Fast Track Your Way to Health With an Infrared Sauna

When I'm being told that something can help me lose weight, detox nasty junk from my body and  reduce pain - all without me needing to change my diet or exercise-  it is usually about 3 o'clock in the morning and I'm watching a"too good to be true" infomercial.

Well, hang on to your hats, because (looking at you with a very straight face) I would like to introduce you one of my most favorite things.

It is actually everything it claims to be, the real makoy, a dream come true.. and yes... you really can lose weight, relieve pain, flush your system  without changing your diet and preferable not moving a muscle.

If you haven't heard the latest buzz word "far infrared" yet, then its time you get acquainted .

It is something that I believe- completely without exaggeration- could change your life.

What is Far-Infrared Heat?

 Anyone who's been on planet earth a while knows that the sun is our primary source of radiant energy, light and heat.

The sun produces and sends earth bound "waves".  Many "electromagnetic" waves.
The full span -there are 7 waves- of which is referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum.

The light spectrum (the light that we see) is only a small piece of the pie, and it is the only electromagnetic waves that can be seen.

However, there are still more unseen waves that come from the sun.

Perhaps, you are  familiar with the terms, gamma rays, x-rays, ultra violet rays, microwaves and radio waves?  They are some of those unseen waves.

** Learn some really cool stuff about these waves here and become a wave genius **


These  waves vary in their wavelengths---some are long and others are short.

But, of course,  not all of this energy  is beneficial.
Although life needs energy from the sun, too much sunlight can be damaging.

We are all familiar with  the warning of ultra violet rays and the damage they can cause.

There is, however, one more ray in this line up which is  getting some serious attention.
It is  the " INFRARED" ray.

Interestingly, infrared heat  accounts for 49% of heating the earth's surface and is not dangerous like Ultra Violet rays (UV) .

Infrared rays are classified in 3 different distinctions:  Near IR Rays, Medium IR Rays, FAR Infrared Rays.

Far-infrared radiant (FIR) heat is a form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by direct light conversion (DLC).
This means  that only the object receives the heat and it does not raise the temperature of the surrounding free air.

Meet the  Far-Infrared Sauna

 Traditional steam saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air.

FIR saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, FIR saunas heat the body directly. (DLC remember?)

   

A Far-infrared sauna,   warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight.

You know that feeling when you catch a nap in the sunshine?
When you feel you are getting warmer right down into the very core of your being?
 mmm.... almost heavenly, right?

That's what FIR heat does.
This type of energy travels 2-3" deep into the body (deeper than any other surface heat) to increase circulation and nourish damaged tissue.
It provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight but it does it without the addition of the  damaging rays that come with the sun.

So, What are the Benefits of the  Far-Infrared Sauna?

The infrared sauna benefits include the following :

• Fat-burner :
  During your relaxing and rejuvenating infrared sauna session, your body sweats and burns calories.
  Some experts say up to 500 calories for every session-- yup, you heard me right... 500 calories.. yee ha!

•  Pain-reliever :
  Increased blood circulation improves nearly any condition. The delivery of oxygen-rich blood to all muscles and joints stimulates the healing process for all joint and muscle related ailments

• Detoxification :
  The deep penetration of the infrared rays into your body and the resonance with your body tissue cells ensure quick removal of body toxins. Your body's natural sweat reaction in the infrared sauna ensures that your skin is deeply purified and that toxins find their way out. Efficiently.

• Skin regeneration :
  Infrared energy is a natural phenomenon. The sun emits infrared energy.
  Most living creatures emit infrared rays (that is why they can be seen with infrared night viewers).
  Infrared waves penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin and assist cell replacement and deep cleansing of your skin.
  Other effects include purging clogged pores of deeply imbedded impurities and dead skin cells.
  You will be amazed by your glowing radiant skin.
  The increased blood circulation encourages a healthy flow of nutrients to your skin that helps relieve acne, eczema, psoriasis and burns. Saunas will also encourage the healing of lesions and minor cuts.

• Stress relief :
  The warm soothing effect of the radiation will provide immediate benefit to tightened and knotted muscles, leaving the user feeling refreshed and invigorated.

• Cardiovascular fitness :
  Use of the sauna enhances blood circulation, stimulating the perspiration process and in turn increasing the body's heart rate and overall cardiac output.
  This achieves a similar cardiovascular conditioning as vigorous exercise.

