Natural Sugar Alternatives That Still Give You the Sweetness You Crave

July 20, 2018

Different Kinds Of Sugar In The Spoons

Sugar is a real problem in our country today. We put it in everything – our average meals are packed with it, even without us knowing it.

When we cook or bake we heap more sugar into our bodies, not realizing the damage it is doing. Though some sugar is needed for proper brain function, diets high in sugar can hurt the brain and make stress much easier to attain. Regular sugar is toxic to the body. It comes from genetically modified beets and GMO corn. Americans take in 400 calories from added sugar a day. HFCS is pushed as a natural sweetener. It is produced from genetically modified corn. It is believed to lead to increased storage of fat in the liver, resulting in Fatty Liver and digestive upset.

This is not to put a damper on your life and tell you you can never have sugar. On the contrary! There are alternatives to regular sugar that you can use to satisfy your sweet tooth AND that are actually nutritious for your body! 🙂

These are much easier for your body to digest and process:

Healthy Sugar Alternatives

Honey – Raw honey has many health benefits, so you really want to be sure the label says “raw”. You don’t want to cook with raw honey. To make sure you are getting as much nutrients from raw honey as possible you want to keep it away from heat.
Coconut Sugar – Comes from coconut juice, which is full of potassium electrolytes and nutrients. This is great for baking because it is an equal comparison to sugar… without the toxins. 🙂
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup is higher in antioxidants than regular sugar, making it one of the healthier sugar substitutes. You want to look for Grade B or Grade C USDA-certified organic.
Stevia – A low-calorie, all-natural sweetener. It comes from the leaves of a flowering plant. AND, there is no sugar involved at all 🙂 . Stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so be careful and don’t use the same ratio in your cooking! 🙂

I have a sweet tooth as much as anyone, but even with nutritious natural sweeteners, too much a good thing can be too much of a bad thing. Here are just a few foods you can try to help keep those sugar cravings at a healthy level.

Help Cut Sugar Cravings

Probiotics – Candida yeast in the body feeds on sugar. Consuming probiotics can help reduce those yeasts. Kombucha, Kefir and Greek Yogurt are some favorites.
Protein – Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
Healthy Fats – After eliminating sugar, the body turns to fat for energy. Eating healthy fats is a much better way to fuel the body. Avocado, nuts, coconut oil… just to name a few.
Herbs and Spices – Ginger and Tumeric have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with blood sugar.

In Summeeeerrrr!!!

June 22, 2018

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Summer is such a fun time! Lots of things to do… lots of sun… and all things hot… 😉 But amidst all the fun and games, comes some very important things to remember to make this a wonderful, fun and healthy summer for everyone! So how about some warnings, tips, and some ideas to get the summer fun started out right?

Warnings:

Dehydration – With the heat and all the outdoor activities this season it is very easy to forget to drink enough water, and we sweat off more than we take in.
Sunstroke – Along with dehydration comes this risk. Not drinking enough water has a lot to do with it, but other factors include not eating the right foods, eating the WRONG foods and drink and not allowing your body to cool down in intense heat.
Sunburn (Sunscreen) – I think we all would like to avoid getting hot, crispy, red skin, so sunscreen is needed (especially around water). But we also need to be mindful of the sunscreen we use, since that can cause just as much damage as sunburn.
Bugs (bug spray) – Bugs are a pest this time of year, aren’t they? Mosquitoes ESPECIALLY. So keep bug spray handy. Again, be mindful of the kind you use. I’ll talk more about this a little further down. 🙂

Tips:

Drink plenty of water – One of the best things you can do during the summer. If you are sweating a lot, you need to be putting that water back into your body.
Food (watermelon, strawberries, salad, chicken) – Eating foods in season is very delicious! And the summer season has some very wonderful choices to choose from to make these hot months a little easier on our bodies!
Essential Oils – Many EOs have wonderful health benefits for the summer months: Tea Tree and Citronella help REPEL the bugs before they get to you, but if some manage to sneak past and bite you (the little devils 😛 ) Lavender helps soothe those itchy bug bites and also for sunburn relief, Orange and Lemon brighten up your day and can help you feel refreshed and ready for each hot day ahead, and Peppermint helps to keep away mosquitoes AND is a great cooling agent. 🙂
Sunscreen (Don’t let the clouds fool you) – Keep in mind, even if the sun is hidden behind the clouds all day, you can still look like a tomato the next day. 😛
Drinks – It’s important to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. However, along with getting enough good hydrating liquids, you should also avoid the liquids that can DEHYDRATE you: Soda, Fruit Juice and Iced Coffee are some popular summer drinks that make it on the “Avoid It” list.

