better mindset. Why develop yourself? Why not? If you don't take action, who will?
Through creating positive beliefs that work and letting go of ones that don't, it is a way that we can make refinements to our life and live the best life possible. When we become a positive and better version of ourselves we create new possibilities for a better, happier and healthier life and relationships on all levels. We can't reach our dreams by doing the same things we have done in the past. That is the definition of insanity, and who has time for that? In order to become bigger we have to transform and grow into that person who can go out into the world and create an extraordinary life! Are you ready to make positive changes?  The choice is yours!

Is Spray Tanning & Tanning Booths Dangerous?

Lately you’ve been hearing on the news and reading about how unhealthy spray tanning can be. The Food and Drug Administration has long advised spray tan users to be careful in the booths because inhaling or ingesting DHA (dihydroxyacetone) can be harmful.

Back in the late 50s, designer Coco Chanel made tanning chic. That’s when sun-kissed skin was considered as a sign of wealth and class, you were one of the fabulous people. Actor George Hamilton was another public figure known for having bronze skin. However, misinformed people were led to believe that laying in the sun was not good. When you take precautions such as using sunscreen, tanning can be okay. We all need our vitamin D and the sun can give us the best form of it. Once people heard sun tanning can cause Cancer, people started looking for alternative ways to have sun kissed skin without the sun.

In 1977, the FDA approved dihydroxyacetone (DHA) for bronzers intended to be used for topical application only. The FDA did not specifically approve its use in spray tanning booths. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a color additive that darkens your skin by reacting with amino acids in the surface layer of your skin and is abbreviated as DHA. (Please do not confuse dihydroxyacetone, (DHA) with the healthy DHA omega-3 fat). In the 1980s, alternatives to getting that glowing healthy tanned skin were introduced to the public. If you’re old enough to remember the first self-tanners on the market left you looking like a carrot, followed by several number of lotions, sprays, creams and eventually spray tanning booths.

The spray tan solution DHA, contains lead, mercury and arsenic. Lead is known to affect brain development. The Food and Drug Administration says consumers should avoid spray tan exposure to their eyes, ears, nose, lips and all parts of the body covered by mucus membrane. When you spray tan you expose your entire body to a very fine mist of DHA tanning solution. This solution can also enter your bloodstream and affect your organs, and cause Cancer or birth defects. Some of the adverse reactions from spray tanning received by the FDA from consumers include rashes, coughing, dizziness, and fainting.

There are healthy alternatives out there that you can use that are safer than spray tanning booths. Chocolate Sun and Lavera are two of them that use DHA derived from sugar beets. The difference between DHA from sugar beets and those found in spray tanning salons is that it is naturally derived. Chocolate Sun is a natural & organic based, sunless tanning solution that also includes antioxidant vitamins, minerals and essential oils to condition the skin. Lavera also uses DHA derived from sugar beets, organic macadamia nut, organic jojoba oil, organic soy and organic sunflower oil. You can purchase Chocolate sun at http://www.spiritbeautylounge.com/chocolate-sun-absolute-sun.html and you can purchase Lavera at http://www.lavera.com/products/Self_Tanner_Sunless_Tanning_Lotion-1034-1000015.html

Don’t rule out traditional sun bathing. We all need our vitamin D from the sun and traditional sun tanning when using a good sun screen will give you the healthy dose of vitamin D that only the sun can provide.

The K-E Diet: Weight Loss Insanity!

The K-E diet ( Ketogenic Enternal Nutriton) has become the biggest rave with brides to be who want to lose weight for the big day, but at what cost. The K-E diet was brought to the U.S. by Dr. Oliver Di Pietro from Italy. The diet is unlike any other diet I ever heard of. The diet involves inserting a feeding tube (nasogastric) into the patient’s nose that runs through the esophagus and into the stomach and stays inserted for a period of 10 days. Before beginning the diet the patient is screened in order to participate. The patients on this diet are monitored with urine and blood test during the 10 day cycle of the diet. The patient carries the solution in a small bag that resembles a purse which runs through the tube. The solution contains 800 calories that consists of only fat and protein, no carbs or sugar. This diet forces your body to go into Ketosis, which means your body goes into emergency or starvation mode. As a nutritional health coach I wouldn’t advise anyone considering doing this type of diet.

Although this diet will result in some weight loss, the weight loss comes from water and muscle mass, instead of fat. The weight you lose will return as fat rather than muscle causing the patient to gain double or triple amount of weight after the diet is over. Aside from being costly, going rate for this diet is $1,500.00. The feeding tube diet can be extremely harmful, there are numerous risk associated with having a feeding tube down your throat when it is not medically necessary.

