5 Steps to Get Back on the Healthy Food Band Wagon

(Doll’s weekly thoughts on goals, starting over and success!)

Monday is the most popular day to re-start programs.  This goes for exercise, diets and other self-improvement ideas.  We’ve all been there.  We start on Monday.  Then, by Friday, we wonder what happened to take us so far off track.

Here are some thoughts to help all of us enjoy our successes at the end of the Week.

• Begin at the finish line!

  I am very happy with the work I do with The Raw Divas.  My goal is to be a successful businesswoman. I need to set the stage.  Last week Nick helped me buy and put together this great office set up.  There is no reason to wait until I am successful.  The time is now!

• Plan for success

  In my planning for success I’ve placed only those things that are necessary for my work on and around my desk.  I decided that distractions where not helping me to get the work done. You all know what I mean.  Dishes and nick-knacks do not belong.

• Set an attainable goal

  I’d love to set a goal of writing 3 hours every day.  That’s just not possible for me. But, if I set a goal of 15 min, twice a day I can get the work done and feel like I’ve accomplished something.

• Reward yourself

  I work really well with tangible gifts.  Finish a project?  Try a spa treatment, new scarf or even a star on your calendar.  Make it fun!

• Think in the present tense

  No more do I say, “I will finish this on time” or “I will have this piece published someday”.  I make statements for today.  I am writing 15 minutes today.  My published article is informative and fun.  Be positive and specific.

These 5 points can be used in terms of your food planning, exercise schedule, or your over all health and happiness.  Living a Raw Food Lifestyle is planned for and something to be enjoyed.  See yourself as healthy, fit, glowing and filled with energy!

Make this Monday your special Do-Over day!  Create a commitment or goal that works for you.  Sweet Diva, you can take on the world.  One do-over at a time!

With love and warm hugs

Doll (from her new office)

Why Can’t You Just Start Already? How to Handle Your Fitness Excuses!

By Jenn Givler

You’ve felt the niggles. The urges. The nudges. You know it’s time to start. You know you should be doing something. But every time you think about starting, something comes up. Some other plan, some interruption, some unexpected obstacle.

I’m talking about exercising. In the midst of being a significant other, a mom, a daughter, a friend and a professional, it can be tough to think about fitting in one more thing, or to even just take the plunge.

The fact is, exercise is good for you and your body. Among the commonly stated health benefits (increased cardio vascular health, increased energy, lower risk of multiple diseases, etc…), exercise also has some amazing not-commonly-heard-about benefits.

For example, exercising helps your body eliminate toxins. It also increases the good feelings you have about yourself and your positive self-talk. Exercise is wonderful for your libido. It helps you think clearly, and it gives you stamina for your all of your regular daily activities. It also improves sleep.

Even knowing all of this can make us stutter and stammer when it comes to starting a new exercise program.

Here are 3 simple ways to get started:

• Buddy up.  Find someone that will truly kick you into gear if you start making excuses. And, be sure that your buddy has the same mind-set and similar goals for exercise that you do. Together, create a plan that you can both easily stick to and go for it.
• Find the time.  Find a time each and every day that will be used for nothing other than exercise. At first, it’s going to be tough to stick to that time. Your mind is going to have all sorts of reasons why you can’t. And you’re going to make up excuses. But, I promise, if you stick to a regular time for at least 2 weeks, it will become a new routine, and you’ll actually hate to miss your exercise time.
• Keep it simple.  To get aerobic benefits, you don’t have to beat yourself to a pulp. This is something that is echoed in the Body Enlightenment System.

Walking at a moderate pace for 20 to 30 minutes a day is the perfect way to start moving.

To know that you’re truly getting benefit from the movement, make sure you’re winded (that it’s not easy to have a conversation, or that you’re breathing heavier),  and that you feel like you’re really working.
Inertia is defined as “an object at rest stays at rest unless acted on by an outside force.” For those of us needing to start something, inertia can be our biggest rival.
But, once you get going and get into a new routine, it’s easy to build a great new momentum in the right direction.

