Makin bacon....

Another popular morning food staple....made from the pork's belly fat....listen to all of the artificial flavors, tastes and food coloring that are added to this beautiful mixture. Pretty scary stuff when you stop and listen to all of the details that go into creating bacon. We purchase bacon the odd time from an organic farm. It is not something that must be eaten on a daily basis...all in moderation.

In health....

The Health Nut!!!

Hot dogs anyone??

One of North America's favorite food....after you see this you may change your mind. Just listen to all of the ingredients and try to realize that your children are putting this in their bodies on a regular basis. This is not something that I call a "treat".

In health...

The Health Nut!!!

Sugar in soft drinks?

Now try to guess how many teaspoons of sugar is in this soft drink can before the video is done? Unbelievable what a large part of our society is drinking daily. This is all artificial, most of the ingredients cannot be pronounced and we do not even go further to really find out what it is made of?? We are living in the highest obesity epidemic and our children are becoming more and more inactive and drinking this stuff....
My son has never liked soft drinks, which is a good thing but we as parents do not consume it either. My husband used to drink Coke a couple of times a day, now he drinks water and vegetable juice. Check it out and be your own judge...it will at least make you think before you take that next sip...

In health.....

The Health Nut!!!

Meat glue??

Can you imagine that this toxic product really exists in the year 2000??? Unbelievable that this is even allowed for human consumption. We are living in the ages that its all about profit and getting the most for our money. This can't be good....very scary stuff when butchers can't even tell the difference between meat cuts. The danger with all of this is with this procedure, fat that used to be on the outside of the meat is now inside and doesn't cook properly. Now that is surely a great way for bacteria to grow and make us extremely sick. We have to wonder where our society are placing their priorities and especially ask yourself why these two men are wearing masks when they are demonstrating the meat glue???

In health...

The Health Nut!!

The Power of actions and words

If you really want people to see that you have bettered your lifestyle and health...they will see all this by your actions and words.
You have to talk the talk and walk the walk....you never know when someone will be looking up to you for advice and asking you what you did to improve your health.
You don't need to scream to everyone that you have changed your ways for the better...they will notice and come to you and ask what you have done.
The last four years of my life has been a tremendous learning journey. I have gained so much from every aspect of my life. People always want to know how I did it...I keep telling them determination and self-education is what has helped me the most.
The first thing is changing the way of putting a positive message out there...your outlook on life is very important...do you see the glass half full or half empty.

How just changing the words on this blind man's sign helped him get so much more money...unbelievable...it didn't place importance on his handicap but on something that we all take for granted....sight...

I had to also change my way of shopping in Supermarkets....I always have a list now and I get only what is written on it...way too easy to be coaxed into purchasing unhealthy food items that are not a necessity...you need to always ask yourself...."Am I eating to live or living to eat??"

Unbelievable all of the people involved behind the scenes to get you to walk through every aisle of a Supermarket. These marketing geniuses have discovered the true science of making sure that you spend more than you intended on foods that you really would not have normally chosen. Always remember that the real food is always on the perimeter of the store...try to avoid the middle aisles as much as possible.

You have to surround yourself with positive, loving, encouraging people. You have to realize that you matter to yourself and others. Never stop living your dream, always reach for the stars...you are worth it...

In health!!

The Health Nut!!!

Healthy/Natural Tips To Get A Good NIght Sleep....

When nightime becomes a struggle to fall asleep, this can make everyday routines very difficult. Many things can affect our sleep; stress, hunger, overworked, anxiety etc.....
Here are a few little tips that may help you manage to get a good night's sleep to better be able to function in your daily lives....
1.Try to get to bed no later that 10pm...a good routine is essential in creating a well balanced lifestyle...this is also called "sleep hygiene".
2.Tone down the senses....try not to fall asleep with the tv on....wear an eye-mask or invest in a good window room darkening blind....try to always have nice natural essential oils burning in the home (chamomile, lavender...).....never go to bed after indulging in late night greasy food (a sure recipe for all night heart burn).....invest in a good mattress and a great pillow (buckwheat pillows are amazing...).
3.Bore yourself back to sleep...count backwards from 350 by 3...turn your alarm clock around (stop looking at the time)....take deep breaths and exhale....visualize yourself sleeping peacefully in a hammock on a deserted island.
4.Make sure it is not health related; sleep apnea (abnormal breathing pauses),especially if you don't feel refreshed after a full night's sleep.Your partner may state that you stop breathing during sleep or you move your legs a lot at night. Look into it further if you regularly wake up with leg cramps, dry mouth or headaches....worth getting checked out for sure.....
5.Try to avoid alcohol before bedtime or any fluid for that matter...you will probably need to go to the washroom more often in the middle of the night..that's just asking for a need to get up for sure....
Hopefully these quick tips will help you find a wonderful well deserved night's sleep.

