Obesity and health issues from fast foods - View the film, SUPER SIZE ME, right here online

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Feb 15, 2010 | 2 Comments

The film, SUPER SIZE ME may be viewed below

There is an epidemic obesity problem in America and the consumption of fast foods and junk foods are directly linked. These “foods” designed to look like food, are not real food. They contain no health benefits but instead will rob you of your health and surely cause weight gain.

Photo courtesy photoexpress.com

Fast foods are produced in factories with chemicals and flavorings that are used to create the appearance of food or a taste that often doesn’t actually exist in that product. When the “food” does actually appear, it is a version that has been striped of its natural valuable nutrients by over-processing, using unsavory additives and other unhealthy forms of food production. Many of the ingredients used in these “foods”, are causing weight gain in spite of the low fat, low calorie claims some make.

Prepared with excessive amounts of sodium, sugar, “flavorings”, trans and saturated fats; fast foods are recipes for health disasters and obesity. Look around, notice your neighbors; you will see the result of the fast food poisoning epidemic taking place in our country today.

The film, Super Size Me available for you to watch right here -  is a story told by filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. On a quest to illuminate the obesity epidemic in America, believed fueled by the fast food industry, Mr. Spurlock undergoes a 30 day Mc Donald’s - ONLY diet for all his meals, to see how this type of eating might effect him personally. Starting out, very healthy, he aligns himself with 3 doctors to monitor his health during this experiment, as he also sets out to ask questions about corporate responsibility, and nutritional education through interviews with consumers, industry people and his doctors.

To Your Vibrant Health, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer, Your Natural Choice

• For more info:
• Your Natural Choice Website
• Central Jersey Holistic Health Examiner
• Michael Pollan speaks “Food Rules” with Jon Stewart

This Valentine’s Day celebrate love, heart health and our dogs

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Feb 14, 2010 | 5 Comments

Cupid’s arrows are flying today, as Valentine’s Day 2010 has arrived. While tradition says red flowers, chocolate and a romantic dinner out - thinking beyond that formula may offer more love and heart health than you had previously imagined.

For those of you who want more love in your life - getting a dog will seal the deal on never suffering from lack of love again. In fact you might just find yourself so smitten with love that you become a love magnet attracting many new friends and suitors. One thing is sure you will be blessed with loyalty, unconditional love, sweetness and lots of laughs. This will up your compassion and lovability while also giving your heart a daily dose of the love vitamin: Vitamin L.

But…that’s not all, heart health studies suggest that having a pet reduces stress and thereby reduces your risk of heart disease. On the other end, there have been cases made for heart attack victims fairing better if they are dog owners. People with animals tend to be less lonely which supports the belief that being around animals or having a pet will reduce depression. Seems all the hugs and licks from your wagging canine pals ups the production of endorphins in your body and produces a healthy heart environment for you; warding off depression and aiding heart ailments of all kinds.

Owning a dog will spruce up your heart healthy exercising when you take your pooch for walks 3 times a day. While you are out with your dog, don’t you know your puppy power will be an easy conversation starter enabling you to connect with more people in a friendly loving way. This is very heart healthy smart.

Dogs are blessings. Anyone who has had one, will more than likely tell you this. They become part of your family holding onto your heart strings the same as children. With the addition of four paws and a wagging tail, unimagined happiness and beauty enters into your life. Your dog will protect and love you unconditionally. They will soothe your ruffled feathers, heal a broken heart and can teach you to love yourself and others better. Garth Stein speaks of this in his touching novel The Art of Dancing in the Rain a story told by his dog and one worth reading.

It may be that dogs are the original dispensers of Vitamin L - the Love Vitamin. Love is something that we all innately have, and have in an endless supply. Using it, seems crucial for the giving and receiving of more of the love. And the more is a prerequisite for the happy and healthy heart.

It is said that dogs are man’s best friend, being the owner of the above Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I will tell you owning a dog is one of the best loves you can give yourself.