Fun Events:

Camping – Nothing like spending a few days in God’s beautiful nature! Remember to pack your bug spray!
Swimming (keep a clean pool!) – A favorite summer pastime is getting into the water. Maybe swimming laps, having a water fight with your friends or family, or even just relaxing in the nice cool gentle waves.
Picnics – Get the kids in car, pack the basket with lots of delicious healthy food (make sure the lemonade is ice cold), and let’s head to the lake!
Sports – Summer is a great season to spend time outdoors. There are a lot of sports to play with friends, but be sure and bring water! 😉

Tell me what some of your favorite summer past-times are, and what you like to do to stay healthy and active when the heat gets super intense! 🙂

Have a fantastic summer!

For Your Information

May 8, 2018

Vaccine in vials with syringes on grunge background

It’s a sensitive subject. People have strong opinions about vaccines and usually tip the scale to one side or the other. There is so much out there about what is the right choice. Everywhere you turn it seems like there is someone who is telling you how to think.

True, this is a subject you should have convictions on, but I am not here today to stand on one side or the other. I’m not here to point fingers and say one side is wrong.

This is not a “my choice is better” post. I just want to really stress the point that we need to pay better attention to what we are having shoved our way. This is YOUR body and YOU should be the one to decide what goes into your body. So you need to have all the necessary information to make the right choice.

We own our own blood. A lack of informed consent is as if we hand our blood over rather than being good stewards of it. The current CDC vaccine schedule is UNTESTED for safety. Only we can experience what we do inside our bodies. We cannot be a one size fits all society.

Most people aren’t informed about that.

And that is the bottom line. Not whether you should or shouldn’t vaccinate, but be INFORMED! Don’t just accept what is handed out, no questions asked. When it comes to your body’s health no question is too insignificant. It’s OK to do your own research before jumping right in.

If you want the best for your body, and for your children, you need to have all the information (both risks and benefits). So get out there and dare to ask questions!

How to Get a Better Workout Into Your Busy Schedule

April 14, 2018

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Being active is a good thing, right? I mean, if we weren’t active our bodies would get all bent out of shape, we would lose energy and our muscles would be super weak. Not to mention we would go stir crazy. 🙂

Be Specific

Working out goes beyond just being active. It is important to remember that our body is made up of many parts, and each part needs to be worked and used correctly. They help support each other. That is why, when we work out, we need to work out specific areas of our body. Don’t just pick one form of exercise and stick with it, though that is not all bad. You can have your favorite exercise, but it is also a wise idea to add in a few more that target some specific areas that can be problems and cause some pretty popular pain. 😀

Here are a few favorites that don’t take very long, and you can do them just about anywhere:

Squats – Targets the glutes and thighs… and even a little bit of your back (feel the burn!).
Planks – Targets the glutes and abs, even arms and shoulders.
Sit ups – Targets the abs
Push ups – Targets abs, chest and arms
Lunges – Targets the legs. Pulsing to this one adds a little extra “feel good burn”. 😉

At Work

Desk stretches – 1. “Shrug” bring your shoulders up to your ears and roll them back down.
2. “Reach for the Sky” stretch both arms as high as you can and hold for several seconds.
3. “Roll the Head” from side to side, back and forth, and in a circle.
4. “Open Chest” stretch your arms behind you and clasp your hands together. Hold for a few seconds.
Sitting on an exercise ball – This helps you keep better posture and helps to strengthen your back and core. Plus… you can bounce in place and roll! Just don’t have so much fun you keep falling off!

How Much?

Your daily workout routine does not have to be all at once. Sometimes you should break it down into smaller time spots… spread it throughout your day to keep you energized and feeling great.

Remember, you don’t have to go and fast and do as much as you can whenever you exercise, that can tire your body out more than keep it strong.

Keep your movements strong and focus on the muscles you are working to avoid injuring yourself and to make the most out of your quick workout.

And… Finally

The most important thing is that it be fun. If it isn’t fun, it’s stress and can actually be detrimental to your health… instead of improving it. We have been trapped into the lie that things that are hard and take time have to be boring. BUT… exercise doesn’t have to be “not fun”. That is all in our minds.

