Salad, Salad and more Salad!

You can't go wrong with a bowl of fresh green salad - so many nutrients and vitamins and very few calories. I'm going to make it easier for you to get your daily dose of greens by providing you with some very healthy dressings to accompany your lettuce which will make your salad adventure as versatile as you'd like them to be.

Olive Oil Vinaigrette
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup vinegar (white, sherry, cider port or champagne)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
pinch of salt
pinch of black pepper
1 and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion or shallots

In a food processor, add garlic, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. With the motor still running, slowly drizzle oil in until emulsified. Taste to adjust seasoning. Enjoy!

Ginger-Carrot Dressing
4 medium sized carrots, peeled and sliced
1 clove garlic
1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger peeled
2 drops of Sesame Oil (or to taste)
1/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup tomato juice
2 to 3 tablespoons cider vinegar or fresh lime or lemon juice
pinch of salt

In a small saucepan, cover carrots with water. Bring them to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer, covered until tender about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool. In a food processor, add garlic and ginger, add cooked carrots and process until smooth. Add orange and tomato juices, vinegar and salt. Process until smooth add sesame oil and drizzle in water if needed if the dressing is too thick. Keeps for up to one week in refrigerator.

Best Ever Roasted Red Pepper Balsamic Dressing
1/2 cup extra virgin Olive Oil
1 clove garlic
4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup balsamic dressing
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup of honey
1 roasted red pepper
pinch of paprika
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper

In a blender, add olive oil, dijon mustard and garlic and slowly drizzle in balsamic vinegar. Add roasted red pepper. Once emulsified, add honey and remaining ingredients. Adjust to taste.

Mustard Dill Dressing
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
1/4 cup dijon vinegar (or grainy mustard or spicy)
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup Canola oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh shallots
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper

Blend all ingredients in food processor or blender and serve over endive salad with some goat cheese.

100 quotes from "The Secret"

Good health comes in many shapes and forms but a healthy mind is also important. Now I'm not saying that I am a follower of the very well known film/book, "The Secret", however I do find that the message that they try to relay is an important one. I'll leave it up to you to decide as I have posted the 100 quotes from "The Secret" for you below.



100 quotes from "The Secret"

1. We all work with one infinite power

2. The Secret is the Law of Attraction (LOA)

3. Whatever is going on in your mind is what you are attracting

4. We are like magnets - like attract like. You become AND attract what you think

5. Every thought has a frequency. Thoughts send out a magnetic energy

6. People think about what they don't want and attract more of the same

7. Thought = creation. If these thoughts are attached to powerful emotions (good or bad) that speeds the creation

8. You attract your dominant thoughts

9. Those who speak most of illness have illness, those who speak most of prosperity have it..etc..

10. It's not "wishful" thinking.

11. You can't have a universe without the mind entering into it

12. Choose your thoughts carefully .. you are a masterpiece of your life

13. It's OK that thoughts don't manifest into reality immediately (if we saw a picture of an elephant and it instantly appeared, that would be too soon)

14. EVERYTHING in your life you have attracted .. accept that fact .. it's true.

15. Your thoughts cause your feelings

16. We don't need to complicate all the "reasons" behind our emotions. It's much simpler than that. Two categories .. good feelings, bad feelings.

17. Thoughts that bring about good feelings mean you are on the right track. Thoughts that bring about bad feelings means you are not on the right track.

18. Whatever it is you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what is in the process of becoming

19. You get exactly what you are FEELING

20. Happy feelings will attract more happy circumstances

21. You can begin feeling whatever you want (even if it's not there).. the universe will correspond to the nature of your song

22. What you focus on with your thought and feeling is what you attract into your experience

23. What you think and what you feel and what actually manifests is ALWAYS a match - no exception

24. Shift your awareness

25. "You create your own universe as you go along" Winston Churchill

26. It's important to feel good ( ( ( (((good))) ) ) )

27. You can change your emotion immediately .. by thinking of something joyful, or singing a song, or remembering a happy experience

28. When you get the hang of this, before you know it you will KNOW you are the creator

29. Life can and should be phenomenal .. and it will be when you consciously apply the Law of Attraction

30. Universe will re-arrange itself accordingly

31. Start by using this sentence for all of your wants: "I'm so happy and grateful now that.... "

32. You don't need to know HOW the universe is going to rearrange itself

33. LOA is simply figuring out for yourself what will generate the positive feelings of having it NOW

34. You might get an inspired thought or idea to help you move towards what you want faster

35. The universe likes SPEED. Don't delay, don't second-guess, don't doubt..

36. When the opportunity or impulse is there .. ACT

37. You will attract everything you require - money, people, connections.. PAY ATTENTION to what's being set in front of you

38. You can start with nothing .. and out of nothing or no way - a WAY will be provided.

39. HOW LONG??? No rules on time .. the more aligned you are with positive feelings the quicker things happen

40. Size is nothing to the universe (unlimited abundance if that's what you wish) We make the rules on size and time

41. No rules according to the universe .. you provide the feelings of having it now and the universe will respond

42. Most people offer the majority of their thought in response to what they are observing (bills in the mail, being late, having bad luck...etc..)

