Happy International Day Of Happiness!

Happy International Day of Happiness

Yesterday, March 20th was the Happy International Day of Happiness!

The pursuit of happiness is so powerful that it has its own holiday, with March 20th set aside by the United Nationsto recognize contentment as a universal goal for people around the world.

From the very core of our being, we all simply desire joy and contentment.

To quote the Dalai Lama “ I believe that the purpose of life is to find happiness” 

What makes you happy? Have you ever stopped to think about it or brainstormed with someone to list all the things that make you happy?

Think about, 'What could I do that would make me happier?' and don't worry about achieving happiness, which can sound like this very abstract finish line. What does that look like? How would you get there?    

In the meantime, try to make a daily practice of doing things that are mood lifters:

  • Take a walk outside
  • Read a book you love
  • Watch a favorite movie
  • Exercise to trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s feel-good chemicals
  • Try to get eight hours of sleep every night
  • Try to watch a sunrise, a sunset or the brilliance of the stars at night.

Whatever it is that lifts your mood, be mindful of just what it is that makes you happy and make a daily habit out of it.

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

    

 

Pure Sweetness

Try a Little Cinnamon

I have always loved cinnamon, the smell of it, the taste. some of my favorite childhood memories are of cinnamon toast for breakfast. Toady I continue to use cinnamon,only I have dropped the sugar part. I use cinnamon in my coffee, my tea, in my cereal and sneak it into cooking recipes whenever I can. There are two main types of cinnamon , Ceylon cinnamon also know as “true “ cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, which is the more common variety. I have to say that my favorite cinnamon is the Penzey blend of cinnamon.Besides the fact that I love cinnamon, it has so many great health benefits. It is loaded with antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is well known for its blood sugar lowering effects and cinnamon can improve some of the key risk factors for heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Even yesterday on the Today Show, Dr. Oz touted cinnamon as one of the foods you should have every day of you want to live to be 100. I’m not sure I want to live to be 100, but I do want to live a healthy lifestyle and that includes cinnamon !

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

FAT Tuesday

Fat Tuesday

Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday ~   It typically known as a time to party it up, and ....eat!!

Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is also known as Mardi Gras Day or Shrove Day. It is a day when people eat all they want of everything and anything they want as the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a long fasting period for Christians. In addition to fasting, christians also give up something special that they enjoy. So, Fat Tuesday is a celebration and the opportunity to enjoy that favorite food or snack that you give up for the long lenten season.

Without going overboard on Tuesday, why not take this opportunity of the lenten season to renew your commitment to healthy living. Try giving up sugary treats or alcohol or excess carbs for the lenten season. Who know’s by making that one small change for 40 days, it may change your lifestyle going forward. 

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

It's Time to Renew

“In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.”

...ROBERT HEINLEIN (AUTHOR) 

It’s very easy in today’s busy world to lose sight of what’s important to us. By now a lot of us have already lost sight of their New Year’s resolution. As we look towards the beginning of spring, a time of renewal, it’s the perfect time to reset and set new goals.  There is a big difference between being busy and being productive and purposeful.  I love the quote about. It speaks to me on many different levels. Setting goals is like laying out a roadmap to your happiness. Often times there is not a straight line between between points A and B, but rather a long winding road but goal setting is the first step for initiating change. Goal setting is the driver for the change process. So start today focused on what matters, rather than lose yourself to mindless activity. It’s time to renew!

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day to One and All. Today is known as the day to express your love and affection to the people in your life that are special to you. The benefits of expressing love are definitely a healthy choice. Although today is a National holiday centered around expressing love, it needs to be a daily practice. Here are the top three benefits of expressing love. 

1. Affection Improves Your Mood. Showing affection, whether hugging, holding hands or cuddling increases the level of oxytocin in the brain which is a feel good hormone that helps you feel better as well as relieves pain and has a calming sensation. 

2. Affection Lowers Blood Pressure: A study found that women who receive more romantic hugs from their partner have lower resting blood pressure levels.

3. Affection Reduces Stress Hormones: Another study found that with more physical affection in a relationship that the stress hormone cortisol is reduced. Cortisol puts your body into a state of anxiety and dis-ease, and disfunction.