Today, on Valentine’s Day, a day recognizing the power of love, take a minute and notice or remember how much love you have in your life. Think about all the people, animals, places and activities that have shown you how rich in love you are. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and send your love out … and seriously think about getting yourself a heart loving, heart warming, tail wagging puppy dog. Your local ASPCA is filled with animals needing your love. In return you will have found your new best friend and a happy healthy heart.

Happy Valentines Day to all

• For more info:
• Your Natural Choice Blog
  
• Your Natural Choice Website
• Heart healthy tips for shoveling snow
• The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
• Amazon
  
• Inside of a Dog
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Are you up to the task of shoveling snow? Heart healthy safety tips you want to read

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Feb 10, 2010 | 2 Comments

Are you up to the task of shoveling snow?

Yes? No? Before you run outside, shovel in hand, ready to burn a few extra calories, first access your overall health ability to do this strenuous activity. If in doubt call your doctor or just don’t do it.

Yes, it is snowing today - the third big snowfall for many of us, this year in New Jersey, and we want our walks shoveled, driveways cleared and cars ready to go go go. However we want and need our health more.  The fact of the matter is that the chance of a fatal heart attack increases among people who shovel snow after a heavy snowfall; particularly among those who are out of shape. So please, don’t be stubborn, read this article; then decide if you are up to the task of shoveling your walk and digging out your car. If yes, get on with the task, if not - don’t.

Mindful Snowy Weather Considerations

• Anyone with a history of heart disease - should NOT shovel snow.
• Don’t fool yourself - Snow shoveling is a strenuous job that requires a lot of vigorous activity. 
• Are you someone who ordinarily engages in vigorous activities?  
• If you are not used to exercising and moving around daily - snow shoveling isn’t something you want to attempt to do.
• Just 2 minutes of heavy snow shoveling can create a heart problem for people who are typically less active otherwise.
• Icy wet conditions resulting in a heavy snow makes matters more hazardous.
• Cold air and snow falling requires more energy to shovel the snow; thereby placing more stress on your heart. If you are planning a shovel session, at least wait until the snow has stopped falling.
• Snow shoveling can quickly up your heart rate and blood pressure and trigger a serious incident. 
• Smokers are already at a disadvantage and shouldn’t be out with their shovels.
• Snow blowing machines require a lot of energy to operate and can be just as dangerous for someone not fit for the job.

So please, take caution and don’t be stubborn. A few years back my aunt was stubborn, overweight and out of shape; she went out to shovel her walk during a blizzard and promptly collapsed and died of a massive heart attack. These things really do happen while shoveling walks. Please be mindful of who you are and what you can do safely. There is always someone who will help you if you just reach out and ask.

To Your Vibrant Health, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer - Your Natural Choice -

For more green info:

1. Your Natural Choice Website
2. Central Jersey Holistic Health Examiner 

 

3. Health Counseling
4. Up-Coming Speaking Engagements

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Becoming Vegetarian: Is a plant-based diet right for you? - Lecture at Onsen for All in Kingston, New Jersey

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Feb 6, 2010 | 3 Comments

Becoming Vegetarian:

Is a Plant-based diet right for you?

Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 PM - Onsen For All - Kingston, New Jersey

Attitudes towards plant-based diets have run the course from scorn to skepticism to tolerance and now, acclaim. T. Colin Campbell’s recent studies, published in his book, The China Study point to the irrefutable life saving health benefits of eating a plant based diet.

Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw food oriented lifestyles are becoming more mainstream, not just because of the health benefits, but also because of the growing concern of the massive amount of environmental toxic waste created from the factory farming of animals, as well as the out-cry over the slaughter and cruelty of these animals.

With many people looking for more sustainable and healthier ways to live and eat, exploring plant based diets makes sense. Transitioning into a plant based diet has many benefits, but understandably concerns about what you will eat and how you can realistically change your habits will arise.

Becoming Vegetarian: Is a plant-based diet right for you? has many answers for you.

This class will address:

An introduction to plant based choices

Why vegetarian, vegan or raw food

The value and power of  a plant-based diet

How will I get my protein and calcium?

