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Health and Wellness

3 Natural Products to Boost Your Energy

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Every winter I always need a boost of energy to combat the depressive scenes of winter — I think they call it the “winter blues” because you don’t get enough sunshine.  So, I went on a hunt to find a healthy, non-caffeinated and all natural way to boost your energy. Here’s what I found:

Green Superfood Powder

81KLsPo0kiL._SL1500_The first product that I found was a raw organic green Superfood Powder.  It can be put into your daily smoothie or just mixed in with water.  It includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics and anti-oxidants to help improve low energy levels.  An added bonus is the 100% money back guarantee if it doesn’t quite do the job.

Natural B-12 Liquid Shot

71FUd1jPjtL._SL1500_Another way to increase your energy is a natural B-12 shot in liquid form.  I have often heard of doctors and nurses that work long shifts using B-12 to boost their energy levels.  I was really impressed with the natural, quality ingredients used in this product.

Oxygen in a Can

31nwFc5CPfL.AA300_PIbundle-5,TopRight,0,0_AA300_SH20_The third natural energy boost that I found was oxygen in a can that helps boost energy.  This is a new idea — never heard of this solution! The brain needs oxygen to function properly. Sometimes it’s deprived due to diet and other factors, causing mental fatigue. So giving it an extra shot can help give you more mental awareness. It’s not cheap, but it seems that purchasing the oxygen booster in a 5 pack is more affordable — especially when you compare it to the cost of visiting a new age oxygen bar.  The product I found contains 95% pure oxygen.

As a writer, I know how difficult it can be to get motivated. Hopefully one of these ways to boost your energy will help you achieve your goals!

Posted by Eve

Tips for How to Select and Prepare Avocados

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I grew up eating avocados, on a regular basis. I find that avocados have a light refreshing taste and can add flavor to most any meal. I was amazed to find out, how many people have never tried avocados. I believe the reason is because many do not know how to prepare or pick them. So, I decided to give some ideas on how to quickly and simply select and prepare avocados.

There are two main types of avocados, one is called a Dominican avocado and the other is called Haas avocados. The Dominican avocado (shown in picture) is large, bright green and has smooth skin. The Haas avocado is much smaller in size, is a dark color and has wrinkly skin.

Avocados are good for you — they are high in vitamin K, C and folate. Try to add at least one to your diet each week.

My tip on how to pick an avocado is easy. Simply, pick it up in your hand and squeeze gently with your thumb. Now, if it has no give and is rock hard it is not ready to be consumed, yet. You want it to feel soft but not mushy.

As for preparing the avocado, you just need a sharp knife and a large spoon. Cut it in half and twist it open. One side will have a non edible pit that needs to be removed. To remove the pit, strike the pit safely and firmly with the knife and give it a twist. The pit should be stuck on the knife, discard the pit. Now, place your spoon, starting at the top and scoop out the ” meat ” of the avocado. You can either cut it into long slices or cut it into chunks.

Avocado pairs well with salads of all kinds and sandwiches as well as Mexican and Spanish foods.

Posted by Eve

Healthy Snack Ideas for the Holidays

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The holidays are here and so are the dinner parties full of all kinds of fantastic foods. With that being said, so are all of the extra calories. However, you can still enjoy your favorite holiday foods, if you substitute some healthy snack ideas for meals. That way you can feel more relaxed while indulging at your next holiday party.

Here are some low calorie snacks to make. I suggest that you have a balanced breakfast and eat these healthy snacks during the day before going to your holiday gatherings.

Baked Cinnamon Apple

Preheat oven 350*
Core the apple ( I Recommend Using Red Delicious Type Apples ) Peel the skin from around the top of apple
Fill the core with raisins
Generously, sprinkle apple with cinnamon
Drizzle honey on top of the apple
Cover the core with a pat of butter
Place apple in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl Place bowl on a cookie sheet
Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until apple is soft
Allow apple to cool for 5 minutes before eating

Cucumber Slices With Sea Salt

Wash and dry cucumber
Cut into 1/4 inch slices
Sprinkle with sea salt

Celery Sticks With Hummus

Wash and peel celery
Fill the center of the stalk with store bought hummus
(health food stores has a great selection of hummus)
Cut into edible pieces.

Enjoy these simple healthy snack ideas and Happy Holidays !!!!

Posted by Eve

How To Make Cleaning Ceiling Fans Quick & Easy

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Most of us have ceiling fans in our home, but rarely pay them any mind. If you have ever attempted to clean the fan blades after a long while, you’ll soon realize that it can be very time consuming. So, I have found a way to make cleaning ceiling fans quick and easy.

Ceiling Fan Photo Credit: Flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/ubidesperarenescio/2247632650
Cleaning ceiling fans made easy.

Instructions:
– Fill a bowl 1/2 way with warm water
– Add three drops of dish detergent to the bowl
– Dip a clean cloth into the bowl
– Squeeze excess water out of cloth ( cloth should be damp ) – Clean the blades on both top & bottom
– Allow blades to dry
– Discard dirty water

Next…
– Take a dry clean cloth
– Generously spray the cloth with the furniture polish
– Wipe the blades with the cloth on top and bottom ( reapply furniture polish often )

By applying furniture polish to the blades will prevent the dust from sticking to the blades. Therefore, cleaning ceiling fans is as easy as a quick wipe to remove the dust!!!

Posted by Eve

5 Easy Ways To Cut Calories

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If you are thinking about trimming your waist line, but you do not have time to go to the gym on a regular basis. Here are 5 easy ways to cut calories and lose some unwanted pounds.

1- Monitor and minimize your carbohydrate (carbs) intake. For example, use 1 slice of bread instead of 2 when making a sandwich.

2- Switch out unhealthy snacks, such as potato chips. Instead, grab a handful of nuts or cherries.

3- Try baking or grilling your food instead of frying. Fish and chicken taste great fresh out of the oven.

4- Increase your vegetable consumption. 3/4 of your plate should consist of salad and vegetables.

5- Eat your biggest meal at the beginning of the day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then taper the amount consumed at lunch and dinner.

These 5 easy ways to cut calories has helped me lose a considerable amount of body fat. I hope it helps you too!

Health Tip: The Health Benefits of Papaya

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There are some awesome health benefits to adding the tropical fruit papaya to your daily diet.

  • Photo Credit: Flickr: Janine
    Photo Credit: Flickr: Janine

    Papaya, has a digestive enzyme called papain. Papain assists in the digestion and the fiber in the fruit also helps prevent constipation. It is recommended that you consume 4-5 servings a day.

  • Papaya also contains a high amount of vitamin C and therefore protects you against poly arthritis. It also contains vitamins A and E which aides your immune system to function at its best.
  • I also learned that papaya is an outstanding source of recommended daily fiber. It helps with weight loss because the fiber in the fruit makes you feel full and it is also low in calories. Also, the digestive enzyme, papain, increases your metabolism, digests fats and mimics carbohydrates in your body.

I purchase 2 large papayas from my local grocers, weekly. I generally first peel, cut the fruit in half and remove the seeds. I then slice the papaya into long slices and store them in a airtight container in my refrigerator. I either add them to my daily smoothie or eat some slices in the morning along with my breakfast. I even at times enjoy the fruit as an evening snack.

I hope you enjoy the health benefits of papaya as much as I do every week!

Posted by Eve