• Boost immune system:
  The infrared heat strengthens the body's immune response, resulting in increased resistance to disease. Recent studies show cold and flu symptoms are reduced dramatically if treated early with infrared heat. Infrared sauna benefits include strengthening of your immune system by raising your white blood cell count.

• Lower Blood Pressure:
  The University of Missouri, conducted a clinical study which concluded that infrared heat lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure

My Curiosity's Peeking!
Where Do I Find This Far Infrared Sauna?

Ah ha!!! Good news!
It just so happens that far infrared heat is finally getting the accolades it long deserves.

Because it is being recognized in the medical world,  the fitness circles and the natural health movement, they are becoming more and more available.

Many heath and exercise facilities now have their own saunas.
 I've even seen them popping up now and again in hair salons. Most likely taking over the space where the soooooo last year's tanning bed use to sit.

But if you are looking for private, unlimited and instant availability facility then a home sauna is wise investment indeed!

They can come in several shapes and sizes- from a portable, personal dome-type sauna that you slip inside;
to the traditional, beautiful wood cabinetry that we think of when we hear sauna!

Even then, the cabinet-style saunas can come in smaller sizes- not much bigger than a closet- to accommodate anyone's home!

As far as manufacturers go, there too are many.

So like any wise investment, you will need to do your homework.
Because they will not all be created equal.

You will need to ask questions about the quality of the product in entirety.

 There are several different types of infrared heaters, for instance .

Whether you choose a sauna with a carbon fibre heating element or a ceramic heating element will make a difference to your experience. ( carbon has a deeper effect)
How many heaters does a sauna have in it?   The more heaters the more heat.

Make certain you ask questions about the material the unit itself is made out of.
What sort of wood is it?
Is it the glue or finish toxic-free?
It would defeat the entire purpose of a sauna to be inhaling nasty fumes the entire time you are in it.

What about the warranty?  The shipping charges?
Does the  company web site post testimonials from previous clients?

All of these questions will give you a picture of the integrity of the company you are dealing with.

a GREAT SAUNA sauna

Is it just another product to them or do the LOVE SAUNAS!

When doing my research I found a wonderful company that immediately caught my attention.
They simply call themselves GREAT SAUNAS and they really are just that!

They have been creating saunas for 35 years, long before it was the new trendy fad, so they should definately know what they're doing!

I found their website very  informative.
I got the feeling that their first priority was to properly educate the customer and I never had the feeling they were hiding anything.

They have both a Canadian  link and an American link, which really helps (at least for those of us in Canada)
 as well as a 1-800 number with their hours of operation clearly posted... Nice....

Now, I haven't tried their product yet, but I'm hoping to shortly.
If there was a company I would feel the most comfortable with investing my money, and counting on good customer after-care, these guys would definitely be the top of the list.

So, What is Your Opinion About the Whole FIR Sauna Gig?

Have you used a FIR sauna before?
Have you used it on a regular basis, or for theratupic reasons?

IYHO, is it everything it is reputed to be?

Are you in the market for a home FIR?
What are some of the question you are finding to ask, or need answers to before you purchase?

Share you thoughts and comments with us here.
It would sure help me narrow down my decision -and help me with a follow-up post  :-)

Nine Healthiest (and easiest) Vegetables that You Need in Your Prairie Garden

Nine Healthiest (and easiest) Vegetables that You Need in Your Prairie Garden

 1. Radish

 The radish is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden.
It thrives in all climates, all year round in temperate zones. The radish mature quickly, from seed to eating in as little as 4 or 5 weeks and  rarely have any pest or disease problems.
 Radishes have a history of being effective when used for liver disorders.
They contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the  flow of bile.
Helping to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver, and  improve digestion.

Radishes also contain a large number of cancer-protective properties.
All variety of radishes are an excellent source of vitamin c with the leaves containing almost six times the vitamin C content of their  root, as well as being a good source of calcium.

 2. Leafy Greens: Kale, Spinach, Swiss chard, Lettuces

 Kale is wonderful in the prairie garden as it is not fussy about soil conditions and very rarely troubled by pests.
 It is tolerant of both heat and frost and has been harvested in the  snow.
Kale is a vegetable that has reached superfood status because of its nutrient qualities including vitamin C, A, K and very high amounts of calcium.
 It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, is known to be effective against cancers, and strengthens cardiovascular health.