Turn on some of your favorite music. Music that gets you pumped up and feeling like you can take on anything. Try working out in a place that makes you happy, whether that is outside, the gym, or a favorite room in the house. Workout with someone, your best friend or a family member. The added accountability (and friendly competition) helps to keep you pushing on. Diffuse or wear some of your favorite oils. Peppermint is a great one to get you motivated. 🙂

Shopping on a Dime!

February 10, 2018

Grocery food shopping bag - vegetables, fruits, bread and pasta

Let’s talk about finances!!!

I know, it’s everyone’s favorite subject. 🙂 But I am going to talk about how you can still shop and buy all that you need for a healthy living while you are on a pretty tight budget. I know you are always looking for ways to save money… but you don’t want to go hungry, either.

So! Let’s get right down to it, shall we?!

1. Make a Meal Plan

Plan ahead. The key to staying on or under budget. When you write a meal plan for the week it helps you to make out your shopping list and plan accordingly for each meal and gives you ideas on what to look for in weekly specials and savings.

2. Don’t Shop Hungry

When you are hungry it is so much easier to let temptation get the better of you. You could end up walking out with things you don’t really need. Try going on your shopping trip after you eat… or at least have a snack. 😉

3. Use Coupons

Checking online at your store’s website (or if you get ads mailed to your house each week) just before you go out can send you off with some good savings in your hand.

4. Stick to Your List

This is very important. Only put items on the list that you need for that week (and that are within your set spending budget) and stick to it! If you purchase items that are not on your list you will see how very quickly you can exceed your budget. Now this can be hard, and there are allowed exceptions (such as a few items that you forgot to put on the list), but for the majority of the time avoid things that are not on your shopping list. Your budget will thank you.

5. Freeze Fruits and Vegetables

Buying fresh fruits and vegetables while they are on sale and freezing them not only helps save you some money in the long run… but it also helps them last longer. Just be sure to write the name and date on the bag. 🙂

*As a side note: only purchase fruits and vegetables in bulk when it is within your budget and on your list. This is where planning ahead and looking at your weekly specials comes in handy for writing out your shopping list.

6. Get Creative With Meals

Be careful about wasting food. That is where most of our food budget goes down the drain (quite literally 😀 ). Try making meals where you can reuse your leftovers to create a completely new meal for the next day. Or devote one day a week to being leftover night. You can make a little bit of food stretch out longer… without losing any of its “deliciousness”. 🙂

Here are some idea recipes you could try (just to get your brain storming moving 😛 )

Chicken Casserole

Vegetable Beef Soup

7. Cut Back on Other Articles

Budgeting doesn’t have to be limited to just the food side of your bill. We spend a lot more money than we realize on (and use a lot of) different cleaning supplies. You can cut a large chunk out of your spending (and toxins) by making your own…

Laundry Soap

Dish Soap and

House Cleaners

Happy shopping, everyone!

Build a Better Defense and Enjoy Your Winter

January 21, 2018

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It’s that time again people! Are you ready for another bout of achy muscles, inflamed sinuses, sore and raw throat, and having to put your life on hold because you are too sick to function? I thought not.

No one likes to spend their winter indoors because they HAVE to. Sure, we don’t mind staying home and lying around from time to time when we have a choice – we aren’t feeling horrible while we do and we can perhaps get some things accomplished off of our to do list.

We also don’t want to create a domino effect and put our whole family in quarantine (have you noticed how powerfully it effects large families?) 😉 Though this seems to be the norm during this time of year, it doesn’t have to be for you. There are some very simple steps you can take to minimize the effects of the winter bug, or even avoid it all together. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Food

80% of the immune system is in the digestive tract. One of the biggest defense tools you can give your body is filling it with lots of good superfoods and staying away from foods that weigh your body down and weaken your defense walls. So load up on some vitamin c, green leafy vegetables, probiotics and even some bone broth (smoothies are awesome). Be sure to chew well so it is easier for you to digest… and eliminate. Hydrate well, guys!

Stay away from those foods that can irritate the gut such as processed/fried foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

2. Exercise

It’s generally not thought about, but getting exercise can help you sleep better. It also helps increase circulation and keep your body in good strength for its defense. So keep up that daily workout routine! It will also help keep you warm, if you are not a fan of cold weather. 😉

3. Essential Oils

There are several essential oils that can help build up your immune system AND help build you up while you are down with the bug. 😉 Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lemon are some of my favorites.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus help to clear the airways and can also help to relax your muscles. Plus, peppermint always smells amazing. 🙂

Lemon helps with lymphatic drainage and can help settle your stomach.

