Kick start your immune system!

My daily beverage of choice, green tea. It is a potent source of catechins - healthy antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cell activity and help boost immunity. Everyone could use a little immunity boost, since everywhere we turn someone is sick. It also helps protect against bacterial infections, reduces inflammation, and enhances the effects of antibiotics.

A human being is a part of the whole, called by us "Universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.
-Albert Einstein

AAAAAHHHH- CHOOOOO

Seems to be that just about everyone has some sort of sniffle, cough, achy body, or tummy ache these days. The cold and flu are here and wrecking havoc on us and our loved ones. Here are some at home tips to help you stay well... and if already infected, help speed up the healing process.

Echinacea- Helps address the symptoms of the common cold, flu, sore throat and other common infections. It enhances the immune system.

Garlic- Common cold, sore throat, ear infections in children, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fungal or yeast infections, low resistance to infection; it is a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent. Chop it up and add it to foods, or mix with water and allow to sit for 10 minutes then hold your nose and down the water. You can even chop them up and swallow them whole. Aim for two cloves in a day at the sign of a cold coming on.

Ginger- has antiviral and antimircobial properties that can help prevent or cut the duration of the stuffy nose, sore throat, aches and pains. Has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant compounds. Try ginger root tea with lemon.

Lemons- Adding lemon to water or tea is great way to up the vitamin c you are getting. The pill form isn't always best and getting it from the whole food it self can sometimes work better. Vitamin C has been shown to boost the immune system. When more white blood cells are present to fight infection, the life of the offending virus is cut short. Instead of taking pills, drink lemon juice mixed with warm water and a splash of honey. The water cuts the acidity of the lemon. The honey is added for a more pleasant taste and it's antiviral and antimicrobial properties as well. Lemon juice also decreases the toxicity of the virus in the body

Astragalus- Immune-boosting tonics. It is the root of a plant in the pea family long used in China to prevent illness and strengthen sick people. You can get slices of dried astragalus root at Chinese groceries and some health-food stores. Simmer the slices in tea or soups (they'll add a pleasant sweet taste). Or buy extracts of astragalus in liquid, capsule or tablet form. Follow the dosing directions on the package.

Eucalyptus -Respiratory problems including chest congestion, bronchitis, bronchial cough and sinusitis, sore throat; it is a natural antibacterial agent. Add a teaspoon of oil to boiling water for steam inhalations.

Peppermint oil- Massage peppermint oil on the chest to ease the congestion and colds, and help you breathe easier.

Stay well!!
Namaste ♥
Deanna Rae

Happy Friday!

Do something bold this weekend ;)

Namaste <3

Yours Truly 

-Deanna Rae 

HOLD UP...

..before we begin these resolutions to eat less, or just not at all, don't just drop the fork and knife on a whim. Your body isn't go to know that your mind decided to do this. By depriving your body of needed nutrients and calories- it will think starvation mode. Think of a squirrel before winter comes and how many nuts he can hold in his mouth to save up for winter. Our bodies work in a similar manner. Crash dieting, doesn't work, it never has, never will. Slow and steady wins the race 9 times out of 10. Here are some tips to get your scale to lighten up a bit.

1. Drink Water.
Hunger is often confused with dehydration. Next time you feel like a snack, have a glass of water. Even mild dehydration can alter our body’s metabolism, so aim to drink 8 glasses a day and limit soda, caffeine and alcohol. Drinking water before meals can help promote weight loss.

2. Eat Carbs: Real Carbs!
Replace refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, bagels, cereal and pretzels with complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which slows digestion and promotes stable blood sugar levels. They’re also packed with antioxidants which help reduce inflammation in the body. Whole grain carbohydrates should always be chosen over refined varieties. Think about eating them as you would find them in nature – breads are made from wheat that’s milled, while brown rice is simply taken straight from the plant, complete with fiber and phytonutrients the way Mother Nature intended they be eaten!

3. Choose Healthy Fats.
A common misconception is that fats should be completely eliminated. In reality, we could not live without fat. The body utilizes dietary fat for energy, health of hair, skin and nails, vitamin absorption and normal everyday bodily functions. Good fats promote several health benefits such as protection against heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and depression, as well as reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Choose sources such as nuts, seeds, fish, avocados and extra virgin olive oil.

4. Emphasize Lean Protein.
Our bodies require protein to continuously renew and replenish our cells, stabilize our blood sugar, and give us energy. Our bodies are literally made out of the amino acids that make up protein in our food. Many foods contain protein, but the richest sources include animal products like meat, eggs, and fish, as well as plant sources like beans, nuts and seeds. When choosing animal protein sources, be conscious of the way the animal was raised and what it ate. Grass-fed beef and free-range chicken are healthier and more ethically sound choices than feed lot meats. Organic yogurt and cage-free eggs are great for vegetarians, while tofu, tempeh and peanut butter are good vegan protein sources.

5. Eat Breakfast.
By eating a hearty breakfast, you’ll give your metabolism a jumpstart and be in better control of your cravings. When we miss our first fuel of the day, by mid-morning we are hungry and more likely to engage in mindless nibbling, snacking, over eating and over compensating for any calories ‘saved’ by skipping breakfast. Studies repeatedly show daily breakfast consumption is associated with maintaining a healthy weight.

6. Eat More Frequently.
It’s important to balance your food intake throughout the day to help maintain normal blood sugar and decrease the chances of binging when hunger strikes. Try to keep track of your meal choices and balance your caloric intake. Feeding your body on a regular basis lets it know food is available and it’s okay to burn energy rather than conserve and store it as fat.

7. Exercise Your Body and Mind.
Exercise has enormous benefits for your mind and body with research boasting decreased body weight, smaller waist circumference, lower resting heart rate and blood pressure, AND it boosts your mood! Strive to be active at least 30 minutes every day to help keep your body strong and lean – remember, it doesn't have to be expensive.

8.Learn to Cook.
Cooking meals at home allows you to control portion sizes, the quality of ingredients, and cuts your intake of sodium, fat and calories. Try to reduce frying foods by learning to roast or bake, and eat more raw foods to boost flavor and cut calories. Use herbs and spices to reduce salt intake.

Namaste ♥
Deanna Rae

Attitude of Gratitude

Today, tomorrow and everyday! Practice being thankful for everything you have been given. Paying attention to the beauty before you and not what's missing is the brush stroke to the artwork of your life. Live and love immensely.
May there always be peace and compassion in your heart, mind and eyes.

Namaste ♥
Deanna Rae