In health...

The Health Nut!!!!

What Category Do You Fit In???

There are many different lifestyles and making the best choices for our own health and body are not always easy. Hopefully you will find yourself in the following categories and try to make changes to help you live the best life ever!!!

The innocent indulger tends to always put their families first and never think of sitting down and taking a few minutes for themselves. These are the people that don't like to waste food ,so when the lunches or the meals are not completely eaten, instead of wasting, they will eat the left-overs. Thinking that they are doing a good thing.... all of these extra bread crusts add up on the hips and belly area right???

A few tips to help you get started;
-Sneak in a 30 minutes power walk somewhere in the evening or while your kids are at a sport practice.
-Always have a healthy snack available with you, this way you will feel full and not feel the urge to save the world by eating those extra calories.
-Always have a nutritious breakfast.
-Try to find time for yourself as well...relax with a good book, take a nice long bath etc...try to put yourself first once in a while...its ok...you deserve it!!

The dieting diva is the person that has done all of the fad diets. She is a yo-yo dieter, loses a couple of pounds and then once she's reached her goal...here comes those pounds again.

Here are a few tips to get you started;
-Berries are great health-boosting food, be sure to add them to your diet.
-Make sure that you eat three well balanced meals a day and include 3 healthy snacks as well.
-Don't think that skipping meals are doing you a favor. You are only leading your body to believe that it never knows when the next morsel of food is coming, so it will go in starvation mode. Instead of burning your next bite it will store it as fat not knowing when you will eat again.
-You need to realize that by eating just proteins or just carbs or counting points is not a realistic way of losing weight in a healthy fashion.
-Get a regular exercise routine going, keep your mind busy. It always works best for you if you have a friend joining you on your health journey. This way you have someone living the same daily challenges as you.

The obsessive calorie-counter is always concerned with the amount of calories going in. They usually will not exceed the daily recommendation. They will always make sure and sometimes abuse their bodies by going to the gym 7 days a week , working out 1 hour every time.

Here are a few tips to get you started;
-First of all don't let yourself get so caught up on your daily calorie intake.
-Some people that count calories may choose to eat all processed, fast food, sugar covered desserts never realizing that this is not healthy.
-You need to try to live the Mediterranean diet, lots of legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy proteins, healthy fats....
-If you start with small healthy changes, like adding to your plate 1/4 protein, 1/4 carbs and 1/2 raw veggies, you will feel great and never have to count and be pre-occupied by calories again.
-You don't have to over do it with the exercises, if you do a 45minute work out 3 days a week, drink lots of water and keep active you will be fine.
-Find ways to relax when you eat instead of worrying about every bite.Put some nice music on, have a nice positive conversation at the table.

The on-the-go-grabber lives in the fast pace lifestyle...workaholic, meetings, sport practices, ballet lessons, errands, banking etc......this person usually grabs whatever is quick to eat never thinking of what she is choosing. These people often eat standing, never taking the time to sit down and really enjoy a nice meal that they've prepared. These are the people that have a freezer full of processed frozen dinners, pogos, pizza pockets etc...often you will hear them say " Oh well, its food right??".

Here are a few tips to get you started;
-Start by taking care of your personal health instead of everyone else . Delegate the daily tasks and responsabilities with your spouse and you will quickly ask yourself why you thought you had to do it all alone in the first place?
-You need to realize that you are not a super hero and you will not win any award at the end of this exhausting, stressful day.
-You need to start cooking in the kitchen, preparing good wholesome homemade meals that you can freeze.
-Using a visual calendar will help you plan your week. This way, when you see that a couple of days during the week will be busy, you can just take out your prepared meal in the morning, warm it up and enjoy it for dinner.....
-Prepare great healthy energy snacks that you can grab anytime when you are feeling more rushed and don't have time to re-fuel right away with a great meal.
-Make sure you get a good night's sleep, this will give you the necessary energy to keep going all day.
-Try to avoid caffeine and energy drinks...

Hopefully these hints can give you a good start to a new healthier lifestyle...good luck on your journey!!

The Health Nut!!!

What Was Wrong With Me???

I was really starting to wonder if there was something truly wrong with my nervous or immune system this past year? For some reason,  my face all of a sudden would flare up with acne...especially my cheeks and nose area. I know that I basically always eat the same food, I try to always purchase organic, natural and healthy food. I make all of my meals, exercise, drink lots of filtered water and I try to stay on a good sleep schedule.
I was starting to think that maybe I was starting pre-menopausal stages (I will be 46 yrs old at the end of August)? Maybe something environmental was affecting me without knowing?

