Health, Chocolate and Wellness

Hey, loves!  I recently came across a company called Xocai and I love their products!  They are a health and wellness company that makes great, delicious products such as antioxidant-rich chocolate, protein supplements, energy drinks, vitamins and skin care products that are very health for you and supply your body with natural ingredients.

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first but Xocai won me over!  I was so impressed I decided to join the company and show other people I know how to eat well and get closer to reaching their weight and fitness goals.

What I love about their chocolate, protein supplements and energy drinks is that they are not chock full of sugar, artificial sweeteners or any of those things that some "healthy" products are laden with.  I'm pre-diabetic so, it is extremely important to me that I maintain a diet that is not full of sugar or a bunch of ingredients I can not pronounce.

I've never been much of a huge chocolate fan but, these chocolate bites have been the perfect little after-dinner dessert for me some days.

The Xocai chocolate nuggets are made from quality Belgian chocolate that combines antioxidant-rich ingredients such as cacao, acai and blueberries.  They have a smooth taste without giving me that "cotton mouth" feeling I get when I eat other chocolates.

Also, the Xocai Protein supplement is currently my staple when I make my workout shakes.  I love that the sugar content is low and that it does not have a chalky taste.

If you have been wanting to take charge of your health without forgoing a variety of options and great taste, try out Xocai products.  You won't be disappointed!


*I was not paid to review these products.  I have given my honest opinion of these products.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

When most of us think about our health, we think about aches, pains, diseases and ailments but it can be argued that our mental health is more important than our physical health. Without a healthy mental state, we will not be able to function properly in society.  Just getting up in the morning and going about the day-to-day activities can become so difficult when one is battling anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue.

 I have dealt with episodes of anxiety and depression throughout my life and it is one of the most isolating, complex feelings.  Sometimes I would think that I could just shake it off and other times I started to wonder if I was going crazy but, it was not until I reached out for help and incorporated some natural remedies (getting more Vitamin D, exercise, etc.) that I began to see and feel some positive changes in my thoughts and life in general.  One day I will share my story of depression and anxiety (I am still debating it!), and of course, it's a daily battle and I have to consciously do things to change my perspective about life's curveballs as they arise but, I feel like I am much more prepared to deal with anything that comes my way now.  

May is Mental Health month and I could not let this month go by without acknowledging the importance of mental health and recognizing the signs of various mental health disorders.  Any mental health issues that you may be experiencing, do not take it lightly.  Things can get better and there is help out there! 

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or feel like you just want to end it all, please talk to someone. There is a hotline you can call where trained mental health professionals are willing to give a listening ear and point you in the right direction to get more help.  Call 1-800-273-TALK

Mental Health America is a great organization committed to helping individuals understand and gain control the thoughts and feelings they struggle with everyday.  Go to www.mentalhealthamerica.net for online screenings, mental health resources and more.  As long as there is life, there is hope.  You don't have to live in a dark, isolated place.  

More than the Cooler Weather Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

 The Fall season is in full swing and I couldn't be happier.  The summer months here in Atlanta seemed extra hot and I'm just glad to finally have some reprieve! These 70 degree days are so perfect for the cute sweaters, boots and blazers that I've been wanting to wear.

However, for some people the sight of falling leaves and cooler temperatures bring on the blues.  These people may deal with depression, feelings of hopelessness, unexplained fatigue and difficulty concentrating.  These are all symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D, a condition that usually occurs during the late fall and winter seasons (some forms occur during spring and summer). Like other forms of depression, S.A.D. affects women more than men.

Other symptoms include:

• Social withdrawal
• Appetite change
• weight gain

Treatments include:

• Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Getting more sunlight
• medications 
• psychotherapy
• exercise

If you think that you may have seasonal affective disorder, please see a doctor and get back to enjoying all of the seasons of life!

*information from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

The Fertility Diet

from Getty Images

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have serious 'baby fever' from time to time.  Given the fact that I'm 30, I can definitely feel the tick tock of my biological clock. I have been doing all of my research on the natural ways to prepare my body for a natural, health pregnancy within the next few years. One of the areas I have been working on is my diet.  Here is a checklist I got from naturalfertility.com that helps me to keep track of what I should be eating every day.


Make sure to eat these foods everyday, here is a checklist to help you remember…

Dark leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as chard, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

A large salad with a wide variety of vegetables.

