Trick Or Trick

Many years ago it was more of a treat to have junk on Halloween because it was not common for kids to have sooo much junk on a regular basis. Today however is a different story. I am writing this on my laptop as I sit on a field where kids football games surround me. I see kids drinking on processed, sugar filled juices while a tote full of Oreos awaits them upon completion. Sports teams and coaches are supposed to promote health, strength and be great examples of human anatomy. Kids have ample amounts of candy daily from their homes to schools and all the way around to churches. So how is Halloween their day for a treat? Oh maybe the life-long sugar binge that is being developed with the help of parents wouldn't be complete without it's own special day to gather by the ton. So what is a parent to do on such a day that is not interested in participating in the normal festivities(for whatever reasons), while not seeming like the Halloween Grinch to the child?

Well I can think of 3 things:1.Some churches have come up with great alternatives that they have put in the place. However you may have to volunteer with foods/snacks if you want healthy alternatives to junk. 2.You can host a party in your home that consists of healthy foods/snacks like bananas on a stick that they can dip in peanut butter with an orange food coloring and games like bobbing for apples. 3.If you do plan on letting your child do activities that include junk you can let them pick 7 pieces out if they are 7 years old for example and discard the rest. Soooooo parents....what do you think? What do you do and why? Am I on point or over exaggerating? Would you be upset knowing that a parent through the candy away that you spent your hard earned money on? Do you want to do away with Halloween?

Month 4 w Amy

Amy told me some rather shocking information. Beforehand I knew something was different about her, but did not know what. Keep it up Amy, you have not seen anything yet!

Unbeliebvable New Junk Food Craze

What is the world coming to when health is fully ignored, in place of momentary satisfaction. It is like adults running around like kids going,"Oh that's full of salt, fat and sugar...YES, I will take it! Well that is what is happening right now with the help of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. People are making a 1500 calorie bacon cheeseburger sandwich using the doughnuts as the bun. Many people would not dare think of killing someone else because they feel that morally it would be wrong, but they do not bat an eye when they reach for things like this that is ultimately killing their own bodies. Not to mention the kids, since kids eat what their parents eat.

WOW Question: What Makes You Different?

We all have things about us that makes us different. Usually it makes us stand out in a unique way. I want to know what makes you different and why? I will start mine 1st. My hair is super curly and I just rediscovered it 7 years ago. side-note:My hubby just informed me last Month that the toe next to my big toe is the same length as my big toe and that that was not normal. That is just lovely for me to know, so now I have to be insecure...lol just kidding, God knew what he was doing with my toes!

Tonight at 10p.m.eastern I will come to the blog and do eeny, meeny, miney, moe to get the winner. Put your answer in the comments section below. The winner will receive an awesome Titan Peeler to easily slice and dice those veggies!

All About Flax II

Q. What is so beneficial about omega-3 fatty acids?
A. The majority of U.S. diets no longer contain the amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed for overall health and wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids correct imbalances in modern diets that lead to health problems. Today, Americans are consuming more than 10 times as many omega-6 fatty acids (another essential fatty acid family which is required by the body in moderate, not excessive, amounts) as they are omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the increase of fatty, highly processed foods in today's diet. Eating less omega-6 and more omega-3 fats from foods like ALA-rich flax can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol. In fact, large scale studies confirm that plant-derived omega-3's offer unique heart-healthy benefits and may be even more effective than fatty fish and fish oils in lowering the risk of some coronary diseases. Recently, scientists have discovered that flax may play an important anti-inflammatory role in reducing immune system diseases. Flax ALA has been shown to lower blood levels of a compound called C-reactive protein or CRP. Reducing this inflammatory compound appears to be as important as lowering LDL cholesterol in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Q. What are lignans?
A. Lignans are natural antioxidants that reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals, slow the aging process, and increase overall wellness. Flax contains up to 800 times more lignans than other plant sources, such as whole grains and legumes.

Q: How does flax benefit athletes and sports training?
A: Omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic, ALA, an essential fatty acid found in flax, improves the metabolism of fats which is especially helpful with endurance sports, such as marathons. When a runner "hits the wall" and their glycogen stores are used up, the body begins burning fats. In this case, efficient burning of fats makes a difference in performance. ALA improves response time. Electrical impulses move from the brain to muscles across cell membranes which, as indicated earlier, are rich in ALA when consumed in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as ALA, are the most efficient fatty acids in allowing these electrical impulses to move from cell to cell. Thus, response time is improved. ALA aids in muscle repair at the cellular level. Omega-3 fatty acids present on the cell membrane significantly affect the speed and quality of tissue repair.

Q. What's the difference between omega-3 fatty acids from flax and those found in fish oil?
A. Flax is very high in the omega-3 fat ALA. This is the "essential" omega-3 fat because our bodies need it to be healthy. However, because our bodies don't produce it, we must consume it from other sources, like flax. Other omega-3 fats, EPA) and DHA, found in fatty fish, are vital for health, but not "essential," because our bodies can make them from ALA. All of these omega-3 fatty acids help decrease inflammation, which is a trigger for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Flax is unique in that it also is a rich source of lignans, phytoestrogens that may reduce risk of cancer, as well as a rich source of fiber, which lowers cholesterol and maintains digestive health. Although fish doesn't have these benefits, it is a good source of protein. Fish can contain traces of mercury, and the FDA advises women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, as well as young children, to avoid eating certain fish.

Q: Why is flax important to skin health?
A: These powerful antioxidants can reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals that are generated through oxidation in the body and thus, can help protect the skin from damage.