Some of the risks are lung and septum damage, headache, perforated throat, dehydration, problems with your kidneys due to the shortage of electrolytes, insertion trauma, GI bleeding, fatigue, esophagus stricture (tight narrowing from scarring on the esophagus) as well as a risk for pneumonia. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or any chronic disease should not try this diet.

Losing weight too fast is not the way to permanent weight loss. Fad diets don’t work! Some can be dangerous and in the end you will gain more weight than you initially had. It seems absurd to do the K-E diet for a one day event. Most brides have enough time before their wedding day to lose those extra pounds in a healthy way. There are no magic pills, potions or diets to help you lose weight. Diets like the K-E diet are a reflection of how desperate people are to lose weight and how more education and information needs to be given to the public about healthy eating, weight lost, and physical activity. The best and healthiest way to lose weight is to eat healthy high nutrient dense foods, exercise and create a healthy lifestyle that will last a lifetime. This will keep the weight off and maintain your desired weight.

Free Fueling for Fitness Workshop

Not getting the results you want from your workouts? Are you confused about what to eat before you run, bike or lift weights? How about the best way to refuel after your workout? Learn to separate myth from muscle at the free Fueling for Fitness workshop.

Join Yvette Laboy, holistic nutritional health, wellness and transformational coach, on June 7th at 7pm ET. for the Fueling for Fitness workshop and discover what to eat in order to get maximum results from your workout. The workshop is being sponsored by Go natural Health Food store and Juice Bar, which is owned by Phil and Nancy Valenti. Yvette will teach you how to plan your meals and snacks around your exercise schedule, to help you reach your fitness goals. You’ll also learn which foods are “energy boosters” that will keep you burning fat throughout your workout. Most importantly, you’ll hear which foods might be sabotaging your best efforts, and what you should be eating instead. (This might surprise you!)

The Fueling for Fitness workshop is highly engaging and offers participants a chance to ask questions about their personal exercise routines and food concerns. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a step-by-step action plan for fueling and refueling your workouts.

If your workouts have reached a plateau no matter how often you exercise, it could be how, what and when you’re eating. Workshop will be held at 43-12 46th Street Sunnyside, NY 11104 (All Saints Church) Thursday June 7th at 7pm ET. No need to sign up, just show up to workshop location and learn about Fueling for Fitness. For more information about the Fueling for Fitness workshop, please visit www.inspiredwellness.org or call 718-781-5406.

World Lupus Day

Thursday May 10 is World Lupus Day.  Even though more people are being diagnosed with Lupus there are still many who don't know what Lupus is.  Lupus also known as SLE, is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other vital organs.  Simply explained the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue within the body. This leads to long-term (chronic) inflammation. The underlying cause of this autoimmune disease is not fully known. Some say it's genetic; however, many Lupus patients have no one else in their family with a history of the illness or any other autoimmune disease.  Others say it's caused by the environmental toxins and what we put into our body on daily basis.  Lupus can be hard to diagnose.  An estimated five million people are living with lupus worldwide, including an estimated 1.5 million Americans. 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with lupus are women.  The disease strikes mostly young women of childbearing age, however women in their 50's and 60's have also been diagnosed with this debilitating disease.

Symptoms vary from person to person. Almost everyone with SLE has joint pain and swelling.  Frequently affected by Lupus are joints, the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees. Other symptoms include hair loss, butterfly rash (a rash over checks and bridge of the nose), chest pain when taking a deep breath, fatigue, mouth sores, sensitivity to light, fever and general discomfort, brain and nervous system issues: headaches, numbness, tingling, seizures, vision problems, personality change (due to some of the medication), digestive tract issues, heart disease, lung issues and Raynaud's syndrome and scarring of the skin known as discoid Lupus. Lupus not only affects the individual with the illness it also impacts their family, friends, and work performance.

The Lupus Foundation of America http://www.lupus.org has a plethora of information about SLE.  It is a great resource to get more information about Lupus symptoms, testing, treatments and list of medical practitioners who treat the disease. With all this information you would think more people would be aware of this illness. Unfortunately, it is widely under-recognized as a global health problem by the public, health professionals, and governments.  Increasing awareness of Lupus will save lives. The best defense to fight and control any illness is to educate yourself and loved ones about your disease. This is one of the reasons why World Lupus Day was created to help the world know and learn more about this autoimmune disease that is spreading throughout the world, to help improve health care services and increase research to finally find a cure. It is a day to make a difference in life of those who have Lupus, as well as a day to help educate others about Lupus.  Please join the international effort to increase public awareness and understanding of lupus. Visit the World Lupus Day website at www.worldlupusday.org.