43. You have to find a different approach to what is through a different vantage point

44. "All that we are is a result of what we have thought" - Buddha

45. What can you do right now to turn your life around?? Gratitude

46. Gratitude will bring more into our lives immediately

47. What we think about and THANK about is what we bring about

48. What are the things you are grateful for?? Feel the gratitude.. focus on what you have right now that you are grateful for

49. Play the picture in your mind - focus on the end result

50. VISUALIZE!!! Rehearse your future

51. VISUALIZE!!! See it, feel it! This is where action begins

52. Feel the joy .. feel the happiness :o)

53. An affirmative thought is 100 times more powerful than a negative one

54. "What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists." Alexander Graham Bell

55. Our job is not to worry about the "How". The "How" will show up out of the commitment and belief in the "what"

56. The Hows are the domain of the universe. It always knows the quickest, fastest, most harmonious way between you and your dream

57. If you turn it over to the universe, you will be surprised and dazzled by what is delivered .. this is where magic and miracles happen

58. Turn it over to the universe daily.. but it should never be a chore.

59. Feel exhilarated by the whole process .. high, happy, in tune

60. The only difference between people who are really living this way is they have habituated ways of being.

61. They remember to do it all the time

62. Create a Vision Board .. pictures of what you want to attract .. every day look at it and get into the feeling state of already having acquired these wants

63. "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein

64. Decide what you want .. believe you can have it, believe you deserve it, believe it's possible for you

65. Close your eyes and visualize having what you already want - and the feeling of having it already.

66. Focus on being grateful for what you have already .. enjoy it!! Then release into the universe. The universe will manifest it.

67. "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve" W. Clement Stone

68. Set a goal so big that if you achieved it, it would blow your mind.

69. When you have an inspired thought, you must trust it and act on it.

70. How can you become more prosperous?? INTEND IT!!

71. 'Checks are coming in the mail regularly'... or change your bank statement to whatever balance you want in there... and get behind the feeling of having it.

72. Life is meant to be abundant in ALL areas...

73. Go for the sense of inner joy and peace then all outside things appear

74. We are the creators of our universe

75. Relationships: Treat yourself the way you want to be treated by others .. love yourself and you will be loved

76. Healthy respect for yourself

77. For those you work with or interact with regularly .. get a notebook and write down positive aspects of each of those people.

78. Write down the things you like most about them (don't expect change from them). Law of attraction will not put you in the same space together if you frequencies don't match

79. When you realize your potential to feel good, you will ask no one to be different in order for you to feel good.

80. You will free yourself from the cumbersome impossibilities of needing to control the world, your friends, your mate, your children....

81. You are the only one that creates your reality

82. No one else can think or feel for you .. its YOU .. ONLY YOU.

83. Health: thank the universe for your own healing. Laugh, stress free happiness will keep you healthy.

84. Immune system will heal itself

85. Parts of our bodies are replace every day, every week..etc... Within a few years we have a brand new body

86. See yourself living in a new body. Hopeful = recovery. Happy = happier biochemistry. Stress degrades the bod.

87. Remove stress from the body and the body regenerates itself. You can heal yourself

88. Learn to become still .. and take your attention away from what you don't want, and place your attention on what you wish to experience

89. When the voice and vision on the inside become more profound and clear than the opinions on the outside, then you have mastered your life

90. You are not here to try to get the world to be just as you want it. You are here to create the world around you that you choose.

91. And allow the world as others choose to see it, exist as well

92. People think that if everyone knows the power of the LOA there won't be enough to go around .. This is a lie that's been ingrained in us and makes so many greedy.

93. The truth is there is more than enough love, creative ideas, power, joy, happiness to go around.

94. All of this abundance begins to shine through a mind that is aware of it's own infinite nature. There's enough for everyone. See it. Believe it. it will show up for you.

95. So let the variety of your reality thrill you as you choose all the things you want.. get behind the good feelings of all your wants.

96. Write your script. When you see things you don't want, don't think about them, write about them, talk about them, push against them, or join groups that focus on the don't wants... remove your attention from don't wants.. and place them on do wants

97. We are mass energy. Everything is energy. EVERYTHING.

98. Don't define yourself by your body .. it's the infinite being that's connected to everything in the universe.

99. One energy field. Our bodies have distracted us from our energy. We are the infinite field of unfolding possibilities. The creative force.