All About Flax I

If you do not run to the health food store after reading this then I am shocked you are even on this blog. Anyway, I put flax on my salads (along with hempseeds)EVERYDAY. I use flax in my cooking for my hubby and kids. I will put some in their whole grains, ie. whole grain pancakes, rice or couscous. The following information from healthyflax.com answered some the flax questions I get thoroughly and precisely.

Flax 101

Q: What is flax?
A: Flax is a blue-flowered plant grown in the cool, northern climate of the western Canadian prairies and northern United States. It can be consumed in whole seed, milled, or oil form. It is a powerhouse of disease-fighting compounds, such as the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans (which are powerful anti-oxidants) that researchers have found helpful in preventing heart disease, protect against inflammatory disorders and certain cancers, and lower your cholesterol. Flax adds flavor, nutrition, and health benefits to a variety of foods and has a mild, nutty flavor.

Q. My store carries both brown and golden flax. Is one better than the other?
A. Golden and brown flax both contain the same nutritional benefits in terms of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, protein and dietary fiber. It's a matter of choice but rest assured that you can substitute golden for brown and vice versa without sacrificing any of the natural goodness in flaxseed.

Q. I've heard I need to grind whole flax. Why is that?
A. While whole and ground flax have the same nutritional content, your body gets far more benefit from ground flax. That's because the goodness in flax is wrapped up in a hard, shiny seed coat that's hard to crack, even with careful chewing. Grinding or roasting flax breaks this seed coat making all the nutrients easy to digest. Flaxseeds are easy to grind at home using a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. You also can buy ground or "milled" flaxseed in most stores where whole flax is sold.

Q. Is there a difference between flaxseed and flaxseed oil?
A. Yes. Flaxseed oil is the result of cold-pressing flaxseeds. Because it is the fat portion of the seed, it contains high levels of omega-3 ALA — almost eight grams per tablespoon. But flaxseed oil doesn't have the fiber, lignans, and protein found in the rest of the seed.

Q. How long does flaxseed keep?
A. If you buy whole flaxseed, don't be afraid to keep a jar of it handy on your kitchen counter. Whole flaxseed is naturally wrapped in a perfect package — a hard hull that preserves it's goodness for up to a year or longer. Ground flaxseed is best stored refrigerated in an opaque container and will keep at least 90 days. Because ground flaxseed flows readily even when frozen, many users choose to store ground flaxseed in the freezer for even longer shelf life. Others simply grind flaxseed as they use it to ensure utmost freshness. Roasted flaxseed should also be refrigerated or frozen. Flaxseed oil should be refrigerated and usually has an expiration date about four months after pressing.

Q: How much flax do I need each day?
A: To get the full health benefits of flax, we recommend one to two tablespoons (16g) of ground or milled flax. When using ground flax, because of its high fiber content, add it slowly, starting with about a tablespoon a day and working up to two or more per day.

Q. Is flax safe for kids and toddlers?
A. Flax is a natural plant source of vital nutrition and is considered safe for healthy people of all age groups. We recommend no more than one-quarter tablespoon daily for young children.

Q: What is flaxseed oil?
A: There are two types of flaxseed oil available — conventional and organic. These types of flaxseed oil differ in the way in which the seed is grown. Flaxseed oil results from pressing the oil from the seed. Flaxseed oil provides more ALA (approximately 55-58 percent) on a per weight basis in comparison to whole or milled seed (approximately 18-23 percent).
Flax and Your Health

Q: What are the health benefits of flax?
A: Flax contains several disease-fighting compounds, primarily the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of ALA, a polyunsaturated fat that offers unique heart health benefits. Flax is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, providing three grams of fiber per tablespoon. Flax also is packed full of lignans, natural cancer-preventative phytonutrients. Flax also is full of vital vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin E, vitamin B-6, copper, zinc, magnesium, and (dry ounce for ounce) more potassium than seven bananas. Flax has been shown to help prevent heart disease and lower its risk factors, reduce symptoms of inflammatory disorders, protect against cancer, reduce cholesterol, and even ease the effects of Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the health benefits of flax and make it an important part of your daily diet.

Huge Butt And Thighs....HELP!

I am always blown away by some of the questions I see on different fitness forums, websites and in general. I am sometimes blown away at the answer that is given as a response. I personally feel that every single question is valid and applaud people who seek information. If you have a health/fitness/food question for me, you may email me or put it in the comments section in Monday's Q and A day. You can also email a picture without your face and I can tell you how long it should take you to hit your goal.

QUESTION:
when I was 11 I was 100lbs. and from about age ten wanted to lose weight I currently have huge butt and thighs. I am totally embarrassed about them. I also would like to lose a bit of fat on my calves and stomach but that can wait. HELP HELP HELP!!!!!

ANSWER:
At 10 years old you should have been focused on school and play(not weight), but I know that you can't control what went on your plate at that age, which is what started this mess. You can't treat weight loss like going to Subway and ordering a sub:"Excuse me I would like tomatoes and onions but hold the lettuce." It sounds like you are storing the bulk of your fat in your butt and thighs, so you want to make sure to do interval training, including sprints, squats and lunges (FITNESS). Change your eating to at least 50% produce or fall victim to saying "I must be big boned because I can never lose weight(FOOD)." Add L-glutamine, an amino acid for muscle soreness and recovery and to help you work out efficiently(SUPPLEMENTS). Lastly, do not be embarrassed, because if you knew for a fact that you would look amazing after 3 Months of focused discipline, you would be excited. You feel despair when you feel that their is no hope (MINDSET).

Anybody Can Quit, But Why?