Let the people in your life know how much theymean to you.Tell them you love them, Go out of your way to do something special for them. If we all made a choice to express our love on a daily basis, think about the impact that would make, not only to the people in your life but for you as well. Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

    

Sugar Really is Addictive

Sugar is everywhere in our foods. Removing sugar from your diet is the single most important step you can take to improve your health. It becomes a vicious cycle. Eating sugar spikes your blood sugar, dopamine is released in your brain. When your blood sugar drops rapidly, high insulin levels cause immediate fat storage. Your body is now craving that lost sugar high and you develop hunger and cravings and so it begins over and over again. So what can you do?  You can take small steps to move towards less sugar in your diet.

  1. Give up sugary drinks, fruit juice, sodas and that includes diet soda, instead switch to water.
  2. No processed foods that includes cookies, candy and crackers.
  3. In your morning coffee or tea, instead of adding sugar or a sugar alternative, try sprinkling some cinnamon, it adds some great flavor and sweetness. 
  4. Eat fresh fruit, look for fruit with a lower glycemic level such as berries.
  5. When shopping in a grocery store, shop the perimeter where all the natural food is vs the inner aisles where the processed food is.
  6. Reduce your alcohol intake, try only having a drink on the weekends. Red wine has less sugar then white wine
  7. Eat more lean protein, fresh vegetables and less carbs.
  8. Try walking after dinner every night, replace those sugar cravings with healthy cardio options.
  9. It goes without saying, don’t add sugar to anything!
  10. Last but not least, write down everything you eat for one week. You will be surprised at the amount of sugar, then try to eliminate one at a time, Baby steps !

These are just a few suggestions you can takein the first steps of freeing yourself from the sugar addiction and making healthier choices in your life. 

If you would like to explore more on cutting sugar out of your lifeand or seeking healthier choices, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stress

STRESS…… What can I do about it?  A Top Ten List !

Stress is a big factor is weight management and choosing healthy life choices. Everyone has stress, because life isn't something we can totally control as much as we would like to and that’s a stressor all in it’s self ! The question is: Are you managing your stress, or has it mastered you? The answer matters a lot for your health, so I ask you, what are you prepared to do about it? Here are a few tips to get you started on your path of mastering your stress!

1. Try to identify what are the causes of your stress, what are the roadblocks, can you remove any? Take baby steps, but put together a mini action plan.

2. Be kind to yourself, give yourself permission to acknowedlege your feelings and express them with a friend or colleague.

3. Make time for yourself, try to exercise regularly. It doesn’t have to be a world class workout, give yourself mini goals Try walking everyday at lunch or after dinner, for 15 minutes and increase in over the week.

4. Try a little meditation. I for one have a hard time staying still for a long period of time but I found this app, “Headspace” which is a short 10 minute meditation. I can do that !

5. Try something new, maybe a new class on painting or flower arranging or healthy cooking classes. Acquiring a new skill is so rewarding. 

6. SLEEP….. According to the National Sleep Foundation, Younger adults ( 18-25 ) need 7-9 hours, Adults (26-64) need 7-9 hours and Older adults (65+) need 7-8 hours. Not getting the proper amount of sleep will add to your stress level. 

7. Give yourself permission to say NO when friends or colleagues ask too much of you. It’s ok to say no, they will understand, be honest let them know you have too much on your plate right now.  As a good friend of mine once told me it’s better not to over promise and under deliver!

8. Choose to eat healthy. Avoid sugar, focus on making healthy choices for yourself such as fruit, vegetables and lean protein, even though when you are stressed you want to reach for that candy bar and comfort foods, it will only add to your stress level.

9. Read a good book, download some music, reach out to a friend, Doing something nice for someone else is often the best stress reliever.

10. Last but not least, HAVE FUN. Try to relax and find the joy d’vie!

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

    

 

 

Compliment Day

January 24th is Compliment Day. The day was created in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin, of Hopkinton, NH. and Debby Hoffman, of Concord, NH. 

Today is a great opportunity to say something positive about the people you come into contact with. Everyone has good attributes if you take the time to notice. Compliment Day is celebrated by offering sincere compliments to people. 