Health and Environmental benefits

Simple steps to designing your plant based diet and lifestyle

A few plant based appetizers will also be served.

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 Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 PM

 Onsen for All - 4451 Rte 27 - in Kingston, New Jersey

Reservations Required:

Online - Onsen for All

 609.924.4800

Class Cost: $35.00

Hope to see you at the class!

In addition to this class - Onsen for All  offers many other classes and workshops on Health and Wellness topics as well as spa services, mediatation, yoga and outdoor hot tubs! Located outside of Princeton, New Jersey in the quaint town of Kingston, NJ.

To Your Vibrant Health, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer - Your Natural Choice

For more info: Your Natural Choice Website, Your Natural Choice Blog, Central Jersey Holistic Examiner

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Food, Inc. gets Academy Award nomination for best documentary feature film

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Feb 5, 2010 | 3 Comments

On February 2, 2010, Food, Inc by Robert Kenner received an Academy Award nomination for best Documentary feature film. This is great news because this important movie will more than likely earn an even wider audience viewership as a result of this nomination. Who knows maybe a perfect storm is a-brewing and Food, Inc will go on to play in the major motion picture houses across America and a ripple effect of change will occur.

However it goes, getting nonimated creates a buzz and brings the very uncomfortable story of the American Food industry closer to the public’s eyes. What ever you think of Hollywood movies and the Academy Awards - the documentary category serves to educate us about unjust and corrupt conditions exisitng in the world.

Food, Inc. tells of the unsanitary, heart breaking and cruel conditions exisitng at cattle and chicken farms in America. We discover these “farms” are not the pastorial images we were brought up with, and are still lead to believe exist; but that they are actually horrific; dark, filthy factories that abuse and slaughter animals daily. Workers are subject to dangerous conditions and suffer abuse as well.

Food Inc also highlights the reality of the mass use of corn syrup, preseratives and salt in many of our commerically produced food. It puts fear into your mind as the story unfolds illuminating how the large food corportations dominate the marketplace and effect the quality of the choices made available to us and therefor what we eat. This effect is not vested in our best health interests, but rather about how to make the most amount of money.

Michael Pollan, author of Food Rules, The Omnivore’s Dilema, and In Defense of Food, and Alice Waters - owner of famed Chez Panisse restaurant and champion of locally grown and sustainable food are interviewed through out the movie. Whether Food Inc wins the Academy Awards for best Documentary Feature or not, remains to be seen on Sunday, March 7, but this movie is a must see for anyone valuing their health and wanting to educate themeselves at how food is produced in this country. You may very well never look at your food choices in the same way again.

To Your Vibrant Health, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer HHC,- Your Natural Choice

For more info: Your Natural Choice Website, Your Natural Choice Blog, Michael Pollan, Food Rules,Food, Inc. Central Jersey Holistic Health Examiner

Winter Raw Comfort Food Class at Whole Foods in Princeton, New Jersey

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Jan 22, 2010 | 2 Comments

Winter Raw Comfort Food Class

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 –– Whole Foods on Rte 1 in Princeton, New Jersey           

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Michael Pollan talks Food Rules with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Jan 16, 2010 | 2 Comments

Recently on The Daily Show, host Jon Stewart asked acclaimed writer, Michael Pollan, (author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food,) for his one over-riding rule from his new “fun sized, snack sized” book, Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual.  “It’s gonna sound weird”, replied Pollan, “but, eat food… and avoid edible, food-like substances.” (which would be the highly processed products that litter the aisles of supermarkets and make up most of American’s diets.)

Pollan and Stewart continued their lively banter, which led to a farm bill question by Stewart about the possible value of producing cheap food. Responding, Pollan makes a very important point - “Cheap food has a very high cost in terms of health and in terms of the environment - and that cost is getting paid by other people, by public health systems, and that’s part of the disconnect between what you pay for a cheap fast meal and the ultimate price of eating that way.”

