Weight-Loss Options: Avocados and Nutriblend Green Tea

Similar in many ways!

Avocados are bursting with L-Carnitine and Fiber which are all good in weight management according to Health Guidance. Similarly, Nutriblend Green Tea are packed with L-Carnitine, Sodium Ascorbate, Fiber and of course, Green Tea Extracts which are all very ideal for burning fats. Can be taken hot or cold! Refreshing, indeed!

Coco Coffee Mix and Me!

With my usual daily meditation and journaling as antidote to stress (check my blog on stress management), I came across a few recipes on coffee mixed with coco oil. I go for my usual morning coffee (special healthy coffee, that is, mixed with agaricus blazei murill and soluble fibers) first thing in the morning after I say my prayers.

Today, I got excited trying this “new” stuff I discovered which I know wasn’t really new at all. Well, at least for me. Prepared my blender, my VCO (virgin coco oil), cinnamon powder and my healthy coffee mix.

Here it is:

1 Teaspoon of VCO (this will serve as your non-dairy/natural creamer)

1 sachet of my Nutriblend Coffee Mix with Natural Raw Sugar

(you can go for your favorite coffee and mix it with STEVIA or muscovado sugar)

a dash of cinammon

How to:

Blend everything in hot water through the blender and voila!

Here’s how mine looked like….and it sure does tasted YUMMY!!!!

Healthy is YUMMY! Enjoy the brew!

Positive Affirmation for the day: I choose to be healthy and think about what I am thinking about!

https://globalteampassion.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/stress-management-anyone/

Stress Management, Anyone?

Individuals complain of experiencing physical pains where most of which are related to stress.  When the body lacks nutrition, its immune system is low, toxins attack the body faster. Aside from the fact that the body needs to be supplemented adequately, other stress-related life situations contribute to the physical pain.

Stress is the body’s way of dealing with potentially dangerous situations, heightening adrenaline levels and increasing alertness. However, prolonged stress and anxiety can be detrimental to mental and physical health. Understanding stress and anxiety and how to deal with it in a natural way can help to eliminate some of the harmful effects stress has on the body.

Stress can impact hormones and fertility as well. When cortisol is high in the body, progesterone is often low because the body uses progesterone to manufacture cortisol. This is often why stress and elevated cortisol levels correlate with trouble conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. While natural progesterone cream can be helpful, it is important to address the causes as well.

Other physical reactions associated with high stress levels are:

•  Hair loss (from prolonged stress)
• headaches
• insomnia
• dry mouth
• increased incidence of heart disease and stroke
• higher incidence of allergy
• muscle pain or twitching
• hormonal and menstrual troubles
• increased incidence of eczema and psoriasis
• slower healing from all illness

Types of Stress

Mental and emotional stress are often considered the culprits in stress related problems, but there are also physical stressors that can cause the same problems. Before stress can be reduced, one must figure out what is causing it in the first place.

Certainly, lifestyle factors, hectic schedules or a busy job (like motherhood), can cause stress, but so can other factors like:

• eating foods that the body is allergic or intolerant to (even if you don’t know you have the allergy)
• not getting enough sleep
• toxins in your home or environment
• an underlying hormone imbalance
• leptin or insulin resistance

 

What to do about it:

1. Physical stress: To help reduce physical stress, eat a solid real-food diet, get enough sleep and avoid toxins when you can. Take supplements that can boost your immune system such as those rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C. Food supplements and beverages such as barley and tea. Researchers have found a direct relation between tea and stress. According to their findings, tea does help to reduce your level of stress. Whenever you are extremely stressed, drink a cup of tea and you will start feeling much relieved. I love tea-drinking and it’s a sure way of feeling better!

Eat CHOCOLATES. Yes!

How much is just enough?

“Research has shown that 40g of dark chocolate a day can help us cope with stress by releasing ‘happy chemicals’ known as beta endorphins in the brain,” says Spector. “When it comes to a treat, dark chocolate can be a good snack choice to stave off cravings for less healthy choices, while providing a much-needed energy boost without the agitating effects of caffeine.”

Eat SPINACH!

“Spinach and other dark leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are loaded with magnesium, which has been credited as a major stress fighter, helping to relax muscle fibers and put you at ease,” says Health and Living.