Taking the time to compliment someone can be life changing not only for you but for the person you compliment. Life is hard and unless you are walking in someone else’s shoes you never know what they are going through. That one little compliment may be the the only positive moment they have that day. 

The other day I was in the post office and a woman walked up to me and said she liked my sandals and that they really looked good on me. I said thank-you and I immediately felt happy, I walked out but then did an about face and told her where I bought them. I thought to myself that if a complete stranger can take the time to compliment me that I can go the extra mile and share where I bought them . 

It’s easy to compliment family and especially friends.Friends are friends because you always see something good in them. It’s more challenging to compliment a stranger. Take up the challenge today in honor of Compliment Day and offer compliments to people you see throughout the day. When you put positivity out there, it will always come back to you in many ways. Happy Compliment Day! 

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

    

Back to Basics

Some things bear repeating. I wrote this post two years ago. With all the illness during the winter months, it's a good reminder to boost your immune system.

Benefits of Lemon Water

1. Gives your immune system a boost.

Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.

2. Excellent source of potassium.

As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.

3. Aids digestion.

Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating.

4. Cleanses your system.

It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.

5. Freshens your breath.

It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.

6. Keeps your skin blemish-free.

The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.

7. Helps you lose weight.

Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.

8. Reduces inflammation.

If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

9. Gives you an energy boost.

Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)

10. Helps to cut out caffeine.

I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful.

11. Helps fight viral infections.

Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely.

How much?

For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste.

Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Mary's 2017 Top Ten Healthy Choices

Mary’s 2017 Top Ten Healthy Choices

  1. Wake up with an Attitude of Gratitude.
  2. Start the morning with an 8 ounce glass of water with 1-2 tablespoons of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. (ACV).
  3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast. Protein and greens are your buddy in the morning.
  4. Have a plan and be purposeful. Planning is the key to success!
  5. Move, go for a walk, bike ride, stretch, do yoga, go to the gym, whatever you love doing. Aim for 10,000 steps every day.
  6. Keep yourself accountable, buy a fitness band, download some fun fitness Apps. Journal your food and your fitness.
  7. Be present with the people in your life and your surroundings. Enjoy and embrace the beauty of the day. Tell people who are important to you that you love them. Each day is a gift, that’s why it is called the present. 
  8. Begin each day anew. Each day is a new day, a new beginning, a clean slate. Resiliency is a telltale sign of having purpose and happiness
  9. Try something new that you have never tried before. Perhaps Meditation or Zumba or Hiring a Coach!
  10. 10 . Be Kind to yourself. Make time for your own Self Care.

Bonus ~ Try to watch a sunrise or sunset at least once a week! 

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

In 2017 ~ What Motivates You to Take Action?

Today is January 3rd, many of us have already made New Year’s resolutions that are now broken. Saying that you will take action to change and doing it , are often two very different things. What really motivates you to change? Do you have to hit rock bottom, does someone close to you in your life have to remind you of life’s frailties, do you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, are you stuck in ground hog day, starting and stopping over and over again? 

Change is hard, it’s scary, it’s challenging, it’s unknown, you may ask yourself, am I up to the challenge, can I really make the change I need to make?  There’s no getting around it, change is all of those things, but change is worth it.To be able to transform and change yourself is one of life’s greatest gifts and pleasures. Only YOU have the power to change. It does take hard work and motivation and a daily commitment. Making a life change is scary, but even scarier is regret. Not knowing that you can do it, not knowing that you are a strong confident warrior that can overcome any obstacle placed in your way!

If you feel you can’t climb your mountain alone, there are resources. Hire a coach, go online look for resources that are compatible with the change you desire. You don’t have to change alone, but only YOU have the power to change, to walk the walk. I believe in you and my hope is that you do too!

“Change provides us with clues that the Universe is holding, a Vision much Grander than we could ever Imagine.”

-Deepak Chopra

If you would like to explore more on being your BESTand or seeking change in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Holiday Blessings

Holiday Blessings

As 2016 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on all the blessings in your life. What went well and how can you continue with that success?  What didn’t go well and what are the areas you can improve going forward? 