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Most people think eating healthy requires you to spend tons of money at your local health food store or Whole Foods Supermarket.  If you know what healthy foods to look for you can find them right at your local supermarket and not have to pay a fortune for them.

Lots of supermarkets have started to create their own brand of organic foods at reasonable prices. Stop & Shop has their own brand of organic food called simply organic and it cost about the same as the non-organic food you find at the supermarket. If you don’t have a Stop & Shop in your area you can still find healthy foods at your local supermarket. You don’t always have to eat organic to eat healthy. There are many wonderful healthy foods are your local supermarket shelf’s that are reasonably price. Here is a list of 10 foods that are healthy, economical and at your local supermarket.

• Eggs:  Eggs are so versatile. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Eggs are little capsules of strength and energy and there is always a sale on eggs at the supermarket. They are high in protein, vitamins B2, B5, B12, D and vitamin K. They also have a concentrated source of amino acids that help build muscles.
• Black Beans:  A bag of dried black beans cost about $2.00 - $2.75 and they last a long time. Beans are a healthy alternative to meat and it supplies your body with protein, they are low in fat and contain iron. Black beans are rich in nutrients and packed with vitamin B1, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and filled with soluble fiber.  They also are filling.
• Fresh Vegetables or Frozen:  Vegetables are always on sale whether fresh or frozen. If you don’t buy fresh get frozen. Never buy canned vegetables. Canned vegetables are filled with chemicals and preservatives.
• Whole Grain Pasta:  You can find whole grain pasta at your local supermarket for about $1.50 - $2.00. Whole grain pasta is filled with several minerals and micronutrients as well as vitamin B1 and thiamin. It contains energizing carbohydrates, protein and macronutrients.
• Oranges and Apples:  Best value when brought in a bag.  Oranges are known for their vitamin C but oranges also contain many other nutrients such as Vitamin B1, A, folate, calcium, potassium and fiber. Apples works wonders for both detox and digestion due to the pectin and fiber found in apples. Apples are also filled with vitamin C, K and flavonoids.
• Chicken legs and thighs:  You can always buy the family packs and they tend to be cheaper than chicken breast.  The family packs go a long way and they can be cooked in many different ways.
• Quinoa: You can buy Quinoa for about $4.00 - $4.50 and it can be cooked in so many different and tasty ways. Quinoa is a complete grain that is loaded with fiber, amino acids, calcium and protein.
• Seeds and nuts:  Seeds such as flax seeds which are packed with omega 3’s and my favorite, pumpkin seeds which are high in protein, tryptophan (helps you sleep) and pumpkin seeds are heart healthy.  Nuts brought in shells such as almond and walnuts, tend to be cheaper in price and are filled with nutrients and can be added to your salad and dishes.
• Greens:  You can buy greens for about $1.99 - $2.50 they are packed with nutrients and are soo good for you.
• Herbal teas:  At $2.75 a box, Celestial seasonings herbal fruit tea sampler can be made hot or cold.  As a cold drink, it’s a great healthy replacement to soda and it taste great! You can make a big pitcher with 2 tea bags and let it chill in the refrigerator. Children and adults love the flavor

These are just a few of the many healthy economical foods available in your local super market. Low price doesn't have to mean low quality.  Many of these nutritious foods can often be found in your local supermarket for a reasonable price, though prices vary depending on the season as well as where you live.  In today’s economy we all need to cut back on certain expenses, eating healthy shouldn’t be one of them.

Healthy Easter Basket Alternatives

Spring is in the air which also means Easter is just around the corner. Most parents would prefer to fill their children’s Easter baskets with healthy treats instead of the traditional sugar laden indulgences. As a health coach I try to look for fun, creative alternatives to give treats to my nieces and nephews that will not make them feel deprived from the joy of the Easter holiday season. Below is a list of healthy alternatives to fill those Easter baskets with wonderful treats your child will enjoy. Most of these delicious treats can be found on-line or your local supermarket.

• Annie’s Homegrown Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks: These individually wrapped gummy treats are a healthy alternative to other fruit snacks. Each treat is made without the use of gelatin. These tasty treats are organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Great for kids with allergies. Made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% vitamin C. Available at Annie’s.com, Amazon.com and whole foods supermarket. Note: Gummy candies are a choking hazard for little children. These are not suitable for children under age 4.
 