With the long awaited and still hopeful passing of the health care bill to include that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny policies for people with pre-existing conditions, Pollan makes the very good case that the interest in the relationship between food and health will become heightened and would no longer be able to be ignored.

“Suddenly, Pollan says “Health insurers will have an interest in your health, that they don’t have now.” Stewart cries, “That may be the worst sentence I’ve ever heard said!” And from my plate, who could disagree.  

To watch the entire segment, click onto The Daily Show: Jon Stewart talks Food Rules with Michael Pollan

Health of Haiti in peril after earthquake - What you can do to help

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Jan 13, 2010 | 2 Comments

Hundreds of thousands of people are feared dead or lost after the massive 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. The capital city, Port-au- Prince was left in shambles, leaving behind crumbled government buildings, hospitals, schools, stores and homes. A nation already impoverished, this poor country is desperate for aid and assistance.

Watching the news and seeing the devestation brought to Haiti by forces of nature, it’s hard to turn a blind’s eye to. The health of a country and millions of people are in peril. 

How YOU can help.

I went online and found The Huffington Post to be most helpful in answering this question.

The following information- (below) was taken from The Huffington Post.  The article titled “Haiti Earthquake relief: How you can help” was written by Victoria Fine.

The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

•Donate through Wyclef Jean’s foundation, Yele Haiti. Text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

•Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.

•International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. The IMC previously helped recovery efforts after September 2009’s earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the massive 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 800-481-4462

•Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

•Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director , Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: “Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS… Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us.” Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

•As a UN Special Envoy to Haiti, Bill Clinton appeared on CNN on Wednesday to ask for further assistance in bringing relief to populations on the ground. You can donate through the Clinton Foundation or text HAITI to 20222 to donate $10.

•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

•Doctors Without Borders is on the ground and has set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti. Donate any amount so they can keep their efforts going.

•Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children’s Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

•Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.

•The UN World Food Programme is gathering all available resources to deliver food to the recently homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donate now to help bring food to those affected as quickly and efficiently as possible.

•The Baptist Haiti Mission is operating an 82-bed hospital that is “overflowing with injured.” Donate online to BHM and 100% of your donation will go to the relief effort.

•International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate online.

•Following the earthquake, Catholic Relief Services made an immediate commitment of $5 million for emergency supplies. They are distributing food and relief supplies, and importing plastic sheeting, mosquito nets and water purification tablets from the Domincan Republic. Donate toCatholic Relief Services to assist in these efforts.

•Give to the American Jewish World Service’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

•CARE is deploying emergency team members to Port-au-Prince today to assist in recovery efforts. They’re focusing their efforts on rescuing children who may still be trapped in schools that collapsed. Donate to CARE.

•Orphans International America reports that they have been able to make contact with their program director in the town of Jacmel, a city about 20 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince that houses OI’s hospitals and schools. Orphans International America is attempting to gather food, clean water and emergency medical supplies to Jacmel. You can contribute to them throughPayPal.

•The International Rescue Committee is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti to deliver urgent assistance to earthquake survivors and to help overwhelmed local aid groups struggling to meet the immense emergency needs. They will focus on critical medical, water and sanitation assistance. Donate to the IRC Haiti Crisis Fund.

•NetHope is coordinating its response with its NGO member agencies and with the UN’s Emergency Telecom Cluster to establish connectivity in Haiti. Seventeen of NetHope’s members are already providing aid and deploying resources on the ground. Donate online.

•The Haitian Health Foundation is still assessing the situation of their full-time facilities and staff in Haiti. They regularly provide health care, development and relief to rural mountain villages in Haiti. Donate to the Haitian Health Foundation.

•World Vision has more 370 staff in the country. Staff members from less-affected regions of Haiti are mobilizing, and World Vision’s global experts are expected to arrive in the disaster zone as soon as possible. Donate to World Vision.

•The Jewish Federations of North America is partnering with the American Jewish Joint Distribution committee and have created a dedicated Haiti Relief page for online donations.

•United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is the UN’s humanitarian fund responding to emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. Donate online.