I just took this picture today...its been one month since I've been off for the summer holidays and my skin has completely cleared up?? I'm relaxing, I'm in my garden daily, I swim in the pool daily, I get lots of sleep, I exercise, I take in lots of natural vitamin D (sunlight..at least 20 minutes a day....)...go figure I must have been stressed???
Come to think of it , it was a pretty tough year emotionally. My son had a few physical ailments that needed immediate medical attention (pretty serious stuff)...he also had to deal with daily bullying at school. All of this definitely took its toll on my nerves and stress levels. Once all of that got settled, I immediately noticed that I was calmer and felt better in my skin.
This past year I even seeked the help of a naturopath thinking that maybe I was developing allergies or intolerances to food or certain things that were surrounding me daily? But the acne kept coming back...still no answers...
So, I am now a true believer that increased stress can cause adult acne. I felt embarrassed and often decided to eat alone with the fear of being asked what was going on? I didn't know what to answer and I felt very uncomfortable. It was suggested to me by many to go and seek the help of a dermatologist. He would probably recommend a cream with steroids or cortisone in it. That was something that I was not willing to take a chance on.
Well, I strongly believe that stress was the root of the problem. Maybe I thought that I was sleeping well, but I always seemed tired when I woke up and lacked my usual energy and good humour. Just goes to show you that your face is a canvas to what is going on inside your body, your skin doesn't lie. If ever I go through this again, I will just have to take a deep breath, listen to relaxing music, meditate and go to a good place....
The following video is a great way to do this...very good and helps you inside/out for sure.

In health....

The health nut!!!

Life's Simple Pleasures

Have you ever really taken the time to just stop and look around you. If you think about it, it is absolutely free of charge and the rewards are priceless. I feel so fortunate to live on the outskirts of town. This really allows me to hear so many things that cannot be heard in town with all the traffic and everyday noises.
In the morning, at this time of year, I can usually hear the birds chirping, the gentle wind blowing in the leaves on the trees, the relaxing sound of our hammock being softly pushed by the breeze, smelling the sweet smell of flowers and almost hearing the vegetables grow if I stop long enough and take it all in.
We often have friends drop in that live in the city and the first thing they usually tell us is how peaceful it is here. We tend to get caught up in life and all of its demands, routines without ever stopping once to look around us. To really see and feel the amazing beauty that surrounds us every day.
My favorite part of all, is when we are driving along the St-Lawrence River and there is a sunrise or a sunset along the horizon, there are really no words to describe the beauty of it all.
So, the next time that you are rushing in your everyday activities, try to stop a couple of minutes and just see, hear and feel what is going on around you. Life goes by too fast, take a deep breath and take it all in, you won't regret it, this I promise you.

In health....

The Health Nut!!!

Today Is Your Day.

                                     

Shania Twain has been through a very hard marital break-up. So emotionally draining that she actually lost her ability to sing and her confidence to sing in front of crowds....finding out that her best friend was having an affair with her husband was too much for her to handle on her own.
I followed her amazing journey to healing from the inside out on the OWN Network. I just admire her so for opening up her personal life to all of us and going about all of it in such a positive manner. She is just so down to earth and humble. Through all of this she has actually found love again with the former husband of the woman that betrayed her in the first place. She never thought that she could love again and now she has found happiness and peace again in her life.
She will actually be replacing Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in 2014. She is nervous to follow such an amazing international act but is up for the challenge. After intense medical testing and self-healing her voice is back stronger than ever and she is ready to go for it.
The following video is her latest release "Today is your day" ...I love it!

I would definitely love to see Shania live in Las Vegas one day. She is just so sweet and honest and there is just something about her that makes you feel like she is willing and ready to talk to you as a friend anytime. 

Enjoy!!!

The Health Nut!!!

The Meaning of Family...

Nothing warms my heart more than the love of my family..I am so fortunate to have so many amazing people that I can count on anytime. I am the youngest of 10 children and I have always been very pampered with all of their love and attention.
Sure we have had the normal disagreements and hardships along the way but we have always found it within ourselves to forgive and forget. Life is definitely too short to hold grudges and dwell on negative situations.
I have also been so blessed to have so many nephews and nieces, that were almost like little brothers and sisters to me. They have moved on in their lives and have married and have had children of their own. They are all wonderful adults now and are amazing parents!!
Recently we have had quite a few family gatherings for weddings and birthdays. These special occasions just makes me realize more and more how lucky and fortunate that we are to all still be so close, healthy and happy. When we get together, nothing else matters, we are just satisfied to talk, reminisce and sing ,that is enough to make us happy.
We didn't grow up in a rich environment, but my mom always made sure that we had clean clothing to wear and good food on the table. We wore hand me downs but they were always repaired and made to look like new. She would paint whatever home that we were renting at the time like it was our own and would make it look so clean and presentable.
We always grew up with a sense of dignity and pride. Thanks to her we have become the individuals that we are and I'm sure that these values are being instilled in our future generations as well...
We were always taught that its not the material things that matter in life but our values and the image that we project to others. Being a good person and always willing to lend a hand and share with one in need. You can always replace a car, a home and expensive clothing but you can never replace the love and life of family.
As I get older I realize this more and more and I just feel so special to have all of these amazing individuals filling my heart with love.
Call or send a note to someone special in your life today...surprise them, make up with them, let them know how much they matter to you and how much you love them and wish them all the best in life!!! You never know this could make their day and mend broken hearts.