Fiber with each meal to help keep the blood sugar levels balanced. Good sources of fiber are vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, and grains.

Make sure to get essential fatty acids every day.

Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, spelt, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat.

Eat at least three servings of fresh organic fruits a day to provide beneficial antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. I love to use fruit in smoothies with superfoods.

Drink a fresh juice daily. Drink one green juice every day. (If you are not able to get a juicer you can replace this step with one serving of UltraGreens or another organic greens supplement everyday.)

Fertility Specific Nutritional Supplements such as Baby and Me multivitamin, MorDHa omega 3, and others. To find out which supplements are right for you, please visit www.Natural-Fertility-Shop.com

Plenty of water

At least one superfood a day such as spirulina, maca, or royal jelly.

 All of my ladies who are trying to conceive now or in the near future, what are you doing to prepare your body for pregnancy?

Weekend Relaxation

After a long week filled with school work, studying, researching, blogging and a long list of other things, I really look forward to the weekend.  Sadly, I usually still use the weekend to do the aforementioned things but, I take time out to take care of me too.  I do my nails, put on a face mask and do something to my hair. It's amazing how just these three things can make me feel like a new woman again!

 This stuff is the truth! It works wonders for my skin.

I decided to step away from my usual nudes/pinks and try a silver color.

Always take time out for you. You won't be able to give your best if you don't feel and look your best! What do you do on the weekends?

 

Eat Your Placenta!

from Getty Images

I recently read about a woman who ate her baby's placenta and at first I was like, "Say WHAT?!" After doing some research, I have found that there is a whole world of mothers who eat the placenta to achieve a number of health benefits. I was even more surprised to find that this is something that has been practiced in other cultures for years.

The placenta is said to be full of vitamins, iron and hormones that some moms say have helped with postpartum depression, low energy and childbirth recovery. It has even helped some women with milk production. 

Here are a list of sites that have placenta recipes:
http://www.twilightheadquarters.com/placenta.html
http://www.mothers35plus.co.uk/plac_rec.htm

While I do find this very interesting, I'm not so sure I would be willing to do this. But, who knows....I may change my mind once I actually have a baby.

Would you eat your baby's placenta?

My Fasting Experience

From Getty Images

 
This past weekend, I did a fast! No, food for 24 hours; only water. It was fasting and prayer day at the church my parents attend . My heart has been heavy for a while now and I have so many life-changing decisions to make so, I decided to participate in hopes of gaining some wisdom and guidance.

I did not think that I would be able to do it for the entire 24 hours but, I did.  It was a true learning experience! It was both physically and mentally challenging. That fast helped me to exercise more confidence in my abilities, strengthened my faith and self-discipline.

Fasting is defined as the abstinence from food for a period of time, usually 24 to 36 hours. Longer fasts should be supervised by a medical professional. Fasting has been used since ancient times for religious purposes but, it also has great health benefits.  It is sometimes used to help the body heal itself of pain and disease. You may be thinking, "How does this work exactly?" The regulatory and reparative processes of the body are encouraged when the body is deprived of food.

Here are a few of the conditions/ diseases that fasting can help with:

1. Diabetes


2. Gastrointestinal disorders


3. Weight loss


4. Breaking from addictions-- alcohol, tobacco


5. Detoxification-- great way to get rid of toxins

*If you have any existing diseases, please consult your physician before undergoing a fast.

For more information on fasting and its benefits, check out these sites:
http://falconblanco.com/health/fasting.htm

http://www.allaboutfasting.com/

Have you ever fasted?

The 5 day Low Glycemic Challenge



From Making Love In The Kitchen


I was on Twitter yesterday and found out about a few bloggers who were participating in a 5-day low glycemic food challenge.  In case you didn't know, high glycemic foods can cause your body's sugar levels to spike suddenly which can cause intense food cravings, mood swings and hormonal imbalance.  Low glycemic foods  can help with weight loss, keep hormones balanced, and improve sleep and mood. Consumption of more of these foods can also lower your risk for type II diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

As a self-proclaimed sugar addict, I have decided to join this 5 day challenge which starts today! For more info, tips and recipes on low-glycemic foods visit certified nutritionist and holistic lifestyle consultant, Meghan Telpner's informative site here.  Who wants to join me?