•Friends of the Orphans will use donations to meet the needs of first responders such as first aid supplies, shipping of necessary materials to assist in efforts, and treating the injured. Those interested in helping the relief effort can visit www.friendsoftheorphans.org, or call 888-201-8880 to make a donation.

•World Concern’s staff is almost entirely composed of Haitian nationals and will be tapping into private as well as U.S. government supplies to help in the relief effort it hopes will soon be supplemented by cargo ships. Donate to World Concern.

•Merlin USA is sending an emergency response team out to the region and have subsequently launched an emergency appeal to bring urgent medical aid and assistance to those affected. Donate to Merlin USA.

HuffPost Impact is following relief organizations in Haiti and will be updating with their latest messages from the ground.

To your vibrant health and the recovery of Haiti, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer, HHC - Your Natural Choice

Your Natural Choice Website, Central Jersey Holistic Health Examiner, Your Natural Choice Blog

2010 Princeton Environmental Film Festival at The Princeton Public Library

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Jan 11, 2010 | 6 Comments

Packed houses are greeting all the screenings and talks at the 2010 Princeton Environmental Film Festival.  Being held at The Princeton Public Library, Princeton, New Jersey. (65 Witherspoon Street)

Now in it’s second week, with an end date of Sunday, January 17, there’s still a week left with multiple daily time slots to catch some important and thought provoking documentary environmental films. Q & A’s following with the directors or people connected to the films is a well received bonus opening up community dialogue.

Additionally, there are some powerful talks led by noted speakers on environmental issues as well as weekend programs for kids. All FREE - all at The Princeton Public Library. 

Festival Coordinator, Susan Conlon said in Connections Magazine “We are putting people in touch with each other, helping to create a public discourse, a dialogue about environmental issues and ideas for actions and solutions” 

For a complete festival schedule go to: Princeton Environmental Film Festival

Up and coming food and health and wellness choices at the festival this week:

Monday, January 11 @ 4:00 PM, Food Fight by Chris Taylor. A documentary film about how the corporate agricultural policy formed our food culture in our country and how a counter-revolution against big agribusiness created by the California food movement was created.

Following Food Fight, will be there will be a panel discussion on “Farming and Flavor” hosted by Fran McManus, Marketing Director of Whole Earth Center in Princeton, and founder of UnderstandingFlavor.com . Participating on the panel will be: Gab Carbone, co-owner and artisan ice cream and confection maker at The Bent Spoon,  Chris Albrecht, Executive Chef at Eno Terra ,Jonathan White, farmer and cheesemaker at Bobolink Farm. and J. David Waldman, owner and roaster at Rojo’s Roastery,

Later in the week:

Tuesday, January 12 @ 4PM - “Blue Gold: World Water Wars” - The battle over fresh water will take over the current battle for oil. This film highlights the corporations, investors and governments who vie for the control of our diminishing water supply followed by protests, lawsuits and revolutions.

Thursday, January 14 @ 4PM - “Addicted to Plastic” - This film is a worldwide journey uncovering what we really know about this material which is used in so many ways. It reveals it’s toxic legacy and some of the people commited to cleaning it up.

Friday, January 15, @ 7 PM - Chris Killam: The Medicine Hunter  will speak. Author and educator on holistic health and botanical medicines. He hosts the “Medicine Trail” a TV series about healing plants.

Saturday, January 16 @ 7PM - “Crude” - Acclaimed filmaker Joe Berlinger’s film about one of the most controversial environmental lawsuits in history: The Amazon Chernobyl case.

For a complete listing go to: Princeton Environmental Film Festival 2010

Worthwhile movies and talks already viewed at the Festival: 

“Earth”, “Veer”, “Deep Down: A Story from the Heart of Coal Country”, “Woven Ways”, “Earth Days”, “The Age of Stupid”, “Big River”, “No Impact Man“, “Food, Inc.”, “So Right, So Smart”, “Endangered Species”, “Fresh”, “What’s organic about Organic?”, and, Presentation:Oil Independence and National Security: Turning Oil into Salt by Anne Korin,  to name a few.