 Spinach is easy to grow and thrives in cooler temperatures.
It is one of the few leafy greens that tolerate partial shade.
 However, it must be watered well during hot spells.
 Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence.
One cup of this vegetable contains far more than your daily requirements of vitamin K and vitamin A, almost all the manganese and folic acid your body needs and nearly 40 percent of your magnesium requirement.
It is a good, very good or excellent source  of more than 20 different measurable nutrients, including dietary fiber, calcium and is 40% protein.

Spinach contains more than a dozen individual flavonoid compounds,  which work together as cancer-fighting antioxidants.
It has also been shown to help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people.

Swiss Chard is also relatively problem free to grow and matures  early. As with the others, it is very high in antioxidants and nutrients while being low in calories. Swiss chard has had very positive affect on colon
 cancers.

 Lettuce Greens generally get more nutrient dense as they get darker.
 Romain lettuce is the most nutrient rich lettuce and is an excellent source of vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, B1, B2 and minerals  chromium and manganese.

3. Peppers and Chillies

These plants are also related to each other and enjoy the same growing conditions.
 They are a warmer climate vegetable, but do well in Manitoba if transplanted after the risk of frost is past. They need 8 hours of  sun a day but grow well in a pot against a south-facing wall.

 Peppers are packed with several nutrients. They are a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and folic acid.
 Also, they contain a large amount of phytochemicals that have exceptional
 antioxidant activity.
 Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, which helps to protect against cancer and heart disease.
 Bell peppers have been shown to be protective against cataracts.
 Peppers have also been shown to prevent blood clot formation and  reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

 Red chillies have the most vitamin A, and all chillie peppers provide fiber, potassium, folic acid, and iron.

 Capsaicin, only found in hot peppers, is the active ingredient that  gets the most recognition.

 This is the pepper ingredient acknowledged for raising endorphin  levels and improving mood.
Capsaicin, is a vasodilator, meaning it causes  blood vessels to widen. This enhances circulation and increases body temperature, which then raises metabolism. This effect also reduces body fat accumulation.

The capsaicin reduces pain by depleting a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain.
Because of this, capsaicin can be found in many topical pain relieving creams

 You can harvest capsicum at any time, but if you wait for the fruit to turn red (they all start out green) they have much higher amounts of vitamin C. If you want to dry some just leave them in a dark, dry,  airy
 place for several weeks. They will store well in glass jars for many years. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and never touch your eyes after handling chillies.

 4. Beets

 Beets are very simple to grow, and are one more superfood you should  be including in you diet.

Famous for their ability to cleanse the blood, beets contain calcium, sulfur, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, copper and  phosphorus. They are high in minerals which are the building blocks for cells,
strengthen the liver and gall bladder, the lymphatic system.

 Beets contain a wealth of fiber -- half soluble and half insoluble.
 Both types play roles in fighting fat. These colorful root vegetables contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease,osteoporosis, birth defects and certain cancers, especially stomach
 and colon cancer.

Don’t waste any of your beets this summer. The beet greens are even richer in nutritional content than the beetroot containing higher amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C and A.

5. Tomato

Tomatoes are perhaps the most popular vegetable for the home gardener. Even those who don’t usually plant a garden have a tomato plant or two in a pot on the porch or tucked in the flowerbed.

One of the most well-known tomato benefit is its abundant Lycopene. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.

Cancers such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, bladder and esophagus have all been proven to be staved off by high levels of Lycopene.

Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C. Nutrients in tomatoes have been known to help diabetics to keep their blood sugar level under control, improve eyesight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Tomatoes have been shown lessen the risk of gallstones and kidney stones and contribute to healthy bones, skin and hair.

6. Asparagus

Asparagus is ideal for prairie gardens as it does best in cool, northern climates. Virtually labor free, it grows as a perennial, reproducing every year, and producing a harvest early in the spring.
Asparagus provides a truly unique combination of anti-inflammatory nutrients. These anti-inflammatory nutrients have been noted to have positive effects on arthritis, rheumatism, and ALS, also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."

Asparagus provides a wide variety of antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and the minerals zinc, manganese, and selenium It is is rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and traces of vitamin B complex.