Lust, Love, and Like

 "Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is more important." - Carl Reiner


From Getty Images


 I saw this quote on a friend's Facebook page and I wanted to share it with you guys. It's pretty deep when I really think about it.  In present society's over-sexual, casual morality system it can become easy for some to not think twice about who they lay down with (not to mention why they lay down with them) and let consume their time and energy.


 Physical highs fade and emotions can flip flop daily. Analyze who you have chosen to give your body and/or heart to. Without the physical exchange and emotional attachment, what else do you share? Without either would he/she still have a place in your life? Strive for healthy, meaningful relationships and interactions in life. Your spirit and entire well-being will thank you!

Alkalinizing Your Body

Making your body less acidic is a very important part of maintaining good health. To prevent disease from growing in your body and decrease inflammation you eat and drink more alkaline foods and drinks.  The risk of disease and inflammation  in the body dramatically increases when it is acidic. Foods and drinks such as coffee, alcohol, sugar, white flour, processed foods and meat can all increase your body's acidity.  You may start to have symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, stomach pains, arthritis and sinus colds, rashes and hives.

Any pH level below 7.4 is considered acidic. The lower you are, the more acidic your body is. You can test your body's pH by using pH testing kits, found at local pharmacies or health food stores. Want to know what exactly to consume more of to help alkalinize your body? A list of acidifying and alkaline foods can be found here.

I had chronic hives earlier this year for about 4 months and I could not figure out why. The doctors were unable to give me any answers either. It was beyond frustrating! I now believe that stress was the culprit.  Stress and worry can also cause your body to become acidic over time! I have had to learn some serious stress management techniques because nothing is worth risking my health. I also drink a cup of water with two tbsps. of apple cider vinegar every morning.  It is great for alkalinizing your body and has excellent cleansing properties.

Have You Had Your Aloe Vera Today?

As a child, I remember scowling in disgust as my grandmother mixed up a rather bitter concoction of aloe vera and orange juice for me to drink.  As I grew older, I became more aware of the many benefits of the aloe vera plant.  When ingested in juice form, aloe vera can help with:

• Immune system support
• Weight and energy levels
• Anti-inflammatory support
• Relief from irritable bowel issues
• Healthy digestion
• Skin problems such as eczema and acne

I drink aloe vera juice about twice a week ( when I remember) and I can definitely attest to its healing properties. When I am consistent with it, my skin is definitely clearer and glowing!  I guess grandma was on to something. 


 Have you had your aloe vera today?

July 9th is Detox day--Who's Joining me?

 Photo Credit: Getty Images

Some of you may remember my post a week ago about the 21-day Quantum Wellness Detox I saw on Dr. Oz that I plan on starting on July9th.  For 21 days straight you can NOT have:


-Sugar
-gluten
-red meat
-caffeine
-alcohol

I know you're probably thinking, "What's left to eat?" I plan on eating tons of fruits and veggies.  I decided to post examples of what I will eat on a given day during the detox.


Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk and ground flax, a cup of fruit ( probably blueberries and raspberries) and a few slices of turkey bacon with Ezekiel bread


Snack: Fruit smoothie or green smoothie


Lunch: Salmon or tilapia, steamed vegetables or salad, and sweet potatoes


Snack: Fruit smoothie or green smoothie


Dinner: Gluten-free pasta/ penne with organic spaghetti sauce and extra virgin olive oil; salad or mixed vegetables


Snack: Bowl of fruit with yogurt

I will be eating a lot of snacks in-between meals because I do NOT want to lose weight. I may throw in some vegan oatmeal raisin cookies from Whole Foods and Gluten-free ginger snaps (both are my favorites!)  but, I have to check them out first to see if they are made with sugar.  I pray that they are not!
I am hoping that this detox will eliminate some of the physical ailments I have been suffering from (chronic hives, recurrent infections and fatigue).  I shall see!

July 9th is the day, who wants to join me?

The 21-day Detox--Who Wants to Join Me?