• Mini boxes of raisins: Raisins are naturally sweet, low in saturated fat and sodium; they contain no cholesterol and are gluten free. • Home baked cookies: Anything homemade is always better than store brought. Because you can add natural healthy ingredients. • Wholegrain pretzels: Give the gift of fiber to your child in a healthy crunchy treat.  
• Gnosis Raw Cacoa: These delightful raw chocolate treats have a low glycemic index, filled nutrient-dense fruits, nuts and medicinal herbs that make up this wonderful healthy chocolate from Gnosis. www.gnosischocolate.com check out their spring collection just in time for the Easter season. Try their Golden Eggs and Vitality truffles. 
• EnviroKidz Organic Peanut Choc Drizzle Rice Bars:They are organic, have 0 grams Trans fat, are low sodium, gluten free and have no artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, 1% of sales go to endangered species or habitat conservation and education for kids. Available at Wholefoods supermarket or Amazon.com 
•  Figamajigs: Flavors include almonds, raspberries and mint. This decadent snack is filled with natural ingredients mostly figs, premium dark chocolate and cocoa. They are low fat, high in fiber and antioxidants and were named healthiest candy of 2006 by Forbes and given the Healthy Snack Award by Shape in 2007.  Available at figamajigs.com and whole foods supermarket. 

This Easter you don’t have to feel you are depriving your children of the Easter basket candy experience. With these yummy treats your children can enjoy the sweetness of Easter and you’ll feel good knowing they are eating something healthy. Happy Easter to you and your family!

URGENT!!! 10 Dogs were born strays. They were saved from death, starvation, torture, abuse, and more. These 10 dogs were given a chance at life by Americans and US soldiers in the war torn Afghanistan. These 10 dogs need to be saved again. The military has begun enforcing a no dog policy in their units making it imperative that we get these 10 dogs here on US soil, so they can live out their lives here in the US with Soldiers here in the US, Veterans of our Military, and Families of Soldiers. These dogs deserve a chance at true freedom. The Nowzad Shelter was forced to evacuate their location. They are in a temporary location and are desperately trying to raise money to build a new shelter, otherwise their dream to make a difference in Afghanistan one dog at a time is over. We can help them by getting these 10 dogs to the US. It will allow them to focus on the huge task they have at hand right now. We must accomplish this mission. To leave these dogs there is condemning them to a fate we do not want to imagine, dogs are not seen as pets in this region, and often savagely beaten for fun or if it got out that they were saved by us soldiers… they could be tortured and used as an example by insurgents. We have never felt the need more to rescue any animal as we do now, these dogs are people friendly, they trust humans, and they will walk right up to the enemy, not knowing what will come ... please help us get these very special dogs to the US. In the midst of war, a soldier hears a whimper. They pause... and see a dog. The dog is skinny, injured, and looks at them with hopeful eyes. Those eyes are a reminder of the dog they had as a child, they remember their childhood, and their loved ones back home. The soldier then bends down and scoops the dog up, and two lives are saved. In that moment, in all the chaos, amidst all the combat and destruction, a bond is formed. Through our partnership with Soldiers’ Animal Companions Fund, Nowzad, Hounds Town- Port Jefferson, and Pilots n Paws, we at Guardians of Rescue believe this challenge can be met. Honor these soldiers and their act of kindness. Help Us Help Them! Please click on the article page below or the link below to contribute to this great cause. If you are a dog lover please help "Guardians of Rescue" help these innocent animals. http://guardiansofrescueforourtroops.chipin.com/operation-no-buddy-left-behind

Natural and alternative therapies for spring allergies

Spring will be here next week and many of us are already experiencing allergy symptoms. Every year pollens counts are getting higher than normal and many people are feeling the effects early this year due to this unseasonable mild weather. You may be tempted to reach for an over the counter nasal spray. A lot of those over the counter cures compound the problem in the long run. Unlike natural therapies, those over the counter treatments can make your body become dependant or addicted to them. I don’t know about you but shelling out money to a pharmacy so I can carry nasal spray that will eventually do more harm then good isn’t my idea of the best way to go. So what’s an allergy suffer to do?  Look to Mother Nature for some of the best remedies created by nature to treat allergies.There are so many effective natural and alternative therapies available for seasonal allergies. These natural therapies can safely and effectively help people with allergies reduce symptoms so they can get the relief they so desperately desire.