In health...

The Health Nut!!

When You Wish Upon A Star....

This is one of many pictures taken on our Disney World, Orlando, Florida trip last week. It has to be the biggest highlight of our lives...what an amazing family vacation....give yourself a treat of a lifetime and go for it!
When you are there , you become a child again yourself...you live all of it through the eyes of your child and there are really no words to describe the feeling and experience....
It was very hot and humid but while you are waiting in line to embark on a great ride, an hour often goes by very fast...everyone is so friendly and so relaxed.
There is really something for all ages to enjoy and discover together.....our 13 year old son really enjoyed taking in all of the roller coasters and thrill rides....
The cast members (staff) at Disney only have one objective...to make your trip and stay there the best time ever!!!
We stayed at a Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort on site...gorgeous and breath taking....

the best way to go for sure. You only need your "Key to the World" card , that is given to you when you check in. It has all of the necessary information for you to enjoy your stay. It serves as your room key, it has all of your meal plans and park entrances on it as well.
You don't even need a car ...just use the air-conditioned Disney bus system at your door. Don't worry about transportation from the airport to your resort...the Disney Magic Express coach takes care of all of that for you...
You have to live the Magic of Disney at least once in your life....we did and we will never forget it!!! Walt Disney was one special man and to think that this all happened because of his dream...
When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are....
Check it out for yourself...it is an incredible, easy, stress-free and worry free vacation...I highly recommend it....

In health....
The Health Nut!!

Today Is A Gift!!!

Why wait for the week-end to do special things??Today is the best gift ever!! Who knows what tomorrow will bring?? We have to start living like this day is our last and we are going to make memories to last a lifetime...

Why wait until Friday night for that special night out with our better half or friends...why not surprise everyone and do it on a Wednesday??? Wouldn't that just give it a wonderful twist??

Where is the rule that says that you can't use your good Sunday dishes on Monday or Thursday night for dinner??

It would be wonderful for your better half to come home and you have a wonderful candlelit dinner going.
Nice relaxing music, his favorite homemade meal, the kids are being kept at grammas and you are wearing his favorite dress....all this in the middle of the week...talk about making it a special evening...

Why is it that we set limits for ourselves? Whoever said that you can't have these special moments in the middle of the week? Why not always live your days like if it was Friday? Why not just pick up the phone and make someone's day in the middle of the week? A friend or family member that lives out of town, an elderly person that you know is lonely and has no family in town...

Will this cost you more or make your day worse??? No, it will just make you feel better inside for making someone live a special moment thanks to you....make it a habit , you might just like it.

This next video is meant to motivate you to have the best frame of mind to start making your life the best that it can be. Try living life to the fullest and see the magic start appearing around you...it will be amazing!

In health....

The Health Nut!!!

Makes Good Scents...

Essential oils have so many useful health benefits. An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant.

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant. They are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Perfume oils are artificially created fragrances containing artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

*General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you've never used before.

Tea tree oil

This helps treat wounds and fungal infections.

For athlete's foot; mix 2 tsps. of oil and 8 tsps. distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray this on feet twice a day. To treat fungus, apply oil directly onto the toenail.

To test for a skin reaction from this oil apply a small amount to the inner arm, any irritation will show up within two days.

Peppermint

-To relieve a headache, rub a drop of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead, over the sinuses (stay away from the eyes) and on the back of the neck.

-Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea.

-Add a drop of Peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid in digestion and relieve heartburn.

-Rub several drops of Peppermint oil on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever.

-Rub 4 drops of Peppermint oil on chest and stomach to relieve travel sickness.

 

 

Lavender

This helps to heal insomnia and anxiety.

-Mix 1 tsp. of the oil with 5 tsps. of distilled water and mist on your pillow. This should help you sleep so much better.

-You may also place three drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place it in your pillowcase.

-Put 10 to 20 drops in a bath of warm water and soak for 20 minutes to alleviate stress.

 

Eucalyptus

This helps with congestion.

-For nasal, sinus or chest congestion try a steam tent. In a bowl, mix 4 cups of near boiling water with 3 to 4 drops of oil. Wait one minute. Cover head with a large towel, lean over the bowl and breathe deeply for 3 to 4 minutes. To avoid burns, keep you face a good distance from the bowl.

 

Seems to me , this all makes scents...give it a try, you  might like it...

 

In health....

 

The health Nut!!