I was watching The Dr. Oz show the other day and he was talking about alternative medicine. So, you know I was instantly glued to the television! He had Deepak Chopra on there speaking about the benefits of meditation, Dr. Mercola talking about the benefits of not relying on pharmaceuticals and Kathy Freston, author of Quantum Wellness:The 21-Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit

.
I have seen her before on Oprah, speaking about one of her books on natural wellness.  Well on the Dr. Oz show, she spoke about the one thing she felt like everyone should do.  It was a 21-day detox, or vegan cleanse, that she recommends be done one to two times a year.  With the detox, you are abstaining completely from:

• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Gluten (usually found in pastas and breads)
• Red meat

I have been looking for ways to detox but, I did not want to have to drink a concoction.  Truth be told, I am scared to lose weight also! But, I think that I will start this detox in two weeks. I already stay away from caffeine, alcohol (for the most part), and red meat. Sugar, on the other hand, has always been a weakness of mine.  I try to use brown sugar or honey if I must sweeten something.  Every now and then though, I crave cake, ice cream and candy ( I have a real-life sugar addiction!)

I think that this Quantum Wellness Detox will definitely do my body some good.  I intend to start on July 9 th, when I get some things out of the way and can really focus on it.  I am going to stock up on lots of fruits, veggies, fish and whole grains.  I will be sure to let you know how it goes!


Who wants to join me on this 21-day detox on July 9th?  Have you ever done a detox?

Cravings, Breakfast and Other Banter

Photo credit: Google Images

Okay, so don't ask me why I've been up since 4:30 this morning making pancakes that I woke up craving (that may be another story) and I am sitting here typing this post at 5:30 am. I've been trying really hard to stay away from breads (my addiction and comfort food)  especially white flour but, I just had to have some pancakes this morning and I was all out of wheat pancake mix so white flour pancakes it was! They were too good going down too!

This girl I know has the best abs ever to me (not super, super muscular but just the right amount of tone) so, I asked her what her exercise routine consisted of.  She told me she didn't exercise that much, she only eats seafood, lots of fruits,  vegetables and very little bread.  This was all the motivation I needed to cut back on all of the breads and pastas I love to indulge in. 

 I am attempting to get a more toned look, particularly in the abdomen region and I know that bread, mainly white flour,  can really make you look bloated and flabbed out over time. I do not feel as bad because I convinced myself that  the cup of blueberries and strawberries I had after the pancakes will balance it out. 

I started wondering this morning, how many people actually eat breakfast and what do most people eat?  I have to eat something in the mornings.  I wake up hungry (it's usually not at 4:30, like it was this morning though) and I will usually have oatmeal or cereal and some yogurt with fruit.

Do you eat breakfast every morning? What do you usually eat?

Reasons to Kick that Soda Habit

 
 As a former soda addict, I know how difficult it can be to stop drinking soda.  Coke, Sprite and (my personal favorite) Dr. Pepper can taste so good when paired with a meal, or just by itself on ice.  However, soda can be very harmful to your health for many reasons which is why I have stopped drinking it for the past 5 years.

Check out this article by Healthier Atlanta magazine (for which I am a contributing writer) about the top 10 reasons to put down that soda can!

1. Dehydration: Drinking soda with caffeine and sugar causes your body to become dehydrated. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes an increase in urine volume. When you drink a caffeinated soda to quench your thirst, you will actually become thirstier.
2.  High Calories:  A can of Coke contains 10 teaspoons of sugar, which is 100% of the daily recommended value for adults. An 8 ounce can of soda has around 100-200 calories. Not only are the calories from soda pop empty of any nutritional value, they also deplete your body of vital minerals.
3. Caffeine Addiction:  “Caffeine is the world’s most commonly used stimulant.” says Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins. “The latest research demonstrates, however, that when people don’t get their usual dose they can suffer a range of withdrawal symptoms, including headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating.
4.  Acid:  In tests done on the acidity levels of soda, soda was found to have a pH of 2.5. To put that into perspective, consider that battery acid has a pH of 1 and pure water has a pH level of 7.
5.  Save Money:  You can purchase 12, 8 ounce cans for around $4. However, a person who drinks just 2 cans of soda a day, will pay $206 over the course of a year to keep her soda habit going.
6.  Lose Weight:  Researches at the University of Texas Health Science Center found that diet sodas put a person at a higher risk of becoming overweight. According to their research, “artificial sweeteners can interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate calorie intake.
7.  Artificial Sweetener Issues:  Consumption of artificial sweeteners may make some people crave more sweet things which will in turn create more cravings for people who are trying to avoid sweet foods for health reasons.
8.  Mineral Depletion:  Because caffeine is a diuretic and increases urine volume, more minerals are leaving the body before having a chance to be absorbed and put to use.
9.  Higher Risk for Diabetes:  While no research has definitively shown that soda pop causes diabetes, the daily consumption of soda pop does create other problems that could lead to diabetes: specifically weight gain.
10.  Soda Replaces Healthier Drinks:  One of the biggest problems with soda is it acts as a replacement drink for healthier options. In the 1950’s, children drank 3 cups of milk for every cup of sweet drink. Today that statistic is flipped.