Oranges – for sunshine in your life. Oranges, along with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red and green peppers and strawberries contain lots of vitamin C, which “boosts your immune system and fights brain-cell damage resulting from constant exposure to cortisol,” says Whole Living.

2.   Emotional Stress: Make time for prayer and meditation.

Worship instead of worrying. Keep a gratitude journal or enter into the habit of JOURNALING. This is one of my favorite moments where I get the chance to discover myself more and listen to my Creator.

Walk barefooted and be connected to the ground. Nature’s energy will give you an energized breathing experience!

 3.   Mental Stress:  Learn to set your goals and priorities. Focus on one priority at a time. Reading inspirational and motivational books will aid you in sharpening your mind as well as help you develop mental focus.  Spend some time with mentors who carry the same vision as you have. Talk with like-minded individuals who embody your principles and beliefs.

 Next time you feel that stress temperature going up, pause and take a break. Check your habits. Grab that tea, pen and journal. Be grateful that you are alive for the moment!

 

 

Sources:

http://www.healthberth.com
http://www.businessinsider.com
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/best-foods-reduce-stress
http://stress.ezinemark.com

http://www.naturalnews.com/037321_healthy_foods_lowering_stress_almonds.html

http://wellnessmama.com/4925/the-importance-of-balancing-stress-hormones/

http://www.ifood.tv/blog/how-tea-can-reduce-your-stress-level#47I22Iix0pKjSqhz.99

Boost Your Natural SPF!

Did you know that you can boost your bodies natural (internal) SPF through supplementation?? Most people are unaware that diet and nutrition plays a large part in getting a sunburn. And you may not realize that the amount of antioxidants that you have in your skin plays a major role in your development of sunburn. The more antioxidants you take in, the lower your risk of sunburn.

If you stay away from processed foods and consume a lot of foods which are high in anti-oxidants, such as raw fruits, vegetables and fresh juices, you will find that you have increased tolerance to sun exposure and do not burn as easily. In addition to eating a healthy diet full of organic fruits, veggies and quality healthy fats we’ve been adding a supplement routine 10 weeks prior to our spring break vacation to help our bodies prepare for the sudden change in climate.

 

Here’s the supplements we’ve been using to naturally boost our bodies SPF:

• Green Tea Extract – prevent suppression of the immune system during sun exposure.
• Grape Seed Extract –  A small study of healthy female volunteers suggests that grape seed extract in combination with other ingredients, may help to reduce the severity of sunburn.
• Astaxanthin –  a natural health remedy to promote tanning and prevent sunburn. It may take 2 – 4 weeks to build up adequate sun protection.
• Beta-Carotene – has been shown to protect against sunburn. Research suggests that it is necessary to “build up” protection by supplementing a minimum of 10 weeks.
• Vitamins C & E – offers modest benefits against sunburn as well. One double-blind study of 10 people found that 2 g of vitamin C and 1,000 IU of vitamin E taken for 8 days resulted in a modest decrease in skin reddening induced by ultraviolet light.

http://www.healthstartsinthekitchen.com/2013/01/15/boost-your-natural-spf/

Grape seeds, Anyone?

The quest of staying and looking young have pushed many women to grab any “commercialized” products that have promises of youthful beauty. What’s amazing is that nature has already provided for us food that we might have overlooked that can actually protect our bodies from wear and tear.

Check out what grape seed extracts can actually do for you!

What is in grape seed extract?

What you may not know is that grape seed extract contains a vast array of health-giving ingredients, such as protein, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols (which come mainly in the form of flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids). The term flavonoid is used for a class of plant chemicals known for their activity as highly potent antioxidants, and therefore for their capability in protecting the body against oxidative and free radical damage.It’s not really surprising when you consider the scientific studies: they show that the antioxidant power of polyphenols is 20 times more powerful thanvitamin E, and 50 times greater than vitamin C.

Because of its polyphenol content, purple grape juice provides a far greater antioxidant effect than orange juice.

What else can grape seed extract do?

Some people call these polyphenols “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of their ability to help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens.

That means that among their many talents, they exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancerous and anti-microbial activity.

Not bad for a “waste product”!

Procyanadin: The secret anti aging vitamin?

One particular type of phenol found in grape seed is called procyanidin. It was initially discovered in 1936 by Professor Jacques Masquelier, who called it Vitamin P, (although the name didn’t really catch on, and has since fallen out of usage).