*Not every oil is going to work the same way for every person. Muscle testing is a great way for you to find out what oil your body needs. Contact me if you want to know more about muscle testing with oils.

4. Sleep

Getting your rest is an important part of staying healthy. If your body is too tired, it has no energy left to fight off illness. I know it is hard (I’m still trying to teach myself), but sometimes you should just turn off your computer, put away your work and get some sleep.

So go out there and enjoy your winter!

Our Thoughts Contain so much POWER!

July 17, 2017

Mindfulness wooden sign with a beach on background

Did you know that our happiness is a choice we make every day? And that it affects our health physically as much as emotionally? I want to look at just a few ways our thoughts affect our bodies… and our lives.

A Negative Mind Hurts Our Body

Our minds are powerful things and they can play many tricks on us (no, not Jedi mind tricks 🙂 ). We know that the brain controls the body, so it makes sense that the thoughts that occupy our brain have a great effect on our health. But maybe we don’t think enough on what damage negative thoughts have on our health. There are so many ways that we can damage our health with our thoughts, but I am just going to skim the surface for now.

Have you ever fought with someone and you got so angry and emotional you couldn’t think about anything else? These negative thoughts can really drag you down and keep your brain active so as not to let your body get the sleep it needs. OR… how about the one about STRESS?? We all have dealt with stress over something. Stress about everything you have to do today, stress over things that are to come, stress over work, stress over relationships. And it is so easy to let it consume us and paralyze us so that we don’t do our jobs well, or even not at all.

We begin to tell ourselves all the things that could go wrong or get scared with the long lists and stressful situations and dwell on them so much we don’t enjoy ourselves and our lives. We are “worried sick.” We no longer have any motivation or desire to do anything. Then we beat up on ourselves.

We are not happy. We find no happiness in doing anything in life. We just give up.

A Negative Mind Hurts Our Happiness

But there is more to this than just being happy, at least, what we think happy means. So let’s take a look at what the word “happy” means. Is it just a fickle emotion? Or is there more to it?

Happiness, in the truest definition, actually means… contentment. And that is more than just a feeling. It is a choice we make. A choice to not dwell on all the bad things around us, things we cannot control, and to look for all the good things that God has given us. Look for the “blessing in the thorns”.

A Negative Mind Hurts Those Around Us

No one likes to be around a “Negative Nancy” all the time. When we are constantly hanging around with someone who is gloomy or complaining about their difficult situations all the time, we not only get very annoyed, but all of that negativity and gloom gets passed on to us and then we start feeling the same way. Thus begins another game of dominoes!

You know that what you are constantly processing and thinking about is eventually going to come out. We can’t keep it inside forever. No one is that good. 🙂

So maybe this week, when you are talking to your friends or family, just try and curb your complaining a little. Because it is really not as bad as you think. Then try practicing gratitude. Because there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. We just have to be willing to open our eyes to see it. And little by little your joy and happiness will begin to grow and you will become a blessing to those around you as well. Be intentional.

A Negative Mind Limits Us

I wonder how many things we have missed out on simply because we let this thought creep in and take over: “I don’t believe I can do that.” So we don’t even try. Words have POWER. Even when they are not spoken out loud.

It’s Not About Surviving

You know, sitting back and just living with all these negative thoughts, just trying to make it through another day, is surviving. Ever heard or said this before? “How are you doing today?” “Oh, I’m surviving.”

And while surviving is not a bad thing (in fact I hope we all do it) it’s not enough to simply “survive”. We should be trying to “live”. These are two different words, but they go hand in hand. Too often I see people (myself included) just surviving. Making it from day to day, not really enjoying all the blessings and opportunities that they have been given, because they are so wrapped up in all the negative things that are going on in their lives. It drags them down. And believing they have to live with it and can’t change it, they focus so much on it and miss the joys of actually LIVING and CHOOSING the thoughts that occupy their minds.

How many times have we missed the beauty, blessings and wonderful opportunities staring us in the face because we were so wrapped up with being consumed by negative thoughts? Even in the darkest of times and the worst of situations, God is still good. We still have a choice.

I want to start living my life to the fullest and being more intentional with my thoughts. Being more positive, not only for my body’s sake, but for the sake of those around me. What will you choose? Inspirational Typographic Quote - Your mind is a powerful thing

We are in a Battle – How to Deal With Your “Battle Fatigue”

April 10, 2017

Depressed woman awake in the night she is exhausted and suffering from insomnia

Adrenal fatigue. You probably know someone personally who struggles with it. Or maybe you struggle with it yourself.