Are you a soda addict? What is your drug soda of choice?

Inspiration Mondays: Strength in Trials

The past few years of my life have really taken me through some changes.  I've had to end friendships, move several times, along with a laundry list of other life-altering events.  Many days I felt as if I was so alone and like I was never going to pull through.

I am still trying to see my way out of a few situations and I do not know exactly what will happen but, I can say that I am learning so much about myself and just how strong I am.  Probably the greatest gift I have received in all of these changes has been my increased faith and renewed strength; strength that I never knew I possessed. I saw this quote the other day and I wanted to share it with you.  For all of you who are going through hard times and feel like it is the worst thing, remember you are really in your finest hour!

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." ~ Anonymous

Have a great Monday!

The Fertility Self Massage

If you have been a reader of my blog for some time you may have read my posts about my search for ways to curb my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).  I would love to have children in the next few years and I am working on natural ways to prepare my body from now. As it stands right now, Aunt flo only appears every 3 to 6 months, I have multiple cysts and a few other typical PCOS symptoms that I find quite frustrating.

I came across this video that shows how to give yourself a fertility massage. These massages are supposed to help with:

-Ovarian Cysts
-Regulation of menstrual cycles
-Regulation of ovulation
-Endometriosis
-Decreasing stress
-Healthy circulation
-Alleviation of cramps

Looks very interesting and I am willing to give anything a try that may be able to help me achieve optimal reproductive health.  I am already claiming healthy babies for the future!




Have you heard of fertility massages?

Superfoods to Help Keep Your Girl Parts Healthy!

  Image from: Getty Images

As a woman, it seems that I have to always be mindful of what I eat, drink, the type of detergent I use and even the type of body wash I use. All  in an attempt to avoid those dreaded "women" infections.  You may be all too familiar with them, the yeast infection that seems to appear every few months despite the use of over-the-counter drugs and medications prescribed by the doctor. Or even better yet, the bacterial vaginosis, (sometimes called 'BV') which my doctor says there is no real known cause.

After having to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of these infections one too many times, I have looked into more natural ways of preventing and curing them.  I came across this list of superfoods on Women's Health.com  that can help keep your nether regions free and clear of any infections.

Grab: Blueberries
From vision-protecting vitamin C to appetite-quelling fiber, there are plenty of reasons to be sweet on these tiny antioxidant powerhouses. And scientists now believe that, like cranberries, blueberries battle urinary tract infections.

Pour on: Kefir
Yeast infections put a serious damper on bed play. "Having lots of fermented milk products, including kefir, is a good way to reduce infections," VanBeber says. These products may add beneficial bacteria to the vagina, keeping infectious bacteria in line, early research indicates. Blend 1/2 cup low-fat plain kefir (we like Lifeway) with a cup of milk, a handful of berries, and a tablespoon of almond butter for a creamy smoothie. 

*From Women's Health Magazine: www.womenshealthmag.com

Black History Month: Beauty and Wellness Feature--A.J. Johnson

The beautiful A.J. Johnson is best known for her acting roles in Baby Boy and A Different World, along with a long list of other movies and televisions shows. She is also gaining wide recognition for her expertise as a celebrity fitness coach and she has the toned physique to prove it.

Ms. Johnson founded The AJ Zone, a business dedicated to promoting wellness and healthy living. Her clients include Beyonce and Gabrielle Union and she continues a create a wellness movement with her direct approach to fitness. “THE AJ ZONE is the zone you live in when you want to reach your better! We do not do personal training...how do you train Stevie Wonder to do anything? Hahahaha-how do you train T.O to be faster? These individuals are at the top of their game looking for more than just better performance, or better bodies- they’re looking for better, healthier lives - by watching my life, they believe I have the answers!!”~A.J. Johnson

A.J. Johnson is definitely one of my inspirations to work out!