Start simply, find a buddy, pick a time and go for it.

**Jenn Givler is a fitness and wellness coach. She helps busy women break their fitness hiatus, and shows them how to fit fitness into a busy schedule. You don’t have to be a fitness buff, or live at the gym to feel healthy, fit and strong. Check out Jenn’s web site for exercise ideas, recipes, and insight: JGivlerFitness.com

Moments in Thyme. . . Past Reflections

By Joyce Wiatroski

Saturday — a quick trip to the downtown library, a building crammed with knowledge and entertainment as well as a daytime refuge to many homeless souls. Then off to explore a new outdoor market.

I love the city.
Can’t imagine being away from the intoxicating smell of exhaust fumes, the cacophony of autos, sirens and church bells chiming the hour. After many a rainy Saturday, the sky is Florida blue, the sun shines benignly, tempered by a soft breeze and low humidity.

Early April paradise!

The produce the farmers parade looks pretty sad, but then the merchants don’t appear to be farmers. Wilted herbs, stunted red peppers nestled next to overgrown green cucumbers and giant, seed-filled zucchinis. Suddenly I’m surprised by perfect plump mushrooms bedded beside crisp, green snow peas. My mouth waters as I imagine the enticing aroma of the peas and mushrooms sautéing with sweet onions, grated ginger and a dash of roasted sesame oil. A few dollars change hands. Supper is solved.

As I sit surveying the scene, my senses are pleasantly piqued with a wonderful mix of orchid candles and handmade patchouli soap. I suspect I will have to have some of each before I leave.

Indulged myself! Hazelnut iced coffee and a warm fresh, buttery croissant lightly stuffed with caramelized onions and topped with poppy seeds. Probably 1,000 calories or more. Better walk an extra mile or two today.

Live music across the way lifts the spirit. The fountains in the center of the square are bubbling up and a few adventurous children dart in and out. I wonder where I put the slides I took here a couple of years ago for a class assignment. Great candid shots of a group of kids from a foster home clowning around while cooling off in the fountains on a very hot, humid Sunday afternoon. Worth looking for.

Lots of flowers and plants. Gorgeous orchids. Actually, the flowers and plants steal the show. It would be nice to have local, organic produce for sale. There are interesting artisanal breads and colorful ethnic salsas and a couple of coffee stands run by a mother and son with prices to put Starbucks to shame.

Young and old, fat and thin, black and white. The yuppies, the guppies, and even the old mullets, swarm around the square competing for walking space with a group of foraging pigeons. Little red legs, iridescent green neck feathers and amber beady eyes pecking away at whatever crumbs they find upon the ground. I pull apart small pieces from the end of my croissant and toss them out to the avian crowd. They come from clear across the square for a few small morsels of bread, then rise en masse, as they leave for another crumb sighting, startling dozing seniors resting on the scattered benches.

I reluctantly gather my things and prepare to leave, but not before I take one more turn around the square.

Finding these notes from six years ago reminded me how easy it is to find pleasure in the little things in life regardless of social standing, finances or location. Whether living in a big city, medium-sized town, or tiny village; single, married, widowed, divorced, young or old. We need to get outside and enjoy the riches Mother Nature offers. Stroll in a park, hike in the woods, check listings for art festivals, outdoor fairs and craft shows. Soak up the beauty in life — it’s one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. Get some fresh air and sunshine.

Breathe deeply, smile widely and continue to manifest . . .

Like fine wine, women grow better with thyme.

** Joyce Wiatroski is the wit and wisdom found on foodiefumblings blog. You can watch for her contributions on the Diva blog on Tuesdays.

10 House Plants to Keep as Natural Air Purifiers

Now that we are getting into the colder months, we will most likely be spending more time indoors. That means getting less fresh air and inhaling that stale dry indoor air. What’s a girl to do?

I pondered that thought for a while and came up with this simple and quite obvious idea.

Plants!