 

Homemade Personal Hygiene Alternatives

Ever stop to think what our ancestors used as personal hygiene products? What would they use to create natural ingredients? They obviously knew what to find around the garden (herbs, flowers) or home (essential oils, spices) to create their own toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and mouthwash etc. Here are a few quick recipes that can help you create the best natural products for you and your loved ones.

Homemade Deodorant Recipe
I learned that aluminum was linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and even more recently learned of it’s potential link to breast cancer. So I set out to rid my life of aluminum.  After trying several natural deodorants, the brand that seems to work best for me is Tom's of Maine (can be found at Walmart in the pharmacy area or Baxtrom's Independent Grocers in the organic section). Always try to purchase paraben and aluminum-free natural brands. If you feel adventurous you can even make your own..give it a whirl, it may work for you.

Instructions;
1.In a reusable and resealable container, mix 1 part baking soda with 6 parts cornstarch. 

2.Close the container and shake vigorously for about one minute, to thoroughly mix the two powders.  

3-Then dab a small amount to the skin of your armpits with a soft cotton cloth, cotton ball, or cosmetic applicator.  

4-Apply as if you were lightly applying baby powder or cosmetic powder.

Homemade toothpaste recipe

Skip the harmful chemicals in many commercial toothpastes and make your own. This is a simple, inexpensive, odor-eliminating, tooth-whitening, and very effective formula. I have made this recipe before and it does work well.
I often use Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste (fluoride-free). You can purchase this at Baxtrom's Independent Grocers in the organic section and in the Walmart pharmacy area.

Ingredients;
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon essential oil
(sold at natural food stores)
A few drops filtered water

Instructions;
1-Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms.

2-The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.
3-Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.

Homemade shampoo recipe
Today, many commercial shampoos have cleansers that are too harsh and have a drying effect on the scalp, making it produce too much oil for those suffering with an oily hair condition. Normal hair is easier to maintain but it too can benefit from a milder shampoo.

Shampoo Recipe;
Instructions;
In a blender, combine 1 ounce olive oil, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Use as regular shampoo.

Natural conditioner recipe

Avocados contain vitamin B6 & vitamin E

Ingredients;

-1 small jar of real mayonnaise

-1/2 of an avocado

Instructions;

1-Put together in a medium bowl and squish together with your hands until it's a minty green color.

2-Smooth into hair all the way to the tips. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel.
3.Leave on for 20 minutes. For deeper conditioning put a hot, damp towel around your head.
4-If you have really long hair and only need deep conditioning at the ends, cut the ingredients in half and apply only to the ends and just wrap them.
5-Use fresh.

Homemade Mouthwash
This recipe is also a super-easy one, mixing chemical-free ingredients into a
refreshing mouthwash. Essential oils will keep your gum healthy and protect
your teeth from damages.

Ingredients:  - ¼ teaspoon of baking soda - 2 ounces of filtered water - 1 drop of Tea Tree oil - 1 drop of Peppermint or cinnamon oil Instructions; 1-Mix all of the ingredients together. Keep in glass container. 2-Use this mouthwash to rinse out your mouth repeatedly after carefully brushing your teeth.  So there you have it, a few natural healthy options to great personal hygiene alternatives. In health... The Health Nut!!!

Oprah....25 years....Wow!!!

Oprah Winfrey has influenced so many people in the last 25 years. She is an amazing, intelligent, caring, loving and generous individual. Her last show aired on Wednesday,May 25th, 2011.  It was very heart warming and touching and I never cried so much in one hour. She has a gift of making you feel like you are the only one that she is talking with, even though we know that there are millions tuning in at the same time.

She has had amazing guests in the last 25 years of her show, but the one that has touched her life the most is Mattie Stepanek.  A 12 year old boy with a rare form of muscular dystrophy who had appeared on her show to read some of his poetry. He helped her realize to appreciate even the smallest things in life. When Oprah was ready to retire from her show 5 years ago, he convinced her that she should go for the quarter of a century career, that it was a perfect number. She sweetly named him an angel boy and a messenger for our time. The day Oprah announced the passing of Mattie, it was one of the saddest moments on TV I'm sure, she did it with such class and love, I will always remember it.

The following link is Oprah telling us that we all have a calling in life and that we need to embrace it.  It doesn't mean that it will make us famous and bring us lots of dollar signs, but if we open our hearts and mind, we will feel this within our soul and live out our true purpose on this earth. We all have gifts and we are all special, once we realize this we need to grasp this opportunity and go for it...we only have one life to live so lets live it well...

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/What-Oprah-Knows-For-Sure-Video/topic/oprahshow



Here is Oprah in her final sign-off of her show. It is very touching and from the heart (get your tissue).

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Finale-Sign-Off-Video/topic/oprahshow

She is such a down to earth person, she has even given us her personal email address to write to her and she promises that she will be the one responding to each and every one of them. I have already written my email to her telling her how she has made my life a better one...she is an amazing individual that has changed and made this world a better place.

