A Healthy Balance

Wake up your mind, body and spirit.

Eat a high protein breakfast within one hour of waking to jumpstart your metabolism for the day. Skipping breakfast signals the body that food is scarce, which causes the metabolism to drop into conservation mode and increases likelihood of increased hunger at the next meal.

The FDA currently does not regulate the chemical contents in most cosmetic products, meaning there is no one protecting the consumer from the chemicals or toxins these products contain. Recent lab studies have found traces of lead in lipsticks and many known carcinogens in skin and nail care products. To maximize health, buy organic skin, nail and hair products to minimize the use of chemicals on the body.

Health specialists recommend consuming at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of filtered water daily, to prevent dehydration. In warm weather when activity levels are high, or when detoxing or dieting, consider consuming up to one ounce of water for every 2 pounds of body weight, as long as kidney function is normal.

When faced with calorie restrictions, the body automatically reduces metabolism to ensure survival, which slows weight loss and is the cause of "plateaus". Consume a low carbohydrate, high protein diet combined with exercise to help increase restriction to avoid gaining back lost weight. The combination of protein and exercise signals the body that the crisis is over, and it is safe to burn fat instead of saving it for famine conditions.

Deep belly breathing increases lung capacity, increases oxygenation throughout the body, strengthens your immune system, and helps relieve stress. Try counting to 8 as you breath in deeply , hold for a count of 8, and exhale for a count of 8 for 4-8 cycles to realize deep breathing benefits.

Antioxidants are nutrients that counteract free radical oxidation from toxic exposure, rancid oils, junk food, and normal bodily functions. Many antioxidants are found in brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables, and in many spices like garlic and tumeric. Increase consumption of raw, fresh fruits, vegetables and spices to maximize antioxidants naturally.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which is essential for an effective immune system(fighting colds & infection), and effective eyesight. Consider increasing Vitamin A by consuming foods with carotenoids like carrots, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and kale or by consuming Vitamin A or beta carotene supplements.

Love as though you are living your last day,and cherish every precious moment, because you may be. Eat healthy foods as though your life depends on it, because it does!

Aluminum absorption in the body has been associated with both Alzheimer's Disease,and breast cancer. Avoid cooking in aluminum pans or with aluminum foil, and choose deodorants that do not contain aluminum to minimize aluminum absorption.

That gut is the center of good health. When good and bad bacteria are out of balance, both mental and physical illness increase,and most illness will not resolve until the gut is healed. Be sure you are consuming probiotics in some form ( especially after antibiotic treatment), and consume lots of healthy fruits and veggies to keep your gut happy.

Antioxidants are nutrients that counteract free radical oxidation from toxic exposure rancid oils, junk foods and normal bodily functions. Many antioxidants are found in brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables and in many spices like garlic and turmeric. Increase consumption of raw, fresh fruits , vegetables and spices to maximize antioxidants naturally.

Alcohol metabolism requires and often depletes both B Vitamins and magnesium. After alcohol consumption, in addition to drinking water to rehydrate, additional B Vitamins and magnesium may help restore balance more quickly. Consider having B Vitamins and magnesium supplements available after a bender.