In the midst of adult life you can have a high amount of stress, physically, mentally and emotionally – and that takes it’s toll on our body. We let down our guard… and then fatigue decides to come for an unwelcome visit. And decides NOT to leave!

So now you struggle with the constant exhaustion, depression, emotional breakdowns and… maybe even feelings of incapability?

It is all right to be tired from time to time, it is bound to happen in our busy lives. But adrenal fatigue can get dangerous and cause dangerous inflammations and autoimmune diseases. It’s time to nip it in the bud and beat this thing!

If you aren’t struggling with adrenal fatigue right now, don’t be tempted to pass this by, because chances are, you may very well face it in the future at some point. But there are some ways you can be ready for it and have a fighting chance at avoiding it.

For those of you who are struggling with fatigue… good news! There are some tips for battling it… and BEATING it!

Building a defense!

One of the best ways to defend yourself… and have a fighting chance at winning… is to KNOW your opponent. Know what to watch out for to avoid fatigue.

Symptoms:

- Morning fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor Focus
- Irritability
- Muscle Tension
- Cravings (Salty or Sweet)
- Hormone imbalance
- Feeling overwhelmed

Now, I do want to point out that it doesn’t always mean you have adrenal fatigue if you struggle with some of these symptoms. But it is always a good idea to be aware of them.

So how can we win the battle that has already been going on for some time?

1. Diet

Food is medicine. Food is energy. You need to give your body the nutrition and ingredients it needs to fight this battle that it is up against.

When struggling with fatigue caffeine is NOT your friend. Even if you need to stay awake just TEN MORE MINUTES to finish a project, it is much better for your body to stop. Caffeine will just mess with your sleep patterns and your adrenals won’t be able to recover the way they are supposed to. So drop the can of soda or the cup of coffee and get to sleep at a decent hour.

Of course we all know sugar and processed foods are a “no no”. Opt for raw honey instead.

Some of the best superfoods for adrenal health that you should get into your diet:

Coconut
Avocado
Almonds
Vegetables (cruciferous vegetables)
Chicken and turkey
Wild-caught salmon

2. Exercise

Keeping in shape and getting just a little bit of exercise a day (a short walk) can do wonders to keep your spirits up and help walk away that fatigue (it will wear it out and it won’t want to stay 😉 ).

3. Rest and Relaxation

Keep a regular sleep cycle. Get some sleep when your body is telling you to. Go to bed at a decent hour, even if you have a lot to do… which brings me to
Minimize stress. Stress is a big factor in causing fatigue so it makes sense to minimize it. Obviously we can’t take away all stress from our lives, but we can take reasonable steps to decrease it.
Take a vacation. Sometimes it will do a world of good to just get away for a short time and “leave all your troubles behind you”… within reason, of course.

The biggest tip I can give you is this: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.

You know your own body. You know what foods help and what doesn’t. You know what makes you relax, you know what you enjoy. Listen to the body God gave you and use the sources He has given you to help your body heal and thrive.

5 Tips for a Happier, Healthier Job

February 5, 2017

Business Man Working At Office, Consultant Lawyer Concept

Working in an office? Do you find yourself having back and neck pain, gaining weight, getting sick more, feeling sluggish and fatigued throughout the day… or just feeling plain uninspired and dull? Well, you are not alone.

I know working in an office environment can be tough. It can be boring, sitting at a desk for hours at a time, sitting through meetings can be grueling, conference calls with clients are annoying… Oh, and computer work! Ugh! Don’t you just have days where you want to throw it right out the window?? (There probably would be very few computers left if we all acted on that impulse every time, right? 😛 )

But I have some good news for you! Are you ready for this? Listen closely. If you put your mind to it, you can make a big difference in the way you feel physically… and mentally?

How about a few tips on how to stay healthy in your office and make your work just a little more enjoyable? Sound good? Okay! Let’s go!!!

1. Keep Proper Form and Get EXERCISE!

With all the sitting we do (in the car, at our desk, in front of the TV, etc.) we tend to get lazy with our form and start slouching and craning our heads forward, wreaking havoc on our backs and neck. We have heavy heads, and the constant forward head posture we keep from day to day not only hurts our spine, but it could also cause some of those headaches you’ve been complaining about. Make sure your chair is the right height so that your feet are flat on the ground. Keep your back straight (I know it’s hard at first) and place your computer monitor at eye level.