Here is a special song written especially for Oprah, by Paul Simon...very nice....

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Paul-Simon-Surprise-Oprah-with-a-Special-Performance-Video

Here is her personal email address:

Oprah@Oprah.com

In health....

The Health Nut!!!



Nova Scotia Removes Doughnuts From Some Hospitals...

This following article from the Toronto Sun explains that there are 10 hospitals in Nova Scotia that are  removing doughnuts from their menu list. The province's largest health authority, says it's the first in Canada to take such action on healthy eating.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/20/tim-hortons-doughnuts-banned-from-nova-scotia-hospitals

Tim Horton locations in the hospitals will not be allowed to sell some muffins and doughnuts that are considered to be unhealthy to visitors and employees. This is a very big step in the right direction. When we stop to think about it, we are living the largest obesity epidemic ever (adults and children).

These quick accessible foods in our daily lives are often a big part of why we are sick and end up in the emergency room in the first place. We need to start realizing that these are often the very foods that cause clogged arteries, heart attacks, stomach aches etc.....it is very encouraging to see health authorities starting to do something about this problem.

How often are there fund raisers selling doughnuts for causes like heart and stroke....maybe they could sell bottled water and walking shoes instead , it would help the cause that much more and definitely send the right message.

In health...

Sylvie Thibert

Stevie Nicks Overcomes Medication Side-Effects

When I watched Dancing With The Stars this week, I couldn't believe how old and worn out Stevie Nicks (lead singer of Fleetwood Mac) looked. She seemed like she had aged so much and I just couldn't get over it. Check out the next article to have a better understanding of why???

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/18/how-properly-prescribed-prescription-drugs-ruined-a-famous-rock-super-star.aspx

She says that it took over her life for 8 years....quite the battle and she's glad to be back...

This is one of my favorite music videos of hers...."Landslide" she seems so much healthier then...

Nice to have you back Stevie...good for you for overcoming your battle with toxic medication.

In health....

Sylvie Thibert

Your Waist Size Can Predict Heart Disease....

Check out this latest article from Dr. Joseph Mercola dealing with how your waist size can influence the health of your heart.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/20/your-waist-size-predicts-heart-disease-death-better-than-your-weight.aspx

Dr Mercola's site is very interesting and full of great information to help you cure your ailments in as natural a manner as possible....check out his official website and you can subscribe for free to receive his articles on regular basis...very interesting.

http://articles.mercola.com/subscribe.aspx

If you are interested in finding out your nutritional typing (protein type, carb type, mixed type) you can do it at this site for free. All you need to do once you know your type is to follow his dietary step by step instructions and recommendations as well as lifestyle changes that could help you live the best life ever!!!

http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/index.htm

I hope this gives you plenty of information and helps you find natural ways to help make your life a healthy one. Trying to make yourself healthier the natural way can sometimes help avoid taking toxic medications that can lead to bigger problems like depression, weight gain and dangerous side-effects.

Watch this next clip to see how some medications have so many side-effects (even death) but we fail to listen to these warnings and just go ahead with whatever our physician prescribes because they are medical professionals.

There is nothing wrong with questioning and surfing the Internet to find out more about certain medications that are prescribed to us. It helps to empower ourselves and start thinking for ourselves. We have to look at all the pros and cons before making such life changing decisions.

In health....

Sylvie Thibert

Dedication To All Moms.....

Mothers Day
A Mother loves right from the start.
She holds her baby close to her heart.
The bond that grows will never falter.
Her love is so strong it will never alter.
A Mother gives never ending Love.
She never feels that she has given enough.
For you she will always do her best.
Constantly working, there's no time to rest.
A Mother is there when things go wrong.
A hug and a kiss to help us along.
Always there when we need her near.
Gently wipes our eyes when we shed a tear.
So on this day shower your Mother with Love.
Gifts and presents are nice but that is not enough.
Give your Mother a day to have some peace of mind.
Be gentle, be good, be helpful, be kind.
Happy Mothers Day.

This is one of my favorite music videos "You raise me up" sung by Celtic Woman.....a great dedication to our mom's that give us unconditional love everyday and ask nothing in return.....enjoy!!!!

My mom passed away in June 2007, she was 86 years old. She was always there for her 10 children and  helped to guide us on the right path to grow up to be strong , independent individuals. If your mom is still living, call her, pay her a visit and let her know how much she matters to you. Remember all of the sacrifices that she did  in order for you to have the best that life can offer. Give her a kiss and a hug and tell her that you love her....listen to her wisdom and never take her for granted....

Thanks mom for everything that you gave me....your love can never be measured...

Love and miss you mom.....

Sylvie

xxxooo

Healthy Diet For Our Beloved Pet....