 During the Holidays, take time to let go of everything and BE PRESENT with the people you love. Your presence and not your presents, is the BEST GIFT of all!

Let go of unwanted baggage and open your heart and mind up to new beginnings. 

2017 holds the promise of opportunities to grow in mind, body and spirit.

I am listening to my own advice, I will be back posting in 2017 so that I too can be present with my family ~ Namaste.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will Power

Will Power

If you are trying to loose weight during the Holiday Season, you feel like you have to have a lot of will power, more importantly you need a PLAN!

 There are treats and goodies everywhere you turn at the office. You are often invited to Holiday lunches, dinners and parties. Your family is requesting you bake all their holiday favorites, cookies, candy, breads, pies and of course a Holiday meal.

Here are my favorite tips for surviving the season and feeling good about yourself!

  1. Love yourself, if you fall off the wagon, don’t beat yourself up, it will happen and it’s ok as long as you go back right away to your healthy plan.
  2. Part of loving yourself, is mind ,body, and spirit so find time to exercise at least four times a week to take care of your body.
  3. Self care is important for your spirit, take time for yourself, do something special for yourself, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, or taking time for a facial or a massage. 
  4. Don’t send your regrets to a party because you are afraid to eat, Go with a plan. Eat a heathy dinner ahead of time so you are not tempted with food. Allow yourself a maximum of two drinks and two treats. That way you won’t overindulge or feel deprived.
  5. At the office, bring in your own snacks, make something special for yourself that you wouldn't normally eat, but still a healthy option.
  6. Bake for your family and only taste one cookie when baking, not five, six or a dozen. 
  7. Keep your eyes on the prize, remember why you started this journey, keep present your goal is to be healthy and that includes taking care of your Mind, Body and Spirit on a daily basis!

Embrace, the holidays, they only come once a year, hold your children tight, see the wonder in their eyes, share the love you feel. The best gift if all is to be present with the ones you love! Happy Holidays!

If you would like to explore more on being your BEST or finding better life balance, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

The Mad Dash

The Mad Dash

Now that Thanksgiving is over, this week officially starts the Mad Holiday Dash!  When I was younger, without fail, I would end up getting really sick the day after Christmas. I had emptied all my reserve tanks without even knowing. I put way too much on my plate and instead of trying to find balance, I would put more and more on, trying to do too much and try to be all to everyone.

It wasn’t until recently that I took a step back and realized, the Mad Holiday Dash is just that, a Dash, a race to nowhere. When I took that reflective step back, I realized that in order to be present for my family which is the real gift, I needed to be present to myself as well. 

 Each day, take a moment to make sure you are going in the right direction. Take time for whatever it is that fills your tank. Find that balance and be mindful of what really matters. When my children were young I would always tell them that is not the presents that are really important, but it is the presence ,that is what really matters.

If you would like to explore more on being your BEST or finding better life balance, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

This is the week of Thanksgiving. All over Social Media, people are posting pictures with “we are thankful” or “thankful for us” banners. I find that people can easily express their gratitude in the virtual world of social media yet in the real world expressions of gratitude are far and few in between. 

I have been to the grocery store numerous times this past week and numerous times people have cut me off to get ahead of me in a check out line or raced around me in the parking lot to get to a parking space. Where is their expression of gratitude?

When I feel surrounded by people who seem to be more consumed with their world whether it be virtual or reality, I have to take a pause and really focus on my world, what really matters, what am I grateful for? For me it’s the love and support of my family and friends. I am so grateful for my health and for all that I have when I know so many are without. When I take a moment to reflect, I realize that gratitude is within all of us, if we take a moment  to express and share it, we can all make a difference. 

Today in the parking lot at the supermarket, instead of focusing on the rude drivers in the parking lot, I looked around and witnessed all the good things happening like the man who always has a smile in front of the store ready to load your packages into your car. I walked up to him and thanked him for his service and always making everyone’s else’s day better.

How will you express your gratitude this Holiday Season?

If you would like to explore more on being your BEST or finding better life balance, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

The Road to Recovery

The Road to Recovery

There’s been a lot of stress and negative energy this past week as a result of the presidential election. Dealing with any type of transition in life can be very stressful, let alone one on such a grand scale as a National election. 