100. Are your thoughts worthy of you? If not - NOW is the time to change them. You can begin right were you are right now. Nothing matters but this moment and what you are focusing your attention on.

Carnitine, L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine....

Carnitine, or L-carnitine, is a naturally occurring substance found in most cells of the body, particularly the brain and neural tissues, muscles, and heart. Typically, Carnitine can be found naturally in animal food such as red meat, poultry, fish, and in dairy products. Although noticeably higher concentrations are found in red meat (beef and lamb), while lower can be found in white meat and vegetables. Vegetarians and people who eat very little meat, will benefit from supplementing their diets with L-Carnitine. There are differences between L-Carnitine and Acetyl L-Carnitine — so you should be clear on the benefits that you are trying to achieve.

• L-Carnitine can aid in weight loss and fat burning
• It transports long chain fatty acids to be metabolized so it can generate energy
• Increases in energy
• Sexual enhancement, as studies indicate
• In addition, Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may improve their fatigue condition
• L-Carnitine alone is not likely to produce significant weight loss but in combination with Choline and Caffeine it may more effective
• Supplementation of Carnitine decreased the problems associated with ADHD and aggressive behavior in boys
• L-Carnitine improves recovery after heavy exercise
• Reduce symptoms caused by congestive heart failure
• Improve conditions after heart attack

Acetyl-L-Carnitine has a significantly more noticeable effect on the mind than L-Carnitine. Acetyl-L-Carnitine usually enhances mental clarity and focus, along with slight mood elevation. The effects of L-Carnitine are more physical than mental, in the sense that carnitine may provide physical energy whereas Acetyl-L-Carnitine provides more mental energy. There are 703 published studies on Acetyl-L-Carnitine’s functions and effectiveness currently. Studies indicate that Acetyl-L-Carnitine may play a part in delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and has been suggested as a possible neuroprotective agent that may also be useful for strokes. Benefits of Acetyl-L-Carnitine are as follows:

• It’s primary benefit is to optimize brain function and slow brain-aging
• Assists stroke victims in recovery
• It’s a powerful antioxidant
• Helps manage diabetes
• Pain relief caused by neuropathy
• Improves mental performance
• Helps slow down the effects of aging
• Prevents the occurrence of cataracts
• Greater attention and concentration

It takes about 6 weeks or more to notice the effects but I am very happy that I have added this supplement to my personal vitamin regime. I hope that you will read more documentation on this supplement and see with your physician if this is right for you.

The Running Basics

So maybe some of you are considering adding a bit more cardio to your recipe for good health but don't know where to begin. If the idea of running is looming over your cranium then you are in good company. No need to buy expensive equipment or pay exorbitant amounts of "moolah" for a yearly gym membership. Generally, all you need are a good pair of running shoes, comfortable clothing and the desire to run. Now running is not for everyone, those with heart conditions, joint or knee problems, might want a second opinion on something less jarring on their anatomy; consider an alternatives such as an elliptical trainer which does not impact the joints and is an overall good selection. But again, consult with your physician before you engage in any exercise or diet routine!

However, those of you seeking a "runner's high" have come to the right place! I get my daily fix at least 4 or 5 days per week. During the process, I've made an interesting observation over the last few years and it involves the Queen of metamorphosis, Madonna. Yes, you heard right. Let me explain....she is arguably one of the most physically fit celebrities over the last couple of decades. Here is my point, we've seen her jump on every fitness bandwagon that there is. Lifting weights, Yoga, Pilates, the Macro-biotic diet... but what has stayed a constant in her life? More than any relationship she has ever had? Is her love of running. Although she has still maintained her Yoga and Pilates routine (until further notice or the next fad workout), she is continuously out and about jogging with her personal trainer. Not just Madonna in fact, the likes of Renee Zellweger, Nicole Kidman and countless other celebrities are avid runners. It provides your body with overall conditioning, cardio and circulation. You are engaging every single muscle in your body. Have some doubts? Go for a 5 minute jog around the block and tell me how you feel the next day if you've never run before. You'll feel the pain in muscles that you didn't even know existed!

Now, I cannot stress the importance of a good running shoe and each shoe is different. Go to your friendly neighborhood running shoe establishment, the more selection the better and get comfortable as you should be there for awhile comparing the comfort and fit of each shoe. Not too wide, not too tight and plenty of arch support as well as shock absorption, this is crucial. Otherwise a knee issue could be the least of your worries. Personally, most times when I go shopping, I don't like when a salesperson approaches me but in this case, I welcome their help. They can give you all sorts of tips and information if they are properly trained. I suggest you go specifically to a "running oriented" store to get the best help as you don't want advice from someone who may just be there to cash a paycheck.