Lets face it , we all love our family pets. They are a big part of our lives and we want the best for their health.
I've had a few requests asking about any suggestions for good healthy homemade choices for a healthy preservative free diet. Here are a couple of videos that I've come across that might give you some guidance and ideas as to what you can and cannot feed your animal.

Watch the following video of the Martha Stewart Show...homemade pet remedies using wonderful fresh produce....

How to make organic dog biscuits yeast-free...check it out...they look delicious enough for us to eat them as well.....

Here is a bland recipe in case your dog has been sick for a couple of days, to help nurse the pet back to health...

I hope that this gives you a better idea how to feed your beloved pet in a more natural manner. We often forget the ones that are always happy to see us, wag their tails with excitement and know to snuggle next to us when we are hurting or sad. These animals only ask for love in return....what better way to treat them than with real live food made with love???

Stay healthy....

Sylvie Thibert



The Neti Pot....

Individuals across the globe suffer from chronic sinus issues and have to tackle headaches, pains in the facial area and nasal blockages. Several people seeking quick safe relief from sinus problems have opted for a nasal saline irrigation. A treatment which consists of saline or salt water solution for flushing out the nasal cavities. Numerous nasal irrigation techniques do exist, but Neti pots appear to be the most sought after remedy. Neti pot is a century old treatment and is widely being used around the world. It is small ceramic pot.

Check out the following informative and detailed step by step video on how to use the neti pot. It is a very easy and affordable method to help relieve painful sinus discomforts. It also helps to clear the nasal passages of built up mucus or simply to help eliminate seasonal allergies.

You can purchase this at any local pharmacy...I actually purchased one for myself lately and it really does wonders for the body.

                                           

In health....

Sylvie Thibert



Featured Content Partnership With ifood.tv.....

http://www.ifood.tv/thehealthnut

I want to share my exciting news with all of you....

In the middle of March 2011, I received an email from a marketing rep for the ifood.tv official website asking if I would be interested in becoming a "Featured Content Partner". Basically what this does is that I get free marketing for my website throughout 125 or more countries. At first I thought it was a joke but then it all quickly became very real. This is a website that receives approximately 4.1 million hits per year.....wow!

I will eventually be adding more recipe videos to the site as well...thank you all for your support and encouragement and especially your positive criticism, it is very appreciated...

I am planning on creating a "Facebook Fan Page" in the near future, that will be a whole new world for me...I tell you I've never learned so many things in one year...but its quite the adventure, I welcome it and I'm ready for the ride....please hop on and enjoy it along with me..... 

Finally, I especially want to thank Eric Seguin, my nephew and AMAZING web designer. If ever you need a knowledgeable, patient and persevering web designer Eric is the guy for the job...you can check out his great , well detailed website at  http://www.thepcguy.biz/

Go ahead invest and advertise your business big or small and see how far it will take you....you never know??? Let people know that who you are is worth promoting....like the famous saying goes
"If you build it , they will come..." (movie; Field of Dreams)

Thanks.....in health!!!

Sylvie Thibert

Extraordinary Life....

Words cannot express how incredible and amazing life can be...if we stop and smell the roses along the way. We need to live each day to the fullest and live it like it was our last....we have to ask ourselves what kind of impression are we leaving for future generations. Are we leaving a legacy of love, hope, faith, beliefs or one of hatred, jealousy, envy and injustice.

We need to show our children that life is worth living. Life can throw us curves and challenges along the way that will not always be easy to conquer but that with support and determination and the right mindset we can accomplish anything in life.

Here is a fantastic inspirational video that shows us how life can be the best gift ever....

      

Stay healthy....

Sylvie Thibert 

Three Little Words That Mean So Much....

The three most powerful words that you will ever hear has to be I LOVE YOU!!!! When you are feeling down or sad this is all that you need to hear to make you feel better. The words have existed forever and will last until the end of time....

When you need to be uplifted just watch the next video and I assure you that you will feel loved and wanted by the end of it....

                                                               

Think of all these strangers that took the time to participate in this video and tell you that they love you just the way you are....no matter your race, religion, financial situation etc....what a feeling!!!

Stay Healthy....

Sylvie Thibert

Kindness Is Contagious.....

Gandhi once said:“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

Kindness is actually contagious, and you might want to consider carrying out random acts of kindness on a daily basis.
It is truly a win/win/ situation. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help. You feel good for having helped someone. And the world is a better place through your kindness. When you do something nice for someone else it always comes back to you in a positive way 10 times more...