When we can’t change the outcome, all we can do is change how we will react to it. The first step is to breathe and let go of all the negative energy.. This small exercise will make you feel mentally and physically better. You will feel lighter as you eliminate things causing you pain. 

Second, focus on what matters, what can you do in a positive vein to move forward? Just pick a few things you know you can do. Then you’ll start to see the change. 

It’s about making the right choices. When you have an opportunity to do something good or kind for another person, grab the opportunity. If we can all do one random act of kindness every day, we will be on the road to recovery.

If you would like to explore more on being your BEST or finding better life balance, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Stressful Times

Stressful Times

Today is Election Day and it has been a very stressful election year. It has been an election like no other. It has been divisive and has pitted family members against one another not to mention friends against friends. 

The rhetorichas been based on fear and anger. People are looking for change at any cost and the cost has been high, never before have so many people been so stressed and so fearful of the outcome of not only this election but the future of our country. The news have called it the most contentious and controversial campaign in history. 

 When you are in a situation where you can’t change or control things, all you can do is change how you will react to the situation, all you can control is yourself. Today, exercise the one thing you are in control of, your VOTE. It is a privilege to vote in this country so don't waste it and know that you did your part in shaping the future of our country! Take control and be at peace with whatever the outcome is knowing you did your part.

If you would like to explore more on controlling things that are out of control in your life, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

Cleaning Out Your Pantry

Cleaning Out Your Pantry

I try to clean out and organize my pantry at least four times a year. This is my favorite time of year to do it though, as I prepare for the holiday season and give thanks for all that I have. It’s the perfect time of year to bring your canned goods to either your local shelter or food bank. They are also gearing up for the holiday season and are in desperate need of canned goods and holiday items. 

Cleaning out your pantry is also cathartic. It’s a great release and feeling of satisfaction to give away what you don’t need and organize what’s left so that it is easy to find and more importantly you actually know what you have in your pantry and where everything is. For me, after I clean out my pantry, I am invigorated and motivated to try new healthy recipes and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

If you would like to explore more on balancing your life or making healthy life choices, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

Spiral Down or Spiral UP ~ The Choice is Yours

Spiral Down or Spiral UP ~ The Choice is Yours

When we feel upset with our life, maybe the way is’s going or perhaps there are things affecting us that are out of our control, itis easy for us to spiral down in self pity. We spiral down so far that our current situation is all that we can think about, all that we focus on each and every moment of the day.

What if we chose the opposite to Spiral UP ? Yes sometimes we are dealt a hands of cards that we don’t want to play but we need to own it and take action, POSITIVE ACTION! Spiral UP to new heights by starting where you are. Acknowledge that things may not be how are where I want them, but I choose to take a positive approach, I choose to fight for my life the way I want it to be.

Day one, take ownership, then go outdoors for a walk and appreciate your environment. Studies have shown that people suffering from depression who took a walk outside every day for twenty minutes felt better than those on antidepressants.

Keep a gratitude journal, write down things that you are grateful for, things in your life that make you happy and focus on them and you will feel happier.

Take a moment to reflect on all the positivity in your life, When you take a moment to take an inventory of everything that is going right you will realize you have much to be grateful for and realize that there are people who may never see another sunset, or kiss their children goodnight of eat ice cream. So Chose to Spiral UP, You have much to be thankful for, put together an action plan to realize your dreams!

If you would like to explore more on Spiraling UP or making better life choices, contact me for your FREE consultation @ mary.healthychoices4life@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Renewal

Renewal

Renewal by definition is the state or process of being made spiritually new, it is regeneration, revival, reinvigoration and revitalization. Renewal is a necessary and important process in living a healthy lifestyle. Everyone needs to planeach year to incorporate whatever it is that makes you feel renewed whether it’s a vacation or a retreat or a staycation. 

For the next few weeks I am practicing what I preach. I will be away on vacation and will be completely unplugged so there will not be any Tuesday Tips or Facebook posts. I ask that you take this time to reflect and perhaps plan your own renewal. Take Good Care!