As well as the disease prevention mentioned above, procyanidins are thought to protect the body from premature ageing. Scientists think they do this by increasing vitamin C levels in the cells and scavenging for toxins so the organs can get rid of them.

A good “side effect”: Younger looking skin

Procyanidins also bond with collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues.

The bonding promotes cell health and skin elasticity, making it seem more youthful, in a process that works almost like a natural face-lift. Procyanidins additionally help protect the body from sun damage, which can also cause premature ageing of the skin.

benefits of grapeseed extracts

Fight Cancer & Heart Disease

Case reports and results from laboratory and animal studies show that grape seed extract may be useful to treat heart diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Limiting lipid oxidation, phenolics in grape seeds may reduce risk of heart disease, such as by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing inflammation. While such studies are promising, more research including long-term studies in humans is needed to confirm initial findings.

A polyphenol contained in grape seeds is resveratrol which may interfere with cancer cell growth and proliferation, as well as induce apoptosis, among a variety of potential chemopreventive effects.

Grape seed components may also be active against HIV by inhibiting virus expression and replication.

Grape seed extract may have other possible anti-disease properties. It is used by some to treat–

• Wound healing
• diseaseTooth decay
• Osteoporosis
• Skin cancer
• Diabetes
• Varicose veins
• Utraviolet damage to skin
• Improve blood flow and strengthen blood vessels
• Strengthen and protect the heart
• Help heal cataracts and macular degeneration, leg cramps

Currently, there are clinical trials underway to assess the effect of grape seed extracts on human breast cancer, blood estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, and coronary artery disease.

Grape seed extract contains Vitamins A, C and E.

Where to find reliable sources of grapeseed extracts? Email teampassion@rocketmail.com

http://multiply.com/healthyglow

Sources:

http://www.antioxidants-health-benefits.com/benefits-of-grape-seed-extract.html

http://www.preventive-health-guide.com/grape-seed-extract.html

SEXY SIX BEAUTY FOODS!

How do we really define beauty?

Beauty as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever is your definition of beauty for the moment, we will sure look at it from our own lens.

I look at beauty as having to wake up each day with strength and a glowing skin + a glowing attitude!

Over the years, I’ve realized that my physical health plays a big role in contributing to how I feel, how I make decisions for the day or as to how my emotional (and even spiritual) state’s thermometer reads on  a particular moment.

Transforming my lifestyle to eating fruits and vegetables, and taking natural supplements, have changed my overall wellness in the midst of hormonal imbalances and emotional roller coaster rides.

Most say that I do have glowing skin! At my beautiful age of 41, it feels great to be enjoying better health. I do love GREEN TEA, berries and nuts.

Discover these sexy 6 beauty foods that can help regain your youthful glow!!!

SEXY SIX BEAUTY FOODS!

It’s time to shed those winter layers and show everyone the radiant, beautiful you. Everywhere you turn, there’s another lotion, potion, or cream promising a youthful glow. But real beauty comes from what you feed your body, not what you put “on” it. So we’ve come up with our “Sexy Six” Beauty Foods: the “must-have” foods to give your body a beauty boost.

1. Kale
Kale is one of the best “superfoods” that the planet has to offer. And when it comes to enhancing your skin, kale is truly “super”. This is because it is loaded with many of the vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin. Kale contains potent antioxidants like vitamins A and C to help combat the stress of sun exposure and other toxins that can leave skin wrinkled and sallow. Kale is also rich in iron and B6, which can keep hair looking full and shiny. Just 1 cup of kale has 180% of vitamin A and 200% of vitamin C. All this in just 36 calories!

2. Wild Salmon
In addition to their heart health benefits, the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish like salmon are important for keeping skin smooth and healthy. While the research is still early, one recent study published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found older people who consumed more fish over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat.Salmon and other fish rich in omega-3s are easy to fit into a “beautiful” diet.

3. Tea
Tea not only hydrates your skin, it also contains compounds known as polyphenols. Polyphenols have antioxidant properties and, according to some studies, may help prevent sun-related skin cancers and improve immune functioning. Topical polyphenols may also help increase collagen production. Green tea is especially rich in a compound known as EGCG which may keep skin looking youthful by reactivating dying skin cells. Potential beauty benefits aside, unsweetened tea is always a good hydration choice.