If you are a woman who is beginning to run, you may also want to consider investing in a good sports bra too. I can speak from experience here and tell you that if it wasn't for my trusty sports bra, I'd be blogging here with two permanent black eyes ;) The material should be breathable and preferably cotton so as not to irritate your skin. Specially designed runners socks are also a good idea but not imperative. As you begin to train and see if it's right for you, you can begin investing in all the gear. For those of you in a colder climate like myself, layering is the key and having a windbreaker to offset the cold is good for an outer shell.

Now someone sent me a fantastic link recently that I would like to share with all of you. Anyone interested in running a 10K marathon and would like to know exactly how to go about that can go here and take a look: http://www.sportmedbc.com/Content/InTraining/Programs/Run10kIntro.asp

Other than that, try to enjoy running if you can, breathe in the fresh air, go site seeing or grab your mp3 player full of high energy tunes and away you go!

Is Niacin Right for You? Weight Loss & Lower LDL...

For those seeking to lose those extra pounds consider the introduction of Niacin supplements. Niacin will improve the rate of food digestion and speed the metabolism of carbohydrates. As an added extra bonus, dieters on a low carbohydrate diet, may negate the affects of the “listlessness” or “blues " associated with the low carbohydrate diet while simultaneously working to improve metabolism and burn off calories while taking this supplement.

Niacin is a water soluble B3 vitamin and it is important for converting calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. But it also helps the digestive system function and promotes a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves. Found naturally in sources of protein such as red meat, poultry, fish and nuts. Even potatoes, pasta and yeast extract also contain this vitamin. Some foods such as bread and breakfast cereals are also fortified with niacin. The body is also able to make niacin from an amino acid (protein building block) called tryptophan. This means foods that are a good source of tryptophan such as eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt, can contribute to recommended intakes of niacin.

Niacin can be taken in a tablet form as a supplement to your standard or low carb diet. In combination with other B vitamins, Niacin works to release energy from ingested carbohydrates while adding the additional B the body requires on a daily basis. Additionally, within the bloodstream, Niacin works to decrease the level of cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream as well. This combination, mixed with a low carbohydrate diet, can lead to significant weight loss. Niacin has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol the 'bad' cholesterol that clogs the heart's arteries and triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol that prevents hardening of the artery walls).

However, Niacin is not for everyone. Consult with your doctor prior to taking Niacin supplements, especially if you are taking any medications for high blood pressure. The Niacin could make your blood pressure drop way too low. And if you have Diabetes, Niacin could raise your Blood sugar level too high. If you are suffering from Gout, Niacin could raise your uric acid levels and cause an attack so please consult with a physician prior to taking this supplement as you must work with your doctor to have your cholesterol and liver functions checked often. If you have liver disease or ulcers, Niacin could exasperate the condition.

Noticeable side effect from taking Niacin is what they call the “Niacin flush”, for 15 to 30 minutes the face and neck get red, hot and itchy. However, it eventually wears off. I do take Niacin supplements and take one in the morning on a full stomach prior to my morning shower, this way, when the flush hits me, I’m covered in cool water and barely notice the effects.

So, think that you have a difficiency? A deficiency of Niacin is rare. Keep your eyes open for things like: skin problems, weakness, fatigue and a loss of appetite. In extreme cases, a condition called pellagra develops, which is mainly seen in third world countries. This is characterized by weight loss, skin problems, diarrhea, depression and in severe cases, dementia. Anorexics are often deficient in Niacin and suffer many of the above mentioned side effects.

The Best Simple Kidney Cleanse - Watermelon Seed Tea

Kidney cleansing is a procedure which is used to dissolve Kidney stones. Symptoms of kidney stones are pain in the lower and middle back (kidney area or spine) however, some people may feel the pain in different parts of their body.

Watermelon Seed Tea
Watermelon seed tea is a diuretic recommended to cleanse and purify the kidneys and bladder it also stimulates under-active kidneys.

Directions:
At least once a day, three days a week, take watermelon seed tea prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water over a tablespoonful of watermelon seed (ground or cut) and allowing it to steep. Let it cool, then strain and drink. If practical the tea should be made fresh for each use.

DIY Brown Sugar Body Polish

Body scrubs have become all the rage in the last few years. Then can help slough of dead skin and help with circulation and just plain smell yummy. Here is a do-it-yourself body polish recipe that's sure to please.

Not only can you make this special treat for yourself but you can personally label it and give it to a friend as a gift during the holidays if you put it in a tightly sealed glass jar.

All you need is:
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 Tablespoon of Jojoba Oil
1 Tablespoon of Almond oil
2 Tablespoons of Honey
5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil (for example: Lemon, rose or lavender etc.)

Mix all the ingredients in a glass blow and when you are in the shower, gently scrub all over your body paying special attention to rough patches on feet, knees and elbows.

Then rinse.