A good source of dietary fiber, asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium and has the ideal calcium and magnesium balance of 2:1. The high alkalinity of vegetable is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste, break up kidney stones and regulate blood sugar.

7. Onions and Garlic

Both onions and garlic are simple crops for the prairie gardener, easy to grow and typically trouble free. They take up little space and can easily be tucked in a sunny spot.

The health benefits of these flavor favorites are endless because of their powerful anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties.
Both garlic and onions help to protect against cardiovascular disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes, and a variety of cancers.

Garlic produces cells in the blood that are deemed "natural killers" and help to fight off many different kinds of infections as well as tumors. Garlic lowers blood pressure and it decreases the risk of blood clots, which contribute to many strokes and heart attacks.

Garlic is best eaten in its raw state and medicinal properties are at their height when garlic is cut up, sliced up or chopped. Cooking garlic, especially for too long or at high temperatures is responsible for destroying some of the healing compound known as "allicin".

Onions, like garlic, help to increase the HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Onions also help to decrease the bad cholesterol or LDL in the blood and increase the ability of the blood to dissolve blood clots.
Onions lower blood sugars and prevent spasms of the bronchial tube associated with asthma.

Onions decrease the risk of many different types of cancers. A compound known as quercetin, in onions, is extremely powerful when it comes to fighting cancer.
Garlic and onions are also good source of the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, vitamins B, potassium and selenium.

8. Cucumbers and Zucchini

Prolific and mass-producing, Cucumbers and zucchini never fail to perform.
However, to be warned they do require a lot of room to weave their magic.

Fresh cucumbers are mostly composed of water, however they still pack a lot of nutrition.
The flesh of cucumbers is a very good source of vitamins A, C, and folic acid.
The hard skin is rich in fiber and a variety of little heard of, but necessary minerals including magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium.

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue.

Zucchini, also high in water- 95%, is also has high levels of potassium, carotenes, and vitamin C.
It also appears that the anti-cancer effect of the simple zucchini rival many of the more popular cancer fighters.
As many people are suffering for dehydration on a cellular level and don’t even know it, an increase in both cucumbers and zucchini should be a very welcomed addition to the dinner table.

9. Broccoli

Although vulnerable to insects and cutworms, I’ve included broccoli as an easy produce to grow in Manitoba, because if I could grow it, anyone can! Broccoli plants are quite hearty; withstanding light frost and prefers cooler weather.
Broccoli tends to "bolt" in hot Manitoba weather, which means that it flowers, blooms and goes to seed too early.
The best way to prevent broccoli flowers from happening too early is to keep the soil the broccoli is planted in cool with a heavy mulch and frequent watering.
Also planting the vegetable out of the direct sun, perhaps beside a taller crop, may prevent bolting and keep the ground cool.

Broccoli is a cut and come again vegetable.
Meaning that when you cut the main head, other smaller heads will grow.
Good news is that these side heads will take a little longer to bolt and flower.
But broccoli is definitely deserving of that extra attention in the garden. Because of its goldmine of qualities it is being called a true miracle food.

Ounce for ounce, boiled broccoli has more vitamin C than an orange and as much calcium as a glass of milk, according to the USDAs nutrient database. One medium spear has three times more fiber than a slice of wheat bran bread. Broccoli is also one of the richest sources of vitamin A of all produce.

Broccoli is also proving to be a natural wonder-drug for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, cancer of uterus, prostrate cancer, cancers of internal organs like lungs, colon, liver, kidneys and cancer of intestines.

But it is particularly good for breast cancer and uterus cancer, as it removes extra estrogen from the body.

How to Shop for Supplements

Picking your Powders Part 2 ~ Selecting Supplements

 

Rebuilding and retaining your health can become a confusing path after you 
step out of your kitchen into the grocery or health food store.
The market is flooded with "good-for-you" products.

Where to start? What to buy? How to know?

Todays article is the second in a series on learning to pick your powders.

The right powdered drink or shake is a fabulous addition to any lifestyle;

easy, fast, and nutritionally dense.

Once you understand the differences inside the packages and what to look

for, you will have an added edge to your diet.
Last time we digested the contents in the "protein drink", and why you
should or should not be using protein powders.

Now, we look at the bonuses that come with downing a nutritional
supplement drink.

Do We Even Need a Nutritional Supplement?