Heightening awareness, encouraging conversation, and stimulating individuals and communities to make new choices that direct action towards a more sustainable and humane environment is most certainly a healthy choice.

Bravo to The Princeton Public Library for hosting this event and bringing these important films and topics to the public’s attention.

To Your Vibrant Health, holistic health counselor and writer, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer, HHC and owner of Your Natural Choice.

Your Natural Choice Website, Newark Holistic Health Examiner

Princeton Environmental Film Festival 2010 Schedule

Photo by Rochelle Blank-Zimmer

Weight loss: make YOU a priority and outfox the obstacles

Posted by Rochelle Blank Zimmer, CHHC on Jan 9, 2010 | 6 Comments

It is near mid January and whether you have made New Year’s Resolutions, kept them or not, really doesn’t matter, because YOU can at any point in time CHOOSE to behave differently. This is important with one’s commitment to weight loss, or any transformation.

As I said in my last article the choice to lose weight is your opportunity to discover your optimal health. Your adventure into the greatest discovery of your life - a more vibrantly healthy YOU.

If you consider weight loss an adventure with fun and excitement instead of nagging numbers on a scale, then your success will be magnified.  Losing unnecessary weight is about your longevity here on earth, your energy and your commitment to living a healthy productive life.

When removing obstacles to anything, what you say to yourself is very important. Now is the time to be the best friend you can possibly be, not to someone else but to yourself. Now is the time to be lovingly and lavishly selfish. It is the time to make time for yourself, in other words - to make YOU a priority.

Food wise, some of the biggest obstacles to weight loss include highly refined foods, such as sugar, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, processed flour products, packaged foods and snacks like chips and pretzels. These “foods” and I use that word loosely here, are jamming with excess and non nutritious calories. They are unhealthy choices and will cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket up, thus stimulating craving more and more of these harmful, processed, yucky foods. This is what is called a vivacious cycle, and it will viciously try to steal your thunder.

Commercial foods that are labeled “Fat Free” or “Sugar Free” are common diet destroyers. Highbrows should raise upon reading this on labels. These “free” foods are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners and other chemicals that your body doesn’t recognize or know how to process. Chances are, if it’s “free” you’ll be paying for it in weight gain and poor health.

Healthy whole real foods that is what your body needs. Nothing processed or enriched and everything free from chemicals, and pesticides for weight management, healthy bodies and minds and a toxic free environment. Period.

Approach your visits to the supermarket with new found vigor. Go directly to the health enhancing organic fruit and vegetable section. Notice their beauty, vivid colors and life. While all vegetables are low in calories, organic asparagus, broccoli, celery and daikon radishes have properties in them which are specifically linked to weight loss. Fruits - Grapefruits and lemons in particular are said to melt the pounds away while apples - (organic only) are great not only to keep the doc away but to help curb your appetite.

Whole grains and beans give your body much needed fiber. They also fill you up, leaving you less room to graze on something you may regret later. Brown rice, oats and quinoa are great simulators for weight management. Choose plant based proteins for energy and weight management. Try beans on your morning whole grain toast instead of meat or eggs.

Hot and spicy is a good indulgent. Cayenne, and the various pepper spices add heat, which add flavors and slows down how much we eat. Many spices work to rev up metabolisms and a working metabolism is a weight losing friend. Try cinnamon, turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin, and fennel to get a good metabolism boost.  Salt, overdosed and rampant in most standard American diets, causes water retention and bloating as a starter and serious health issues like strokes and heart disease to name a few.

By the way, butter is not a spice. So bye bye butter and dairy which only add adds excess calories and slews of health issues. Healthy fats like olive oil or grape-seed oil are both OK to use, but sparingly.

Sprinkle sprinkle, flax seeds curb hunger and promotes healthy digestion.

 For more info: Weight loss, Food Portions, Take time achieving weight loss, Your Natural Choice Website, Your Natural Choice Blog, Health Counseling,Newark Holistic Health Examiner

Design and photo by Rochelle Blank Zimmer

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