4. Berries
Vitamin C, plentiful in strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, is vital for the production and formation of collagen, skin’s support structure. A strong support layer helps smooth what’s on top and prevent wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps fight against oxidative damage from sun, pollution, and stress.

Berries are delicious on their own, fresh or frozen. Or you can try them in desserts or smoothies.

5. Yogurt
A beautiful smile can result from good genetics, a good dentist, and good hygene of of course. But to keep your smile looking it’s best, calcium and vitamin D, found in yogurt and other dairy products, are essential. Calcium and vitamin D work together to keep our bones strong. Teeth are embedded in the jaw bone, so if you don’t have healthy bone density, your teeth will feel the effects. Aim for 3 servings of fat-free or low fat yogurt or other dairy foods that are rich in both vitamin D and calcium.

6. Walnuts
Like salmon, walnuts also contain omega-3 fats that strengthen skin cell membranes, locking in moisture and nutrients. Studies indicate that these healthy fats may also reduce skin inflammation and play a role in protecting the skin against harmful UV rays.

Walnuts are perfect as a topping for cereal, yogurt, and salads.

Source: Katherine Brooking, MS RD, appforhealth.com

Where to find reliable sources of Green Tea?

Email teampassion@rocketmail.com

http://multiply.com/healthyglow

My VCO Journey… I love coco!

My coco oil journey began last month where I decided to eliminate some cancer-causing chemicals from my bathroom shelf and convert to natural products which we normally find in our kitchen!

I started a “no-poo” treatment with my hair (I’ll share on my next blog). No shampoo and conditioner. I replaced Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) to nourish my hair and for a month it has been wonderful so far! I treat it with VCO at least once a week.

What’s amazing is how VCO moisturized dry areas of my body especially my elbows and my ankles (entire feet for that matter)! I do away with creams and lotions that are chemically-laden and replaced them with VCO. It was worth it!

I got oily face ever since and yet the effect of VCO as my night moisturizing treatment for my face, has helped improved my skin.

Going natural is my advocacy. VCO has helped me more than ways than one as it is also a good protector against flying insects or mosquitoes, a good beauty product and a better alternative in nourishing our entire body. And for the summer heat, VCO is also a natural sunscreen!

For more info, check out my collection of other NATURAL SKIN TREATMENTS on this link —-> https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.430606883690521.1073741825.420408881376988&type=3

Here’s a photo of me and the VCO I used for the past month…

IS SURGERY THE ONLY WAY TO GET RID OF STRETCH MARKS?

According to webMD…stretch marks occur from disruption in the underlying dermal support of the skin. Topical medications that contain TRETINOIN are designed to increase cell turnover and encourage new collagen disposition. Laser works by targetting and subsequently tightening the dermis and encouraging new cell growth. A combination of topical products and lasers may improve less severe stretch marks. But more severe stretch marks are less likely to respond to non surgical approaches.

Stretch marks are weaknesses in the supporting structure of the skin causing layers of the skin (dermis) to separate and leaving the skin grooved and discolored. Stretch marks develop when the skin is excessively stretched during pregnancy, weight gain or growth spurts. They are most common during pregnancy and the teen years. When growth spurts and increased levels of steroid hormones cause significant changes throughout the body. Stretch marks can also be brought on by obesity, genetic disorders, including inherited defects of connective tissues also play a role.

PREVENTION IS THE KEY. To avoid stretch marks, avoid rapid weight gain or loss. Moisturize daily when pregnant. There is no exact cure for stretch marks, however, products containing GLYCOLIC ACIDS, TRETINOIN or VITAMIN C helps towards rebuilding the structures of your skin. For a more invasive option, consider laser resurfacing. Laser works by stimulating the collagen synthesis. For severe stretch marks, you may want to consider evaluation by a plastic surgeon for surgical removal.

Or better yet, take care of your skin by using our very own GFI/ KS SKINCARE LINES. ~ by Ms. Bing Calinawan

https://www.facebook.com/kaolinskincare

Blast those Belly Fats!

One of the Best Belly-Blasting Supplements:

 According to Dr. Oz (a cardiothoracic surgeon and teaching professor at Columbia University, FORSKOLIN is one of those supplements that can help break down fats stored in your belly.

 Supplement to Break Down Fat: Forskolin

Forskolin is found in the roots of an herbal plant from the mint family. Researchers have found that forskolin can help to promote the breakdown of stored fats in animal and human fat cells. It may also release fatty acids from adipose tissue, which results in increased thermogenesis, resulting in loss of body fat and, theoretically, increased lean body mass.