One definition of suppliment is "a nutrient or phytochemical supplied in
addition to that which is obtained in the diet."
The unfortunate truth is a "balanced diet" will not provide all you need
for a happy healthy you, any longer.

The combination of soil depletion, genetically modified produce, hormones,

antibiotics, pesticides and other chemicals has reduced our food to a
shadow of itself only a generation ago.
According to a Rutgers University study, it now takes 19 ears of corn to
equal the nutritional value of just one ear of corn grown in 1940; 80 cups
of today's supermarket spinach to give you the same iron you'd get from a

cup of spinach grown 50 years ago.

There is less than half the protein in today's wheat as in the wheat our
grandparents ate.

Do we need a supplement? Absolutely.

You body is working harder to ward of more contaminants and disease now
than ever. It needs all it can to run as it should.

Pill Popping

So why should we drink our nutritional supplements instead of popping a
once-a-day pill?

In nature, nutrients do not exist alone, they are found bound with other
nutrients and vital molecules. Many work together, and need each other.

When using a supplement, the closer the supplement is to its natural

form, the better off you will be.
Nature knows exactly how to package things up precisely.


Most pill supplements are now made from synthetics.
At their best, they are only 50% as effective as vitamins in their natural
forms.
At their worst, they actually may carry harmful side effects.

It is possible to find higher quality vitamin/mineral supplements that use
vitamins derived from natural sources and not synthetics.

However they still will not be complete. Science will never perfectly

replicate the beautiful rhytm and relationship that nutrients in their

natural enviroment have.
Your body absorbs liquid vitamins better than its pill counterparts.
Actually, approximately 98 percent of the vitamins and minerals presented
to itself in a liquid form will be absorbed, while only 3 to 20 percent of
the vitamins in a pill is properly absorbed.

Moreover, liquid vitamins bypass digestive processing and go directly
into the bloodstream within minutes.

All the more reason to be drinking your nutrients.
So, what is the best nutrient drink to be stirring up?

Chug a Mug of Green

When you go shopping, look for "green" drinks or "superfood" drinks.
They are easily found in any health food store.

These will be different from the protein powders, although many supplement
drinks will have protein included.

Nearly every major health organization recommends eating five to nine
servings of fruits and vegetables per day to protect your health. But
statistically, less than 9% of North American adults do.

Green drinks are concentrated whole food formulas, which use dehydrated or

"flash dried" fruits and vegetables as their main ingredients.

The plants used have detoxifying and cleansing properties, and are optimum
sources vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, essential fatty acids,
chlorophyll, fibre, enzymes, antioxidants and other important nutrients.

You will drink a variety much larger than any you would ever put on your
plate, with one scoop of a greens drink,on average, equivalent to five
servings of veggies.


By letting "green" supplement drinks become part of your daily diet, you
consume your veggie benefits and get all those nutrients in a form that is
easy and quick for your body to use.


If this is your first experience drinking vegetables, start slow.
Although, there is a large selection of flavors available, these drinks
have a unique taste all to themselves, and may take some time and courage
to get use to.

Believe it or not, you can learn to love them and how they make you feel.
I have and I can notice a difference in my day, if I skip my daily drink.

Green drinks feel just like life in a glass.

The do's and don'ts for green supplement shopping are the same as for the
protein powders.

Make sure you choose the label that claim "organic only" and "no GMO"
produce.

Also avoid the ingredient list that includes artificial sweeteners,
including Splenda, and fillers such as, non-stabilized rice bran and
lecithin.

8 Ways to Regroup After a Holiday Overload

January is back. 

Many of us are secretly rejoicing that the holidays are over for another year.

Once again, we have probably over done it. 
Festivities and feasting has left us feeling very weighed down and tired.

But January is traditionally a time of fresh starts and resolutions.  

These quick tips and easy changes can help get you regroup after a holiday overload and have you moving and grooving in time for Spring

 1. Drown Your Sorrows~

While not exactly as it sounds, however, some of the reason you may be feeling sluggish after the  holiday is because you need a good flushing out.

Your body is more than two thirds water.
 Not coffee, not pop, not eggnog… water.
It is easy to forget that during the holiday.

Water is needed for all proper cell and organ function and for elimination of collected waste. 

Start reaching for the glass of water before you reach for anything else.

2. Veg Out~

How often do you binge on salads over the holidays?  Fruits and veggies get pushed off the plate for much more tempting delicacies.