It is also VERY important to get plenty of exercise. Get up from your desk and do some stretches or take a quick walk around the building. Even opting for a standing desk (if possible) can do wonders. If that is not an option you can always try sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair. Have some fun while sitting at a desk! 😀

2. “You Are My Sunshine!”

A sunny day makes just about everyone feel happier, right? But I know that sometimes working in an office makes sunlight EXTREMELY limited.

During your lunch break, try getting a change of scenery. Eat lunch outside on pretty days (try even taking a walk!). Even if the day is grey (or rainy) getting out of the building and eating lunch in your car is a small way to get a relief from the everyday dreariness of indoors (and make you more productive)!

3. A Little GOOD Food Goes a Long Way

When we are sitting at a desk for many hours (and not very active) we tend to snack… A LOT. And it’s usually vending machine snacks that are full of sugar and artificial ingredients. When we fill up on these snacks we are harming our body more than we are actually feeding it. Because, let’s be honest, how many times are we snack and ACTUALLY hungry? I know I can tend to stress eat… or eat just because I am bored.

Eating a bunch of sugary snacks every day can take it’s toll on your body. Being inactive and a lot of unhealthy snacking causes unwanted fat (and weight). It can also make you susceptible to mood swings and irritability… and of course, make you feel just plain sick. 🙂

Instead of running to the vending machine or a fast food breakfast stop, opt for stocking your office area with some nuts, fruit and vegetables and, if you have a sweet tooth, try some organic chocolate. But still, you don’t need to snack all the time… even if it is good food. 🙂

4. Use Music to Chase Away Stress

There are few things worse for your long work day than starting out in a bad or stressed mood. If you have a long”ish” drive to work traffic can get pretty tiring and stressful. SO…. try listening to some uplifting music or an audio drama. They are great ways to inspire you and get your mind full of new ideas and positive thoughts (and away from the idiot drivers and long day ahead of you 😉 ). And if you are able, listen to music on your phone or iPod while you are working to keep up your spirit during the day.

5. Use Essential Oils

Lemon oil is a great uplifting smell to brighten your day and give you energy. Inhale a little bit throughout the course of the day or put a couple of drops on a cotton ball and place them in your car or around your desk.

For a little extra punch you can add Peppermint oil. 🙂

1 drop of peppermint and 2 drops of lemon to a cotton ball (adjusting amount to your preference).

God wants us to enjoy our work and be healthy in the process. I know that sometimes it is necessary to do some work that we don’t really want to and that may not be absolutely perfect for our health, but by making a few wise choices (and with a little determination), we can keep from being sick and miserable. 😀

Happy Healthy Kids for Life

January 15, 2017

Small group of happy children outdoor

We all want our kids to be happy and healthy. But how do we do that? What should be on our priority list and where should we draw the line?

The truth is, those are questions I can’t answer for you. Every parent has to make the decision about what is best for their kids. However, there are some general tips that we all should take into consideration. After all, our child’s health should be our main priority.

1. Be Careful of the “Food Trap”

Our society has several “health” foods that they try to sell us for our kids, making us think we are feeding kids good food. But that is not true. So many of those “health” foods have fillers and preservatives hidden in the ingredients… and have next to nothing in the way of nutrients.

Feed your kids plenty of organic protein (found in eggs, raw dairy, and grass fed beef), fruits and vegetables are a must, and good fats are a positive (avocados, salmon, coconut oil). Stay away from processed foods, sugar and artificially flavored and colored snacks.

2. Limit Screen Time

Today kid’s spend the majority of their day sitting in front of the TV or the computer, or on their cell phones. And it’s starting at younger and younger ages. It is not only taking away their childhood, but it’s causing some serious health damages. Too much screen time has been linked to sleep disorders, childhood obesity, less positive brain function and behavior problems. It’s time to detox screen time and get those kids moving…

Which brings me to number three…

3. Dirty is the New Clean

It may seem weird and a little contradictory but this is one of the best ways to raise healthy kids. Let them be kids. Let them get dirty, it won’t hurt them. In fact, it’s good for them. Don’t be overly sterile. Fresh air and nature – a child’s best friend… and a parent’s.

So kick them outside and let them explore and move. Kids have a natural energy that we have been discouraging by keeping them inside and giving them all these devices that keep them glued to a couch. The body was made to move – and that is especially important in young children. And, hey, join them in outdoor activities as well. You could use the exercise, too 🙂

Enjoy the time with your kids. They will love it and you will treasure it.

Remember, if you start your kids out with good healthy habits, they will stick as they grow older.