Plants are excellent natural air purifiers.  During photosynthesis, plants are continuously taking in carbon dioxide and other airborne toxins to produce oxygen. That’s what you call instant air filtration! It has been estimated that 15-20 spider plants can completely detoxify a home of less than 2000 square feet. The rule  of thumb is 1 plant per 100 square feet. There are many other plants that work to purify as well.\

Having that many plants sounds like a lot but consider the benefits. Plants are natural, cost effective, they beautify your home, and they really bring the outdoors in. You can use hanging baskets, plant stands, and windowsills. If you have children or pets, be sure to keep any plant that is poisonous out of reach.

Here are some common living air purifiers:

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Golden pothos (epipremnum aureum) toxic to animals
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum species) poisonous
• Fern (Pteris species and nephrolepsis species)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum ‘Silver Queen’)
• Weeping Fig (ficus benjamina)
• heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron sp) poisonous
• Mums (Chrysanthemum sp) poisonous
• Gerbera daisy (Gerbera sp)
• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbabensis)

Don’t forget  about herbs! They also filter the air and are easily grown indoors.  Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and mint are just a few that not only filter the air and offer aromatic properties, they add wonderful flavor to our food. Bring the garden inside and detoxify!

Christina Menefee

Living on Liquid Sunshine

Moments in Thyme . . . The Little Things We Do

By Joyce Wiatroski

“Almost everything you do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” —Gandhi

As I thought about these simple words I was struck by the depth of wisdom they impart.

When I take into consideration the magnificence of the universe on one hand, and the immensity of the challenges that face mankind on the other: securing world peace, protecting the environment, eradicating disease and alleviating poverty, I wonder how anything I do will make a difference.

Gandhi’s admonition that it’s important to do whatever little we can, resonates a simple truth. A cumulative effort will produce dramatic results.

Think about it.

• I can contribute to world peace by starting in my own neighborhood. By reaching out to a new neighbor, I’ve made an acquaintance out of a stranger.

• I’ve learned to smile at the homeless and greet handicapped people I pass on the street, instead of avoiding eye contact. When they smile back I no longer feel uncomfortable in their presence. Maybe their day will be a bit warmer and brighter, too.

• With a concern for protecting the environment, five years ago I stopped using plastic or paper bags when I shop. I’ve accumulated a collection of canvas tote bags and like a piece of plastic we often hear advertised, I “never leave home without it”.

• Even though I live on a very limited budget, I’ve made a small monthly commitment to an organization that helps the homeless—The Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club.
There are many other worthwhile organizations that would appreciate a few dollars regularly.

• Because I love and listen to my local FM station, practically 24-7, I support it with a nominal monthly donation. My small amount, added with the contribution of others, makes non-commercial news reports, classical music and mind-expanding programs possible for the whole community.

• I subscribe to the local newspaper, along with the RSS feed for a major metropolitan newspaper, giving me a different perspective and assuring that I’m aware of what’s happening in the world at large, as well as in my own backyard. Apathy is dangerous. We must take an interest in our world locally and globally.

• I subscribe to a variety of health, nutrition, and raw food related blogs and websites. With the marvels of modern technology, I take advantage of interviews, seminars and podcasts that inform and direct me as I pursue a healthy lifestyle.

• I keep up with issues that affect me personally and take note of subjects that pertain to family and friends as well. This allows me to forward information and encouragement to assist others on the road to abundant vibrant health.

• I take full responsibility for my own health and well-being. No one cares more about me than me. No one cares more about you than you. Never forget that.

Many of the things I do seem so insignificant. But in retrospect, I see how important
it is for each of us to do small things to make our neighborhoods a better place, to help our communities blossom, to heal relationships, to work on building healthier bodies.

If we adopt the rationale behind Gandhi’s quote, and do simple things consistently, the outcome may well have a far-reaching and lasting impact.

These individually insignificant actions will exponentially build a better world.

It’s up to us to make it happen. Let’s continue to manifest . . .

Like fine wine, women grow better with thyme.

Joyce Wiatroski is the wit and wisdom found on foodiefumblings blog. You can watch for her contributions on the Diva blog on Tuesdays.