What makes kids healthier?

Did you know that dogs are the ones responsible for making your kids healthier.  Yes, dogs teach kids responsibility and offer unconditional love. They also provide another lesser known perk too. According to a new Swedish study, kids who grow up with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and their risk is especially ow if they spend time with a pooch while they are still toddlers.  Dog dander may help boost kids immunity, making them less prone to having breathing problems later in life.

Soothe achy winter feet –

If you have achy feet from standing too long or keeping them in winter boots for hours, try this spa inspired hot towel massage! Follow these easy steps:

1. Soak two thin hand towels in water, wring out excess.
2. Microwave 1-2 minutes until comfortable hot.  Drape one towel over right foot to keep warm, then gently wrap second towel around left foot.
3. Place your thumbs directly on towel on bottom of your left food and begin moving them in a circular motion, firmly massaging the ball of your foot through the hot towel.
4. Heat helps relax your muscles.  Glide your thumbs down to the sole of your foot, continuing to massage through the towel.
5. When finished, repeat massage sequence on right foot.

Relax and Enjoy!

Heal winter dry skin with an Avocado and Geranium Mask!

Avocado is becoming incredibly popular in the spa world. The reason? Its loaded with nourishing fatty acids and vitamins C and E ,which makes it an amazing moisturizer for dry skin.  It even helps reduce redness and irrational.  Mix it with geranium essential oil, an “anti-aging oil” known for its ability to firm skin. 

You will need the following:

• 1/4 fresh avocado
• 1 tsp. raw honey
• 1 tsp. coconut oil, melted
• 2 drops geranium essential oil

Mix ingredients together in small bowl. Using fingertips, smooth mixture onto damp face. Relax 10 minutes. Remove mask with soft washcloth moistened with warm water. Rinse well; follow with moisturizer. repeat weekly!

Did you know that we typically lose 50 to 150 strands of hair a day which are quickly replaced by stronger ones.  But if you are losing more hair than you grow back, don’t worry. Hair loss in women is often due to nutrient definiciency.  To give your hair the vitamins and minerals it needs, try loading up on the following foods: 

• RAISINS – Raisins are packed with silica, a mineral that binds to protein, calciu and water molecules inside the hair shaft, helping build stronger strands according to researchers. Fine-haired women who ate more raisins during a nine month cycle  not only had thicker hair, healthier hair bu the diameter of each hair increased an average of 8%.
• ALMONDS – Almonds are rich in vitamin E which in addition to adding shine and softnees to your hair, it helps regrow what you have already lost.  Increasing your intake can increase your hair count 50% in eight months. Almonds are also high in biotin, a vitamin B that strnghtens hair and prevents breakage.  For best results, eat a handful of almonds every day.
• DRIED APRICOTS – Iron helps ferry blood and oxygen to your scalp, which promotes hair grown and a single cup of dried apricots provides 8 mg.
• WALNUTS – Walnuts are the only nuts containing omega 3s, which keep hair sleek and shiny. Walnuts are also a good source of copper which improves elasticity.  It protects against the loss of melanin too, which is the hairs natural pigment, so it starves off the grays!
• CASHEWS – Cashews contain methionine, an amino acid responsible for making keratin, which forms the layer of protein inside your hair.  The thicker the layer of keratin is, the healthier your hair will be.  Cashews are also high in zinc, a mineral proven to find dandruff and reverse hair loss.

Do you find yourself losing your keys, misplacing your cell phone or walking into a room to get something and wondering what it was? You are not alone!   Here are some steps which can help sharpen your focus:

1. EAT BERRIES: Enjoying one cup of red, blue or purple colored berries every day can make you feel as clear headed as you did ten years ago.  According to Columbia University researchers, berries are rich in flavonoids which boost the flow of nutrient riched blood to your brain cells.
2. SUNSHINE: You can cut your risk of brain lapses by 50% just by stepping outside for some sunshine every day! Sun exposure stimulates your body to produce Vitamin D, which helps your brain cells stay young and your memory stay sharper.
3. SALACIA SUPPLEMENTS: Supplementing with 500 mg of this herb could improve your focus and concentration within only 10 days. Salacia helps your brain absorb up to 27% more energizing glucose from every meal.
4. WEAR EARPLUGS: Wearing earplugs when you are trying to concentrate in a noisy environment can double your ability to zero in on the task at hand.

QUICK TIP

Take a deep whiff of a freshly cut lemon.  Its tart aroma stimulates the release of energizing beta brain waves, revving focus, concentration and memory often within 30 seconds according to researchers at Standford University.

Read your way to less stress.

If you having a stressful day, crack open a book! People who read for pleasure lower their stress levels instantly and are better equipped to deal with difficult situations. Reading a book gives your a chance to slip into someone else’s shoes, which takes you away from your own troubles.

Reading is one of the best ways to relax, even as less than ten minutes could be enough to reduce your stress levels.  Researchers say reading works better than any other option.

So what are you waiting for, grab a book today!

It’s true many nutritional experts may disapprove of the white potatoes for your every day diet.  Most of the time, many people cook with white potatoes with cheese, bacon and many toppings that make a normal healthy potato into an enormous amount of calories that are bad for your diet. 

The truth is, just one large white potatoe with skin provides nearly half your recommended daily B6.  This converts carbs into fuel and helps you  metabolize protein and fat.

White potatoes pack more potassium per serving than almost any other vegetable.  So eating white potatoes are a great source of vitamins and can be a great addition to your healthy diet.

What to Eat Now

A guide to portion control

The new nutrition recommendations are much easier to comprehend than the old style food pyramid we have known in the past. The food pyramid was what we were told for many years that was the best program to follow for a healthy lifestyle.

The USDA now recommends a portion control guide beginning with:

1/4 PROTEIN –  Protein helps you build muscle mass while maximizing fat loss. Instuctions: Fill 1/4 of your plate with shortribs, chicken wings, eggs, fish or whatever you protein your heart desires.

1/8 CARBS –   Indulge in quality carbs. Try to eat 2 handfuls of fruit, beans, sweet potatoes or whole grains such as brown rice. The right amount of carbohydrates can help you though your workout and everyday activities.

1/8 – HEALTHY FATS  – Eat healthy fats such as avocados or nuts at each meal. Fats will help your cells due their job and boost your immune system.

1/2 – EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES.  Keep the portions to 1/2 of your plate. Vegetables are loaded with fiber and make you feel full. The vitamins vegetables contain support proper functions and antioxidates that battle disease. So make sure you load up half of your plate with two fist sizes of servings of vegetables such as, Brussel sprouts or broccoli.