Dose: Take 125 mg in the morning. Be sure to get the right dosing by looking at the label. It must read that it is standardized to 20% forskolin. Anything less will have a reduced impact on fat burning.

Credits: http://www.doctoroz.com

 GREAT NEWS!!!

Nutrimaxx Lean and Fab contains a standardized 10% of Forsklin in each capsule through its unique patented ingredient Forslean. Forslean helps in breaking down fats and increase lean body mass.  Losing those belly fats need not be too toxic! Lean and Fab’s synergistic ingredients provide a revolutionary combination of unique patented ingredients that breaks down fats, increases lean body mass, burns fats, suppresses appetite, blocks extra calorie and enhances thermogenic activity.

Learn more about Lean and Fab through www.facebook.com/leanandfabslimmingprogram.

Where to find reliable sources of Forskolin or Weight Loss Products? Email teampassion@rocketmail.com

http://multiply.com/healthyglow

Are you stressed out?

(NaturalNews) Are you tired all the time? Sleepy during the day but can’t sleep at night? So stressed out you can’t think straight? Crabby, depressed, sick all the time? Muscle weakness, chronic pain, dizziness? These are just a few of the classic symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

80 percent of people will suffer adrenal fatigue at some point in their lives, says Dr. James Wilson, author of the best-selling book “Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome.” When your adrenal glands have been “overworked,” they cannot do their job very well and any additional stress can strongly affect you, resulting in fatigue and other symptoms.

Adrenal glands function as your body’s “shock absorbers” by helping you to handle all forms of stress. But when you’re feeling stressed all the time, those glands become overworked and tired – a condition commonly called adrenal fatigue. When the adrenal glands fail to secrete enough cortisol, this causes energy dips during the day with spikes at night which disrupt sleep.

Two kinds of adrenal exhaustion

Physical exhaustion is generally caused by engaging in activities that require physical exertion. In these cases, we choose to exert ourselves and fatigue comes along with a natural slow-down. We consequently plan a period for recovery with rest and nutrition. After the adrenal pumping activity is over, the body goes through a recovery phase for 24-48 hours during which we are tired, listless and less able to respond to stress. Although our muscles may be sore and a bit tired for a few days, we are otherwise physically refreshed by this kind of activity with a renewed level of energy.

Stress exhaustion is not planned nor welcomed and is caused by the thoughts and emotions of the individual rather than the related situation. Everyone has their own level of stress they can deal with. One person experiences stress as a result of losing a job and becomes emotionally exhausted with worry. Another person takes the loss in stride and may even see this in a positive light. The person who allows life’s ups and downs to affect them negatively will feel emotional stress and if it continues, they will experience physical and emotional consequences.

The vicious cycle

There is a vicious cycle that starts with adrenal fatigue, goes through “the resistance stage” and ends in General Adaptation Syndrome.

When the stress alarms continue unabated, the adrenals first become exhausted and then eventually become resistant to excessive stimulation. Constant, severe stress causes the adrenals to adapt and increase their size and function – for a while, before they begin to collapse. The resistance phase follows and can last from one month to up to 20 years. In the resistance stage, cortisol promotes the retention of sodium to keep your blood pressure elevated and your heart contracting strongly. 

When stress is prolonged and severe, it will continue beyond the resistance stage to the General Adaptation Syndrome stage resulting in hemorrhaged adrenal glands, high insulin levels, atrophied thymus glands, biochemically devastated bodies, a total collapse of body function, or a collapse of specific organs or systems.

The road back

To rebuild the adrenal glands, there are five areas to address:

• Reduce the stresses that have affected the adrenal function
• Exercise for 30 minutes daily. Walking, yoga, stretching, swimming, etc. “burns” the daily stress energy out of the body.
• Get at least eight hours of sleep a night. Taking one mg of melatonin at 6 p.m. and two mg at 8 p.m. will help balance high cortisol levels in most people for better sleep.
• Improve the diet
• Do things that feed the soul daily like read, write, sing, pray or meditate

Relying on the ole sugar or caffeine energy boost actually causes adrenal problems to worsen.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036727_adrenal_fatigue_exhaustion_remedies.html#ixzz232jtSL5N

Lessen your stress by getting proper nutrition!