When the veggies get pushed to the side, so do the nutrients and all those intricate ingredients that make your body work properly.
If you body isn’t getting its best fuel, its not going run its best for you.  Simple as that.
 
Making your plate at least 75% veggies can transform the staunchest couch potato

3. Veg Out Naked~  
 
While you are choosing more fruits and vegetables, make sure as many as possible are raw.
Natural enzymes in the veggies can be altered or destroyed with heat and you would like to get the best bang out of every bite.

Speaking of your bites… chew, chew, chew and then chew slooooowly

Raw fruits and veggies need to be broken down very well for you body to utilize them efficiently.

4. Watch the Clock~
 
Yes, you have to eat more greens but don’t graze.
Holiday time tis the season for nibbling non-stop.
More food (and calories) slide down without ever knowing by popping bites here and there.

When we graze we don’t chew properly therefore we don’t digest the food’s nutrient potential properly.
As well, your body doesn’t send “full signals” to your brain when you constantly munch.
 Blood sugar levels can shoot up and down like a roller coaster creating even more food cravings.

Not only does grazing make you feel lazy, your bowels get lazy too. 
With only a little amount of food at any given time in your sewage system, there is not enough bulk to move everything along properly. 
Stuff just sits, like a rock in your belly, weighing you down and creating fatigue. 

Three meals a day with 2 light snacks is more than enough to keep you going. You won’t starve. I promise.

5.  I Really Mean Watch the Clock~

 Stop eating 3 hours before you go to bed.  Not a nibble.
A drink of juice or tea is just fine but nothing solid.

Your body shuts down for repairs and rejuvenation while you sleep, but it can’t do that if its busy trying to pack away the bag of potato chips you just ate an hour earlier.

Your body will store all late night snacks as fat. 
I repeat… Food eaten before bed will go directly to your hips, waist and bottom, or sit fermenting in your gutt making you wake up groggy and unmotivated.

6.Yes, You Have to Get Off the Couch~  

Holidays are over. You need to move.  Be wise about it, however.  
How many of us have invested in gym memberships, expensive exercise equipment and gimmicky programs right after the holidays?

Instead, try starting with walking 15 minutes every day.
Manitoba weather right now is scrumptious and the days are getting longer and brighter.

So get out there and go.

Movement will get a stagnant lymph system pumping and flush debris out of your body.

Movement also causes you to inhale deeply compared to the shallow breathing we do when we are laying around.
Your body needs oxygen to function, the more the better.

Oxygen is the most important element required for human life and the key to vital health.

Every body activities require oxygen. 
It is central to metabolism, circulation, respiration,

digestion, assimilation and elimination.

For those of you who don’t have the energy to move, I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.
 (Bad news) If you don’t move you will stay perpetually tired, but (good news) as soon as you start to move you will discover a wellspring of energy.

Something similar to your car battery recharging itself the longer it runs.

7. One Thing at a Time~

New Years brings many good intentions.
But if changing your health is part of those great intentions, do it with some strategy. 
Don’t take on everything at once.

Your health and weight got the way it is one day at a time, one bite at a time. 
Don’t try to reverse everything immediately overnight.

The enthusiasm wears off quickly and your body will protest very loudly.

Pick one or two ‘do-able’ goals and do them well.

Invest time and make a quality commitment. 
Twenty-one days to establish a firm habit, they say.

When your new lifestyle change is well grounded you are ready to step into another new change.

8. Get Some Cheerleaders~

Whether your undertakings are going to be a marathon change or just a short sprint you will need a cheering section.

Surround yourself with people who will speak life and encouragement to you.

It’s easy to find those who are very happy doing nothing except complaining about their weight and health. 

Leave them in the dust.

You will need to find someone who will walk the discouraging parts of this journey with you, keep you focused on your goal and celebrate your victories

How to Shop for Protein Powders

Picking your Powders~ Part I
The Power of Protein

Quick powdered drinks are becoming a more familiar sight on the grocery shelves.

They are formulated powders that you mix with a glass of water or juice
or whatever you fancy, their variety seems endless and the claims they make vary just as much.

These liquid concoctions are being consumed for mental pick-me-ups during a mid afternoon slump or a speedy meal-in-a-glass on the run.

They are drunk to lose weight and drunk to gain weight.