• Neti Pot: Although not produced by Mother Nature; regular use of a Neti pot to irrigate the sinuses has been shown to reduce and relieve chronic sinusitis and allergies symptoms. A Neti pot rinses away allergens with saltwater. An original tradition from India, that has been used for centuries to flush sinuses of annoying seasonal allergies symptoms. Neti pots have gained popularity in America as an alternative way to relieve allergy symptoms.
• Liquorice root: Helps to soothe inflammation and redness caused by allergies.
• Eucalyptus: Assist in clearing your nose and throat to help you breathe easily.
• Stinging Nettle: If you want something that acts like an antihistamine This herb is for you! Nettle inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine without the unwanted side effect of over the counter allergy medications.
• Boswellia: This herb helps reduce allergic responses and inflammation that seasonal allergies can cause. Something we all desire during allergy season.
• Water:  Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can flush lingering toxins out of your system. Keeping yourself fully hydrated has been shown to lower histamine levels. Washing your face and hands when you come indoors will help cleanse away the pollen that blows onto your skin. Also change into a fresh set of clothes once you get indoors to get rid the pollen that sticks to your clothes.
• Check pollen counts: Checking pollen counts everyday during allergy season can prove to be helpful http://www.pollen.com/allergy-forecast.asp?zip=  it can help you take preventative action and will help you plan outdoor activities.
• Air conditioners:  Keep windows closed on high pollen days. Run air conditioners instead of fans. A fan will blow more pollen into the room.
• Foods high in omega -3 fatty acids: Omega-3’s help fight inflammation. Such foods are cold water fish such as Salmon and mackerel, walnuts, and flax seeds are just a few of the many omega-3 enriched foods.
• Horseradish: Horseradish helps clear the sinuses quickly. A daily dose of half a teaspoon of horseradish can help clear away symptoms of allergeris. Take daily until the symptoms sudside. To prevent future allergy attacks take a few teaspoons each month.

There are many more natural and alternative therapies you can use. You don’t have to suffer during allergy season or be a slave to over the counter drugs, when you have a plethora of natural and alternative remedies to fight off those nasty spring allergy symptoms. Your body will thank you for it!

Note: The information in this article is intended for educational purpose only. It is not intended directly or indirectly to give medical advice, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your medical practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Free Workshop "10 Keys to Healthy Eating"

Yvette Laboy, founder of  Inspired Wellness Holistic Nutritional, Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coaching, is offering a free workshop "10 Keys to Healthy Eating" on Thursday, February 23 at 7:00pm ET.  The workshop is being sponsored by Go Natural Health Food Store which is owned by Phil and Nancy Valenti. In this workshop you will discover the best foods to eat for your optimum health. You'll also learn what to really look for on food labels, why the foods you are eating could be making you hungry, and how changing one common ingredient can help you lose weight, boost your energy and prevent disease.
The workshop's engaging format encourages interactive participation, with a question and answer segment following the presentation. As an added bonus, each participant will receive a step-by-step plan for healthy eating.
Confused about which foods to eat? Cut through all the food confusion and learn the facts to help you lose weight and live a more energetic, healthier and happier life!

Foods that naturally enhance your libido.

All you see and hear about in the month of February is love, chocolate hearts and cupid shooting you with his arrow. Some people feel a lot of pressure during this month to be at the top of their game when it comes to sex, love and romance. However, at certain times we are just not feeling in the mood and our mojo is just not working as well as we would like. Before you run out for a bottle of Viagra look into these foods that may help rev up your Mojo . Believe it or not certain foods can help stimulate your body’s desires. Below is a list of 5 Mojo enhancing foods to help liven up your valentine’s day.

1. Celery: Celery contains a hormone called Androsterone. Androsterone helps awaken the arousal of sexual desires within women.When a man eats celery it increases the pheromone levels in his sweat, making him more attractive to women.
2. Foods high in L- Arginine: Studies show L- Arginine is helpful for improving sexual function in men. L- Arginine is an amino acid that can also be purchased in supplement form. However it is always best to get your supplements from your food. Foods enriched in L-Arginine are plant and animal proteins, (When eating animal proteins keep it healthy and lean), almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, garlic, and ginseng, these are just a few of the many L-Arginine enriched foods.
3. Oats: This grain helps promote the release of testosterone among men to aide in heightening his sexual desire.
4. Oysters: some may shy away from oysters because of their texture and sliminess but oysters are fantastic to boost your sexual desire! Oysters are high in Zinc which aides in healthy testosterone production. Oysters also raise dopamine levels which boots libido in men and women. Dopamine needs to be released to light the pathway of love.
5. Raw dark chocolate: I saved the best for last! Raw chocolate help boost dopamine and serotin levels which raises your libido. Studies show that women who eat a small piece of raw chocolate every day have a more active sex life than those who don’t eat raw chocolate on a daily basis. Raw chocolate contains a chemical called Phenylethlamine. Phenylethlamine helps stimulate your libido and Raw chocolate taste great! Who ever thought raising your mojo could taste soo sweet!

Let’s face it,we all want to be loved and sexually fulfilled in our relationship. Communicating what you want with your partner and knowing what foods to put into your body will help you be a stud not a dud on Valentines day and always.

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