Here are many suggestions to get you going on your journey of goodness;

1. Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
2. Donate time to a nearby soup kitchen.
3. Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
4. Give care packs to the homeless. (sandwich, drink, blanket....)
5. Walk your friend’s dog.
6. Give a compliment about your waiter/waitress to his/her manager.
7. Offer free babysitting to a single parent.
8. Clean up graffiti in your city.
9. Let someone jump the line at the bank, grocery store, restaurant.... 
10. Donate good used books or videos to your local library.
11. Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
12. Give clothing that you don't wear any longer to someone that needs it. 
13. Hold the door open for someone (car, store, school, library....)
14. Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
15. Write notes of appreciation to a co-worker at least once a week.
16. Help a child learn.
17. Pick up some garbage in the road which would otherwise be lying around.
18. Compliment someone at work for their excellence.  
19. Give another driver your parking spot.
20. Offer a cool glass of water to a delivery person.
21. Help an elderly neighbor that lives near you with yard work.
22. Tell all your family members how much your appreciate them daily.
23. Give someone freshly picked flowers when they least expect it.
24. Buy an inspirational book for a friend that is feeling blue.
25. Offer a friend to help them with their spring cleaning.
26. Smile a lot.

Once you get started, you may find it a habit hard to break! Kindness doesn't always have to be a material object, just giving your love, time and encouragement can mean so much more.

This is one of the most unselfish video that I've ever seen. It shows that empathy and kindness can be felt at any age....get your tissue....

Stay Healthy....

Sylvie Thibert



Reign Of Terror..Only If We Let Them Win....

We have all heard of, observed, or experienced intimidation and bullying or perhaps we have been the bully ourselves. Perhaps our children have been the victim of a bully. A bully's goal is to make us feel small, afraid and powerless. Some of the reasons for a bully's behavior are: they want to be liked so they try to show how powerful they are, or they are angry or frustrated, or they themselves have been bullied by someone else. In this way, bullying can be contagious.

Children's examples of bullying include:
Name calling
Teasing
Pushing or pulling about
Hitting or attacking
Taking a backpack and other possessions
Spreading rumors
Ignoring or leaving a child left out
Forcing money or possessions to be handed over
Attacking because of religion or color

Types of bullying;

Physical bullying happens when a child is hit, pushed, has hair pulled, and so on.

Verbal bullying, by far the most common, is name calling, making sexist and racist comments, verbal threats, cruel jokes about appearance, disabilities, religion, and other idiosyncrasies. We need to stop calling this form of abuse "teasing", which is appropriate ONLY when applied to a playful situation, when both people are having fun.

Relational bullying means gossiping or exclusion and thrives in a climate that encourages the formation of cliques. This form of bullying can become severe in middle school and high school.
Most experts agree that children aren't born bullies. Bullying is a learned behavior and behaviors can be changed. So what should we do to protect our children from bullies?

If Your Child Is Being Intimidated or Bullied:

1. Inform the school immediately if there's a problem. Record dates times, names and what happened.
2. Do not be embarrassed. Avoid blaming anyone.
3. Get as much information as you can about what is happening.
4. Discuss and role play with your child ways of dealing with a bully, including walking away and getting help and acting more assertive.
5. Try to enhance your child's courage and self-confidence.
6. Understand that bullying does not have to involve physical injury to be harmful. Continuous verbal and emotional abuse must also be prevented.
7. Watch for signs that your child is being bullied: withdrawal, loss of appetite, a drop in grades, not wanting to go to school, bruises, torn clothing, or a need for "extra" school supplies or lunch money. Talk with your child immediately if you suspect a problem.
   

4 Assertive Responses for Children to Use when Being Bullied
- Say what you SEE:"Every time I see you, you're picking on me"
- Say what you FEEL: "I don't like it! "
-Say what you WANT: "I want you to stop!"
- WALK AWAY! If there is continued intimidation/bullying, keep
walking!

*Let your child know that when they are being bullied, they can tell a safe adult to get help.

The following video is very powerful and shows us how important it is to take a stand together. Once the bully realizes that nobody is afraid of him and people are willing to stand up to him, he loses all of his power and then feels ashamed of his actions. Don't be a witness or part of the encouragement when you see this going on, step in and make a difference for the victim, show him or her that they matter and this is not right.

Not one person deserves to live this on a daily basis. No human is allowed to impose their physical strength or even worse verbal and emotional abuse against another human being. The bullies are the ones with the problem, they need to get help, counselling anything that will help them realize that what they are doing is wrong and that their "reign of terror" is over.

As adults witnessing these acts of violence and cruelty we are obligated by law to step in and do something. We cannot just stand back and watch this happen and close our eyes or turn our back to the problem. Adults that think "kids will be kids" or "let them work out their own problems" or that the victim needs to fight back physically will solve this huge problem need to realize quickly that they are only adding fuel to this situation.

The following video really gives us a true picture of bullying along with statistics that shows all of us that this has to be considered very seriously by everyone.

                                                            

Be a hero in a victim's life and show them that their life is worth living and that they are not alone any longer. Let them know that they have something wonderful to offer to others and that they matter. Go ahead and make a positive difference today, you will feel amazing!!!!

Sylvie Thibert