They are manufactured by everyone from health food gurus, to the breakfast cereal companies to the department stores.

But as you look at the punch behind the product, you find they are all a little different.

Here are a few quick tips when shopping for your perfect powder.

Powders , Powders EVERYWHERE!

Which Powder is What?

Firstly, know what you are after.

Generally, there are 3 typical powders for you to sort out while you shop;
the protein powder, the weight loss/ meal replacement drink and the nutritional supplement.

Each will be formulated with a singular purpose with each having different results on your beautiful bod.

Over the next few articles, you will get a crash course on these handy beverages starting, today, with the protein powder.

OK, So What's The Protein All About?

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are often referred to as the building blocks of life.

They build muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and are necessary for many internal functions and important in body repair.

A human body does need protein daily, as it does not store excess protein.

Obviously, as proteins have been the key to bulking up muscle, protein powders have been a staple for weight lifters and athletes.

But protein powders are also a favorite among vegetarians.

As well, they are being taken as a successful weight loss protocol and healing elixir.

Protein powders have also found a market as a brain-fog buster for working folk and students, alike.

What In The World Is In This Stuff?

A big key in picking your protein powders is an understanding of the different sources of proteins, and knowing which ingredients you want for yourself and your body, and making an aware decision.

There are excellent sources of both animal and vegetarian proteins
available.
All can be very potent for what you need and able to do what you wish.

Vegetarian sources that are high in easy to absorb protein are pea protein, brown rice protein, alfalfa, macca root and cranberry protein.

My personal favorites have become hemp and chia seed.
Hemp and chia seeds have the most complete edible and usable protein in
the vegetable kingdom.
Hemp protein contains all known amino acids, including the essential ones
adult bodies cannot produce.
They also have the added benefit of natural essential oils.

All vegetarian sources of protein bring with them additional nutrients found in the plant and a component of fiber.

Soy, which held the consumer market as a vegetarian super protein, has fallen from its perceived healthy glory.

Unfortunately, almost 90% of soy produced is genetically altered and chemically treated and soy has now been shown to cause havoc with your hormones.

In light of other clean and powerful natural proteins rising to the forefront, soy can easily be avoided.

Carnivores Drink Protein Powders Too!

Animal sources of protein have dominated the powders as long as there has been protein powders to blend.

Dairy sources include whey protein and casein proteins, both recognized for their high amino acid level.
Other sources you may find on your powder’s label could be egg and collagen.

Your protein powder label will often find many of these sources blended together to compliment each other.
That way you benefit from full spectrum of proteins, absorbing at varying rates into your cells and tissues.

Read The "Secret Ingredient" List

Now this is what you want to be on the look out for when shopping for your protein powders.

A drink is only as good as the sum of its ingredients and the source of your ingredients will always be as important as the ingredients themselves.

Many protein powder contains an array of questionable ingredients such as aspartame, Splenda, saccharin, fructose and artificial colors

Also avoid products with refined carbohydrates such as sugar, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, corn products or brown rice syrup.

Stay clear of labels with vegetable oils.

Secondly make sure that the powder that you select is mostly protein.

The cheaper powders have a lot of carbohydrates and fillers, and if you are shopping for protein, then its protein you want to get.

For a quick comparison, the favorite powders in my cupboard range from
15-20 grams per serving.

With both animal and vegetable sources make certain your label says organic and non-GMO products, other wise you may be absorbing hidden health stealing chemicals and doing more harm than good.

Protein Powders are Cool. But Do I Need Them?

For anyone considering that protein powders may be your next new thing, take the time to consider your needs and lifestyle.

Ingesting more protein than your body needs is not a small matter.

The average American already consumes about fifty percent more protein than the recommended daily amount.

Too much protein can strain your body’s digestion, age you prematurely and can cause significant harm in the long run.

And for anyone considering protein as a weight loss regime, also remember that the excess protein your body does not use is not stored as protein.

The maximum muscle mass a body can typically build in one week is about one pound; any extra protein is converted to fat.

Yes, athletes and those with a regular strenuous lifestyle require more protein than many of us; the body’s need for protein is proportional to the increased calories burned with exercise.

Along with physical activity, the amount of protein required, does vary on many factors, including body weight, age, health, with growing children and pregnant women requiring more.

As a general guideline, the recommended dietary allowance for protein for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.